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The moment I saw my husband massaging his dead brother's pr**nant mi**ress's feet, I knew my marriage was over. He moved her into our home under the guise of "family duty," forcing me to watch as he prioritized her comfort over our vows. The final betrayal came when she stole and deliberately broke my mother's priceless necklace. When I sl**ped her for the desecration, my husband struck me across the face to defend her. He had violated a sacred honor code by putting his hands on the daughter of another Don-an act of war. I looked him in the eye and swore on my mother's grave that I would bring a bl**dy revenge upon his entire family. Then I made one phone call to my father, and the demolition of his empire began. Chapter 1 Alessia POV: The moment I saw my husband massaging his dead brother's pr**nant mi**ress's feet, I knew my marriage was over, and his life was about to be. It had been a month since Marco, Santino's Capo and closest thing to a brother, was buried. A heavy, silent grief had settled over the Moretti estate, a ghost in every hallway. Santino wore it like a second skin, a layer of ice over his already cold demeanor. He was the Don of the Moretti family, a man whose power stretched across the city, built on fear and a reputation for ruthless efficiency. Grief didn't make him soft; it made him harder, more distant. Then Valentina Rossi arrived. She appeared on our doorstep with a small suitcase and a belly just starting to swell. She claimed the baby was Marco's. A final piece of him left on this earth. Santino didn't question it. He simply announced she would be living with us. "It's a family responsibility," he'd said, his voice flat, his dark eyes giving nothing away. He stood in our sprawling, sterile living room, a king in his castle, making decrees. My father, Don Marcello Bianchi, had been there. He'd raised a single, questioning eyebrow, a subtle disapproval that Santino either missed or chose to ignore. My own protest died in my throat. "She needs protection, Alessia. She's carrying a Moretti." My voice was a small thing when I finally found it. "Protection is one thing, Santino. Having her live here, in our home..." He cut me off. "This is for family unity. The discussion is over." And just like that, my status as his wife, the Don's wife, was diminished. I was a fixture, a part of the architecture, but not a partner. Valentina's invasion was subtle at first. A masterclass in quiet manipulation. She was a ghost in silk robes, always seeming to be in the right place at the wrong time. A few days after she moved in, I saw it. Santino came out of the master bathroom, a towel slung low on his h*ps, water dripping from his black hair onto the marble floor. Valentina was standing right there, holding out a fresh, fluffy towel. "I just thought you might need this," she'd murmured, her eyes cast down. A spike of unease went through me. It was an in**mate, domestic gesture. A wife's gesture. Then came the nightmares. She'd knock on our bedroom door late at night, her voice trembling. "I'm so sorry to bother you, Alessia, Santino. I just... I had a dream about Marco." Santino would get up without a word, his body a solid wall of muscle moving through the darkness, and go to her. He would be gone for hours, leaving me alone in our cold, king-sized bed. My good-girl facade, the one I had carefully constructed for four years of marriage to the most powerful man in the city, began to crack. I had given up my art, my friends, my vibrant wardrobe of reds and golds, all to become the perfect, demure Mafia wife. I had erased myself for him. The final piece of that facade shattered tonight. I heard low voices coming from the kitchen. I walked silently, my bare feet cold on the stone floor. The scene that met my eyes stopped my heart. Valentina was sitting on a chair, her foot propped on Santino's knee. He was kneading the arch of her foot, his large, strong hands moving with a gentleness I hadn't felt in years. Her head was tilted back, a soft, satisfied sigh escaping her lips. It was the ultimate betrayal. Not s*x. Not a secret af**ir. It was this. This public, tender act of service in my own home. It was a declaration that she had taken my place. The shame was a physical thing, hot and suffocating. It was a dishonor to me, and by extension, a deep dishonor to my family. The Bianchi name. I backed away, my movements soundless, and went to the family office. I pulled out the encrypted phone I kept for emergencies. My fingers were shaking as I dialed my father's private number. He answered on the first ring. "Alessia?" I couldn't speak past the lump in my throat. I just made a small, broken sound. "What has he done?" Don Marcello Bianchi's voice was suddenly quiet, lethally calm. He knew. Of course, he knew. "He has brought deep shame to our family, Father," I whispered, the words tasting like ash. "I need your power. Your absolute power." There was a pause. I could picture him in his own office, a lion in his den, the wheels of vengeance already turning. "The Bianchi family stands with you, my daughter. Always. We will launch a bl**dy revenge on Santino Moretti's legitimate facade. He will see it all burn to the ground." A cold resolve washed over me, extinguishing the shame. I was no longer a good girl. I was a rose, and my thorns were finally showing. I hung up, went back upstairs, and sl**t in the guest room. The next morning, I walked into the kitchen. Valentina was there, wearing one of Santino's white button-down shirts, the fabric hanging loosely off her shoulders. It was another claim, another piece of my life she was trying to steal. I walked right up to her, my eyes locked on hers. "Take it off," I said, my voice as cold and hard as a diamond. "Now." Chapter 2 Alessia POV: Santino walked in just as Valentina's fingers fumbled with the top button of his shirt. His eyes, dark and stormy, landed on me. "What the h**l are you doing, Alessia?" he snarled. "I'm restoring a little dignity to this house," I said, not taking my eyes off Valentina's panicked face. "You're harassing a pr**nant, grieving woman. You're destroying our family's unity." His voice was low, a dangerous growl that once would have made me shrink. Now, it just fueled the ice in my veins. He stepped between us, putting a protective hand on Valentina's shoulder. "She's carrying Marco's child. It's my duty to care for her. You need to understand that. You need to show some compassion." The hypocrisy was so thick I could taste it. Duty. He talked of duty while he disrespected our vows, our family bond, right in front of me. "I understand perfectly," I said, my voice sharp. "You've made your priorities clear. So I'll make mine clear, too. I want an annulment." The word hung in the air, heavy and shocking. In our world, marriage was a sacrament, a binding contract between families. Annulment was a declaration of war. Santino's face went rigid. For a second, I thought he might actually see the abyss that had opened between us. Then he scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. You're emotional." He waved a dismissive hand. "You want a new car? I'll buy you a new car. You want another house? Pick one." He thought he could buy my silence, my compliance. He had no idea who he was dealing with anymore. He was still talking to the ghost of the girl I used to be. That's when Valentina started her performance. A single tear tracked down her cheek. Her bottom lip trembled. "Oh, Santino," she whispered, her voice choked with manufactured sorrow. "This is all my fault. I've come between you. I should just go..." It was a masterstroke of manipulation, and Santino fell for it completely. "No," he said, his voice instantly softening as he turned his full attention to her. He pulled her into a gentle hug. "You're not going anywhere. Don't listen to her. She's just upset." He glared at me over Valentina's head, his eyes filled with accusation. He was protecting his liaison partner from his wife. My anger, cold and precise, found its voice. "You stand there and comfort her after you spent last night massaging her feet in my kitchen?" The words were quiet, but they hit him like a physical blow. Valentina, sensing his resolve wavering, upped the ante. Her quiet tears turned into shuddering sobs. "I can't stay here," she cried into his ch**t. "I can't be the reason your marriage falls apart. I'll go. I'll raise the baby alone..." It was the perfect move. The threat of leaving, of taking the last piece of his dead brother away, cemented his misplaced sense of protection. He held her tighter, completely ignoring the fact that I was still in the room. He ignored the pain etched on my face, the finality in my voice. "This is your safe harbor, Valentina," he murmured to her, his voice a low promise. "This is your home. You will never, ever leave." It was the final insult. He had given her my home, my husband, my life. He didn't even look at me. He just stood there, st**king her hair, whispering comforting words to her. In that moment, I wasn't his wife. I wasn't even there. And that was the moment Alessia Bianchi, the wife, died. And Alessia Bianchi, the thorned rose ready for her bl**dy revenge, was fully born. Chapter 3 Alessia POV: I watched them for a moment longer, a tableau of betrayal. Then I turned on my heel. "I'm leaving," I announced to their backs. The silence that followed was absolute. No protest. No question. Just the sound of Valentina's quiet sobs. They didn't care. I went to my bedroom--our bedroom--and started to pack. But first, I walked into the cavernous walk-in closet. On my side, rows of beige, grey, and navy blue hung in perfect order. The muted colors of a Don's wife. The uniform of my prison. I pushed them aside, reaching for a box at the very back. Inside was the woman I used to be. I pulled out a pair of worn, tight-fitting jeans and a bl**d-red silk camisole. I stripped off the conservative dress I was wearing and put them on. I let my hair down from its tight bun, shaking it loose around my shoulders. I looked in the mirror and saw a stranger, a flicker of the fiery girl I had buried four years ago. It was a resurrection. As I packed, every object I touched was a memory of a sacrifice. The art supplies I'd packed away because Santino found them messy. The bright scarves and bold jewelry I'd stopped wearing because his mother, Eleanor, called them gaudy. The entire life I had given up, piece by piece, for a man who was currently comforting another woman in my kitchen. The emptiness of my devotion was a hollow ache in my ch**t. I took out my encrypted phone again and sent a single, coded message. *Need counsel. The Stag.* Damien Costa, a Capo from my father's organization and a loyal friend from my childhood, replied almost instantly. *An hour. The usual place.* I left the house without another word to anyone. The "usual place" was a quiet, family-owned bar downtown, a place where business was conducted and secrets were kept safe. The air was thick with the smell of old wood and expensive whiskey. Damien was already there, a dark, solid presence in a corner booth. His face was grim. "Alessia," he said, his voice low. He didn't need to ask what was wrong. It was written all over my face. I told him everything. The constant boundary-crossing, the nightmares, the foot massage, the shirt. I told him about the deep, soul-crushing shame Santino had brought upon my father's name. Damien listened without interruption, his expression hardening with every word. He had the protective instinct of a dark godfather, his loyalty to my family absolute. When I was finished, he was quiet for a long moment. "Are you certain the child is Marco's?" he asked, his voice deceptively casual. "Valentina was... known, before Marco." The question hung in the air, a seed of doubt that planted itself in the fertile ground of my anger. A deeper conspiracy. I was so consumed by the thought that I didn't see Santino until he was standing over our table. His face was a mask of cold fury. The possessiveness radiated off him in waves. He wasn't here out of concern. He was here because his property had left the grounds without permission. "You're coming home. Now," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. He grabbed my arm, his fingers digging into my skin. The next morning, I woke up in the guest room. My arm was bruised where he had grabbed me. On the nightstand was a bottle of painkillers and a glass of water. A silent, pathetic admission of his brutality. I walked downstairs. The scene in the kitchen was a cruel joke. Santino had a plate of painkillers for me, but he had prepared a lavish spread for Valentina--pancakes, fresh fruit, orange juice. He was nursing his guilt with me and nursing her with a feast. His callous disregard was breathtaking. I walked over to the table, my eyes locking with Valentina's. She looked away, a flicker of fear in her eyes. I leaned down, my voice a cold, quiet wh**per for her ears only. "This is your one and only warning. Do not provoke me again. You have no idea what I am capable of." I straightened up, meeting her terrified gaze. She was seeing the Mafia Queen now, and she was right to be afraid. Chapter 4 Alessia POV: I ignored Santino and Valentina completely, walking back upstairs to my temporary room to pack the last of my things. I was severing every last tie to the Moretti estate. I moved with a cold, systematic efficiency, emptying drawers, stripping the bed. Then I realized it was gone. My mother's necklace. It was a one-of-a-kind piece she had designed herself, a delicate chain of white gold with a single, flawless teardrop diamond. It was my most precious possession, a symbol of the Bianchi legacy and the strong woman I came from. My bl**d ran cold. I searched everywhere, my initial fear turning into a rising tide of fury. I knew. I just knew. I stormed back downstairs to the living room where Santino and Valentina were sitting. My eyes, sharp as daggers, went straight to her. "Where is it?" My breath caught in my throat. She was wearing it. My mother's necklace was clasped around her neck, the diamond resting against her skin like a vulgar trophy. A smug, mocking smile played on her lips. It was a direct, calculated insult to my family's honor. "You're a thief," I whispered, the words shaking with rage. Santino immediately stood up, moving to shield her. "Alessia, stop it. I'm sure there's a simple explanation." "Oh, there is," Valentina said, her voice dripping with false innocence. She touched the diamond delicately. "Santino gave it to me. A gift." Santino looked caught off guard. He knew the necklace. He knew what it meant to me. "Valentina, just... give it back to her," he said, his voice strained. With a look of pure, calculated malice, Valentina reached for the clasp. But instead of undoing it, she simply pulled. The delicate chain snapped. She let the irreplaceable heirloom fall from her hand. It hit the marble floor with a sickening clatter, shattering into a dozen pieces. I saw the triumphant smirk on her face as my mother's legacy lay broken at her feet. A primal rage, ancient and fierce, took over. This wasn't about Santino anymore. This was for my mother's desecrated memory. I moved without thinking, my hand connecting with Valentina's cheek in a sharp, satisfying s**p. The sound echoed in the silent room. Before I could even register what I'd done, a brutal force struck my own face. Santino had sl**ped me. Hard. My head snapped to the side, my cheek burning with a pain and humiliation so profound it stole my breath. He violated a sacred honor code. He had put his hands on the daughter of another Don. An act of war. "Don't you ever," he seethed, his face inches from mine, his eyes blazing, "touch her again." I slowly raised my hand to my stinging cheek. I looked at him, truly looked at him, and saw a stranger. The man I married was gone. My eyes burned with cold, unyielding resolve. "Our marriage is over," I said, my voice eerily calm. "And I swear on my mother's grave, I will bring a bl**dy revenge upon you and the entire Moretti family." ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &1&

