Chapter 5
“Of course,” Selena said before I could respond, smiling as if she belonged there already.
Cole didn’t look at me when he said it. He was still watching Selena.
I lowered my eyes and smoothed a hand over the dark blue dress in my arms. “Whatever you want.”
The birthday dinner that night was held in a private room at the Officers’ Club.
The Sterling family had always loved appearances. Even a casual birthday meal had to look like a polished little performance. Crystal glasses. Imported wine. White roses arranged in low vases across the long table. Cole’s mother sat at the center like she was presiding over a ceremony rather than dinner. Selena sat on Cole’s right. I sat on his left.
Anyone with eyes could see who truly belonged there.
“Ava,” Mrs. Sterling said as soon as I took my seat, her gaze sweeping over my plain dress with thinly veiled disdain. “Why do you always dress like this? A birthday dinner isn’t a field drill.”
Before I could answer, Selena laughed lightly. “Mrs. Sterling, don’t be so hard on her. Mrs. Sterling probably prefers comfort. Not everyone cares about presentation.”
That earned her an indulgent smile.
Cole said nothing.
He didn’t correct her. Didn’t defend me. Didn’t even glance my way.
Throughout dinner, Selena seemed to forget she was a guest and acted more like the hostess. She poured Cole wine. Refilled his water. Plucked a piece of cilantro from his plate with an intimacy so natural it made my stomach turn. Cole let her do all of it.
At one point, Mrs. Sterling looked at them and sighed almost wistfully. “Some people just fit together.”
Then she turned to me. “Ava, your father called earlier. He mentioned the legal office would be processing some paperwork soon. Did you know about that?”
My hand tightened around my chopsticks.
Cole finally looked up. “What paperwork?”
I met his eyes for the first time that night.
“Divorce paperwork.”
The room fell silent.
Cole’s face changed instantly. “What did you say?”
I set down my chopsticks. “I said I’m divorcing you.”
Mrs. Sterling’s expression sharpened, but she didn’t look surprised. Selena, meanwhile, froze with her wine glass halfway to her lips.
Cole stared at me like he had suddenly forgotten how to breathe. “Ava, what nonsense are you talking about?”