Chapter 1

The lights of the Veridian Capital gala felt too bright tonight, each one a small stab in my tired eyes.

I leaned against a cool marble pillar in the grand ballroom, trying to catch my breath.

This chronic fatigue, it was a constant, heavy coat I couldn't take off.

My wife, Sarah, was across the room, a whirlwind of energy.

She was CEO now, ever since I had to step back.

Veridian Capital, our ethical investment startup, it was supposed to be our dream.

I remember us in that tiny office, second-hand desks, fueled by cheap coffee and her vision.

I poured my family money, my connections, everything into it for her, for us.

Now, she moved through the crowd like a queen, radiant in a deep blue dress.

I saw her laugh, a bright, clear sound that didn't quite reach me anymore.

The master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the driving force behind Veridian Capital, our CEO, Sarah Reynolds!"

Applause filled the room.

Sarah walked to the podium, smiling, waving.

She looked beautiful, confident.

"Thank you all for being here tonight at our annual Impact Investor Gala," she began, her voice smooth.

"Tonight is about celebrating a future of ethical growth, of new partnerships."

She paused, her eyes scanning the room, then landing on a man near the front.

He was tall, dark, impeccably dressed. Italian, I guessed.

"And speaking of new partnerships," Sarah continued, her voice taking on an emotional tremor, "I want to introduce someone very special."

She gestured, and the man walked onto the stage, taking her hand.

"This is Count Alessandro Rossi," Sarah announced, her voice full of pride. "A renowned art dealer, a vineyard owner from a noble Italian family, and my new strategic partner."

A murmur went through the crowd. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. Strategic partner? I hadn't heard anything about this.

"Alessandro is not just a partner in business," Sarah said, her eyes shining as she looked at him. "He is a kindred spirit."

She turned back to the audience, placing a hand on her stomach.

"And tonight, we have another announcement, a symbol of our shared future and vision."

Her voice broke slightly. "Alessandro and I are expecting a child."

The room went silent for a beat, then erupted in confused whispers and some polite, uncertain applause.

My blood ran cold. A child? With him?

Sarah beamed. "We invite you all to share your well-wishes on the commemorative display by the entrance."

I couldn't feel my legs. The fatigue was a crushing weight now, but something else burned hotter – rage, disbelief.

I pushed myself off the pillar. My body felt frail, but I walked towards the stage.

The crowd parted, their faces a blur of shock and curiosity.

I reached the steps. Sarah saw me. Her smile faltered.

Alessandro looked down, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

I climbed onto the stage, my legs shaking.

I pulled my wallet from my jacket, fumbling with weak fingers until I found it.

The worn wedding photo of Sarah and me, seven years younger, full of hope.

I held it up, my hand trembling.

"What about this shared future, Sarah?" I asked, my voice hoarse but carrying in the sudden silence.

Gasps rippled through the audience.

Alessandro took a step back, then another, and quickly walked off the stage, disappearing into the wings.

Sarah's face turned white, then red.

"Michael!" she hissed, her voice low and furious. "How dare you?"

She turned to the stunned crowd. "My husband... he hasn't been well. His illness... it causes confusion."

"I'm not confused, Sarah," I said, louder now. "You're pregnant with another man's child. You announced it on stage."

Her eyes blazed. "This is your fault!" she spat at me, forgetting the audience. "Your debilitating negativity! Your lack of vitality! I needed a partner who matches my energy, my ambition!"

The words hit me harder than any physical blow. My lack of vitality.

The company we built, the life we planned.

"I want a divorce, Sarah," I said, the words tasting like ash.

The shock on the faces in the crowd was absolute.