Ex-husband's regret, chasing his cold wife

Sally's pov:

A million butterflies had settled into my belly.

I arrived at the luxury grand ball room alone, dressed in a stunning golden gown that I was sure Derek would love. Derek and I had been married for three years in secret, due to his life and his work situation. If more than anything I was happy to be his wife, in public or private.

But today was the day he would announce our marriage to the world.

I could barely keep my smiles down as I paced the hall.

Time ticked by, and the hall began to fill with guests. Men dressed in exquisite tuxedos. And the ladies in designer gowns. Yes there was no sign of Derek .

My skin crawled as these men stared at me with lustful looks in their eyes. As far as they were concerned, I was Derek’s mistress. And none of them would dare touch me knowing that. Yet, I felt uncomfortable under their eyes.

This banquet was thrown by Derek to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Leonardo group. All his friends and partners are here. But only I knew that he would announce our wedding today. The thought alone made me giddy.

About an hour later, the grand doors swung open and Derek walked in.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw my husband. Tall and dashing, his blond hair swept back, his blue eyes stunning as a clear afternoon sky.

I took a step forward, about to greet him with a smile. Suddenly I froze.

There was a woman behind him.

They walked in together, and he didn't even glance at me. Murmurs rose into the air, and everyone rushed to their side. They greeted the woman fondly, smiling and shaking her hand.

"Who is she?" I asked the person closest to me.

The man turned to me. “You don't know her?! That's Anna Silver. The famous supermodel!”

I stared at the lady. My heart thumped so hard I feared it'd burst. Who cares if she's a supermodel or not? I just want to know why she walked in with my husband!

"It turns out that Derek was late to pick her up. Derek really didn't forget her. It seems that today's banquet is a welcoming banquet held by Derek for her.” the man further said.

That's not why he threw this banquet! I wanted to shout the words.

I grabbed a champagne flute and drank it all, trying to calm my racing heart. Derek had his arm around Anna's waist as they talked to guests. Together they looked so stunning.

My heart wrenched.

I pieced together their love story from bits and pieces of information from people around me, how much they loved each other and how inseparable they were, but he never mentioned it to me, not even once.

Dance music suddenly started to play and everyone took to the dance floor. My stomach twisted and tears pricked my eyes as Derek and Anna danced, the whole guests smiling and cheering them on.

Suddenly, Anna twisted her ankle and fell. Derek hugged her and carried her out of the hall.

Murmurs rose in the air, mingled with the clinking of champagne glasses and mocking laughter. I felt exposed, like a spotlight had been shone on me.

I stood and watched Derek leave with Anna without turning his head, never glancing once at me.

There were boos and sneers from the crowd. I don’t know who said loudly: "Since Mr. Leonardo has abandoned you, would you consider becoming my mistress? I will take care of you!"

That was all it took.

Amid the growing laughter, I ran out of the banquet hall and rushed home.

I tried to be strong and hold it in, but the tears came rushing anyway. The memories flooded my mind. Whenever I was in trouble and asked for help, they all advised me to be a mistress. But Derek loved me, and asked me to marry him. he respected me at least.

Or so I thought.

Instead he hid our relationship. But he hadn't ever been bad to me. He provided for me, and he was kind to me.

Maybe it's all a misunderstanding. Maybe they're just friends.

I don't know how long I sat there like that until Derek came back and I tried to get up to greet him, only to realize my feet were numb.

“Derek,” I said, my voice cracking.

"Darling," He sighed. He walked up to me and planted a bold kiss on my lips.

My eyes widened. He kissed me hard, his lips warm against mine. Tingles ran down my spine and my eyes fluttered shut. He began to tug on my gown, trying to get it off me.

"Derek," I gasped softly. "Hold on." I said. I turned to get the zip and he hugged me, his jaw resting on my shoulder.

I shivered, feeling his warmth and hardness pressed to my back all at once.

A scent caught my attention.

A woman's perfume. Soft, delicate, flowery.

A strange perfume that wasn't mine.

Bile rose in my throat and I shoved Derek away from me. I felt like I was going to vomit.

I looked up and met his gloomy gaze. The sight startled me, I knew this was a sign that he was angry about something.

“I feel a little uncomfortable.” I explained quickly.

He stared at me, his eyes scanning my face closely. I wished he would say or do something.

"Actually," he started to say.

His phone suddenly rang. I glanced at it but couldn't make out the caller. He picked it up. I couldn't tell what was being said. He frowned and walked out.

"Derek!" I called out. He didn't turn. The door slammed, and he was gone.