Cheating

Atlas had no idea what Melvin was freaking out about—his attention was entirely focused on the woman standing at the top of the stairs.

She wore a red halter-neck dress that swept all the way to the floor, just barely revealing a glimpse of silver heels as she moved. Because of the neckline design, she wore no necklace, letting her collarbones shine on their own. Her hair was styled in big, loose curls that fell effortlessly over her shoulders.

Naomi looked down at herself, slightly pouting when she saw him just staring. Was it not pretty?

No way. She had just checked herself in the mirror and thought she looked absolutely stunning! Ugh, straight guy aesthetics. She shouldn't have asked Atty for his opinion.

Just then, the man finally moved. She watched as he walked straight up to her, put his arm around her waist, and said in a low voice, “Naomi, you look stunning.”

A flush of pink crept across her cheeks, and she tugged at the corners of her mouth shyly. “Atty, you look really handsome today too.”

And just like that, the two of them walked off together.

In front of the Andersons villa, Atlas was the first to get out of the car. He walked over to the other side and opened the door for Naomi, extending his hand toward her.

She smiled and placed her hand in his.

“Oh my god, she’s gorgeous!”

“That’s Naomi Swift—wait, that’s really her!”

“The guy next to her is Atlas Knox! I thought the Knox and Swift families had a huge falling-out?”

“Atlas actually showed up?!”

“I heard the Andersons’s young master is super close with this ‘crown prince.’ I guess the rumors were true…”

Everyone in the banquet hall turned to look at the couple standing at the entrance—two dazzling figures that seemed like they walked out of a painting. Shock spread through the crowd. No one had expected those two people, of all people, to arrive hand in hand.

But after the initial shock, some people seemed to understand. The Swift and Knox families had always been on good terms. It was only after Naomi married into the Rhodes that everyone had assumed the two families had drifted apart.

Kalea stared at the pair, biting down hard in fury.

“Mommy! How could that bitch Naomi possibly show up with Atlas?!” Her voice trembled with disbelief, frustration, and bitter jealousy.

Jovita, standing beside her, suddenly recalled her earlier suspicions.

Could it be? Was the man Naomi had been involved with... Atlas?

No. Unthinkable.

Atlas was the heir to one of the major families—among the most powerful clans in Elaris.

Even marrying a foreign princess would be entirely within reach.

Why would he pursue a married woman?

Naomi walked in slowly, the banquet lights reflecting off her delicate features—slim, graceful, radiant.

Her face and figure seemed like God’s personal masterpiece. She radiated elegance and nobility. But her charm didn’t lie in how beautiful she was—it was the kind of beauty that felt untouchable.

Maldric and Madelyn stood off to the side, watching their daughter quietly. For a moment, they saw a glimpse of the proud, confident girl she used to be—so different from the despondent version she became after marrying Kael. They exchanged a glance, both visibly relieved and comforted.

On the second floor, Melvin clicked his tongue in amusement as he watched.

‘Tsk. So that’s why someone’s been ghosting me on drinking invites lately.’ Guess when the beauty's in your arms, you forget your bros exist.

Atlas had never liked social events. If it hadn’t been for Naomi wanting to come tonight—and the fact that it was his good friend’s mother’s birthday—he probably would’ve just sent a gift. Even if he showed up in person, he’d drop off the present and leave right away.

“Wanna go meet Melvin?”

Naomi, who had lost her memory, found the banquet guests unfamiliar. Still, a few faces did seem vaguely recognizable, though she wasn’t exactly interested in chatting.

“Sure.”

The crowd watched as the stunning couple made their way upstairs.

Inside Melvin’s lounge, he lounged with one leg crossed over the other, sizing up Naomi. Atlas had already filled him in on her situation.

“Naomi, seriously lost your memory?”

Truth be told, the three of them had grown up together. It was only after Atlas and Melvin both left the country that they fell out of touch. Now, meeting again, Naomi treated them like total strangers.

“Mhm, totally amnesiac. But don’t worry, Melvin—I still remember proof that you used to wet the bed when you were little!” Naomi picked up a glass of red wine from the table and took a sip, shooting Melvin a poised, playful smile.

“Shit.”

Melvin rolled his eyes. “Couldn’t you have remembered something nice about me?”

Even though he grumbled, his tone softened. He had always liked the bold, sharp-tongued heiress of the Swifts more than the lifeless, hollow woman he’d seen before.

Before Naomi could respond, the man beside her cut in coldly, “Why would she bother remembering you? Waste of time.”

Melvin: “...”

What a great friend. Getting jealous already.

“Alright, quit drinking in my room and get back downstairs.” He still had to socialize—this wasn’t an event he could duck.

The three of them stayed upstairs for just a short while before returning to the main floor.

Kalea, watching Naomi surrounded by not just one but two top-tier men, was seething with rage. “Mom! Do you see this? Naomi’s openly cheating on my brother! You’d better call him right now!”

***