Chapter One: Betrayed

Bianca’s POV

Have you ever waited so long for a miracle that when it happened to you, you were just not ready for the shock that would follow?

Hell, yeah!

That is exactly what I felt when I watched the news this evening and saw that my husband's company, Dew-ton, had just been awarded a multi-billion dollar project.

I blinked back my tears of joy as I dialled his number several times, but it went into voicemail every single time.

A rush of emotions swept through me as I thought of how this project would change Dan's life and mine.

My Art Gallery?

Yes! I was sure that Dan would upgrade my art gallery, and make it more sophisticated.

An hour later, I sprang up from the couch, beaming with smiles as I heard Dan's car pull into the driveway outside the house.

Within minutes, the front door was unlocked and he walked into room, holding his suitcase in one hand. There was a giddy thrill in my head as my eyes found his ocean-blue eyes.

The same features that had caused me to fall in love with him.

"Honey, welcome back home!" I greeted, rushing towards him to give him a kiss.

There was a blank stare on his face, almost as if he didn't recognize me.

He gently pushed me out of his way, "Not now."

Perhaps, he was tired.

I made a move to collect the briefcase from him, "I know you had a long day at work, Honey"

He held on firmly to the briefcase, "Just let me be. Please."

His tone was cold and he avoided my eyes.

I didn't expect that. So, I watched him walk over to the couch, and sit on it, pulling off his work shoes and socks.

Something definitely felt wrong.

Dan never came home with a frown on his face, no matter how frustrating his day had been. Rather, he would envelop me in a hug, smothering me with kisses. I stood, rooted to the spot as I eyed him in silence.

He jerked his head sideways and cocked an eyebrow at me, "Bianca. Come over here. There's something I need to tell you"

Bianca?

He barely addressed me in such a manner. I had always been, "Babe" to him.

I didn't point out my surprise at the name he chose to call me. Rather, I sauntered over to the couch and sat besides him, leaving a few inches between us.

My gaze settled on his strikingly handsome features and I swallowed hard. Even after three years of being married to him, Dan still made the butterflies at the pit of my stomach flutter.

"Bianca... I know that this will come as a shock to you but—" He started to say.

"Your company got the multibillion dollar deal?" I cut into his words, excitedly.

At the same time, he said, "I need a divorce."

It took me a few seconds to realize what he said, and my eyes widened.

"What did you just say, Honey?" I asked.

"You're right. My company got the deal, but I'm getting a divorce. I'm done with this marriage."

The next minutes that passed were filled with silence as I stared back at him in disbelief. His face remained just the same. His brown hair was perfectly gelled to the side, and a muscle in his jaw twitched as he started ahead.

"Dan, I know you're joking. You don't mean this, huh?"

"I'm sure as hell about this." He said, gritting his teeth. He was still staring at the space in front of him, instead of looking at me.

"Our marriage has been nothing but perfect. I've been the supportive wife, always trying my best to see you grow. You promised to upgrade my gallery when you get more money, and now—"

"The divorce papers are ready, Bianca." He said, opening up his briefcase. He pulled out a document and gently placed it on my thighs, "I don't want you to make it any harder than it already is. Just sign the papers and leave this house."

"Wh...what? Leave?" I said, almost choking on my words.

He nodded his head, before turning his attention to me for the first time.

His lips were drawn back in a snarl, "Sign the papers, drop your next location and leave. I'll send your personal belongings to you within the next few days. For now, you have to leave."

I flung the papers to the floor.

"Okay, you win! I fell for your mighty prank, can you stop the act already? Please."

"This is not a prank!"

I racked my brain, confused, as I struggled to remember what could possibly be the reason behind what was happening.

Nothing! Absolutely nothing came to my mind as I thought about how he had happily kissed me goodbye early that morning, before leaving for work.

"Dan....you know I have nowhere else to go to. Why are you doing this to me? Don't you love me anymore?" Tears welled up in my eyes and I reached out to place my hand over his. Yet, he shrugged my hand off, as he rose to his feet abruptly.

Then, he walked over to the window and stood besides it, with his back towards me.

"Dan!" I called out with a shaky voice.

"No, I don't love you. I never did. The woman who owns my heart is on her way this house, and that is why I need you to sign those damn papers."

"No...no" Tears streamed down my face. "This cannot be happening."

"I'll be going into the room to have a shower. By the time I'm out, make sure you are no longer here. I don't want to be forced to use my hands to make you leave" He strode to the staircase and took brisks steps up it without turning to look at me.

My heart thudded in my chest.

I sobbed harder, holding my head in my hands. A knot formed at the pit of my stomach, making it hard for me to breathe.

My world had been torn apart, and I was expected to walk away as though nothing was wrong. One of Dan's words filtered into my mind, causing me to stiffen; the woman who owned his heart was on her way, and that was why I had to leave immediately.

I picked up the papers, dropped them on the table, and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Moments later, a soft, feminine voice from the other room floated over to me, and I rushed out of the kitchen still holding on to the glass of water.

My lips curved up in a smile at the woman who just came into the house.

Serah, my cousin and only surviving family.

"I'm so glad you came!" I squealed with relief, strolling over to her.

She had on heavy makeup, and she shot me a glare from underneath her thick lashes, "Bianca? What are you still doing here?" She shot at me, before turning towards the staircase.

Dan was just coming down, dressed in shorts, leaving his chest bare.

"Sweetie? You promised that she'd be gone before I arrive. What's this b*tch still doing in our house?" She yelled, pointing a finger at me.

I staggered backwards, shocked and stunned.

No...no...this wasn't happening. This had to be one bad nightmare.

My eyes darted from Dan to Serah, and back to Dan again.

"Dan? Is she..." My voice was barely above a hoarse whisper.

"Yes. She's the woman I love." Dan cut in, spreading his arms as she walked into them, raised herself on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips. He snaked an arm around her waist, leaning into the kiss.

I didn't know when the glass of water slipped out of my hands and shattered to the floor, right at my feet.

They both looked up at me, startled, almost as though they forgot that I was still there, watching them.

"Get the hell out of my house. You are not needed here." Serahspat.