Chapter 2

The invitation to the Scott family dinner in the Hamptons was a command, not a request. It was a celebration for Sabrina and the baby. Ethan insisted I attend. The system agreed; a supportive wife would be present.

The Hamptons estate was a monument to old money and quiet power. As I stepped out of the car, I saw them on the grand stone terrace-Ethan with his arm around Sabrina, his mother beaming at them. Sabrina was wearing a vibrant emerald green dress, a color Ethan had always told me was too loud, too "theatrical" for a political wife. It looked perfect on her.

The sight triggered a memory. A year ago, I' d bought a similar dress for a charity gala. Ethan had looked at me with disgust. "Are you trying to look like a showgirl, Jocelyn? Go change into something more dignified. Navy. Or black."

I had cried and changed. Now, seeing him look at Sabrina with such pride in that same color, a final piece of the old me clicked into place and then dissolved. He never disliked the color. He disliked me.

This realization didn't hurt. It was just data. It solidified my resolve. The divorce was the only correct path.

Dinner was a masterclass in public humiliation. Mrs. Scott, Ethan's mother, made a toast.

"To Sabrina," she said, her sharp eyes flicking to me for a moment, "who is bringing our family the greatest gift. A true heir to the Scott name."

She then unclasped a heavy, antique diamond necklace from her own neck. "This has been passed down to the mothers of the Scott heirs for generations. It's yours now, my dear."

Sabrina preened as Ethan fastened the necklace around her neck. The entire table applauded. They all expected me to break, to run from the room in tears. The old Jocelyn would have.

Instead, I stood up, my smile placid and genuine. The system guided my words.

"Congratulations, Sabrina. Mrs. Scott. I am so happy that the Scott family line will continue. It was a failure on my part that I could not provide an heir, and I am glad Ethan has found someone who can give him the family he so richly deserves."

The air went still. Ethan stared at me, his fork frozen halfway to his mouth. His mother looked as if she'd seen a ghost. Sabrina's triumphant smile faltered.

"What are you doing?" Ethan hissed across the table, his voice low and furious. "Stop making a spectacle of yourself."

I was confused.

I simply gave him a serene smile. "I'm just being supportive, darling. Isn't this what you wanted?"

His face twisted with an emotion I couldn't identify. It looked like anger, but also... confusion. Panic.

I sat back down, my hand clutching the purse in my lap. Inside, the neatly folded divorce papers felt like a promise. I was so close to making him truly happy.