THE BETRAYAL

Leonardo

Loud, breathless groans echoed through the private suite, mixing with the rhythmic sound of dark, aggressive thrusting.

I gripped her from behind without slowing my pace, fisting my hand in her hair while I slammed fast into her body. I didn't care about anything but the release, and once it was over, I pulled away immediately. I growled and stepped back, refusing to let any woman hook me with a fake pregnancy and false promises.

Stepping out of bed completely unfazed by her disheveled appearance, I picked up my phone and transferred a sum of money to her account. After all, that is all they want: manipulative gold diggers who only care about the money. I looked toward the bed with an icy glare and spoke coldly, "I have transferred the money. Get out before I come back."

I strolled into the bathroom to wash away the night. As I turned on the shower, a bitter memory flashed into my mind: the heavy scent of rose flowers and lilac, and the whispering of wedding guests looking at me as I stood by the altar like a stupid idiot. I was the fool in the church, waiting for Bianca—the woman who never showed up. She stole millions from me and abandoned me at the altar without a second thought.

I walked out of the bathroom, and she was still there, getting ready. I pushed her out of the room and signaled one of my men to throw her out. I did not care if she was half-naked, ready to face the world; I just told her to get out immediately. She cursed me loudly as the door shut, but I cared less about the curse and started getting ready to face the day.

I believe all women are manipulative and only care about money. After putting on my suit, I walked out of the room, prepared for the corporate world. I walked straight into my exclusive office, adjusting my perfect bespoke suit, completely switching into my cold CEO mode. I hate clumsiness and unprofessional ethics in my company.

Luca, my best friend, right-hand man, and loyal, trusted partner, entered my office and dropped off the company financial reports for me to review.

Luca spoke with a level voice, "Fiamma is downstairs in the lobby demanding a meeting with you."

I paused what I was doing and looked at Luca, saying, "This is a place of business. I do not have time for family drama. Tell her I am busy and can’t talk."

Luca walked out and headed to the lobby, where Fiamma stood wearing stunning designer sunglasses and a beautiful velvet gown. Luca stepped forward and said, "You will have to leave if your brother is busy."

Fiamma frowned and sighed. "Can't you talk some sense into my brother and tell him to stop being so cold and distant? I have been calling him, but he is not answering. Ask him to call me back, please."

She was about to say more when the sudden interruption of her phone ringing cut her short.

She turned and began walking out of the lobby, heading toward the street. I could not tell whom she was talking to, but a bright smile broke across her face the exact second she answered the call.

Isabella

With a bright smile, I stopped by the jewelry shop to get Julian, my boyfriend of four years, his dream wristwatch for our anniversary. I was super happy and could not wait to see his excitement.

I left work early to surprise him, hailed a taxi, and drove to his place. Deciding to surprise him even more, I used my spare key. The moment I stepped inside, a strange feeling hit me. Hearing loud moaning and heavy breathing from his bedroom, my heart skipped a beat.

I rushed inside and saw him taking a girl from behind, driving into her fast and hard. I screamed, "Julian!"

He pulled out immediately. I was completely paralyzed with shock to see my jealous stepsister, Chloe. Instantly filled with agonizing pain, I watched Chloe stand up with a cruel smirk, showing no remorse. Julian scrambled up, saying he was bored with me and needed someone to spice things up. I was shattered. Those two bastards showed no regret.

"Why did you do this to me?" I cried out. "After everything we have been through, why repay me this way?"

Julian laughed harshly. "I never forced you to do anything. It is Chloe I love, so move on." Chloe giggled and sneered, "Stop acting like a desperate bitch. Get out."

I ran out sobbing as the sky opened up, raining heavily. I ran to the park, regretting not listening to my best friend, Fiamma. Sitting on a park bench, I called her with trembling fingers, sobbing as I explained everything.

Fiamma went completely feral, cursing Julian. "I always knew that guy was no good, Bella! He is a worthless opportunist who sucked you dry while he was too lazy to get a real job!" I cried harder as her words sank in. "Stop crying for that sick bastard; he is not worth a single tear," Fiamma demanded fiercely. "I am booking a flight to New York to help personally."

I sniffled and shook my head. "No, Fiamma. I am completely done. I am relocating far away from those bastards. I am moving back to Italy for good."

The anger vanished from her voice, replaced by massive excitement. "Yes, girl, come home! I am going to spoil you so much and make you forget about them quicker than you can imagine, bestie!"

"I just need a fresh start," I said, before hanging up.

When the rain stopped, I hailed a taxi to my father's house. I rushed inside, packed every single thing I owned into my suitcases, and took a long bath to wash away the betrayal. I dressed in clean clothes and headed straight for the airport.

Downstairs, my stepmother, Victoria, looked at me with absolute disgust. "So you have finally decided to leave this house since you know you are not wanted here," she sneered maliciously.

I ignored her completely, keeping my head high. Victoria shrieked in anger to my father, "You see how mannerless she is? She has no respect at all!" My father finally looked up. "Isabella, where exactly do you think you are going?" he asked flatly.

I paused at the door. "Somewhere better than this house. Somewhere where I am actually loved and valued," I replied coldly. He just stared, saying absolutely nothing to defend me or ask me to stay. My stepmother kept ranting loudly behind him, but I turned my back, walked out, and climbed into a waiting taxi.

At JFK terminal, I went straight to the ticketing counter and booked a seat on the very next flight to Italy, paying with the last of my savings.

After checking in, I sat in the waiting section, staring out the large glass windows at the airplanes on the tarmac. All men are sick bastards, and love is just a pathetic illusion men use to deceive and manipulate women. I am completely done with love, I vowed to myself as the boarding announcement echoed. I am never le

tting a man near my heart again.