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LESLIE'S POV

I grabbed another serving of champagne and hurried out of the kitchen. I kept my head bowed as I served the guests what they wanted. Mother said no one must know I was a daughter of the Webster family. It would be scandalous if the world came to know how they treated their own daughter.

But I wondered, if they didn't want anyone to know so bad, why do they do it?

I couldn't help raising my head when I heard applause ringing out in the room. I stared at the front of the room where my younger sister, Liliana and the CEO of Guild Group, Alexander Guild, stood, their hands enclosed in a handshake, marking the beginning of their partnership.

My eyes misted over and I looked away, unable to take it anymore. I worked so hard on that project. So many sleepless nights, so many days of sending emails to the Guild Group without any response, so many days of waiting to see Alexander before my efforts were finally crowned with results.

Yet, Liliana was taking the credit for it all.

I raised my head again, unintentionally locking eyes with Mother. Her green, snake-like eyes that resembled the forest on a stormy night flashed with fury.

Shit.

I looked down and scurried out of the hall back to the kitchen. I knew Mother was going to teach me a lesson later and I shivered at the thought of it.

I leaned back on the counter and sighed. I should be serving another round of drinks but I have already offended Mother so what is one more?

My old model phone that had seen better days dinged in the pocket of my maid outfit. I pulled it out and grinned at the name that flashed on the screen.

Adam with a love and a sunshine emoji because in this endless suffering, he was the only ray of warmth and love that I had.

We have been together for five years and it couldn't have been more blissful. I have only held out this long because of him. Because at the end of the day, after all the jabs and insults I have endured, I could relax in his strong, capable arms and forget all my worries.

‘I am here. I will see you soon. I have a surprise for you.’ The message read.

A surprise? What could it be? Could it be that…he was finally proposing?

I used the screen of my phone to check my appearance and even though I didn't look that good, due to the running around and the sheen of sweat on my forehead, I knew Adam wouldn't mind. To him, I was the most beautiful woman in the world.

I knew he wouldn't mind. But it sucked that I had to look like this during my own proposal.

I peeked out of the kitchen, my eyes scanning the room for my parents and Liliana. I had been dating Adam in secret all these while, I couldn't get caught now. After Adam proposed, I would finally introduce him to them.

I relaxed when I saw Mother and Father chatting animatedly with a tall broad shouldered man, all of their attention focused on him. Even from where I stood, I could feel the aura and power radiating off him.

Good. I hoped he kept them occupied for a long time, long enough for them to not notice my disappearance. I couldn't see Liliana but I didn't want to worry too much about it.

I sent a quick text to Adam: Where are you? I want to see you immediately.

I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for his response. What was taking him so long?

Five minutes later, his response came through: Come to the garden.

I skipped out of the kitchen excitedly, my feet pushing me forward to the garden. I have imagined the day Adam would propose to me countless times and now, it was finally happening.

I reached the garden faster than possible because I was running so fast. I expected the whole garden to be lighted up or decorated but it looked pretty normal. I noticed a dim light coming from an obscure part of the garden and the smile on my face widened again.

I walked to the place slowly, the cool breeze brushing my hair out of my face.

However, the smile on my face froze and my limbs stayed rooted to the ground as I watched the two people kiss wantonly, almost stripping off their clothes.

No, this couldn't be happening. I was dreaming, I had to be dreaming. But even when I pinched myself several times, the two people in front of me were still exploring each other in such a way that would make a naive virgin blush.

I stared transfixed until Adam opened his eyes and saw me. His eyes widened and he pushed Liliana away. Liliana looked at him before following the trajectory of his eyes. Her confused eyes changed into stillness as she faced me completely.

“I guess the cat is out of the bag,” she shrugged. No explanation. No apology. Just pure arrogance and indifference.

Anger filled me up. “That means you know about us. You knew that I was dating Adam.”

“I guess.” She stared at her perfectly manicured nails. “I have known for about three years now.”

“So why did you do this? Why did you do this to me?” I screamed.

“Oh, come on.” She rolled her eyes. “Don't raise your voice at me. I followed you when I saw you sneaking out one night and that was when I discovered you were secretly seeing a man. I thought you were dating a loser just like you so I wanted to tell mum but when I saw my beloved Adam, I was blown away. How can such a handsome, capable man be with a woman like you?”

“A woman like me?” I repeated, exasperated.

“Why? Don't you know the kind of woman that you are? You are the illegitimate daughter of this family. Your mother was a mistress. She was a homewrecker.” she laughed.

My hands clenched into fists but I couldn't find any refute for her words, after all, she was right. Since I had no comeback, I turned to Adam who refused to look at me. “How could you do this to me and that too with my sister?”

“Don't try to guilt trip him, face me instead.” Liliana stepped in front of him. “He has done nothing wrong. He just chose the better sister. If anything, I think you are the third party who is trying to come between us. Your mother's blood runs through your veins so of course, you're just like her.”

“What the hell….” My voice trailed off as a small crowd started to form around us. It didn't make any sense because this was not an open part of the garden so no matter how much we shouted, it shouldn't have attracted any attention.

I glanced at Liliana and seeing the glint in her eyes, it all made sense. She orchestrated all of these.

I looked around, feeling everyone's judgemental gaze on me. They started to murmur and I could hear words like ‘slut’, ‘homewrecker’, ‘third party’.

Liliana really succeeded this time.

I just wanted to run away but if I did that, I would forever have the stigma of a mistress plastered on me.

No, I can't let that happen. I have to take a risk.

So I schooled my features into one of indifference. “What are you saying? Adam and I never dated.”

Liliana’s face cracked, even Adam looked shocked. “What movie are you acting out now? You and I know the truth. If he is not your boyfriend, why did you come here to see him?”

“Who said I was here to see him?” I rolled my eyes. “Have you forgotten that a garden is a very popular spot for a secret rendezvous?” I sighed. “I had to come here because this man insisted on seeing me so much so I had to give in. I don't even want to date him. Liliana, I have options so why would I go for him?” I said ‘him’ while looking at Adam condescendingly. “At the end of the day, only someone like you would be proud to be with him.”

I heard snickers from the crowd as they stared at Liliana.

“Shut the fuck up, you bitch.” Liliana screamed, her face red. “Which man in his right senses would want you, huh? Where is this man you're so proud of? Where is he?”

“He is on his way,” I smiled even though my heart was about to burst out of my chest.

God, please let someone come. Please, let someone come.

I turned back towards the opening where everyone had come through, wishing for some sort of miracle.

That was when I saw it, or rather him walking in.

His face was set in a frown and one of his hands was holding a phone to his ear. It was obvious he came here to make a call. My mouth fell open at the beautiful man gradually approaching us. Even the terrible expression on his face could do nothing to mar his good looks.

This was it. He was my way out.

“There he is. Have you seen what a real man looks like?” I smiled at Liliana before walking towards this mystery man. He glanced at me like I was dirt beneath his shoe and was about to look away when I grabbed his shoulder and leaned up to his ear. “Please, help me.”

I didn't give him a chance to reply before I turned my face and pressed my lips to his, my hands going around his neck.