The show started with an intriguing performance from Utah’s top performers. Allyson tried her hardest not to look at Liam, even when she could feel his eyes all over her body. She felt twitchy.

“So what have you been up to?” Liam turned his attention from the stage, to Allyson. He spoke in a hushed tone.

“A whole lot.” She answered, wearing a poker face.

“The last time I checked, your dad's company was struggling, and even though I wanted to help you didn't let me. Is he doing better now?” This time Liam looked concerned.

Liam doesn't know she's married.

Yes, not many people know that Allyson is the wife of Roderick Chester, CEO and chairman of Novaspire. They never made their marriage public.

Allyson was in a quandary, she doesn't think it's a good idea to conceal her marriage from Liam, but on the other hand she was basking in the attention that came from his ignorance.

“He's doing great now, we were able to get investors who believed in the company.” Liam noticed she was a bit uncomfortable talking about this. She gently tucked her long dark hair behind her ear and turned her attention back to the show.

Liam felt terrible. He doesn't want to ruin this. He stole another glance at her and his heart skipped a bit, like it did when he walked in here and saw her. She looked stunning.

Cassie, was still on her phone. She was distracted.

Liam’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he excused himself.

“Hey,”Cassie reached out to Allyson who looked at sea.

“Yes,” Allyson looked back at her. “I love this piece, it's so chick.” She was referring to an immaculately beaded dress in the exclusive collection the model was displaying.

“Yeah. But it's not my style.”

The show was gradually coming to an end. Allyson was having so much fun, the lights, the cheering from the audience, the arts, music and champagne and sitting next to her best friend and Liam, brought back memories. She didn't want this night to end.

But all that was about to change.

“Thanks for paying for our seats.” Allyson smiled at Liam, who was clapping alongside others, when he got back.

“You're always welcome Ally, I really do hope you don't turn me down if I ask to take you out for dinner?” Liam was being too forward and pushy.

“I'll think about it…” Allyson's eyes caught a familiar figure at the far end of the room.

Sitting down and watching the stage was Roderick.

Allyson was befuddled.

What was he doing here? He was supposed to be in his office working on God knows what. It looked like he was having a good time, He looked relaxed and cheerful.

“Wearing the one and only limited version piece of art by Atelier Versace is another piece of art,” Allyson heard the host welcome the special guest for today's fashion show, everyone had their phones out and were really excited to meet the special guest.

“Is, Hazel Bennett,” the host blurted out, and the crowd cheered.

Hazel Bennett???

The color in Allyson's face drained immediately, and the epiphany of the whole situation hit her hard.

This was the reason Roderick has been so busy with work. She couldn't believe she was this stupid.

She looked at the corner where Roderick was seated, he had no idea she was here. He stood up and cheered.

Hazel Bennett made her way down the runway, she looked captivating, adorned with diamonds and gold dust, an enduring classic. Her smile could launch a thousand ships. Roderick looked so proud, his eyes lit up as she walked past him.

Allyson was shattered. Holding back the tears made her vision blurry.

She picked up her purse and dashed out. Both Cassie and Liam were clueless as to the reason for the abrupt change of mood. Cassie followed closely behind her, and a few people began to stare.

“Allyson please wait up,” Cassie called out to her.

Allyson stood still and calmly asked the valet to fetch her car.

“Are you okay?” Cassie asked, trying to catch her breath. “What happened? Did Liam do something to upset you?”

“How dare you Cassie?” Allyson flared, Cassie was shell shocked, she's never seen Allyson this angry. “Trying to set me up with a man, knowing fully well I'm married. You of all people should know better, you act like you've forgotten how things ended between me and Liam. You're always interfering in everybody's life, and it's exhausting. Please stop!” Allyson broke down, the feeling of betrayal enveloped her.

She knew Cassie wasn't the reason why she was upset, but she needed to say something, anything to anyone. Maybe that will ease the pain she's feeling. But it didn't.

The night breeze blew some of her hair across her face, but Cassie didn't flinch. She didn't know how to react to everything that just took place.

The valet drove her Mercedes Benz S-class, handed her keys to her, and without looking back at her friend, Allyson climbed in and drove off.

Cassie felt a sharp pain pierce through her heart. Allyson looked hurt, she didn't know why.

…….

Walking into the pitch dark room, Roderick knew Allyson was already asleep, so he walked in as quietly as he could, changed into his pajamas and slid into the duvet.

He heard someone sobbing and this startled him. Sitting upright on her side of the bed was Allyson. He reached for the switch of the table lamp and the bright orange light flooded the room.

“Are you okay?” This time he was genuinely perturbed by her capricious outburst. “Did something happen while you guys were out?”

There was silence. She quietly drew the covers and laid down back, facing the other direction.

“Fine, I had a long day and God knows I can't deal with this.” He switched off the light and went back to bed.

“You have been seeing Hazel Bennett.” She said, her voice sounded faint.

“What? No,” his response was strained as if trying to convince himself that she wasn't right.

She wasn't expecting him to admit it. But lying beside her, the floral scent of a feminine cologne filled the room, when he walked in. A cologne that wasn't his.

“I was at the fashion show tonight and I saw you, that wasn't your office Roderick,” She needed to hit something, or maybe punch him for lying to her.

“You're right, Hazel is back.” He sounded defeated and embarrassed. But there was no guilt in his voice.

That was all she needed to hear.