Betrayed by him, I finally decided to leave
“Mr Xavier you are the most eligible bachelor in the country.but who is the woman you secretly keep in your apartment hidden from the world,is she your lover?"
My heart fluttered as a reporter asked Xavier Stone,my boyfriend of ten years about me.
“What wife?That is just a maid who had nowhere else to go so I felt pity and kept her.When the real‘Mrs Stone’comes along,she will of course be asked to wrap up and leave.”
My heart shattered as I heard those words in horror.
“But Mr.Xavier,then what about the ancient pearl necklace from the Han dynasty you won in auction?
And about buying the naming rights of an asteroid,are those two only an investment…Or it has something to do with the new actress Julia Lest?Yesterday night you guys were spotted in the same hotel,many claim that you decorated the entire hotel with red roses for her.”
As soon as those words were uttered my eyes widened with shock.
Last night,when I desperately called him as a drunken man broke into our apartment,Xavier didn’t bother to answer.
Not the first time,nor for the tenth as I kept hiding in the closet,tears streaming down my face.
I fought for my life.Alone.
Xavier arrogant and unbothered,answered without a single ounce of hesitation,not denying yesterday’s events with Julia Lest.
“For now,I just say that those things are not an investment and Julia deserves the world.."
And that’s when it finally hit me.
Ten years of love,Ten years of sacrifice and Ten years of being ghosted as if I was his lapdog was nothing.
With a heartbroken voice I called my wedding planner.
"Cancel the wedding."
Later,I married the biggest big shot in the country.
However,Xavier barged into my wedding in a state of embarrassment,knelt in front of me,and begged me for forgiveness with a tone full of regret.
——
“Miss Aria,are you sure you want to change the groom’s name on your wedding invitations?"
"Yes."
"B-but aren’t you marrying Mr.Xavier-”
“Not anymore..”
“O-Okay.”After moments of shock I finally got an answer from the wedding planner.
After hanging up the phone,a small sad smile hung on my lips as I scrolled through hundreds of messages I had sent Xavier for the past one year but not a single one of them was answered back.
At the same time an interview broadcast aired on television presenting an interview with Xavier,the CEO of Avalon Enterprises.
Wearing a high end luxurious piece that I bought for him with one year of my salary,Xavier sat elegantly in the studio,his calm and cool demeanor coupled with a slow smile that could make any woman swoon.
"Mr.Stone,now that we already have you here in Las Vegas-the city of love and sin."the interviewer smiled slyly before continuing."How about we leave behind business for now and ask some spicy questions?”
“Alright.”Xavier’s lips curled in a lazy smirk.
“You are the most eligible bachelor in the country.The prince-charming of ladies all across the world,care to tell who is the woman you secretly keep in your apartment hidden from the world,can we expect that we will soon get a‘Mrs Stone?"
I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.
Then with a soft chuckle he spoke the words that shattered me.
“What wife?That is just a maid who had nowhere else to go so I felt pity and kept her.When the real‘Mrs Stone’comes along,she will of course be asked to wrap up and leave.”
“Oh!How kind!”
“But Mr.Xavier,then what about the ancient pearl necklace from the Han dynasty you won in auction?
And about buying the naming rights of an asteroid,are those two only an investment…Or it has something to do with the new actress Julia Lest?Yesterday night you guys were spotted in the same hotel,many claim that you decorated the entire hotel with red roses for her.”
As soon as those words were uttered my eyes widened with shock.
Last night,when I desperately called him as a drunken man broke into our apartment,Xavier didn’t bother to answer.
Not the first time,nor for the tenth as I kept hiding in the closet,tears streaming down my face.
I fought for my life.Alone.
Xavier arrogant and unbothered,answered without a single ounce of hesitation,not denying yesterday’s events with Julia Lest.
“For now,I just say that those things are not an investment,they definitely belong to a very special person in my heart.
I promised to spend my lifetime with her,marry her and have a little daughter that just looks like her.In four days I will enter in a matrimonial alliance with her and then you all will get to meet the real Mrs.Stone.Afterall such a pure-hearted and kind woman like her is hard to comeby.”
And that’s when it finally hit me.
Ten years of love,Ten years of sacrifice and Ten years of being ghosted as if I was his lapdog was nothing.
“Only Miss Julia is suited for Mr.Xavier!Of Course they would be together!”
“JULIA!XAVIER!”
“Our leading couple!”
“See,there are too many fans already rooting for you too.”The reporter teased Xavier making everyone at the studio burst in cheers yet my heart felt colder than ice.
The audience gasped with the explosive news and just like that after moments the interview was done.
And soon the social media was trending with Xavier’s love relation.
#Xavier’s true love revealed#
#Who is Mrs Stone?#.
#Xavier and Julia#
My phone buzzed instantly with numerous messages from Xavier’s work account.
[Xavier:I just received a call from your father regarding our marriage.Your birthday is in four days and he thinks it is then that I will marry you.It would be better if you explain to him that there is no need to take this marriage announcement seriously.
Aria,you are my employee and right now our company is aiming to expand our influence in the film industry,
If anything your primary target should be to make our new star Julia Lest happy and make sure she is comfortable with our company since I have tried hard to gain her cooperation.
For the next few days I am transferring you to Julia as her assistant so don’t make a fuss and serve her properly.]
I felt something in my chest crack open at that moment.
Xavier and I first met in school,what developed as a puppy love soon evolved to something greater but my parents were not able to accept our love for I belonged to a prestigious family with no end of money while Xavier’s father struggled to make ends meet.
Yet,what had I not given up to be with this man?To make the world believe that our love can surpass all boundaries of status and money.
During graduation,I rejected my offer letter from Harvard and went to a common local college to accompany my boyfriend.
