Chapter 4 No.4

The next morning, Maya was a woman of cold, hard purpose.

She called a representative from a top-tier international auction house.

Then, she contacted a charity lawyer specializing in high-value donations.

She made arrangements.

All of Liam's expensive gifts – the jewelry, the designer bags, the art pieces – were to be collected, appraised, and auctioned.

The proceeds would go to a newly established foundation.

A foundation supporting women escaping abusive and deceptive relationships.

Including the "Maya's Horizon" necklace.

Liam had taken it back after their "anniversary gift" exchange, muttering something about putting it in their main safe for "better security."

She knew he'd just wanted to control it.

Maya had retrieved it from the safe this morning. It felt like a cold, heavy weight in her hands.

A few days later, Liam stormed into their apartment, his face thunderous.

He was holding a printout from an auction website.

A picture of the "Maya's Horizon" necklace.

"What the hell is this, Maya?" he roared. "My necklace, our necklace, is up for auction?"

"I donated it, Liam," she said calmly, not looking up from her book. "To charity."

"Donated it? Without asking me? That necklace is worth millions!"

"It was a gift, wasn't it?" she replied, finally meeting his gaze. "My gift to do with as I please."

He was speechless for a moment, then his eyes narrowed.

He strode to the auction house the next day and bought it back himself, for a price far exceeding its value.

He came home, opened the box, and fastened the cold diamonds around her neck.

"There," he said, his voice tight. "It stays with you. Where it belongs."

She felt the chill of it against her skin and wanted to rip it off.

But she just smiled faintly. His possessiveness was another nail in the coffin of their marriage.

That weekend, they drove out to a luxurious lodge upstate for an outdoor gathering with his friends. Marc Chen, his COO and supposed best friend, was there.

And a few other couples from their elite circle.

Liam was on his best behavior. Performatively doting.

As the sun set over the lake, he draped a cashmere throw over her shoulders. "You might get chilly, my love."

He made a great show of grilling her steak exactly how she liked it.

He refused a cigar when Marc offered, saying, "Can't, Maya hates the smell."

All for show.

His friends exchanged knowing glances. They were all part of the same club.

Maya felt a wave of nausea.

She excused herself early, feigning a headache.

"I'll have the driver take me back to the city," she said, when Liam offered to leave with her. "You stay, enjoy yourself."

He looked relieved. She knew he would.