Chapter 1

The moment Vera Susan stepped into the First Crystal Hotel, she radiated an air of unwavering confidence, her chin raised as though she owned the space. Her sapphire gown sparkled under the gentle illumination of the lobby lights, hugging her form and gracefully falling just above her knees, showcasing legs that seemed endless. Each stride in her black heels resonated with determination.

Even with the simplicity of her three-quarter sleeves and the unembellished design, the outfit exuded elegance, much like the woman herself. Vera's hourglass figure and refined features drew attention, but it was the intensity in her gaze that caught eyes as she approached the engagement celebration of her ex-boyfriend and former best friend.

The betrayal still lingered, yet this evening was not about sorrow; it was about vengeance. She intended to disrupt their engagement, regardless of the repercussions.

As she navigated through the opulent lobby, Vera's pace hesitated briefly when she noticed a small girl standing alone, her little face contorted in confusion and on the verge of tears. Even amidst her own turmoil, Vera's nurturing instincts emerged.

"Hey there, sweetheart," Vera’s voice changed to a softer tone as she knelt down, "are you okay? Are you lost?" She saw the glimmer of tears welling in the girl's wide eyes, and instinctively, she reached into her bag.

Having a fondness for treats, Vera always carried a lollipop. She retrieved one, its bright wrapper shimmering in the hotel’s polished lights. “Here, take this. Don’t feel sad, alright? Now, tell me what’s bothering you.”

The girl's expression transformed almost instantly. Something about Vera’s gentle approach seemed to ease her distress. Accepting the lollipop, the girl beamed shyly. "Big sister, would you like to meet my uncle?"

Vera chuckled softly, her lips curling up in amusement. "No, dear. I have other matters to handle tonight." She playfully ruffled the girl’s hair and added, "But let’s find the front desk so they can assist you in locating your parents."

"There you are, Nourah!" A deep voice interrupted the moment. A man, sharply attired in a white shirt and black coat, emerged from behind Vera. His dark hair framed a strong jawline, and it was the authoritative air in his disappearance that grabbed attention. As he approached, his gaze locked onto the girl and then onto the lollipop.

"Never accept candy from strangers," the man admonished, gently taking the lollipop from the child’s grasp. His words were firm, yet his tone had a hint of protectiveness.

Vera’s smile faded, her brow creasing in irritation. She stood tall with her arms across her chest. "You ought to pay better attention to your daughter, sir. What kind of father allows his child to wander alone? Quite careless, wouldn’t you say?"

The man’s piercing gaze shifted toward her, a fleeting look of something indescribable crossing his features. He opened his mouth to reply, but Vera turned away before he could utter a word. She had more important matters to focus on than arguing about parenting with some conceited stranger.

Still, she couldn’t resist glancing back at the little girl, feeling a twinge of compassion as the child reached out for her ‘father.’ The man certainly didn’t embody the image of a devoted parent, but the way he held the girl's hand with firm reassurance made Vera reconsider her judgment.

Setting aside the interaction in her mind, Vera concentrated on the task at hand. Soon, she found herself in front of the entrance to the grand ballroom. Her heart tightened as she read the sign: "Engagement Party for Bryan David and Sandra Cynthia." Just seeing their names together sent a sharp twist through her chest.

Bryan, her boyfriend for four years, had ended their relationship a week ago without any warning or explanation. And Sandra, her best friend for an even longer duration, had betrayed her in the most painful way possible. Vera had discovered through a mutual acquaintance that the two were getting engaged today. The betrayal still burned like acid in her bloodstream.

There was no more time for tears. She was here now, and they would have to confront her. Both of them.

A hotel staff member approached her at the entrance. "Miss, could I please see your invitation?"

With a practiced smile, Vera handed it over. Her heart raced in her chest, but she maintained her composure. The staff member nodded, a bit doubtful, but gestured for her to enter.

As the doors opened, Vera inhaled deeply. The ballroom was filled with guests, all captivated by their conversations and the extravagant meal laid out in front of them. The atmosphere was alive with soft laughter and the sound of clinking glasses.

Vera scanned the room as she took her seat among some former colleagues from GHM Media Center. Their whispered gossip barely registered as she was handed a glass of wine.

"Would you like some wine, miss?" a waiter asked courteously.

"Is it included in the package?" Vera’s voice was steady, though her heart raced.

"It is. Several bottles have been provided by the couple."

"Then yes, wine sounds perfect." She managed a smile as her glass was filled. One drink down. Five more followed. Each sip intensified the fire within her.

