Chapter 4
I didn’t bother answering her. Just sat there,laughing at myself.
“So fucking stupid!”
When I first got the news about Elliot’s crash, I completely lost it–passed out cold on the kitchen floor.
Gladys told me they’d already cremated him.They didn’t let me attend the service–supposedly protecting me from additional trauma.
Every detail was marking that something about Elliot’s death didn’t nomal.
For six years, everyone thought we were perfect couple. Never in a million years would I have guessed he’d pull some soap opera bullshit to ditch our wedding!
Then this mysterious “brother” appears from New Zealand with his exotic wife in tow.
Even though I felt confused sometime, I never once suspected Elliot had faked his death.
Not until I overheard that conversation between him and Gladys did I realize what a massive lie they’d constructed around me!
Carmilla’s lips curled into a smirk when I didn’t snap back.
“Women know women, Briar.Yesterday, when you walked out? I knew you’d figured it out.”
“Dying to know why he cheated? Why Mr. Perfect escaped you and your damn baby?” She laughed. “Should I tell you what he says about you when you’re not around?”
“Says you’re a total snooze fest in bed. Like fucking a robot on a timer. With me?” She ran her hands down her body. “I keep him begging for more. His exact words? ‘I do it better…”
I slapped her hard across the face.
She was mid–rage when Elliot appeared in the doorway.
“What the FUCK, Briar?!”
Like flipping a switch, Carmilla’s face morphed from smug bitch to wounded cat.
“I was just visit her,” she whimpered. “I know she’s going through a hard time with Elliot’s death and all, but→”
Elliot’s eyes locked on the red mark forming on Carmilla’s cheek before he shouted me.
“What the fuck? Briar, she is your SISTER–IN–LOW!”
I met his eyes directly.
“Tell me, Elliot.Is she your wife or not?!”
For a moment, he just stared at me, lips parted but silent.
Carmilla grabbed his arm then.
“Elliot, honey,I’m feeling dizzy. Will you take me to bed?”
Elliot hesitated before guiding her out.
I stayed frozen in place, staring at the empty doorway, hands still shaking Then my phone vibrated,a text from Conor.
“Wheels up in 30. Be ready.”
I pulled out the suicide note I’d written and tucked it into my nightstand.Let Elliot find it after I was gone. Let him read every single word.
I wanted him to read exactly how much I fucking worshipped him–enough to “suicide” over losing him.
11:49
He Faked Death for Mistress,I Faked It for Revenge
1.1%
Chapter 4
I wanted that guilt to kill him until he was nothing but a hollow shell.
I shoved my ID and credit card into my pocket, yanking the door open.flliot was right there, almost crashing into me.
His brows knitted together as he opened his mouth “I’m sorry, Briar, about eatliet-
1 cut him off. “I’m going for a walk. Take good care of my sister in low,brother Christian.”
I deliberately emphasized the words “brother” and “sister in low“.
But clueless Elliot just looked relieved.
“Yeah, take your time. Dinner’s at seven. Rosa’s making that truffle pasta you love,”
I nodded, but as I brushed past him, I shot him one last ice–cold look,
8
Payback’s a bitch, Elliot Sterling. You want to play dead? Game on.
