Chapter 3

Reene

Aaron's face hardened. “Do you think I won't be able to survive without you, Reene? You're wrong. Gezelle and I would be just fine. But what about you? No one would ever want you. That man you married in my place, I give him one week before he goes running.”

Brushing past me, Aaron picked up his belongings when a pair of strong hands came down onto it.

“Let me help you with that,” the stranger said with a smile.

The scowl on Aaron's face deepened. “I don't recall asking for your help. I'm fine.”

He straightened. “If you say so. But point of correction, I'll still be by her side after a week.”

“We'll see about that.” Then he intertwined his fingers with Gezelle's. “Let's go, honey.”

As Aaron and Gezelle turned their backs to me, exiting the living room, the sound of her giggling filled my eardrums. Even in this moment where I was the most miserable, they were happy.

For some reason, my mother's words from last night replayed in my head like a broken record.

“Are you sure about marrying Aaron?” she asked. “It's obvious he's just using you because he can't have the woman he wants.”

“Don't say that, Mother,” I cautioned. “Aaron has been with me for five years. He loves me. I can feel it.”

What a fool I had been. Earlier, after the wedding ceremony ended, I couldn't even look my mother in the eyes, but her gaze said enough.

“Was that your ex?” the stranger asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I placed a spare key into his hands before brushing past him and heading up the stairs. “Part of our deal was not to get involved in each other's personal affairs, was it not? Your work here is done. Lock the door on your way out.”

Entering the bedroom, my gaze landed on the bed as images of passionate nights I had shared with Aaron forced their way into my mind. Sinking low to the ground, I quietly sobbed into my palm.

My phone vibrated against the nightstand. Wiping my tears, I reached for it and answered. “Hello?”

“Is this Mrs. Jones?” a feminine voice asked over the receiver.

“Yes. This is she.”

“This is Anita, Mr. Valemont's secretary. He is accepting the request you made to see him by extending an invitation to his gala tonight with your husband. Do you accept this?” she asked.

Dale Valemont was one of the most influential men in the country. I had submitted a request to see him as Aaron had been really desperate to get him to collaborate with his company on a project. But now that I wasn't with Aaron anymore, should I turn down the gala invitation? I knew he was going to be there with Gezelle, and the thought of seeing them together at an event I struggled to arrange sickened me.

No. I wasn't going to run away while Aaron enjoyed the benefits of my labor. This company deal with Dale Valemont? I was going to snatch it right before Aaron's eyes. He doesn't need me? We'll see about that!

“I accept,” I replied.

“Perfect. The invitation card will be sent to your email immediately after this call ends. The gala is tonight at seven-thirty. I apologize for the short notice, so let me know on time if you can't make it.”

“I will. Thanks for calling.”

Immediately after the line disconnected, Anita kept her word and had the invitation card sent. Glancing at the wall clock, I noted the time. It was after five, which left two hours and thirty minutes to prepare for the gala. After freshening up, I changed into a red bell-sleeve gown, knotted my hair up in a bohemian bun, and completed my look with a pair of black T-strap platform heels.

Unfortunately, when I arrived at the gala, my seat was reserved next to Aaron's, who had Gezelle seated behind him as his plus one.

“You came alone to a gala invite for two, Reene? Why didn't you bring your newly wedded husband?” she asked with a mocking tone.

Sinking low into my seat, I flashed her a fake smile. “Your concern is touching, Gezelle, but you should worry more about the unfaithful man by your side—not my husband.”

Before I could enjoy the look on her face, my gaze turned toward the cheering sound of the gathered guests as the main event of the gala was about to commence.

A slender red-haired lady climbed onto the stage. “Good evening, everyone. Welcome to tonight's gala hosted by none other than Dale Valemont!”

Another round of applause filled the room. When the cheers ceased, she continued.

“Without wasting much of our time, please give a round of applause as we welcome the man of the hour, Dale Valemont!”

This time, I joined the guests in applauding as a man stood from the front seat, walking toward the stage in slow strides. Once he turned to face the crowd, my hands froze.

A surprised gasp escaped Gezelle's lips. “H-Honey, that man is…”

I was more surprised than Gezelle but tried not to show it because standing on that stage as Dale Valemont was no other than the stranger I married this morning.