All these years my parents thought that I was in France working for my passion as a jewelry designer but no.
Three years ago,owing to my prodigal talent in fashion I got an offer from‘Levant’a high end luxury brand,to become their exclusive designer but foolishly I gave an opportunity that people fought and died for and chose to live my life as a mere secretary of Xavier Stone in a rented apartment.
I was the one who made countless watch designs for Avalon Enterprises that made Xavier’s stocks skyrocket and established his company as an international brand without taking any credit for the hard work I had put,yet all came down to this….to Xavier asking me to serve his mistress well.
It was only now that I realized how ridiculous I have been in the past ten years.
Four days later it was my birthday.
Four days later Xavier announced the marriage that he never wanted me to become the bride for.
So it was decided then,I will marry four days later…just not with Xavier Stone.
Thus I picked up my phone calling the biggest big shot in the country.
“Hello”
“I want to marry on my birthday.”
“As you wish Aria.”
Four days later our paths would completely diverge Xavier.
It would be my last goodbye to you.
Chapter 2
“Madam you will look stunning at your wedding,this dress suits you the most.”The picture catalogue was displayed in front of me as lead stylist Lia renowned in the entire capital stood before me along with her subordinates,explaining politely.
“Legendary Stylist Malcolm has taken two years to design this gown but he had never sold it to anyone because It was his dream that this masterpiece should only be suitable for someone with a pure heart and an aura which eludes elegance and beauty.
As I see you will be best suited for such a delicate piece.”
“Yes,I like it,let’s proceed with this one.”
It was at that moment the door opened and suddenly the lively atmosphere froze as Xavier along with his group of friends that looked down on me stepped inside.
“Beauty and Elegance?Yeah sure.”A low chuckle resonated from the doorway as one of Xavier’s friends remarked snarkily,making Lia pause with displeasure while I ignored them coldly.
Xavier’s sharp gaze scanned the room,before falling on me who didn’t even turn to acknowledge him.
“Aria.”His voice was low,laced with authority.“I am home.”
With a nonchalant attitude I flipped through the pages of the jewelry catalog in my hands barely glancing at him..“I see you.”
That was it.
But unlike Xavier’s expectations that I will run into his arms as always,taking off his coat and welcoming him home after a tiring trip,I stood there without another word.
Xavier’s jaw tightened.He wasn’t used to this.
“Mr.Stone,we were just here showing our designs to Miss Aria before we were interrupted.”The tension in the atmosphere sizzled making the group of stylists glance at Xavier’s friends in distaste.
“Miss Aria,are you satisfied?After all,we were sent specially to take care of all your needs.”
“Yes.”I kept the magazine on the glass table swiftly.“Thankyou everyone for your hardwork today.The‘Star of the galaxy’first edition jewelry would go perfectly with this dress.Please arrange for it quickly and revert back to me.”
“Look at her being so arrogant,seeing her drama you can almost confuse her being a rich heiress from somewhere.”
“And then she wonders why no one wants her around.”Xavier stood without saying a word to stop the unkind whispers.
Sensing the storm brewing,Miss Lia looked at me for a moment,uncertain if she should leave,making me nod at her in assurance.
The door closed and Xavier’s friends found the perfect opportunity to mock openly.
“Xavier is your girlfriend,maybe blind or something,can’t she see there are guests?Is this how you greet us?”Xavier’s best friend James said his voice mocking before another voice chimed in.
“Stop it James!Even if you are joking harmlessly,what if Aria misunderstands us?
Didn’t you just see how Aria is spoiled rotten with expensive dresses and gifts by Xavier and is his precious girlfriend,how dare you pick a bone with her?”
I listened to the words with my heart colder than ice.
When I was newly introduced to Xavier’s group,I treated them with utmost care.Remembering their birthdays and baking cakes for them while arranging the best gifts yet there was no warmth for me as they usually‘forgot’inviting me.
I was often treated with such contempt and hateful words and yet when I retaliated or got angry they would completely turn around and say it was a mere joke,and I was throwing a tantrum just to attract attention.
How blind I was not to realise that Xavier never intervened once and it was always me who suffered in silence.
“Aria.”Xavier rubbed his forehead looking at me in displeasure.“Our company is using last of our funds to maintain our reach and here you are sitting around and doing nothing,simply ordering around such expensive clothes-”
“It is not from your money.Just me selecting certain things for myself.
Since your friends were busy making assumptions I was simply saving my energy in arguing with them.
After all they aren’t some bigshots that I should please,just some random strangers who have trouble finding any substantial thing to do in life.
I thought it was better that I become the bigger person here and understand their frustration with their personal lives which they are taking out here so I just stayed quiet.”
The sly smiling faces in the room froze instantly,the fact that I would retaliate back in Xavier’s presence and would go as far as to not even hear him out made Xavier feel unfathomable.
“Aria,enough of this.Why are you being like this?I have just invited some of my friends tonight for dinner after a long trip.
Can you not let the jokes slide?They don’t mean any harm and they all like you alot and love your food.They have prepared a list of what they want to eat,make sure to get it ready..”Xavier sighed before coming to sit beside me motioning his friends to take a seat as well.
Since they were given such a cold shoulder by me,none of them spoke for the moment.
My silence greeted the man who waited for me to agree instantly.
And then with a slight tilt of my head almost unbothered by him I said softly with a serene smile.
“It’s your friends not mine,if you want them to eat from a menu you can cook it yourself.”
Xavier froze instantly as if a bucket of ice cold water was poured over his head while others watched our interaction wide-eyed in shock.
“What?”His eyes slightly widened as he confirmed wishing for me to say that he had heard wrongly.
