THE WIFE HE REGRETTED LOSING

THE PARTY OF SHAME

People in high society never passed up the chance to celebrate—even if the occasion was someone else’s misfortune.

It had only been three days since Daniel Carter signed the divorce papers, but already the Carter mansion was blazing with light and laughter, almost like nothing bad had ever happened. A long string of luxury cars wound up the driveway, each one more expensive than the last, while the ballroom inside glowed gold under crystal chandeliers that made the marble floors shine. Waiters moved quietly among the crowd, and violin music slipped through the air. The city’s wealthiest men and women drifted from group to group, champagne in hand, eyes always searching for something interesting.

The Carters were throwing a party, but not just any party—this was the official engagement celebration for Daniel Carter and Vanessa Hale. That news alone had the city buzzing. People barely had time to process the divorce before Daniel made his next move. Just three days out of one marriage, he was already raising a toast to his next.

Of course, everyone came. The Carter name carried too much weight and too much money for anyone to turn down an invitation—even when it was steeped in scandal. For some, the juiciest part was getting to watch the drama unfold up close.

Inside, gossip moved like smoke. Women in sparkling dresses whispered behind fans, men in sharp suits traded rumors over whiskey. It always circled back to one topic: Daniel Carter’s ex-wife, the woman he so quickly replaced.

“Such a disgrace,” one woman murmured, pearls catching the light as she leaned in. “I always said that marriage was doomed.”

“And she couldn’t even give him a child,” her friend replied, happy to pile on.

A third, eyes agleam, joined in. “Word is, the new fiancée’s already pregnant.”

That got a few heads turning. Someone laughed under their breath. “How convenient.”

On the far side of the room, a giant banner hung above the stage, gold letters gleaming: Congratulations Daniel & Vanessa. Everything about the party screamed perfection, as if the broken marriage was just a rumor, best forgotten.

Near the center of the ballroom, Vanessa stood in a sweeping red dress that draped just right—showing off her pregnancy for all to see. Her smile was warm, her gratitude gracious, but if you looked closely, there was something sharp behind her eyes. She seemed almost victorious.

Daniel stood beside her, as confident as ever, calm and collected as if a whirlwind hadn’t just torn through his life. For him, this was just how things worked.

Out on the street, a yellow taxi rolled up to the gate. Lola Hart stepped out, invitation clutched tightly in her hand. The driver hesitated, unsure, but she nodded.

“It’s the right place,” she said quietly, and paid him.

She stood there alone, staring at the mansion lit up against the night. Music and laughter drifted through the gates. She looked down at the heavy cardstock invitation—her name printed clear as day. For a second, she’d thought it must be a mistake. Or maybe someone’s mean idea of a joke. But the address was correct. Her name was right there.

One way or another, she’d been invited. So Lola came. Maybe she just needed to see it for herself, accept the truth she’d tried so hard to ignore.

Security checked her invitation and waved her through. The walk up the driveway felt endless. Her heart thudded in her chest. At the door, a servant greeted her, noting her face with surprise but saying nothing as she stepped inside.

The ballroom almost took her breath away. Light, music, and people—so many people. For a few brief moments, nobody noticed the woman in the plain black dress standing just inside the entrance.

But high society people have sharp eyes. One head turned, then another. Whispers rippled through the air like wind through tall grass.

“Is that—?”

“Oh my god…”

All at once, everyone seemed to remember her. Mrs. Carter, though not anymore.

Vanessa’s attention snapped to the doorway. Surprise flickered for just a second in her eyes. Then, cool and sharp as always, she recovered. Her lips curled into a smile.

“Well,” she murmured, “how interesting.”

Daniel caught on, his gaze hardening when he spotted Lola.

The room shifted, a path forming between the guests as Lola walked in, nerves barely hidden. Her gaze stayed forward, even as the whispers trailed after her.

“I can’t believe she showed.”

“Does she have no shame?”

“This is humiliating.”

Some couldn’t help but stare. Others tried to hide their laughter. But Lola kept moving until she reached the heart of the ballroom.

Vanessa moved to meet her, hand resting on her belly, seeming every bit the picture of composure.

She looked Lola over, eyes glinting with amusement. “I suppose someone in the invites department made a mistake,” she said, voice sweet as poison.

The crowd snickered.

Vanessa glanced around the room for effect, then looked straight at Lola and spoke slowly, making sure everyone could hear.

“You were only ever a mistake.”