CHAPTER 2
"I love you." He said. "I will always be by your side and will never let you down." He said.
Smack! Smack! Smack! I aggressively hit the steering wheel in frustration with my hand.
"Fuck you Michael!" I screamed on top of my lungs.
How could I have been so foolish to not realize his deception, to have truly trusted him. I was so stupid. I gritted my teeth as I gripped the steering wheel, raking my other hand through my hair.
I angrily wiped away the tears that were beginning to form at the edges of my eyes. "Stop shedding tears for that deceitful snake Kate. After so many fucking years! I am done allowing him to manipulate me that way!!"
I inhaled. "You can do this, Kaitlyn'," I encouraged myself. "It's time to move forward and begin living for yourself."
I breathed deeply to calm myself and began driving towards the restaurant where I would meet my friend Emma for dinner.
She had been a significant source of support during the last couple of months, allowing me to release all my frustrations and anger when I felt overwhelmed by Michael's betrayal.
I got to the restaurant and walked in after I have parked my car, seeing Emma already seated at our usual spot with a glass of wine ready for me. I embraced her tightly in a large hug.
"I really needed to see a familiar face tonight," I expressed as I sat down opposite to her. Earlier, Michael and his chic tried to come at me again at my apartment."
"What the hell did they do?" Emma inquired with a worried expression.
I began to describe Melissa's foolish effort to provide me with a sanitized explanation for why she had been involved in an affair with my partner right in front of me. Emma shook her head in disgust while I ranted.
She said fiercely after I finished. "I just want to grab both of them by the hair and smash their thick skulls together. The sheer boldness of that witch showing up at your house like that is absolutely stunning."
"I know right?" I strongly agreed. "Am I just supposed to listen to her explanations and then say, 'It's alright, everything is fine now'? Just like that!"
Emma vigorously agreed and promptly shifted the conversation, recognizing my need for a break from revisiting the drama.
The wine and talking out my frustrations helped me relax gradually in the following hours.
Emma always had a way of bringing a smile to my face and helping me escape my worries, even if just temporarily.
We had been inseparable since our first year in college, supporting each other through countless highs and lows.
While embracing her outside the restaurant to say goodbye, I reflected on how lost I would have been without a consoling friend like her to rely on following Michael's inexcusable behavior. The idea of having a snake like Melissa in my life made me shiver.
The following days went by quickly, as I concentrated on taking each day as it came and avoiding falling back into the hopeless state I had been in for a while.
I immersed myself in my work with a fresh resolve, seizing every chance to tackle additional projects and duties to stay busy and prevent my mind from straying.
Weeks after the Melissa incident, I was busy reorganizing a supply cabinet at work when my cell phone began to ring. I thought about ignoring the call and letting it go to voicemail, but when I saw it was my cousin Danielle, I answered.
"Hello there, how are you doing, young lady?" I mentioned, placing the phone between my shoulder and ear to continue working.
"Oh my gosh Kaitlyn, I am shocked you kept it a secret from me!" Danielle exclaimed suddenly. "I recently came across Michael shared pictures from his honeymoon with that lady on I*******m!"
A rush of emotions; anger, hurt, and sadness made me feel like I couldn't breathe. It felt as if I had been making good progress, but then I was forcefully pushed back by two steps.
"Is anyone there? Kaitlyn, are you there?" Danielle's tiny voice came through again.
"I-I'm here, yeah," I choked out, struggling to keep it together at work.
"How are you managing? "Danielle expressed sympathy. 'That sounds terrible for you, God.'"
"I'm...I'm okay," I dishonestly claimed, feeling far from okay as thoughts of Michael and Melissa enjoying themselves on a beach invaded my thoughts. "I need to leave now. I will catch up with you later.
I didn't wait for her reply before ending the call and hastily putting my phone in my pocket with trembling hands.
The cabinet I had been organizing was completely messed up, with its contents scattered across the floor due to my rushed actions.
I retreated from the supply room, feeling the need to create some space between me and the recent events.
I quickly scanned the room until I saw the bathroom on the other side of the hallway. I headed straight for it, throwing open the door and securing myself in the biggest stall.
It felt as if a floodgate had been opened within me. Any progress I believed I had made in getting over this was completely crushed by an overwhelming wave of unavoidable pain and sadness.
Furiously, I wiped away the warm tears running down my cheeks, forcefully removing them as they rolled.