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⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!😍🔞

⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!😍🔞

I Meow AA

0 viewsSep 13
The real heiress stole her family and husband, forcing her out with nothing. Unexpectedly, she reunited with her childhood rival. She had braced for his mockery, but he proposed instead. This power couple, hiding countless identities, dominated the elite circle, leaving her ex-husband regret.
=====
"Mrs. Gibson, do you have anything to say about your husband showing up at Marilee Jenkins' birthday party today and announcing that he's going to divorce you?"
"People are saying Marilee is Mr. Gibson's first love and the real daughter of your parents, while you're the fake. You've been enjoying her parents' love all this time and married to the man meant for her. Do you feel bad about that?"
The birthday party was crowded, and Alexia Gibson found herself completely trapped. 
Reporters quickly closed in on her, pushing cameras and microphones into her face as camera flashes burst from every direction, giving her no space to breathe. 
"Your parents just said you're not really their daughter and cut off your money."
"You've been out of work for two years, living as a housewife, so how exactly do you plan to support yourself now? Mrs. Gibson, any comments?"
Alexia just stood there, frozen. Her mind was still spinning from everything she'd just heard. 
So this Marilee Jenkins was the real daughter of her so-called parents and her husband's true love. 
And her? She was Roger Gibson's wife on paper, but clearly, just a joke to everyone else. 

