The Comeback Queen

Chapter2: Best friend under A mask

Tina turned to Carson, her lips barely moving. “I need to go see her.”

Carson scoffed, adjusting his cufflinks with a smirk. “For what? Let her cry. She brought this on herself. I told her to stay home. What was she thinking, showing up looking like that? Didn’t she check a mirror before leaving the house?”

Tina reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “She just wanted to see you,” she whispered, feigning concern. “I’ll talk to her… before she makes this worse.”

Carson leaned in, his voice a low growl. “Fine. Kiss me first.”

She smirked. Their lips met in a deep, practiced kiss—one that made the crowd sigh in admiration. With a final seductive glance, Tina turned and walked out of the event hall, her gown swaying like a victorious flag.

Outside, Nora sat on the cold stone bench, her body shaking with silent sobs. The wind whipped her dress, now stained and torn from the earlier scuffle. Her mascara had smeared, and her arms trembled as she wiped her face.

“Nora,” Tina’s voice called gently.

Nora looked up, heart catching in her throat. Then, without warning, she launched forward, pounding her fists weakly against Tina’s shoulder. “Why? Why did you do that to me?”

Tina caught her hands, holding them firmly but gently. “I didn’t do anything. You brought that on yourself.”

Nora blinked, stunned. “What?”

“Who told you to come, huh?” Tina asked, stepping back slightly. “Don’t you trust your best friend anymore?”

Those words cut deep. Nora’s hands dropped to her sides. “Trust? You’re asking me about trust after what you and Carson did in there?” Her voice cracked.

Tina didn’t flinch. Instead, she gave a calm, condescending smile. “So, what—you wanted Carson to claim you in front of all those investors? Do you want the company to crash? You know how people talk. They’d pull out their money the moment they saw you standing beside him.”

Nora opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Tina’s voice had taken on a soothing, logical tone that wrapped itself around Nora’s confusion like a warm blanket.

“You’re his wife, Nora. Of course he loves you,” Tina continued. “And you know how much I respect your marriage. I’d never come between you two.”

The words sounded right. They should have comforted her. And yet… something didn’t sit right. But Nora was too broken, too humiliated to fight it. Maybe… maybe Tina was right. Maybe she had ruined the moment.

“But the ring,” Nora whispered, voice shaking. “On your finger... why are you wearing a wedding ring?”

Tina laughed lightly, as if the question were silly. “Nora, come on. It’s all part of the act. If I show up to every business function with Carson and don’t wear a ring, people will start asking questions. Do you want them thinking your husband is running around with another woman? Or worse, that he’s single and not faithful?”

Nora looked down at the ground. Her stomach twisted. Her heart told her something was wrong… but her mind was desperate for a reason to believe this wasn’t betrayal.

“And since I’ve always been by his side at these events,” Tina continued smoothly, “people already think I’m the wife. What would you have me say? 'Oh no, I’m just his wife’s best friend?’ That would only raise more questions about you.”

Nora was quiet. She bit her lower lip and blinked away fresh tears. Her head throbbed.

Tina sighed dramatically. “Look, I get it. Seeing us together hurt you. I’m sorry for that. But don’t throw away your marriage over one misunderstanding.”

Nora nodded slowly. Maybe… maybe it was a misunderstanding. Carson had always said she wasn’t presentable enough for business events. He had said it was to protect her. He had said that.

“I just felt so small,” Nora murmured. “He introduced you as his wife. And the way he looked at me like he didn’t know me… Tina, it broke something in me.”

Tina stepped closer and pulled her into a hug. “I know, sweetheart. But you’ve got to be strong for him. He’s doing this for both of you. Trust me.”

Nora let herself be held. Her arms wrapped weakly around Tina. She wanted to believe her. Needed to. She had sacrificed everything for Carson—her savings, her inheritance, even her self-esteem. She couldn’t believe it had all been for nothing.

“You’ll see,” Tina whispered, rubbing her back. “He’ll come home, apologize, and everything will go back to normal. Just cook something nice. Smile for him. Remind him why he loves you.”

Nora gave a soft nod.

“You didn’t drive here, right?” Tina asked.

“No… I thought I’d ride back with you both.”

Tina frowned slightly, then quickly smiled. “Let me get you a taxi. The weather looks like it’s about to turn, and I won’t be going to your estate after this. I’m heading straight home.”

Nora hesitated. “Are you mad at me?”

Tina chuckled. “Of course not. I understand. Just… go home, get some rest. And don’t listen to those people inside. You’re beautiful just the way you are. Carson and I—we both love you.”

As Tina turned to flag down a car, Nora watched her. Her heart was heavy, torn between pain and hope.

Was she being protected… or erased?

But she pushed the thought away.

Carson would explain. He always did.

After the car carrying Nora drove off, Tina stood at the grand entrance of the hall. A sly smile curled on her lips. She folded her arms, eyes still locked on the retreating headlights as she whispered to herself, “You’re too easy to manipulate.”

Just then, Carson appeared behind her, his voice low. “Who’s too easy to manipulate?”

Tina didn’t even flinch. She turned, smirking. “Your wife,” she said smoothly. “She believed every word I told her.”

Carson chuckled darkly. “Of course she did. That woman’s too blinded by love—and her desperate need to be wanted.”

Tina stepped closer, her fingers grazing his chest. “You should head home now. Apologize to her. Buy her some flowers, maybe even cook her a little breakfast tomorrow. Keep her distracted, Carson. We don’t need her asking questions.”

He nodded, a grin tugging at his lips. “I will. You know exactly how to handle her. That’s why I keep you close.”

She bit her lower lip, eyes gleaming with mischief. “And that’s why I love you.”

Carson reached for her waist. “Let me drop you off. I can’t let my beautiful woman take a taxi home, can I?”

Tina laughed softly as she grabbed his cufflinks and pulled him into a deep kiss. “Always the gentleman.”

Without another word, Carson scooped her into his arms and carried her to his sleek black car. The driver opened the door without a sound, and they slid inside, hidden from the world by tinted glass.

As the car pulled away, Carson leaned in, his voice husky. “So… when are we going to spend time together again? I’ve missed you—your body, your touch, everything.”

Tina tilted her head, brushing her lips against his ear. “I’ll message you later. But first—do what’s necessary. Play the doting husband. Win her trust back, Carson.”

He smirked, pressing a kiss to her neck. “Consider it done.”

Just then, Carson’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out casually, but the moment his eyes landed on the screen, his expression shifted—barely, but enough for Tina to notice.

“What is wrong babe?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.