"Stop the fucking tears Kaitlyn!" I shouted at myself with clenched teeth. I would not allow Michael to continue having this influence on me. I had to have more strength than what I currently possess.
"Take deep breaths. In and out exit gradually. Rediscover your sense of balance," I told myself.
After the tears gradually decreased, I retrieved my phone once more, my fingers shaking. I had to see it for myself. Summoning my courage, I opened Michael's I*******m profile and clicked on the recently posted photo album titled "Paradise."
As I scrolled through, I could feel happiness and joy radiating from each frame. Michael and Melissa were relaxing together on a perfect beach, their bodies closely intertwined.
Another picture shows them enjoying a champagne toast, their faces filled with sheer happiness.
An increasing number of agonizing pictures showing their apparent joy as newlyweds displayed for all to see.
The last image was the one that truly pierced my heart.
The scene depicted Michael lying without a shirt on a beach towel with Melissa in a bikini sitting on top of him, engaged in a passionate kiss and fully immersed in each other.
Underneath, the caption stated "Living the life of my dreams with my dream girl. The man who is the most joyful in the world.
I let out a harsh, choked sound involuntarily as a new wave of anguish washed over me.
This was an excessive, excessively cruel cosmic prank being played on me by the universe.
Melissa would definitely not hesitate to show off her prize in public, completely disregarding the pain and embarrassment it would bring me. I was merely an unintentional casualty in her self-centered quest to ultimately win over the man I had loved deeply.
I couldn't keep myself composed any longer following that. I had harsh, convulsing sobs as I curled up on the dirty tiled floor, pulling my knees into my chest. As I buried my face, the phone fell from my hand and made a loud noise when it hit the ground, while I allowed myself to be consumed by gut-wrenching tears.
That's the way my colleague and friend Sarah found me roughly fifteen minutes later as she walked into the bathroom, quickly worried by the noises of my anguish. I sensed her touch on my shoulder as she softly attempted to console me.
"Kaitlyn what's wrong?"
I struggled to raise my head, realizing I must have appeared completely insane at that moment - disheveled hair, smeared mascara on my puffy face, curled up helplessly on the bathroom floor.
"He..." - "He..." I attempted to escape while struggling to catch my breath. “Michael posted photos from his honeymoon.”
Sarah's face showed a flicker of comprehension. She was aware of the entire scandalous tale.
"Oh Kate..." she whispered empathetically, embracing me in a comforting hug. I felt like I had finally found relief from drowning as I melted into her embrace.
Sarah showed great kindness at that moment. She comforted me, easing my cries with gentle hair strokes and comforting words. After I regained enough balance to stand, she dampened paper towels and assisted me in cleaning my puffy, tear-streaked face.
"Have you been looking after yourself during this time?" she inquired after I had somewhat regained my composure.
I laughed without humor, recognizing that the dark circles under my eyes revealed the true tale. I don't think so.
"I'm giving it my best shot, I promise."
Sarah gazed at me with intense sadness, as if she could perceive the profound extent of the suffering I had been consumed by.
