Married To A Lie

I walked into the dressing room and began packing a few important documents and a change of clothes.

I left behind every luxury item Matthew had ever bought me. I wanted none of them.

“Ava!” Sophie hurried after me.

“Are you out of your mind? You’re going to David's? Do you really think he’ll want you? You’re damaged goods!”

Damaged goods.

I stopped and turned to face her.

“You’re right, Sophie. I am damaged.

“But you? You don’t even count as merchandise—you’re just some loose woman Matthew keeps on the side.”

“You—!” She raised her hand to slap me.

I caught her wrist.

“Don’t forget—this is my home. One word from me, and Matthew will throw you out.”

“He won’t.” She smirked.

“He can’t bear to.”

“You’re right—he can’t.” I released her wrist.

“Which is why I’m going to give him a very special gift.”

The door opened, and Matthew walked in.

As he watched me pack, he casually asked, “What are you doing?”

“Nothing. Just organizing,” I said without stopping.

“Need help?”

“No, I’ve got it.”

My voice was calm, as if nothing had happened.

“By the way, weren’t you planning a welcome party for Ella?”

“Yes. I was thinking of the day after tomorrow. What do you think?”

The day after tomorrow. Exactly seventy-two hours away.

“Perfect,” I said, glancing at him.

“Let me organize it. I’ll make sure it’s a welcome party you’ll never forget.”

He hesitated.

“That’s great. Ella will be so happy…”

Sophie had clung to his arm.

“I’m tired.”

His attention shifted instantly, so I walked into the guest room and locked the door.

At 2:00 am, I called the party planner, Kathleen Grant.

I knew it was rude to call at such an hour, but I didn’t care.

“Kathleen, this is Ava Vanguard.”

“Ms. Vanguard? It’s very late. Is everything all right?” Kathleen asked, a note of concern in her voice.

“I need to host a welcome party. The day after tomorrow. Unlimited budget.”

“No problem!” Kathleen was instantly alert.

“Any special requests?”

“Yes. I want a backdrop—three meters by five. I’ll send you the photo shortly.”

“Consider it done.”

I hung up and sent Kathleen the photo Sophie had shown me earlier of Matthew and Sophie tangled together on the bed.

At 3:00 am, my father called.

“Ava, what happened?”

Hearing his voice, my tears finally broke. “Dad…”

“Where are you, Ava? I’ll come get you.”

“I’m fine.” I wiped my face. “I need a favor, Dad.”

“Anything.”

“Withdraw everything we’ve invested in Spark Enterprise.”

He was silent for a while.

“All right. First thing in the morning.”

“Dad…?” My voice caught. “I’m sorry.”

“Silly girl, what’s there to be sorry for?” His voice trembled.

“Come home. We’re waiting for you.”

I ended the call and walked to the window.

In the yard, the rose garden shimmered a deep red under the moonlight.

Matthew had planted it himself on our wedding day.

He had said that the roses represented his everlasting and passionate love for me.

I let out a cold laugh.

Tomorrow, I would burn it to the ground—just as he had reduced my life to ashes.