Years ago, the Jenkins couple had pulled her out of some run-down neighborhood overseas, saying she was their long-lost daughter. 

But had they really not bothered doing a simple DNA test before welcoming her in? 

Why did they only discover the mistake now? 

Alexia's body tensed up. Her eyes drifted over to the man standing next to her. 

However, Roger's attention was not on her. He was looking at Marilee, as if they were the only ones in the room. 

Her voice came out strained as she asked, "Why? You didn't even tell me."

Roger's face was as cold as stone.

"Now you know. That's all that matters. It's over, Alexia. You were never good enough for me. Our marriage? Just a transaction. The only woman I've ever loved is Marilee. And you know why I never touched you after the wedding? Because you disgust me. You're like a spoiled dish--completely unappetizing."

His eyes swept over her from head to toe, full of scorn. Her simple clothes, those outdated glasses--everything about her clashed with the glossy, high-class world he lived in. 

Before his harsh words even fully sank in, Alexia lifted her glass and threw the ch**pagne right into his face. 

The drink hit him with a loud splash, soaking his face and pricey suit. He just stood there, stunned, as the li**id dripped from his hair and down his face. 

"A spoiled dish? You told me you wanted an ordinary housewife. Dad and Mom told me they wanted an obedient daughter, who never outdid anyone!"

Without hesitation, she threw the glass to the floor. The sharp crash instantly silenced the whole room. 

Roger's face turned red with embarrassment. His jaw tightened. "Have you lost your mind?"

From the stage, the Jenkins couple yelled at her. "Alexia, this is Marilee's birthday, not a place for your drama!"

People in the crowd rolled their eyes and muttered that she was nuts. 

None of them had a clue what she had given up for the two families all these years. 

Shoving through the crowd, Alexia made a beeline for the exit. Reporters swarmed after her like a flood. 

She shoved past them all, blind to the pouring rain, deaf to the murmurs and judgment surrounding her. 

Right now, all she wanted was to get away--far from the noise, the eyes, and the humiliation. 

But just as she broke through the crowd and made it outside, a bunch of Marilee's wild fans shoved her hard, and she slipped, landing on the wet road. 

Marilee was an A-list star in showbiz. Her birthday party was being livestreamed, and tons of fans had gathered outside.

The second they saw Alexia step out, the crowd lost it, shouting like wild animals who had just found something to attack. 

"Alexia, you've got some nerve attending Marilee's birthday party. You've got no shame!"

"You're not even the real daughter. Just go back to whatever dump you came from, or are you too hooked on the Jenkins' money?"

"Roger's going to divorce you, and you still think it's okay to show your face around Marilee? Who do you think you are?"

"Go away already!"

Alexia lay there on the wet street, frozen for a second, while their nasty words echoed all around her. 

She let out a dry, bitter laugh. Everything was such a joke. A broken marriage, a cold family, and now they'd left her completely humiliated. 

What was the point of pretending for so long? She had kept her head down, put up with everything, and this was what she got in the end? 

A wave of helplessness washed over her. She closed her eyes, not even caring anymore as the freezing rain drenched her. 

Through the noise and chaos, a flattering voice broke through. "Mr. Mason." The polite greeting was followed by firm, steady footsteps coming closer in the rain. 

Moments later, a black umbrella appeared above her, silently cutting through the rain and offering her shelter from the storm. 

Chapter 2 Meeting Him Again At Her Absolute Worst
Alexia slowly looked up and met a sharp, intense gaze. 

The streetlights flickered in the rain. Waylon Mason stood there, tall and intimidating, with a strong presence that made people uncomfortable. 

Behind him was a row of fancy cars parked along the street, catching everyone's eye. 

His assistants were standing on both sides of him, and one was holding an umbrella over his head. 

But the umbrella Waylon was holding was tilted just to cover Alexia. 

Waylon took a slow step forward and leaned in. Before she could react, his fingers reached up and removed the heavy, black-rimmed glasses from her face. 

Her bright, beautiful eyes were now fully visible. 

He looked down at her with a smirk. "It's been years, Alexia. Look at you--what a mess. Did you finally stop being that love-crazy girl, or are you still dreaming useless dreams?"

Every word cut deeper. Alexia's eyes started to tear up, and the little bit of strength she had left broke down under his harsh voice. 

She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could speak, Waylon suddenly picked her up in his arms in front of everyone, protecting her from the rain and everything around them. 

He walked toward the black car waiting nearby, carrying her as the bodyguards quickly stepped aside to make way. 

All the noise and the rude comments around them faded away. 

Everyone just stood there, stunned, watching them leave with shock written all over their faces. 

...

Inside the car, Alexia held onto her muddy, soaked dress with trembling hands. 

She looked down, her voice rough. "Waylon, why'd you have to show up now?"

Why now...when everything in her life was falling apart? 

Waylon tilted his head at her question, then reached out and took her chin in his hand, gently but firmly lifting her face. 

His voice was calm, yet carried a cold edge. "Why else? I came to check on the woman I liked the least."

His eyes darkened, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, Alexia, do you remember what I said to you seven years ago?"

Of course she did. 

Waylon was the golden child of the Mason family. Her biggest rival back in the day. 

The last time they met was at the airport, seven years ago. What was meant to be a goodbye turned into their worst fight. 

Waylon always hated how she begged for the Jenkins family's approval and how she held onto Roger like she had no pride.

And she couldn't stand his ego and how he judged everyone she cared about.

Back then, he'd warned her clearly--chasing approval from people who'd never truly accept her would only end in disappointment, leaving her with nothing in the end. 

But she was too hopeful to see it. She had told herself, "It's okay if they don't like me now. If I work hard and put them first, they'll accept me eventually."

They wanted her to marry Roger, so she agreed. Her brothers didn't want her getting too powerful, so she acted clueless and average.

But behind the scenes, she was quietly taking out their threats and protecting both the Jenkins and the Gibson families. 

As Waylon's fingers held her jaw tightly, her warm tears fell on his hand, running down his knuckles.

His expression wavered. The coldness faded just for a second. Then, he let go. 

Alexia's voice shook, still raspy from the rain. "Waylon, you were right. They tossed me aside after exploiting me. For more than twenty years, I gave them everything I had. I was so st**id."

