Chapter 7
In the space for the bride’s name, Renee Diaz had pressed her signature so hard that the ink nearly bled through the paper. It was clear just how resolute she’d been in that moment &
Garrett knew Renee too well–she would never joke about something like this.
Not long after their wedding, Renee became pregnant with his first child. He remembered sitting beside her on the couch as they scrolled through videos together. One clip featured a woman who threatened her husband with divorce every time they argued, and the man always caved and apologized.
Garrett had always looked down on such behavior. He despised being manipulated or threatened.
Renee had turned to him, her expression eamest.
“Garrett, I’d never threaten you with divorce lightly. If I ever say those words, it means I’m truly leaving.”
Back then, Garrett’s mind had been elsewhere, preoccupied with finding a way for Renee to end the pregnancy. Tania had come to him in tears, saying Sampson was infertile. If Sampson couldn’t become chairman of The Morgan Group, Garrett would be the one to suffer.
He hadn’t taken Renee’s words seriously. Now, replaying the memory, Garrett felt a wave of anxiety he couldn’t shake.
After Tania spoke, the guests around them exchanged mocking glances–not at him, but at Renee Diaz.
Renee had suffered multiple miscarriages, and behind her back, people in their social circle had even given her a cruel nickname: “the barren Madonna.“}
Garrett had heard the rumors before and always dismissed them with a casual smile. But now, every glance felt like a stab, and his patience with Tania was wearing thin.
Today was Renee’s birthday. Was it really necessary for Tania to say such things about her in front of everyone?!
Other people might not know why Renee lost those babies, but Tania certainly did–or at least should.
Garrett’s expression hardened.
Tania, Renee is your aunt by marriage. Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to keep calling her by her first name?“)
Tania hesitated, looking a little embarrassed.
“1–I’m just used to it. Renee Diaz is my friend, after all.”
“Is that so? I’ve known Renee longer than you have. All her life, she’s never run after anyone, never begged for anyone’s affection. Even when you took Sampson from her, she never tried to hold on. So why do you say things like that? Is this how you treat your friends?“}
He glanced around the room.
“Tonight’s party is over. I need to find my wife. Everyone else, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Tania reached for his arm, trying the same old trick.
“Garrett, I’m not feeling well. Please don’t go.“%
But this time, Garrett didn’t give in. He’d always seen Tania as fragile and in need of protection. But after what she’d just said, everything he thought he knew about her had changed.
He pulled his arm free, his tone cool.
“If you’re unwell, see a doctor. Sampson should be home from his trip soon–ask your husband to look after you. I’m just your uncle by marriage, after all.”
Tve done all I can for you. From now on, you and Sampson are on your own. Whatever there was between us ends here. I’m going to find Renee.”
“And one more thing–those things you said tonight, I never want to hear them again. Don’t keep taking advantage of Renee’s kindness just to turn around and slander her. You’d do well to remember that.“%
With that, he walked out without looking back.
As soon as he got home, his private doctor called.%
“Mr Morgan, wasn’t Tania’s fashion show supposed to be invitation–only? How did photos end up everywhere online? What if your wife sees them? She’s just had a miscamage–she can’t handle any more stress.”
That’s when Garrett realized: someone had leaked photos of him and Tania from the event, and they’d gone viral.
Had Renee seen them too?
Just then, a new message landed in his inbox–a voice memo from Renee.
