Viya's POV
I watched as Lucius made no move to correct her. I felt as if I'd been slapped. Three years of marriage reduced to "a friend's sister." I wanted to correct her, to claim my rightful position. But what was the point? Soon enough, the lie would become truth.
The others nodded in understanding, accepting the explanation without question.
Julian sat at the head of the table and motioned to me. "Viya, come sit. I saved you a spot."
"Thanks," I replied, grateful for Julian's outstretched hand of friendship.
During dinner, one of my younger colleagues leaned toward me. "Viya, I heard you were married before. What happened to your ex-husband?"
The table fell silent, all eyes turning toward me. I took a sip of my wine, feeling oddly calm.
"He cheated on me with som