CHAPTER 3"I don't want to go with it, Sarah," I sulked, acting like a child as she pulled me towards the mirror to tidy my messy hair.You should take a moment to examine yourself. "You look extremely disheveled," she remarked with accuracy.My appearance suggested I had been sleep deprived for several days, featuring under-eye bags and disheveled hair resembling a bird's nest.Observing my worn-out appearance only emphasized the complete exhaustion, both physically and emotionally, caused by Michael's betrayal.After a short while, Sarah had performed her magic.She skillfully enhanced my complexion with makeup and styled my hair into gentle, flattering waves. As the final step, she gave me a sleek black dress to put on. She had brought me over to my apartment, not allowing me return back alone and wallow in self pity."There, much better," Sarah said with a pleased grin while I marveled at my reflection in the mirror.The tight-fitting dress highlighted my curves perfectly, resulti
CHAPTER 4I quietly giggled as I politely left Sarah to go to the bathroom. The stunning man had been staring at me all night, but I refused to look at him again to satisfy his curiosity.I swayed through the crowd, adding a little more sway to my hips. Allow him to observe as much as he desired, I am capable of playing this game as well. Tonight, I regained control and felt empowered.Upon arriving at the bathroom, I pushed the door open and suddenly halted. The place was a total mess, with puddles of liquid - hopefully just beverages that were accidentally spilled - scattered throughout the tacky floor. Discarded makeup wipes and balled up toilet paper were scattered all over the place.The blonde at the counter, wearing heavy makeup, was the most worried as she slumped over and snored lightly with streaks of mascara on her cheeks."Uh, pardon me?" I dared to shake her shoulder slightly. Excuse me, ma'am? You are not allowed to sleep in this place."She woke suddenly with a loud sno
CHAPTER 5I couldn't shake off the feeling of that man from yesterday's party as I stared at the paper in my hands. I stood, looking at myself in the mirror. He had slipped it into my hand before leaving.When I looked at it was an address, a place I could meet him. On the paper it was written that he would send someone to pick me up.I knew I couldn't trust strangers, but there was something about this man that I couldn't shrug off. An aura of mystery and intrigue that had me feeling unsettled yet undeniably drawn in.Sarah walked up from behind me, spotting the paper in my hands. "You still thinking about him?" She asked with a sly smirk.I chuckled to myself, both amused and exasperated by her relentless prodding about my apparent "admirer" from last night. "Don't get your hopes up too high.""Why wouldn't I?" She shot back impishly. "He seems pretty interested in you. And he looked pretty rich too." She punctuated her point by taking a dramatic sip of coffee.Sarah, though perpetu
CHAPTER 6"Over there," Sarah mentioned, moving back with a content nod. "You are prepared to go and pursue your billionaire playboy."I let out a nervous laugh, running my hands gently over the smooth cotton shirt she had assisted in choosing. "Take it easy. I have no idea what this even is, to be honest."Sarah gave me a sharp glance. "Young woman, I beg of you. That guy was ogling you from the other side of the club. He obviously desires to devour you next.""Perhaps he is simply a harmless eccentric who delights in gathering intriguing individuals."Before Sarah had a chance to reply, a loud car horn honked outside. Both of us looked at the windows and I was amazed to see the shiny luxury car parked outside my humble apartment building.Sarah dryly remarked that she believes that is your mode of transportation. "Shall we?"“I still wonder how he knows where I live.”She linked her arm with mine and practically pulled me out before I could hesitate and change my mind, “Leave that f
Chapter 7Nervousness took hold of me, preventing me from forming any words when I tried to respond.What surprises or plans did this enigmatic, influential man have in store for me at this moment?Estefan appeared to detect my fear and laughed deeply before moving towards me with stalking, predatory strides. Romano saw this as his signal to leave, leaving only the two of us in the vast penthouse space."Please, come over. Feel at home," the billionaire graciously offered with a sophisticated…I took a seat on the comfy chair he pointed to, and saw a man approach from behind him, delivering a document to Estefan.He accepted it without saying anything, sipping his drink again while looking through the documents.Kaitlyn Prime's, parents have passed away. At 25 years old, your fiancé betrayed you by marrying your best friend recently. You never completed your college education and are currently shifting between two jobs.As Estefan casually listed off intimate details of my life from t
Chapter 8The abnormality of my decision is hitting me hard, and it’s really becoming a burden on my conscience. I just made a decision to get married, I just handed in my signature, and already, I’m second-guessing myself.My mind is filled with thoughts of conflicts. Have I done the right thing by accepting his offer? I know there is no turning back now; I had signed the contract, altering my fate. I sighed heavily and took a deep breath, trying to pull myself together, and remind myself why I was here.“You don’t seem sure about this.” Estefan voice jerked me out of my thoughts, I looked up to find him watching me intently, can’t say how long he’s been staring at me or why he said that. He doesn’t look too curious but he looks skeptical about me, He might think I’m backing out.“I am” I replied softly, the words sounded hollow to even my own ears making me unsure of myself, maybe he could doubt that but I want to make him know that I mean business too and nothing is getting in my w
