CHAPTER 001

CHAPTER 001

EIVINA'S POINT OF VIEW

As I entered my husband's office, the shocking scene left me speechless. Domantas and my stepsister Aurelija stood together, locked in a passionate kiss while their bodies remained entwined. My thoughts spun wildly while a sudden stabbing pain hit my chest. How could this be happening? 

Aurelija served as my sweet, supportive sister, whom I depended on after my mother died. The sight of my husband with my stepsister touching him everywhere shattered my world. 

She approached me to ask for assistance with her job search. I approached Domantas immediately because I was thrilled about his promotion to partner at Vilkas Legal Firm. Did this betrayal represent their gratitude for my trust in them both? 

I called out her name, "Aurelija," in a whisper while disbelief made my voice tremble. 

Her gaze locked with mine while her face broke into a malicious grin as she squeezed Domantas's arm tighter. 

Domantas spun around, showing wide eyes, before his gaze became cold and distant. 

“What is this?” I asked my question through a voice that struggled to stay intact. 

Aurelija chuckled softly. She responded with smug confidence that chilled me while stating she was just performing her duties as Domantas’s secretary. 

I faced Domantas while my voice shook from emotional pain. “Was everything a lie?” 

He released a deep breath while his face became stern. This situation would not exist if you had shown more consideration and responsibility, Eivina. 

Selfish? Neglectful? I dedicated myself to supporting him by managing all household responsibilities so he could concentrate on his professional life.

He added bitterly.bitterly.I've considered using your inheritance to assist me.

We intended the funds to secure our shared future together. The inheritance should fund our children's future so they can live the life they deserve.

Domantas let out a scoff while his eyes showed clear disinterest. You already know this because I've made it clear that I don't want to have children with you.

Every word he spoke felt like a sharp blade piercing my heart. Children played a central role in my dreams, which we had discussed before we got married.

His eyes scrutinized me from top to bottom, his disdain clearly visible. Eivina,, Eivina,py housewife appEivina,fails to attract me. There’s no attraction left.”

I looked down at my soft pink dress, which I had selected with care earlier that morning. It had a simple design, but I found it beautiful. His expression of disgust destroyed the last bits of confidence I possessed.

“I want a divorce,” I declared while working hard to maintain a steady tone.

His lips twisted into a cruel smile; Aurelija burst into laughter, which carried a mocking tone that cut through the room.

She mocked him by saying Domantas had become a partner at Vilkas Legal Firm while her fingers traced his chest. Do you believe Domantas fears leaving you behind?

I clenched my hands into fists at my sides while anger surged through my body.

Aurelija declared with a satisfied tone that they would soon possess your mother’s inheritance. How can someone like you stand up to us when you're just a housewife?

My inheritance? They had no right to take what belonged to both me and my mother’s legacy.

Domantas issued a sharp "Enough," but his warning lacked genuine intent.

Aurelija leaned into his side while her smile widened. “Domantas has a meeting soon. Please, Eivina, leave.”

Her dismissal wave propelled me beyond my limits. Tears blinded me as I spun around, feeling betrayed by my two most trusted people.

The moment I stepped outside, my tears began to flow down my face without restraint. As I entered my car, the raindrops matched my sadness while my hands shook on the steering wheel.

I drove through the city streets without direction while my mind continuously relived the betrayal. For how long had they been secretly working against me?

The rain penetrated my dress completely by the time I parked the car outside the dimly lit bar. Above me, the neon sign flickered and buzzed, while my heart mirrored its chaotic rhythm.

The bar's warmth and noise enveloped me like a protective barrier that temporarily dulled my pain. The bartender pushed a glass filled with amber liquid my way while his eyes assessed my soaked and unhappy appearance. 

His voice was rough yet gentle as he asked me, "You okay, beautiful?"

I raised the glass to my lips and felt the alcohol burn as it temporarily eased the pain in my chest. “I’m fine,” I lied while the burning liquid forced me to swallow.

The second drink proved just as difficult but helped to soften the sharpness of my broken heart. The bartender's tight grip on my wrist sent a new surge of fear through me.

I demanded he ease his grip while I attempted to pull away.

The pain struck him instantly as his grip became even stronger.

Abruptly, the man lost his balance and plummeted to the ground. A towering figure positioned himself between us as his wide back served as a barrier against everything else.

A deep, authoritative voice commanded me to let go while the lady's name added chilling power to the warning. 

Through the misty air, I lifted my eyes to meet the intense green gaze of Rytis Adomas. The ruthless billionaire who owned Vilkas Holdings now controlled Domantas’s firm through his company. 

The warmth of his hand enveloped my cheek while his gentle touch pulled my eyes back to his face. He asked me if I was okay while his voice softened to calm my tense nerves. 

I attempted to speak, but the room began to spin, which caused my knees to give way. Rytis’s powerful arms wrapped around me and pulled me into his embrace. His strong embrace anchored me against the overwhelming emotional tempest that threatened to consume me. 

I held onto him while his body heat combined with his cologne's fragrance. The world disappeared around us as we remained alone together in the dimly lit bar. 

“You’re…” My voice began to speak but faded away when dizziness overwhelmed me. 

Rytis ran his fingers through my wet hair while his touch remained gentle. He whispered, "I'm here," while his breath felt warm against my ear. 

The foggy state of my mind brought back the rumors about him, which described him as ruthless in business dealings and emotionally detached. Despite his ruthless business persona, he held me with unexpected tenderness. 

My lips released an unexpected burst of laughter. My words stumbled out as I said, “You have such lovely eyes,” while alcohol removed my normal restraint.

His mouth shifted into a slight upward curve. He responded with a soft voice that carried a hint of amusement.

My face flushed with heat, yet I remained unable to break free from his comforting hold. 

He guided me to a secluded spot while maintaining constant contact with his hand on mine. I collapsed into the chair when he managed to get me seated because exhaustion was overwhelming me. 

I whispered my desire to remain in his embrace while I pressed closer against him despite the chair.  

Your warmth surrounds me and your scent is pleasant.  

Rytis stopped moving while his intense stare locked onto me as he leaned forward until his lips brushed my ear. The whispered confession he delivered next made my heart race. 

“Mate.”  

My eyes locked onto him while confusion scrambled my thoughts. What did that even mean? The moment felt monumental because it seemed like a statement that could change everything. 

The room spun around me while a single pressing question repeated in my thoughts without stopping. 

What was his intention when he said, ‘Mate?’