The Kept Man's Ruin
First, she was all over my fianc, praising him as a titan of industry for pulling up in a Rolls-Royce.
Then, she was in my ear, whispering that my designer bag was a cheap knockoff, that I was just another wannabe socialite who could get a condo just by batting her eyelashes.
When she found out we were shopping for our marital home, she made sure the whole showroom could hear her when she said, You know, I thought that godfather of yoursthe one who bought you two places last timehe seemed to treat you pretty well.
And then, the kill shot: Oh, right. I seem to recall there was more than one. Do they all know about each other?
I just smiled. Because my godfathers are exactly that. And the heiress part? Thats real, too.
The funny thing is, my fianc he was just the scholarship kid Id put through school.
1
After Ethan finally met my grandfather, the wedding was officially on. We left dinner in the Rolls grandpa had gifted us, heading for a new luxury condo building that had just opened up downtown, ready to buy our first home together.
The moment we arrived, I darted off to the restroom. I was in a hurry and accidentally bumped into a saleswoman coming out. A sharp, irritated hiss cut through the air. Watch where youre going.
I glanced up at her name tag: Brenda Dunne, Senior Sales Executive.
She caught me looking and her lips curled into a sneer. She leaned in, her voice a low, conspiratorial insult. Some people think a knockoff bag makes them real society, she murmured. Spend all day in a lobby they cant afford, taking selfies for the gram and using the bathroom. Pathetic.
I took a deep breath, my rebuttal already on my tongue, but she just shoved past my shoulder and stalked off.
When I came out a minute later, the same Brenda Dunne who had just looked at me like I was something shed scraped off her shoe was now coiled around Ethan, her whole body contorted into a pose of flirty subservience.
Her voice, now dripping with saccharine sweetness, was a constant hum as she pointed out the buildings features, finding any excuse to press her chest against his arm.
I looked at Ethan, and I got it. It was his first time meeting my grandfather, so hed dressed the part. The custom suit, the Patek Philippe on his wristit was a uniform that women like Brenda were trained to read like a balance sheet. In a neighborhood where a square foot cost more than her car, a single commission could set her up for years.
The second Ethan saw me, he flinched back, creating a careful distance between himself and Brenda. He gave me a warm, reassuring smile. Sloane, there you are. Come over here.
Brendas head snapped in my direction, her expression curdling for a split second. Oh. Miss Montgomery. Youre with Mr. Hayes?
Im so sorry, she gushed, the apology sounding like an accusation. I saw your bag earlier and thought it was a knockoff. I just assumed you were here to use the facilities. We get so many wannabes in here for photo ops, you know how it is. Youre not mad, are you?
A knockoff? The bag was a gift from Ethan. And as for whether I was a "wannabe," Ethan knew the truth better than anyone.
Brendas words hung in the air. Ethans face flushed with awkwardness. Sloane, he said quickly, steering the conversation away. The location is perfect, its so close to your familys place. Should we take a look?
The last thing I wanted was to spend another second with Brenda. I walked past her, straight to Ethans side. Ive heard enough talk. Lets just see the model unit.
Ethan wrapped a gentle arm around my shoulder, playfully tapping my nose. Alright. Whatever you say.
While we waited for the elevator, Brendas eyes, shimmering with glittery eyeshadow, were glued to Ethan. Mr. Hayes, youre so accomplished for your age. You must be the CEO of your own company, Im sure.
Ethan offered a polite, noncommittal smile. Not quite a CEO.
Seeing his smile as an invitation, Brenda lowered her gaze and purred, Oh, youre too modest. Anyone who can drive a Rolls-Royce at your age has to be brilliant.
The elevator doors slid open. Brenda shot me a look of pure contempt before subtly tugging down the collar of her blouse, exposing the curve of her breasts. She then physically squeezed between us to get in next to Ethan.
As she pushed past, her stiletto heel came down hard on the arch of my foot. A sharp gasp of pain escaped my lips. What the hell are you doing?
Brenda spun around, her face a mask of wide-eyed innocence. Miss Montgomery, I am so, so sorry! I was just trying to get the elevator button for you. Her voice cracked, turning into a desperate whisper. Please, dont report me. Im just a salesgirl. I dont have it easy like you you can just bat your eyelashes and get a condo. You can yell at me all you want later, I understand
Ethan saw the angry red mark on my foot and knelt, his touch gentle. Sloane, come on. It was an accident. He looked up at me, his eyes pleading. Ill carry you later if it still hurts.
A hot spike of anger shot through my chest, but I thought of the reason we were here. Our future home. My grandfather had finally given us his blessing. I was supposed to be happy.
I gave a stiff nod, swallowing my pride. I would endure it.
But the moment we stepped into the model unit, a sharp pain radiated up from my foot. I needed to sit down. As I moved toward the sofa, Brendas arm shot out, blocking my path. Miss Montgomery! Just one moment!
