SARAHWhen Marco pulled into the parking lot, I practically jumped out of my seat, my excitement building. But as soon as we stepped out of the car and got a full view of the place, I froze.“Uh… Sarah,” Marco said, raising an eyebrow as he took in the massive neon sign above the entrance. “When you said chocolate spot, you didn’t mention this.”I followed his gaze, my cheeks heating up as I realized what he meant. “It’s… um… an amusement park? With chocolate?”He let out a sigh, shaking his head with a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Of course. I let you pick one venue, and somehow, we end up in a kid’s playground.”I pouted, crossing my arms. “It’s not just a kid’s playground. It’s… an experience.”Marco gave me a look, half-amused and half-exasperated. “An experience?”“Don’t act like you’re not intrigued,” I said, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the entrance. “We’re already here, so we might as well have some fun.”He chuckled, letting me drag him along. “You’re
SARAHI stepped out of the car, my heels clicking sharply against the pavement, each step fueled by my growing irritation. Marco was right behind me, his footsteps steady, but I didn’t care to wait for him to catch up. My focus was locked on Isabella, standing there like she belonged, her arms folded across her chest, her face a mask of indifference. That blank, self-righteous expression of hers was as irritating as ever. She looked smug and untouchable, as if she hadn’t caused enough chaos already.“What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended. “Here to cause another scene, Isabella?”She didn’t even flinch.I stopped a few feet away, my arms dropping to my sides as I glared at her. She just stood there, perfectly still, like a statue carved from ice, her silence deliberate and calculated. The audacity of it made my blood simmer.“I asked you a question,” I snapped, taking a step closer. “What are you doing here, Isabella?”Nothing. Not a word, not even a fl
SARAHIsabella’s words hit me like a brick. My head jerked back, and for a second, I could only stare at her, trying to process what I’d just heard. It couldn’t be true. It had to be a joke. A really bad, tasteless joke.“You’re joking,” I said, my voice sharp but shaky. “You’ve got to be joking. Pregnant? For Marco? Are you even hearing yourself?”Her smile didn’t waver. If anything, it grew wider, like she was enjoying every second of my disbelief. “Oh, Sarah,” she said, letting out a light laugh. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but no, I’m not joking.”I shook my head, still refusing to believe it. “Stop it. Just stop. You’re not pregnant, and if you are, it’s not for Marco. Do you even hear how ridiculous you sound?”Isabella tilted her head slightly, her expression oozing false sympathy. “I know this must be hard for you to accept, but denying it won’t change the truth.”The laugh that escaped me was bitter and sharp. “The truth?” I scoffed. “The only truth here is that you’ll say
SARAHI slammed the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment as I tried to catch my breath. My heart was racing, my chest tight with frustration. How had it come to this? Just this morning, Marco and I were fine—happy, even. And now, a woman stood at our door, claiming she was pregnant with his child. The thought made my stomach twist.I paced the room, running a hand through my hair. It didn’t make any sense. Marco had been different lately—better. He wasn’t the man he used to be. He’d been attentive, loving, even vulnerable at times. He was mine. I knew that. So how could Isabella show up with a claim like that?My mind replayed the entire ordeal. Isabella’s smug expression, the way she casually dropped her “news” like a bomb, as if she knew it would tear everything apart. The way she laughed at me, daring me to question her. And Marco—God, Marco. He just stood there, offering nothing but a weak denial.“Unbelievable,” I muttered to myself, clenching my fists at my sides.I c
SARAHIt had been a full day since Isabella’s dramatic arrival, and I was still holed up in my room. I muttered to myself as I tossed another pillow back onto the bed. I wasn’t exactly hiding—I just couldn’t stand the sight of her. Every time I thought about her waltzing in, acting all smug and self-assured, my blood boiled. And Marco… He hadn’t said much since, which only made things worse.I tried to shake off the frustration as I moved around, tidying up my room just to keep my hands busy. “Marco will deal with this,” I said under my breath, like a mantra. “He’ll send her packing today, and this nonsense will be over.”Still, a part of me couldn’t help but wonder how we’d gotten here. How did our lives go from peaceful—almost blissful—to this chaos? One day we were happy, planning our future, and the next, Isabella was barging in with her ridiculous claim.I sighed and headed into the bathroom. The cool splash of water on my face helped clear my mind a little, though not as much as
SARAHI stood at the edge of the room, watching Marco approach Isabella. My heart was pounding, uncertain about what he intended to do or say. He had reassured me earlier that she’d be leaving today, but now, as he walked towards her with that unreadable expression, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. What if she had more tricks up her sleeve?Isabella, sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, perked up as soon as she saw him. Her face lit up with a wide, overly enthusiastic smile, the kind that made my stomach churn with irritation. “Marco!” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sweetness. “I didn’t know you were back already. You won’t believe how fascinating this show is! You should come join me.” She patted the cushion beside her, as if she had any right to act like this was her home.Marco didn’t respond to her theatrics. His expression was stony, his steps measured. He stopped just short of the couch, towering over her with an intimidating presence that even I coul
