Chapter 6 In the past, such whispers would have shredded Sloane's composure, leaving her humiliated and heartbroken. But now, she listened as if they were speaking about someone else entirely. Her heart was calm, untouched. All she felt was tired. She leaned toward Julian and said softly, "I'm going to the restroom." Then she rose and walked away from the crowded hall. She had barely turned the corner when Lena caught up to her. "Miss Quinn!" Lena intercepted her, wearing a mask of earnest sincerity. "Please, can we talk? Julian and I... we're truly in love. I know it's wrong, but I can't control my feelings... Please, just let us be together. Please." Sloane massaged her temples, a deep weariness settling in her bones. "Whether your feelings are real or not is none of my concern. And I have no time to stand here and watch you perform." She moved to step around her, but Lena suddenly-dramatically-collapsed to her knees with a loud thud, grabbing fistfuls of Sloane's skirt. Tears sprang to her eyes and poured down her cheeks in an instant, her voice rising to a theatrical wail designed to draw every eye in the vicinity. "Miss Quinn, it's all my fault! I was the one who fell in love with him first! Hate me, punish me, do anything you want to me, but please, I beg you, don't make me leave him! I can't live without him!" Stunned by the theatrics, Sloane had no time to react before a powerful shove sent her reeling. Crack. Her head slammed against the cold wall with a sickening crack. Pain exploded, and warm liquid trickled down her temple. Dazed, she clutched her bleeding forehead. Her vision swam as Julian's furious voice tore through the haze. "Sloane Quinn! What the hell did you do to her?!" Blinking against the blood seeping into her eye, she saw him crouched over Lena, helping her up as if she were made of the most delicate glass, his face a portrait of tender concern. The look he then turned on Sloane was one of pure, unadulterated disgust and fury, as if she were something vile he'd found stuck to his shoe. "I turn my back for one minute, and you attack her? You are truly vicious." His voice was Arctic, each word a shard of ice. "Let me be clear: if I ever see you lay a hand on her again, you will regret it deeply." He didn't spare her wound a glance. Still cradling Lena, who was sobbing prettily against his chest, he strode away without looking back. Chapter 6 3.95% Sloane pressed her hand to her forehead, enduring the pain, and watched them walk off arm in arm. Not a single word left her lips. But just before Lena disappeared, she turned her head. Her tear-streaked face carried not pain, but triumph and taunting. Sloane almost laughed aloud at the sheer absurdity of it. Lena didn't need to go this far. Because she truly was leaving soon. Then Julian could be with whoever he wanted. She would no longer care. Days slipped by, and quietly, the fifth anniversary of their marriage arrived. Every year before, the day passed like any other, ignored and forgotten. Sloane expected this year would be no different. She was about to step out when she stopped short. Julian stood at the door. For once, he was dressed with care, a perfectly tailored suit, his hair meticulously styled, his tall frame striking and formal. Her heart skipped, and a foolish thought flickered-was he waiting for her? The thought lasted only a second before reality crushed it. Descending the stairs in a glittering gown, Lena beamed as she looped her arm through his. "Julian, I'm ready. Let's go." Julian's cold features softened instantly at the sight of her. He gave a quiet hum of assent, his voice warm only for her. 2058 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!