005

Loren’s POV

I stepped out of the cab, glancing at the birthday hall.

For a moment, I hesitated before taking a deep breath.

It was just three more days.

After three days, I would be completely free from these people.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I walked into the hall, my eyes catching Asher speaking to some guests in a corner.

From the decorations, it was clear he’d spared no expense to ensure Lovie had a lavish birthday.

But it didn’t hurt like it used to.

Instead of the tears that usually pricked my eyes, I found myself taking quick strides toward Asher.

“I’m here,” I said. “Give me the documents.”

He paused, staring at me from head to toe like he was searching for something.

“Wait a minute,” He said, looking past me as guests started clapping.

I turned just as he finished, murmuring right beside my ear. “The real show hasn’t started yet.”

He was right.

I watched as several men clad in suits walked into the hall in a single line, holding out large velvet boxes.

Guests were already murmuring among themselves, gushing about the perfect couple and how Lovie was so lucky to have a partner like Asher.

Just as the men settled into a single file, the lights dimmed and everyone turned to see Lovie walking down the spiral stairs.

One by one, they approached Lovie, unveiling several luxurious gifts.

“I found you this beautiful heirloom,” Asher spoke up, opening one of the boxes. “They call it the ocean of spades. It's one of a kind.”

“And this,” He pointed at another box, pulling out a car key. “The Audi you wanted, I remembered everything, Lovie.”

“But there's one more special gift,”

Lovie’s eyes sparkled, “But you’ve already given me so much,”

I scoffed at her pretense.

“This one is special. It's the penthouse you told me about two months ago.”

“Oh my gosh, Asher! You’re the best!" She hugged him in front of everyone.

He wrapped his arms around her, meeting my gaze.

Asher stepped away from Lovie and grabbed my arm. “See that?” He said, “All of this was supposed to be yours. If you beg me, I might still reconsider.”

I stared at him for a few seconds before yanking my arm. “The show is over, return the project document right now.”

“It's just a project document,” Lovie spat, “It’s my birthday—can’t you show some manners? You ill-bred wretch.”

I turned to face her. “That's an interesting word. Do you consider it well-bred to meddle in someone else’s marriage?”

Lovie’s face turned pale. “The person who isn’t loved is the home wrecker,” she bit back, gesturing at the velvet boxes.

“Just look at everything Asher gifted me,” she snarled. “It's clear that only I truly hold the most important place in his heart.”

“Is that so?” I raised an eyebrow. “If that’s the case, why hasn’t he married you yet?”

Lovie glanced at Asher, struggling to form words before she blurted. “Don’t try to spin things around!”

“Even without me, your marriage was already dead!”

The guests broke into soft murmurs but it didn’t take long for it to get louder.

“Wait. So Lovie isn’t the wife?” One of the guests murmured.

“It seems like Loren and Asher are the actual couple...” A blonde woman trailed off. “Does that make Lovie the homewrecker”

Gasps rippled through the crowd

“Enough,” Asher growled, glaring at me. “You created this mess, fix it.”

My forehead creased.

“Apologise to Lovie right now and clear the air in front of everyone.”

“Fine,” I agreed, offering my hand. “But first, give me the project documents belonging to my mother.”

Asher’s eyes darkened. “You’ve made such a mess of things—don’t even think about getting those documents unless you kneel and apologize.”

It was time to pull my trump card.

“That’s also fine,” I said, pressing my phone against Lovie’s chest.

The video of her deliberately knocking over a lighting rig to injure me played.

Lovie's eyes widened and I leaned before she could play the victim. “If this video goes public, do you think your status as a big star will survive?”

She pushed me, her cheeks flushed as she spoke, “You’re trying to frame me! I didn’t do anything!”

“Look everyone, Loren is so jealous that she wants to frame me!”

I didn’t back down. Not this time. “Alright then. Since you claim I’m framing you, let’s show everyone the truth.”

Lovie turned to Asher immediately, tugging at his sleeve. “Asher, please give her the documents before she ruins everything for everyone.”

Asher glared at me for a moment before snapping his fingers.

A guard stepped forward and handed him my mother’s familiar leather file.

I snatched it before he could change his mind, holding it against my chest.

It was finally with me.

I handed the video to Lovie and turned to leave when Asher caught my wrist, forcing me to turn.

“How could you be so heartless?” He spat, “You ruined your sister's birthday and you’re leaving with no remorse?”

I glanced between them, my grip on the document tightening as I spoke up. “Remorse? Sister?” I sneered.

“You mean the sister who destroyed my family, hooked up with her own brother-in-law, and tried to frame me?”

My face snapped to the side, my cheek stinging. Before I could process that he hit me, Asher barked.

“Apologise to Lovie immediately!”

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I stared at the man I’d spent seven years trying to please, love while reducing my self-respect to shreds just to keep him.

“I said,” he pressed, “Apologise,”

I shoved him back. “Are you acting out of guilt now? Or are you just unable to control your urges and yet too cowardly to let anyone speak the truth?!”

“Shut it.” his nostrils flared. “Apologise to Lovie right now”

Our eyes locked. “Or else, I’ll really divorce you, Loren Hatt.”

I wiped the lone tear and smiled, “Fine then, let's get a divorce, Asher West.”