🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥

Chapter 1: Lipstick

SUSIE

“Aunt Viv? Can you come to our school for our family day instead of Mom?”

I froze outside Annie’s room, the snack tray trembling in my hands.

“Why is that, sweetie? Don't you want your mommy to come?”

“She’s so fat! My classmates teased me the last time she picked us up. They said I looked like her, and when I grow up, I’ll end up being a pig like her!”

“Annie’s right, Aunt Viv. I don’t want my classmates to see Mommy again!” Sephie’s voice cut through me like glass. I bit my lip hard, my eyes stinging as tears threatened to fall.

“Mommy! Mommy! Seb is back!”

My son’s voice rang out from downstairs. Instead of stepping into my girls’ room, I turned away quickly, clutching the tray tighter. I didn’t hear what Viviene said to them afterwards, but I told myself she would surely reprimand the two for saying such cruel things about me.

My heart lit up the moment I saw my son running toward me, his curly hair bouncing with every step, his cheeks flushed red with excitement.

I quickly handed the tray to the maid and whispered for her to bring it up to the girls’ room. Then I rushed to meet Seb halfway, scooping him into my arms.

Hugging my son made me momentarily forget what I heard from my daughters room. How they not want their classmates to see me because they're ashamed of me.

“Mommy, I missed you!” he said, wrapping his little arms tightly around my neck. “I cried yesterday because I wanted to go home, but Grandma wouldn’t let me. Hmp.”

I lifted my gaze to the person he meant, Nathan’s mother, standing stiffly beside Georgia. Both of them were staring at me with that same look of disdain, their heads shaking as though my very presence was an embarrassment.

I knew exactly what they saw, hair tied back hastily, apron stained from hours in the kitchen, skin sticky with sweat. I hadn’t even managed to bathe yet, and I looked every bit the mess they loved to criticize.

They had taken Sebastian yesterday after picking him up from school, insisting that his grandfather wanted to see him. He ended up spending the night at the Davenports’.

“Oh, Seb, get down from your mommy,” Nathan’s mother said sharply. “She’s dirty. You’ll get dirty too—”

“Mommy’s not dirty!” Seb cut her off, his little voice fierce with loyalty. “And she smells so good, like my favorite cinnamon and chocolate!”

He pressed a kiss on each of my cheeks, making my eyes sting with tears I refused to let fall. “Mommy, do you have cupcakes for me?”

“Yes, baby,” I whispered, kissing the top of his curls. "And mommy missed you too."

Before I could even put Seb down, Georgia stepped forward with her fake smile.

“Sebastian, darling,” she cooed, reaching her arms out to my son. “Why don’t you let Aunt Georgia carry you for a while? I want to taste those cupcakes too. I’m sure your mommy baked something… edible this time.”

My grip on Seb tightened for a moment. I forced myself to breathe, to not show her how deeply her jab landed.

Seb frowned and clung tighter to my neck. “But Mommy’s cupcakes are the best! You don’t even know, she makes them with chocolate swirls and the sprinkles I like!”

Georgia’s smile wavered, though she quickly recovered, tucking a strand of her glossy hair behind her ear. “Of course, sweetheart,” she said smoothly. “Though maybe Mommy should spend a little less time in the kitchen and a little more… taking care of herself.” Her eyes flicked down my body, her smile turning into something sharper.

Heat rushed to my face, shame prickling my skin. I knew what she was doing, what they all loved to do. Humiliate me in front of my children, chip away at me piece by piece.

“Don’t say that about Mommy!” Seb’s small voice cracked with anger, his little fists balling against my shoulder. “She’s beautiful. She’s the most beautiful mommy in the world.”

“Hush, Sebastian, don’t shout at your aunt. She’s just kidding,” I whispered, brushing my son’s curls.

Georgia let out a laugh, tilting her head with mock innocence. “See? Your mommy knows I was only joking,” she said, her eyes glinting. She reached for Seb, her hands outstretched.

Seb tightened his arms around my neck. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”

I kissed his cheek softly and forced a smile, though my chest ached. “It’s okay, baby. Go with your aunt. Mommy will follow soon.”

He gave me one last reluctant look before Georgia pried him from my arms, her painted lips curving into a victorious smile. “Come along, sweetheart. Let’s taste those cupcakes,” she said sweetly, carrying him away.

The moment their footsteps faded down the hall, I finally understood. Georgia hadn’t wanted the cupcakes, she had wanted me to be left alone with Sonya.

“Pitiful,” Sonya’s voice sliced through the silence as she circled me like a hawk. Her sharp perfume stung my nose before her hand reached out, brushing over my hair with exaggerated disgust, as if she were touching something foul.

