Love did not disappear in a single moment.
Sometimes it died slowly, then stood up at last and walked away.
“No,” she said. “We were married. Tonight, I became a witness.”
Julian flinched.
Arthur’s assistant approached Clarissa and handed her a second envelope.
She did not open it.
Julian saw it and panicked. “What else?”
Clarissa held the envelope lightly. “This is my resignation.”
“From what?” Chloe snapped.
Clarissa looked at Julian.
“From pretending.”
She turned to the crowd.
“My name is Clarissa Vance. I married Julian Cross because I loved him. I hid my family because I wanted to be loved without my father’s money attached. I thought modesty would prove my sincerity.”
Her voice softened.
“But a woman should not have to become small to be worthy of devotion.”
The room was silent.
Even those who had come for power, tax benefits, and social climbing lowered their eyes.
