CHAPTER 1

Marisol adjusted her crimson gown as waiters circulated with champagne through the art gallery—her gallery—now transformed for their fifth anniversary celebration. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd of Silicon Valley elites and art world luminaries. "You've outdone yourself," Xavier whispered, appearing beside her with two champagne flutes. "Though I still think hiring your own gallery for your anniversary is peak Santiago ego." "It was my idea, actually," Marisol said, accepting the drink. "Neutral territory." Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Since when do married couples need neutral territory?" Before she could answer, Santiago's confident voice filled the room through the sound system. Her husband stood on the small stage, devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit. "Five years ago, the most extraordinary woman agreed to share her life with me," Santiago announced, his blue eyes finding her in the crowd. "Marisol, you've transformed my world with your passion and vision." The crowd awwed appropriately, and Marisol smiled despite the hollow feeling that had been growing between them for months. "Tonight, I'm thrilled to announce my newest venture—Project Estrella," Santiago continued. "A passion project dedicated to my brilliant wife, inspired by her creativity and spirit." Applause erupted as Santiago raised his glass. "To Marisol, my eternal star." "He seems sincere," Xavier murmured. "He always does," Marisol replied, clinking her glass against Xavier's before moving to join her husband. Santiago wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Surprised?" "Completely," she admitted. "What exactly is Project Estrella?" His eyes twinkled. "You'll find out soon enough. Tonight is just the announcement." As Santiago was pulled away by investors, Marisol circulated through the crowd. Near the restrooms, she paused at the sound of familiar names. "—Santiago and Cat again last night," a woman's voice drifted from around the corner. "Third time this week, leaving the office at midnight together." "Business meetings, supposedly," another voice replied skeptically. "Though why the marketing director needs private meetings with the CEO at midnight..." "Have you seen how she looks at him? Old flames never quite extinguish." Marisol leaned against the wall, her champagne suddenly bitter on her tongue. Cat—Catalina Delgado—Santiago's ex-girlfriend and now, apparently, his marketing director. "Enjoying the party?" The silky voice nearly made Marisol drop her glass. Cat stood before her in a skin-tight emerald dress that matched her calculating eyes. "Catalina," Marisol managed. "I didn't realize Santiago had hired you." Cat's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Six months now. Didn't he mention it? We've been working closely on several... projects." "How fascinating," Marisol replied, her heart pounding. "If you'll excuse me, I should find my husband." She located Santiago surrounded by admirers. "Can we talk? Privately?" In the back office, Marisol crossed her arms. "When were you going to tell me Cat works for you?" Santiago's expression darkened. "I didn't think it mattered." "Your ex-girlfriend working directly under you doesn't matter?" "It was years ago, Marisol," he said dismissively. "She's qualified, and it's strictly professional." "Professional midnight meetings?" Marisol challenged. Santiago's jaw tightened. "You're listening to gossip now? We've been launching a new platform. The hours are demanding." "And you couldn't mention any of this to me?" "Because I knew you'd react exactly like this!" Santiago ran a hand through his hair. "This is why I keep work separate. You immediately assume the worst." "Because people leave, Santiago," Marisol said, her voice breaking. "They always do." His expression softened. "Not me. Never me." The party continued until nearly midnight. As guests departed, Marisol helped Santiago into his jacket, feeling something hard in the pocket. "What's this?" she asked, reaching in. Santiago grabbed her wrist. "Just work stuff. I'll take that." But not before she glimpsed a black phone—not his usual smartphone. Throughout their marriage, she'd never once invaded his privacy, but that phone and his reaction ignited something desperate within her. Later, while Santiago showered, she found the phone charging in his office. Her hands trembled as she unlocked it—his standard passcode worked—and found only one contact: "C." The messages made her stomach drop. "Last night was perfect. These stolen moments keep me going." - C "Our secret arrangement is the highlight of my day." - Santiago "No one suspects a thing. Especially not M." - C Marisol set the phone down, her wedding ring suddenly heavy on her finger. Five years of building a life with a man who was living a double life. She grabbed her personal phone and dialed a number she'd saved months ago during a particularly dark period in their marriage. "Ghost Consultancy," a woman answered. "I need to disappear," Marisol whispered, surprised by her own resolve. "From a marriage, a life that isn't what I thought." "We can arrange a consultation," the woman replied. "Our services are comprehensive." "How soon?" Marisol asked. "We can begin immediately. Your new identity can be ready within—" The bathroom door opened. Marisol quickly ended the call as Santiago emerged, hair damp, wearing only pajama bottoms. "I have something for you," he said, reaching into his nightstand drawer. He pulled out a velvet box, opening it to reveal a stunning diamond necklace shaped like a star. "The Estrella de Marisol," he said proudly. "Custom designed. The first physical piece of the project." "It's beautiful," she whispered as he fastened it around her neck, the diamonds cold against her skin. "Just like its namesake," Santiago murmured, kissing her neck. As he held her, his phone lit up on the nightstand. Marisol could clearly read the notification: "Cat: Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Our secret stays safe." Marisol closed her eyes, the diamond star heavy around her throat. By morning, she would begin dismantling their life together, piece by piece. "I love you," Santiago whispered. "I know," she replied, the lie bitter on her tongue.