Chapter 2

The gala dragged on, a parade of forced smiles and empty conversations.

Mike found a quiet corner, observing, always observing. It was a habit he couldn't break, a skill that kept Ms. Vance safe.

He saw Jessica laughing a little too hard at something Chad said, her hand lingering on Chad's arm.

The sight tightened something in his gut.

He wasn't jealous, not anymore, it was more a dull recognition of a path chosen.

A path she was choosing, away from him.

During a lull in the music, Chad, his face flushed with alcohol and arrogance, spotted Mike.

He swaggered over, his two yes-men trailing behind him like pilot fish.

"Collins! My man!" Chad boomed, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

He slung an arm around Mike's shoulder, reeking of expensive cologne and cheap power.

"Heard you're not doing too hot, buddy, that old clunker you drive, tough times, huh?"

Mike gently removed Chad's arm.

"I'm doing okay, Chad."

Chad grinned, a predatory glint in his eyes.

"Look, I'm a generous guy, everyone knows that," he announced to the room.

"So, I've been thinking, for Jessica's sake, you know, she deserves the best."

He pulled out a thick envelope from his jacket pocket.

"Here," he said, thrusting it at Mike. "Consider this a severance package, a little something to help you start over, do Jessica a favor and grant her a divorce."

The crowd around them gasped, then fell into a stunned silence.

Mike looked at the envelope, then at Chad's smug face.

Jessica stood a few feet away, her face pale, her eyes darting between Mike and Chad.

She looked flustered, trapped.

"Chad, don't," she whispered, but there was no force behind it.

Chad waved a dismissive hand at her. "It's for the best, baby."

He turned back to Mike. "She's miserable, Collins, can't you see that? You're holding her back."

Jessica, when all eyes turned to her, stammered, "Mike, you're just... you're never around, you don't understand my needs."

She didn't defend him, didn't deny Chad's assessment.

The betrayal, so public, so blatant, hit Mike harder than he expected.

He felt a cold calm settle over him.