Chapter 1 # The Affair

Lara never expected that marriage would only bring pain to her heart.

After she and her driver broke into the director's office—claiming to be in a crucial meeting—they were immediately greeted by the disgusting sight of her half-naked husband.

Her husband was there, with his secretary, Olivia.

"S—Seno. How could you!"

Lara's eyes welled with tears. Her fists clenched, and her face flushed with anger.

Lara had been suspicious from the start when they were forbidden from entering Seno's room. She had to see her husband. Lara insisted on breaking down the door if necessary.

Sure enough, the door was locked.

Lara immediately instructed the large man who was her driver to break it down and... her suspicions were confirmed.

Seno was there. Naked. With his secretary.

Lara had long felt a bad premonition since her husband opened a new business that improved their economic situation.

Seno, who used to be just an employee, had now become a big boss. Everything indeed improved, but not his behavior.

Seno came home less often and was frequently angry when Lara asked where he had been and why he hadn't come home. He said there was a lot of work. Isn't this what you wanted? he said. No. Lara never wanted to be rich but unloved by her husband.

Lara knew that feeling very well. Since childhood, she felt that way. Wealth would only ruin her household. Seeing them making out there, Lara understood what her husband had been doing all this time.

"Hiks…"

Lara cried unconsciously, after seeing Seno and Olivia—who arrogantly—grinned at her.

"La—Lara, I can explain," Seno said nervously, trying to calm Lara, while Olivia looked at her with a happy expression.

A cynical smile was plastered on Olivia's face, a smile that Lara knew very well. Olivia was like that. She was very happy when she saw Lara upset and felt victorious if she could take what should be Lara's, since their college days.

Lara's marriage to her husband couldn't be called a dream marriage for most young couples. They married out of necessity.

Lara got pregnant before the sacred bond tied them together. Seno—her boyfriend who had planted the seed of love—had to marry her after she asked for his responsibility.

Although initially opposed by the parents, their marriage continued until now.

At first, Seno was a romantic man who melted the heart of a cold-hearted girl like Lara.

Their initial meeting could be said to be special. Just a few months before the wedding, Seno defended Lara when a fight broke out in the student cafeteria.

At that time, Lara was hit by nasty rumors… and Lara became the target of other students there.

Only Seno defended her. Practically, Lara melted at his kindness.

But now, Lara regretted it.

That baseless judgment now tore apart her pride, her happiness, because Seno was not as good as she thought.

"Lara...." Seno called softly to his wife while pushing Olivia away. However, Lara didn't move. Her head was bowed, it seemed she was crying.

"H—how could you...." Lara whispered amidst her sobs. She was already pregnant. Unfortunately, Lara had to swallow the bitter pill of being betrayed by her own husband.

Pain mixed with sadness enveloped her heart. Lara almost fainted when she saw their affair. Her heart pounded erratically. Her stomach felt like it was being squeezed. But Lara tried to stay strong, though it was extremely difficult.

"Lara!" Seno raised his voice when his lawful wife finally turned and left them. The loud sound of the door slamming and the murmurs of other employees only added to Seno's shame.

He never thought Lara would be suspicious, even daring to break down his office door.

"Damn it!" Seno clicked his tongue while tidying his clothes. He was very angry! Seno was angry at Olivia, angry at the security guard who couldn't keep his wife away! Angry at... himself.

How could Seno be so reckless?

"Argh!"

"Darling...." Olivia tried to reach Seno's tense arm. The veins in his face hardened and Seno's angry growl could be felt by Olivia.

'This is very dangerous.'

Olivia couldn't calm Seno. And it was disgusting. Did Seno really love Lara?

***

Lara's suspicions were completely confirmed.

Olivia.

That woman.

Lara's long-time rival.

How dare she create a scandal at her husband's office?

Olivia was having an affair with Seno? Since when? Since the business opened?

"Bastard!" Lara growled as she thought about how cruel those two people were to hurt her.

Immoral.

Very evil!

Seno, after reaching the top of the company, seemed to lose his moral compass and started playing around with women. Yet, he had promised that they would reach their dreams together, dreams that they couldn't achieve when finances were still limited.

"Faithful when struggling, but like this now? He... cheated? Haha." Lara laughed bitterly as she got into the car.

The driver had driven the car back home, as per her request. Lara's heart was left behind, she no longer wanted to think about anything.

Including trusting.

Lara could no longer trust Seno. No.

So, from today onwards, their relationship would be very different.

And, that was Lara's promise. Even though in the end, it would be very difficult for her to do.

***

Night began to fall but Seno did not seem to be coming home. Lara no longer waited. She stayed in her room. Her heart shattered, her mood a mess. Lara wanted to sleep, but clearly, she couldn't.

The contractions in her stomach prevented Lara from relaxing, let alone sleeping. Lara couldn't get rid of the bad thoughts and her heartache.

Suddenly, the maid called her.

"Ma'am, there is a guest."

Lara blinked and then glanced at the wall clock in her room. Nine o'clock at night? Who was visiting at this hour?

Lara nodded and then headed to the living room downstairs. The nauseating scent of perfume immediately reignited her anger.

Olivia.

"How dare you come here, huh?" Lara snapped. But Olivia just smiled while waving her hand.

"Are you going to divorce him? Let your husband be mine," Olivia said arrogantly, stepping closer to Lara. Olivia managed to get into Lara's luxurious house under the pretense of delivering an important letter for her boss.

Of course, it was just a ploy.

"Bastard!"

Lara almost slapped her, but she had to hold back to avoid shock and danger to her unborn baby.

"I will never divorce him. Never! Even if you both roll into hell together. I will still maintain this marriage!"

"Stubborn!"

"Get out of my house!"

Lara slammed the door hard, pushing Olivia out and then slamming it shut again. Tears began to flow and Lara's heart shattered even more.

Bi Yani—her personal maid—pretended not to hear anything. Lara greatly appreciated her attitude.

Bi Yani reacted simply, then offered a drink to calm the very shaken Lara.

With the remaining strength, despite still feeling her heart pounding and unresolved anger, Lara cursed both of them.

"Seno. Olivia. Just wait. I will make you both pay!"