Five Years of Shadows I Should Have Known

To marry into the Levitan fortune, I fabricated my entire past.
The day my lies were exposed, I sliced open my wrist. If you divorce me, I told Chris Levitan, my voice shaking, Ill die right here.
A cruel, mocking smile touched his lips. You want the title of Mrs. Levitan that badly? Fine. You can have it. I hope you dont live to regret it.
That move saved my marriage, but it made me the laughingstock of the citys elite.
From that day on, Chris treated me as if I were invisible. His affairs were constant tabloid fodder. He brought women home, brazenly, and once, he made me kneel outside his bedroom door while he was with one of them.
Youre so obsessed with status, hed sneered, his voice muffled through the wood. You clawed your way into this family with cheap tricks. So now youre going to watch and learn how a real woman pleases me.
That night, I knelt on the cold marble floor and listened to them, again and again.
Later, he tossed a used condom at my face. You truly are pathetic. Youd do anything to keep your title. His voice was laced with contempt. Now, Im out. Go buy me more.
I did as he asked, even thoughtfully purchasing a variety of styles.
This continued for five years. Until the day Chris walked in with a college girl on his arm and ordered me to dress her for a gala.
That was when I calmly presented him with a set of divorce papers. Lets end this.
Five years. I had fulfilled my promise. It was time to leave.

