NovelShort

You Betrayed Me, Now Face My Revenge

I sat across from Jayson, my stepbrother and secret lover, as he laughed with Xander, his closest friend.

I barely listened, too busy imagining his reaction to my surprise—a luxury car he’d always wanted. But my smile faded when they switched to Italian, assuming I couldn’t understand.

“So,” his friend said, “you’re really going to marry Fiona after she abandoned you for years?”

Jayson chuckled without hesitation. “It’s always been her. I don’t care if she left. She’s all I want.”

Xander leaned in, lowering his voice just enough to make me strain to hear. “And what about Anastacia? Your secret relationship with her, huh? She still thinks there’s a future—that you’ll marry her someday.”

“She’s just a game. Soon, I’ll ruin her the way her mother ruined my family. She’s nothing but a convenient distraction.”

My heart shattered.

I had loved him, trusted him—believed every whispered promise, every stolen touch. But to him, I was nothing more than a pawn in his twisted revenge.

He thought I was blind to his lies. He thought I was powerless.

But Jayson underestimated me. And now, it’s my turn to break him.

I sat across from Jayson, my stepbrother and my secret lover. Beside him sat Xander, his closest friend, laughing over some inside joke I didn’t catch because my mind was elsewhere.

I was busy imagining Jayson’s reaction when I gave him his surprise gift—a sleek, luxury car he’d always dreamed of owning. But my smile faded when they slipped into Italian mid-conversation, thinking I couldn’t understand.

Big mistake. I had secretly learned Italian when I once heard Jayson talking to his friends in Italian, so I wouldn’t feel out of place in case they talk again—just like now.

“So,” Xander said, swirling his glass lazily, “you’re really going to marry Fiona after she abandoned you for years?”

Fiona. The name hit me like ice water. Jayson’s first love. The girl who had shattered him. She’d left him broken and hollow, running off with another man after promising him forever. I remembered the nights he drank too much, the bitterness in his voice when her name slipped out. He never talked about her anymore—or so I thought.

Jayson chuckled softly, sipping his wine, his voice steady and sure. “It’s always been her. I don’t care if she left. She’s all I want.”

My fork hovered mid-air, suspended like the breath I forgot to take.

The words punched me square in the chest. But Jayson’s response was the blade that twisted the knife.

“She’s just a game. Soon, I’ll ruin her the way her mother ruined my family. She’s nothing but a convenient distraction.”

I felt the world tilt beneath me, but I kept my face blank. My heart raced, my stomach clenched, but I refused to let the pain show.

Memories flashed like cruel snapshots—our stolen kisses, whispered promises, his arms wrapped around me in the dark, telling me I was his everything.

All lies.

I thought back to the mess that made us—my mother marrying Jayson’s father after my parents’ bitter divorce, blending our lives into one. And somewhere in that mess, I fell for him—hard. I thought it was real. I thought he was real.

I forced a smile, my vision blurring. My hand trembled slightly as I reached for my glass, and in my distraction, it slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor. Water splashed across my lap.

The noise snapped both of them out of their conversation.

Xander’s eyes narrowed. “Dude… what if she understood us?”

Jayson laughed in Italian, the sound hollow in my ears. “No way. She doesn’t speak Italian. She’s stupid. She didn’t even know I was just using her for revenge, to get even with her mother!”

Then, he turned to me with fake concern, his mask perfectly in place. “Are you okay, baby?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a shaky smile. “I’m fine. Just clumsy, I guess. I’ll go clean up.”

Without waiting for a response, I stood quickly, my legs nearly giving out beneath me. I walked toward the restroom, my steps hurried—but as soon as I rounded the corner, I didn’t stop.

I kept going. Out the door. I threw the key to the luxury car. Then, into the night.

The cold air hit me like a slap, but it wasn’t enough to numb the ache in my chest. I fumbled for my phone, blinking back tears as I called a cab.

When the car pulled up, I slid into the backseat, slamming the door shut behind me. The driver asked where I was heading, but I couldn’t answer. My voice was gone, buried beneath the betrayal lodged in my throat.

Tears spilled freely now, hot and blinding.

How could I have been so stupid?

Every moment, every smile, every whispered “I love you”—all of it was a lie.

But rage slowly replaced the heartbreak.

He doesn’t get to break me.

