CHAPTER 003
1461 Words
CHAPTER 003
EIVINA'S POINT OF VIEW
Laima joked during our phone conversation that he could be helpful because he clearly has feelings for you. She paused before delivering her words with a playful smirk in her voice and said, “And honestly, it’s crazy.” He has fallen for you.”
“Love?” I couldn’t help but laugh. The idea was absurd. He doesn’t love me because he’s only playing games with me. He’s just toying with me. I dismissed him as a forgettable one-night stand while I brushed my hair behind my ear and watched Domantas work on his computer.
The computer screen displayed hours of security footage that contained all the proof I needed to bring Domantas and Aurelija down. Domantas had left his office, and I assumed he was somewhere with her doing who knows what.
Laima responded with a sigh through the phone saying, “Whatever you say.” You need to download that footage to bring them both down. Domantas and Aurelija deserve it.”
Her words made my lips form a gentle upward curve. She understood correctly because they would face consequences for their actions.
I gave my word with a strong voice. “They’ve taken enough from me.”
I ended the call and redirected my focus to the video footage. The download finished while the small blue progress bar moved at a slow pace across the screen. The download finished, so I pulled the flash drive from the laptop and put it into my purse.
Domantas was completely unaware of what lay ahead.
I entered the main elevator while my hand clutched the purse strap more tightly. The firm’s main floor presented a sleek, polished space that overwhelmed me with its unfamiliarity. The few visits I made to this place now made it feel like hostile ground.
While I walked through the corridors, I collided with a woman who was turning the corner. The tall woman wore professional attire while she examined me with barely concealed contempt.
She asked me abruptly if I had an appointment while crossing her arms defensively.
“No, I don’t, but—”
“Then you shouldn’t be here.” She spoke with a dismissive tone while her eyes narrowed. “I’m Rytis’s secretary, Daina. You belong to the group of women who find daily excuses to meet him. Leave now.” She directed me to the elevator with the same attitude she would use toward an annoying insect.
Her impolite behavior shocked me into a frozen stare. Was she always like this?
A deep, commanding voice cut through the air. Is this how you talk to people when I'm not present?
On hearing the authoritative voice, Daina quickly turned her head while her body stiffened. Rytis Adomas appeared behind me when I turned around. The department head’s green eyes held his secretarial assistant with an evident expression of disapproval.
Daina bent her head downward because she felt uneasy under his watchful eyes.
“What brings you here, Eivina?” Rytis posed the question in a professional manner, maintaining a distance between us. When he looked at me, I realized he appeared completely different from how he had been last night. The stiff way he stood showed his cold eye while his calm mood revealed a new side I didn't associate with his previous friendly nature.
“I… I need your help, I stammered.
He lifted his eyebrow and paused to let me speak further.
Domantas has been unfaithful to me with his secretary, which I discovered through this flash drive I pulled from my purse. My husband Domantas is attempting to seize the inheritance my mother left me. I want him fired.”
Rytis didn’t immediately respond. He accepted the flash drive from my hand but then shifted his focus to his phone, where he started typing. Each passing second made my stomach drop lower.
He finally leaned back in his chair and looked at the wall clock after what seemed like an endless wait.
He stood up and put his phone away before saying he would think about firing him if I presented something more advantageous. He departed from the office without saying anything, which left me alone to think.
I stood there, stunned. The man who held me tenderly last night seemed like someone entirely different.
Could this be the genuine Rytis Adomas I had heard about? The ruthless business professional I had heard about?
I shook my head to fend off the disappointment that was starting to take hold. It didn’t matter. The events from last night between us held no real significance. My priority had to be stopping Domantas.
I grabbed the flash drive before exiting the office while Daina openly displayed her smug expression as I walked by.
She shouted behind me, “Don’t expect anything.” “He’s a billionaire. You’re nothing more than a housewife who discovered her husband's infidelity.
The words hurt, but I kept my reaction hidden. Her assessment contained some truth. My encounter with Rytis would never have happened if I hadn’t stopped at that bar to drink.
It was just one night. Nothing more.
I entered the HR manager’s office shortly afterwards to complete the required forms for my complaint against Domantas. The middle-aged HR manager examined the paperwork while maintaining his friendly smile before he reached for his phone.
He spoke into the receiver, requesting to meet with me in his office.
Domantas entered the room with a self-satisfied smile on his face after a few minutes. The sight of him made my stomach turn.
His voice oozed arrogance as he asked, “You want me fired?” You’re after your mother’s inheritance and want to end your marriage?
I maintained eye contact with him while trying to stay as composed as possible.
“Eivina, that money belongs to me,” he declared while moving nearer. No attorney would dare to take on Vilkas Legal Firm in court. How can you possibly win this case within thirty days?
He was right, and he knew it. Vilkas Legal Firm earned its reputation as an unbeatable law practice.
Domantas reached into his jacket and said "let's make this official."
He placed an envelope on the manager’s desk which displayed “Divorce Agreement” in bold print across its front.
He commanded her removal before spinning around and exiting the room.
Moments later, two security guards showed up to escort me, along with the envelope, out of the building.
When I arrived at my car, my hands trembled uncontrollably. I ripped open the envelope to quickly examine what was inside.
The agreement was insulting. Domantas manipulated the terms so that I would get twenty thousand euros from our shared assets. Everything showed that he shifted his wealth offsite, which left me completely empty-handed.
A mixture of anger and regret started to rise within me. Throughout my years of wedded life, I played my role as the ideal wife while I gave up my self-sufficiency to be with someone who eventually dismissed my value. At the moment when I required strength above all else, I discovered I possessed none.
The sound of my phone ringing pulled me away from my thoughts. The screen displayed Laima’s name, and I picked up the call.
“Eivina!” she exclaimed. “I have great news!”
“What is it?” I asked the question while my voice remained unsteady.
“There’s a high-society party tonight. A top-notch lawyer who will support you to stand against Domantas will be present there.
“A party?” I hesitated.
“Yes! She told me she was bringing a dress and an invitation to my house. This opportunity won't come again so please trust me now.
Despite my reluctance, I acknowledged my friend's correct judgment because her infectious excitement was overwhelming. This event presents my sole chance to create equal footing.
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I entered the large ballroom two hours later where soft music blended with low murmured conversations. The dress Laima brought me fit perfectly but it wasn't my personal style choice.
This backless low-cut gown exposed more of my body than any dress I typically wore. The room's attention felt like tiny needles against my skin.
A man greeted me with a polite smile while I moved through the crowd but I gave him minimal recognition. A disturbance at the room's far side captured my attention.
Rytis stood at the center of a group of women who wore stunning dresses.
The moment his eyes met mine, the atmosphere around us changed.
My face warmed as he surveyed my body through purposeful and measured glances. The room seemed empty except for our presence.
Just him.
Just us.
What was his current expectation of me?
- Writer