“Look at you,” she sneered, her fingers flicking away as though my hair had dirtied her. “Still messy. Still unworthy to be the Davenport’s daughter-in-law. God, don’t you even have time to fix yourself, Susannah?”

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry, Mama. I got busy in the kitchen—”

“Oh, shush. Stop talking as if you’re really busy. Even when it’s just bringing snacks to my granddaughters, you order the maids around. Just admit it, you’re too busy with those cupcakes you keep baking and eating. And now look at yourself! You’re even bigger than the last time I saw you. Your clothes barely fit!”

Her words cut deep. Though I forced myself to stand still, my knees trembled. I pressed my palms together tightly, fighting to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.

Sonya circled me slowly, her eyes dragging over every inch of me like I was some stain she couldn’t scrub out. “You know, Susannah, you’ve truly mastered the art of humiliation. Every time you step out in public with that figure, with that… face, you drag my son’s name through the mud. Do you enjoy embarrassing us? Is that your goal in this family?”

I dropped my gaze, my nails digging into my palms. “No, Mama. I would never—”

“Then I guess nothing will change this year. You won’t come to the anniversary party next week. It’s an important night, the Davenports will be in the spotlight. So you, as always, need to stay out of our sight.”

I knew it. I had already suspected that this was the reason she came here.

“Do you hear me, Susannah? Surely you understand that my son deserves dignity when he walks into that ballroom, not a wife who can barely fit into her own clothes.”

I nodded, trying my best not to cry.

She tapped my cheek lightly, her smile sharp as a knife. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re going to cry? I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing this for you. I’m sure you don’t want to humiliate yourself, my son, and your children… again.”

Right. Again. Just like five years ago, the last time I attended the anniversary, when the button of my dress popped off, embarrassing both me and my husband.

“Mommy Sonya, you’re here!”

“Grandma!”

Sonya’s smile softened into a genuine one as the voices of Viv and my daughters echoed.

Viviene gave me a subtle signal to go, and I smiled at her in gratitude. This was what she always did, stepping in and saving me from Nathan’s mother before she continued insulting me.

But the moment I turned my back, my smile vanished.

Sonya’s tone shifted, warm and sweet, directed at Viv. I froze mid-step, my chest tightening as I heard her words.

“Come with me today, Viv, and my beautiful girls. We should find gowns for the anniversary party. I want you and the girls to look stunning.”

My feet stayed rooted to the floor.

My chest tightened, my throat burning as though the walls themselves had shrunk around me.

Viviene… would come. Of course she would. She always did.

My mind betrayed me, conjuring images I had tried so hard to bury, glossy photographs from past anniversaries.

Viviene, elegant and radiant in her red gown, glittered beneath the ballroom chandeliers.

And beside her… Nathaniel. My husband.

Standing tall and handsome, with a polite smile that looked far too much like pride when Viviene was on his arm.

Those photos had circulated through the society pages, framed as if Viviene were the true lady of the house, Nathan’s rightful partner, while I was nowhere to be seen.

Because I wasn’t.

I had been told to stay behind. Always.

My heart clenched so painfully I thought it might stop beating. Desperate to breathe again, I made my way to the kitchen, where my Sebastian was waiting.

“Mommy! It’s delicious as always!”

I smiled and ran to my son, hugging him tightly. Thank God, Georgia wasn’t there.

I carried Seb and sat him on my lap.

He lifted his head and cupped my cheek with his little hand, sticky with chocolate, but I didn’t mind.

“Mommy, is something wrong?”

I shook my head. “No, baby.”

He pouted. “But you look like you’re about to cry. Are you sad and hurt again, Mommy? Did Grandma say bad things again—”

“No, baby. Mommy’s just so happy to see Sebastian. I missed you.”

He studied my face seriously, as though weighing the truth of my words. I smiled, admiring the face of my son. He looked so much like his father. And in that moment, he reminded me of Nathan as a boy, how he used to look at me when we were children, asking if I was okay after my classmates bullied me.

Then Sebastian’s lips curved into a sweet smile. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, my Seb. My baby.”

I hugged him tight, and slowly my heart began to calm.

“You’re beautiful, Mommy. Always remember that,” he whispered.

And that was when the tears finally fell. Not because I was breaking but because my son’s words lifted me, reminding me I was more than what they said I was.

I let my fingers linger on the dress Cassidy had given me last Christmas. The fabric shimmered under the soft light.

Elegant, graceful, and beautiful.

When I had first tried it on, it had hugged me perfectly, making me feel… almost worthy.

I had dreamed of wearing it to the anniversary party. For once, to stand beside my husband, looking like I belonged. But that dream shattered as quickly as it formed. I couldn’t.

With a heavy sigh, I carefully folded the dress back into its hanger and pushed it into the shadows of the closet, as though hiding away my own foolish hope.