I wiped my tears with the sleeve of my jacket, my hand trembling as I pulled out my phone again. My thumb hovered over the contact list before landing on a name I hadn’t considered in months—Professor Valenti.

She answered on the second ring. “Anastacia? Is everything alright?”

I took a deep breath, steadying my voice. “Yes. I’ve thought about your offer. I’m ready to accept the research project.”

A pause. Then her warm voice replied, “That’s wonderful news. We’ll prepare everything for your departure in a few days. But I’m reminding you again that in this three years of project, you’re not allowed to contact anyone.”

“I know, Professor. I’m ready,” I said before hanging up the phone.

Chapter 2

I woke up to the warmth of his arms wrapped around me, his breath brushing against the back of my neck. Jayson’s voice was soft, a low whisper in the dim morning light.

“I missed you,” he murmured, his grip tightening slightly as if afraid I’d slip away.

For a brief, fragile moment, I wanted to sink into him. To pretend that everything was fine—that the words I’d overheard the night before hadn’t shattered my heart into pieces. But the memory hit me like a tidal wave.

The ache in my chest grew unbearable. I turned sharply, pushing him with all the strength I could muster. He stumbled backward, falling onto the bed with a surprised grunt.

His brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing my expression to stay neutral. “I just…” I searched for an excuse, my heart pounding. “I thought I heard someone outside. What if our parents saw us?”

That was the rule, after all. The unspoken agreement we made to keep our secret hidden—to avoid suspicion, to keep pretending we were just family.

Jayson relaxed slightly, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. “They’re busy, Anastacia. Stop worrying. I just missed you, you disappeared from the party last night, and I couldn’t find you.”

I forced a smile, my heart cracking with every beat. “I was tired. I needed some air.”

He reached for me again, but I shifted away. “I think I’ll rest a bit more.”

“Alright. We have a family dinner later. Don’t forget.”

I didn’t respond as he left the room, closing the door softly behind him. The moment I was alone, I slid out of bed, my hands trembling as I reached for my suitcase.

I started packing. I needed to leave before the weight of this house became unbearable.

The door creaked open, and my mother stepped inside, her eyes narrowing when she saw the mess. “What are you doing?”

I zipped the suitcase with shaky fingers. “I’ve decided to accept the research project Professor Valenti offered me.”

She blinked, then broke into a bright smile. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart! I always knew you’d go for it. This is your dream, after all.”

It was. But I had almost given it up—for him. I had turned down that opportunity because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Jayson for three years. But now? Now, I couldn’t leave fast enough.

“I didn’t want to tell anyone yet,” I said quickly when she suggested we announce it at dinner. “Not even Jayson.”

Her brows lifted. “Why not?”

I forced a tight smile. “I just don’t want anyone to feel sad about me leaving. I might change my mind if they do.”

She nodded slowly, accepting my excuse. “Alright, but at least join us for dinner tonight. Your stepfather has an announcement to make.”

I nodded, though dread settled like a stone in my stomach.

Later that evening, dressed in a simple black dress, I sat quietly at the long dining table, surrounded by smiling faces. My heart wasn’t in it. I just needed to get through the night.

Until I saw her.

Fiona.

She walked into the room like she owned it, her smile radiant as if she hadn’t left Jayson shattered all those years ago.

And then—like a cruel joke—the announcement came.

“We’re thrilled to share that Jayson and Fiona are getting married!”

The room erupted in applause. Everyone cheered. Everyone except me.

I excused myself, fleeing to the bathroom, my chest tightening with every step. I splashed cold water on my face, gripping the sink, trying to steady my breath.

The door creaked open, and I didn’t have to look to know it was her.

Fiona’s reflection appeared in the mirror, her smile gone. “Stay away from Jayson.”

I turned slowly, forcing an innocent expression. “Why would I do that? He’s my brother. We’re family.”

She stepped closer, her eyes sharp and knowing. “Don’t play dumb. I know everything. Jayson told me how you’ve been flirting with him, how obsessed you are. If you don’t back off, I’ll tell your parents.”

Her words were knives, but I refused to let them see me bleed. I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm. I yanked it back instinctively, and she slipped—her heel catching on the wet floor.

She crashed down hard, letting out a dramatic scream.

The door burst open, and there he was.

Jayson.

“What is happening here?” His eyes darted from Fiona on the floor to me standing above her.

“She pushed me!” Fiona sobbed. “I don’t know why—maybe she hates me. I was just trying to be friendly.”

