Chapter 2 - The Facade Crumbles
Ryan laughed—a loud, mocking sound meant to hide the sudden flicker of hesitation in his eyes.
"Your property?" Denise sneered, taking a step forward. "Listen to this arrogant girl! Ryan, tell her! Tell her who owns this place!"
Ryan’s face paled slightly, but he quickly forced a confident smirk. "Claire, stop being hysterical. You're my wife now. Everything you have belongs to me. This condo is in the Mercer family name now."
"Is it?" I asked, my finger hovering over the emergency security button. "Did you sign the deed, Ryan? Did your name magically appear on the title documents while I was asleep?"
"I don't need to sign anything!" Ryan snapped, his voice rising in volume as if shouting would make it true. "I paid for the renovations! I pay the building maintenance fees! My salary funds this entire lifestyle!"
I looked at him with genuine pity. He actually believed his own lies. For two years, Ryan had convinced his mother, his friends, and even himself that he was a self-made high-earner. He had bragged to Denise about his "executive perks," his "investments," and how he was providing a luxury life for his Northwestern-educated bride.
In reality, Ryan was an assistant sales manager making eighty thousand dollars a year. The maintenance fees he claimed to pay were automatically debited from my private trust account. The "renovations" were funded by my parents' wedding gift.
He had taken my generosity, wrapped it in his fragile ego, and served it to his mother as proof of his dominance.
"Ryan," Denise said, her brow furrowing as she noticed the genuine lack of fear in my eyes. "What is she talking about? You told me you bought this penthouse cash after your last commission payout."
Ryan swallowed hard, sweat suddenly glistening on his forehead. "Mom, don't listen to her. She's just trying to turn us against each other because she's embarrassed."
"I pressed the button ten seconds ago, Ryan," I said calmly as the red light on the security panel began to flash. "The Gold Coast building security and the Chicago Police Department are on their way up."
"You crazy bitch!" Ryan yelled, lunging forward to grab my wrist.
May you like
Before he could touch me, the heavy oak front door chimed, followed by a loud, authoritative knock.
"Chicago Police! Building Security! Open the door!"