The click of the door opening startled me. Heart racing, I hurried out of the walk-in and smoothed down my dress before greeting him.

Nathaniel.

I smiled the moment I saw him. “Honey, you’re home.”

I walked toward him, rising on my toes to kiss his lips.

It was quick, too quick.

He turned his head ever so slightly, and the warmth I longed for slipped through my fingers. My smile faltered, but I forced it back, pretending not to notice.

Wordlessly, I took his suit jacket from his shoulders, then loosened and slipped off his necktie. “I already prepared your bath. Do you want to eat?”

He shook his head without a word and walked toward the bathroom.

I sighed as I reached for his suit.

As I folded Nathan’s suit across my arm, I felt something bulky inside the pocket. Curious, I slipped my hand in and pulled out a small box.

My breath caught.

I flipped it open, and my eyes widened. A bracelet. A delicate chain encrusted with diamonds, sparkling like a thousand stars under the light.

“A gift…” I whispered, awestruck.

And then it struck me. The day after the anniversary was my birthday. Of course! That must be it, Nathan’s surprise for me.

Tears pricked my eyes, but this time they were from joy. He remembered. He actually remembered.

My heart swelled, a giddy warmth rushing through me as I carefully closed the box and slid it back into the pocket. I mustn’t ruin his plan. If he wanted to surprise me, I would let him.

Still smiling, I walked toward the en suite to gather the clothes he had left behind. My fingers brushed the fabric of his dress shirt.

But then… my smile faltered when I saw something.

There was a faint smear near the collar.

A lipstick mark… that is definitely not mine.

Chapter 2: Susie's Love

SUSIE

"I love you..." I whispered as my husband, Nathan, collapsed on top of me after we both reached our climax.

There was no response. Not that it surprised me. I could count on one hand the number of times he’d said those words to me.

It wasn’t when we got married.

Not even when he asked me to marry him.

It was the day I found out I was pregnant. The day we discovered I wasn’t just carrying one child, but triplets. And then, when I gave birth to my precious angels.

And now, seven years have passed... and I haven’t heard him say those words since.

He kissed my forehead and rolled off me.

And I told myself that was enough.

At least he still made love to me. He’d always been like this, ever since we were kids. He's quiet, cold, and never good with words. He seldom smiled, but he cared. It showed in his actions.

That was Nathaniel Davenport. I’d known him since I was ten years old. I shouldn’t feel hurt or doubtful because of his distance.

When he came back from the bathroom, he turned his back to me and fell asleep. I got up to clean myself, too, but my eyes drifted to the laundry basket.

The shirt. The red lipstick stain.

I shook my head quickly. Maybe it was an accident. Maybe someone brushed against him. If I ask him, he’ll think I don’t trust him.

I forced a smile at the mirror, but it faded the moment I saw myself clearly. Sonya was right; I probably looked bigger than I had the last time.

Ugly.

No. My son Sebastian always told me I was beautiful.

And Nathan made love to me, didn’t he? Every week, he touched me. He made me feel wanted.

I wiped away the tears slipping down my cheeks. My hand reached for the pills on the counter, but froze.

Maybe… it’s time to get pregnant again. Nathan loves our kids. Perhaps he wants more. Another set of triplets. Or twins.

Then… then maybe he’ll say those words to me again.

"I love you."

I returned to our room. Nathaniel was already asleep, breathing steadily. I lay beside him carefully and wrapped my arms around his back.

"I love you..." I whispered once more. "And I trust you, Nathan."

Almost a decade had passed since I married Nathaniel Davenport at twenty-one. I was the heiress of my parents’ construction firm, Blackwell. As their only child, I was set to inherit everything. My family had been close to the Davenports; they were our business partners.

But then the accident took my parents’ lives. That was when everything changed. That was when I learned the truth: our company was drowning in debt. The Davenports saved it, but in return, I had to marry Nathaniel Davenport.

It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience. But I never saw it that way.

Because I had always loved Nathaniel. Ever since we were young. Even though I knew I could never be the type of woman he wanted. I wasn’t like the models he used to date. I was just his childhood friend.

But when my world shattered, when I lost my parents, when I struggled to take care of my grandmother, Nathaniel was there.

He married me. He helped me. He gave me a family.

So even if the Davenports never liked me, I endured. They didn’t matter.

What mattered was my husband. And our children.

So no... I wouldn’t let a lipstick stain destroy me.

But as I closed my eyes, tears slipped out, proof that I was lying to myself.

It mattered. It hurt more than I could admit.

And I was too scared to confront Nathan.

***

“Mommy, please!” Sebastian stomped his little shoes against the floor, his small fists balled at his sides as his cheeks puffed red with frustration. “I want you to come with us to the party!”