“If your friends need something,the kitchen is at the back,they can cook for themselves instead of sending me bothersome lists or if you insist that they are guests then you can do that for them or why not order catering since none of them know a thing about cooking something edible?”
“Aria!”Xavier looked at me in rage with his jaw clenched hard like he could not believe my words at all before one of his friends raged in anger.
“Xavier you did right by abandoning this woman!This wretched Aria can never be compared to someone precious and purehearted like Julia!”
The atmosphere froze instantly and Xavier realised that I must have watched the interview making his demeanor shift.
“Shutup!”Xavier growled,making the man instantly shut up.
“Aria,stop this now.I have had enough with your jealous tantrums today.
There is no need to misunderstand my friends,they like to joke around with me and Julia.I know the interview must have saddened you but understand that you have continued to disappoint me today.
I am the CEO of Avalon and am busy unlike you who lounges around doing nothing all day.”
I listened to Xavier without a word making him feel odd.At times like these previously,I would have accepted that it was all my fault by now only to stop irritating my‘hardworking boyfriend.’
“Aria,even after staying beside me for so many years you still haven’t learned how to be a proper girlfriend yet.Go and rest tonight but tomorrow you must apologise properly for your rude behaviour.”
My heart shattered as I looked at the man who once chased me endlessly,fighting for me through thick and thin and creating an empire with a vow that he would never make me regret.
The man standing infront of me now was only a stranger.
“Go and sleep now.You will understand what you have done wrong tomorrow.”I barely controlled my emotions as the man who trampled on my heart ruthlessly,asked me for an apology.
Chapter 3
The next morning I woke up to a bouquet of fresh white roses along with a pendant sitting by the bedside as Xavier slept with his arm around me.
A note was attached with the flowers.
[I forgive you for yesterday-Xavier]
An incredulous smile graced my lips as I barely controlled the strong urge to confront Xavier.Removing his hand wrapped around my body I got up quickly before leaving for the office without a single word as the flowers were left untouched.
Sitting in my cubicle,I was immersed in drafting a resignation letter when I received Xavier’s call.
“What do you want Xavier?”
“Aria,what the fuck do you mean?!Do not test my patience with you!”Xavier warned,his frown deepening,confusion bleeding into something dangerously close to rage.
“I come home from a draining trip only to hear your stupid arguments.Yesterday I relented and even after you insulted my friends I refused to let it come between us,but what the hell do you mean by leaving like this today?”
“Isn’t it your house too?I took care of it while you were absent so I automatically assumed you will do the same..”I said softly pretending nothing was wrong at all.
Xavier felt something was amiss and his eyes narrowed sharply.
“The fragile french cutlery worth thousands of dollars that my friends ate in yesterday are still lying unclean in the damn sink!
The breakfast is nowhere to be seen and you did not even touch the gifts I brought you despite everything!”He spat his voice laced with disbelief and rage.
For Xavier,I was a free nanny who was always serving him no matter what,from his morning coffee to his home cooked warm meal,taking care of his laundry and cleaning the house like a good traditional wife he needed for his pleasure yet never intended to marry.
Like an object he used and discarded me and yet I was so blind in love that I could never see it.
“Oh,that pendant?Aren’t those available in the night market in Paris for fifty dollars?”
“I am sorry but I assumed that since you bought the antique jewelry from the ancient Han dynasty in an auction worth millions of dollars there is no way you will give me a fake gold jewelry.
Xavier,don't you clearly know that I am allergic to mixed fake gold and last time you gifted it to me I developed severe burn marks because of it.”
Complete and utter shock consumed the man who did not knew what to say.
Obedience had become my second nature so how can he ever expect me to say such words to him.
“Are you blaming me Aria?Aren’t you being too greedy?!
You despise my thoughtful gifts and squander money on expensive designer clothes while neglecting your work.
Don’t forget that you work for me so,even if you are my girlfriend I cannot make any exceptions for you.
Everything you have is provided by me and yet you cannot even do such meagre tasks for my sake?”He clacked his tongue,sighing as if deeply displeased with my behaviour.
Silence stretched lond as I simply listened to his hurtful words and refused to argue with him pointlessly for at the end no matter what I said he would always see me as wrong.
“Aria,to take care of your feelings,that day in the interview while everyone was wearing a designer suit,I chose to wear that damned cheap tuxedo you purchased from who knows where just to please you but you have continued to disappoint me.”
A small humorless chuckle left my mouth as I listened to Xavier in disbelief.
“That tuxedo was from Oriole fashion industry,the designer brand your father used to work at,as a labourer barely earning enough to feed your family.
While we were still in college didn’t you say that it was your dream to once buy the best designs at that brand and showcase it in front of the world as a symbol that you have risen up?
It was my heartfelt gift but..It’s such a shame that you still can neither recognise the brand after staying in this industry for all these years nor see my feelings..”
The words landed like a slap making Xavier freeze in shock.
At that moment he was reminded of the past he had long forgotten,that he was once the man who was nothing,I gave him my life,money,connections and resources to rise above the top.
Even though Xavier now had unparallelled wealth the things he bragged he gave me,were in reality could be brought by me even without taking a second look for I never lacked money.
“Aria,is it your intention to bring up my past when we have come so far in this relationship.”Xavier said coldly,finally not able to find the reason for my odd behaviour.
“Have we?I never said a word Xavier,it was you who found my feelings cheap and replaceable.Did you even realise that I have been sick for the past few days suffering from fever and still working for you like a machine?”
Taken aback by the strange tiredness in my voice as if I was too burdened to keep this going and it made him unknowingly feel strange in his heart.
“Aria-”Xavier’s voice softened as he called my name.
“Xavier,while you have been telling me constantly not to disappoint you,you should also pay attention to the fact that maybe you are the one who has been disappointing me all this time.”
