CHAPTER 3

Aria’s POV

It had been three years since I walked down  the aisle and became Aria Thompson. Three years since Richard and I exchanged vows in front of hundreds of well-dressed guests. Three years since I chose to become his wife and suffered the consequences of my mistake!

Yes, it’s a mistake I made because he warned me about it! He said he wouldn’t love me, and after three years, I realized he wasn’t kidding at all! For three years, he never opened his heart to me and he kept waiting for his greatest love. 

“Damn it!” I cursed when I remembered that one night of passion that led us to become a couple. 

In the midst of the ongoing party, I had so many what ifs running inside my head. What if I wasn’t so blinded with my love for him? What if I hadn’t worked with his grandfather to trap him into his marriage? What if I didn’t discover the truth that Natalia was just after his money? What if I never met him in the first place?  

“Mrs. Thompson, you look lovely tonight!” 

I was startled when I heard someone’s voice behind me and I smiled politely at one of the senior managers in Thompson Enterprises. 

“Thank you, Mr. Edwards,” I murmured. “I’m glad you could make it tonight!” 

“Oh, it’s always a pleasure to attend one of Richard’s parties,” he said smoothly as he lifted his champagne glass to his lips. “You know what, he is so lucky to have a perfect wife like you, Madame.” 

I arched my brows upon hearing his statement but then my gaze kept drifting back to my husband.  Turning back to Mr. Edwards, I talked to him for a few minutes before he excused himself to say hi to another manager. 

Alone, I decided to continue playing the role of the perfect hostess for the party and weaved through the crowd with a friendly smile. Just like how my parents love to host a party for their associates, Richard and his family were holding one to celebrate the success of their business. 

So, as early as eight in the evening, the party was in full swing, and everyone looked as perfect as ever. My husband’s mansion glowed in the soft light of crystal chandeliers and waiters were  busy serving champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Everyone was having fun but all I could think about was how I felt more like a guest than a hostess in this house. I glanced across the room and found my husband standing near the large fireplace and he was effortlessly charming a group of business associates. He looked every bit the successful CEO in his tailored suit and neatly combed hair. 

Why the fuck was my husband so gorgeous? 

My husband. My husband in name only because from the day we got married, he never even slept with me. He has his own room, and he didn’t want to see my face. He even prohibited me from sharing a meal with him and I endured his indifference for several years. 

Through the years, I remembered how Dad warned me and I’ve been thinking of going back home but my pride stopped me from doing it.  Three years of being Mrs. Thompson and I didn’t even get to enjoy my married life!

To the outside world, I was the beautiful and elegant Mrs. Thompson who lived a lavish life in Richard’s mansion, but the truth was  so much messier and lonelier. Then, after an hour of playing the perfect hostess and the perfect wife for Richard Thompson, I needed a moment to breathe. 

Slipping through the side entrance, I made my way to the balcony that overlooked the gardens and at that moment, I remembered a similar scene in my parents’ place and it’s like a deja vu!

But it’s too late to regret my actions now. Too late! 

Then, as the cool night air hit my face, I inhaled deeply. Just like the mansion, the garden was perfect with manicured hedges and blooming flowers. 

“Trying to escape your own party?”

I jumped at the sound of a familiar voice and turned to see Marcus leaning against the balcony railing and his eyes were glinting with amusement. He was one of Richard’s closest friends, someone who had been around since the beginning. Unlike the others, Marcus always seemed to see through the façade, and that made him both comforting and unsettling. I don’t even know if I could trust him or not. 

“Just needed some air,” I replied lightly and then I forced myself to smile at him. In response, he raised an eyebrow. “What about you Marcus? What are you doing here? Bored?”

“Sort of. Anyway, you looked like you were about to suffocate in there,” he remarked and I frowned because I didn’t even see him earlier. 

I sighed as I glanced back at the glowing windows of the mansion. But was I that transparent to Marcus? How humiliating! 

“It’s… a lot sometimes,” I admitted and he nodded. 

“It’s always a lot with Richard,” Marcus murmured and then he stepped closer to me. “You know, Aria, you don’t have to keep up this act for everyone’s sake.”

“Who says I’m doing this for everyone, Marcus?” I asked in response. 

“Then why are you holding on? For three years, you allowed that bastard to walk over you!” 

“Because I love him,” I replied and he was stunned to speak. 

“A-Are you fucking serious?” he asked in disbelief. 

“Serious as fuck… but did you really assume I was forced to be his wife?”

“Yes! I thought this is an arranged marriage and you are stuck with Richard without a choice!”

I shook my head and said, “No. I am just a woman in love.”

“Damn!” he cursed and I nodded. 

Marcus was right. I was drowning in this life but it’s my choice and complaining about it wouldn’t change the fact that I had willingly stepped into this role! 

“Are you worried about me? You shouldn’t though. Because I am just fine, Marcus,” I assured him. 

