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Richard was a \u201cconsultant.\u201d Bella was a \u201clifestyle curator.\u201d Neither of them actually produced anything, but they were very good at spending money. Money that Richard assumed came from his \u201chard work\u201d and savvy investments.<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t know the investments were me.<\/p>\n
I sat quietly, sipping a glass of tap water (the champagne was for \u201cVIPs,\u201d Bella had told the server), watching my son laugh with a group of tech bros.<\/p>\n
Then, Bella appeared.<\/p>\n
She was wearing a gold sequined dress that looked like liquid metal. She had a glass of red wine in one hand and a look of horror on her face.<\/p>\n
She marched over to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cMargaret!\u201d she hissed.<\/p>\n
I looked up. \u201cYes, dear? It\u2019s a lovely party.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d she snapped, pointing at the sofa.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m\u2026 sitting?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the Cloud sofa?\u201d She looked at my grey wool skirt. \u201cYou\u2019ve been gardening today, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n