![\"\"](\"https:\/\/readmore.cx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/tap-here.webp\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cI know, babe,\u201d Mark said, patting her head condescendingly. \u201cJust\u2026 try to look a bit more presentable tomorrow. The promotion party is a big deal. The CEO might be there. I don\u2019t want you looking like\u2026 well, like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
He gestured at her apron.<\/p>\n
Elena smiled. It was a cold, sharp smile that Mark didn\u2019t notice because he was already looking at his phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure everyone knows exactly who I am tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later that night, as Mark snored beside her, Elena\u2019s phone lit up on the nightstand. It was Mark\u2019s phone, actually. He had forgotten to silence it.<\/p>\n
A message from \u201cJessica \u2013 Work\u201d: I can\u2019t wait to be your queen tomorrow night. Your stupid wife won\u2019t suspect a thing. Wear the blue tie I bought you.<\/p>\n
Elena stared at the screen. She didn\u2019t cry. She reached under the bed and pulled out a velvet box. Inside was a platinum seal ring with the NovaStream crest.<\/p>\n
She whispered to the sleeping man, \u201cYou wanted a queen, Mark. Be careful what you wish for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part 2: The Party of Masks<\/p>\n