“That’s not true!” I snapped, my voice trembling with rage. “She’s lying. I didn’t—”

But Jayson didn’t even look at me.

He rushed to Fiona’s side, lifting her gently in his arms like she was fragile glass. As he passed me, our shoulders brushed, and the force of it sent me stumbling.

I hit the floor hard, the sharp sting of pain radiating through my arm. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the ache in my chest.

Jayson didn’t even look back.

And that hurt more than any wound ever could.

Chapter 3

I sat on the edge of my bed, carefully dabbing at the scrape on my elbow. The door burst open, slamming against the wall with a force that made me flinch.

Jayson stormed in, his face a storm cloud of fury. "Apologize to Fiona." His voice was sharp, cutting through the silence like a blade.

I froze, the cotton swab slipping from my fingers. "What?"

He stepped closer, his eyes dark and hard. "You heard me. Apologize. You hurt her ankle—she can’t walk properly. You know she’s a model. You could’ve ruined her career!"

I stood, the anger bubbling inside me. "I’m not apologizing because I didn’t do anything wrong. She slipped. That’s on her, not me."

His jaw clenched, fists curling at his sides. "You’re being unreasonable."

That was it. The final crack that shattered whatever was left of my restraint.

"Unreasonable?" I snapped, stepping closer, the space between us crackling with tension. "You’re the one marrying her, Jayson. What about me? What about us? What about all the promises you made?"

For a moment, he looked caught—trapped between the truth and the lies he’d woven so effortlessly. Then his face hardened again.

"I’m doing this for us," he hissed. "Don’t you get it? If I don’t marry her, they might get suspicious of us. Fiona is just… a distraction. Good for business, good for appearances. That’s it. It’s still you."

I stared at him, disbelief washing over me. "A distraction?" My voice trembled, not with fear, but rage.

He must’ve seen it because his expression softened, and he reached for me, pulling me into his arms. His warmth, his scent—familiar and comforting—only fueled my fury.

"I’m sorry," he whispered against my hair. "I didn’t mean to yell. I just don’t want us to get caught. Even if I marry her, it doesn’t change anything between us."

I pushed against his chest, my heart screaming to believe him, but my mind refusing to be fooled again. I heard everything. It was too late.

"Just apologize to her," he said gently. "Fake it. For us."

I sighed, exhausted from the emotional whiplash he put me through. "Fine." The word tasted bitter on my mouth.

His face lit up with a smile, as if he’d won some twisted game. "Good. I promise we’ll go out later, just the two of us."

I shook my head, suddenly fueled by a reckless impulse. "That’s not necessary. I have a date."

It was a lie, but I wanted to hurt him the way he’d hurt me.

His smile vanished. "No, you don’t."

I crossed my arms, smirking. "Oh, but I do. I’ve moved on. Unlike you, I don’t need to hide behind fake marriages and business deals."

He stepped forward, his face inches from mine, his jaw tight with fury. "You’re not allowed to date."

I laughed, the sound hollow and sharp. "Oh, I’m not allowed? But you’re allowed to get married? That’s not just hypocritical—it’s pathetic."

His hands gripped my arms, not gently this time. "You’re mine, Anastacia. You always have been."

I yanked myself free, my pulse pounding. "If that’s what you think, then choose. Me or her."

His face twisted in frustration. "That’s ridiculous."

I took a deep breath, my heart racing as I delivered the final blow.

"I’m not yours, Jayson. Not anymore. From now on, I’ll do whatever I want."

Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked out, slamming the door behind me.

And this time, I didn’t look back.

The city lights blurred through the rain-speckled cab window, casting streaks of neon across my face. I stared blankly, my mind replaying Jayson’s furious expression, his possessive words echoing in my head like a broken record.

The words felt like chains, tightening around my chest. I needed to breathe. I needed to forget. My phone buzzed on my lap, lighting up with his name—Jayson. Again.

I ignored it. The buzzing continued, relentless. A call. Then another. Followed by a stream of messages lighting up the screen.

Where are you?

Come home. Now.

I’m serious, Anastacia. Answer me.

Whoever that man is, he’s dead if he touches you. Only I can.

I stared at the last message, my chest tightening. And then—I laughed. A bitter, hollow laugh. The irony was suffocating. He wanted me to be his while he was marrying someone else?

