A Liar's Vow of Eternity

Not being bound by a marriage certificate was, perhaps, a stroke of luck. When I left, there would be no messy legal disputes.

If anyone was going to get hurt, it wouldn't be me.

I used an encrypted phone to call Piper, my best friend in New York.

"Everything is ready. In three days, on Friday night, I will erase every trace of myself here."

"Understood. But be careful—Steward has tightened security at the private docks. The official story is to prevent harassment from corporate spies."

"Don't worry."

I ended the call with a cold snort.

The only reason Steward tightened security was to cover for his secret rendezvous.

"Three more days," I whispered to the night air, steeling my resolve to end this charade for good.

Just then, I heard soft footsteps stop a short distance away.

"What are you thinking about all alone out here?" Steward asked, his tone as gentle as ever.

He came to my side, maintaining a polite distance befitting an "engaged couple."

He had clearly heard my whisper but pretended he hadn't.

I turned slightly, offering the shy, hopeful smile of a bride-to-be. "Just praying for our upcoming partnership."

It was the truth.

Friday night was our scheduled engagement party—the perfect occasion for a grand farewell and a silent escape.

Steward smiled too, turning to gaze at the distant night sky. "Your prayers will be answered, Sloane."

He sounded so confident, as if the universe had personally promised him success, never suspecting my prayer was for a safe departure from this gilded cage.

"It's getting cold. Let's go inside," he said, ever the perfect gentleman.

I nodded and followed him back into the hall, a place filled with endless deception and anticipation.

The crystal chandeliers cast our shadows long, making them seem to merge into one. But in reality, an insurmountable chasm lay between us.

Just like our marriage certificate, which would never exist.

Back in the bustling ballroom, Steward held my hand as we mingled with the guests.

His palm was warm, and my smile was gracious, but my mind was miles away.

Noticing my distraction, he murmured, "Are you tired?"

He led me to a quiet rooftop terrace, fetching me a glass of water while he held a glass of red wine.

"What's on your mind, darling?" he asked, his arm wrapping around my waist.

I turned to study his impeccably handsome face, carved by moonlight and city neons.

I lowered my head. "Just a college friend," I murmured. "She was venting about her fiancé… he cheated on her."

He immediately pulled me deeper into his embrace. "Don't let other people's problems worry you. That will never be us. You're my one and only, Sloane, a gift from fate. I swear I'll protect you with my life."

I leaned against him, listening to his familiar heartbeat, and suddenly asked, "What if?"

"What if what?"

"What if you betrayed me?"