Everyone in Harbor City thought I was a joke.
Even at the last gala, Carissa Sanchez, a woman who'd always been perfectly polite to me, had deliberately shoulder-checked me with a sneer plastered across her face.
"Still think you're the same Mrs. Stephens he used to treat like a queen?"
"He doesn't even know who you are anymore. He'd call any random woman on the street his wife."
"Maud, how many times do you think he's humiliated you in these two years? You must have lost count by now."
I stared at the haggard face in the mirror and forced a bitter smile.
Caspar, I'm so tired.
I sat on the front steps for two hours before I finally dialed a number I hadn't called in a long time.
"Mom. I'll do it. I'll fly out in seven days."
My mother's voice surged with excitement, then confusion.
"You've changed your mind? Wait, that doesn't make sense. Just last year you were telling me everything was fine, that you and your husband were happy, that you didn't want to live apart..."
"And don't forget, if you actually commit to moving here for good, you and that Stephens Group heir of yours won't be seeing much of each other..."
I lowered my head, the bitter smile returning.