I bent down to his level, gently holding his trembling hands. “Sebastian, baby, listen.” My voice softened as I brushed his hair back, careful not to ruin the neat little bowtie I had just fixed. “Grandma Selina is waiting for me. Do you remember? It’s her birthday today.”

His eyes blinked, confusion flashing before he quickly argued again. “Then I’ll come with you! I wanna be with Greatgrandma too!”

I smiled and straightened his bowtie, pretending to focus on it so he wouldn’t see the ache in my eyes. “But who would stay with your sisters and Daddy?” I asked. “Didn’t you say you were going to be your sisters’ date tonight? Their protector?”

Sebastian’s lips pressed into a pout. “But Daddy’s there! He can protect them. You’re the one who’s going to be alone!”

My heart warmed at his stubborn little protest, and I pulled him into my arms, hugging him tightly against my chest. His small hands clutched at my dress, and I kissed the top of his head. “Baby, I’m not alone. Grandma Selina will be with me.”

He leaned back, his brows furrowed in confusion. “I don’t understand, Mommy. Why don’t you ever come with us to the party? And why does Daddy let you not come?”

I cupped his face, forcing a smile even as something twisted inside me. “No, sweetheart. That’s not what your daddy wants. He asked me to come, he even begged me to. But this time… it was Mommy’s decision. I promised him I’ll come with you guys next time.”

His big eyes searched mine. “Really?”

“Really,” I whispered, pressing my forehead against his. “So tonight, you go and have fun with Daddy and your sisters. Dance with them, laugh with them. And when you get home, you’ll tell me everything. Deal?”

“No deal,” he scoffed, which made me laugh.

“Hmmm, how about muffins with lots of sprinkles and chocolate cream that we’ll make together tomorrow?”

“You’ll let me bake with you?” His eyes twinkled, instantly chasing away his grumpy expression.

I nodded, and he pouted before finally giving in. “Fine, it’s a deal, Mommy.”

“Ready, son?”

Both Sebastian and I turned our heads at the sound of Nathaniel’s deep voice.

There he was, my husband, standing tall and composed, dressed sharply in his perfectly tailored suit. His dark hair was neatly combed back, the strong lines of his face softened only by the warmth in his eyes when he looked at our son.

Handsome. Always handsome.

For a brief moment, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, at my simple dress and tired face. The comparison was unavoidable and painful. But before I could dwell on it, Nathaniel’s voice drew me back.

“Susie,” he called gently.

I quickly moved to his side, reaching for his tie. With careful fingers, I straightened the knot, smoothing his suit jacket down. My hands lingered at his collar. I froze, staring at the neckline, reminding me of that mark. That red lipstick stain I had tried to forget.

A tightness formed in my chest, but before it could consume me, Sebastian’s voice broke through my thoughts.

“Daddy, promise me you won’t let Mommy stay behind again. We won’t go to the party if she doesn’t come with us.”

Nathaniel’s lips curved into a soft smile. Without hesitation, he scooped Sebastian into his arms, not caring that his suit might wrinkle. I smiled. His affection toward our children was one of the things I loved most about him.

“Okay, son. I promise,” he said quietly.

Then his eyes shifted to me. “Are you sure you’re not going to come this time?”

I forced a smile and shook my head. “Yeah. Grandma’s waiting for me.”

He held my gaze for a moment before nodding. Then, after setting Sebastian down, he turned away. But my son ran back to me, gripping my hand tightly.

As we stepped out of the room, my heart lightened at the sight of Sephie and Annie, twirling in their gowns, radiant as little princesses.

“How do we look, Mommy?” Sephie asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Beautiful, of course,” I said, meaning every word.

She giggled and ran toward Nathaniel. “Daddy, you’ll dance with me later?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” he answered warmly.

“Daddy, you should dance with me first! I’m the eldest, right, Mommy?” Annie pouted, tugging at my hand.

I chuckled softly, nodding. “That’s right.”

The girls continued their playful banter until Sebastian joined them, declaring himself their protector for the night. The three of them walked ahead, hand in hand, their laughter filling the hallway.

“They’re growing up so fast,” I murmured beside Nathaniel. “It feels like just yesterday they were learning how to walk.”

He didn’t respond. I turned slightly and noticed his attention was fixed on his phone. The screen’s glow reflected in his eyes, but the moment he caught me watching, he slipped it back into his pocket.

"Just ask Samuel to drive you to the hospital."

"It's okay, I'll drive, hon. I can manage."

I leaned forward and kissed his cheek, "Enjoy the party, hon."

I walked towards my precious angels, bending to kiss each of them goodbye. Annie and Sephie beamed, but Sebastian clung tightly to my neck.

“Mommy, I love you,” he whispered.

Tears stung my eyes as I hugged him back. “I love you too, baby.”

