Chapter 52“It means you’re still in love with her! Melissa accused Michael of his obsession over Kaitlyn trying hard to divert the attention away from herself. “You’ve never gotten over her, and now you’re using these rumors as an excuse to obsess over her all over again.”Michael was taken aback by her outburst, but he couldn’t deny the truth in her words. He had been thinking about Kaitlyn more than he should, and it was getting at him. But that didn’t change the fact that Melissa was just as obsessed with her.“And what about you?” Michael shot back. “You’re just as obsessed with Kaitlyn as I am. You’ve been trying to tear her down ever since she got married. Why can’t you just let it go?”“Because she doesn’t deserve to be happy!” Melissa cried, her voice breaking. “She had everything, Michael. And now she’s married to a billionaire while we’re stuck here, watching our marriage fall apart.”Michael’s heart sank as he realized how deep Melissa’s resentment ran. He could see the pa
Chapter 53Contains Flashback to the Last Salvatore Family DinnerAdrian Salvatore had always been a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it. However, the recent discussion at the family dinner days ago had left him with more questions than answers. The dinner grandma Elena had planned was intended to address the growing rift between him and Estefan, but for Adrian, it had only served to solidify his suspicions.As Adrian sat in his office, his thoughts drifted back to that evening. The entire family had been aware of the rift between him and his brother, but no one dared to speak openly about it, except for Elena.He could still hear her firm and authoritative voice as she addressed the table. "We’re family, and family comes first. Whatever is going on between you two needs to be resolved. I’ve seen enough division in this family, and I won’t stand for it."He had been doing a lot of thinking lately; had his brother really worked out his present position as the managing directo
Chapter 54Back at home, Melissa had spent the day idle. The fight with Michael had left her feeling exposed, and she couldn’t stop replaying his words in her head. She knew she should apologize and try to make things right, but a part of her was too stubborn to back down.Instead, she focused on her own obsessions. Her jealousy of Kaitlyn had become all-consuming, and she found herself fixated on finding ways to sabotage her. Melissa knew it was unhealthy, but she couldn’t help herself. Every time she saw a picture of Kaitlyn and Estefan in the news, every time she heard someone talking about how perfect their marriage was, it fueled the fire inside her.She spent hours on her laptop researching Kaitlyn, looking for any scrap of information she could use against her. It was a way to channel her anger and resentment. But nothing felt enough about how she intends to bring Kaitlyn.Melissa was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t hear the front door open or the sound of Michael’s
Chapter 55The days that followed were intense for both Michael and Melissa, but there were changes. They were both making an effort to communicate more, to be more present with each other, and it seemed to be helping. But there is no denial that the rift between them was still there.Michael threw himself into his work, trying to clear out the doubts about Melissa that still bother his mind. He knew that he couldn’t afford to let his obsession with Kaitlyn consume him, but it was easier said than done. Every time he saw a photo of her in the media, every time he heard her name mentioned in passing, it was like a knife twisting in his gut.But he kept his promise to Melissa. He didn’t reach out to Kaitlyn, didn’t try to find out what was going on in her life.Meanwhile, Melissa had decided to keep her struggles to herself. She had minimized her activities and her outings, if not work-related. All in an attempt to divert Michael’s attention away from her. But it was a constant battle f
Chapter 56A few days later, Kaitlyn was dressed and ready for a charity event she’d been invited to attend as Estefan’s wife. The event was a high-profile affair, hosted by one of the city’s most prestigious charities. It was the perfect opportunity for Kaitlyn to step into the public eye again and begin solidifying her position in Estefan’s world.Estefan was out of the country on a business trip since the day before. Kaitlyn then decided to invite Sarah to accompany her to the event. Kaitlyn knew she could count on her to make the evening more enjoyable; at least she would have a familiar face there and someone to gossip with about the event.“Are you sure you want me to come?” Sarah asked over the phone earlier that day. “I don’t want to interfere with your affluence; not sure I would fit in there.”“Of course I do!” Kaitlyn replied, laughing. “It’ll be more fun with you there. Besides, I could use a friend by my side. These events can be pretty boring. And don’t worry about anyth
Chapter 57The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Kaitlyn. Melissa’s smile faded instantly as she gave Kaitlyn a dangerous look.“Do I have a bid for one hundred and fifty thousand?” the auctioneer repeated, looking between Melissa and Kaitlyn.Melissa hesitated, clearly taken aback by Kaitlyn’s bold move. She hadn’t expected Kaitlyn to challenge her so directly, especially in such a public place. The tension in the room was evidence as everyone waited to see what would happen next.Kaitlyn maintained her composure, her expression calm and confident. She knew she had the upper hand now. Estefan’s wealth afforded her the ability to outbid Melissa without a second thought, but more than that, this was about proving to Melissa that she wasn’t the naïve woman she used to be.After a moment of silence, the auctioneer began to call for a higher bid. “Do I have one hundred and seventy-five thousand?”Melissa clenched her teeth, trying to decide whether to continue. She could feel the e
Chapter 58Michael and Melissa ApartmentMeanwhile, Kaitlyn and Sarah were over the moon celebrating their victory. In another part of the city, Melissa stormed into the house, slamming the door behind her. Her chest rose with frustration as she tossed her purse onto the couch and began pacing the room. She couldn’t believe how the night had turned out. Everything had been going perfectly until Kaitlyn showed up and ruined it all.Michael, who had been sitting in the living room, looked up at her with concern. “Melissa, what happened?”“What happened?” Melissa gave a sarcasm scream. “What happened is that your precious Kaitlyn made a fool out of me tonight!”Michael sighed, knowing where this was going. “Melissa, calm down. Tell me what happened.”Melissa stopped pacing and glared at him. “She outbid me at the auction, Michael! In front of everyone! Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?”Michael frowned, trying to keep his own emotions in check. “Kaitlyn outbid you?”“Yes!” M
Chapter 59The maître d’ approached the table Melissa and her friends were dining at. With all professionalism, he politely asked, “Excuse me, Ms. Walker, we have another party that has just arrived and will be positioned a few tables to yours. We hope that won’t be a problem on your end, and you wouldn’t mind either.”Melissa barely acknowledged him as she raised a hand and waved him away, gesturing for him to do as he pleases. It was obvious she was uninterested in whoever else was dining at the restaurant. The maître d’ ushered the new group of ladies, and as they walked past Melissa's table, her heart almost instantly stopped working when she recognized one of the women to be Kaitlyn Salvatore, her ultimate rival, walking in company of two other women who were both elegantly dressed as they chatted away.Kaitlyn was accompanied by her new friends, Lydia Brown and Evelyn Hart. Kaitlyn looked effortlessly elegant, her confidence radiating as she walked across the room. The maître d’
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