It was a long time before Waylon finally spoke again. "You were not st**id. They just weren't worth it."

But Alexia didn't respond. 

He turned to look at her and saw her fast asleep. 

Later that night, Alexia suddenly came down with a high fever. 

Santino Blake, Waylon's personal doctor, got pulled out of bed by a single call and had to grab his stuff and rush over late at night. 

With his years of experience, Santino quickly ran a full checkup. He stood by the bed, looking at Alexia's pale, tired face, and let out a soft sigh. 

Chapter 3 Our Luna Is Back
Santino glanced over his shoulder and caught sight of Waylon on the balcony, ci**rette burning slowly between his fingers. 

Sm**e curled up in lazy spirals, casting a ghostly veil over Waylon's sharp features, softening them with each exhale. 

Waylon rarely sm**ked. Santino could only recall one other time Waylon had smoked like this--two years ago.

Santino stepped outside and joined him.

"She's stable now. She just picked up a chill from being stuck in the rain and took the shock pretty hard. I've given her an injection and some medication--she'll be all right."

A brief pause allowed Santino to scan the night sky.

"I checked the headlines. The Jenkins family didn't just cut her off; they humiliated her for everyone to see--right in the middle of Marilee's birthday party."

Anger edged into Santino's voice. "Hadn't they done a DNA test before taking her back from abroad? This whole thing smells like a setup."

A sudden vibration broke his focus--Alexia's phone was buzzing on the nightstand. 

Waylon strode inside, intent on ending the call, but the name flashing on the screen stopped him cold. 

A flicker of something dark flashed across his eyes as he picked up and put on the speaker. 

Shouting erupted instantly, the caller's anger unmistakable. 

"Alexia, you've ignored every call and message. What exactly are you trying to pull? Faking your own disappearance won't help. Tomorrow, you're signing the divorce agreement, and that's the end of it. I've shown enough patience. Stop standing in the way of Marilee and me. You've lived off the Jenkins family long enough."

"If you have any dignity left, walk away for good--it's the least you can do for Marilee. Don't worry about your share--you'll get what's coming. You looked after my grandmother and my mother these past years, fine. But don't overstep. Learn when to quit. Why aren't you answering me? Where are you?"

The stillness that lingered on the line finally made Roger uneasy. His confidence wavered and his words lost their edge. 

Santino internally begged for someone to step in and stop what was happening, feeling panic surge as things slipped further from control. 

From the moment Roger started speaking, Santino caught the way Waylon's face darkened. 

His eyes went cold and every hint of warmth vanished, leaving the atmosphere icy and suffocating. Santino could barely stand, knees threatening to give way. 

Waylon's expression turned sharp, his smile edged with cruelty. "So that's the way you speak to her, huh?"

Every mu**le in Roger's body tensed, instincts screaming a warning. His voice grew cautious. "Who are you? Where is Alexia?"

Waylon let his gaze settle on the b*d, where Alexia rested, her breathing faint but even.

His response came as a gentle murmur, almost lost in the tension. "She's asleep."

He let a short silence hang before adding, "And she's right here with me."

The only thing that answered him was the explosive sound of rage through the phone. Roger's voice thundered down the line. "What did you just say? Who are you?"

Amusement glimmered in Waylon's eyes as a low chuckle slipped out. "Relax. You'll figure it out...assuming you live long enough." Without another word, he ended the call. 

By morning, the rain had vanished, leaving sunlight streaming through the windows as Alexia stirred awake. 

She reached for her phone, greeted by a storm of missed calls and furious messages from Roger. 

Without reacting, she scrolled through the flood of texts, then let the device drop onto the sheets. Right now, a hot shower mattered more. 

Steam fogged the bathroom mirror as she faced her reflection. Something had changed--her eyes, once dull, now held a spark she hadn't seen in ages. 

For the first time in ages, she tried out a smile, and this one actually reached her eyes, genuine and alive. 

It felt like a fever had burned away all her confusion, stripping her heart of old pain and fo**ish loyalty to those who never deserved it. 

No more playing the fool. No more pretending everything was fine. This sad story was over. 

Wrapped in a towel after the shower, she scanned her contacts and paused on a name untouched for years. 

Her call barely rang once before chaos exploded on the other end. 

"Luna! It's about d**mn time! Tell me--are the rumors true? You're finally getting a divorce?"

Laughter and shouting burst from the background, her friends making no attempt to hide their eavesdropping. 

Alexia replied calmly, "Yes, I'm going to sign the divorce agreement today."

Celebration roared through the phone. Whistles, cheers, the clink of glasses--her friends were clearly turning it into a full-blown party. 

"Took you long enough to snap out of that trance! No more housewife blues. Our Luna is back!"

"Divorce is the best thing to happen to you! Roger never deserved you. Say the word and I'll handle him myself!"

"And don't get me started on that overrated Jenkins family. If not for you, they'd have collapsed during last year's crash. Luna, we're ready when you are--the Helix Consortium stands with you."

Their laughter and support brought a genuine grin to Alexia's lips. "In that case, I need a ride."

Without missing a beat, a man's voice broke in, buzzing with excitement. "A ride? For your grand return? Name it. I'll send the reigning racing champion to pick you up!"

Chapter 4 Do You Believe Me
The call had barely ended when the soft click of the door caught Alexia's attention, her head snapping up. 

There in the doorway stood Waylon, his height casting a shadow, his expression giving nothing away as their eyes met. 

Neither of them had anticipated this kind of encounter. 

Fresh from the shower, Alexia's hair clung damply to her cheeks, a robe slipping low on her shoulders, skin flushed and eyes still hazy with warmth. 

That oversized bathrobe, threatening to slip further, revealed soft lines of skin; the faint scent of shampoo lingered in the air, sweet and impossible to ignore. 

Waylon's gaze swept over her, lingering just long enough for her cheeks to flush, before he looked away calmly. "Get ready. Breakfast is on the table."

Moments later, Alexia emerged dressed, met by the aroma of a beautifully arranged breakfast. 

Hunger won out over pride; she took her seat without pretense, finishing most of the meal before pausing for breath. 

Little was said as Waylon let her eat in peace, only breaking the silence after she'd nearly cleared her plate. "You need a lawyer?"

She set down her coffee cup, eyes meeting his squarely. "So you've heard."

Amusement tugged at his mouth, though his eyes stayed cold. "Is there anyone left who doesn't?"

Alexia tasted the bitterness of the coffee and grimaced for just a moment, though she quickly composed herself. "I can deal with it."

As the words left her mouth, she realized he might think she was too stubborn to admit she needed help. 

After all, in most people's eyes, women being dumped were pathetic. 

"Do you believe me when I say that?" she asked. 

A smirk played on Waylon's face, eyes narrowing with a knowing glint. "Why wouldn't I? Alexia, he's the one who should've fallen apart."

That unwavering gaze held her still, though she managed a small, genuine smile in return. "You've always known how to make a good point."

Once breakfast was done, Alexia got ready to leave. 

Reaching the doorway, she stopped and glanced back. "Thank you," she said quietly, her gratitude unmistakable. 

There was no chance she'd forget his kindness. 