Nathaniel gently took him from my arms, carrying him toward the waiting car. The girls followed, their gowns swishing softly as they climbed inside.

I stood at the door, watching as Sebastian pressed his small hand against the window, waving at me with a smile.

A sudden ache gripped my chest. Something in me felt uneasy, like the night was hiding a secret. But I forced myself to breathe, to smile, to let it go.

Nothing bad will happen. Nathan would make sure of that.

Chapter 3: The Betrayal I

SUSIE

“Time of death…”

“No!” My scream tore through the sterile hospital air, a desperate cry.

“No, my son is not dead!”

I stumbled forward, ripping myself from the hands that tried to hold me back. My knees hit the cold floor as I gathered Sebastian into my arms, clutching him against my chest.

“Baby, wake up… Mommy’s here,” I sobbed, rocking him like I used to when he had nightmares. His little body felt so heavy. “You don’t want to see Mommy cry, right? So wake up! Please, Seb… please, baby, open your eyes.”

My tears soaked his hair, his curls still soft against my fingers. I kissed his cheeks and forehead, waiting for him to giggle and push me away like he always did. But he didn’t. He didn’t move.

“W-we’ll still bake later, baby…” My voice cracked, breaking into a thousand shards. “Remember? Muffins with lots of sprinkles and chocolate cream. I promised you, remember? Come on, wake up, Seb… we still have to bake.”

I shook him lightly, terrified of hurting him but more terrified of letting go. “Please, baby, Mommy’s begging you. Say it again… just one more time.”

But the words I longed for never came.

Mommy, I love you.

All I heard was the deafening silence. My baby’s lips were still. His skin was cold. There was no sign of life.

“No… no, no, no!” I buried my face against his little chest, my sobs tearing me apart.

How… how did it come to this?

“This is all your fault.”

The words cut through me, sharper than any knife.

Cold. Flat. Deadly.

I lifted my tear-stained face, my arms still wrapped protectively around Sebastian’s lifeless body. Nathaniel stood there, his tall frame looming over me. His eyes were bloodshot, he was grieving, and yet he was looking at me with hate, contempt, and disgust.

As if the sight of me, holding our son, made him sick, as if he wanted to kill me.

My fault?

How come he had the guts to say this? After what he did to me...

But then I looked at my son and remembered his last words to me.

"Don't go, Mommy!"

My fault.

The words echoed in my head, poisoning me, twisting around my heart until I couldn’t breathe.

Was it? Did I fail my son?

My sobs broke into gasps, my arms tightening around Sebastian’s body, clinging to the only proof I had left of my love.

***

HOURS AGO…

"It's okay, Viviene. I'm fine. I'll visit Grandma Selina. I hope you can come with me next time."

"Oh, I will, Susie. I’ve got to go. Your husband and kids are already outside. Aunt Sonya insisted they pick me up. I hope you’re not taking this the wrong way."

I stilled for a moment, gripping my phone tightly before forcing a smile as if she could see me. "No, of course not, Viv. Enjoy the party with them."

"I will. And don’t worry about the kids, I’ll take care of them. Oh... and I’ll make sure no woman gets close to Nathan," she giggled.

I let out a forced laugh. "Thank you, Viv."

"You're very much welcome, sis."

As I stepped into the hospital care elevator, I heaved a long sigh.

I had nothing to worry about and nothing to be sad about. Sure, I would have wanted to stay with my kids and husband instead of letting Viviene take care of them.

But this is Viviene we’re talking about. My cousin. My best friend. Her mother was the sister of my late mother. Ever since we were kids, Viviene had protected me from bullies because of my appearance—my weight, to be precise.

She always told me I wasn’t fat. She even said she envied my body, calling it voluptuous, sexy.

Viviene always tried her best to cheer me up. She was always there for me. I shouldn’t feel envy toward her.

It's not her fault that she was the face of the company, and Aunt Sonya liked her.

Besides, Nathan saw her as a sister, I'm sure of that.

I stepped quietly into Grandma Selina’s hospice room, the faint scent of lavender and medicine clinging to the air. She was sitting in her chair by the window, staring out at the fading light of the evening sky.

“Grandma,” I whispered as I walked closer.

Her eyes turned toward me. My heart sank the moment she spoke.

“Alyannah? My sweet Alyannah…”

I froze, the ache in my chest almost unbearable. Not again. It was always the same, her mistaking me for my mother. Every time it happened, it felt like losing her all over again. Still, I forced a smile and knelt beside her, taking her frail hands into mine.

“It’s me, Grandma,” I said, even though I knew it didn’t matter. "Happy birthday..."

She only smiled faintly, lost in some place I couldn’t reach. And yet… being with her still comforted me. I leaned my head against her knee, listening to her quiet breaths, letting the warmth of her presence wrap around me.

