Chapter 1 The humiliation

Eloise

I settled on the coach, reaching for the television remote. Today was Lucian's big day and and the event was broadcasted.

This silly illness had prevented me from accompanying him but I didn't care.

"Tonight, the world will see my vision." I smiled, feeling the pride in my chest.

The Live broadcast finally began, the spotlight settled on Lucian, as he made his way to the stage, looking impeccably polished in his tailored suit. I had never felt so proud, i couldn't help but smile and settled deeper in the cushion.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our latest collection—a collection crafted with love, passion, and elegance” He said, his deep steady voice echoed through the speakers.

My heart fluttered at “Our” collection, i repeated in my mind.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with someone special on this project, someone whose talent and dedication have brought this vision to life” Lucian said, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he spoke.

I held my breath, my pulse quickening with pride and excitement. I could practically feel my name on his lips.

“It is my honor to introduce the genius behind this collection…” Lucian paused, then smiled.

The camera zoomed in as he extended a hand, gesturing off-stage. My smile widened.

The camera zoomed back to the crowd and a figure emerged the stage, it was Jennifer, Lucian’s ex lover and also my step-sister appeared on the screen.

My breath caught in my throat, and from that moment my world began to spin.

She stepped into the spotlight, gliding toward Lucian as if she belonged there— as if she had any right to stand on that stage, wearing a dazzling gown that sparkled beneath the lights.

Jewels dripping from her neck and ears. Jewels i had designed.

“What!…?” I exclaimed,my voice barely a breath.

He turned to Jennifer,his eyes beaming, his arm slipping around her waist with a casual intimacy that made my stomach twist.

The way he looked down at her with a softness, a warmth that i haven't seen in his eyes for a while now.

“Jennifer has been an inspiration to me, both personally and professionally,” he said, his voice laced with admiration.

“I couldn’t imagine anyone more fitting to lead this project with me” He continued.

I felt my chest tighten, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps. This can't be happening. It can’t be!

My marriage with Lucian shouldn't have happened, it was a marriage i accepted for my selfish reasons, my childhood crush came asking for my hand marriage and I couldn't miss that opportunity.

I thought after this years with the child we bore together that our love must've awaken but it didn't.

I was just loving a man that would never love me, a man that was never mine to began with, a marriage i could've rejected and discarded my selfish feelings.

The crowd applauded, their faces lit with admiration and awe. People were clapping for Jennifer. Jennifer knew nothing about jewellery designs but would she want to miss the opportunity to bask in my glory? Never.

The woman who had barely even been part of my life, who despised and spited me whenever she pleased. My childhood with Jennifer was hell, she and her mother took turns tormenting my life.

“Tonight is not just a launch of our new project. It’s the start of a new chapter.” He paused, turning to Jennifer, his eyes full of disturbingly tender look.

“A new chapter for us, and for our future together.”

The crowd gasped. Tears streamed uncontrollably from my cheeks, the bethrayal stinging more than I cared to admit.

“No!…” I whispered, horror creeping into my voice as the realization hit me.

“It’s true,” He continued, his tone smooth and practiced, as if he was reading from a script.

“Jennifer and i have rekindled our relationship we never had to let go of, and in light of that…”

My heart pounded so loud i could barely hear his next words.

“…I am announcing my separation from Eloise.” He announced.

The word echoed, causing the tears i had steadied to start streaming again.

Separation?” He was ending our marriage—on live television? What more better way to humiliate me than this?

I sat frozen, watching as the camera captured Jennifer’s coy smile, she leaned into him with a sense of possession and victory.

She won, He was her man to begin with, if not for what happened years ago I wouldn't be in this mess, I wouldn't be so humiliated for everyone to see.

I couldn't process the humiliation and shock playing before me.

My past decision was now daunting on me. A decision i made thinking it was my escape to peace. Lucian was my peace, a place I felt safe.

Trembling, I pressed my hand against my mouth, as if to keep myself from screaming. I wanted to scream but my voice felt hollow and dry.

I could feel my chest pounding, a deep pulsing wound that threatened to tear me apart.

This was supposed to be my night, i thought, disbelief mingling with the agony tearing through me. Maybe I shouldn't have fall sick.

He….. he promised. Lucian promised to change, he reassured me, but foolish me never knew it was all pretence, he never left Jennifer not even for once.

“To new beginnings,” he said, his voice filled with conviction and worse was satisfaction.

The live feed cut back to Lucian, who raised his glass in a toast. He clinked glasses with Jennifer, sealing the moment. The paparazzi swarmed in around them, taking pictures and they smiled at them.

I couldn’t move, i couldn’t tear my gaze away from the screen as the man i trusted and loved for so long casually discarded me, stripping away everything i thought we had.

My mind spun, a rush of cold sweat appeared on my forehead. The sacrifices, seven years wasted, the trust, every ounce of loyalty i had given him—it was all crushed underfoot like it had meant nothing.

What was I expecting? Does a man really forget they first love ever?

The camera zoomed in on Lucian and Jennifer one last time before the feed cut out. The screen went dark just like how my world went blank. My legs gave up and I crumbled on the floor.

Suddenly, I felt a light grip on my dress. I turned immediately—it was Max, my Son. His eyes were wide with fear.

"Mom, are you okay?" He asked, his voice barely audible.