A Weekend of Choices
The next morning, the city awoke to a digital storm. Vanessa’s social media feeds lit up — photos of boutique shopping bags, luxury spas, and champagne lunches. “A woman should know her worth,” she wrote in one post, tagging every brand she could.
Ethan saw the posts from his office screen and sighed. It was predictable — but confirmation nonetheless.
By Saturday evening, Chloe sent him a message. Investing in art, she wrote, alongside a photo of her posing beside a painting at an exclusive gallery. Her purchases — high-end decor, sculptures, rare prints — were sophisticated but self-serving. Ethan respected her taste, yet the emptiness behind the gesture was familiar.
Then there was Maria.
No posts. No calls. No trace.
“Maybe she’s overwhelmed,” David suggested. “Or maybe she’s smarter than the others and ran off to Mexico with your card.”
Ethan gave a faint smile. “No. That’s not her.”
Still, as hours passed in silence, a strange unease grew inside him.
