The Ex-Wife's Revenge

I had no pride left. It was gone. I smiled bitterly at the papers in my hands, realizing I had no right to back down now, not after everything. It had been weeks since my dad completely left us. Even now, I refuse to believe he’s really gone. I tell myself he’s still watching over us, somewhere out there. I know he did this to escape the weight of all the pressure he’d been carrying, and I respect that. But still, it haunts me. The grief that clung to me for so long started turning into something darker. Hatred. While the Ramirezes go on with their perfect lives, my family’s been destroyed because of them. I’ve been robbed of everything: my family, my friends... and I can’t even dream anymore. I cried until I couldn’t anymore, dragging myself through the day as if my body had to carry every ounce of pain. Eventually, exhaustion overtook me, and I passed out like a child, drained from the endless tears. The next morning came, but I almost wished it hadn’t. I stood near Hugo Ramirez at a bar he always goes to, just out of his line of sight. I could see him clearly, but he didn’t notice me. I drained my fourth glass of tequila, eyes locked on him the whole time. He didn’t even seem interested in anyone around him, least of all the girls practically throwing themselves at him. My jaw clenched, trying to suppress the rage building inside me. So this is what your perfect life looks like, huh? While mine has fallen apart, he’s out here living it up, acting like he didn’t ruin someone else’s world. By the time I finished my fifth drink, the room was spinning. I’m not a drinker, but the pain made it feel like the only thing I could do. I couldn’t think straight anymore, but the plan was clear: seduce Hugo, make him agree to a deal with me. It felt stupid, but it was the only way I knew to bring them down. I could feel the warmth creeping up my cheeks, no doubt from the alcohol. But I steadied myself, preparing for the battle I intended to win tonight. I combed my hair to the side, letting my bangs fall just right. Taking a deep breath, I walked toward him, making sure to lock my gaze to him as I approached. I knew his friends were watching, but I didn’t care. I was here for one thing. Again, Hugo didn’t even glance at me. For a moment, I felt embarrassed until the alcohol whispered in my ear to forget it. I didn’t know what I was doing, but the words left my mouth before I could stop them: “Can we dance? And if you like it, buy me a drink.” I bit my lip just enough for him to notice, letting the shine of my lips catch his eye. Confidence radiated from me. Alicia Gonzales, my mom, invented a temptation, and only a fool could resist me. Finally, Hugo raised his head. I froze for a second. Damn, he was hot. Tan skin, chiseled jawline, those hunter-like eyes… He looked like he stepped out of a magazine. I hated that my body responded to him that way, but I couldn’t deny it. So, this is why girls go crazy with him huh? I brushed off that thought. Instead, I forced a flirtatious smile and extended my hand toward him. He stood up, towering over me, making me feel like I was looking up at a giant. How tall this guy could be?! I’m tall myself, so it’s rare for a guy to make me feel small. "Sure," he said, his voice low, his eyes still locked on mine. It felt like he was studying me, sizing me up like I was some kind of prey. I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. He had no idea he was already falling into my trap. I didn’t care what he thought or what he was going to do next. One thing was for sure: we were going to be each other’s prey, Hugo Ramirez.