"No."
He looked at the destroyed ballroom.
"No."
"This was the day you decided to destroy someone innocent."
He turned back to me.
"Come on, sweetheart."
"We're leaving."
I looked around the room one final time.
My eyes met Dominic's.
For the first time in three years...
I didn't see the man I loved.
I saw a stranger.
Someone who watched me fall.
Someone who waited until others decided whether I deserved protection.
He whispered my name.
"Vivienne..."
I shook my head.
"No."
The word was quiet.
But final.
"You don't get to say my name like you still know me."
His face changed.
Pain.
Regret.
Fear.
But it was too late.
I walked away with my father.
Leaving behind the ballroom.
The marriage.
And the version of myself who had spent years begging to be respected.
Because tonight...
Everyone learned the truth.