Beneath the Billionaire's Shadow

onight's gala, but it was the only option, simple enough to avoid Arthur's anger. He despised anything that drew attenti

eyes. Exhausted, in fact. Arthur's impact on her was so severe that no amount of makeup could conceal it. Harriet

doing?" she

causing her to lose her balance. The caller ID showed

t through the silence, sending a chill down h

I..." The

ched tightly around the phone, as his word

tside and hailed a cab, settling into the seat as the car sped through the glittering lights of New

New York elites, sparkled under the illumination of dazzling crystal chandeliers. The sight of men in tailored suits and women in stunning gowns creates a cap

s true identity. His laughter mingled with the music, creating an aura of confidence. Harriet felt a sharp pain in her chest,

in his smile vanished immediately as his gaze swept over her

arm tightly. The pain was sharp, but Harriet sto

stammered, her voice barely above a whispe

g into her skin. "You make me look foolish,

linked rapidly, holding back he

her arm away as though her touch was someth

drifting over the glittering scene. She spotted Janet across the room, laughing with a group of executives. Janet's laughter seemed easy, her posture confident. They had once been close, sh

apher in front of her and Arthur startled her. "A pictur

and punishing. He leaned closer, his voice a low, harsh whisper. "Smile," he

oved on, Arthur dropped her hand, his distaste clear as he turned back to the crowd, leaving her standing alone

rthur mingled around, drawing laughter and admiration from every corner. She lingered in the background, feeling like a ghost as she

But as they returned to Arthur's mansion,

holding something in his hands. Harriet felt her throat tighten, making it difficult to brea

hispered, her voice barely audible

red that ran deeper than mere disappointment. "The marr

opped to her knees, her hands shaking as she reached for the torn fragments, each piece slipping through her fingers

e ignited, fed by years of suppression, being belittled, dismissed, an

ze hardening as she looked into the hallway mirror. With a renewed sense of determination burning through

he moved forward with a renewed sense of purpose, the spark within her ignited, propelling her into a future of her own making. But as she took her