Moments like this reminded me of why I was so thankful to Nathaniel. Without him, I would never have been able to give Grandma this kind of care. For that, I would always be grateful.

The hours slipped away, I blew the cake I had made for Grandma, and we spent the night together, with her talking nonstop about her past until I realized how late it had gotten.

I stood, brushing my palms against my dress. “I’ll come back tomorrow, Grandma, I'll bring the kids,” I whispered, turning toward the door.

“Susannah…”

I froze. My breath caught, my heart hammering in my chest. Slowly, I turned back, my eyes widening.

“Susie,” she said again, "I love you."

The tears came instantly, blurring my vision. I rushed back to her side and clutched her hand. “Grandma… you remember me?”

She nodded weakly, a smile tugging at her lips. “I want you to be happy, Susie. Always choose your happiness. Don’t let anyone… trample on it.”

Her words sank into me like a prayer, it reminds me of the way the Davenports treated me. I pressed my forehead against her hand, sobbing softly. “I promise, Grandma. I promise.”

I smiled as I slid into the driver’s seat, my chest still warm with joy. Grandma Selina had remembered me. After so long, she had said my name, called me Susie, and told me she loved me. I couldn’t wait to get home and tell Nathaniel.

Just as I was about to start the engine, my phone beeped.

I frowned, pulling it from my bag.

An unknown number. My brows knit tighter as I opened the message.

It was a link.

My stomach sank as I opened it. I already knew what it was. Another article. Another knife dressed as news.

And still, when the headline appeared, my chest tightened painfully.

Nathaniel. Viviene. Our kids. Smiling. Posed. Looking every bit like a perfect, happy family.

I told myself not to read it, not this time. I couldn’t put myself through the torment again. My finger hovered over the little cross at the corner, ready to close it when something caught my eye.

Viviene’s wrist.

I froze, then zoomed in.

The bracelet.

Diamond-studded, elegant, unmistakable. The very same one I had found in Nathaniel’s suit pocket. The one I had convinced myself was meant for me. His surprise for my birthday.

My throat closed.

With shaking hands, I zoomed further into the photo. The way Nathaniel leaned toward her, the softness in his expression.

And her lipstick... red. Viviene's favorite shade.

The exact shade of the stain I’d found on Nathan's dress shirt.

A shiver ripped through me. My chest hurt so badly it felt like my ribs might break.

Then... another beep.

I nearly dropped the phone.

Another message from the same number.

My breath caught when I opened it.

A photo.

Nathaniel. Viviene. Their lips pressed together.

The phone slipped from my grip, and I choked on a sob. My vision blurred with tears as I scrolled down to the words beneath the photo.

Unknown Number:

See for yourself how your husband is spending the night with your cousin, Mrs. Susannah Davenport.

A hotel name. A room number.

I sat there frozen, staring at the screen as if the letters themselves were knives carving into my heart.

No... Nathaniel won't do this to me...

Chapter 4: The Betrayal II

SUSIE

"Susie..."

I let out a cry as I watched my grandma being surrounded by medical staff. She had collapsed during my parents’ burial, and I was so scared she would leave me, too.

"What if Grandma doesn’t survive? Why does everyone I love keep leaving me? It hurts, Viv..." I sobbed, sinking into my cousin’s embrace.

"Don’t worry too much, Grandma won’t leave you. We won’t leave you, right, Nathan?"

A warm hand brushed against my cheek, wiping away my tears. I turned my head and saw Nathaniel nodding.

"We won’t leave you... we won’t hurt you, little Susie."

A blaring car horn snapped me back to the present. I gripped the steering wheel and wiped away the tears blurring my vision, shaking my head as I kept driving, barely noticing how close I’d come to an accident.

"Right... they promised me they wouldn’t hurt me. I trust them... I will trust them. Maybe it’s edited? R-right?"

With trembling hands, I grabbed my phone and called Nathan. A couple of rings happened. He didn’t answer.

Maybe... he was already asleep.

I should try calling our home.

"H-hello? Are my husband and kids h-home?" I stammered when our housemaid answered to my call, my foot pressing harder on the gas. I just wanted to get home, to see Nathaniel lying in our bed where he belonged.

"The kids are here, Mrs. Davenport, but Mr. Davenport didn’t come home with them."

My grip on the phone tightened, and I choked on a sob.

"Mrs. Davenport? Are you okay?"

I didn’t answer. I ended the call.

I am far from being okay.

How could I be okay when the messages I received might be the truth? A truth I have been seeing but pretended not to.

"Are you coming or not, Miss?" the man inside the elevator asked impatiently when I hesitated at the elevator doors.

He was about to let them close when I finally stepped inside. He let out an irritated sigh, but I didn’t even glance at him. I bit my lower lip as my knuckles turned white from clenching my fists so tightly, trying to keep them from trembling.

