Kaitlyn believed she had everything - a caring partner, a reliable best friend, and a promising future. However, on the day that was supposed to be the most joyful of her life, she is horrified to see the man she loves marrying her best friend instead. Feeling betrayed and devastated, Kaitlyn finds it difficult to rebuild her broken life. Just as she believes she has reached the lowest point, a random meeting with the mysterious billionaire Estefan Salvatore gives her an unforeseen opportunity for help. The proposition he is offering is both alluring and risky: enter into a fake marriage with him to assist in his plan for vengeance against his deceitful sibling, and in exchange, enjoy a lavish lifestyle and seek retribution against those who have wronged her. Now Kaitlyn has to make a decision: is it worth taking a risk on this risky deal, putting her heart and maybe even her life in danger in exchange for the chance of getting revenge and wealth? Should she choose to leave and confront the challenging job of reconstructing her life according to her own standards
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"Do you take Melissa to be your lovely wedded wife?" The priest inquired.
I had a moment of my heart ceasing to beat. This was unbelievable. After all this time of loving him and being there for him in every situation, not now. It's impossible that Michael is getting married to someone else in my presence.
I gazed at the stunning woman wearing a white dress who was standing next to him. Melissa, who I thought was my best friend. The person who assisted me in choosing the ring I gave to Michael when I proposed two years back.
Tears stung my eyes while witnessing her bright smile directed at him.
"I do," Michael proclaimed confidently, looking at Melissa with a clear expression of pure love on his face.
Those two small words stabbed my heart deeply.
For eight years, we had been inseparable ever since we met in college.
We had been preparing for this wedding for more than a year.
Now, he was tying the knot with my disloyal best friend rather than me. How could they have treated me like this?
I must have let out a strangled cry of pain, as multiple people turned to glance at me with surprised looks.
I looked into Michael's eyes and caught a glimpse of pain before his expression turned cold once again.
The priest solemnly intoned, "If anyone has reason to object to the union of these two in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."
This opportunity belonged to me. My final chance to end this endless nightmare and achieve the life I had envisioned with Michael.
When I tried to speak, all that came out of my mouth were weak gasps, while the priest interpreted my silence as approval and proceeded with the ceremony.
"By the authority given to me, I declare you husband and wife."
I observed through blurred vision as Michael embraced Melissa tightly and kissed her passionately. The kiss continued until an usher loudly cleared his throat. They separated, smiling at each other like infatuated youths.
Similar to how Michael and I were in the past, before this act of betrayal occurred. Everyone around me began to clap and cheer.
I don't know how my legs managed to support me as I walked out of the church into the refreshing spring breeze.
The sounds and voices merged in a way that made it hard for me to tell if people were trying to communicate with me, ignoring them I concentrating solely on making my way out of that building as quickly as I could.
I managed to reach my car without fainting or vomiting, and got into the driver's seat feeling disoriented. Observing through the rear mirror, watching their happiness and closeness felt like getting punched in the gut over and over again.
That's when I eventually snapped, bending forward as strong sobs convulsed my entire body. After all we had experienced together, why would Michael betray me like this?
We had created numerous plans, dreams, and commitments. And at this moment, they were all reduced to ashes.
After an unknown amount of time, my cries eventually reduced to a continuous flow of tears. I gasped and ignited the car reeling out of the parking lot as a speed of light. I aimlessly drove for hours, with painful memories and endless questions swirling in my mind without stopping.
What mistake had I made that led me astray? What did I do to cause him to stop loving me? Had he really ever loved me? How could my dearest friend Melissa?
In the end, I found myself at a dingy dive bar in the city center, craving to escape reality. Getting incredibly drunk was the only method I could think of to avoid the excruciating torment of those unanswered questions, even if just for one evening.
I don't recall many things after consuming the fourth or fifth whiskey shot. A blurry collection of descending depression and sadness.
Lost at how I ended up here, or maybe I must have contacted someone to pick me up at some point, as the next moment I was conscious of, was when I woke up in my own bed, feeling more despondent than I had ever felt before.
For the next couple of days, I stayed in bed, hiding my pain under my duvet blocking and shutting everything out.
All I was capable of doing was weep until I believed I had no more tears, only to be overwhelmed by another surge when I considered Michael's betrayal once more.
My phone kept ringing until the voicemail was full with worried calls from friends and family asking about my location. I was unable to bring myself to discuss what had occurred with anyone. I was extremely embarrassed, humiliated, and heartbroken. It felt as if I was the subject of a twisted universal prank that everyone else understood except for myself.
I made myself leave the bed after much consolation from myself, shower, and face reality again, even though I didn't want to at the time. Wherever I turned, there were memories of Michael and the bond we shared; stubs from concerts we went to, keepsakes from trips, and silly presents exchanged throughout the years. Every single one now felt like a blow to the stomach.
At times, I would stay awake in bed gazing at the ceiling, pondering if he was elsewhere looking up at the night sky, and thinking about me.
