party. He'd booked a private room at one of Ne

in his voice as they navigated Midtown traffic. "She understood thi

te. Tiffany was a barracuda in a designer dres

ring quartet playing softly, and a parade of expensive gifts he presented with a flourish. A rare vin

buy her forgivene

emotions. She smiled, she thanked him, she played the part of the grateful wife, all

main course when the doors t

tressed, her eyes wide and tear-filled. She was wearing a stunn

trembling. "I... I couldn't

transformed from feigned attentiveness to genuine concern. "Tiffany! What

ed facade of Sarah's bi

ifully led Sarah to the small dance floor. They moved s

ession, glided towards them. "Ethan," she murmured, her

ing face to Sarah's impassive one

eaving her standing alone in the middle of th

and stared. Sarah felt their pity, their judgment, like a physical blow. She turned

phant, approached Sarah's table while Ethan was

low, gloating whisper, and

ring of text messages

you tonight. Th

more, baby. Wish I

last much longer. You'

See? He's just going through the motions with

e phone, then at T

lmost serene. "Then it's all yours, T

red. "What... what a

trical shock. She grabbed Sarah's hand, the one with the cast, and w

AC

as sharp, u

her face, tears instantly springing to her eyes. "You... you

ted with rage. He l

you!" he

didn't question.

and c

er eyes, braci

rutal. "You will stand here," he hissed, his

s now sobbing into her hands

aking. "Yes, Ethan! For no reaso

He then turned to a nearby table where a bucket of champ

he said, his voice cold.

used, pointed

n, brought the base of the heavy crystal

Sarah's face. Stars

gain. Each blow precis

ffany's soft sobs and the sicken

ist. She just stood there, enduring

ossed the flute onto the

murmuring comforting words. "There, there, my sweet girl. It's alright. I won't let her hurt you again." He ki

mouth. Her cheek throbbed,

ved, the man who was now tenderly comforting th

gret echoed through t

t for lea

r, ever loving him