Chapter 4

The memory of Chad' s words from the villa – "snake-skin" – echoed.

It was a constant, dull ache beneath the surface.

He saw me as damaged goods, a means to an end.

His disgust, so casually expressed, was a deeper wound than any physical scar.

The love I thought we shared, the future I envisioned, all of it built on his lies.

And my family' s trust, their integrity, he planned to exploit it all.

To hurt Julian, the one Baxter who had always shown me quiet respect.

The engagement party was tomorrow.

The grand event at the historic Charleston hotel.

My parents were flying in. Chad' s father, Chad Baxter Sr., would be there.

A union of two powerful families.

Or so they thought.

Chad was oblivious, still playing the loving fiancé.

He fussed over me, "Are you sure you're up for this, Ava? It' s going to be a big crowd. You know, with your... sensitivity to... well, you know."

He meant my scars. My past aversion to public events because of them.

"I'll be fine, Chad," I said, my voice soft.

He beamed. "That's my girl. Strong."

He had no idea.

I looked at myself in the mirror that evening.

The finality of what I' d lost, what he' d destroyed, settled in.

The woman who loved Chad Baxter Jr. was truly gone.

There was no going back. No recovery from this betrayal.

Only forward.

Towards the plan that had solidified in my mind, hard and clear as diamond.

The next morning, Chad was preening in his custom tuxedo.

"I'll go on ahead to the hotel," he announced, adjusting his bowtie. "Make sure everything is perfect for our big night."

He kissed my cheek, a dry, meaningless gesture.

"Don't be late, sweetheart. Or, you know, if you're not feeling up to it, I'll understand."

He still thought I might hide away. That the "snake-skin" girl would be too ashamed to show her face.

He was in for a surprise.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Chad," I said.

A small smile touched my lips.

He looked at me, a flicker of something – confusion? – in his eyes, then dismissed it.

"Great! See you there."

He walked out, whistling, completely unaware that his world was about to implode.

I picked up the phone.

"Julian? It's Ava. Are you ready?"