Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Catching the Affair Before the Reunion
The bed in the newlywed room, adorned with bright red wedding symbols, was tangled with two bodies, locked in a fierce embrace. Clothes were haphazardly scattered on the floor, hinting at a passionate confrontation. The two lovers were so caught up in their passion that they didn't even notice the door had been opened.
"Darling, between me and Vivian, who satisfies you more?" Eve's long, crimson nails dragged recklessly across the man's back. The man grunted in response, "Of course, it's you, Eve."
Her satisfaction was evident as her lips curled into a smile, casting a sneer toward the woman standing in the doorway. Her eyes seemed to ask, Did you hear that clearly?
Vivian turned without expression, her face unreadable as she quietly closed the door behind her.
As she left the room, she retrieved Ethan's contact information and sent him the video and photos of the scene. "Let's break up," she typed, pressing send and blocking him immediately.
...
Five years later.
Vivian had just parked her car when her phone buzzed. A new message appeared from an unknown number: "Vivi, I'm getting engaged today, and I really hope you'll come. I'd love to receive your blessing." The address was tagged as Rosewood Hotel.
Without hesitation, Vivian deleted the message and blocked the number, her movements swift and emotionless.
Before she could even close her car door, a shadow dashed past her and suddenly wrapped its arms around her. "Vivi, I knew you'd come!" Ethan's eyes were wild with a mix of madness and glee.
Vivian fought to break free, stomping on his foot with all her might. "Ethan, get off me!"
Ethan didn't let go. If anything, he held her tighter. "Vivi, I was wrong. I really was wrong."
Vivian knew exactly what kind of person he was. "If I hadn't gotten proof that you couldn't deny, you'd probably still accuse me of not being good enough for you. You always liked the flirtatious ones, and now that you have one, isn't that enough?"
How annoying, she thought. To keep evidence, she had to capture those moments, and now, just thinking about them made her sick.
Ethan, at first, had only been lonely before marriage, willing to play around. When Evelyn flirted with him, he went along with it. But he didn't expect Vivian to disappear after their abrupt breakup. After years of searching, he'd finally tracked her down and obtained her number. He sent countless messages, apologizing, switching accounts after being blocked, but he wasn't willing to give up.
Now, Ethan was practically mad with obsession, holding her so tightly that she couldn't escape.
Just then, the loud honking of a car horn cut through the air, followed by blinding headlights.
It was the Rosewood Hotel's private garage, where only the rich and elite frequented. Ethan had no choice but to release her when the car approached.
A Pagani Huayra glided silently toward them, and Lawrence, sitting in the passenger seat, clicked his tongue. "Daniel, what's going on? Jealous? Look at them, all lovey-dovey in the garage. Why are you butting in?"
The sight of the handsome man and beautiful woman from afar was, indeed, quite eye-catching.
"Get out of the way." Daniel's hand gripped the steering wheel, veins bulging with irritation.
Lawrence, raising an eyebrow, gave him a strange look. "Is there something wrong with you? They're just hugging and being affectionate. The car's lane is wide enough. Just drive around."
Vivian, not wanting to engage with Ethan, quickly turned and walked away, dodging him like a snake. She barely paid attention to the car approaching from the opposite direction.
Lawrence's eyes widened as the woman walking in front of them caught his attention. He suddenly slapped the dashboard, nearly leaping out of his seat. "It's her! It's her, right? The woman in the photo from your safe!"
No wonder, no wonder the man who never drove had volunteered today.
Lawrence was nearly rambling in excitement, and Daniel shot him a sharp look. His voice turned cold, "If you don't want to ride, get out."
It was indeed her!
Ethan, desperate to chase Vivian, stepped forward, but just as his foot hit the ground, the Pagani accelerated, its engine roaring to life. The car's speed blocked his path, forcing him to stop and let it pass. As the car slowed, he looked up in urgency, only to find Vivian walking away faster, and his gaze naturally shifted to the driver.
When he realized who it was, he froze in shock.
Daniel? How is it him?
Daniel's eyes met his, the two men—one sitting, one standing—each sizing the other up. The powerful tension between them was palpable as the car rumbled past, leaving both men lost in their own thoughts.
...
In the elevator, the numbers ticked down.
Ethan, struggling to contain his anxiety, finally spoke. "Vivi, I've realized after these years that the one I love is..."
"Darling."
A sharp, warning voice interrupted him from behind, echoing through the quiet garage.
The scent of perfume was unmistakable, followed by the sharp click of high heels, each step making Ethan's heart race.
Ethan stopped in his tracks.
Evelyn, wearing pristine leather heels, slowly approached and stood before him, her presence effectively cutting off his gaze from Vivian. She reached out to fix Ethan's crooked tie, brushing nonexistent dust from his clothes. Then she took his hand, gently caressing the silver ring on his finger.
"I couldn't find you anywhere. How did you end up here? The banquet is about to start, and your parents and many guests are waiting for you."
She spoke sweetly, but the underlying warning was clear.
Ethan, still burning with the same intense desire, instantly deflated with her words, as though something had tightened around his throat.
Evelyn was pleased, satisfied that she had regained control, and only then did she finally look at Vivian, flashing an impeccable smile. "Long time no see, sis."
...
The Rosewood Hotel's grand banquet hall, over 800 square meters, was filled with the sound of violins, and the air was thick with the scent of wealth. Inside the soundproof rooms, two muscular guards stood watch at the door, not allowing anyone near.
As soon as Gloria spotted Vivian, her eyes welled up with tears.
Though she was in her fifties, she looked no older than her early forties, maintaining a youthful appearance. Today was Evelyn's engagement day, and as her mother, she wore a glamorous gown that made her appear even more dignified.
Her neck gleamed with a precious jade necklace from Smith Jewelery, worth over a billion, drawing everyone's attention and making her appear even more radiant.
Gloria took Vivian's hand, wiping her eyes as she spoke. "Vivi, how have you been these years? Now that you're back in Lumina city, why haven't you come to visit me...?" Her voice broke with emotion, but her eyes remained sharp, constantly gauging Vivian's response.
Vivian struggled to free herself from Gloria's grip, her brows knitting in annoyance. "Are you done?"
Vivian couldn't help but admire Gloria's ability to switch between vulnerability and calculation. Her tears could flow at will, and her face changed with a flip of a switch. It was truly a wasted talent if she didn't pursue acting.
Gloria, however, couldn't manipulate her daughter in the same way. As she felt Vivian pulling away, she quickly panicked. "No, Vivi, I really missed you. Once Eve's wedding is over, I'll come find you…"
Vivian gave her a cold look, and Gloria released her arm.
The emotional plea didn't work. Gloria quickly continued, "Vivi, I have my reasons. Now that Eve is marrying into the Davis family, some things from the past should just be left behind."
Her expression softened as she signaled to Evelyn.
Evelyn, though reluctant, muttered, "Mom, she clearly doesn't want to forgive you. Why keep trying?"