Chapter 3

As Sarah walked towards the elevator, she encountered Ethan and Brittany Alistair emerging from another office. Brittany, impeccably dressed, oozed sophistication and disdain.

"Well, well, if it isn't the little project," Brittany said, her eyes sweeping over Sarah dismissively. She looped her arm through Ethan's. "Ethan, darling, are we ready for lunch?"

She then looked directly at Sarah, a smug smile on her face. "I'm Brittany Alistair. Ethan's fiancée."

Sarah didn't react. She just pressed the elevator button.

The next day, Sarah arranged a small, private interment for Mary's ashes. A modest memorial park, quiet and unassuming, the kind Mary would have preferred.

She invited no one but a distant cousin. Ethan was a no-show. She hadn't expected him.

She returned to the small apartment she had shared with Ethan. It was his, she now realized, but furnished to look like a struggling couple's place. Another prop in his elaborate play.

The television was on, left on by Ethan, probably. News coverage of another high-profile charity event. Ethan and Brittany, smiling for the cameras, the picture of a happy, wealthy couple.

The key turned in the lock. Ethan walked in. He looked annoyed.

"Where have you been? I've been calling you."

"I was with my mother," Sarah said, her voice even.

He softened slightly, perhaps misinterpreting her words. He pulled a velvet box from his pocket. "I got you something. To make up for... well, for everything."

He opened it. An expensive diamond pendant glittered inside. It was a larger, more extravagant version of a cheap locket Mary had cherished, a locket Ethan had once casually belittled as "costume jewelry."

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" he said, trying to fasten it around her neck. "A better version."

Sarah stepped back. She took the box from his hand and held it out to him.

"Perhaps you can give it to her yourself someday."

Ethan looked confused. "What are you talking about, Sarah?"

Before he could press further, the doorbell rang. It was Brittany, a suitcase in hand.

"Ethan, darling, I thought I'd move some of my things in. This room," she said, gesturing towards the small bedroom Sarah had used, "will do nicely for now."

Sarah nodded. "That's fine. I'm going to stay with my mother anyway."

Brittany smirked. Ethan just looked bewildered.