After sending the recording to Hugh, I felt a sense of closure. I’ve never been the type to quietly swallow my anger, so after Esther’s downfall, I had to make sure I stomped on her while she was down. Of course, I also wanted my blind ex-husband to see exactly who Esther really was.Just as I finished, I received a call from Zia.“Hey, babe! Did you hear? Your ex’s mistress, that little snake Esther, got arrested! God, it’s so satisfying. If I were you, I’d be too excited to sleep tonight!”Zia’s voice was full of energy. Every time I talked to her, it felt like getting a shot of adrenaline—I always felt more alive afterward.“You’re not wrong. And I’ve got an even better scoop. I was there when they arrested her! She looked like a crazy, venomous witch. Now everyone knows she’s no hero—she’s a murderer.”Half an hour later, Zia and I were at a bar with a table full of drinks, snacks, and a fruit platter. The bar’s lights pulsed, the atmosphere wild, and we drank, sang, and gossi
It seems that all the awkward situations in the world have a way of finding me.First, I stumbled into the wrong VIP room while drunk, only to discover that the guy inside was my childhood friend. Just as things started to get a bit ambiguous between us, my ex-husband showed up. To top it off, Zia suddenly burst in as if she had been waiting for the drama.“Whoa, what’s going on here?” Zia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between me, Zachary, and Hugh. She leaned in close to my ear and whispered, “Girl, tell me, isn’t it just more thrilling to hook up with a guy in front of your ex?”I rolled my eyes and wriggled out of Zachary’s arms. This time, he didn’t stop me but gently helped me find my footing.Hugh, however, immediately grabbed my wrist. “Come with me.”“And why should I? Who do you think you are?” I frowned, trying to shake him off.“Don’t test my patience, Shelia.” Hugh’s expression showed clear irritation.Before I could respond, Zachary grabbed my other a
I don't need his apology. Hugh stood frozen in place for what felt like an eternity, his eyes fixed on the brooch lying shattered on the ground. A ridiculous thought crossed my mind: Was he upset not just because of what happened to him and his wounded pride, but also because of our separation?If this had happened before our divorce - him giving me a brooch, carefully choosing a gift for me, trying to cheer me up - I would have felt like the luckiest woman in the world. But now, my heart was filled with nothing but anguish.I couldn't accept his gesture, nor could I soothe my own heart."Shelia, is this what you want too?" Hugh's voice was hoarse. "I want to hear it from you, Shelia.""I've already made myself clear," I replied. "If you're apologizing for Esther, I won't accept it. If you're apologizing for your passive-aggressive acts and misunderstanding towards me before, I don't care. We have no future together. I've fully accepted those hurts. Whether you apologize or not mak
The designer's name was Rose. We easily found out that she was hosting a private party at her villa the day after tomorrow. Unfortunately, Merlinda had to return to her university for some business, so I was left to attend the party alone.Since this was about potential collaboration, I wore a formal black dress - sexy and elegant, yet understated. My makeup was impeccable. I felt confident and in high spirits, but as soon as I walked in, I saw someone I really didn't want to see.Carol.Even more absurd was that she had come with Hugh.From what I knew about the siblings, they usually avoided appearing at the same events. Could it be that the Thornton family's bid for Ada's wedding project was a collaboration between Carol and Hugh? And Hugh had agreed to this?While I was lost in thought, I noticed Hugh's gaze fall on me. I quickly turned away, not wanting any interaction with him.I found Rose's assistant, who informed me that I'd only have a chance to meet Rose after the part
If I could have suppressed my feelings earlier, convincing myself that Hugh's defense of me was simply due to his upbringing and character, Carol's question now made my heart waver.But love?During those years together, I was his wife. Yet when other women appeared, he abandoned me without hesitation. I couldn't believe he loved me now.Or... even if he did.Esther was gone, out of the picture, and suddenly he remembered my worth.He started to love me again?This kind of love only made me feel nauseous, disgusted, and cheap!I couldn't accept it, no matter what.Hugh didn't answer, remaining silent for a moment before speaking. "Remember why we're here today. If you mess this up, I'll kick you out immediately.""Mess up? I'm insulting her for our benefit," Carol snarled, glaring at me. "This woman is deliberately working against us. Without her involvement, Ada would definitely entrust her wedding to us." She turned to me, her eyes full of venom. "You shamelessly schemed you
I found myself suddenly in the spotlight as a guest of honor for a top designer. Hand in hand, I entered Ms. Rose’s private room, and I couldn’t help but feel confused. Something wasn’t right. Why was this woman going out of her way for me?After about thirty minutes, it finally dawned on me why she seemed so invested. Back when I was still in school, there was a massive car accident. The car in front of us exploded, and the one behind us was at risk of catching fire at any moment. The situation was dire. There was a little boy trapped inside, whispering for help. I could see blood streaming from his leg, and his lips were pale—he was losing blood fast. If we didn’t stop the bleeding, he’d die, even if the car didn’t explode.No one dared to move forward, even the rescue team concluded it was too risky. But I couldn’t just watch him die there. I grabbed a medical kit and rushed in to help him. I managed to stop the bleeding, and with the help of two police officers I called over, we
The moment we got home, Hugh ripped off his tie, his eyes blazing with anger."Listen up," he growled. "Stay out of this from now on. Dad put me in charge, not you. Don't overstep."His words lit a fire in me. "If you weren't so hung up on your loser ex-wife, Rose would be working on our project right now!"Ever since running into Shelia, Hugh had been like a different person. It was clear his mind wasn't on the job anymore. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been dumb enough to start a fight at Rose's party.What an idiot!"You fell for that trash Esther before. If I hadn't been there, would you have just handed this project to Shelia on a silver platter? God, you're such a moron!"I could see the vein throbbing in Hugh's forehead. It was almost funny. As if he had any right to be mad!"If it weren't for you, we might still have a shot at talking to Rose. But now? You've probably blown our chances completely," I taunted."Ha! A chance to talk? You mean a chance to help Shelia steal A
Three days went by, and Mom and I showed up at Hugh's meticulously planned shindig, decked out in our fanciest dresses. The Thornton Hotel's reputation had taken a nosedive after the Esther mess, and Hugh had been busting his butt trying to fix it.The harder he worked, the more I wanted to laugh.No matter how much sweat he poured in, I'd end up with all the credit because Dad only had eyes for me. What Hugh had to struggle for, I could snag with just a bit of sweet talk.As the party kicked off, there was a buzz outside. I peeked out to see a line of fancy cars parked up front, with excited fans screaming Ada's name. I held my head high as Mom tugged my arm, reminding me, "Don't let Hugh hog the spotlight. We need to wow Ada, and don’t forget to strut your stuff. Everyone needs to know you're the face of Thornton Group tonight."I rolled my eyes. "Chill, Mom. I'm not some amateur. I'm the Thornton Group heiress—I've got this."Ignoring Mom, I strutted towards Ada's car, soaking