What if I really saw them there? What am I going to do?

“What floor?”

"Hey..."

I snapped out of my dilemma as I heard the man's voice.

My voice came out barely above a whisper when I saw his hand on the elevator buttons. “F-forty-four… thank you.”

“Trying to catch your husband cheating, hmm?”

I was stunned by his question. The silence followed as I said nothing.

He gave a low whistle, as if amused by the sight of a woman desperate to catch her husband’s affair.

“Don’t forget to take pictures for evidence—”

“Shut up,” I snapped through gritted teeth.

He chuckled, and just when I thought he’d finally stop talking, his voice came again. “You sure you want to do this, though?”

This time, I spun around and was met by eyes the same shade as my husband’s. The stranger leaned lazily against the wall, arms crossed, watching me.

“Sometimes,” he said, tilting his head toward the door, “knowing the truth hurts more than pretending you don’t.”

My throat tightened.

“Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Once you open that door, your life won’t be the same. Are you ready for that?”

I couldn’t answer. I just stared at him as tears welled in my eyes. Was I ready to let my whole world collapse if I saw what I feared most?

The stranger straightened, sliding his hands into his pockets. “Just another reminder,” he added quietly, “the devil you don’t know is kinder than the devil you do.”

The elevator opened, and the stranger stepped out. But his words clung to me, echoing in my mind, as the elevator finally stopped at my destination.

My knees trembled as I stopped in front of the hotel room.

441.

I stared at the number, frozen in place. My gaze lingered on the door, and a bitter laugh slipped past my lips.

It was already open. I only needed to push it.

But could I really face what was inside? Was I ready for the changes it might bring?

The faces of my children flashed through my mind. My husband. Our family.

Then came Grandma Selina’s voice, reminding me about choosing my own happiness.

My happiness...

I almost turned away, afraid of seeing something that would shatter it.

But then I realized how it would ruin me, day by day, if I didn’t look. I would continue to doubt Nathan... and in the end, I would never be happy.

With that thought, I drew in a heavy breath and finally pushed the door.

The moment I pushed the door open, I froze.

The room welcomed me with quiet luxury, but what caught my attention was the familiar scent of an expensive perfume, mingling with the aroma of wine.

Then my eyes caught the trail on the carpet.

Clothes.

My steps were unsteady as I walked further in, my heart pounding in my ears. I bent down and picked up the first piece, a suit jacket I knew too well.

Nathan’s. My throat tightened as I clutched it against my chest, as if holding it could erase the truth pressing in on me.

Then, beside it, something else.

A gown. The one Viv wore tonight. Something I could never wear with this kind of body.

I felt my knees weaken, but as if the universe wanted to make sure I understood, it gave me more.

A sound.

Soft at first, muffled by the walls. Then clearer.

Moans.

My fingers went cold. My chest ached so badly I thought I might collapse right there. The sound of betrayal filled the room, tearing apart every illusion I had clung to.

The weight of it all crushed me, and my body gave out, crying. I collapsed on the floor. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, I could only hear the moans, louder, sharper, like knives driving into my chest.

I pressed my hands against my ears, rocking slightly, hoping the sounds would disappear. But they didn’t.

They went on and on, shameless, cruel. Each cry of pleasure from behind that door tore me apart.

And then, finally, silence. Slowly, shakily, I pulled myself up from the floor, legs trembling beneath me.

The door wasn’t locked. Of course, it wasn’t.

I pushed it open.

And there it was.

Nathaniel.

His body draped over hers, both of them slick with sweat, skin on skin, tangled sheets beneath them. Viviene’s head was thrown back against the pillows, her hair wild, lips swollen. His hand was on her hip, holding her possessively, the same way he used to hold me.

Naked. Both of them.

My husband and my cousin.

And in that moment, as I watched the two people I trusted most, I finally understood the true meaning of betrayal.

Chapter 5: Shattered and Broken

Chapter 5

SUSIE

I’d been insecure about my body and my face ever since I was young, but Nathaniel and even Viviene had helped me accept myself, only to see this?

How could they do this to me?

Sonya always said I wasn’t suitable to be Nathaniel’s wife. If I hadn’t been a Blackwell, if I hadn’t been the legal heir to my parents’ failing empire, Nathaniel wouldn’t have married me. It’s all for business, Sonya and Georgia always said.

Still, I believed Nathaniel when he told me it wasn’t just business, that he loved me. He’d said it at least once.

He was my protector, my savior. He gave me a family after I lost mine. That was enough for me to endure the treatment I’d been getting from his family and even… from him.

But seeing him now with Viv, it slapped with the truth... that my husband never really loved me.

I didn’t know how to bear it.

I froze where I stood.