...

Ten minutes had ticked past their appointment, and Roger's patience was quickly wearing thin as he and Marilee waited for Alexia in a private club. 

"Why isn't she here yet? Is she refusing to divorce you?" Marilee pressed herself closer to him, sugar in her tone as she pouted. 

"You haven't forgotten our shopping plans, right? You promised you'd buy me a gown after this."

Roger hummed in response. The weekend's banquet held by the Chamber of Commerce would be the perfect stage to introduce Marilee--the timing of her comeback couldn't have been more ideal.

Every influential name in town would be present, all eyes fixed on Waylon's much-anticipated return. 

Just thinking about Waylon sent a flicker of unease across Roger's face. 

The Chamber of Commerce's open support for Waylon right before the election of its new president wasn't exactly good news for the Gibson family. 

A sudden uproar near the doorway snapped Roger's focus. 

His head turned, and in that instant, it felt as though the atmosphere in the room shifted. 

Everyone's attention zeroed in on a single figure gliding inside with effortless grace. 

Alexia walked in, her crimson dress hugging every curve, heels whispering over the polished floor. Each stride radiated poise and quiet confidence. 

The scarlet hue, that unmistakable glow--she looked like the sunrise brought to life. 

With each step Alexia took, Marilee's smile grew tighter, until it disappeared altogether when Alexia claimed the seat across from them. 

Roger couldn't hide his shock either; his eyes remained glued to Alexia's artfully made-up features. 

"You..." Words caught in his throat, visible in the small, nervous bob of his Adam's apple. 

Nobody present could believe this woman was the same person from last night--the awkward glasses, the baggy checkered shirt, the sopping hair. 

Yesterday's pitiful girl had been replaced by someone utterly different, confident, unrecognizable. 

Nothing about their surprise caught Alexia off guard. Her beauty wasn't news to her; she'd just chosen not to make a show of it. 

Childhood lessons had always emphasized modesty, staying out of the spotlight, never inviting too much notice. 

Marriage only tightened the leash. Years spent tending to Roger's grandmother and fielding disapproval from a mother-in-law who'd been fed tales of her so-called wild youth. 

Not even her hair or the color of her clothes escaped scrutiny. Every detail had been censored into drab submission. 

Vibrant dresses never made it to her closet--only baggy, forgettable options filled the shelves. 

That chapter, though, was behind her. 

With unhurried confidence, Alexia called over a server, ordered a te**ila, and began paging through the divorce agreement--unfazed by the attention. 

Marilee recovered her composure first, flashing a sweet smile.

"Alexia, I hope you're alright after yesterday. The reporters caught us all off guard. Someone told me you slipped in the rain. It must have been miserable out there."

Chapter 5 Watching Her Unravel
Patience faded on Marilee's face as she waited for a reaction, but Alexia wouldn't even meet her eyes.

Instead, she directed her attention to Roger. "Is the Gibson fortune going up in flames? This is all I'm worth?"

A shadow crossed Roger's face. "That's what the prenup says, so that's all you're entitled to."

Even before they got married, he'd closed every door to the family's fortune, making sure she'd never find a loophole. 

Realizing Alexia was blatantly ignoring her, Marilee butted in, "You're getting more than enough, Alexia. Was it love or money you wanted from Roger, anyway?"

Alexia still refused to acknowledge her, not so much as a glance. "With an amount this pitiful? Hang on to it--you'll need every last cent when the Gibson empire falls apart."

Those words wiped any patience from Roger's face. "Don't push it, Alexia."

Suddenly, Marilee's eyes shimmered with tears and her voice went brittle, as though her heart might break. "Please, Alexia, don't do this to Roger," she whimpered. 

The crowd's attention snapped toward her as sobs and sniffles filled the space. 

Marilee reached for the delicate pink diamond at her throat. 

"Maybe you never knew, but Roger and I have loved each other for years. He gave me this necklace on your wedding day--it's a symbol of his devotion. That cherry blossom garden in your backyard? Roger built it just for me, hoping I'd smile. You stole my life. Everything you have should have been mine. Don't you think it's time you let go and left quietly, without asking for more?"

An uncomfortable hush settled over the room. 

It was rare to see a mi**ress acting so brazenly, demanding the wife walk away with empty hands. 

Finally, Alexia turned to meet Marilee's eyes, her voice colder than ice.

"I stole your life? Was it me who went to the Jenkins family, begging them to accept me? Was I the one who refused a DNA test and strutted around calling myself their true daughter? Did I chase after Roger, desperate for a marriage?"

Every pointed question shattered the silence, each one sharp enough to cut. 

All color drained from Marilee's face, her body rigid beneath Alexia's icy stare.

Not missing a beat, Alexia delivered the final blow. "Go blame your own fo**ish parents."

That snapped the last of Marilee's restraint. "If it weren't for them, you'd still be digging through ga**age. You've been living a luxurious life for twenty years. Without them, you'd be nothing but a pauper."

A sharp laugh spilled from Alexia. Her gaze drifted to the faded needle marks on her wrist. "If this is what luxury looks like, I must have missed out. Pain, though? There was always enough of that to go around."

Disbelief filled Marilee's eyes, her words trembling with contempt. 

"Lies. You grew up surrounded by filth--you're nothing but ga**age. If my parents hadn't stepped in, you'd be gone by now. Some gang would have had its way with you and left you in the gutter--"

The rest never left her mouth. A sharp s**p rang out, echoing in the room. 

Stunned, Marilee pressed trembling fingers to the swelling red mark, speechless. 

A cold smile curved Alexia's lips.

"There's nothing I despise more than people who never learned basic decency. The Jenkins family or not, I'd still be standing here as myself. But you? Without that divorce agreement, you're nothing more than a shameless mi**ress."

Not waiting for a reaction, Alexia hurled the signed divorce agreement straight at Marilee, landing the hit with brutal precision. "Think of it as my parting gift."

Marilee flinched as the edges nicked her forehead, letting out a startled cry. The shock left her shaking, the color draining from her lips. 

Alexia watched the panic unraveling Marilee's composure, noticing the nervous twitch on her face.

Pretending to care, she cocked her head and offered, "Do you need me to call an ambulance for you?"

That question broke whatever restraint Marilee had left. "Why would you ever do that?" she snapped. 

Alexia gave her a look laced with fake concern. "It just seems like you're not well at all."

Marilee's voice cracked as she screamed, "I am not sick!"

Even Roger turned, uncertain and uneasy as her shrill denial filled the room. 

Unbothered, Alexia let her reply drip with venom, hitting every nerve.

"Funny. People who are actually unwell always insist they're fine. Might be time to book yourself a session with a psychiatrist. And before I forget...cute necklace. But honestly? Junk stones aren't worth much these days."

Marilee's face turned ashen, her fury and humiliation overwhelming her. Without warning, she collapsed straight into Roger's arms. 

Anger carved hard lines into Roger's face as he pulled Marilee close, glaring at Alexia.

"I never realized you could be so cruel. Just because you wore my ring, you think you can say whatever you want?"

Before Alexia could offer a comeback, a familiar voice cut through the tension, heavy with mockery. 

