Page 124 of near

Two days crawl by, each moment stretching into an eternity as I wait for the inevitable dinner party Oliver informed me about over a text.

I stand in front of the mirror, my hands shaking as I zip up the elegant cocktail dress. Its deep red hue is a stark contrast to my fair skin. I tug at the collar, desperate for air, and force my happy face on, practicing the role I must perform tonight. Hostess. Wife. Pawn.

“I don’t like this.” Lil crosses her arms over her chest.

“This will all be over soon. Oliver needs… another two events or so, and then I’ll get my divorce.”

“Another two events or so? What if it continues?” Mary places a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently.

“It won’t.” I sound as confident as I can. Will it ever end?

“This is bullshit. Let us come with you,” Mary says.

“Oliver said he doesn’t want any distractions. And after what Elijah pulled, he’s more suspicious of me.” His message was clear: ‘And don’t even think about bringing anyone.’

“I mean, I knew Oliver was a piece of work, but this is… too much,” Lil says.

“Tell me about it.” I play with the hem of my dress. “But do you guys think Elijah…do you think he still would want me after this? Or was he trying to remind me of what I did to him that evening? And the thing with Esther?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. But from what you told us, it seems like he won’t give up on you. That has to count for something, right?”

“I suppose so.” What if he grows tired as this goes on and on? With no end? Will he still not give up?

“You sure about this snooping around thing?” Mary gives me a hug. “Promise us you won’t risk anything.”

“It’s a chance I need to take. I could find something that will help me get out of this.”

Mary and Lil hug me goodbye and I leave for another torturous night with my oh-so-dear husband, Oliver.

The elevator doors to Oliver’s lavish apartment slide open, revealing a grand entrance and a well-dressed man in an expensive suit, who gives me a polite nod, gesturing for me to enter.

Once inside, I am immediately assaulted by the overwhelming smell of cigar smoke and sweet perfumes. Rich mahogany furniture and vintage art line every wall. Where did he get all this money from? He didn’t buy this, did he? I mean, he’s not planning to stay. Right?

The butler leads me to where the other guests are already gathered. Each step is a battle against the urge to flee and never come back.

The perfect wife.

A man steps forward, eyes raking over my body, and grasps my hand. His lips brush my knuckles. “Mrs. Dorrance, you look ravishing this evening.”

Vomit rises in my throat at the name. “Thank you. You’re too kind.”

“Ah, Darling, you’re here. I was about to call the police.” Oliver appears at my side, his voice dripping with false affection and a possessive hand on my waist.

It’s okay. You can do this. Every laugh, every smile, every touch is a betrayal, but it’s all part of the game.

“I’m sorry, I got distracted by work,” I say.

And so the evening starts.

I watch Oliver from across the room, engaging with the guests. His lips shape into a satisfied curve, but I can see the tension in the set of his jaw. He’s nervous.

“Mrs. Dorrance,” one of the guests says, drawing me back into the conversation. “Your husband has told us so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”

“Likewise. Say, where did you meet him again?”

“Everything alright, love?” Oliver’s arm snakes around my waist.

“Yes.”

---