Chapter 1

She should have just stayed in the bathroom. If she had, none of this mess would be happening right now. She wouldn't be minus one husband and plus a whole lot of headaches.

Sharon had begged Rey to stay home that night, but he insisted on attending Chelsea's first Newman Media fashion show anyway. He felt it was important for him to support his friend as she tried to move on from Adam's toxicity.

Sharon, however, could see right through Chelsea. Her "poor me" act wasn't fooling her in the slightest and Sharon was in awe of how easily she'd managed to snow Rey, smart man that he is. He hated Adam so much that he completely overlooked Chelsea's true nature.

Chelsea had been hurt by Adam's actions this year. That was true. But Sharon had a dent in her skull that proved Chelsea was not the wounded dove Rey believed her to be.

Sharon also knew that Chelsea was only tolerating her presence because she was with Rey. Otherwise, she would never have been invited to the spectacle in the first place. (That would have been fine by her.)

The only silver lining had been being able to see Adam without Rey having a shit fit. He owned the company, so he was bound to be there. As such, there was no way Sharon could avoid him. And avoiding him was the only thing that placated Rey, who was still insecure when it came to her friendship with Adam. However, Sharon had barely walked into the Grand Phoenix before even seeing Adam was no longer worth it. A certain redhead was glued to his side.

Sharon knew she had no claim to Adam but she couldn't help the jealousy that flowed through her veins every time she saw Adam and Sally together. She was glad he was happy, finally, but she hated it, too. If things were different, she would have admitted her feelings that day in the hospital. But when Adam said he was finally going to try and move on, Sharon didn't have the heart to interfere. He deserved a chance to be truly happy as the man she knew he was. So, Sharon went back to Rey instead of professing her love.

Sharon watched from across the room as Adam animatedly interacted with his girlfriend, family, business associates, and friends. His smiles were genuine, as was the lightness in his movements. He had broken free of his past and it showed, at least to her. The only time he got tense was when Chelsea came over to talk to him when Sally was on his arm. Sally's genuine smile turned fake as she eyed the woman who she believed to be her competition. Chelsea wore the same smile she always used on Sharon - the one that hid the viper ready to strike underneath. Sally was no match for a determined Chelsea and Adam's tenseness was a blinking neon light to Sharon that Adam knew that and was working hard to keep the peace between his lovers.

When Sally walked away with Chelsea to start the show, Adam let out a deep breath. As he did that, his gaze met hers and held it.

Sharon couldn't breathe.

She dared not move.

She wished their moment could last forever.

But, like their relationship, it was over too soon.

Adam's attention was diverted by Victor.

As the two men conversed, Sharon tapped Rey on the arm, nodded toward the ladies room sign, and bolted.