1

Stacey 

Stepping out of the elevator, I glance around before heading left down the corridor. The echo of my high heels on the marble floor accompanies me as I confidently stride, my figure accentuated by the tight dress and my hair cascading in loose curls. 

As I walk through the empty corridor of the exclusive fifty-seventh floor, reserved for the wealthy who have booked the entire level, I come across a security guard stationed in one corner. His gaze follows me as I make my way towards him. Clearing his throat, he addresses me, "Mrs. Williams..." but his voice falters, and I notice the color draining from his face. 

Despite my escalating anger, I remind myself to maintain composure and not lash out at the security guard. That's not what ladies from rich societies do."Is Mr. Williams inside?" I inquire while standing outside the penthouse door, anticipating his response. However, he stutters, fueling my growing skepticism. "Uh, I -" Before he can continue, I raise my hand, signaling him to stop speaking.

"Open the door!" I assert firmly, my eyes fixed sharply on the door above me. My heart pounds in my chest as I impatiently anticipate the scene I am about to witness. Mentally and physically bracing myself, I prepare to confront my husband, expecting to catch him red-handed with another woman. 

My suspicions began to grow as I frequently discovered hotel check-in slips, pricey restaurant bills, and shopping receipts among my husband's belongings. Occasionally, the bills for his shopping would arrive at our home, either through delivery or a personal visit from the store manager. One thing became clear to me - those lavish gifts were not intended for me, as I never once received them. 

What made me silent all along? Because those were just accusations and I wasn't sure to confront him based on no strong evidence. So I wait, patiently, of course, spying on him. I wouldn't lie to admit that I hired a detective for my husband and he showed me the proofs of him being involved with certain women. 

My husband is a cheap man with no caliber. Despite working for one of the most prestigious firms in New York, my husband's insatiable greed and lust for women have become apparent over the years. We've been married for nearly two years, but I've known him for over seven. 

His unrelenting desire and insatiable nature have cast a shadow over the charm that initially drew me to him, leading me to agree to marry him quickly. His facade of charm has slowly faded, revealing a darker side that I can no longer ignore.

And him? He was undoubtedly after my wealth, as I am the sole heir of the substantial inheritance left to me by my grandparents. My husband persistently urged me to transfer it under my name until he learned the truth - that we must have a child together to inherit the wealth. And this bastard cannot become a father.

“Open the door!” I command once again, my tone remains firm, this time a little louder than before. “But, madam, Mr Williams is having a meeting inside.” A meeting? I scoff mentally. What kind of business meetings happen in the middle of the night? And that too in a penthouse of the hotel. He might fool everyone, but not me. I am aware of the blood that passes through his veins, and I know that he is cheating. 

I just want to confirm it. 

The security guard hesitates momentarily before pushing the door open, and I cautiously scan my surroundings before entering. As I step into the living room, everything appears normal at first glance. However, my gaze is drawn to the kitchen counter, where two glasses sit neatly with traces of red wine still lingering in them. 

The sight raises a flicker of unease within me, hinting at a possible scenario that I had not anticipated. The lipstick smudge on one of the glasses is a clear sign that he's been with another woman. I pick up the glass, my frustration growing as I realize the truth. Suddenly, I hear noises coming from the other room, piquing my curiosity. 

I cautiously approach the closed door and strain to listen. The sounds of a woman's screams and my husband's moans pierce through the silence, confirming my worst fears of his disloyalty.

I cautiously push the door open, the hinges creaking softly as I peer inside. My heart sinks as I witness the painful sight before me: my husband engaged in a passionate encounter with another woman on the bed. They are both undressed, lost in the moment as he thrusts into her from behind. 

And I don't intend to confront him right here, so I silently turn to walk away, leaving the penthouse. As I step outside, the guard's guilty gaze meets mine, and I issue a warning with a threatening undertone. "Don't you dare breathe a word to him about my presence here. Understand?" The guard nods in response, clearly intimidated. 

I grab a handful of dollar bills from my purse and toss them in his direction before I briskly turn and walk away, leaving the guard with a mix of relief and apprehension.

As I make my way down the empty corridor, the distressing images of the scene I just witnessed play on a loop in my mind, causing my heart to race uncontrollably. Despite expecting the betrayal, an overwhelming sense of unease and nausea washes over me, questioning why I feel so unwell. 

Suddenly, my foot catches on something, causing me to stumble and barely catch myself from falling. A wave of dizziness engulfs me, and darkness begins to creep into my vision. The energy drains from my body, leaving me weak and unable to stand on my own two feet.

Despite my eagerness to leave the hotel quickly, I find myself getting caught up in the unknown. Suddenly, I stumble and fall to the ground, completely giving in to my exhaustion. "Help! Someone fainted!" I hear voices rushing towards me. "Are you okay?" a deep voice asks, but I'm too tired to even open my eyes to see who it is. I really hope it's not my husband, as I don't have the strength to face him right now.