I hung up without listening to another word,making Xavier feel a strange frustration as he threw his phone down sharply.
That day I worked past my hours to complete my resignation and wipe out with all my financial accounts and information saved in the company.
It was almost past seven in the USA when a message from the French embassy popped up on my screen.
[NAME;ARIA VALARIE French Citizenship application:Successful
Congratulations on acquiring the French citizenship Miss Valarie.]
At that moment the joy of going back to my parents and the slight fear of starting a new life after marriage with‘that’person was cut short as my phone beeped with another message.
[Manager Kim:Miss Aria,please hurry to the front reception There is a big issue!
Actress Julia Lest has arrived.]
Chapter 4
Rushing outside my chamber I was astonished to see that a hush had fallen over the entire building as people watched the rumored Mrs.Stone making an entrance.
The black Mercedes stopped in front of the office and Xavier came out looking satisfied with himself.His arm gently supported a beautiful woman by his side who looked at him shyly with an innocent smile.
I wanted to laugh at my destiny.If only I had chosen to go home at my designated time today like always,I wouldn’t have to witness all this.
“Xavier,I feel a little unwell…”Saying that her body swayed dangerously before being caught by Xavier immediately.
“See this is what happens,it is almost nighttime and you still haven’t eaten anything properly.I will go and buy you some food myself.”
It was at that moment Julia’s eyes fell upon me who was watching them from afar and a slow knowing smile spread across her lips.
“B-but I am just a little lightheaded…it is..it is all your fault!You made me so tired and now I have completely lost all the feelings in my legs!”
I watched the scene with my heart sinking endlessly as I understood the meaning behind those words all too well to mistake it.all my beautiful memories with Xavier were crushed and the painful wounds of his cheating were reopened all over again.
“It's my fault then.”Without waiting for Julia to complete,my‘boyfriend’of ten years gently scooped up his mistress into his arms,carrying her inside the company bridal style.
“Oh my god?Not only did he open the car door for her but this…no way is this a professional relationship..”
“What are you even talking about?My boyfriend is a journalist and he told me that they have been tracking these two for the past three years,it was just that Mr.Stone was too careful and the paparazzi never had the right evidence.”
I could not help but stand there frozen as a fellow colleague said with a frown.
“Wait for me in the lounge area till I come back with your food alright.”
“Alright.”Julia answered with a smile as the duo soon entered the VIP area before Xavier left as quickly as he came.
With my heart feeling as if it was shattered completely I went to collect my stuff and was going to leave immediately before a soft voice resonated outside.
“I am bored in the lounge room,quickly hand me the keys of the CEO’s chambers.I will wait for him there.”The receptionist was completely taken aback by the sudden request by Julia and stammered in nervousness.
“Miss Julia,I am sorry b-but I am unable to do so.
Even if you are CEO’S girlfriend,I-I cannot give you a direct actress to his personal space because of company policy and secrets.”
“Then do you want me to keep standing here?”Julia said those words softly yet there seemed to be an inexplicable chill in her words.
The receptionist was on the verge of crying while the staff members looked utterly bewildered by such a request.
I could not watch anymore and thus intervened.
“Miss Julia,welcome to the Avalon Enterprises.I am Aria-”
“Aria?”Julia interrupted before smiling,tilting her head with her eyes colder than ice as if inspecting a rare insect.
“Oh,the maid in Xavier’s apartment,isn’t it?”Gasps were heard throughout as Julia smiled innocently.
“You are Xavier’s servant so you will heed to my orders right?Go on and fetch me the key to Xavier’s chamber quickly like a good puppy.Hurry up.”My fists clenched hard as Julia looked at me mockingly expecting me to create a scene in front of everyone present.
“How can she?…Secretary Aria is a such an important person…”
“Het stay quiet,she will soon become Mrs Stone,do you really want to lose your job?”
“It is better being a maid than a mistress who wrecks home.I will definitely not take offense at Miss Julia’s words.Atleast you didn’t call me something as disgusting as a mistress.”
“You!”At my words Julia wanted to retaliate yet stopped suddenly.
It was at that moment she saw Xavier’s car arriving at the office parking lot and a smile graced her lips..
“Oh my god you must have taken my words seriously while I was merely jesting Aria.
What to do?I am so sorry if my words hurt you.I must have appeared so rude,I hope you will forgive me.”
Suspicious of her change in behaviour I nodded without a word and with a wave of my hand I quickly dismissed the staff to either go home if their shift ended or get seated and start working again.
“Xavier told me alot about how useful you are with household chores thus I could not help but ask him to transfer you to me.Oh dear,I hope you don’t mind it.”
“No worries.”I said stoically.
“It is really hot today,can you please get me an iced coffee?No sugar.Extra foam please?”
But it was rather cold today.
I hesitated for half a second before nodding.
Silently,I walked to the break room,prepared the coffee exactly as requested and returned to Julia’s side,offering the cup to her.
It was at that moment Julia scratched my hands painfully with her sharp nails in the garb of taking the coffee making the cup tip and splatter the cold liquid all over her luxurious blouse.
The sting on my hand which started bleeding made my hands tighten into fists at my sides.
A collective gasp rippled throughout the office as the dark stain spread over her white shirt,clinging to her skin and the lingerie beneath was evidently visible.
“This…this can’t be..no..”Bile rose my throat as I realised that the piece of clothing she was wearing underneath was the same one I wore on my first night with Xavier years ago.
“More beautiful,younger and better than you Aria.He begged to see me in this.”
Chapter 5
Julia’s lips moved and others thought she was whispering her grievances to me but it was only I who clearly heard each and every word leaving her mouth with a satisfied smile.
