ROOSEVELT’S POV

I stared at the paper in my trembling hands. The ink blurred as tears pricked my eyes.

It’s definitely for Mina.

I glanced at the velvet box on my table. The necklace caught the light. Just minutes ago, I was on cloud nine. I thought my husband was finally choosing me.

But it wasn’t a gift. It was a smokescreen. A cheap trinket thrown my way to keep me quiet while he promised forever to his ex-girlfriend.

Forever Yours, Z.

The engraving echoed in my mind, making a mockery of our vows.

The shower cut off. Zyran would be out in seconds.

Panic and anger flooded my veins. I can’t cry, I told myself. Not in front of him. I have to protect myself and my baby.

My hands shook, but I moved fast. I folded the paper exactly as I found it and shoved it back into his jacket pocket.

I rushed to the mirror, grabbed the necklace, and fastened it around my neck. The diamonds felt heavy, like a leash. I blinked away the tears and pinched my pale cheeks to bring the color back.

The door clicked open. Steam rolled into the bedroom. Zyran stepped out, a towel slung low around his waist. Water dripped from his hair onto his broad chest.

He looked up and caught my eye in the mirror. A smug smirk tugged at his lips.

"It looks perfect on you, Roosevelt," he said. He walked over, standing right behind me. His warm hands rested on my shoulders. Our eyes met in the reflection. "I knew it would hit the spot."

I stared at his reflection. He looked so infuriatingly sincere.

"It's gorgeous, Zyran," I replied, plastering on a smile. My voice held steady. "It must have taken you ages to pick it out."

I paused, searching his dark eyes in the mirror.

"Did anything else catch your eye while you were at the jeweler?" I asked softly.

Zyran didn’t bat an eye. His expression remained totally blank as he leaned down to kiss my neck.

"No," he murmured, his breath hot against my skin. "I walked in, saw this piece, and knew it belonged on my wife. I had tunnel vision. I didn't look at a single other thing."

He lied straight to my face without breaking a sweat.

My heart turned to ice. I swallowed the lump in my throat and placed my hand over his.

"Thank you," I whispered.

Two weeks flew by. On the surface, our marriage looked picture-perfect.

Zyran came home early, and we ate dinner together. The house was quiet since Mina had officially moved into the penthouse. Zyran didn’t breathe a word about her.

But I knew better. Every time his eyes glued to his phone, every time he came home smelling like a different café, I knew they were screwing around.

I kept my mouth shut. I spent my days planning the Charity Gala. It was the premier event of the year. For the past three years, running the show was my territory. It was the one night the world saw me as the undeniable Lady of the King empire.

It was Thursday evening. The Gala was just around the corner.

I sat in the living room, hyper-focused on the seating charts. On the table, buried under some papers, sat a velvet box. Inside lay a pair of baby socks and my first ultrasound.

The doctor said the baby was perfectly healthy. I decided to spill the beans tonight. He had a right to know he was going to be a father. I prayed that learning about his own flesh and blood would snap him out of it and sever his ties with Mina.

The door clicked open. Zyran’s heavy footsteps echoed in the hall.

"Zyran!" I called out, forcing excitement into my voice as I jumped to my feet.

He strode into the room, ripping off his tie. He looked exhausted, frowning when he spotted the paperwork on the sofa.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice deadpan.

"Just wrapping up the VIP list," I smiled, bridging the distance between us. "I picked up my dress today, Zyran. It's an emerald gown. It perfectly matches the necklace you gave me. I can’t wait to walk the red carpet together."

Zyran froze in his tracks. He dropped his briefcase, crossed his arms, and pinned me with a cold stare.

"Take a seat, Roosevelt," he ordered.

My smile slipped. Sensing trouble, I slowly sank back onto the cushions.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my heart hammering in my chest.

Zyran let out a heavy sigh. "There's a change of plans for Saturday."

"A change of plans?" I frowned. "Is there a hiccup with the catering? I can call them right now—"

"It's not the food," Zyran cut in, his voice razor-sharp. "It's you. You're sitting this one out, Roosevelt."

A pin-drop silence filled the room. I stared at him, totally blindsided.

"I'm... not going?" I repeated. "Zyran, I'm the hostess! I busted my ass planning this for six months. I'm scheduled to give the opening speech."

"I'm taking those duties off your plate," he said without missing a beat. "The press has been having a field day lately. They caught wind of Mina’s fire. They're dragging her name through the mud, calling her a homewrecker and my mistress."

"And what does that have to do with me?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"I need to protect her," Zyran stated, like it was a no-brainer. "The only way to nip these rumors in the bud is to show the world she is respected. I have to prove she has my backing."

He looked me dead in the eye.

"I've named Mina the new Director of the Foundation," Zyran declared. "She’ll run the Gala, and she’ll walk the red carpet on my arm."

All the blood drained from my face. The room spun.

"You handed her my foundation?" I gasped, the air punched out of my lungs. "And you're parading her at the Gala? You’re going to flaunt your ex to the cameras while you lock your wife away at home?"

"Stop acting hysterical, Roosevelt," Zyran snapped, looking deeply annoyed. "You're my wife behind closed doors, and that's what counts. Mina has lost everything. She needs the protection of the King name right now. This is just a PR stunt."

"A PR stunt?" I screamed, vaulting to my feet. Hot tears streamed down my cheeks. "You're replacing me, Zyran! You're broadcasting to the world that she’s your main woman! What about my pride? What about my feelings?"

"Your feelings are fine!" Zyran roared back, his voice shaking the walls. "I put food on your table. I give you a luxury home and whatever jewelry you demand. I thought you had thick skin, but you're throwing a tantrum like a jealous child!"

I stared at the man I loved. He truly believed he was in the right. He was so fucking blind.

"I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into this," I croaked, my voice breaking.

"And I appreciate your behind-the-scenes work," Zyran said, totally unfazed. "But Mina already overhauled the guest list. The deal is sealed, Roosevelt. Just stay home on Saturday and get some rest."

He snatched his briefcase and turned his back on me.

"I have work to catch up on in my study," he threw over his shoulder. "Tell the maid to bring my dinner upstairs."

He walked out, leaving me to drown in my tears.

My legs gave out. I collapsed onto the sofa, burying my face in my hands. I peered at the table. The little box sat there, totally untouched.

He doesn't deserve to know, I thought, clutching my stomach. He doesn't fucking deserve us.

Out of nowhere, my phone buzzed on the cushion.

I wiped my eyes and snatched it up. A text flashed from an unknown number. I instantly knew it was Mina; it was the exact number she used to blow up my life.

I opened the thread.

It was a picture of Mina standing in the penthouse I had personally designed. She was draped in a custom gown.

It was the exact design I had ordered for myself. Sparkling on her finger was a massive ring.

A caption sat right under the photo:

“Zyran said green isn't your color anyway. Thanks for the dress idea!”

My knuckles turned white. I wanted to scream.

Then a second notification popped up. It was an audio file.

My hands trembled as I hit play.

Zyran’s deep voice filled the dead-silent room.

"Don't cry, Mina," Zyran’s recorded voice murmured. It was the gentle tone he never spared for me anymore. "The marriage is just on paper. Roosevelt is just a duty. As soon as this Gala blows over and the press calms down, I’ll have my legal team draft the divorce papers. I promise I'm bringing you home."