My Husband Insisted I Come To The Gala To Impress The New Owner. “Stay In The Back, Your Dress Is Too Casual,” He Muttered. When The Billionaire Arrived, He Barely Acknowledged My Husband’s Handshake. He Walked Straight To Me, Took My Hands, And Whispered, Eyes Shining: “I’ve Been Looking For You For 30 Years… I Never Forgot You.” My Husband Let His Glass Slip.

I looked down at my dress, suddenly seeing it through his eyes. What had seemed elegant in the store now felt shabby and outdated. “I thought it looked nice.

It was the best I could find with the budget you gave me.”

Fletcher shook his head in disgust. “It’ll have to do. Just try to stay in the background tonight.

Don’t draw attention to yourself. And for God’s sake, don’t talk about anything personal. These are serious business people.”

The ride to the Grand Hyatt downtown was silent, except for the classical music Fletcher preferred and the occasional sound of him checking his phone.

I sat beside him, my hands folded in my lap, touching the small silver locket at my throat without thinking. It was the only piece of jewelry I owned that Fletcher hadn’t bought me, the only thing that was truly mine. I had worn it every day for 30 years, tucked beneath my clothes where no one could see it.

The hotel ballroom was exactly what I expected. Crystal chandeliers. White tablecloths.

The kind of people who measured their worth in stock portfolios and vacation homes. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and fresh lilies. And everywhere I looked, women wore gowns that cost more than our monthly mortgage payment.

Continue reading…