1. A Betrayal

DAHLIA

“Aria! Where are you?” I called out to my 6-year-old daughter. Looking around the foyer of our mansion I could not see anyone but one of the house staff, Maya arranging flowers in a vase in the centre of the hall. She lowered her head to me politely.

“Ma’am, Aria is hiding in the master's office.” She said politely.

“Thank you, Maya.” I said, shaking my head as I made my way through to my husband's office, my smile that I had taken years to perfect no matter how upset I may be inside threatened to falter. Aria was not my husband's daughter and because of it I know he disliked her going into his office no matter how much he tried to hide it, I often saw the irritation or annoyance on his handsome face. 

“Aria my darling?” I said entering the room, how did she know the code? A light giggle drew me to the desk and I shook my head crossing my arms. “Hmm it seems Ari isn't here, that’s fine I shall go have pancakes by myself. Covered in Nutella and strawberries.” 

I had barely turned around when I heard a clatter.

“No, no mama! Wait for me, I want pancakes!” Came the sweet voice of my little angel. I turned around trying to hide the amusement from my face.

“Ari you know you shouldn’t be here.” I said gently as I walked around the desk, about to lift her off the chair when she leaned against a large stack of files that stood on the desk sending them tumbling onto the floor. I flinched, closing my eyes as I moved her away not wanting her to get hurt in the process.

“Oops… sorry mama… it was an accident.” She whispered, her large hazel-coloured doe eyes filled with fear. I shook my head cupping her chubby cheeks.

“No my darling it’s ok, go wait in the kitchen, I will come and make you pancakes very soon.” 

She nodded, casting a final glance at the pile of files before she ran from the room.

 I bent down and gathered them up, placing them in a neat pile once again, I was almost done when my eyes fell on a velvet purple box. I paused frowning slightly as I picked it up, it was clear it had been under some of the files. Flipping it open I looked down at a stunning pendant and earring set, encrusted with the most exquisite Cadbury purple diamonds in the shape of hearts. My heart skipped a beat, was this my birthday gift? After all I was turning 30 tomorrow. It was beautiful! I looked at the square piece of card that contained my husband's writing. 

“To my world, my life and my heart. I love you baby – Warren.” I blushed lightly reading it, it wasn’t like Warren to call me baby. It was sweet. 

“Mama!” I heard Aria and quickly placed the note back, not able to stop the huge smile on my face.

“Coming my darling!” I hurriedly called, replacing the rest of the files and hiding the jewellery box beneath it. I left the office, shutting the door behind me. I couldn't wait for tomorrow.

-------

The following day dawned nice and bright like any other day, Warren left for work in a rush stating he had a meeting. I was confused, he didn’t even wish me a happy birthday nor did he give me a gift or flowers. I pushed it aside and got dressed, paying extra attention to my appearance. 

I had long black hair that fell to my hips and large grey eyes with a darker ring around the edge, I was blessed with thick lashes just like my late mother. I stood at 5 foot 7 inches, with womanly curves that many envied.  

All through the morning my mind was on Warren, maybe I was being unreasonable. After all, Warren was the CEO of my father’s multi-billionaire company, the El Nazari Empire. But surely, he couldn't forget his wife’s birthday, we hadn't even been married for a year yet.

I kept myself busy once Aria had gone off to school, who had given me a balloon and give with excitement sparkling in her beautiful eyes. But it was hard to occupy myself, I kept looking at my phone waiting for a call. 

Lunchtime came and my patience had worn thin. Was he planning something? A surprise dinner date? But still a happy birthday would have sufficed. With my confusion and unrest growing, I decided I needed to see him. I text the driver to be outside in 2 minutes, I would head to the office myself.

-----

I reached the huge El Nazari skyscraper that sat in the middle of the business district, my driver Markus opened the door and I got out making my way up towards Warren's office. I ignored the secretary who had quickly stood up. But I didn’t bother with her, after all, I was the acting head of this empire. I entered Warren’s office with a smile on my face, not missing the surprise on his face.

“Dahlia darling, what brings you here?” He asked looking up from his desk.