Chapter 9For a moment, He looked like he was going to say something more, he hesitated then simply nodded, I’m not sure if I could ask what he wanted to say, maybe he doesn’t trust me yet but I also don’t trust him. “We won’t make an announcement immediately.” He added. “I still need to confirm something’s.”I wonder what it could be but I let it out. Maybe one day, things will be different, and everything will be okay or not, it might even get worse. I can’t just comprehend that but I know am trapped somehow.Estefan called in a well-dressed lady, her appearance pristine and professional. Her name is Sophia, and she is introduced to me as the nanny. Though I found it odd, I realized quickly that her role extended beyond childcare; she was a caretaker of the entire household, including me, it seemed."Mrs. Salvatore," Sophia began, her voice smooth and calm, "shall we start the tou
Chapter 10After I accepted Estefan's proposal, the days that followed were filled with a flurry of emotions and preparations. Sarah was a ball of energy who guided me into this unfamiliar world I was about to embark on. Without any delay, Estefan's staff scheduled fittings, meetings, and even a crash course on public speaking and etiquette. The official contract signing day soon arrived. Surrounded by legal professionals and assistants, I found myself in a modern and elegant conference room at Estefan's corporate headquarters. With a confident and composed demeanor, Estefan took the lead at the table. "Are you ready?" he inquired, his intense gaze meeting mine in a way that both scared and encouraged me. I took a big breath and nodded. "Ready."Estefan's attorney helped me understand every word in the confusing legal terms by taking me through each part. The contract was extensive, addressing every conceivable situation and guaranteeing my and Estefan's protection. We made it t
Chapter 117Melissa sat across from Michael cold and with a rigid posture, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She had waited long enough, and now it was time to lay her cards on the table. In a calm yet resolute manner, she uttered those words that would change everything between them.“I want a divorce, Michael.” Her wavering eyes were locked onto his, as she declared. “And I don’t expect you to fight this.” She waved a hand at him.Michael sat motionless as he blinked, trying to process what she had just said, slowly letting her words sink in. Divorce? They had their issues, sure, but he hadn’t expected this. Not now, though their relationship was heading in that direction, but he wasn’t expecting this so abruptly.Melissa continued; her voice was strangely calm, as if she had rehearsed the lines many times before. "I don’t want anything from you. No money, no property—nothing. I can take care of myself." She exhaled sharply, as if relieved to get it off her chest.He tried to
Chapter 116Michael and Melissa Apartment Melissa’s heart raced as she watched Michael, waiting for his response. The room seemed to grow colder; the sound from the television was barely audible at the moment amidst the tension between them. She had put everything on the line with her question, and now she needed the truth, no matter how painful it might be.Michael leaned back on the couch, rubbing his face with both hands. His mind was spinning as his heart conflicted. He wanted to be honest with Melissa, but even he wasn’t entirely sure of the answer. How could he explain the complicated feelings he still harbored for Kaitlyn while trying to build something real with Melissa?Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Michael spoke. “Melissa, I can’t lie to you,” he began, his eyes meeting hers with regret and frustration. “I’m trying to move on. I really am. But Kaitlyn... she was such a big part of my life. It’s hard to just... erase that.”Melissa felt her heart sink. Though sh
Chapter 115“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say for a while now,” Melissa began, her voice shaking slightly. “I know things between us haven’t been... easy.”Michael set down his wine glass, turning to face her, fully curious at what was bothering her so much that she was struggling to say. “What do you mean?” he asked. He had been through enough drama lately, and the last thing he needed was more, at least not today.Melissa looked away, her fingers tapping nervously on her knees. She wasn’t sure how to begin or if she should even say it, but she knew she had to. “I think,” she started, “we’ve been avoiding the real issues between us. The truth is... ever since Kaitlyn...” She hesitated as she saw the tension and anger in Michael’s eyes at the mention of her name.Michael interrupted her with a sharp tone. “This again? Melissa, for God’s sake, how many times are you going to bring up Kaitlyn? She’s not the problem. We are.”Melissa bristled at his words, feeling her frustrati
