Chapter 2

Sophia's memorial was a blur of sympathetic faces and hushed whispers.

Ethan was a pillar of stoic grief, accepting condolences. I felt nothing but ice.

After everyone left, the silence returned, heavier this time.

I tried calling Ethan's cell later that week. Straight to voicemail. Again and again.

Then, a notification popped up on my phone. Chloe Jennings posted a new story.

My finger trembled as I tapped it.

A video. A lavish birthday party for a little boy, maybe four or five. Leo, her son.

Ethan was there, beaming, holding Leo on his shoulders. He presented the boy with a wrapped gift.

Chloe's caption: "Leo's amazing godfather, Ethan, making his birthday so special! And thank you for the incredible 'child education fund'! You're the best!"

The comments were fawning.

Ethan's own comment was pinned: "Anything for my godson. I'll always protect you, Leo."

My breath hitched.

A few minutes later, a news alert from a business journal. "Hall Technologies Announces 'The Chloe Fund' for Disadvantaged Children."

His company, launching a charity named after her.

The few relatives who had stayed behind after the memorial began to talk.

"Heard Ethan always doted on his late friend's sister. Practically raised her son."

"Giving away company stock to the boy, they say. And a whole charity in her name."

"Emily looks devastated. Poor thing. She put everything into that company, even did IVF for Sophia, and now this."

Their words were distant sounds.

I remembered putting my inheritance from my parents into Ethan's fledgling startup.

I remembered turning down film festival invitations to manage his office, to be the supportive wife.

I thought he was just driven, focused on work.

Not this. Never this.

I picked up my phone, my hand steady now.

I called my lawyer. "I want a divorce. And I want to start the process of separating my assets from his company. Immediately."