La couleur du sang

Seven years of love meant nothing against seven months of betrayal. Some promises are easier to break than to keep. 

Kyros Arnaud Ferrero, the man I met at 17, was supposed to be my forever. Never did I imagine that his love would come with a betrayal. He loved me, yet he could hurt and betray me with the very friend I trusted.

He could lie and cheat without even batting an eye. To get back at him, I married the brother he despises most—the current president of his company. 

*** 

Gazelle 

“You have an emergency shift tonight at the hospital. Patients have been scheduled and chosen to give birth today. I’m really sorry, Dr. Sinclair.” 

That was the message from my chief resident—one I never imagined would lead me to the truth about my fiancé’s betrayal.

As a second-year OB-GYN resident, this marked the second year she assigned me to duty on Valentine’s Day.

My dedication to medicine had always guided my choices, so I replied, “Noted. I’ll be at the hospital by the afternoon.” 

The sacrifices I made for this profession weighed on me, but I had chosen this path—and everything that came with it. 

With my evening now committed to the hospital, I decided to visit Kyros’s office beforehand. My fiancé of two months worked as a junior executive in his family’s company, and I wanted to at least share a moment with him today. 

Carrying a cake, I made my way through the building. Everyone knew me, so I walked in without issue.

“Hello, Miss Gazelle!” some staff greeted me. I returned their smiles with a soft nod.

When I reached his office, I noticed his secretary’s desk was empty. Without hesitation, I headed straight to the private room I had visited countless times.

He’s not there.

Frowning, I pulled out my phone to send Kyros a message until I noticed an elegant box perched on his desk. 

My heart skipped a beat as I approached. It looked identical to the gift box I had prepared for him, still sitting untouched in our villa. Confusion stirred within me, wondering if he had found it in my wardrobe and brought it here.

As I opened the lid, a small card rested inside.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, babe!” 

The unfamiliar handwriting sent a chill through me. Inside the box, a Patek Philippe Nautilus watched me accusingly with its gleaming face. 

Someone had given this to him. Someone who called him ‘babe’.

My chest tightened.

Who was she?

My thoughts spiraled, but before panic could consume me, I turned and rushed to the ladies’ restroom, trying to steady my breathing as I clutched the cake box. 

A small voice whispered hopefully: Maybe the watch wasn’t for Kyros. 

But how did it end up on his table? 

That was when I sent him a message.

Me: “My chief asked me to be in the hospital tonight. Our ward is full-packed, and I will be staying until tomorrow. Do you have time for a late lunch to celebrate the day?”

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, shaking off my thoughts. ‘No, I’m just being paranoid.’ 

The door creaked open, and Kyros’ secretary, Emily Foster, stepped in. The moment she saw me, her face went pale—like she had seen a ghost.

“M-Miss Gazelle!” she stammered. “Y-you’re here.”

My eyes caught the distinctive paper bags she attempted to conceal behind her back. The brand was unmistakably high-end women’s jewelry. 

Drawing upon years of maintaining professional composure, I offered her a gentle smile. “Are those for Kyros?” 

“Yes, Miss Gazelle. The boss asked me to pick them up from the shop,” she responded her voice tight with tension. 

“Exciting! Can I see them?” I kept my tone light, masking the turmoil beneath. 

Her lips parted slightly, hesitating.

“Don’t worry, it’s a secret,” I reassured her playfully. “I just hate surprises.”

She reluctantly surrendered the bags. I peeked inside; my pulse quickening, two identical boxes. Two identical women’s bracelets.

“Why did Kyros order two of the same bracelet?” 

Unless the other one was for his ‘babe.’ 

I studied Emily carefully. The Pink Girls Code, my sorority, had sponsored her college education. When she graduated seven months ago, I had personally helped her land this job at Ferrero. 

“I only followed the order, Miss Gazelle,” she mumbled, avoiding my gaze. 

My phone’s ring cut through the tension, Kyros calling. 

Maintaining my composure, I smiled at Emily. “Sorry. Your boss is calling me now. Apologies for the trouble.” 

She nodded quickly before slipping away, still clutching the paper bags.

I needed to remain collected and vigilant if I wanted to uncover the truth. 

“Hi! I’m just in the restroom,” I answered.

“Great! I’ll wait for you in my office,” Kyros replied before hanging up.

After composing myself, I returned to his office, forcing a smile. He seemed oblivious to my earlier presence. 

“I missed you so much, babe! I’m glad you decided to visit.” 

He hugged me tightly, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. His skin smelled fresh, like he had just showered.

But that unfamiliar scent didn’t belong to our villa. The watch I’d discovered earlier was more telling, now adorning his wrist. 

My stomach twisted as possibilities multiplied in my mind. 

“I already had lunch during a meeting, but I can keep you company while you eat,” he said smoothly.

“You had a meeting?” 

“Yeah, with a client.” 

The question burned in my mind: Who would give Kyros a $70,000 watch? Could it be just a client?