By the sixth glass, she spotted Bryan and Sandra at the front, surrounded by their families. They hadn’t noticed her yet. But they would. Soon.

The hostess took the microphone, announcing with a bright smile, "Now that we’ve finished our meal, let’s hear from our lovely couple! Bryan, Sandra, please share your beautiful love story."

Bryan stood, tall and confident, his usual charm concealing the coward she knew him to be. His voice boomed as he began, "Sandra and I met through a mutual friend, and..." He paused, his eyes sweeping over the crowd until they landed on her.

Vera’s breath hitched as their gazes locked. For a brief moment, the room seemed to freeze. Bryan faltered, his confident facade cracking as he realized her presence. His mouth opened, but no sound emerged.

Sandra, blissfully unaware of the tension, encouraged him, "Honey, don’t stop. Tell them how long we’ve been together."

“Tell us, how long have you been together?” another guest chimed in.

"We've been together for eleven months now!" Sandra answered for Bryan, turning to face the guest who asked.

Someone in the crowd chimed in, laughing, "Hey, Bryan, people at the media company thought the other girl was your girlfriend. I guess she was just the bridge to Sandra, huh?"

Before Bryan could reply, Vera stood, her face flushed from the wine but her mind sharper than ever. "And this is my moment!"

All eyes were on her as she confidently walked toward the front. Bryan’s face drained of color, while Sandra looked as if she might faint.

Vera welcomed all the attendees, fixing her gaze on Sandra and her family. Bryan's parents had only met her once since they lived in another city, but Sandra's parents were certainly familiar with her.

"I’ll take care of that question!" She announced confidently as she casually strode to the front. In her mind, she felt a thrill at seeing the worried expression on Sandra's face, knowing she had successfully unsettled her friend.

Vera arrived at the microphone, beaming as she greeted Sandra’s parents. "Aunt Lillian, Uncle Williams, it’s wonderful to see you again."

"Oh, I didn’t think you would come to the party. I’m glad you decided to make it, Vera," Sandra Cynthia said before kissing Vera on the cheek.

“Vera, what are you doing here?" Bryan asked, realizing the trouble his ex-girlfriend was creating. "Are you drunk? Maybe you…."

"Yes! I’m a little tipsy, but I’m still able to speak coherently!" Vera pushed Bryan away as he attempted to grasp her arm.

Turning to Bryan's parents, she said, "Hello, I’m Vera. I was your son’s girlfriend for four years, and we broke up a week ago. You must remember me, right? We met just over a year ago."

Bryan's parents exchanged confused glances before looking at Sandra and then at Lillian and Williams.

"Vera, this is ridiculous. Haha!" Finally, Sandra rose to stop Vera from saying anything further. Although she tried to mask the truth, her voice quivered as she said, "You’re obviously drunk and speaking nonsense."

"Vera, I'm warning you." Despite Bryan's warning attempts, she continued to speak, glaring at him and pushing him away.

"I just wanted to clarify a few things for everyone here." Turning completely, Vera addressed the audience and declared, "I was the mutual friend of Sandra and Bryan." She laughed and added, "Because I was Bryan’s girlfriend until last week! And Sandra has been my best friend since my freshman year of college!"

"Bryan, do something!" Sandra glared at her fiancé, and Vera noticed the anger in her eyes after revealing the truth to everyone present!

"But, it’s fine," Vera smiled at Sandra’s parents, observing their flustered expressions. "I see Sandra as my sister. I don't mind passing my belongings on to her."

Vera, "..."

"And I don't hold Bryan responsible." Vera turned her attention to her ex and revealed, "I never gave him my virginity. Somehow, I always knew he wasn’t worthy of my purity!"

Looking at the crowd, she continued, "I’m glad Sandra was there for Bryan, fulfilling all his desires." She winked at Sandra and added, "She was always great at that!"

"Vera! That’s enough!" Bryan approached her again and firmly grasped her arm. "It’s time to go!"

"Oh, don’t worry, I’m leaving. My new boyfriend is waiting outside, so I really should get going," she said, gently freeing her arm.

Pausing briefly to glance at everyone, she commented, "As the saying goes, when one relationship ends, a much better new one begins."

"Sandra, Bryan, I genuinely wish you both the best." She picked up a filled glass of wine from a nearby table and proposed a toast. "To my best friend and my ex-boyfriend; may the heavens treat you well as a married couple," she added with an intense gaze. "Just as you treated me."

Raising her glass, she concluded, "Cheers!”