Had he ever felt remorse for how thoroughly he had destroyed me? Or was he ecstatically pleased with his new spouse, his new existence, easily abandoning me like a no longer desired used item?
Eventually, I came to understand that I couldn't continue to dwell in my sorrow indefinitely. I continued to have a good job and duties to attend to. I needed to figure out how to start moving forward and reconstruct some semblance of a life.
There came a knock on my door. I got up from the couch, preparing for another friend's well-intentioned inquiry about my "situation."
However, it was not a friend. It was Melissa. Appearing as fashionable as always in a chic sundress, seemingly unconcerned about anything.
"Hello," she welcomed me with an empty smile when I opened the door. "Is it okay if I come in? We need to have a conversation."
My fist clenched and unclenched at her bold request. But a part of me wanted to hear the lies she was about to spill as she tried to justify her unjustifiable actions.
Confidently, she glided in and made herself comfortable on the couch, appearing entirely at ease in my home. I stayed upright, maintaining a safe distance while giving her a hard glare filled with hidden disgust.
"I can imagine you are curious about what happened." Making it seem as though I was the one who had been mistreated rather than her. "Michael and I, well we never intended to develop feelings for one another. It gradually occurred in the last few months as we spent more time together, planning your wedding and such."
I understood that she was going to attempt to tell me a clichéd story of being "soul mates" who had somehow found their "eternal love" for each other while planning my wedding, and I couldn't bear it.
"Keep it," I interrupted her, shocking us both with the bitterness in my tone. "I am not interested in listening to any more of your weak excuses. You betrayed my trust in the most severe way by stabbing me in the back. You not only cheated with my partner, but also pretended to be my friend while I was planning my wedding."
Melissa started to speak, but I wasn't done releasing months of pent-up anger.
"I don't know how you can face me after that. Melissa, you are a horrible, self-centered individual. You two are a perfect match, you see. I am thankful to have discovered your true nature as a deceitful and malevolent snake before marrying him and committing to a life of deceit and cruelty."
Sitting there, she appeared a little rattled but was doing well at keep it. Perhaps some tough realities would ultimately remove that arrogant expression from her face.
"Kaitlyn, I..." she began once more, but I have heard enough.
"Get out," I said, pointing at the door. "And don't ever come crawling back here again."
Chapter 117Melissa sat across from Michael cold and with a rigid posture, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She had waited long enough, and now it was time to lay her cards on the table. In a calm yet resolute manner, she uttered those words that would change everything between them.“I want a divorce, Michael.” Her wavering eyes were locked onto his, as she declared. “And I don’t expect you to fight this.” She waved a hand at him.Michael sat motionless as he blinked, trying to process what she had just said, slowly letting her words sink in. Divorce? They had their issues, sure, but he hadn’t expected this. Not now, though their relationship was heading in that direction, but he wasn’t expecting this so abruptly.Melissa continued; her voice was strangely calm, as if she had rehearsed the lines many times before. "I don’t want anything from you. No money, no property—nothing. I can take care of myself." She exhaled sharply, as if relieved to get it off her chest.He tried to
Chapter 116Michael and Melissa Apartment Melissa’s heart raced as she watched Michael, waiting for his response. The room seemed to grow colder; the sound from the television was barely audible at the moment amidst the tension between them. She had put everything on the line with her question, and now she needed the truth, no matter how painful it might be.Michael leaned back on the couch, rubbing his face with both hands. His mind was spinning as his heart conflicted. He wanted to be honest with Melissa, but even he wasn’t entirely sure of the answer. How could he explain the complicated feelings he still harbored for Kaitlyn while trying to build something real with Melissa?Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Michael spoke. “Melissa, I can’t lie to you,” he began, his eyes meeting hers with regret and frustration. “I’m trying to move on. I really am. But Kaitlyn... she was such a big part of my life. It’s hard to just... erase that.”Melissa felt her heart sink. Though sh
Chapter 115“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say for a while now,” Melissa began, her voice shaking slightly. “I know things between us haven’t been... easy.”Michael set down his wine glass, turning to face her, fully curious at what was bothering her so much that she was struggling to say. “What do you mean?” he asked. He had been through enough drama lately, and the last thing he needed was more, at least not today.Melissa looked away, her fingers tapping nervously on her knees. She wasn’t sure how to begin or if she should even say it, but she knew she had to. “I think,” she started, “we’ve been avoiding the real issues between us. The truth is... ever since Kaitlyn...” She hesitated as she saw the tension and anger in Michael’s eyes at the mention of her name.Michael interrupted her with a sharp tone. “This again? Melissa, for God’s sake, how many times are you going to bring up Kaitlyn? She’s not the problem. We are.”Melissa bristled at his words, feeling her frustrati