“That night in Paris was so hot but unexpectedly today was even more intense.
Xavier was so angry with you that he threw all caution to the wind and pulled me in your apartment this morning,right in your bed while you were gone to enjoy a very hot moment together.
Not only this,I modeled all hottest nighdresses he apparently brought for‘you’and you know what Xavier say?He said I looked much better in each one of them…heart-stirring and it made him go wild.A plain woman like you can never compare.”
My lips wobbled as I stumbled back in shock.
“W-What…”A whisper left my lips before it was covered under her scream.
“Ahhhh!”With tears in her eyes Julia looked at me covering her body tightly with her arms hiding her lingerie.
“Julia!”A concerned voice shouted loudly from the entrance,making me suck in a cold breath.
Xavier stood at the entrance,his face marred with rage.
“Good!
Aria Valarie I asked one thing of you and yet you messed it all up!I never realised how jealous and ugly your heart was till now!You just wait!”
And just like that with a glare filled with anger Xavier took Julia and left without glancing back at me whose entire palm was marred with blood and heart completely ripped by his betrayl.
Without waiting for a second Xavier rushed Julia to the hospital,his anger spiking as she cried softly in his arms.
“Miss Julia,I told you that this kind of stress is not good for you.You aren’t hurt now and it’s alright but what if you were seriously harmed…now you have two people to think of.”
The doctor said seriously,making Xavier frown.
“Two people?What do you mean by that?”
“Doctor p-please s-stop,I don’t want to burden Xavier.”Julia sniffled yet a gleam of joy reflected in her eyes as she subtly nodded once to the doctor.
“Mr.Stone,I believe you should take a look at these reports.”Somewhat taken aback by the doctors'concerned demeanor,Xavier quickly opened the file.
[PATIENT:JULIA LEST
MATERNITY TEST:POSITIVE]
“You…You are pregnant with my child.”
Xavier froze as he saw the report and suddenly he was reminded of a long time ago when he and I spent our first night together,my smiling face sweetly saying that one day we will have our own small family.
He realised that not only he had cheated with another woman but had also made her pregnant.A flash of guilt struck him hard.
“Mine?”
“Xavier..I-I am so sorry!I never wanted to come between your love.It is all my fault…I joked a little but your girlfriend took it seriously and she was angry that I seduced you!”
There was a slight edge to Julia’s voice even when she cried pitifully making Xavier’s heart feel wronged for her instantly as he was reminded how scared Julia was.
“Xavier…do you remember that day I asked you to marry me…I-I am your culprit.I became so selfish when the doctor told me that I was three months pregnant.
I hated to force you into a marriage you never even considered but could only think of bringing our little child into a world where they would be called a legitimate son or daughter.
But how can I come between you and your girlfriend at all?Today she was so angry at me that she spilled coffee over my head,I was lucky that it had ice or me and my child…..”
Julia cried heart wrenchingly as she barely spoke between her sobs,making Xavier’s fists clench against the injustice his‘innocent’Julia had to suffer because of me.
“If you want…I-I will abort this child and leave forever-”
“No!
You are the only woman by my side!
What girlfriend?!That woman is a fucking leech sticking to me since long,no matter how many times I try to reject her in a roundabout manner she keeps coming back to me like a fucking stray dog!
But this time I have had enough of her.How dare she bully my woman and child!!”
Julia displayed a slow smile as Xavier gently cupped her cheeks.
“We will have a grand wedding day after tomorrow just as I promised.You just have to wait a day more to become Mrs.Stone alright?
I see who the hell tries to bully you then!”
“I trust you Xavier.”Julia smiled gently,her voice revealing a sense of elation.
That night Xavier did not return home at all and I packed all my belongings before moving out of the home I have lived in for the past ten years.
There was a time Xavier loved me and I loved him too much to let him struggle to death.Thus I gave him all the money in my bank account to start Avalon yet when it wasn’t enough,I accepted working around the clock as a waitress to sustain our small household.
Today the same home of my dreams was stained with disgusting remnants of infidelity.
At my new apartment I sent my resignation to Manager Kim and my team without further delay and instantly multiple calls resonated from my closest friends and Manager Kim as they took me on a conference call.
“Aria,are we seeing it wrong?Is this your resignation?!”
“Aria,why are you resigning?!I am one of the oldest employees of Avalon and it's the ultimate truth that you have co-founded Avalon so how can you leave-”
“She is doing the right thing.”My childhood Mia’s words cut through the panicked voice of my other friends.
“What do you guys even know?My husband is a shareholder of Avalon and he has told me clearly.
Xavier,whom our Aria loved beyond the world,has secretly announced his wedding ceremony with Julia Lest on Aria's birthday.
With a smile that had unshed tears I laughed at those words.
“I want to tell you all something,my wedding too will be held on the same day,instead of going to Xavier Stone’s you should rather attend mine.”
Chapter 6
It was sharp eight in the morning when my phone rang with Xavier’s friend group calling me strangely. As soon as I picked up, a strange mocking laughter filled the background.
“Shut up! She has picked up already!”
I ignored the words as a hush fell in the background.
“Aria, well we called to apologise for that day, we realised that our joke went too far, you will not hold it against us will you?
Now that the misunderstandings have been cleared up, how about you hurry up to Hotel Marionette on the beachside, where we are hosting Xavier’s bachelorette party.”
They did not let me speak at all and just like that the phone was hung up.
An hour passed and here I was, standing in front of the Marionette Hotel’s room to end it all for good.
The waitress working at the front looked at me with a fake smile and. I instantly felt something was off.
“Miss Aria Valarie right? Ah, your friends said that they have planned a great surprise that you will never forget in your life, please go on the second floor..”