Chapter 114Estefan Penthouse Kaitlyn stirred awake as the early morning light flowed through the curtains, giving a warm glow over Estefan's bedroom. Her mind was still foggy, but as she blinked herself awake, the events of the previous night came flooding back. She had once again found herself in Estefan’s arms and in his bed, after their return from the glamorous launching gala. The intensity of their connection, the way their lips found each other, how their bodies intertwined, and the emotions that followed were still fresh in her mind. She buried her face deeper into the blanket, feeling embarrassed yet excited as the memories replayed in her mind.After lying still for a while, Kaitlyn decided she needed to get up. Slowly, she tried to inch her way out of the bed, careful not to disturb Estefan. But just as she was about to slip out, she felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her closer. She frozen, thinking he might wake up, but when his grip loosened slightly, she re
Chapter 113The crowd’s whispers filled the grand hall as Estefan and Kaitlyn made their way toward the stage. Their striking entrance had left an indelible mark on the room. All eyes were on the power couple as they walked magnetically full of radiant and effortless grace that demanded attention.Kaitlyn tried to steady her nerves, aware of the scrutinizing gaze of the audience. Though she was used to being the center of attention, the significance of tonight, coupled with Estefan’s bold move to escort her publicly, had made her emotions swell. He hadn’t told her he was going to walk her.She couldn’t deny the comfort she felt as she felt his warm hand resting lightly on her back, guiding her forward. She had been avoiding him lately since the passionate night they shared together and couldn’t believe he would be there for her tonight.Estefan leaned in as they approached the stage and said in a low and intimate whisper. “You’re doing great, Mi Reina. This is your night, and I wouldn
Chapter 112The next morning at the hospital, Melissa was lying in bed; she hadn’t sustained any physical injuries from the accident, but the shock of the impact was still taking a toll on her. Both Michael and Melissa shared a private room in the hospital because of Melissa's status as a high-class model; the tension between her and Michael was still there. Vanessa sat beside her, too focused on slicing the fruit she had brought with her earlier; she was trying to distract herself from an uncomfortable situation in the room.Michael, meanwhile, was seated on his bed; his arm was bandaged and there were a few visible bruises on the side of his head. His friends had come to check on him immediately; they had received the news. They chatted together, but Michael’s mind was elsewhere. His eyes darting between Melissa and the door, nervous about the potential fallout of last night’s crash, and more so, the aftermath of his encounter with Kaitlyn from the night before was still much there.
Chapter 111As Melissa stood outside the hotel, grumbling under her breath, she tapped her foot impatiently, glaring at the valet. Her frustration was bubbling over, and she let it all out on Michael as soon as they got in the car."I can’t believe you’re still chasing after Kaitlyn like some love-struck puppy, even after she’s married," she spat in anger. "You’re pathetic, Michael. She doesn’t want you, and she never will. You’re nothing but a puppet, her puppet!"Michael kept his eyes on the road, one hand gripping the steering wheel, the other propped on the window, supporting his head. His mind was far from Melissa’s insults. He was deep in thought, replaying the evening’s events in his head. The last time he had a confrontation with Kaitlyn, Estefan had scheduled an emergency inspection at the subsidiary division he was managing and didn’t later show up as he had scheduled, which he believes was a clear message of warning. Michael had brushed it off then, but tonight... tonight,
Chapter 110Before anyone could dwell too much on the unease, the lights dimmed as the moderator returned to the stage, signaling the next phase of the evening. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the grand toast to the future of Salvatore Group. Please raise your glasses as we celebrate the legacy and the bright future ahead.”Glasses clinked all around, and Estefan’s arm tightened around Kaitlyn’s waist as they stood together, lifting their glasses in unison with the room. The atmosphere shifted to one of celebration, and Kaitlyn allowed herself to relax a little, the earlier confrontation fading as she focused on the positive energy around them.Adrian was occasionally stealing glances at Estefan and Kaitlyn, his mind still processing everything. He hadn’t missed the brief tension that had unfolded earlier when they returned from wherever they had been. His sharp eyes moved toward Melissa, who was seated with Michael now, her face set in a smug, satisfied expression. She had clear
Chapter 109Kaitlyn squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by Melissa’s malicious smirk. “Steal your husband?” she said slowly; her voice was firm and clear. “Let me make one thing very clear, Melissa; I don’t want Michael. I never did, and I never will. So, don’t make this about me trying to take something that isn’t even worth having.”A huge blow was given to Melissa's face as her smirk faded at Kaitlyn’s words. Melissa narrowed her eyes dangerously as she opened her mouth to retort, but Kaitlyn wasn’t finished.“You might want to ask yourself why your husband has been lurking around me instead of standing by your side tonight,” Kaitlyn added coldly. “I didn’t seek him out. He’s the one who can’t seem to let go of the past.”Michael flinched, caught in the crossfire, but he still didn’t speak. His guilt was written all over his face, and Melissa saw it. She knew Kaitlyn would never approach Michael first, but she couldn’t admit that to Kaitlyn.“Oh, please,” Melissa snee