If this were a movie, I’d shout at the screen, tell the woman to go and hurt them, to expose them for what they were. I’d make someone pay.

But I couldn’t say a word. I couldn’t move.

“Susie?”

His voice cracked through the air, laced with confusion, as if he couldn’t believe I was here looking at them.

I watched his head turn, his gaze shifting from me to the woman beneath him. Viviene. My cousin.

A curse spilled from his lips. "F*ck!" He scrambled to stand, and in his haste, he exposed them both—bare, entangled, no shame to cover what I had already seen.

My stomach churned violently seeing how he didn't even use protection. My eyes burned as they landed on the sickening evidence of his betrayal, his release dripping from her.

I slapped a trembling hand over my mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

The air left my lungs as though I’d been gutted. My body moved before my mind could catch up. I turned, my feet stumbling, my knees weak, and I ran.

I ran because what else could I say?

I had no strength left to shout, no fire left to fight, no fury left to wound them with.

"Susannah!"

I heard Nathan call out to me just as I was about to step into the elevator. But I didn’t turn around. I couldn’t bear to look at him. Not this time. Not when the image of him naked on top of her was still so fresh in my mind.

I don’t even know how I managed to get home without crashing.

When I finally arrived home, my legs felt like they didn’t belong to me. I went straight to our room, the place that comforts me aside from my kids in this home, but seeing the photos lined up on the cabinet, it didn't comfort me; instead, it mocked me.

My heart squeezed painfully as I stared at Nathaniel, who wasn't even smiling in our wedding photo. I used to tell myself he was just nervous, that he didn’t like cameras. But no… I could see it now. He was never happy to be standing beside me.

The only pictures where his smile reached his eyes were the ones with our kids.

With them, he looked alive. With them, he looked whole. With me? I was nothing but a shadow.

And then my eyes caught it—the photo of the three of us.

Nathaniel. Viviene. And me.

The perfect facade. My best friend. My husband. And me, stuck right between them like the fool I was.

Something inside me snapped. A scream tore from my throat before I even realized it.

My hands moved on their own, grabbing frame after frame, hurling them to the floor. Glass shattered around me, pieces scattering like the fragments of my own heart.

“Why! Why! Why!” I cried, my chest heaving, my vision blurred with tears. I fell to my knees, surrounded by broken glass and broken memories, sobbing until I couldn’t breathe.

I didn’t know how long I’d been staring at the shattered frames. I was a mess. Blood dripped from my hand, streaked across my feet and legs, but the sting of it was nothing compared to the pain of my heart breaking.

“F*ck! Susannah!”

I heard the door open, followed by a shout and a curse.

Nathaniel. He’s back.

I didn’t look at him. My throat was raw from crying, my lips trembling, my body too heavy to move. Then I felt his hand on my shoulder, rough and urgent, pulling me up from the ground.

“What the f*ck? Are you trying to kill yourself?” he shouted, and when I opened my eyes, I was greeted by his furious glare.

I let out a bitter laugh, my gaze falling to his hand gripping me. It felt like fire burning my skin. I couldn’t stand it, so I pushed him away.

“Should I do that, Nathaniel? So you and Viviene can finally be happy?”

His brows furrowed, his lips parting, but I shook my head and let out another laugh.

“But no… it doesn’t even matter, does it? Even now that I am still alive, you were already happy having sex with her! H-how could the two of you do this to me?”

“Susie, you’re bleeding—”

Before he could finish, I slapped him. My hands trembled as I watched his jaw tighten, his eyes close.

“Are you mad?”

He didn’t answer. He just stared at me, as if waiting for my next move.

And he even had the guts to look at me like I was the one at fault here? How could he? Is this really the man I love?

I slapped him again, and again, until my hands went numb, until exhaustion dragged me down and I collapsed on the floor.

He knelt before me. “Let me explain.”

I looked at him through my tears. “What m-more can you explain, Nathan? I witnessed everything. I heard your m-moans… you didn’t even use protection. Are you planning to get her pregnant?”

His face darkened. “Susie…”

I pounded my fists weakly against his chest. “Nathaniel, I loved you. I gave you everything. I know I’m not like Viv. I know I’m not pretty, sexy, attractive. You were ashamed of me, weren't you? Ashamed of having me as your wife… but I didn’t force you to marry me! I didn’t force you to build a family with me!"

My voice broke into sobs, words spilling between gasps. "If you wanted Viv, why didn’t you marry her in the first place? Why did you have to put me through this misery? Why did you have to betray me? And of all the women... why did it have to be Viviene?”

I stared at him, searching for an answer, for anything in his eyes that would make sense of the wreckage he caused.

He opened his mouth, but my ears rang, drowning out his words. My chest heaved as if I were suffocating. My vision blurred, and then everything turned black.