Betrayal's Echo: A Husband's Resolve

I had everything planned for the Starlight Foundation Gala. A new suit for me, a tiny dress for our daughter, Lily, and a stunning gown for my wife, Scarlett Hayes. Lily was buzzing, clutching her dress. "Daddy, is Mommy coming with us?" she asked, her eyes wide with hope. Then the call. Scarlett' s voice, cold and distant: "Promises can be broken when a career is on the line." She hung up, leaving Lily's hopeful gaze to dim into familiar sadness. My heart sank, but I vowed she wouldn' t ruin another night for our daughter. Later, at the glittering gala, the host introduced a woman who represented "family, success, and pure talent." My blood froze. Scarlett She emerged, radiant, on stage. But not alone. Jake Peterson, her ex, held her hand. And a boy, Lily' s age, held his. The host gushed, "Scarlett, you and your partner Jake are an inspiration! How do you balance such a successful career with being such a devoted mother and partner?" Scarlett laughed, looking at Jake. "It's all about priorities. They are my world." My world. The words echoed, a punch to my gut. Lily whispered, "Daddy, why is Mommy with them? Who is that little boy?" Rage, cold and sharp, cut through my shock. This wasn' t a last-minute shoot. This was a calculated, public betrayal. I stood up, ready to confront her, my daughter clutching my jacket. "Scarlett." I demanded, "Who are these people? What is this?" Her brief panic vanished. "I have no idea who you are," she said, dripping with false sympathy. "Security, please escort this man and the child out. He's scaring my son." The crowd erupted, jeering at me. My wife had erased us. As guards moved in, her lips formed two silent words: "The clause." Then my phone buzzed. A text from Scarlett: "This is for the show. Play along." A bitter laugh escaped me. Play along? No. She had chosen fame over family, a lie over love. She had crossed a line. And I was no longer heartbroken. I was resolved. She wanted a scene? I would give her a war. I would burn her fake world to the ground.