3. Chaos in the bar...

ELOWEN

“Thirty more days of hell…” I muttered the words under my breath as I pinned my hair loosely in front of the long mirror, reminding myself like a chant, as it was hanging like a thorn in my throat.

“And then—I'll be free. A little more patience, Elowen…” However, the idea of sharing the same place with Adrian for a month was still very sickening.

Margaret had told me to be patient, but patience has its limits, and with their faces always dancing before my eyes, I realised I needed more, or maybe deserved more…

And tonight, I planned to celebrate… The freedom and life I'm going to embrace after thirty bloody days!

“Are you ready yet?” Serena’s voice called from the doorway, interrupting my self-negotiation.

I looked through the mirror. Serena Ravenwood, my best friend, and divorce attorney, was leaning against the frame, her lips adorned with a bold red hue, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint, which seemed to amplify her naturally cheerful personality.

I took one last look at myself. Royal blue dress that had a slit starting from the left mid-thigh, revealing my long, slender legs. Bold red lipstick with subtle makeup to stand out.

The corner of my lips twitched in satisfaction, “perfect.”

I donned my coat, draping it over my shoulders, and offered a sly smile. “Ready enough to burn the floor. Lead the way.”

Serena gazed at me; blue orbs sparkled with pride as she pulled me into a hug, holding me tighter than usual. “You’ve given enough, Ell. Tonight isn’t about him—it’s about you.” She whispered in my ear.

I patted her back, “I know…” as my eyes gleamed with determination.

Breaking the hug, she held my hand, pulling me along, “Now let's have some fun!”....

The club she selected was quite different from any I had previously experienced. It featured tall glass walls that shimmered with lights, and music vibrated even from the sidewalk. Within, the aroma of champagne and luxurious perfume permeated the atmosphere.

No wonder this club was built on millions… And if I'm not wrong—it belongs to Alexander Veyrek, one of the haughty and feared men from Europe, dominating business all over the world…

As we walked in, Serena linked her arm through mine. “First time here?” She whispered in my ear.

I gave a small smirk. “Too obvious?”

“A little.” She grinned. “But don’t worry. I’ve got you, bitch.” She patted my arm.

“Worry? Eh, that's for my foes.” I had once perhaps feared many things, but not anymore. Since I have chosen to leave Hale Industries, I have decided to build my own empire, and for that, I needed to build connections.

And by Serena, the Rouges’ Club is one of the best places to do exactly what I want…

We entered the elevator and soon the door opened to a private lounge. As we stepped in, a beautiful and almost perfect hostess led us into a vast room divided by a massive screen. On one side, lively voices carried over clinking glasses; on the other, only a few women sat.

Serena led me to a more secluded area. As we approached, I noticed a woman, she was quite captivating in her crimson dress. She glanced upward, and an immediate recognition flickered in her eyes before she offered me a polite smile.

Oh! I recognised her too—she is one of Adrian's business associates’ girlfriends.

“Elowen Hale,” she greeted softly, with a hint of awkwardness in her tone for some reason.

Just hearing the title in her mouth made my chest tighten, but I forced composure. I slipped off my coat, handed it to the hostess and nodded. “Good evening, and—it's Corvella, Elowen Corvella.” I corrected her.

“Oh!” A slight gasp escaped her lips, but she immediately masked her expression and flashed the same rehearsed smile, “My bad, Miss Carvella.”

Better… I thought.

Serena squeezed my hand, sensing the hidden tension. “If you want, we can leave…”

“I'll be fine,” I whispered, assuring her.

She didn't pressure anymore and gave a supportive nod before whispering, "Sit here; the person I want to introduce you to will arrive shortly.”

“It's fine, I have all the time.” And rested my back on the couch as she went across the room greeting some colleagues perhaps.

She didn't tell me though who would meet me, she only said, “Patience bitch, you'll be shaken to surprise.” And thus, I'm here.

The waiter presented me with a crystal glass of champagne. I took a sip, and the bubbles delightfully danced upon my tongue.

As I was beginning to appreciate the ambience, I heard laughter and male voices from the other side of the screen, which carried with ease. Very usual in these places.

Therefore, at first, I ignored them. However, immediately after a series of laughter came words that scraped my ears as if a sharp blade…

“Adrian doesn’t bring Elowen around anymore, huh?”

"Seriously, dude. Lauren is young and fresh, and he's treating her like a queen.”

