What if your husband cheated on you and entangled with your best friend? What would you do?
Celine Thomas was troubled by this problem.
"Mr. Deleon expressly invited me to accompany him on this business getaway," Alicia Talley began, her voice filled with a mix of pride and awe.
"Just last night, we embarked on a yacht, sailing out into the vast sea. It was so extraordinarily romantic, I nearly wept."
She gestured to the diamond earrings that dangled from her ears. "He gifted me these. A whopping thirty million dollars he spent on them. He said I looked stunning wearing them."
Alicia tossed her head back in a flippant, coquettish manner. Diamond earrings sparkled against the backdrop of her skin, but what was also evident were the love bites scattered around her neck.
Celine Thomas took one look and quickly averted her gaze, revulsion etching her features. She had been married to Kaeden Deleon for two years, and he had never even bothered to wish her a happy birthday, let alone present her with lavish gifts. But now, he not only had an affair with her best friend, but he also gifted her with expensive jewelry.
Kaeden, the young CEO of Deleon Group, had amassed a fortune in his youth. His wealth and charm were like magnets, attracting women even though he was a married man. Many envied Celine for being the wife of such a man within just two years.
However, Kaeden couldn't even wait for two full years before taking a mistress. And the mistress was none other than her best friend!
"Celine, please, let Kaeden be with me," Alicia pleaded, her voice trembling. "He's chosen me. If you keep clinging to him, it'll only bring you both pain."
Celine's lips curled into a bitter smile, her eyes glinting with icy disdain. "Me? Clinging? Are all mistresses as shameless as you these days?"
Alicia's face fell. "I understand your anger, but love isn't something we can control. Kaeden loves me. We belong together..."
Celine's eyes hardened, her voice icy. "How dare you, Alicia! You're bold enough to pursue my husband!"
Alicia's face paled. "Celine, don't be cruel... Let's find a way to make this right, so you won't hinder my relationship with Kaeden..."
Hinder them? Alicia had the audacity to use this word when she was the one who had stolen her best friend's husband?
Alicia nervously bit her lower lip, continuing, "Can't you see, Celine? You've been married for two years, and Kaeden barely touches you. Isn't that proof enough that he doesn't love you?"
At this, Celine let out a cold sneer. She picked up a glass of water from the table and splashed it onto Alicia's face. The water was scalding hot, causing Alicia to leap up from her chair, shrieking in shock, "What the hell, Celine?!"
Celine glanced at her indifferently. "I thought you might be thirsty after all that talking."
Alicia was left speechless. Celine rose from her chair and stared down at the woman before her. "A good splash of water is the best way to cleanse a whore like you. Think twice before you provoke me again, or it won't just be hot water next time."
She took some cash from her purse and tossed it onto the floor. "Since you've chosen to be a whore, you better behave accordingly. If you dare to confront me like this again, I'll ensure you leave in more than just discomfort."
With that, Celine left, not bothering to glance back. Alicia's makeup was running down her face, her eyes burning with hatred as she stared at Celine's retreating back.
"Just you wait, Celine Thomas. I'll make sure you fall from your high horse!"
Back at the North Road Apartment, Celine returned to the home she and Kaeden had purchased as their love nest. Despite being an apartment, it was worth more than a villa.
Aunt Greta, their housemaid, greeted her with a warm smile. "Welcome back, Madam. Dinner is ready if you'd like to eat."
Celine shook her head and headed to her room. "I'm not hungry."
She entered the master bedroom, a beautifully decorated yet empty space. Celine knew the emptiness reflected her own heart. She opened a drawer and pulled out her and Kaeden's marriage certificate. The photo showed a younger, happier version of herself, while Kaeden looked handsome but cold and distant.
She had always known that Kaeden didn't love her, but she had hoped that her enthusiasm might change his feelings. Sadly, she was gravely mistaken. Even after two years, his indifference towards her remained.
With a heavy heart, she tossed the wedding photo into the trash and headed to the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the room as she prepared to wash away the pain and start anew.