She scurried into the bedroom and returned with a stack of hand towels, which she proceeded to meticulously lay across the sofa cushions. This is designer furniture, Miss Montgomery, she said, her tone syrupy sweet. We have to be careful, dont we? Oh, don't get me wrong, I do this for all my clients. It's policy. She paused, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. Though, most of our clients from good families they just know these things. I guess your etiquette lessons didnt quite cover this.
That last line was a slap in the face. I shot to my feet. What is that supposed to mean?
Ethan looked over, his brow furrowed in concern. Brendas expression instantly morphed into one of fawning admiration. Miss Montgomery! You misunderstood! I was just saying how much I admire you for finding such a wonderful husband! Her smile was wide and predatory. Its not easy to marry into a family like his these days. Im truly envious.
Ethan came over and knelt by my chair, patting my hand. After this, Ill get you that gelato we talked about, okay? he murmured. Dont be angry. Youre not as pretty when youre angry.
Brenda clutched her towels, her face a picture of stunned innocence. Miss Montgomery, did I say something wrong? If I did, I am so, so sorry
I looked at Ethan, at his placating smile, and bit my lip. It was just one saleswoman. It wasnt worth it. Forget it.
Ethans face relaxed into a relieved grin. He pulled me up, and we began to tour the penthouse. It was a duplex, almost six thousand square feet of opulent design. Even the place settings on the dining table were worth more than my car.
I was admiring the view when I felt a sudden, hard shove from behind. I stumbled forward, my hands slamming onto the dining table. A deafening crash echoed through the room as thousands of dollars of crystal and porcelain shattered on the marble floor. A sharp pain seared my leg.
I whipped around. Before I could even speak, Brenda burst into tears. Miss Montgomery how could you be so clumsy I
Ethan rushed over at the sound of the crash. I stared at Brenda, my voice dangerously low. You pushed me.
Brendas eyes darted to Ethan, her lower lip trembling. Mr. Hayes, I swear I didnt This dining set it costs more than my entire years salary. Why would I ever risk having to pay for it?
I pointed to the small, discreet security camera on the ceiling and grabbed her wrist. You say you didnt? Fine. Lets go watch the footage.
Brenda tried to yank her arm away, her voice rising in panic. Ow! Miss Montgomery, youre hurting me Maybe you were just standing too close behind me, I didnt see you! You shouldnt have been standing there! She bent down, starting to pick up the shards of glass, her tears mixing with the mascara running down her face. The short skirt and the damsel-in-distress act were quite a performance.
I kicked a piece of broken glass in frustration. What kind of person do they hire in this place?
Seeing that I was genuinely furious, Ethan pulled me into an embrace. Sloane, its okay. I believe you, he whispered. Its broken, so its broken. Its not like we cant afford it. He changed the subject, his voice smooth. You know, Ive had a walk around. This duplex is perfect. It would make an incredible home for us.
At the word home, Brenda, still on the floor, flinched. Her eyes were red, her voice choked with fake emotion. But, Miss Montgomery you know, I think I think that godfather of yours, the one who bought you two other units he seemed to treat you pretty well. She paused, letting the implication sink in. Oh, right. I seem to recall there was more than one. Do they all know about each other?
Her use of the word godfather was drenched in insinuation.
Ethan and I both stared at her. She recoiled as if shed just realized her mistake. Miss Montgomery I didnt mean it like that I just I just remembered seeing you here before.
Ethan turned to me, his face a canvas of confusion. Sloane, what godfather?
Before I could answer, Brenda cut in. Mr. Hayes, dont misunderstand She hesitated for dramatic effect. Its just last month, I saw Miss Montgomery here with an older man. I think I heard her call him godfather. And then later, she was on the phone with someone else, calling him godfather too She finished with a sickly-sweet smile in my direction. But, you know, I could have misheard.
I drew out a long, slow Mhmm, a half-smile playing on my lips. You didn't misremember. I did buy two units in this building. Is there a problem? I paused. As for my godfathers
It took Ethan a few seconds to process, but when he did, his anger was directed at Brenda. How dare you spread rumors like that? Sloane would never be that kind of person.
Brenda shook her head frantically. But we have security cameras, Mr. Hayes. Facial recognition. You can check the records if you dont believe me
I was done with her. I grabbed my purse and walked towards the door. The agent who helped me last time was named Alice. She was far more professional than you. Ill ask for her.
Hearing that she was about to lose the sale, Brenda scrambled to her feet. Miss Montgomery! No! Im sorry, I was wrong!
Ethan hurried to catch up with me. Sloane, I believe you. Lets just get a different agent.
Back in the main sales gallery, a polished woman in a smart pantsuit walked briskly towards us. Miss Montgomery! Its so good to see you again so soon. It was Alice.
Ethan looked from Alice to me, and I met his gaze. Ethan, its true. I bought two apartments here a few weeks ago. My father was in real estate. He was always buying property, even while living abroad. Ethan knew this. He didnt press further, just squeezed my shoulder gently. I never said I didnt believe you. This is different. This is our home.
Alice beamed. Youre buying your marital home? Congratulations, Miss Montgomery!
