Velvet Lies, Ruthless Hearts

"I'm clocking out now, Sophia," Violetta said, untying the brown apron of The Aurelia Lounge. The Aurelia Lounge was the most expensive lounge in Imperial City. Gold chandeliers, velvet chairs, and a coffee that cost more than a waitress's daily salary. Violetta had worked here for two years. Sophia looked up from the counter, surprised. "It's unlike you to leave early, Violetta. Is something important today?" Before Violetta could answer, Nina walked in from the kitchen, smiling. "You forgot? Today is June 14th," Nina said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Her three-year anniversary with Lucas Blackwood." Sophia's eyes widened. "Lucas Blackwood? The heir to Blackwood Industries?" "Yes," Nina teased, leaning closer. "I heard from my course mate this morning that Lucas returned from his business trip in Paris earlier than scheduled. He told the press he was rushing back to meet his love." Violetta felt her cheeks turn red. "Stop it, both of you." "Three years, Violetta," Sophia said softly, genuinely happy for her. "Yet Lucas still treats you like a princess. He even called our manager last month and told him not to give you the night shifts. He said you get too tired." Violetta smiled. That was Lucas. Cold to the whole world, but gentle only to her. At least, that's what she thought. She walked to the staff room and picked up the small chocolate cake she had baked at 4 a.m. that morning. The frosting was a little messy, but she had written with white cream: _Happy 3 Years, My Love. "Thanks, ladies," she said, holding the cake box carefully. "I made this for us too. I'll bring you some tomorrow." Sophia and Nina cheered. In the tiny staff bathroom, Violetta changed out of her work uniform. She wore the light blue short dress Lucas had bought for her from Paris before his trip. It was simple but elegant, with small black heels and a small black bag. She looked at herself in the cracked mirror. For once, she didn't look like a tired waitress. She looked like a girl in love. She took out her old phone. Her phone screen had a small c***k. She opened her ride app and ordered a cheap taxi. She couldn't afford a driver. To everyone who knew about her and Lucas, she was just a lucky girl who managed to date someone like Lucas Blackwood. The taxi ride to Serenity Gardens took thirty minutes. Serenity Gardens was not a normal apartment. It was a private residential tower owned by the Vale Group, one of the richest companies in Imperial City. Only billionaires lived there. The security was tighter than the Imperial Palace. As the taxi stopped, the security guard at the gate immediately recognized her. "Miss Violetta," the guard smiled respectfully. Everyone in the building knew her as the girl who always visited Lucas, but no one knew about their real relationship. Violetta nodded, hugging the cake box to her chest. She walked through the shining marble lobby. Her small heels clicked on the floor. She entered the private elevator and pressed 13. Her hands were shaking, but not from fear. From happiness. She remembered Lucas's voice on the phone three hours ago. His deep, calm voice. "Violetta, come to Serenity tonight. I have a memorable anniversary gift for you. I have waited long enough to give you what you deserve." She thought he was finally going to announce their relationship to the public. For three years, they hid their love because his family said she was not from a rich family. But now that his father had officially announced him as the heir to Blackwood Industries last week, she thought everything would change. She thought he would finally tell the world: _This is the woman I love. The elevator doors opened on the 13th floor. The hallway was quiet and covered in expensive grey carpet. The air smelled like cold perfume and money. Violetta walked to the door of his penthouse, Room 1301, which faced the city skyline. Her heart was beating so fast she could hear it. She lifted her hand to press the password. 0614 - their anniversary date. But the door was already slightly open. A narrow gap. Light was coming from inside. She frowned. Lucas always locked his door. She pushed it gently and peeped inside. And her whole world stopped. Through the narrow opening of the half-closed bedroom door, she saw him. Lucas Blackwood. Her Lucas. The man she had loved for three years, the man she baked a cake for at 4 a.m. He was not alone. He was wrapped in another woman's arms. The woman was tall, with long wavy hair and a red dress that had fallen to the floor. His white shirt was unbuttoned. His lips were on hers. Her hands were on his chest. It was not a mistake. It was not a hug. It was passionate. Intimate. The cake box in Violetta's hands slipped. It crashed onto the marble floor. The sound of the plastic box cracking echoed through the entire silent hallway. Inside the room, the kissing stopped. Violetta stood there, frozen. Tears started pouring from her eyes before she could even breathe. Her tongue was glued. She couldn't speak. She couldn't scream. The shock was visible on her face, but her body couldn't move. Lucas pulled away from the woman. His eyes widened when he saw her standing at the door. "Violetta..." His voice was shocked and bewildered. "What are you doing here?" Violetta opened her mouth, but no words came out. The chocolate cake she had woken up so early to bake was now smeared on the expensive floor. But before she could answer, a woman's cold, elegant voice came from behind her in the hallway. "Because I called her." Violetta's blood ran cold. She knew that voice. She slowly turned around. A woman stood behind her. Two men in black suits stood silently at her sides. Her elegant black dress was flawless. Her expression was colder than the marble beneath Violetta's feet. Madam Blackwood. Lucas's stepmother. One of the most powerful women in Imperial City. And she was smiling, a cruel, satisfied smile.