Chapter 2

A week later, the comments were a constant, unwelcome companion. They flickered over people's heads, offering a horrifying running commentary on my life. I learned to ignore them, mostly. I had to.

Mark kissed my forehead, his suitcase by the door.

"Urgent business trip to Atlanta, babe. Tech conference. Super important for the next funding round."

The comments above him screamed with delight.

`"ATL getaway! This is where he and the 'heroine' confess their love! So romantic!"`

`"Wonder if he packed the good lingerie for Brit, LOL."`

Brit. Brittany Miller. The intern he was "mentoring."

My stomach twisted.

I forced a smile. "Of course, honey. Go make us proud."

The moment he left, I was on the phone.

First, to my family's financial advisor.

"I need to secure my personal assets and any funds tied to my family's investments in Mark's company. Immediately."

I didn't explain why. He knew better than to ask for too many details when I used that tone.

Next, I moved the bulk of our liquid joint assets into an account only I could access. I left one joint credit card active, one I could monitor. Let him have some rope.

A memory surfaced, sharp and unwelcome. Mark, a few months ago, telling me about hiring Brit.

"She's a hard-working kid, Ellie. Tough background, really driven. I see a lot of potential."

I remembered her at the last company party, young, pretty, her eyes lingering on Mark a little too long. Her hand brushing his arm a little too often.

I' d dismissed it as youthful enthusiasm, a crush.

The comments had called her the "heroine."

Heroine of what? The story of my life's destruction?

My phone buzzed. A notification.

A charge on the joint credit card.

The Palmetto Rose Inn, Charleston Historic District.

Not Atlanta.

My blood ran cold. The Palmetto Rose was one of my family's hotels.

Then, a text from Mark.

`"Missing you like crazy already. Can't wait to hold you and our little one. This conference is a drag without you. Love you so much."`

The hypocrisy made me want to scream.

Instead, I picked up my phone again.