Chapter 10
age
Chapter 8
Matheo didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he sighed and gently caught Colette’s hand, guiding her back into the ballroom. ‘Come on, I’ll call my driver. He’ll drop you home,” he said, navigating her through the throngs of people.
As they made their way towards the exit, Matheo’s phone began to ring, “Iris, just a few minutes. I have to take care of this before–no, I don’t think so….” He muttered something else about business, his focus shifting away from Colette.
Colette stopped walking and pulled her hand away. “It’s okay, Matt. I came here on my own and I can go home on my own. You can go back to Iris, I won’t stand in your way anymore.” Her voice was firm, but there was an underlying sadness.
Matheo looked at her, conflicted. ‘Are you sure?”
Colette nodded bleakly. “Call my driver then. He’ll drop you off and come back for me later,” he instructed, still trying to maintain control of the situation.
Nodding again, Colette avoided his eyes. “Goodbye, Matt.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth. “I’m sorry if I troubled you, Matt. I’l go now.”
“You didn’t trouble me, Itty, it’s just that I’m-” Matheo started, frowning as he tried to explain.
“Busy, I get it,” Colette cut in, nodding once more and looking at the floor. “I hope you have a successful night.” And life,” she added silently, turning away to leave.
Matheo’s concern seemed to deepen as he saw the pain in her eyes. “Are you sure-” he began again, but Colette didn’t wait for him to finish. She turned and walked away, her heart heavy with unspoken words and shattered hopes.
At the door, she paused and glanced back one last time. Matheo was surrounded by a group of influential business people, holding court with ease. Iris stood beside him, smiling up at him as he made some remark or another. The sight was like a dagger to Colette’s heart. “I hope this was worth our marriage, Matt,” she murmured to herself before pushing the door open and stepping outside.
Colette stood outside the grand entrance of the luxurious hotel, her frustration growing as she waited in vain for a taxi. The exclusive locale catered to the ultra–rich, where limousines were likely the preferred mode of transport. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of disdain towards these people and their extravagant lifestyles. Yet, in a bitter twist of fate, she now found herself among them–indulging in weekly spa sessions at luxurious resorts, dining out at Michelin–starred restaurants, and draped in designer labels like Gucci and Prada. The very thought made her stomach turn. Was this really all her life had become? A mere ornament to be displayed, smiling politely at social gatherings, and catering to her husband’s whims?
A wave of self–disgust swept over Colette. She had once dreamed of a loving husband, a family filled with laughter and love, and mutual respect. Instead, she felt cheated. What she had was a husband who seemed only partially present, and even that was slipping away. Glancing back at the glittering facade of the hotel against the night sky, she looked down at her own less–than–impressive outfit. Did she appear cheap to these affluent circles? Perhaps she did. She felt like a woman flaunting herself indecently, a thought she quickly pushed away. Tonight had achieved nothing but humiliation, turning her into a person she
despised.
The dazzling lights of the grand chandelier above mocked her as she stood there, reinforcing her sense of not belonging. She couldn’t bear it any longer. Despite the absence of taxis, she started walking, her feet aching in towering high heels, hoping to find any form of transportation nearby.
As she moved away from the hotel steps, a tinkling laugh shattered the silence, and Colette froze. She knew that laugh–it belonged to Iris. Turning, she found the ice–cool blonde woman in an impeccably tailored gown, standing there like a vision of effortless elegance. “Iris, Colette addressed her stiffly, unable to conceal the bitterness in her voice. Facing this woman, who seemed to have taken everything from her–her marriage, her husband–Colette couldn’t help but show her vulnerability.
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4:40 pm P P P м
Chapter 10
“What the hell do you want?” Colette’s words dripped with defiance, though she chastised herself for revealing any weakness in front of this woman, Iris had already dismantled her life piece by piece. What more could she possibly want?
Iris’s smile twisted into something malicious and vile, a sight that sparked a rage in Colette she had never known before. She reached into her purse and pulled out a small paper bag, handing it over with a casual disdain that cut deep. “Matt sent me to give you something, Iris announced, her voice dripping
Iwith venom. “Here.”
Comments
RVisitor
Wowqw,by the time he reali,es what a snake his sw retary is,his marriage will be over!!
7 days ago
13
<SH
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
