His Perfectly Hollow Project

Adrian’s tone softened. "Cindy and I have work to discuss. You can see yourself out, Dorthy."

As they walked away, Cindy's stiletto heel ground squarely onto the back of my hand.

I gasped in pain, but Adrian, arm in arm with her, didn't even glance back.

Staring at the angry red mark swelling on my skin, my mind flashed back to a night by the manor's fountain, the year he held my hand and made a vow.

"Dorthy Turner, I swear on my honor to love only you in this life. If I ever betray you, may I lose everything."

Under the moonlight, his eyes had sparkled. I had cried and thrown myself into his arms.

I once clung to that vow like a talisman in this gilded cage, but now I saw it for what it was: a lie I told myself. Since his love was gone, it was time for me to leave.

Late that night, the familiar scent of cedarwood, now tainted with Cindy's cloying perfume, drifted to me.

Adrian was back. He collapsed onto the sofa, his face a mask of exhaustion and regret.

In the past, I would have rushed to him, massaging his temples and kissing his cheek. But this time, I remained motionless on the sofa.

"Dorthy," he murmured, reaching for my hand but hesitating. "About today... I'm sorry you had to go through that, but Cindy is board member Bancroft's daughter. I need her father's support."

His flimsy excuse felt like it was grinding my dignity into the dust.

A bitter smile formed in my heart, but I plastered on a bright one. "I understand, Adrian. You're the heir to the Ashwood Group. Of course, I'll be understanding."

Adrian froze. He stared at me in disbelief, then suddenly pulled me into a fierce embrace. "I knew you'd be strong for me because you love me. That's my Dorthy."

He nuzzled against my neck, then cupped my face, his thumb gently caressing my lips. His gaze was impossibly soft as he whispered, "As long as you behave and don't cause trouble..."

He paused, then continued his promise as if bestowing some grand favor: "I swear to you, you'll always be the only one in my heart."

"Okay," I replied softly, letting my head rest obediently on his chest.

The second I had my new identity documents, I would be gone.

The following days passed in an eerie calm.

Adrian seemed to truly believe my love meant I would endure anything, so he made no effort to hide his intimacy with Cindy from me.

He even had me, his assistant, oversee the arrangements for their engagement party.

Staring at the thick proposal for the party, I felt the utter absurdity of my six years of devotion.