Red Carpet Revenge

"There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."A quote that never left Charity Redwood's mind. It was just something random that had flashed across her social media feed, yet it had clung to her like tar ever since.Was it instinct?Was it the reason that dreadful feeling of doubt was growing stronger at this very moment?"Cheers!"Charity smiled, clinking her pristine wineglass with the people she held dear.It was an amazing night. An extravagant cruise hosted the world's most influential figures, while the orchestra's symphony at the center stage filled the grand hall with elegance. Every piece of furniture was adorned with intricate golden trims against the luxurious crimson interior.Even the massive diamond-shaped chandelier sparkled brilliantly, becoming the centerpiece of the star-studded dining hall."Congratulations on your win tonight, Violet!" Charity cheered, swallowing the uncomfortable doubt lodged in her throat along with her wine."Oh, silly. It w

"Charity! Where were you last night? You've been missing!"Violet rushed into the empty hallway where Charity stood, dragging herself forward in confusion.Charity looked at Violet in a daze. Even she didn't know what had happened or how she had ended up sleeping in a room occupied by a Cassian. She couldn't answer Violet's question. Instead, she desperately gripped her friend's elbows."I... I must have been too drunk, Violet. I woke up alone in an empty room," Charity lied, stuttering through her words."Goodness. Sammy has been worried sick, you know? Come on, let's get you ready." Violet puffed her cheeks."Ready for what?""For the speech tonight, remember? Don't tell me you forgot that you and Sammy are hosting tonight's event on this cruise."Charity blinked, finally recalling the date. She absentmindedly nodded and murmured her agreement with Violet. Too much had happened that morning. She hadn't even begun to process the whirlwind of emotions she had felt upon waking up besid

The velvet curtains of the Grand Muse Hotel’s penthouse suite were drawn tight, blocking out the glittering lights of the city below. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the faint tang of anxiety.Violet stood before the full-length mirror, her reflection a vision in midnight blue silk. Two years of relentless work, of carefully curated images and strategic networking, had culminated in this moment. She was no longer the overlooked assistant; she was a nominee. A contender for that prize she had been longing for.From the chaise lounge, Samuel, her manager and partner, watched her with a possessive glint in his eye. “You look breathtaking, Vi. A shoo-in.”A small, satisfied smile played on her lips. “We’ve worked hard for this.”A light knock on the suite’s door was followed by the hesitant entrance of a small, golden-haired boy. Baron, now seven, clutched a tablet in his hands, his eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and vigilance.“Dad? Can I come? I

Ring!The shrill sound of her phone filled the room of the penthouse. Violet groaned, her hand fumbling blindly across the nightstand until her fingers found the cold screen. She squinted at the caller ID through half-lidded eyes.Wane.Her manager. At 6:47 AM.He never called this early. Ever."What?" she snapped, her voice raspy with sleep and irritation."Hey, Violet. I have some urgent news." Wane's voice was thin and strained. The kind that preceded bad news."If it's so urgent, then tell me right now. It better be important because I have an hour left for my beauty sleep." She glared at the alarm clock on the bedside, then noticed the empty space beside her. Samuel was already gone. He had slipped out early without waking her."Probably working on the film," she thought. "Good. At least someone is handling business.""Okay. Well..." Wane hesitated, and Violet's irritation spiked. "The investors want to change the leading lady for that upcoming movie Sir Samuel is directing."Vio

The city lights blurred past Violet's window in streaks of amber and white, their familiar glow doing little to distract her from the magnetic pull of anticipation building in her chest. Samuel drove with ease through the Manhattan streets, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on her thigh."Where are we going?" Violet asked, though her eyes had already caught the distinctive silhouette rising against the night sky. She squinted, needing to confirm what her heart already knew."Rockefeller Center," Samuel answered, a smug smile playing at his lips.He navigated past the cluster of paparazzi camped outside the iconic building, their cameras flashing like trapped lightning bugs. He steered the car toward the private parking entrance with the confidence of a man who belonged in spaces others only dreamed of entering."No, you didn't!" Violet's voice pitched upward with such excitement that Samuel laughedThe sound warm and indulgent. The moment he shifted the car into park,