"Really? That's your angle? Just because she wore your ring, you think you could speak to her like that?"

A collective g**p swept through the crowd, all attention snapping to the doorway. 

There, tall and dangerously handsome, a man entered, charm radiating effortlessly with every step. 

......

What happens next? 
          
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The real heiress stole her family and husband, forcing her out with nothing. Unexpectedly, she reunited with her childhood rival. She had braced for his mockery, but he proposed instead. This power couple, hiding countless identities, dominated the elite circle, leaving her ex-husband regret. ===== "Mrs. Gibson, do you have anything to say about your husband showing up at Marilee Jenkins' birthday party today and announcing that he's going to divorce you?" "People are saying Marilee is Mr. Gibson's first love and the real daughter of your parents, while you're the fake. You've been enjoying her parents' love all this time and married to the man meant for her. Do you feel bad about that?" The birthday party was crowded, and Alexia Gibson found herself completely trapped. Reporters quickly closed in on her, pushing cameras and microphones into her face as camera flashes burst from every direction, giving her no space to breathe. "Your parents just said you're not really their daughter and cut off your money." "You've been out of work for two years, living as a housewife, so how exactly do you plan to support yourself now? Mrs. Gibson, any comments?" Alexia just stood there, frozen. Her mind was still spinning from everything she'd just heard. So this Marilee Jenkins was the real daughter of her so-called parents and her husband's true love. And her? She was Roger Gibson's wife on paper, but clearly, just a joke to everyone else. Years ago, the Jenkins couple had pulled her out of some run-down neighborhood overseas, saying she was their long-lost daughter. But had they really not bothered doing a simple DNA test before welcoming her in? Why did they only discover the mistake now? Alexia's body tensed up. Her eyes drifted over to the man standing next to her. However, Roger's attention was not on her. He was looking at Marilee, as if they were the only ones in the room. Her voice came out strained as she asked, "Why? You didn't even tell me." Roger's face was as cold as stone. "Now you know. That's all that matters. It's over, Alexia. You were never good enough for me. Our marriage? Just a transaction. The only woman I've ever loved is Marilee. And you know why I never touched you after the wedding? Because you disgust me. You're like a spoiled dish--completely unappetizing." His eyes swept over her from head to toe, full of scorn. Her simple clothes, those outdated glasses--everything about her clashed with the glossy, high-class world he lived in. Before his harsh words even fully sank in, Alexia lifted her glass and threw the ch**pagne right into his face. The drink hit him with a loud splash, soaking his face and pricey suit. He just stood there, stunned, as the li**id dripped from his hair and down his face. "A spoiled dish? You told me you wanted an ordinary housewife. Dad and Mom told me they wanted an obedient daughter, who never outdid anyone!" Without hesitation, she threw the glass to the floor. The sharp crash instantly silenced the whole room. Roger's face turned red with embarrassment. His jaw tightened. "Have you lost your mind?" From the stage, the Jenkins couple yelled at her. "Alexia, this is Marilee's birthday, not a place for your drama!" People in the crowd rolled their eyes and muttered that she was nuts. None of them had a clue what she had given up for the two families all these years. Shoving through the crowd, Alexia made a beeline for the exit. Reporters swarmed after her like a flood. She shoved past them all, blind to the pouring rain, deaf to the murmurs and judgment surrounding her. Right now, all she wanted was to get away--far from the noise, the eyes, and the humiliation. But just as she broke through the crowd and made it outside, a bunch of Marilee's wild fans shoved her hard, and she slipped, landing on the wet road. Marilee was an A-list star in showbiz. Her birthday party was being livestreamed, and tons of fans had gathered outside. The second they saw Alexia step out, the crowd lost it, shouting like wild animals who had just found something to attack. "Alexia, you've got some nerve attending Marilee's birthday party. You've got no shame!" "You're not even the real daughter. Just go back to whatever dump you came from, or are you too hooked on the Jenkins' money?" "Roger's going to divorce you, and you still think it's okay to show your face around Marilee? Who do you think you are?" "Go away already!" Alexia lay there on the wet street, frozen for a second, while their nasty words echoed all around her. She let out a dry, bitter laugh. Everything was such a joke. A broken marriage, a cold family, and now they'd left her completely humiliated. What was the point of pretending for so long? She had kept her head down, put up with everything, and this was what she got in the end? A wave of helplessness washed over her. She closed her eyes, not even caring anymore as the freezing rain drenched her. Through the noise and chaos, a flattering voice broke through. "Mr. Mason." The polite greeting was followed by firm, steady footsteps coming closer in the rain. Moments later, a black umbrella appeared above her, silently cutting through the rain and offering her shelter from the storm. Chapter 2 Meeting Him Again At Her Absolute Worst Alexia slowly looked up and met a sharp, intense gaze. The streetlights flickered in the rain. Waylon Mason stood there, tall and intimidating, with a strong presence that made people uncomfortable. Behind him was a row of fancy cars parked along the street, catching everyone's eye. His assistants were standing on both sides of him, and one was holding an umbrella over his head. But the umbrella Waylon was holding was tilted just to cover Alexia. Waylon took a slow step forward and leaned in. Before she could react, his fingers reached up and removed the heavy, black-rimmed glasses from her face. Her bright, beautiful eyes were now fully visible. He looked down at her with a smirk. "It's been years, Alexia. Look at you--what a mess. Did you finally stop being that love-crazy girl, or are you still dreaming useless dreams?" Every word cut deeper. Alexia's eyes started to tear up, and the little bit of strength she had left broke down under his harsh voice. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could speak, Waylon suddenly picked her up in his arms in front of everyone, protecting her from the rain and everything around them. He walked toward the black car waiting nearby, carrying her as the bodyguards quickly stepped aside to make way. All the noise and the rude comments around them faded away. Everyone just stood there, stunned, watching them leave with shock written all over their faces. ... Inside the car, Alexia held onto her muddy, soaked dress with trembling hands. She looked down, her voice rough. "Waylon, why'd you have to show up now?" Why now...when everything in her life was falling apart? Waylon tilted his head at her question, then reached out and took her chin in his hand, gently but firmly lifting her face. His voice was calm, yet carried a cold edge. "Why else? I came to check on the woman I liked the least." His eyes darkened, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, Alexia, do you remember what I said to you seven years ago?" Of course she did. Waylon was the golden child of the Mason family. Her biggest rival back in the day. The last time they met was at the airport, seven years ago. What was meant to be a goodbye turned into their worst fight. Waylon always hated how she begged for the Jenkins family's approval and how she held onto Roger like she had no pride. And she couldn't stand his ego and how he judged everyone she cared about. Back then, he'd warned her clearly--chasing approval from people who'd never truly accept her would only end in disappointment, leaving her with nothing in the end. But she was too hopeful to see it. She had told herself, "It's okay if they don't like me now. If I work hard and put them first, they'll accept me eventually." They wanted her to marry Roger, so she