“Okay.” Walking upstairs as soon as I pushed the giant door a little, my heart completely froze in horror as I watched the scene through the small crack.
The entire hall was decorated with framed photos of babies with thousands of small toys and balloons of pink and blue colour.
It was a gender reveal party with Julia and Alexander standing in the middle surrounded by Xavier’s friends and as they were in the middle of cutting an exquisitely dressed cake.
I almost lost my balance as I heard the next words leaving Julia’s mouth.
“Thankyou so much for coming to my baby’s gender reveal party! Xavier and I are going to be parents soon.
But! Is it a baby girl or a boy?! Everyone take a guess.”
“Boy!”
“No, a baby girl would be good! I will absolutely adore my daughter.”
At that moment my fists clenched hard as I simply stared at my boyfriend of ten years celebrating the beginning of a new life as he left me behind giving me untreatable scars.
Once he had said the same words of wanting a daughter that would look like me and now her was ready to not only throw me away but also forget me like I was a nonexistent pest.
The cake was soon cut and a blueberry chocolate filling came out making the hooting louder yet I could see a small disappointment flash across Xavier’s face for a moment before it was gone.
“Xavier! You are going to be the father of a son! Congratulations man!” James congratulated the two before his eyes darted around looking at the guests to find me absent.
“Aria did not came. What would that witch take to leave Xavier.” He gritted his teeth to which another female interjected.
“She is like a fucking vampire trying to extract the last drop of value from Xavier. He got lucky to have Julia or she would have bled him dry. After Xavier is married tomorrow we will show that woman her proper place.”
So this was what it was all about.
With that in my mind I turned around with a small smile on my face.
Just like they have given me a great gift, how could I not want to repay them.
I called Xavier’s group chat with a false happy tone.
“Aria we organised a party for you but where are you-”
“You did? What a coincidence, I organised a party too.
I am on the first floor with Xavier’s top investors as my guests, they are almost here so hurry up with Xavier. You don’t want to make them unhappy do you?”
A deafening silence engulfed the group of friends as they looked at one another in horror as they realised the meaning of my words.
“Aria…you, we cannot, Xavier is so busy-” James who was a part of the call had a scared look on her face as I laughed heartily.
“Then do you want me to tell the investors the same thing? Bring him here. NOW.”
Xavier who was at the background heard the commotion and realised his friend’s had planned to bring me here to break it off to me that I and Xavier were done and his eyes glared daggers at them as if he could not wait to skin them alive.
“Tell Aria we are coming.” Xavier said his eyes glaring at all the people present while Julia clenched her fists hard.
Not only the gender reveal party was completely stopped for now but it would be almost deemed as spoiled.
And just like that, at the end she was still the hidden mistress.
Chapter 7
Just as I had guessed it took Xavier twenty minutes to wrap up the party completely and come to the first floor as directed.
With Julia holding onto his arm he was followed by the entire group of friends with traces of anger on their faces.
Entering inside the lights were dimmed, casting a golden tint on the walls. And there was a display of our entire life on the walls.
Our photographs.
Dozens of them, framed and pinned and strung across the room. Candid shots I had taken of mine and Xavier over the years.
Photos of us. At the park, in winter snow, under fireworks. And amidst everything in the center stood something that Xavier once considered his most prized possession.
A small teddy bear with one crooked eye.
A small, almost unintended laugh left his mouth.
“Carnival” he whispered. “To think I once won this for her. Aria has kept it preserved for so many years.”
He barely touched it when more than fifty guests entered, many of them were close investors while others were shareholders and managers at Avalon Enterprises.
Xavier saw me standing right across from him and the atmosphere froze as he realized that I had publicly announced our relationship.
smile as the investors sat
Yet the next words made me stumble back in horror as I clutched my mouth hard.
“What the actual hell is this?” Xavier’s voice sliced through the atmosphere as he whisper yelled at me.
“Why are you here at all and to think you decorated my party with these stupid photos!”
‘Stupid’
“Why? You don't like it?” I said with a serene smile.
Xavier’s words stung me hard yet I maintained a composed face.
“Aria! You broke into a hotel room to throw a creepy nostalgia fest and you dare ask if I like it?”
“Xavier please” Julia stepped in, her voice trembling. “I…I was actually the one who invited Aria. Y-Yesterday it was because of me that there were so many misunderstandings between you two…”Julia came infront of me with a smile yet the deep chilling smile in her eyes could not be mistaken at all.
“I think Aria had set up the photos to surprise you.” Xavier’s anger spiked instantly as he glared at me pulling Julia to his side as if afraid that I would harm his innocent woman.
The gesture alone was enough to devastate me once yet now I only felt numb.
“Julia, have you forgotten that you were almost harmed yesterday?! Aria has been bullying you and you still try to make peace with her?” Xavier asked as his cold glare fell upon me.
“You are taking Julia’s side as if she is your girlfriend not me.”
I spoke with a volume which made the people pause and look at Xavier and me all of a sudden making Julia suppress her anger.
“No..how can you misunderstand everything Aria. Xavier please,the thing about Aria pouring coffee all over my head was an accident. Please? This party is important for us-”
Before Julia could complete her dramatic speech she was blocked by Alan Sanders, the young billionaire who invested heavily in top market companies.
“Mr. Stone, is it true that Miss Aria is your girlfriend? I had long thought to invest a billion dollars into your jewelry enterprise after seeing the previous masterpieces created by Miss Aria.
What stopped me previously was the fear that she would resign anytime and my funds would go to waste. If both of you are a couple then when Miss Aria marries you my investments can remain in safe hands, so is it true?”
Xavier couldn’t answer.
This moment felt bizarre, he was surely going to marry Julia tomorrow so why was he not able to tell proudly that his wife to be was Julia Lest and not me?
