After She Left

Chapter 5: Oh, I'm Just Getting Started, I'll Destroy Your Life Next.

HAZEL’S POV

SMITH’S MANSION

The moment I step out of the car, I fix my gaze on the massive building that once belonged to me before I foolishly invited a flood of lunatics into it.

My ivory estate stands proudly, just as it always does. “My treasure, I’m back.”

Accompanied by my lawyer and two hefty men, I stride confidently into the building. A sly smile crosses my face as I survey the crowd before me.

“What do we have here? A family breakfast? Isn’t bonding delightful?”

Luke is the first to rise at the sight of me. “Why are you here?” Ruby demands furiously.

I nod, a cunning grin playing on my lips. “You sound hurt. I assume you’ve received my national gift. Don’t fret, dear Ruby—I’ll deliver the next one personally.”

Her fists clench as veins bulge visibly on her forehead. “Mrs. Eleanor, my cherished mother-in-law, it must be hard to forgive a cheating spouse, isn’t it? The pain of being trapped, unable to escape or confront him—I understand that better than anyone. I’ve lived it.”

I shoot a cold glare at Luke, watching him lower his eyes to the floor.

Turning my icy stare toward the others, I announce, “I’ve come to reclaim what’s mine.”

Mr. Smith finally speaks, “What exactly do you mean? Besides the clothes in storage, nothing here belongs to you. So, there is nothing for you to reclaim. Got it?”

I smirk, marveling at human ingratitude. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten so quickly. Allow me to remind you. When your company collapsed and your son gambled away your house, where did you all end up? In my house—given to me by my father! This house!”

Luke finally gathers himself. “We were married, so this house automatically became mine.”

I place a hand on my chest to stifle my laughter. My lawyer, Barrister Craig, steps forward and hands them documents. “Here. This proves that all Hazel’s assets remain hers, transferable only through a written will. Marriage or not, this house is Hazel’s.”

Clapping gleefully, I turn to the burly men. “Escort these beggars off my property. They've overstayed their welcome.”

The Smith family glares daggers at me as Mrs. Eleanor hastily intervenes, stopping my men. “Don’t touch us; we’ll leave ourselves.” She directs a glare at me. “Hazel, this isn’t over.”

I retort with a smirk, “That’s my favorite line. Now, get out of my house! Your belongings will be tossed outside the gate.”

Once they’re gone, I head to Luke’s room, deciding to check if he has anything incriminating that could threaten my company.

I rummage through his suitcases, wardrobe, and finally his cupboard. Amid the scattered papers and receipts, one document catches my eye.

“Hazel’s Kidney Contract Details?”

As I read, my heart breaks into pieces. The kidney I donated to save him had been sold—for $800,000,000. Anger, regret, and despair overwhelm me, tears streaming down my face.

---

TWO DAYS LATER

After receiving an intel from a trusted source, I visit the storage room in the mansion. My clothes, clean and neatly hung, await me.

I pick out a peach dress Luke once bought for me and pair it with Moschino heels from my father. With a black handbag in hand and my hair flowing freely, I instruct the chauffeur, “Take me to the party; I have a nice surprise prepared specially for them.”

At the entrance, the security guards stop me. “Your invitation, please. Without it, we can’t allow you in.”

I hand over the card and step inside, just in time to see Luke kneeling before Ruby, her friends urging her to accept his proposal.

“What a charming scene. Glad I didn’t miss this, it'd have hurt so much if I did.” I comment.

Ruby’s face darkens as her gaze shifts between me, Luke, and her guests. “What are you doing here? Haven’t you caused enough damage? We don't need you here, you can leave now.”

I smile faintly. “Not even close. There’s plenty left to do. I brought so much for y'all, what a waste it'd be, if I leave.”

Whispers ripple through the crowd:

“Who’s the woman in peach? She's drop-dead gorgeous”

“Isn’t she Ruby’s fiancé’s ex-wife?”

“Did Ruby cause the divorce?”

“Why brag about a divorced man—a second-hand husband with a troublesome ex?”

Luke runs a hand through his hair, visibly tense, while Ruby struggles to maintain composure, amidst the annoying comments from her friends.

“Security!” she shouts.

I calmly reply, “Relax, darling. They won’t show up anytime soon.” Turning to Luke, I deliver the blow: “You sold my kidney. Now, you parade yourself as a soon-to-be husband. Are you planning to sell her kidney too? Well, I don't care about her.”

Ruby’s guests gasp as murmurs fill the room. Mrs. Eleanor steps forward, her face contorted with fury. She slaps Luke. “Why did you do this?”

Ruby, however, directs her anger at me. “So what if he sold your kidney? You’re still alive. Be grateful!”

Her friends look at her in disbelief before leaving the party. “Look at what you’ve done! You’ve ruined my celebration!”

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” I retort. “I’ll destroy your life next. Watch me.”

Reporters flood the scene, snapping photos of Luke as Mrs. Eleanor desperately tries to stop them. She collapses to the floor, wailing, “Hazel, please! He’s all I have!”

I reply coldly, “No, he isn’t. Ruby will be there for you. And I’ll be back—for all of you.”

Leaving the chaos behind, I find a secluded corridor and crouch, tears spilling freely.

A voice interrupts me. “Hazel, I know your last kidney is failing. I’ll give you mine and help you fight the Smiths—if you sign this contract and marry me.”