Chapter 114Estefan Penthouse Kaitlyn stirred awake as the early morning light flowed through the curtains, giving a warm glow over Estefan's bedroom. Her mind was still foggy, but as she blinked herself awake, the events of the previous night came flooding back. She had once again found herself in Estefan’s arms and in his bed, after their return from the glamorous launching gala. The intensity of their connection, the way their lips found each other, how their bodies intertwined, and the emotions that followed were still fresh in her mind. She buried her face deeper into the blanket, feeling embarrassed yet excited as the memories replayed in her mind.After lying still for a while, Kaitlyn decided she needed to get up. Slowly, she tried to inch her way out of the bed, careful not to disturb Estefan. But just as she was about to slip out, she felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her closer. She frozen, thinking he might wake up, but when his grip loosened slightly, she re
Chapter 113The crowd’s whispers filled the grand hall as Estefan and Kaitlyn made their way toward the stage. Their striking entrance had left an indelible mark on the room. All eyes were on the power couple as they walked magnetically full of radiant and effortless grace that demanded attention.Kaitlyn tried to steady her nerves, aware of the scrutinizing gaze of the audience. Though she was used to being the center of attention, the significance of tonight, coupled with Estefan’s bold move to escort her publicly, had made her emotions swell. He hadn’t told her he was going to walk her.She couldn’t deny the comfort she felt as she felt his warm hand resting lightly on her back, guiding her forward. She had been avoiding him lately since the passionate night they shared together and couldn’t believe he would be there for her tonight.Estefan leaned in as they approached the stage and said in a low and intimate whisper. “You’re doing great, Mi Reina. This is your night, and I wouldn
Chapter 112The next morning at the hospital, Melissa was lying in bed; she hadn’t sustained any physical injuries from the accident, but the shock of the impact was still taking a toll on her. Both Michael and Melissa shared a private room in the hospital because of Melissa's status as a high-class model; the tension between her and Michael was still there. Vanessa sat beside her, too focused on slicing the fruit she had brought with her earlier; she was trying to distract herself from an uncomfortable situation in the room.Michael, meanwhile, was seated on his bed; his arm was bandaged and there were a few visible bruises on the side of his head. His friends had come to check on him immediately; they had received the news. They chatted together, but Michael’s mind was elsewhere. His eyes darting between Melissa and the door, nervous about the potential fallout of last night’s crash, and more so, the aftermath of his encounter with Kaitlyn from the night before was still much there.
Chapter 111As Melissa stood outside the hotel, grumbling under her breath, she tapped her foot impatiently, glaring at the valet. Her frustration was bubbling over, and she let it all out on Michael as soon as they got in the car."I can’t believe you’re still chasing after Kaitlyn like some love-struck puppy, even after she’s married," she spat in anger. "You’re pathetic, Michael. She doesn’t want you, and she never will. You’re nothing but a puppet, her puppet!"Michael kept his eyes on the road, one hand gripping the steering wheel, the other propped on the window, supporting his head. His mind was far from Melissa’s insults. He was deep in thought, replaying the evening’s events in his head. The last time he had a confrontation with Kaitlyn, Estefan had scheduled an emergency inspection at the subsidiary division he was managing and didn’t later show up as he had scheduled, which he believes was a clear message of warning. Michael had brushed it off then, but tonight... tonight,
Chapter 110Before anyone could dwell too much on the unease, the lights dimmed as the moderator returned to the stage, signaling the next phase of the evening. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the grand toast to the future of Salvatore Group. Please raise your glasses as we celebrate the legacy and the bright future ahead.”Glasses clinked all around, and Estefan’s arm tightened around Kaitlyn’s waist as they stood together, lifting their glasses in unison with the room. The atmosphere shifted to one of celebration, and Kaitlyn allowed herself to relax a little, the earlier confrontation fading as she focused on the positive energy around them.Adrian was occasionally stealing glances at Estefan and Kaitlyn, his mind still processing everything. He hadn’t missed the brief tension that had unfolded earlier when they returned from wherever they had been. His sharp eyes moved toward Melissa, who was seated with Michael now, her face set in a smug, satisfied expression. She had clear
Chapter 109Kaitlyn squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by Melissa’s malicious smirk. “Steal your husband?” she said slowly; her voice was firm and clear. “Let me make one thing very clear, Melissa; I don’t want Michael. I never did, and I never will. So, don’t make this about me trying to take something that isn’t even worth having.”A huge blow was given to Melissa's face as her smirk faded at Kaitlyn’s words. Melissa narrowed her eyes dangerously as she opened her mouth to retort, but Kaitlyn wasn’t finished.“You might want to ask yourself why your husband has been lurking around me instead of standing by your side tonight,” Kaitlyn added coldly. “I didn’t seek him out. He’s the one who can’t seem to let go of the past.”Michael flinched, caught in the crossfire, but he still didn’t speak. His guilt was written all over his face, and Melissa saw it. She knew Kaitlyn would never approach Michael first, but she couldn’t admit that to Kaitlyn.“Oh, please,” Melissa snee
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