My Husband Chose Her Over Me Novel

The crystal champagne flute trembled in my hand as I watched my husband of three years move through the crowd like a predator among prey.

Polished and pristine in his midnight blue formal attire, Prince Caden Verloren was the picture of royal perfection—a masterpiece I once believed I had some part in creating.

“You’ve barely touched your drink, Your Highness,” Lady Mirabelle whispered, her voice dripping with false concern. “Is something troubling you this evening?”

I forced my lips into the practiced smile that had become as much a part of my royal wardrobe as the heavy crown that often adorned my head.

“Not at all,” I lied. “Just savoring the moment.”

What a bitter thing to savor. The Grand Hall of Verloren Palace glittered with more jewels and secrets than stars in the night sky.

I’d grown accustomed to both during my years as Caden’s wife, though neither brought me comfort anymore.

“He looks especially handsome tonight,” another courtier remarked, her eyes following my husband’s movements with poorly disguised hunger.

“The future king in his element.”

“Indeed,” I replied, the single word nearly choking me.

I remembered a time when Caden’s smile had been reserved for me alone.

When his hand would find mine beneath the table during tedious state dinners.

When his eyes would seek mine across crowded rooms just like this one, a silent promise that we were in this together.

Those days had vanished like morning mist before the summer sun.