Page 72 of My Ruthless Husband

But it’s the dress that steals the show. The limited-edition gown clings to her like a second skin, draping in rich, midnight blue silk. The color is so deep and beautiful, it’s no wonder Skylar was so upset over it.

When I don’t say anything, Skylar swipes at the screen to show me another picture. The closeup shot highlights her dress. Against her pale complexion, the dress appears even more striking.

“River?” Skylar hisses near my ear.

“She is very beautiful.”

“What?”

I grimace when she shouts. Then, “Pay attention. Here.” She begins swiping on the screen frustratingly.

I’m about to tell her to stop when one particular picture makes my heart sink. I find myself snatching the phone from her.

In this picture, the model isn’t alone. Her smile here is brighter than any of her solo pictures as she stands pressing against a man wearing a tux that accentuates his tall, muscular body.

The longer I stare, the more the pain twists inside me. With every passing second, the ache becomes unbearable like a gaping hole has opened up in my chest and every breath I take only makes it worse.

Because the man she’s pressed against is the love of my life.

Damian.

With trembling finger, I swipe and find another picture that shatters me. They look like a hot couple on a magazine as he peers down at her with a soft smile tilting his lips.

Something breaks inside me.

He gave her his rare, precious smile. A smile that he doesn’t give me easily. A smile that I find myself always yearning for. A smile that I lay awake at night thinking about, replaying it over and over in my mind, hoping to see it more often. A smile that was supposed to be mine and mine alone.

“River?” Skylar’s touch on my shoulder startles me.

“Y-yeah?”

Skylar’s puzzled expression deepens as she brushes away a tear from my cheek. “Why are you crying?”

I touch my wet cheek numbly and realize tears have been streaming down my face without my awareness.

“Do you know her?”

When I stare dumbfoundedly, she elaborates. “Gianna. That’s her.” She spits out her name. “Did she cross you too?”

I’m too heartbroken to reply. Too sick to address what’s in front of me. My eyes zero in on Gianna’s palm on Damian’s chest as she holds his gaze. I cover my face with my hands.

“What’s wrong, River?” Skylar asks, her voice laced with genuine concern.

I try to control my tears, willing them to stay hidden. Rubbing my eyes, I muster a shaky smile and respond, “Oh, it’s n-nothing.”

The girls exchange worried glances. It’s clear they can sense something isn’t right.

Skylar isn’t easily fooled by my attempt to brush it off. She presses further, “Are you sure, River? You don’t look okay.”

I bite my lip, struggling to keep my composure. “Yeah, really, Skylar, I’m fine. Just feeling a little tired, that’s all.”

“But you started crying the moment you saw Gianna—” Her eyes widen. “Wait. Is this about the man she is with?”

I shake my head vehemently as panic sets in. Skylar watches me closely, concern deepening in her eyes. “River, you have to talk to me. Is it... about him? Is that what’s been bothering you?”

“No!” I choke. I shake my head again. “It’s just that… The d-dress… It-It reminded me of the gown I had which was ruined because of… um something.”

She gasps. “OMG! Seriously?”

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