Chapter 2

Time slowed, it felt like the world slowly spinning, and mesmerizing every detail of the situation. And yes, I am still in front of her, staring at her godly face then, suddenly she spoke.

“Mrs, Devera! Nice meeting you,” her lips parted a little bit.

“Why does it seem like you're so shocked? Did Lucas not tell you about me?” a sweet smile escaped on her lips.

“You come!” I heard a voice behind me and it was my mother in law. It feels like they know each other for a long time.

“Yes, tita! I won’t miss this event for Lucas,’’ then she smiled at them and side-eyed me.

I blinked, my heart pounding in my chest as I stood frozen in place, but I still stood firm despite the things I know.

“Nice meeting you, I'm scarlet, Lucas' ex lover.” I just smiled. I don't like the way she smiled at me. It feels like she is just doing it for the sake of courtesy.

“I didn't hear your name from my husband's mouth, maybe he already buried you in his heart.” I laughed to lessen the awkwardness. I answered it with a little bit of teasing and I didn't expect that I would say that.

Seeing scarlet being affected by my answers feels satisfying, but scarlet just smiled sweetly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her red gown shimmered under the chandelier lights, fitting her like an angel. She was confident, calm, and devastating. The kind of woman who didn’t just walk into a room for nothing, she is coming to own it.

“I’m so sorry if I bothered your party, but honestly, I just came here to mesmerize our childhood memories, right Lucas?” I shift my stare to my husband who's beside me. Yeah, it hurts me seeing him staring at her. His eyes locked into her, it seemed like he’d seen a beautiful ghost who came back to life, but the way he looked at her was full of adoration, longing, and regrets and this is the first time that I saw him like that. His eyes say it all.

Scarlet voice keeps on repeating inside my head. The way she said my surname, it seems like she feels disgusted.

“Oops! I’m so sorry if I came at the wrong time. I didn't know that you had a party here,” she said with a mocking tone. Her innocent face couldn't suspend any single harm.

She starts to walk in the center and roam her eyes in the whole place. As she stopped, she faced us. Her face is unreadable. “Why didn't you invite me, Lucas? I’m not new in your life, right?” all the eyes of our guest is on us, some of them murmurs something that I don't like.

“Scarlet,”Lucas stepped forward, finally breaking in silence. “You’re not supposed to be here,” he said in a soft and low voice.

“Come on, Lucas!” She laughed softly. “After all the things we've been through, don't you think I don't deserve an invite?” The crowd starts to whisper, they now watch us like a famous artist who made scandalous things. Their laughter becomes a murmur.

“Exactly, Lucas! She’s deserving to be here,rather than a cleaning lady beside you.” I was stunned by what she said.

I stepped away from Lucas, trying to compose myself. “Wait! I’m sorry to interrupt,” I smiled trying to absorb everything. “Have we met before?” I frowned my forehead, trying to act on what really happened exactly.

“Who are you?" I said, my voice sharper.

Scarlet tilted her head. “Scarlet Henry,” she replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Lucas’s former fiance. You must be the replacement, right?” The word hit me like a slap.

Lucas’s hand gripped mine, but I didn’t feel the warmth, just pressure. I didn’t know if he was trying to comfort me or keep me from saying something that I would regret.

“Stop it, Scarlet,” he muttered, jaw clenched. But she wasn’t finished. “I must say, you do look familiar.” She eyed me up and down. “Same build. Same features. Same fashion. Oh my god! Same taste, Lucas? Or until now you still can't get over me?” a different kind of dagger stab right in my chest.

I looked up at Lucas, hoping he would deny it or say anything. But he said nothing. He looked down at the floor, silent. I just realized that he couldn't protect me against those, maybe because he was still unto her. That silence hurt more than any insult. I felt exposed, like everyone could see the cracks forming in my perfect life. The life that I slowly built for 5 years silently crashed in just a snap.

“You really didn’t tell her about me?” Scarlet said, pretending to be shocked. “Wow. That’s cruel, she deserves to know that you just married her just because we're the same.” a mischievous smile forms on her face.

“Enough!” Lucas snapped, his voice loud enough to echo through the room.

Scarlet’s smile faded for the first time, but only for a second. “But don’t worry, I’m not here to ruin anything.” She glanced over her shoulder, locking eyes with me.” She grabbed a wine near her and walked closer to me.

“I’m just here to take back what was always mine.” She whispered then walked away and disappeared into the crowd.

I just stood there sweating and trembled. I wanted to move, to breathe, and to scream, but I couldn't.

I am afraid now that everything that I built would fall apart especially now that she is back. Her presence is like a stain that can't be washed off.

I know I was never the first choice. I know that even if I could give him everything or even give him a child was not enough. Because his heart was never mine to begin with.

And now that she’s here. I’m terrified he’ll abandon me, us just for her.