When you leave your heart behind

The door slammed behind me as I jumped out of my black Chevrolet.

Today was supposed to be perfect.

Today was supposed to be ours.

I tightened the balloons in one hand, the gift bags digging into my arm. I had been planning this for months, dreaming about the look on his face when he saw me. 

It was our two-year wedding anniversary.

I smoothed my silk white dress, packed my hair into a slick bun just  the way he loved it, and stared up at the giant building in front of me.

Aura Modeling.

The most luxurious modeling agency in all of New York.

The place smelled like money.

Old money.

The floors outside blazed under the hot sun, the gold letters on the building flashing like treasure.

Aura wasn't just a building.

It was an empire.

It was my Damien's dreams.

Of course, I was there, helping him bring his dreams to reality.

I stepped inside.

A cool breeze kissed my face, bringing the sweet scent of flowers and strong fragrance.

Every click of my red-bottom Louboutins on the marble floor was sharp, controlled, and impossible to ignore.

I commanded attention without even trying.

Heads turned.

Whispers floated through the hall.

I felt it - the envy, the admiration, the side eyes, the hate.

It boosted my confidence even more.

I knew I looked beautiful.

My honey skin glowed under the lights.

Diamond studs in my ears.

Classy and elegant.

Exactly the woman Damien wanted me to be.

I walked straight to the front desk, chin high.

The secretary blinked twice, her mouth slightly open before she forced a fake smile.

I caught it, but I let it go.

"I'm here to see the CEO," I said sweetly, lifting the balloons a little higher.

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, voice a little too tight.

I smiled wider. "Oh, I forgot to mention. I'm his wife."

Her face fell. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, "I think... I think there's been a mistake."

I laughed, thinking she was new. "Mistake? Honey, do you want to lose your job?"

She shook her head so fast it was almost funny. "No, ma...ma'am, but... based on the credentials... you don't look anything like the wife."

Her words sliced through me.

I stiffened.

It felt like my whole life flickered through my eyes.

"What... did you just say?" My voice cracked.

The secretary looked terrified. "I'm sorry. I can't say more. But if you want clarity, you can check with his personal assistant. Fourth floor. Block F."

I nodded stiffly, heart pounding against my ribs.

I walked away without another word.

The elevator ride felt endless, even though it was only seconds.

She's wrong, I told myself. She's just new. Mixing things up.  She obviously doesn't know anything . Damien could  never....

I stared at my reflection in the mirror - the perfect wife - and told myself over and over, She's wrong. She's wrong. 

The elevator dinged.

I rushed down the hall, my heels echoing loudly.

There it was the Personal Assistant"s door.

I was about to knock and then I saw it. The door marked CEO.

I didn't think..

I pushed the door open.

And I wished I hadn't.

I froze.

The balloons slipped from my hand.

They floated up, bumping against the cold ceiling.

There, on the sleek black desk Damien loved so much...

My husband.

My Damien.

The man I loved so much.

And he wasn't alone.

Camilla - the woman I had asked about a hundred times - was perched on the desk, her lips on his, her legs tangled around him.

He jerked back, he's face was pale. "Sasha, I can explain"

I couldn't breathe.

My heart cracked open, right there, right then.

Shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.

He tried to step toward me. "It's not what you think."

"What's happening today, Damien?" I whispered, my voice shaking

He blinked. "The balloons... the gifts... what's today?"

He didn't know.

Of course he didn't even remember.

Tears burned my eyes but I refused to let them fall.