THE OTHER WOMAN, a dark obsession

“Mara, if one thing goes wrong tonight, you are fired!” Mrs. Zaza screamed even though I was standing right beside her. I rolled my eyes. I had worked for the Zaza family for 15 years; Mrs. Zaza had always been like that. The entire mansion buzzed with preparations. Caterers rushed in and out of the kitchen, waiters polished wine glasses for the third time, and expensive flowers covered almost every corner of the house. The CEO of Neolite was coming tonight. I heard he was proposing to Wendy. ********************************** Mrs. Zaza grabbed my arm sharply jolting me from my daydream “Mara, check the guests . And for heaven’s sake, try not to look miserable tonight.” I forced a smile and picked up a tray of champagne glasses before heading toward the grand hall. Then i saw him Ryan. The name echoed in my head as the tray nearly slipped from my fingers. No. No, this couldn’t be happening. I pinched myself hard, to be sure it wasn't another dream . It was him. My own Ryan. He looked even better than I remembered—sharp black suit, lazy smile, and that dimple. And there he was… Sitting beside Wendy. Smiling at her like she was the only woman in the world. My chest tightened painfully. Wendy laughed at something he said and rested her hand on his arm possessively while Mrs. Zaza watched them proudly. I could barely breathe. I slowly pulled out my phone with shaky fingers and dialed Ryan’s number. His pocket buzzed. Ryan glanced down at the screen. For one second, his expression froze. Then he declined the call. My stomach twisted. You sneaky bastard, I thought, clenching my teeth so hard it hurt. Slowly, Ryan lifted his head and looked around the room. His eyes landed on me. And the smile disappeared from his face. Before either of us could move, Mrs. Zaza’s sharp voice rang through the hall. “Mara !” she snapped. “Bring the engagement ring.” “Yes boss,” I muttered as I picked up the silver platter with the rings on it. My chest tightened painfully. Who would have thought that one day I would hand my own boyfriend the ring he would use to engage another woman? Mrs Zaza impatient as always snatched the platter from me and proudly held it out while Ryan slipped the ring onto Wendy’s finger. The hall erupted into cheers and applause. Everyone was smiling. Everyone except me. I forced myself to keep standing. I didn't have much of a choice. My legs where trembling but i couldn't sit. I wasn't a guest Then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, Ryan tapped his glass lightly with a spoon. The entire hall went quiet. He stood up, holding Wendy’s hand as he smiled widely “When I first met my queen, Wendy Linsly Zaza,” he began smoothly, “it felt magical. I instantly knew she was the one for me.” My stomach twisted. “The way her eyes sparkle… the way she brings out parts of me I never knew existed…” “Awwww,” the crowd murmured emotionally. I folded my arms tightly across my chest while Mrs. Zaza beamed with pride beside them. Ryan continued speaking. “As a testament to our love, I’m gifting Wendy my third estate on Kumbaba Island as an engagement present.” The room exploded into shocked gasps and applause. A man in a black suit immediately stepped forward with documents, and Wendy excitedly signed them while cameras flashed around them. I stood there completely stunned. I always knew Ryan had money. But this kind of money? No wonder he never let me visit his place. CEO of Neolite? estates? Luxury gifts? I swallowed hard and forced myself to stay calm. No. I needed answers. Before this party ended, I had to get Ryan alone. I needed answers, this had to be one big elaborate prank. There had to be a simple explanation “You’re dismissed,” Mrs. Zaza said cheerfully. Tonight she was unusually happy. And tonight of all nights, I needed to stay longer. My eyes drifted toward Mrs. Zaza as guests surrounded her with congratulations. She looked beautiful tonight in a fitted ankle-length red gown that hugged her body perfectly. Her makeup was softer than usual too, dark eyeshadow and deep red lips instead of the harsh purple shades she normally wore. For once, she actually looked elegant. Nothing like her daughter Wendy. I left the mansion feeling tired empty. Back at my apartment, steam covered the bathroom mirror as I slowly unzipped my gown. Ria sat on my bed, still ranting angrily. She had never liked Ryan from the beginning. The bathroom door was slightly open, and through the mirror I could see her pacing around the room with her arms folded tightly across her chest. “I told you to stay away from that loser,” she snapped. “He’s a billionaire,” I muttered weakly. “He’s a lying scumbag and a cheat,” she fired back immediately. “I always knew something about him was off.” She rubbed her chin . Ria my best friend was the complete opposite of me. Slim, Tiny waist, Long legs, She wore her straight black hair in a high ponytail every day, making her look younger than she actually was. She could pass for a high schooler anytime when infact she was twenty five years old and worked as a model at a cosmetic company. I smiled faintly. Not the happy one. The one that concealed deep pain. smiling hurt less than crying. By the time I finished bathing, my thoughts had drifted back to Ryan again. Maybe I was never his type. I stared at my reflection silently. I was nothing like Wendy. My body was fuller—thick thighs, ,round full buttocks, heavy curves that filled every dress too tightly. The kind of bum that influencers got surgery for. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Ria went to check She was in a heated conversation with whoever it was. her voice rose angrily. “You son of a b***h!” My heart stopped. “You lying cheat!” she yelled again. “Shouldn’t you be with your fiancée right now?” I froze. No. It couldn’t be. What was Ryan doing here? And after everything he had done… how could he show up at my door? I quickly threw on an oversized hoodie that stopped just below my knees. After tying my hair into a messy low bun, I slipped my feet into my fluffy slides and walked toward the room. There he was. Just outside my door like he had done nothing wrong. Looking innocent, Gentle, No he was a snake, A liar!!, No… worse than a liar, A chameleon!!! Changing colors whenever it suited him. Ryan still wore the same expensive clothes from the engagement party. His white button-up shirt was slightly open at the top, exposing part of his chest. A silver Star of David pendant rested against his skin, making his hairy skin stand out more He still looked unbelievably attractive. He was sexy. Fit for a male stripper model His sleeves were rolled up neatly, revealing his watch, strong hairy forearms, and the outline of muscles beneath the fabric. I could feel my thighs getting warm My stomach tightened. “I’ve got this, Ria,” I said quietly. Ria turned to look at me. She was blocking the doorway, but Ryan towered over her easily. Even from where I stood, I could feel his eyes on me. Burning into my skin. Ria gave me a warning look. "The are you sure?" kind. I nodded gently Reluctantly, she stepped aside and pushed past Ryan. “Don’t do anything stupid,” she warned him before walking across the hallway to her room. Our apartment was shared between five people—me, Ria, two Indian guys who where probably college students and one Weird nerdy lady who never spoke to anyone, Ria was gone, the room felt quiet, the silence was almost palpable. Ryan’s eyes slowly moved over me. The oversized hoodie. My bare legs. My messy hair. Then back to my face again. “Are you going to let me in?” he asked softly. “What are you doing here?” I snapped, folding my arms tightly beneath my chest. His gaze dropped briefly. Making me remember i wasn't wearing a bra.. My perky n*****s standing and peeking through the hoodie Heat rushed to my face instantly. Ryan stepped inside slowly and shut the door behind him. Click. The sound made my heart pound I was sweating, even though it was slightly cold and my windows were opened.