Chapter 2

Elara's thoughts spun as she gazed at the notification. How was Sebastian aware of her betrayal when it had only occurred the night before? A surge of panic overwhelmed her, and her fingers raced across the screen as she crafted a reply:

"Sebastian, we need to talk. Meet me at the office, middle floor, I’d be there in 20 minutes."

She didn't wait for an answer, didn't even take a look at the unfamiliar person resting next to her. She took her handbag and quietly exited the room, allowing him to rest.

Upon closing the door, the man shifted, blinking awake to discover he was by himself in the room. He sat up, massaging his temples, and grumbled, "Malik Thorn, you really know how to pick 'em."

He rose to his feet, showcasing a sculpted body, and started putting on his clothes. His assistant, Alex, peeked into the room, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

"Good morning, boss!" "How did you sleep last night?"

Malik's demeanor became icy. "My night doesn't concern you." "Prepare my vehicle."

Alex’s smile dimmed, and he nodded, retreating from the room."Right away, sir."

Meanwhile, Elara hurried to the office, her heart pounding with worry. She had to clarify everything to Sebastian, to ensure he understood that she didn't intend to betray him. As she rounded a corner, she saw Sebastian in the corridor, his expression contorted with rage

"Elara," he spat, his voice low and venomous as he approached her. "How could you?"

Elara took a step forward, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "Sebastian, please, I can explain-"

He interrupted her before she could finish. His hand shot out, hitting her cheek in a quick slap that resonated down the hallway.

Elara stumbled backward, her eyes filled with astonishment. "Sebastian-"

"Clarify?" he mockingly asked. "Clarify this!"

He took out his phone, and Elara's heart dropped as he showed a picture of her and Malik, entwined in the sheets. A moan echoed through the air, and Elara's cheeks flushed with embarrassment when she saw that Sebastian was playing the video.

A few colleagues chuckled, and one of them murmured, "slut."

Elara experienced a sensation as if she'd been struck in the stomach. She wished to hide beneath a stone and vanish. The embarrassment and degradation engulfed her, causing her skin to tingle. She became immobilized, incapable of moving or speaking, as Sebastian's remarks pierced her like a dagger.

"You're done, Elara. You're done in this company, and you're done as my wife."

Elara's eyes dropped, her face burning with shame as she whispered, "C'mon, Seb... let's go somewhere private to talk about this. It’s just a misunderstanding. You have to believe me."

Sebastian's expression hardened, his anger boiling over. "No!" he spat, his voice loud enough to draw more attention. "You can explain yourself right here, right now."

Elara flinched, sensing the bite of his remarks. She had never witnessed Sebastian act so childishly, so wildly. How were they able to talk about their personal matters in public like this?

When she lifted her gaze, she saw Selene's eyes in the crowd. Selene's face wore a guise of purity, yet Elara sensed an underlying feeling – victory.

Elara's eyes focused sharply, her thoughts swirling. Selene spent the night with her; they had gone out to the hotel together... it was all beginning to make sense.

“Selene was with me last night!” Elara stuttered out, pointing at Selene where she stood looking like she doesn’t know what’s happening. “Selene, tell him! We were together last night. Weren’t we? Please tell him what happened isn’t true.”

Sebastian followed her gaze, his eyes landing on Selene. "Is it true?" he demanded, his voice accusatory. "Did you and Elara-"

Selene's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Elara's eyes pleaded with Selene, her voice low and urgent. "Tell him the truth, Selene. Tell him what really happened."

Selene's gaze flickered, and she shook her head, a look of confusion on her face. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

Elara's fury ignited, her gaze burning with blame. She realized Selene was deceitful, understood she was attempting to hide her actions.

The audience surrounding them contributed, their soft voices and hushed tones saturating the atmosphere. Elara sensed she was ensnared in a bad dream, with no way out.

Sebastian's expression contorted with revulsion, his gaze icy and unyielding. "I don't want to hear anything else," he snapped, his voice filled with spite."We’re done, Elara. You're done."

Elara's face contorted in desperation as she grabbed Sebastian's arm for a second time, her eyes pleading.

"What do you mean we're done?! You’re not even letting me explain or listening to me.”

He dusted her hands off him. “No! You are the one who isn’t listening!”

“It's a one night mistake, Seb! I got drunk, I didn't intend to cheat on you, I swear!"

Sebastian's expression remained cold, his eyes flashing with anger. "You think I care about that?" he spat. "How could you even think about doing that? You're my wife, Elara, and you've betrayed me. I don’t think I can forgive you."

Elara shook her head, tears pringing to her eyes. "It wasn't intentional, I-"

Sebastian cut her off, his voice dripping with venom. "Selene would never do something like this. She's always been loyal, always been there for me. I should have married her instead of you."

Elara felt like she'd been punched in the face. She had always suspected that Sebastian had feelings for Selene, but to hear him say it out loud, in front of everyone... it broke her heart.

"You don't mean that," she whispered, her voice shaking.

Sebastian's face remained impassive. "I do, Elara. I mean every word."

Elara's gaze fell, her heart breaking into countless fragments. She failed to see the envelope in Sebastian's hand until he reached inside it and retrieved a piece of paper.

As he opened it, Elara's eyes grew wide with fear. It was a divorce settlement, already signed by Sebastian.

Elara's eyes shot up to Sebastian's, her thoughts swirling. She looked at him, her heart racing in her chest—understanding something more painful than betrayal; he had planned to end their marriage ASAP. He never placed his trust in her.

"Sign it," Sebastian stated, his tone icy and aloof.