Stolen dreams, shattered vows

REBECCA'S POV

"Felix, I hope you don't regret this action," I snorted, rubbing my injury slightly as I took a deep breath.

Felix took a step forward, but Anna clung to his arm. "Please, I don't want you and Rebecca to fight because of me."

"Enjoy the meal I made. The sight of you makes me nauseous," I retorted calmly, and Anna bit her lip inwardly.

"Rebecca, you've gone too far—"

I rolled my eyes at Felix’s words. With a spin, I turned on my heels. I had nothing left to say to him or anyone in the room. Tears threatened to spill as I pressed my lips together. As I walked towards the stairs, I heard their hushed whispers, accompanied by laughter. It stabbed deeper than any knife.

Just as I reached the stairs, I heard Felix murmur to Anna, "Don't mind her. She just gets emotional over small things."

*******

The next morning, I was greeted by silence—just as it had been for a while. At least since Anna showed up.

I flickered my eyes toward the other side of the bed, expecting to see Felix, but as my fingers ran through the space. 

Not Just empty—untouched. As if he had'nt even consider coming to bed. 

Did I even exist to him anymore. 

My hand clenched into the sheets. For five years, thid bed was ours. Now, I was lying in it alone. 

My jaw hardened as I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Felix made his choice."

I stood up, grabbed a robe from the nightstand, and slid it on. Swiftly, I typed a few numbers on my phone and bit my lip, waiting for the person on the other end to answer.

"Oh my goddess, am I dreaming? Girl, I can't remember the last time we spoke on the phone!"

My heart clenched as I realized how long it had been since I spent time with my best friend, Jessica. I was always either working or taking care of my husband and son, but now I realized that neither of them was worth it.

"I'm so sorry for not calling sooner, but Jess, I need a divorce agreement in the next twenty-four hours," I said flatly, running a hand through my hair.

Jessica was a renowned judge in Langford City, so it was a piece of cake for her.

The line went silent, and then I heard Jessica sigh. "That's so sudden, Becca. Are you sure about this? You know the only reason you agreed to marry Felix was because it was your mother's dying wish."

My hands tightened around the phone as tears filled my eyes, but I let them fall.

"I can't stay here anymore, Jess. I'm slowly losing my mind," I admitted, clearing my throat. I forced a smile as if she could see me.

"My parents' last wish was for me to find happiness, and Jessica, I just realized that I am not happy here."

I could already imagine Jessica’s encouraging smile before she mumbled, "Whatever you want, I’m here. But divorce is a huge decision, and a family like the Sterlings might not take it lightly." She sighed.

"I know how much you love Felix, so it's better you leave when you are certain—so there will be no regrets. Give him three chances, and if he still fails to redeem himself, I will personally make sure he gets what he deserves."

I forced a weak smile and nodded, even though she couldn’t see me.

As the call ended, I heard the door creak open, and I stiffened when that familiar scent—once intoxicating—now made my stomach churn.

Not willing to acknowledge his presence, I headed towards the bathroom to prepare for the day. But just as I reached for the door, I felt his grip on my shoulders.

"What do you want?" I asked sharply, not sparing him a single glance.

We were going to be divorced soon, so there was no need to keep entertaining this charade of a marriage.

"Honey, are you seriously still mad?" Felix sighed, tugging at my shirt.

I couldn't understand what sort of trick he was playing this time, but I didn’t like the way he was making my heart falter.

"Excuse me, I have to get ready for work," I mumbled.

Felix rolled his eyes and gently took my wrist, placing a small box in my hand. I furrowed my brows.

"Happy anniversary, Rebecca. Open it," Felix urged.

I spun the box in my hands. it looked like it cost a fortune.

"Trust me you are going to like it."

I gave a slight nod, and Felix placed a hand on my shoulder. 

"Rebecca, about that project design for the summer fashion collection—I hope they’re ready because we’ll be pitching to the investors soon."

My hand tightened around the box as I felt suffocated by his presence.

Was that why he was acting nice? So I wouldn't hold back my designs? Or was he genuinely sorry? 

I stared at the small velvet box in my hand. 

Inside, a necklace glitered under the light—elegant, expensive. Cold and totally not my style. 

Felix watched me expectantly like he wanted me to melt at the gesture. 

Or melt like I used to do in the past. 

Instead, I snapped the box shut and placed it back in his hand. " Keep it."

His brows furrowed. "Rebecca—"

Taking a deep breath, I created some distance between us, which made Felix  arch an eyebrow.

"You should check your mail. I already sent you the copy."

With those words, I walked past him, our shoulders brushing slightly as I stepped towards the bathroom. Even as I moved, I could feel his burning gaze on my back—watching me like a hawk.

******

I got ready for work, making sure to give my outfit extra attention today. After all, I was going to be presenting the designs I had been working on for months. It was time to take my fashion design career to the next level within Sterling Fashion House.

I arrived thirty minutes early, eager to do a little rehearsal. Excitement bubbled within me.

With a smile, I fastened my hand over the doorknob of the meeting room and swung the door open—only for my entire world to come crashing down.

"Oh my goddess, Miss Anna Sterling! What a wonderful presentation!"

The voice echoed inside my ears.

The roar of applause filled the room. What am I looking at? 

The projector flashed images— my design, my work. 

But it wasn't me standing there. 

It was Anna. 

My stomach dropped. The weight of betrayal slammed into my chest as I took a step forward. 

Then she turned 

Anna's eyes met mine— and she smiled. 

Not a guilty smile. Not a nervous smile

A victorious one. 

My throat tightenend. She knew. She planned this. 

"Oh my goodness, Mrs. Anna, who would have thought that you'd be the prodigy behind Sterling Fashion House. your design and out of this world." 

My hands trembles, they think she made them. The applause grew louder and then Felix stepped forward with a proud smile.

"My wife wanted me to personally thank you all for supporting Anna's creative talent."" 

My wife? When did I ever agree to this? 

My mouth went dry, my vision blurred. 

Felix stood there grinning beside Anne, basking in my stolen success and then he stared straight at me before he turned away.

My body burned—rage, betrayal humiliation —all fighting to break free. 

But I refused to let them see me crumble. 

Slowly I stepped forward, my heels clicking against the floor. The sound cut through the noise, sharp and deliberate. 

I tilted my head, exhaling softly. 

Then with a slow, cold smile, I spoke. 

"You must be so proud, Felix. My voice was smooth, steady, dangerous. You finally succeeded in stealing from me, Congratulations."