agreed. Her brothers didn't want her getting too powerful, so she acted clueless and average. But behind the scenes, she was quietly taking out their threats and protecting both the Jenkins and the Gibson families. As Waylon's fingers held her jaw tightly, her warm tears fell on his hand, running down his knuckles. His expression wavered. The coldness faded just for a second. Then, he let go. Alexia's voice shook, still raspy from the rain. "Waylon, you were right. They tossed me aside after exploiting me. For more than twenty years, I gave them everything I had. I was so st**id." It was a long time before Waylon finally spoke again. "You were not st**id. They just weren't worth it." But Alexia didn't respond. He turned to look at her and saw her fast asleep. Later that night, Alexia suddenly came down with a high fever. Santino Blake, Waylon's personal doctor, got pulled out of bed by a single call and had to grab his stuff and rush over late at night. With his years of experience, Santino quickly ran a full checkup. He stood by the bed, looking at Alexia's pale, tired face, and let out a soft sigh. Chapter 3 Our Luna Is Back Santino glanced over his shoulder and caught sight of Waylon on the balcony, ci**rette burning slowly between his fingers. Sm**e curled up in lazy spirals, casting a ghostly veil over Waylon's sharp features, softening them with each exhale. Waylon rarely sm**ked. Santino could only recall one other time Waylon had smoked like this--two years ago. Santino stepped outside and joined him. "She's stable now. She just picked up a chill from being stuck in the rain and took the shock pretty hard. I've given her an injection and some medication--she'll be all right." A brief pause allowed Santino to scan the night sky. "I checked the headlines. The Jenkins family didn't just cut her off; they humiliated her for everyone to see--right in the middle of Marilee's birthday party." Anger edged into Santino's voice. "Hadn't they done a DNA test before taking her back from abroad? This whole thing smells like a setup." A sudden vibration broke his focus--Alexia's phone was buzzing on the nightstand. Waylon strode inside, intent on ending the call, but the name flashing on the screen stopped him cold. A flicker of something dark flashed across his eyes as he picked up and put on the speaker. Shouting erupted instantly, the caller's anger unmistakable. "Alexia, you've ignored every call and message. What exactly are you trying to pull? Faking your own disappearance won't help. Tomorrow, you're signing the divorce agreement, and that's the end of it. I've shown enough patience. Stop standing in the way of Marilee and me. You've lived off the Jenkins family long enough." "If you have any dignity left, walk away for good--it's the least you can do for Marilee. Don't worry about your share--you'll get what's coming. You looked after my grandmother and my mother these past years, fine. But don't overstep. Learn when to quit. Why aren't you answering me? Where are you?" The stillness that lingered on the line finally made Roger uneasy. His confidence wavered and his words lost their edge. Santino internally begged for someone to step in and stop what was happening, feeling panic surge as things slipped further from control. From the moment Roger started speaking, Santino caught the way Waylon's face darkened. His eyes went cold and every hint of warmth vanished, leaving the atmosphere icy and suffocating. Santino could barely stand, knees threatening to give way. Waylon's expression turned sharp, his smile edged with cruelty. "So that's the way you speak to her, huh?" Every mu**le in Roger's body tensed, instincts screaming a warning. His voice grew cautious. "Who are you? Where is Alexia?" Waylon let his gaze settle on the b*d, where Alexia rested, her breathing faint but even. His response came as a gentle murmur, almost lost in the tension. "She's asleep." He let a short silence hang before adding, "And she's right here with me." The only thing that answered him was the explosive sound of rage through the phone. Roger's voice thundered down the line. "What did you just say? Who are you?" Amusement glimmered in Waylon's eyes as a low chuckle slipped out. "Relax. You'll figure it out...assuming you live long enough." Without another word, he ended the call. By morning, the rain had vanished, leaving sunlight streaming through the windows as Alexia stirred awake. She reached for her phone, greeted by a storm of missed calls and furious messages from Roger. Without reacting, she scrolled through the flood of texts, then let the device drop onto the sheets. Right now, a hot shower mattered more. Steam fogged the bathroom mirror as she faced her reflection. Something had changed--her eyes, once dull, now held a spark she hadn't seen in ages. For the first time in ages, she tried out a smile, and this one actually reached her eyes, genuine and alive. It felt like a fever had burned away all her confusion, stripping her heart of old pain and fo**ish loyalty to those who never deserved it. No more playing the fool. No more pretending everything was fine. This sad story was over. Wrapped in a towel after the shower, she scanned her contacts and paused on a name untouched for years. Her call barely rang once before chaos exploded on the other end. "Luna! It's about d**mn time! Tell me--are the rumors true? You're finally getting a divorce?" Laughter and shouting burst from the background, her friends making no attempt to hide their eavesdropping. Alexia replied calmly, "Yes, I'm going to sign the divorce agreement today." Celebration roared through the phone. Whistles, cheers, the clink of glasses--her friends were clearly turning it into a full-blown party. "Took you long enough to snap out of that trance! No more housewife blues. Our Luna is back!" "Divorce is the best thing to happen to you! Roger never deserved you. Say the word and I'll handle him myself!" "And don't get me started on that overrated Jenkins family. If not for you, they'd have collapsed during last year's crash. Luna, we're ready when you are--the Helix Consortium stands with you." Their laughter and support brought a genuine grin to Alexia's lips. "In that case, I need a ride." Without missing a beat, a man's voice broke in, buzzing with excitement. "A ride? For your grand return? Name it. I'll send the reigning racing champion to pick you up!" Chapter 4 Do You Believe Me The call had barely ended when the soft click of the door caught Alexia's attention, her head snapping up. There in the doorway stood Waylon, his height casting a shadow, his expression giving nothing away as their eyes met. Neither of them had anticipated this kind of encounter. Fresh from the shower, Alexia's hair clung damply to her cheeks, a robe slipping low on her shoulders, skin flushed and eyes still hazy with warmth. That oversized bathrobe, threatening to slip further, revealed soft lines of skin; the faint scent of shampoo lingered in the air, sweet and impossible to ignore. Waylon's gaze swept over her, lingering just long enough for her cheeks to flush, before he looked away calmly. "Get ready. Breakfast is on the table." Moments later, Alexia emerged dressed, met by the aroma of a beautifully arranged breakfast. Hunger won out over pride; she took her seat without pretense, finishing most of the meal before pausing for breath. Little was said as Waylon let her eat in peace, only breaking the silence after she'd nearly cleared her plate. "You need a lawyer?" She set down her coffee cup, eyes meeting his squarely. "So you've heard." Amusement tugged at his mouth, though his eyes stayed cold. "Is there anyone left who doesn't?" Alexia tasted the bitterness of the coffee and grimaced for just a moment, though she quickly composed herself. "I can deal with it." As the words left her mouth, she realized he might think she was too stubborn to admit she needed help. After all, in most people's eyes, women being dumped were pathetic. "Do you believe me when I say that?" she asked. A smirk played on Waylon's face, eyes narrowing with a knowing glint. "Why wouldn't I? Alexia, he's the one who should've fallen apart." That unwavering gaze held her still, though she managed a small, genuine smile in return. "You've always known how to make a good point." Once breakfast was done, Alexia got ready to leave. Reaching the doorway, she stopped