“Well, if that’s the case  then who am I to question your choices? Anyway, if you ever need someone to talk to, you know how to reach out to me, right Aria?” 

“Thank you, Marcus.”

Then, with a nod, he excused himself and headed back inside. Once again, I was alone on the balcony. I took a deep breath, and then I wrapped my arms around myself as the cool wind rustled my hair. 

However, a few minutes later, I returned inside, but Richard’s mom told me to check the other guests who were having fun outdoors. She asked me to check if they were served properly, so I had no choice but to do it. 

I went to the pool area where some guests were having fun with food and drinks while swimming, and I was glad when everything was alright. I was about to head back inside when I heard the sound of heels clicking against the tiles. Then, my heart sank when I recognized her. 

Natalia. 

Richard’s ex-girlfriend and his greatest love! 

She looked stunning as the last time I remembered, and her sexy dress clung to her curves in a way that made me feel plain and invisible.  And by the moment we came face to face, she immediately smirked at me. 

“Enjoying your little break?” she asked. 

“Natalia,” I acknowledged her. “I didn’t realize you were back!” 

“Oh, I’m back,” she said smoothly. “Didn’t Richard tell you?” 

When she implied that she had already met with my husband, I wanted to scratch her eyes and throw her into the pool but I restrained myself. Just like before, she’s always a bitch and I really despised her presence! 

“Why are you here, Natalia?”

“Richard asked me to come,” she replied. “Mmm, so things haven’t changed much since I left and you’re still playing house and pretending to be Mrs. Thompson,” she mocked me. 

“Pretending? I am Mrs. Thompson, Natalia. Should I give you a copy of our marriage certificate?” I asked but she just laughed. 

“You poor thing,” she murmured. “Do you even have an idea how Richard worshiped my body this afternoon?” 

“And why should I waste my time with someone like you? You’re not on my level, Natalia,” I mocked her back but she just chuckled as if my words had no effect on her. 

“Not on your level? You’re just his staff before you married him!”

“Does it matter now? I am already his wife,” I told her. 

“You think so? You’re nothing but my replacement, Aria!” 

Natalia’s words cut deep and the truth I had tried so hard to ignore slashed through me like a knife but I refused to let her see me break. Never! I would never give her the chance to see how pitiful I am with Richard. So, I lifted my chin, and met her gaze steadily. 

“You might think that way, but I am his wife whether you like it or not. You left him, Natalia. It was you who gave up your place in his life, not me, okay?”

“Bitch!” she hissed. 

“Ah, poor thing. I couldn’t imagine that you would settle for less. A mistress? Tsk tsk, unbelievable!” I mocked her.

“A mistress can become a wife, Aria. And now that I’m back, I’ll see to it that Richard and I will be the end game,” she threatened.  

“Oh really? You think you can do that?”

“Why not? The old man is already dead and he can no longer threaten Richard, so watch out because I am going to take back what is mine! Understand?” 

I was so angry at her words but before I could react, she stepped forward and her hand shoved me sharply. I stumbled and was out of balance when my foot slipped on the slick tile…and then…everything went cold!

I panicked when realization hit me and then I felt myself sinking under the water. I kicked  and struggled but it was no use. Then, I heard Natalia’s shrill cries for help, and then there was a splash when someone was diving in. For a moment, I was relieved when I recognized his voice, but he didn’t come to me. 

Why the heck was Natalia in the water when she was the one who pushed me? Was it planned? Did she see Richard coming toward us? Damn! I cursed inwardly when I realized that she planned everything to look like a victim. 

Then, through the blurry water, I witnessed how Richard tried to get Natalia out of the water, but no one was coming for me. Richard prioritized her, but of course, he would. Natalia was the one he had always wanted, and I…I was just an afterthought. 

Initially, I thought he was going to save me and I wanted to believe he would jump in and pull me to safety but then, my hope vanished instantly. Richard wasn’t looking at me. He was focused on Natalia, who was splashing just a few feet away from me!

Actually, I knew how to swim but witnessing Richard’s unconditional love for another woman was so painful I would just rather die!  Yeah, that’s it! I would rather die than witness how he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her out of the pool. He held her close without noticing that I was also in the water! 

My chest tightened as I realized he had chosen her. He had always chosen her! For three years, he never even glanced at me, and now that I was drowning, he was saving her first! 

I had wasted three damn years with Richard and I had tried so hard to make it work but now, I realized how wrong I had been! I had spent all that time loving someone who never even cared about me and it hurt to see how blind I had been. 

Disheartened, I let the water pull me under, and  for a moment, I didn’t even try to fight. I was tired…tired of everything, tired of Richard, and tired of being ignored! The cold water wrapped around me and I was ready to give up. But just as I was about to let go, I heard another splash. 

Before I knew it, a hand grabbed mine.