Flash of Betrayal: Second Shot at Love

I finally married the love of my life, Leon Thorne. Tonight was supposed to be the happiest night of my life—our wedding night. But one phone call shattered everything. "Sorry, but something came up with Monica. I have to go," Leon said, his voice tense. Without even glancing back at me, he grabbed his keys and walked out the door. I flopped back onto the bed, seething, unease settling deep in my gut. Monica Carter—his first love. Years ago, when Leon hit rock bottom in his career, she had walked out on him. Why had she suddenly come back now? ***** The next afternoon, our honeymoon flight to Auroria was just hours away, but Leon still hadn't returned. His secretary kept calling, urging me to make it to the airport, but Leon's phone remained off. Frustrated and increasingly worried, I tried calling him again. No luck. Then Emily Parker, my best friend and our business partner at Thorne Enterprises, called. "Oh my God, Isabella, did you hear? Monica's back! And guess what? She's been diagnosed with cancer. She's at Riverside General Hospital right now." My heart plummeted into a free fall. Any last shred of hope I had for Leon evaporated. Of course, he'd gone to see Monica. She was sick, and that apparently justified abandoning his new wife on their wedding night. All those vows, those promises—they meant nothing. Emily's voice was chipper, blissfully unaware of my turmoil. "Anyway, enough about her! Tell me about you. How was last night? Must've been amazing!" I swallowed hard. "I was exhausted. Went to bed early." "What?" she gasped. "You're kidding, right?" I could almost see her face crumpling in disappointment. It mirrored my own. ***** Hanging up, I drove to the hospital. I'd told myself to stay calm, but as I stood outside Monica's room, I froze. Through the glass, I saw Leon leaning over her, brushing her hair tenderly. Then he kissed her. My stomach churned violently. The way he looked at her—it was with a warmth, a reverence I'd never seen in his eyes when he looked at me. Even during our most intimate moments, his gaze never carried that kind of love. I clenched my fists. The nausea overwhelmed me, and I doubled over, dry-heaving in the hallway. The noise startled them. Leon turned and saw me through the glass. With a murmured word to Monica, he stepped into the corridor. ***** "Isabella," he said, closing the door behind him. I slapped him. Hard. The sound echoed through the hallway, and Leon's head snapped to the side. A red mark bloomed on his cheek. For a brief moment, his blue eyes flickered with shock and anger. But then he regained his composure, his face cold and unreadable. "We need to get divorced," he said flatly. "Monica has cancer. She needs me. I love her. I can't just abandon her." "Love her?" I laughed, bitter and hollow. "Don't you dare! Did I force you to propose while you were still in love with her? You're disgusting, Leon." "Divorce?" I spat the word. "That's rich, coming from a man who abandoned his wife on their wedding night." Leon's tone softened, as if that would somehow help. "I know you're upset. But Monica needs me more than you do. I'll make it right. I'll give you half of my properties and company shares. It's only fair." "Fair?" I sneered. "You think you can buy my forgiveness? You're not worth it. I hope for your sake she really has cancer, because if she doesn't, you'll be answering to God for this." I straightened, my voice steady with resolve. "And just so we're clear, Leon, this isn't your decision. It's mine. You're guilty of emotional infidelity. Between the surveillance footage and your calls, you've handed me all the evidence I need. Legally, you'll walk away with nothing." Leon looked taken aback. "Are you serious? Isabella, don't do this. You're being unreasonable. She needs me—" "I'm not being unreasonable," I interrupted. "I married you because I believed in us. But that doesn't mean I'll tolerate your betrayal. You want a divorce? Fine. My lawyer will be in touch."