Chapter 2 — The Empty Chair Was Only the Beginning
No one spoke.
The silence that settled over the ballroom felt heavier than every accusation that had filled the room moments before.
Graham finally stepped forward.
"Evelyn... please."
His voice sounded unfamiliar.
Not commanding.
Not confident.
Desperate.
Evelyn didn't even turn around.
She carefully wiped the frosting from Grace's tiny cheek before lifting her into her arms.
Miles quietly slipped his hand into hers.
For years, those little hands had been the only reason she had stayed.
Tonight...
They were the reason she could finally leave.
Marjorie watched her son with quiet disappointment.
"I warned you," she said.
"I told you that one day she would stop fighting for you."
Graham looked at his mother.
"I never wanted this."
Marjorie's expression hardened.
"No."
"You wanted both."
"You wanted a loyal wife to protect your reputation..."
"...and a mistress to feed your ego."
Across the ballroom, Sloane stared at Graham as though seeing a stranger.
"You told me she refused to leave."
"You said she couldn't survive without your money."
Graham swallowed.
"I..."
"You lied."
Her voice cracked.
"You lied to both of us."
She laughed bitterly.
"I destroyed my own reputation for a man who couldn't even tell the truth."
Without another word, Sloane picked up her purse.
She walked past Graham without touching him.
Without looking back.
The doors closed behind her.
May you like
For the first time...
Graham stood completely alone.