Claire, this is Tiffany. Im taking her to the gala tonight. I need you to find her a gown. Chriss voice was clipped and dismissive. And get my mothers sapphire necklace. Its a gift for Tiffany.
A cold knot formed in my stomach. The sapphire necklace was the most cherished piece of his late mothers collection. Chris treasured it. Other women hed been with had admired it, begged to even try it on, but hed never allowed anyone to so much as touch it.
And now he was giving it away to this girl. This one, he must truly adore.
I stood frozen. Tiffany broke the silence.
Mr. Levitan, she purred, looking me up and down, is your maid always this slow? You gave her an order, and she hasnt even moved.
I met her gaze. Her eyes danced with malice. She knew exactly who I was. This was a deliberate provocation.
As expected, Chriss face darkened. The back of his hand cracked across my cheek. Do you have a problem with that? Look at yourself. Whats the difference between you and a maid? Now go get the jewelry. If you make me late, how exactly will you compensate me?
Tiffany gasped, covering her mouth with a perfectly manicured hand, her expression a caricature of innocent shock.
Oh, Im so sorry! I had no idea you were Mrs. Levitan. Its just your clothes you look so much like the help.
I glanced down at my simple housedress and apron. She wasnt wrong.
Tiffany then shot a playful, chiding look at Chris. Darling, you shouldnt have done that. Making your wife work for me? Im just your humble assistant. She leaned in, tracing a finger along his lapel. Look, youve bruised her cheek. Be careful, she might get angry with you.
Chris laughed as if it were the funniest joke hed ever heard. Her? Get angry? He sneered at me. A woman who built her life on a mountain of lies? A woman who had to resort to threats and hysterics just to stay here? She has no pride. She does whatever I tell her to do.
His fingers, cold as ice, clamped onto my chin, forcing my head up. Isnt that right, Claire?
This time, however, I was going to disappoint him. I held out the papers Id prepared long ago. My voice was even, devoid of emotion. I want a divorce, Chris.
He stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing, his face a mask of derision.
After five years of playing the pathetic lapdog, youve realized that act doesnt work on me? So youre trying a new strategy? He leaned closer, his voice a low threat. Are you out of your mind, Claire? Trying to manipulate me with this? Youre playing with fire. Youll just end up on your knees, begging me to take you back.
Now, go get the gown and the necklace, and attend to Tiffany properly. If you do, Ill pretend this little outburst never happened. Otherwise, you know I wont be so forgiving.
I sighed. I am serious, Chris. I want a divorce. This isnt a game. I pushed the papers toward him again. Just sign them, and Ill be gone.
Tiffanys eyes immediately filled with tears. Oh, darling, she really is upset, she whimpered, clinging to his arm. Look how convincing she is.
I shouldnt go to the gala with you tonight. You should take your wife. Then maybe shell stop this little drama.
Chriss face hardened. He slapped me again, harder this time. Then, right in front of me, he ripped the divorce papers to shreds and threw the pieces in my face.
So thats what this is about. You want to go to the gala with me. His eyes raked over me with disgust. Have you looked in a mirror? Taking you to a black-tie event? Do you want to embarrass me even more than you already have?
Claire, know your place. Someone like you belongs in this house, as a maid. Dont you dare dream of anything more.
I dont want to go with you, I just
Enough! he roared, cutting me off. Youre caught in your own pathetic little scheme and you still wont admit it. God, Ive never met a woman as shameless as you.
After the stunts you pulled to stay here, after five years of groveling, you expect me to believe you actually want a divorce? Thats hilarious.
He turned, wrapping a tender arm around Tiffany. Ill buy you a new gown, darling. The most beautiful one in the city. I only want you by my side tonight. As for everyone else, he shot a venomous look at me, theyre only fit to shine your shoes.
Tiffany buried her face in his shoulder, her voice a faux-shy whisper. Dont say that, Chris. Youll break your wifes heart.
He scoffed. Like I care.
As they left, Tiffany glanced back at me, a triumphant smirk on her face. Dont you worry, Mrs. Levitan, she said, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. Ill take very good care of your husband.
After they were gone, I shook my head and started packing. My phone rang.
Ms. Hayes? Its Adrian Cole. We need to iron out a few final details on the collaboration we discussed. Im at the grand ballroom at The Regis Hotel right now. Would you be able to meet me?
Adrian was a crucial business partner. I immediately dropped the suitcase.
Of course, Mr. Cole. Im on my way.
When I arrived at the ballroom, dressed in haute couture, the first person I saw was Chris. His back was to me, his arm around Tiffanys waist as he chatted with a group of friends.
Chris, youve got good taste this time, one of them was saying. How long are you planning to play with this one?
Chris leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Tiffanys forehead. Tiffany is the love of my life. Shes not like the others. Im going to love her forever. He shot his friends a warning look. Dont joke like that again, or youll regret it.
So what about the ball and chain at home? another friend asked. She put up with your flings before because she knew they were just games. What do you think shell do when she finds out this one is serious? A woman that obsessed with you might do something crazy.
Chriss tone was pure contempt. What could that pathetic doormat possibly do? You all know the truth. As long as I let her stay, shed kneel at our bedside and serve us if I asked her to.
Haha, youve got her wrapped around your finger, Levitan. You dont see that kind of devotion these days.
I had grown numb to words like these. I was about to turn and walk away when Chris turned around.
For a split second, I panicked, bracing for a confrontation. But his eyes slid right past me, not a flicker of recognition in them.
Marcus, Ive been waiting for you, he said to one of the men. You said you had a VIP you wanted me to meet.
I almost laughed. I looked down at my silk gown, the delicate jewelry, the professional makeup. Of course he didnt recognize me. How could he possibly connect the glamorous woman standing before him with the drab, weary housekeeper he left at home?
I walked away and found Adrian. We immediately dove into the details of our contract.
Ms. Hayes, I have the utmost respect for your talent, Adrian said earnestly. Its a shame youre unwilling to move abroad. We could be doing so much more together. He sighed. The international market desperately needs an expert with your deep knowledge of traditional silk brocade. With you leading the charge, Chinese artistry could become the next global luxury standard.
Adrian had invited me to expand internationally many times, to share the beauty of our craft with the world. I had always refused, tethered to my life with Chris.
But my time was up. Now, I could finally chase my own dreams.
Actually, Im planning to move abroad now, I said, a new sense of resolve hardening my voice. The beauty of our brocade needs to be understood not just by our own people, but by the world. I want to see it take its rightful place among the great luxury houses.
Adrians eyes lit up with excitement. Are you serious? But you always said you wouldnt leave the country.
I had some unfinished business here, I replied. But its been settled. Im ready to take our brand global.
Thats fantastic! I
Adrian was cut off by another voice.
Well, well, Adrian. I was wondering where youd disappeared to. Scheming with a beautiful woman, I see.
A cool look passed over Adrians face. Marcus, this is Ms. Hayes, my esteemed business partner.
I recognized the man as one of the friends Chris had been talking to. Realizing his blunder, Marcus quickly apologized. My apologies, Ms. Hayes. That was out of line.
Then he turned to Adrian. Speaking of which, Chris Levitan has been dying to meet you. Since youre both here, let me make the introduction.
Chris approached, his demeanor now humble and professional. Mr. Cole, a pleasure. Ive heard great things. I also heard youre looking for a designer specializing in traditional textiles. Coincidentally, Tiffany here is a graduate of that very program. She has an exceptional portfolio Id love for you to see. Im sure a collaboration would be fruitful.
Tiffany feigned a gasp of delighted surprise. Youre the Adrian Cole? Ive admired your work for years. It would be the honor of a lifetime to collaborate with you.
I had to hand it to her; her audacity was something to behold. Shed already promoted herself to collaborator before hed even spoken a word to her.
Adrian, though usually affable, had a very sharp edge.
A cold, dismissive smirk crossed his face. Who are you? And are you an idiot? When did I ever say I wanted to work with you? Dont embarrass yourself.
Tiffanys face flushed crimson, her eyes instantly brimming with tears.
Seeing his new love humiliated, Chris bristled. Mr. Cole, thats an incredibly rude way to speak to her. Tiffany is a top graduate from a prestigious university. She expressed her admiration, and you insult her? Thats completely unprofessional.
Adrian rolled his eyes. And I need her admiration because? Are you serious?
Seeing that Adrian was not going to back down, Chris was about to lose his temper when Tiffany stopped him.
She bowed her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. Its my fault. I was presumptuous. I was just so excited to meet Mr. Cole. Please, blame me. Dont let this affect your relationship with Mr. Levitan.
I dont care for cheap theatrics, Adrian said, his voice like ice. And besides, I already have a designer. Ms. Hayes.

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