SARAHHere’s the expanded scene based on your outline:The ride to the hospital was painfully quiet. Marco had his hands firmly on the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he focused on the road ahead. I sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, staring out the window, trying to ignore the sound of Isabella wailing in the backseat.“Ohhh, it hurts so much! Marco, please hurry!” Isabella screeched, her voice grating like nails on a chalkboard.I clenched my teeth and looked over at Marco. His jaw was tight, his lips pressed into a hard line, but he said nothing. Of course, he wouldn’t. He was too busy trying to hold it together.I turned back toward the window, willing myself to stay calm, but it was impossible. Isabella’s dramatic cries filled the car, each one more ridiculous than the last.“Oh, Marco, I think I’m losing consciousness! Please, don’t let me die!”I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. “She’s unbelievable,” I muttered under my breath.“What was that, Sarah?” Marco asked, hi
SARAHI sat alone in the waiting room, tapping my fingers against the armrest of the chair. The fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly, and the sterile white walls did nothing to calm my nerves. I tried to distract myself by looking around—at the posters on the walls about healthy eating, the muted television playing some medical drama, and the occasional nurse or patient walking by—but none of it worked. My thoughts were a mess.Marco had stepped out to speak with the nurse, leaving me here to stew in my own anxiety. I hated waiting like this, not knowing what was happening or what might come next. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes darting toward the door Marco had disappeared through.Then, I heard voices. Faint at first, but as I strained my ears, I realized it was Marco and the nurse talking.“…nothing to worry about,” the nurse was saying.My heart quickened. I leaned slightly in their direction, trying to catch more of their conversation.“Are you sure?” Marco’s voice
SARAHMarco’s gaze held mine, steady and unyielding, as he stood by the kitchen door. For a moment, the world around me seemed to fade. The clinking of utensils, the hum of the stove—it all melted into the background.He tilted his head slightly, motioning for me to follow him out. His presence filled the space, leaving no room for hesitation.I nodded at Martha, who gave me a look that was equal parts curiosity and encouragement. “I’ll be back,” I told her softly, setting down the knife.I followed Marco out into the hallway. My heart raced, the weight of everything I wanted to say pressing down on me. This was it—the moment I’d decided I wasn’t going to hold back anymore. No more avoiding the truth. No more brushing past the lies.When we reached the living room, he stopped and turned to face me. His expression was unreadable, his jaw tight.“Sarah,” he started, his voice low and careful, like he was trying to pick the right words.Before he could continue, I blurted out, “Marco, I
SARAHI lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, a small, satisfied smile tugging at my lips. Tomorrow was the day—finally. The day I’d show everyone, including Marco, the truth about Isabella. No more lies, no more manipulation. Her smugness, her arrogance, her calculated schemes—they were all about to crumble. And I would be the one to light the match.The thought kept me awake, my mind running wild with anticipation. I replayed the steps over and over, imagining her face when the truth came crashing down. She wouldn’t see it coming. The mighty Isabella, so proud and untouchable in her delusions, was about to fall.It was a satisfying thought—so satisfying, in fact, that I didn’t notice how long I lay there. When sleep finally crept in, it felt like the sweet calm before a storm I had waited too long to unleash.The next morning, sunlight filtered softly through my curtains, bathing my room in a warm glow. I stretched, the tension in my body melting away as a rush of energy surged thr
ISABELLA The crisp afternoon air greeted me as I stepped out of the café, my heels clicking confidently against the pavement. I felt invincible. Sarah’s defeated expression was seared into my memory, fueling the satisfaction coursing through me. “Too easy,” I muttered to myself, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. The sun was warm on my skin, and everything seemed brighter, as if the universe itself was congratulating me. Sarah was finally stepping aside, and soon, Marco would be all mine—just as it should have been from the start. I hailed a cab, deciding on a whim that I deserved something better than my usual routine. Somewhere upscale, somewhere that matched the victorious glow I carried. I gave the driver the name of a ritzy hotel bar I’d been to once before, a place where the drinks were overpriced and the atmosphere exuded exclusivity. As we weaved through the streets, I allowed myself a moment to revel in my triumph. Marco would be waiting for me, clueless as eve