The cab pulled up in front of a bar bathed in red neon lights. I paid the driver, stepped out, and was immediately swallowed by the pulse of music and the murmur of late-night chatter. The bass thrummed under my skin, a welcome distraction from the storm inside my head.

Inside, the bar was crowded, the air thick with the scent of liquor, sweat, and broken promises. I made my way through the sea of strangers, craving the anonymity their presence provided.

And then—I saw him.

Johan.

Sitting at the far end of the bar, his dark hair slightly tousled, a glass of whiskey in hand, and that familiar, smug grin tugging at the corner of his lips. Jayson’s former best friend turned sworn rival. The man Jayson hated more than anyone else.

A wicked idea sparked in my mind.

I couldn’t approach him—not yet. But I didn’t have to.

I pulled out my phone, angled it just right, and snapped a photo of Johan leaning casually against the bar, unaware of my presence. The image was perfect.

Without overthinking, I typed a message to Jayson:

"Meet my date."

I hit send. The screen stayed lit for a second before the message was delivered.

Chapter 4

My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing.

Jayson. Over and over again.

Calls. Messages. Voicemails. His name flashed on my screen like a warning I didn’t need. But I ignored it, just like I’d ignored every red flag, every sign that screamed he was never truly mine.

I sat quietly in the backseat of the cab, my hands trembling as I clutched my purse. I’d left the bar hours ago, not bothering to go home. There was nothing there for me anymore. I’d already arranged for my luggage to be packed and sent to the airport.

I was leaving. For good.

The cab pulled up to the terminal. I paid the driver, my fingers cold as ice despite the warm night air. My phone buzzed again just as I stepped inside the airport—another call from Jayson. I silenced it without even glancing.

The airport was buzzing with life. I found an empty seat near my gate, staring blankly at the glowing screen ahead.

That’s when I saw it.

"BREAKING NEWS: Jayson Gray and Fiona Romano Announce Their Engagement."

My heart stopped.

The photo flashed across the screen—Jayson and Fiona standing side by side, their smiles bright, perfect, and painfully familiar. His arm wrapped around her body like it belonged there. Her hand resting on his chest, an engagement ring glinting like it was mocking me.

A sharp pain gripped my chest, and before I could stop it, a tear slid down my cheek.

I wiped it away quickly, glancing around to see if anyone noticed. No one did. Because why would they? To them, it was just another love story. To me, it was the final nail in the coffin.

How dare he? How dare he call me, text me, act like I was the one at fault while flaunting his engagement for the world to see? Perhaps, he just couldn't accept that I could ignore him---and date someone else!

I pulled out my phone, my fingers moving before I could think. I dialed my mother. She answered on the second ring.

“Anastacia? Where are you? Jayson’s been looking for you all day,” she said, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

I closed my eyes, steadying my breath. “I’m leaving.”

There was a pause. “Leaving? Wait, is it today? You didn’t tell us.”

“I’m going away. I don’t want anyone to know where I’m going. Especially not Jayson.”

Silence. Then, softly, “Is everything okay with you and Jayson?”

“No,” I whispered. “I’ve been hurt, Mom. By Jayson.” My voice broke, and I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I just need to forget. I need peace. We’re step-siblings now. It was wrong from the start, Mom. It was wrong to love him.”

She sighed heavily. “Oh, god. I’m so sorry, Anastacia… I didn’t know. But are you sure about this? We can still talk about this and—”

“Yes.” My voice was firm this time, cutting her. “Please, just respect my decision. I’ll see you in three years when I come back.”

Just as I was about to hang up, I heard his voice in the background—Jayson’s voice.

“Where is she? Mom, where’s Anastacia?”

Panic surged through me.

“She already left,” my mother replied softly, her words cutting deeper than she knew. “And she’s not coming back.”

“What do you mean she’s not coming back? To where? Is she with that Johan? Why didn’t she tell me?” Jayson’s voice burst through the phone, loud and frantic.

I ended the call but then my screen lit up again, his name flashing. My thumb hovered over the decline button, but something inside me snapped. This time, I answered.

His voice was sharp. “Where the heck are you?”

I closed my eyes, letting the anger wash over me. Then, in perfect Italian, I spoke the words I’d been holding back:

“Stop it. I already know the truth. You said you were going to dispose of me? Well, I'll do it first.”

Then, I hung up and blocked him without hesitation.