He felt strange when was he not able to tell me on my face that he wanted to break it off.
“We have the same question Mr.Stone.”
A glimmer of guilt of not marrying me even after a long relationship of ten years stomped on his heart as Xavier’s eyes locked with mine for a moment as they softened making Julia who was looking at everything watch our interaction with bloodshot eyes.
“Aria is a very important person-”
“My involvement with your investment with be difficult Mr. Sanders. Only a few people know that those jewelry worth millions of dollars were explicitly designed by me. I have no patent rights on those pieces and in future if I take their references or launch new pieces in their collection anyone can blame me for stealing from others.”
“I will give you the rights of the jewelry that you designed.” Xavier said suddenly feeling like he should at least compensate me this much, afterall I will be his employee even if he marries Julia.
With a call to the office he asked the manager to immediately transfer the patents to my name.
While he was in the middle of talking about the deal with Mr.Sanders, a sudden boom resonated throughout the atmosphere and the power supply was suddenly cut off completely with an electric spark.
“Xavier! The smoke..I-I cannot breathe.!” It was at that moment Xavier rushed to the side of a crying Julia who was standing next to my burning photos with Xavier.
“The photos-” I whispered only for Xavier to snap at me.
“Some weird old photographs and a torn teddy bear are not worth risking Julia’s health! Stop this party at this moment!”
My heart went numb as I watched the things I decorated go up in flames.
Within the chaos I saw Xavier embracing Julia in his arms tightly as he rushed out of the hall with her while leaving me behind with our memories burning to ashes.
Chapter 8
“I won at last.” Those were the words Julia mouthed with a small smile as I was left alone behind like a joke.
“Ugh! Aria, since the party has ended so poorly, what to do? We will leave you to clean this all up okay?” Xavier’s friend said, pretending to be sorry.
“Aria, we actually wanted to apologize for anything rude that you witnessed today. You know how Xavier chrishes Julia right?
You can almost mistake them to be a loving couple with you as third wheel coming in between them.But don’t worry, today is your day and we all want to congratulate you!”
The investors heard in silence with hesitation as these close ‘friends’ offered their ‘encouragement’.
“Finally after ten years of relentlessly pursuing him, Xavier has announced he will marry tomorrow at the Grand Phoenix Chain of Islands which are absolutely the best wedding destination in the country.”
I listened without a trace of emotion when a female voice chimed in.
“Aria, tomorrow is such an important day so we booked a limo to bring you to the wedding at the right time okay, now even if Xavier hasn’t explicitly mentioned in the announcement that you are the bride, how can he not recognize your worth after ten years and marry another?...It is definitely you.
That dress that you ordered those stylists to prepare, wear it tomorrow and I will even lend you my makeup artist if you need.”
A small snicker resonated in the background as I could imagine how fun it must be for them to make a fool of me.
“Alright.” I said with a disinterested smile.
They soon left and everyone soon followed outside while looking at me, who was standing in the middle of the ruined party with sympathetic eyes as the firefighters put out the fire.
I was going to turn away when Alan Sanders approached me with a smile.
“Miss Aria, I am ready to invest two billion dollars in your business.”
“Mr.Sanders, I am really thankful for your offer but as you can see how our relationship has unfolded, I am neither going to marry Xavier Stone nor I am a part of Avalon enterprises anymore so it will not give you any benefits. If I take your money like this, I am afraid you will despise me.”
“How dare I, a mere investor, despise Aria Valarie.
That ‘man’ who has promised to marry you tomorrow, your suitor will skin me alive.” My eyes widened when Alan mentioned the bigshot who promised to marry me tomorrow
“Sister-in-law these two billion dollars are not my investment but his. Unlike Xavier Stone that man has faith in your talent and buisness skills.
I just asked you if you will marry Xavier Stone earlier just to test you. Afterall ‘that person’ will go to any lengths for you. He wanted you to regain all your patent rights on the jewellry that you gave to Avalon Enterprises for free. He will never let you be wronged.”
A small chuckle left my mouth as I laughed with a tear trailing down the corner of my eyes. I loved Xavier for so many years yet he always took advantage of my innocence and naivity yet the bigshot I was so afraid of was always supporting me no matter what.
“Sister-in-law this is a ‘small’ gift for your birthday.”
With a flick of Alan Sander’s fingers a servant came forward to present a velvet blue box containing a blue sapphire crown worth tens of millions.
“This…no..not possible…this is the crown of an Empress from previous dynasty! How can I take this national treaure so casually?!”
It was at that moment a message beeped on my phone.
[I am looking foward to our wedding little bird. I hope you have accepted the crown for it was brought out of the national treasury for you, if you dislike it I will have it immideately thrown into the sea.]
A small smile covered my lips.
Overbearing but so cute.
[I will wear it well- Aria]
Goodbye Xavier Stone.
I and you are done from this moment onwards. All the memories are gone just like our relationship.
That night before the wedding when Xavier returned to our shared apartment to take his things he was shocked to find that all of my belongings were gone.
Soon, a deep sense of frustration engulfed him thus he could not help but call to ask what kind of tantrum was this and to warn me to not make things difficult for Julia or he will not forgive me.
It was only when no matter how many times he called, his number was always disconnected did he looked at the phone in a sense of rage.
“Aria blocked me? Isn’t she afraid that I will not like her anymore?!”
But before he could think me anymore, Xavier received an urgent call from his assistant.
“Mr.Stone there is terrible news! The Grand Phoenix Group of Islands have rejected our request to hold your wedding there. They are saying that it is already booked by another person!”
Xavier’s eyes narrowed as a dangerously cold laugh left his lips, never in his ten years of rise has his request been rejected once.