SARAHI signaled the waiter for another cup of coffee, trying to steady my nerves. As I waited, I leaned back in my chair, letting the warmth of the café seep into my skin. Isabella’s smug face was still etched in my mind. She had strutted out of here as if she’d won the lottery, completely oblivious to the trap she had just walked into.The waiter approached, a young man with a polite smile. “Another coffee for you, ma’am?”“Yes, please,” I replied, offering him a quick smile. “Make it strong.”He nodded and walked off to the counter, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My fingers drummed on the table as I tried to process what had just happened. Isabella was so proud, so loud with her lies, it was almost laughable.She really thinks she’s won. I shook my head, a quiet chuckle escaping my lips. That arrogance of hers—how she gloated, how she leaned back in her chair like she was untouchable. She has no idea.The waiter returned with my coffee, setting it down gently in front of me. “H
SARAHAs I sipped my coffee, I tried to calm my thoughts, reminding myself of everything at stake. Marco. My marriage. My dignity. I wasn’t just doing this for myself; I was doing it to protect what we had built before Isabella decided to slither into our lives.“Stay calm, Sarah,” I whispered to myself. “You’ve got this.”I practiced steadying my breathing, rehearsing the conversation in my head. Isabella was going to walk in here, cocky and overconfident, convinced that she had already won. My job was to play the part—defeated, vulnerable, and willing to give up.But I wouldn’t give up. Not until she admitted everything.I didn’t have to wait long. Isabella arrived right on time, sauntering through the door like she owned the place. She was dressed to kill, as usual—a tailored blazer, high heels, and just enough makeup to make her look effortless. She spotted me almost immediately, and a smirk curled on her lips.I held my ground, keeping my expression neutral as she approached. Ins
SARAHThe cab rolled to a stop in front of my house, and I hesitated for a moment before climbing in. I slid into the back seat, pulling the door shut behind me, and gave the driver the address Tony had sent me. The café wasn’t far, but the drive felt like an eternity as I sat there, staring out the window, my mind spinning.This was happening. It was all in motion now. There was no turning back.The driver didn’t say much, which I appreciated. The last thing I needed was idle chatter. My thoughts were loud enough. As the city blurred past the window, I tried to focus, to steady my breathing, to keep my hands from trembling. I needed to be calm, collected, ready for whatever came next.I glanced at my phone, the screen lighting up with the address again. The weight of what I was about to do pressed down on me, but it wasn’t fear. No, it was something else. Determination. Resolve. The knowledge that this was the only way to end it.The driver finally spoke, breaking the silence. “We’re
SARAHI sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the wall in front of me, a small smile playing on my lips. Finally. After all the waiting, all the stress, and all the games, I was about to get the upper hand. Isabella thought she could slither her way into our lives, into Marco’s life, and get away with it. But she was wrong. Dead wrong.I couldn’t stop replaying the plan Tony and I had devised. Every detail, every angle—it was perfect. We had covered everything. And soon, her lies, her manipulations, and her smug little smirk would come crashing down. I could already taste the victory, and it was sweet.“She doesn’t even see it coming,” I muttered to myself, the thought giving me a jolt of satisfaction.I stretched, letting out a sigh. For now, I needed to keep up appearances. Pretend like nothing had changed. No suspicion, no slip-ups. The last thing I wanted was to tip her off.I got up, grabbed my laundry basket, and headed for the door. As I reached the hallway, I gave myself a qui
SARAHI paced around my room, the frustration boiling in my chest like a kettle about to scream. “I can’t do this anymore, Tony,” I said, my voice sharp and shaking as I turned to face him. He leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, his expression calm but wary. “I’m done snooping. We have enough. More than enough. She’s not slipping through this time.”Tony raised a brow, his jaw tightening. “You’re sure? What if we’re wrong? What if she’s got more dirt we don’t know about? Isabella’s crafty—she doesn’t make stupid mistakes.”“Crafty?” I scoffed, throwing my hands in the air. “That’s a polite way of saying she’s manipulative and dangerous, Tony. You’ve seen the files, the emails, the fake documents. Hell, you’ve seen the way she slithers around Marco, poisoning everything she touches. What more do you need?”“I’m just saying,” he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “If we act too soon, she might wiggle out of this. She’s good at covering her tracks, Sarah. We can’t risk l
ISABELLAThe door clicked shut behind me, and I leaned back against it, letting out a sharp hiss of frustration. My chest rose and fell, not from exertion but from sheer anger. I had been so close. So damn close to getting Marco right where I wanted him. My fingers curled into fists at my sides as I thought about the way he pushed me away, the way he growled my name like a warning.I’d spent hours getting ready for this. Hours. The makeup, the hair, the dress that hugged me like a second skin—it was all for him. Every step of the plan was perfect, but somehow, she was still in the way.“Sarah,” I spat under my breath, the name leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. I pushed off the door and started down the hall, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. “That woman has him wrapped around her little finger.”I gritted my teeth, my jaw tightening as I replayed the scene in my mind. The way Marco’s eyes flickered, the way he hesitated before kissing me back—it was all proof that