I crossed my arms under my breasts knowing how he loved them, sure enough, his gaze lingered there, and he swallowed. He walked over to me and pulled me into his arms, kissing me with a hunger that I always made my heart race. I kissed him back, relishing in the feel of his body and lips against my own. he pushed me up against the wall and I knew if I didn’t ask him now we would get busy. As his hand ran up my inner thigh and he deepened the kiss. I moaned against his lips as his hands reached my panties. I pushed him away slightly, i needed to focus.

“Why do you think I’m here? Are you not forgetting something babe?” I asked breathlessly.

“Forgetting something?” He looked unsure, pausing thoughtfully for a moment before he shook his head. “Come on, you haven't visited in a while…”

His hand grabbed my ass , squeezing it and although I was tempted to give in, I had come for a reason.

“Babe I-”

He cut me off kissing me once again, as he lifted me up forcing me to lock my legs around his waist. ‘Oh lord.’ Pleasure rushed to my core as he pressed himself against me as he dominated my mouth.

“Babe!” I said breaking away and forcing him back.

He frowned but let me down and I adjusted my skirt shaking my head. Despite the slight ache in the pit of my stomach and my racing heartbeat, I stayed focused.

I made my way over to his desk, pushing aside his files and sat on it, crossing my legs sensually. Giving him a moment to remember what today was. When it became clear he had no clue I frowned in disappointment.

“I can’t believe this; we haven't even been married for a year and you are already forgetting my birthday? I turned 30 today Warren!” I said frustration and hurt clear in my voice.

Warren's eyes widened in shock as he sat down, placing a hand on my thigh.

“Darling, do you really think I could forget your birthday?” He asked in disappointment. 

I rolled my eyes, I didn’t believe him, trying not to focus on his hand on my thigh. Warren was a charming handsome man, one that every woman had wanted to marry but he had been smitten with me ever since he first saw me, it took me years to finally agree to date him and when I had he had been over the moon.

“Well then, where is my birthday gift?” I asked challengingly, raising a perfect arched brow.

Warren pulled me down, cupping the back of my neck and placing a sensual kiss on my lips, sending sparks of pleasure through me. I moved back trying to ignore how I was feeling.

“I will not forgive you until you give me my gift.” I stated.

“Of course, now where did I put it…” He said moving back and beginning to rummage in his draw.

I smiled waiting, twirling a strand of my hair around my finger. Warren smiled and held up a 250-dollar wine gift card, a look of relief on his face.

“Here, I know how you like your wine darling.” He said, passing me the card.

I took it trying not to look confused, what about the beautiful jewellery set?

Thank you…” I said softly, staring at the gold card in my hand. I was born and raised a princess, there was nothing I needed nor desired, however, I was expecting something a little more from him. 

“I will take you out to dinner tonight.” 

“Of course, I would like that. There’s this new Turkish restaurant that’s opened. I would love to go there.” I said, satisfied as I kissed him. That made sense, he would probably give her the set over dinner. 

“Perfect I’ll make a reservation.” Warren said glancing at his Rolex. “I do apologize darling, but I have a meeting with Dane Altaire.”

“That upcoming businessman who's been a thorn in our side?”

“Yes him, I'm trying to see if we can get him to work on this project with us. He may not have a high-status background, but he is an up-and-coming businessman and one whose name is becoming swiftly recognized everywhere.” 

I nodded, feeling a little guilty for showing up at work when he had so much going on.

“Well, if you ever need me to sit in on a meeting, I would be happy-” I was cut off when the door was opened by Warren’s secretary, holding a tray of refreshments.

Didn’t she know to knock? She was dressed rather revealingly. Her blouse was slightly sheer and showed off a lot of cleavage as well. Her blonde hair was tied in a stylish bun. She smiled politely.

"Ah, Kendra, thank you.” Warren said, smiling at her as she placed the tray on the table. It was at that moment I felt my heart stop. Around her neck was the very pendant that I had seen the day before. She stood straight, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and I felt dizzy. My ears rang with the sound of my thumping heart, and I could no longer hear what was being said. My eyes fixed on the matching earrings in her ears that glittered brightly, sending a stabbing pain right through me.