Chapter 1

My three-year professional suspension was finally over.

For three years, I hadn't been able to touch a blueprint, lead a project, or even call myself an architect. I took the fall for a professional misconduct charge, a charge that would have ended my wife Nicole's political career before it even truly began.

Tonight was her re-election campaign launch party. I put on the suit she bought me years ago, the one I wore when I told her I would do anything to protect her. I expected tonight to be my re-entry, the moment she would finally reintroduce me to her world.

The party was loud, filled with donors and flashing cameras. I found Nicole near the stage, looking radiant. She saw me, and her smile tightened just a little.

She walked over, not for a hug, but to press something into my hand. It was a single, crisp dollar bill.

"Good luck," she said, her voice a practiced, warm whisper for the crowd.

It was the same token she gave to every low-level campaign volunteer. A cheap, impersonal gesture. My heart sank.

I tried to talk to her, but she was already turning away, pulled into another conversation by her chief of staff, Wesley Clark. He gave me a dismissive smirk over his shoulder.

Later that night, scrolling through my phone at home, I saw Wesley' s new post. It was a photo of a stunning, custom-made watch on his wrist, the kind of watch I used to browse for myself.

The caption read: "An incredible campaign launch gift from the best boss in the world. Onward to victory, Councilwoman!"

The word "Councilwoman" felt like a deliberate jab.

When Nicole finally came home, long after the party ended, I was waiting for her in the living room, my phone in my hand with the picture on the screen.

"What is this?" I asked, my voice flat.

She didn't even look at it. She kicked off her heels and sighed. "Ryan, we've talked about this. We have to maintain the appearance of being separated. It' s crucial for my image."

"You gave him a watch that costs more than my car, and you gave me a dollar. A dollar, Nicole."

"It's optics, Ryan. He's my chief of staff. You're... you're a volunteer for now." She finally looked at me, her eyes cold. "And in public, I need you to just call me 'Councilwoman'. It' s important."

As if to punctuate her point, she pulled out her phone, opened Instagram, and liked Wesley' s post right in front of me. The little red heart icon appeared under the picture of the watch.

The last bit of hope I had shattered.

For three years, I had told myself this sacrifice was worth it. Now I knew it wasn't.

I walked into my home office, closed the door, and found the old business card I had saved. It belonged to Gabrielle Johns, a real estate developer and Nicole's biggest political rival. She had once told me my talent was being wasted.

I dialed the number.

"Gabrielle Johns speaking."

"Gabrielle, it's Ryan Lester," I said, my voice steady. "Is that job offer still on the table?"