Chuckles flared around, and their words echoed through the walls. The girl before me stiffened, and now I know the reason. No wonder she was awkward in my presence…

“But to be frank, after all these years, Adrian deserves a change of taste.” Another voice fell, ringing in my ears, sharpening my eyes—it's familiar, I know this tone.

A sensation of rage enveloped my skin, and my fingers reflexively grasped the slender stem of the glass, almost at the verge of breaking it.

I felt Serena's rigid presence beside me. She also heard those words…

“She’s still pretty though,” another voice chimed in, “but after five years? I guess he's probably sick of her. I mean, no offence, but who wouldn't bro?”

This voice hit the most, as I have known him very well—Richard Kael, CEO of Kaels’ Corporation.

Laughter followed his words, some even agreed with a whistle. On the other side of the screen, it only seemed to intensify my pain as if adding fuel to the fire…

“I mean, she's pretty, yet dumb as hell.” Richard's voice hit again. “Sitting all idle and only running errands for him while he builds his empire, stepping over her. Poor woman, when Adrian dumps her, maybe I should take my shot. Have you seen her ass though? Every time she moves, bro, I just feel my dick turn to stone!”

Again the laughter echoed, stinging my dignity all over. Just as he had said, stepping over me…

The glass in my hand nearly shattered at the force of my fingers. These men—They had offered me smiles in friendly manners. Some even used to say— ‘Adrian has found a gem for a wife.’

Look at them now—Their true colours were spread, wide and clear. I'm nothing but a product they could talk trash about, and perhaps, it has always been this way…

“These bastards!” Serena hissed out. “I will drag them to court!” she started to rise, fury blazing in her eyes, but I stopped her by the arm.

“No, don't,” I spoke, my voice was calm as the iced sea.

“But—” She tried to defy, yet I bit her.

“It's my fight, Ren. Let me deal with it.” My voice was steady; in fact, it was too calm, which was even surprising to me.

I put the glass on the glass table and smoothed my dress; then, with a soft smile and head held high, I crossed to the other side of the screen.

My footsteps earned attention. The men, engrossed in trashing and bitching about me, looked up, only for their faces to fall. They paused, shock lacing their expressions.

“Good Evening, Gentlemen.” I smiled at them, full of sarcasm. “I couldn’t help but overhear when my name was spelt, hope you didn't mind?”

“Elowen, of course not, we were just—just joking,” Richard spoke hurriedly, his fake smile was trembling with nervousness.

“Oh,” I raised a brow, acting as if disappointed. “And here I thought you were serious?” I tilted my head, my tone deceptively sweet, flashing a charming smile at him.

“Since you’re so interested in my ass—why don’t you buy me a drink?” I made an offer.

All the men looked as though thunder had bolted upon them.

Richard's eyes widened, a flicker of worry flashed across his eyes, but since these men fed on pride, he smiled. “Of course. Anything you want.”

“Oh, perfect,” I exclaimed lightly.

Reaching for the shelf behind the bar, I selected the most expensive bottle of whiskey and walked toward him with a smile that would bring any man to his knees.

“Let me—” He spoke, he was getting confident with my actions, trying to be the gentleman. A fake one, of course.

“Sure…” I sneered and without hesitation smashed it over his head. Glass shattered over his head and his suit was getting soaked with the golden liquid. Blood trickled down his temple as he staggered in shock and pain.

Richard's hiss echoed in the walls and the room erupted in shocked gasps.

Everything happened too quickly and unexpectedly, which locked them all in place, frozen.

I, on the other hand, was very calm. I had been very calm catching my husband on our bed pounding mercilessly into another woman, what could even this situation do?

Turning to the nearest server, I flashed him a soft smile and pointed at Richard. “Put this on his tab. He insisted on buying it for me.”

“Wh-at?” Richard's tone broke through the solitude. His eyes now darted at me, not with shock, but absolute fury.

“What?” I raised a brow as if I knew nothing. “Did I say anything wrong?”

His face twitched, contorted with humiliation. “You bitch!” he roared out, “I will not leave you!” And he lunged at me.

My eyes flashed, my fingers gripped another bottle from the tray, ready to take my stand, when suddenly—

“Did you just call my wife a bitch?” A voice thundered across the room.

Everything quieted, as if time itself paused. All eyes turned to that particular direction, and so did I.

And then, I saw him—Adrian Hale breaking through the crowd with an expression that sent shivers down spines.

Well, not me, never again…