Chapter 5

Ethan left before her words about the divorce truly registered, his mind reeling from the revelation of her surgery.

He still sent flowers to her hospital room, had his assistant check on her. Indirect care, always at a distance.

Chloe, however, was direct.

She started sending Olivia photos: Chloe and Ethan at dinner, Chloe and Ethan laughing at some event, Chloe' s hand possessively on Ethan' s arm. Each image was a small, deliberate torment.

Ethan, when he called, didn' t mention Chloe' s behavior.

He only repeated his demand. "Have you scheduled the reversal, Liv? We need to discuss this."

Olivia ignored him.

She was discharged a few days later. Ethan sent a car. Chloe was in it, naturally.

"You can sit in the front with the driver, Liv," Chloe said, already settled in the back like royalty. "I get car sick otherwise."

Olivia complied without a word.

At the townhouse, Ethan was waiting. He looked stressed.

"Chloe, apologize to Liv for your behavior in the car," he said, his tone firm but weary.

Chloe pouted. "Sorry," she mumbled, not looking at Olivia.

Olivia saw Ethan subtly squeeze Chloe' s shoulder, a small gesture of comfort. He' d likely cajoled the apology out of her with affection.

Later, Ethan cornered Olivia again. "The reversal, Liv. Have you thought about it?"

"Yes, Ethan," Olivia said, a new resolve hardening within her. She needed him to believe her, just for a little longer, until she was safely in Austin. "I' ve made the appointment."

He looked immensely relieved. "Good. That' s good, Liv."

He actually thought she was complying, for him. The depth of his self-deception was astounding.

A few days later, Ethan invited her to a charity auction, a major NYC social event.

"We need to be seen together, Liv. Keep up appearances."

At the auction, Ethan lavished attention and gifts on Chloe, who preened under the public eye. He bought her a diamond necklace, a designer gown. People whispered about his devotion to his young stepsister.

Olivia watched, unmoved.

Then, she saw it. A vintage guitar, a 1950s Martin. Michael had always wanted one just like it. He' d talked about it for years, showed her pictures.

It was perfect for Noah, for the musician who looked like Michael.

Olivia raised her paddle.

Ethan, seeing her bid, smiled. He probably thought it was for him, a public gesture of reconciliation after their "disagreements."

She kept bidding, her focus absolute.