Maya stopped for a second, following Diana’s gaze to the corner, where she saw Owen.
His face was serious, and he was tapping his fingers lightly on the table. He looked intense, which made the people around him uncomfortable.
The moment Maya’s eyes met his, she saw his friend elbow Owen and said, “Isn’t that the woman you hired as a stand–in? Look at her. Aren’t you going to say something?”
Owen gave his friend a cold look and said in a flat voice, “What should I say? She’s just a stand–in I hired. She can do whatever she wants.”
Even though Maya had already given up hope, hearing his indifferent tone again made her catch her breath.
She clenched her fists, feeling a sharp wave of bitterness in her chest.
Right, just a stand–in. Those feelings were never meant to be.
The friend laughed really hard.
“She’s been with you for so many years, and you still haven’t developed any feelings? You used to treat her so well. I thought you at least liked her a bit. Guess it was all an act for Jessica. I wonder how you’d react if Jessica were here today.”
Before he finished, Owen suddenly stood up and strode toward the center of the dance floor.
His face was livid, and people around him sensed danger, quickly making way for him.
Then Maya saw Owen yank Jessica out of the crowd, his eyes blazing with anger.
“Jessica, do you have to get so close to them?”
His tone was full of accusation. Jessica laughed even more brazenly.
“So what? How is that any of your business?”
Owen’s expression darkened further, storms churning in his eyes as he struggled to suppress his rage.
“Come back with me.”
There was a well–known rumor in the business world. No one dared to deny Owen’s requests except for Jessica.
Everyone recognized how special Jessica was to Owen.
Not only did she have the audacity to reject his advances, but she also willingly embraced other men.
“I’m getting married tomorrow. You should be congratulating me,” she declared.
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Owen’s pupils narrowed in shock. “Jessica, how could you do this?”
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“Why not?” Leaning lightly against the man next to her, Jessica continued, “After years of fighting with you, I’m worn out and ready for a stable life. Don’t you adore your woman? Perfect, let’s put an end to this rivalry and call it a day.”
Almost at the same moment, Owen exclaimed, “I disagree!”
“Why? Don’t you despise me the most?”
“I…”
Owen fell silent. Maya observed the scene, suddenly bursting into laughter.
Throughout the years of their love and animosity, both had a clear understanding of their feelings for one another, yet neither had been the first to express those words of love.
Maya was well aware of how deep Owen’s feelings for Jessica were.
In his sleep, he would cradle Maya, whispering Jessica’s name repeatedly.
During those passionate moments, he’d gaze at Maya’s face–eerily reminiscent of Jessica’s–with an empty expres-
sion.
To get back at Jessica, he’d show affection to someone whom he didn’t love, with such believability that it was diffi- cult to discern if it was genuine.
she laughed, her eyes turned red.
elt like someone was peeling away her skin bit by bit, each breath causing a searing pain.
She stumbled as she tried to escape, but at that moment, the crowd burst into loud screams.
Looking back, she witnessed Owen pressing Jessica against a booth in the bar’s corner, his hand gripping the back of her neck as he kissed her with force and dominance.
He didn’t let her go until tears filled her eyes and her voice broke into sobs.
Maya had never seen Owen lose control like this before.
With his face pressed against Jessica’s neck, he finally said the feelings he had kept inside for years.
“Jessica, I like you. You can’t marry someone else,” he said.
“Give me a chance. Will you be with me?”
A hush fell over the room, and all eyes simultaneously turned to Maya.
Maya’s fists were clenched so tightly that her nails pierced her palms, drawing blood–but she didn’t even notice.
With the crowd watching, Jessica lifted her chin defiantly.
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“Alright,” she said, fixing her gaze on Maya, “but I have a few conditions.”
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She continued, “I heard you’ve done a lot for Maya over the years. I want all traces erased. First, cut down the plane trees you planted for her with your own hands. Second, remove the couple of tattoos you got together. Third…” Her tone turned icy, “For every time you were intimate, scrub yourself with a steel wool pad–once for each time!”
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