Chapter 2

My voice echoed through the lobby, silencing the bustling crowd. All eyes turned to Carrie.

She glanced around, her eyes welling up. "What are you talking about? This hotel card was a gift from my husband because I've been working hard on business trips. He bought me these shoes, too."

She lowered her head, feigning shyness. "As for the condoms... Is it wrong to use them with my husband?"

Then, with a pitying look, she added, "Are you okay, Alva? Is your husband neglecting you? Should I recommend a therapist?"

The crowd erupted in whispers.

"Look at her, all frumpy. No wonder her husband doesn't want her."

"That membership costs $300,000 to start. She doesn't look like she can afford it."

"This place is too upscale for riffraff like her."

I'd thrown on casual clothes today, but I wasn't the mess they described. Ignoring the gossip, I sneered at Carrie. "I never realized you were such a smooth talker."

Turning to the receptionist, I demanded, "Did you verify her identity when she checked in?"

The latter stammered, "No, but Mr. Phelps is a regular, so..."

"So, you ignored protocol?" I snapped. "Your security is a joke."

The receptionist fell silent, unable to respond.

Carrie jumped in, playing the saint. "Alva, she's just a receptionist. Why make things hard for her? They say people stay at hotels that match their class. Stop making a scene here like a lunatic."

Her words implied I didn't belong. Then her phone rang, the screen flashing "Honey".

"Go on, answer it," I said coldly. "Put it on the speaker. Let's hear how Nathan spins this."

...

Carrie smirked, hitting the speaker and bursting into tears. "Honey, come over! Some crazy woman says I'm not your wife and wants to kick me out."

Nathan's voice roared through. "Who is this reckless person? Don't worry. I'm on my way."

So, in their minds, I was a crazy woman.

The crowd's looks turned to disdain, some even comforting Carrie. "Don't stoop to her level."

Carrie thanked them sweetly, then turned to me. "My husband is coming, and he has got a temper. Wise up and leave. This $300,000 card? He gave it to me without blinking. That's how much he loves me. If he sees you, who knows what he'll do?"

Her words, cloaked as concern, were pure provocation. I trembled with rage, itching to tear through her fake innocence.

Nathan arrived faster than I expected. He stormed in, his eyes flashing with fury when he saw me. Without a word, he shoved me aside and pulled Carrie into his arms.

"Don't be scared, honey. I'm here," he said, stroking her hair with a tenderness that burned my eyes.

The marble floor gleamed under the lights. His push sent me stumbling, my waist slamming into a sofa armrest. If not for that sofa, I'd have hit the ground.

Carrie tiptoed up, wrapping her arms around his neck for a long, sloppy kiss. She purred, "You're the best, honey. Tell this woman the truth. She won't believe me."

Nathan finally looked at me, his eyes devoid of guilt, filled only with disgust.