Chapter 1

The music at the Thorne Industries gala was too loud, the lights too bright.

I smoothed down the front of the gown Marcus designed for me, a deep emerald silk that he said matched my eyes.

He was supposed to be by my side tonight, celebrating another successful year for Thorne City.

For three decades, I was his companion, the quiet presence beside the powerful Marcus Thorne.

I believed his affection was real.

Then he stepped onto the stage, not with me, but with another woman.

Her name was Isabelle Vance, he announced, his voice booming through the ballroom.

"My true love, returned to me at last."

The crowd murmured, then applauded.

I stood frozen near the grand staircase.

Isabelle was beautiful, blonde, and she looked at Marcus like he was the only man in the world.

He led her down the steps, directly towards me.

"Sarah," Marcus said, his voice suddenly cold, "this is Isabelle. She will be the new mistress of Thorne Tower, and of my life."

Isabelle smiled, a small, sharp smile.

She looked at my gown. "That color, Marcus, darling. It' s a bit... somber for such a happy occasion, don't you think?"

Marcus looked at my dress, then back at Isabelle.

He reached out and tugged at the delicate lace on my shoulder.

It ripped.

A small tear, but it felt like he had torn something inside me.

"You're right, my love," he said to Isabelle, his eyes never leaving hers. "We'll get you something much more fitting."

He turned his back on me, leading Isabelle into the crowd.

The laughter around me felt like stones hitting my skin.

My special gown, a symbol of his supposed care, was now just a damaged piece of cloth.

The fall was swift, brutal.

I was no longer cherished. I was discarded.