and glanced back. "Thank you," she said quietly, her gratitude unmistakable. There was no chance she'd forget his kindness. ... Ten minutes had ticked past their appointment, and Roger's patience was quickly wearing thin as he and Marilee waited for Alexia in a private club. "Why isn't she here yet? Is she refusing to divorce you?" Marilee pressed herself closer to him, sugar in her tone as she pouted. "You haven't forgotten our shopping plans, right? You promised you'd buy me a gown after this." Roger hummed in response. The weekend's banquet held by the Chamber of Commerce would be the perfect stage to introduce Marilee--the timing of her comeback couldn't have been more ideal. Every influential name in town would be present, all eyes fixed on Waylon's much-anticipated return. Just thinking about Waylon sent a flicker of unease across Roger's face. The Chamber of Commerce's open support for Waylon right before the election of its new president wasn't exactly good news for the Gibson family. A sudden uproar near the doorway snapped Roger's focus. His head turned, and in that instant, it felt as though the atmosphere in the room shifted. Everyone's attention zeroed in on a single figure gliding inside with effortless grace. Alexia walked in, her crimson dress hugging every curve, heels whispering over the polished floor. Each stride radiated poise and quiet confidence. The scarlet hue, that unmistakable glow--she looked like the sunrise brought to life. With each step Alexia took, Marilee's smile grew tighter, until it disappeared altogether when Alexia claimed the seat across from them. Roger couldn't hide his shock either; his eyes remained glued to Alexia's artfully made-up features. "You..." Words caught in his throat, visible in the small, nervous bob of his Adam's apple. Nobody present could believe this woman was the same person from last night--the awkward glasses, the baggy checkered shirt, the sopping hair. Yesterday's pitiful girl had been replaced by someone utterly different, confident, unrecognizable. Nothing about their surprise caught Alexia off guard. Her beauty wasn't news to her; she'd just chosen not to make a show of it. Childhood lessons had always emphasized modesty, staying out of the spotlight, never inviting too much notice. Marriage only tightened the leash. Years spent tending to Roger's grandmother and fielding disapproval from a mother-in-law who'd been fed tales of her so-called wild youth. Not even her hair or the color of her clothes escaped scrutiny. Every detail had been censored into drab submission. Vibrant dresses never made it to her closet--only baggy, forgettable options filled the shelves. That chapter, though, was behind her. With unhurried confidence, Alexia called over a server, ordered a te**ila, and began paging through the divorce agreement--unfazed by the attention. Marilee recovered her composure first, flashing a sweet smile. "Alexia, I hope you're alright after yesterday. The reporters caught us all off guard. Someone told me you slipped in the rain. It must have been miserable out there." Chapter 5 Watching Her Unravel Patience faded on Marilee's face as she waited for a reaction, but Alexia wouldn't even meet her eyes. Instead, she directed her attention to Roger. "Is the Gibson fortune going up in flames? This is all I'm worth?" A shadow crossed Roger's face. "That's what the prenup says, so that's all you're entitled to." Even before they got married, he'd closed every door to the family's fortune, making sure she'd never find a loophole. Realizing Alexia was blatantly ignoring her, Marilee butted in, "You're getting more than enough, Alexia. Was it love or money you wanted from Roger, anyway?" Alexia still refused to acknowledge her, not so much as a glance. "With an amount this pitiful? Hang on to it--you'll need every last cent when the Gibson empire falls apart." Those words wiped any patience from Roger's face. "Don't push it, Alexia." Suddenly, Marilee's eyes shimmered with tears and her voice went brittle, as though her heart might break. "Please, Alexia, don't do this to Roger," she whimpered. The crowd's attention snapped toward her as sobs and sniffles filled the space. Marilee reached for the delicate pink diamond at her throat. "Maybe you never knew, but Roger and I have loved each other for years. He gave me this necklace on your wedding day--it's a symbol of his devotion. That cherry blossom garden in your backyard? Roger built it just for me, hoping I'd smile. You stole my life. Everything you have should have been mine. Don't you think it's time you let go and left quietly, without asking for more?" An uncomfortable hush settled over the room. It was rare to see a mi**ress acting so brazenly, demanding the wife walk away with empty hands. Finally, Alexia turned to meet Marilee's eyes, her voice colder than ice. "I stole your life? Was it me who went to the Jenkins family, begging them to accept me? Was I the one who refused a DNA test and strutted around calling myself their true daughter? Did I chase after Roger, desperate for a marriage?" Every pointed question shattered the silence, each one sharp enough to cut. All color drained from Marilee's face, her body rigid beneath Alexia's icy stare. Not missing a beat, Alexia delivered the final blow. "Go blame your own fo**ish parents." That snapped the last of Marilee's restraint. "If it weren't for them, you'd still be digging through ga**age. You've been living a luxurious life for twenty years. Without them, you'd be nothing but a pauper." A sharp laugh spilled from Alexia. Her gaze drifted to the faded needle marks on her wrist. "If this is what luxury looks like, I must have missed out. Pain, though? There was always enough of that to go around." Disbelief filled Marilee's eyes, her words trembling with contempt. "Lies. You grew up surrounded by filth--you're nothing but ga**age. If my parents hadn't stepped in, you'd be gone by now. Some gang would have had its way with you and left you in the gutter--" The rest never left her mouth. A sharp s**p rang out, echoing in the room. Stunned, Marilee pressed trembling fingers to the swelling red mark, speechless. A cold smile curved Alexia's lips. "There's nothing I despise more than people who never learned basic decency. The Jenkins family or not, I'd still be standing here as myself. But you? Without that divorce agreement, you're nothing more than a shameless mi**ress." Not waiting for a reaction, Alexia hurled the signed divorce agreement straight at Marilee, landing the hit with brutal precision. "Think of it as my parting gift." Marilee flinched as the edges nicked her forehead, letting out a startled cry. The shock left her shaking, the color draining from her lips. Alexia watched the panic unraveling Marilee's composure, noticing the nervous twitch on her face. Pretending to care, she cocked her head and offered, "Do you need me to call an ambulance for you?" That question broke whatever restraint Marilee had left. "Why would you ever do that?" she snapped. Alexia gave her a look laced with fake concern. "It just seems like you're not well at all." Marilee's voice cracked as she screamed, "I am not sick!" Even Roger turned, uncertain and uneasy as her shrill denial filled the room. Unbothered, Alexia let her reply drip with venom, hitting every nerve. "Funny. People who are actually unwell always insist they're fine. Might be time to book yourself a session with a psychiatrist. And before I forget...cute necklace. But honestly? Junk stones aren't worth much these days." Marilee's face turned ashen, her fury and humiliation overwhelming her. Without warning, she collapsed straight into Roger's arms. Anger carved hard lines into Roger's face as he pulled Marilee close, glaring at Alexia. "I never realized you could be so cruel. Just because you wore my ring, you think you can say whatever you want?" Before Alexia could offer a comeback, a familiar voice cut through the tension, heavy with mockery. "Really? That's your angle? Just because she wore your ring, you think you could speak to her like that?" A collective g**p swept through the crowd, all attention snapping to the doorway. There, tall and dangerously handsome, a man entered, charm radiating effortlessly with every step. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &5&

I Meow AA

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