SNATCHED FROM HER WORTHLESS HUSBAND

ALIANA

Seven years.

That's how long I've been Mrs. Dominic Blake - spouse, entertainer, decoration and mute.

If I reach heaven someday, I'm certain the angels will chuckle upon discovering that my greatest sin was loving my husband excessively.

I linger in the corner of the ballroom, the glass of white wine in my hand remaining full. My image glimmers on the glassy surface - serene, refined, impeccably poised - resembling the lifeless replica of the woman I once was.

Dominic's laughter cuts through the atmosphere. He's positioned across the hallway, his arm around the waist of a different woman. Her red dress hugs her curves as if she were sewn into it. I can't remember her name at all. There have been excessively many women hanging off his arm lately.

I don't waver. I simply take a sip of my wine.

"Are you still pretending to be a statue, Mrs. Blake?"

The sound originates from behind me - cutting, entertaining. It's Jenna, Dominic's sibling and the only individual who interacts with me genuinely instead of acting as if I'm unseen.

"Someone needs to ensure that the guests remember this is a Blake event," I say gently. "Dominic is too occupied... socializing."

Jenna lets out a snort. "Connecting with others?" "Is that what we're referring to as making out with the new intern now?"

I grin slightly. "I can't say." I'm not included in his meetings.

Her laughter fades as she examines my expression. "Ali, you cannot continue behaving this way."

"I'm okay."

"Actually, you are not." You've been okay for seven years. You're like those women from classic films who just smile while their husbands cheat with the maid.

I chuckle - softly, with bitterness. "I would need to be permitted in the same space for that to occur."

For a brief period, neither of us speaks. The orchestra grows louder, chandeliers sparkle, and Dominic bends close to murmur something to the woman that causes her to toss her head back and laugh. He appears relaxed - unlike how he usually is at home.

If I can truly refer to it as home.

Jenna exhales deeply. "I don't understand, Aliana." You're stunning. You possess a degree. If you wished, you could operate your own business. "Why stay?"

Because I'm foolish.

Because I believed love could mend a person who never sought to be mended.

"I took an oath," I responded in turn. "And I never go back on my word."

"Even when he does so?"

Her inquiry hurts. I look at my wedding band - simple platinum, without embellishments. I remember the weightiness as he placed it on my finger, his smile rigid, his gaze fixed on the cameras rather than on me.

"I suppose someone needs to maintain the stance," I murmur.

Jenna begins to speak up in disagreement, but then Dominic's voice resonates throughout the room.

"Ali!"

All heads swivel. My heart races despite my awareness at this point.

He gestures for me to come closer, smiling