Suddenly, Brenda came running up from behind, grabbing Alices arm. Alice, you know the client poaching rules! she hissed. I was the one who greeted Mr. Hayes first! You cant steal my client!
Her raised voice attracted stares. The sales manager hurried over.
Alice looked completely bewildered. Theyre buying a home together. Naturally, both of their names will be on the deed. But Miss Montgomery is my client. Her last purchase with me was less than 45 days ago. According to the retention rule, shes still mine.
The manager understood immediately. Thats correct. Per company policy, this commission belongs to Alice.
Brendas face contorted with rage as she glared at me. Then why didnt you say so earlier?!
I feigned innocence. First, if you really recognized me, wouldnt you already know that? Second, you latched onto my fianc the second he walked in the door. We never asked for you. Third, Im the customer. How would I know your internal policies?
Panic washed over Brendas face. She grabbed Ethans arm, her last desperate attempt. Mr. Hayes, I know I offended Miss Montgomery, and Im sorry but maybe maybe you could just put the deed in your name? I mean youre not married yet
A cold laugh escaped my lips. My parents were covering the down payment. Did Ethan really have the nerve?
He took a deep breath and shook her hand off his arm. Everything is at my fiances discretion.
The manager, realizing I was the one holding the purse strings, turned on Brenda. What are you waiting for? Apologize to Miss Montgomery right now!
Under his furious gaze, Brenda mumbled a pathetic apology. Then, with Alice guiding us, we didn't buy the duplex. We bought the 8,000-square-foot penthouse, the one with the rooftop garden and private pool. The total price was just over thirty million dollars.
Watching the color drain from Brendas face as she realized shed just lost a commission worth more than her house Ill admit, it felt incredible.
I thought that was the end of it. But two weeks later, I got a call from Alice. Miss Montgomery, Im at the new Highland Greens course out in the suburbs. I just saw Brenda here with your fianc.
I frowned. I knew the golf course. It was a wedding gift to Ethan from my father. Hed been spending a lot of time there recently, saying he wanted to get it running perfectly.
Alice continued, her voice cautious. I dont think she saw me. She was telling one of my clients that she was Mr. Hayess executive assistant.
His assistant? A real estate agent had become Ethans executive assistant?
I forced my voice to remain calm, thanked Alice, and drove straight to the golf course.
At the gate, a security guard stopped my car. Maam, do you have a tee time? he asked, looking my car up and down. No one gets in without a reservation. He sized me up, then added with a dismissive smirk, And the boss says we have to verify assets. No one with less than a million liquid gets past the gate.
I slid off my sunglasses. Is that right? Your boss has awfully low standards.
I got out of the car and strode past him. He moved to block me, but froze when I spoke again. By the time I leave today, this club might have a new boss.
I followed the location Alice had sent me. In the distance, I saw them. Ethans arms were wrapped around Brenda from behind, his hands over hers on the club, guiding her swing. Their faces were pressed close together. They looked happy.
Rage, white-hot and blinding, consumed me. I walked over, grabbed an iron from a nearby bag, and swung it hard against the stone pathway.
The explosive CLANG made Brenda jump. Hey! This section is closed for a private lesson, how did you
They turned. The moment they saw me, their faces changed.
Ethan dropped his hands from Brenda as if she were on fire. He forced a smile. Sloane! You should have told me you were coming. I would have picked you up.
I pointed the club at Brenda. What is she doing here?
Brendas eyes immediately welled up. She hid behind Ethan, the picture of pitiable innocence. Miss Montgomery, please dont blame him. After you broke that dining set in the showroom, I couldnt afford to pay for it. The company fired me. Her voice trembled. I had nowhere else to go I had to ask Mr. Hayes for help.
Her words caused a ripple of murmurs among the handful of business partners nearby.
Ethans face grew dark. For the first time in five years, he raised his voice to me in public. Sloane, I am the owner of this club. I dont need your permission to hire staff. Besides, I was there. I saw you break those dishes. I hired Brenda as my assistant to make things right for her. Its for your own good. We cant have that kind of story getting out.
The other men nodded in agreement, siding with him. Hes right, you should be more forgiving, one of them said to me. Give the poor girl a break.
The humiliation washed over me, a hot tide of red on my cheeks. In that moment, I felt utterly weak. Faced with their judgment, I couldn't find the words to defend myself. This was the man I had loved for five years, the man I was going to marry. And he was choosing this woman, this stranger, over me.
He had said he believed me. He had lied.
Just then, Alice appeared at my side, whispering something urgently in my ear. The world tilted on its axis. My heart plummeted, a sharp pain lancing through my chest. Tears I hadnt realized were coming streamed down my face.
Ethan rarely saw me cry. He panicked. Sloane, dont do this. Its not a big deal. He reached for me.
I slapped his hand away with a ferocity that surprised us both. Dont touch me!
I threw the golf club to the ground. Ethan, I screamed, my voice raw with pain, the wedding is off!
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