“Tell them it is Xavier Stone who wants their islands.” He spat through gritted teeth.
“But sir then your identity will be revealed and all of the media and paparazzi will rush there! Earlier I-I did just as you asked and booked your wedding under an anonymous name but-”
“I don’t care, just, tell me it is Xavier Stone and they will come wagging their tails like a dog. I don’t have a habit of hearing ‘No’.”
Chapter 9
The entire chain of Grand Phoenix Islands were decorated with blooming tulip flowers, giant chandeliers dripping with shiny crystals made the distinguished guests marvel at their beauty as champagne waterfalls and chocolate towers greeted them.
It was the wedding of the century.
“This is so extravagant…even for Xavier Stone. Julia e-even the best actress in the industry Cecelia Brooks, wasn't married like this…Xavier really loves you.”
Xavier’s friends looked in awe at the scenic view with drone shows displaying love messages on the sky and the media houses very respectfully followed the orders and took photos of guests only after asking permission.
It was just a little strange that they were taking glances at Julia’s pure white, bridal gown with a face that looked not only confused but also a little disgusted.
Disgusted?
Julia clenched her fists tightly.
It was her wedding and she was dressed so prettily so why would they ever feel like that. She simply dismissed it as if she was overthinking things.
“Julia, you started as a new actress but to think you not only won a billionaire husband but he loves you so much so to organise such a wedding…even the top actors and politicians from all around the world are attending this event.”
A voice chimed in, making Xavier frown a little.
He had never ordered the million dollar drone show or such lavish arrangement yet when he thought that this might be an apology from the Phoenix chains of islands for rejecting his marriage request he simply took it as granted.
This is the least his woman deserved.
The woman he was going to marry today.
Julia Lest
And yet, soon the giant doors of the ceremonial stage opened with flowers raining from the sky and a hush fell across the gilded crowd.
I stepped out in a pure white gown resembling a fairy.
Not the snow white color Julia had chosen, but a glimmering white wedding dress that shimmered beneath the gold light, thousands of diamonds on the dress reflecting light as my necklace and the antique crown shone exquisitely.
“The thousand year old Empress’s Crown! Oh my god! It was lost a century ago and was recently found in an excavation and to think the bride already has it? No wonder the groom organised such a wedding for her, he must love her more than anything in his life!”
“Not only that! Do you see her glass slippers! She is almost like a real life Cinderella!”
Xavier looked at me from the guests side and he was frozen for a moment.
My hair was swept up with fragile pearl pins as white flowers decorated my bun… too beautiful, too out of place, I looked like a dream to him.
“X-Xavier…w-what is she doing? Is she here to ruin our wedding?!” Being jolted awake from his stupor all color drained from his face when he saw me.
Behind him stood his circle of loyal friends in tuxedos, for a moment they were taken aback by my beauty yet soon they could not help but sneer.
“This woman absolutely knows no shame at all!”
“Aria!” Xavier snapped, striding towards me and coming on the stage.
His voice was low, panicked. “What the hell are you doing here? How stupid you must be to not realise that I am not going to marry you! This wedding is for Julia…”
“I know.”
As soon as the words came out, everyone was stunned.
Xavier didn't expect that I had long known that he wanted to marry Julia.
In an instant, Xavier recalled my indifference and his heart thundered as he realised my bizzare behaviour was because I knew of him and Julia.
A trace of panic flashed through his heart before he quitely looked at my innocent face and recalled how I was with him through thick and thin, even when his friends refused to give him a penny to finance his buisness or when I had to leave my job, a sweet word from him and I will do it all. He felt that I will always be his.
"Aria this is all for the company. Be obedient and don;t create a scene. I need Julia-."
“This is my wedding, if anyone needs to leave then it’s you.”
“Aria…enough of your tantrums! You wore this damned dress to ruin my wedding?! Are you senile? Listen to me and leave right now!”
A female friend chimed in with a cruel laugh, keeping it down and yet looking at me in jealousy.
“What next, Aria? Throwing yourself at his feet again? Maybe fainting for effect? I never thought that you would be so shameless as to stick to a man who has already chosen his bride, what next will you do huh?? Strip yourself naked to get his attention-trying to do whatever it takes to please him?”
“I am not a shameless woman like you. Keep these suggestions to yourself, it suits you better.” I said calmly, making the woman’s face go completely red in anger.
“Aria, Xavier is mine, stop trying to steal him please!”Julia came forward with her face red and screamed in rage for all of the guests to hear and make Xavier pull her close as if he was protecting her from me.
“I am here to marry but not with Xavier, so stop bothering me with your drama. It's disgusting.”
Whispers erupted in the atmosphere as the guests looked puzzled.
“Shut Up Aria! Come off this damned stage. How can you be so fucking clingy and delusional. If not me, who else would tolerate you?”
Xavier’s tone softened at the end expecting me to be devastated and cry yet when I looked at him calmly without any emotions he was shocked.
“Maybe I will Xavier, if she is so desperate you can probably have give her to me for a night. I will fuck her raw and-”
“Shutup!” Xavier seethed, his clenched fists clenched hard, James took a fearful step back looking at me in rage for creating a rift in between them while Julia looked ready to kill me.
“She is playing you man! This woman only wants you money and nothing more. She wants to bleed your resources dry, even coming here to ruin your wedding! If it was up to me I would have thrown her out by now! She is dirtying this place!”
“Which barking dog has been spouting such blasphemous words continuously? The tongue you spoke such nonsense from, I will rip it off and feed it to dogs.”
“You dare disrespect my woman.”
The dark voice called and everyone completely froze as the double doors opened behind me.
And in that instant, I knew that my newlywed husband had arrived.
