Chapter 3 - The Signature Marcus Needed
The next morning, Diane arrived without warning.
She walked into the kitchen carrying a garment bag and placed it across the table.
“For the wedding,” she announced.
Caroline opened the bag and found a simple sleeveless white dress.
“White?”
“It is a military-style ceremony,” Diane replied. “The family will wear light colors near the canopy.”
It was a lie.
Caroline knew because she had already seen photographs of Diane’s navy gown and Priscilla’s magenta dress.
They wanted her to arrive in white so guests would accuse her of trying to overshadow the bride. The wedding belonged to Marcus’s cousin, but Marcus planned to make his own announcement during the reception.
He was going to tell everyone that he and Caroline were separating.
Then he would introduce Priscilla as a “close family friend.”
The humiliation had been designed carefully.
Diane placed a folder beside the dress.
“There are also some routine property documents.”
Caroline opened it.
The papers would allow Marcus to use her coastal property as security for a private investment. Buried within the final pages was a transfer clause giving him control if their marriage ended.
She looked up.
“Has Marcus read this?”
“Of course.”
“Has an independent lawyer?”
Diane’s smile tightened.
“Do not become difficult now. Marcus has an opportunity to join the board of Hale Strategic Development. Priscilla’s family could change his life.”
Caroline touched the edge of the document.
“And what would happen to my life?”
Diane laughed softly.
“You are his wife. His life is your life.”
Caroline took a pen from the counter.
Diane watched eagerly.
Instead of signing, Caroline wrote one sentence across the first page.
REVIEWED AND DECLINED.
Diane’s expression hardened.
“You will regret embarrassing him.”
“No,” Caroline said. “I think I’m finally going to regret helping him.”
That evening, Marcus demanded an explanation.
He stood near the bedroom doorway, accusing her of destroying his future. Caroline allowed him to speak until his voice became hoarse.
Then she asked one question.
“Are you in love with Priscilla?”
Marcus stared at her.
May you like
His silence lasted only three seconds.
But it was enough.
