After Betrayal: The Betrayed Heiress Strikes Back

CHAPTER 1 Darya. Panic surged through my heart as I dialed Andrei’s number for the umpteenth time, but just like the others, I was redirected to voicemail. I bit my bottom lip hard, heart pounding in my chest as I stood from the bed I was sitting on. It's been an hour since Ivan left the hotel suite after receiving an emergency call. I had asked what happened and he only replied that he'll be back in a jiffy, but as I stood clueless in the room, I couldn't control the gnawing clench in my chest. Something seemed off. It's our wedding night, we're supposed to consummate our marriage like real couples. Whatever that had taken Ivan's time is what I didn't plan for. In a swift move, I yanked my wedding gown up and flipped my feet inside the flip-flops, then grabbed my car keys on the bed stand. Yes, I was still in my wedding dress, waiting for Ivan to return and as gently as ever, slip the gown out of me, eyes locked in a passionate, intense gaze, before finally claiming my lips in the most heated way ever. I wanted my wedding gown to be stained with my blood, but that desire was crushed. I was only worried about Ivan, his wellbeing and what had really happened to him. As I neared the gate of my mansion, my grip tightened around the car steering and I could hear my heart racing aggressively in my chest, threatening to tear my ribcage. Sweat trickled down from my earlobe, down to my wedding gown and I gulped down nothing, lips trembling slightly. In one swift move, I was already inside the mansion, legs paddling against the floor as I neared the entrance... But suddenly, I couldn't move. I paused on my steps, fingers curling into fists as I heard a sound. A low drawn-out sigh. My throat turned sour, and my breath hitched, a whirlwind of emotions swirling around me. But I forced a smile—a smile which didn't reach the corner of my eyes. As I tried to take another step, the sound came again, now sharper than the first and my heart stopped beating momentarily as painful tears sting my eyes. I was still lost, trying to figure out what the sound was when I heard it again — a throaty, guttural groan. It pierced my heart like a sharp blade. Painful. Cutting and I bite back a cry. With a squeak, I slammed the door open and I was forced to stagger back, all air punched out of my lungs. My chest constricted in pain, and I couldn't breathe properly. Bodies sleek with heat, hearts burning with desire, Andrei thrusted in and out of a lady's hole—fast, rough, like he missed it for so long. As if he was deprived of it. My presence, an oblivion. I was not acknowledged, instead, Andrei rode deeper, groaning, moaning and shrieking at the pleasures he was feeling. The air was thick and heavy with their c*m and I couldn't believe I was standing there, watching. For a frenzied moment, I was lost, confused and shattered when.... “f**k!! Andrei... Yeah...” I stumbled back once more, the voice cutting through my chest like the sharp blade of a sword. Another punch in my guts. That damned voice. I could remember it. Anywhere, just anywhere. In my dreams, in another country, even in the afterlife. Anastasia's voice. My best friend. The same friend that played the role of my chief bridesmaid a few hours ago. The same friend I took as a sister. She's my best friend of five years. I gasped, unable to accept the horrifying scene playing out before me. My best friend and my just wedded husband, making out.... On.... I gagged, heavy tears pooling down my cheeks as I shook my head frantically. This was absurd. This was crazy. “Andrei! Anastasia!!” I finally found my voice and screamed. But my voice betrayed me. Low. Broken. Shaken and rasp. Andrei pulled out of Anastasia, snapping his head toward me. But the gaze I met, made my heart freeze. I had expected him to act shocked, apologetic— even if it was fake, even if he didn't mean it. But instead, I was greeted with a raging fury, face scrunched up in deep-seated hatred. Anastasia scoffed below Andrei, looking indifferent too, face twisted in distaste and anger. She was displeased with my presence. I had just interrupted their blissful moment. “You... You both,” I paused, biting back another tear. “Tell me I've got a problem with my vision,” I cracked, my emotions tumbling. Anastasia snared, face scornful. “It's a bonus that you're here, Kalina.” She jibed, her words dripping with venom. She turned to Andrei, running her hands on his chest, and as I stared at them, my stomach churned in disbelief, in anger, irritation and I wanted to vomit. “Tell her, tell her babe. It's finally time for her to know the truth.” 'Babe' 'Truth' Those two words are haunting, petrifying and I didn't know if I was eager to hear whatever Andrei was going to say or apprehensive. Ivan leaned forward, eyes lacking warmth. “I love Anastasia, and we've been dating for two years. She's currently pregnant with my child, something you failed to give me all through four years of knowing you.” His voice was firm, cold and detached, sending all the little hopes I've been clinging on crashing. I stifled back a laugh. Was this a prank? Two years? Currently pregnant with his child? How? How did I miss this? I've known Anastasia for five years, and Ivan for four years. How didn't I get a clue? How?... I paused, memories.... Painful memories, rushing into my brain. There were subtle signs. A lot of them. I didn't just notice, or maybe, I did... But I was too trusting and loving. I trusted Andrei. Foolishly. Gave myself to be played with. One time, Andrei embarked on a one month alleged business trip and Anastasia went on a vacation too. That was what she told me, I should have known when Andrei returned a day after her. I should have known when Anastasia kept acting suspicious and even refused introducing me to her fiance, with her constant..... '𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨' I should have known... But I was too blinded. Too... Foolish. “Why? Why did you both deceive me?” I screamed, heart palpitating as my emotions threatened to explode. I could feel my heart tightening and constricting in pain. “You're rich, filthy rich Darya. Isn't that enough reason?” Andrei sneered, his voice draped in anger, hatred even. I shook my head. Wiping the tears that slid down my cheeks before they could see it. It didn't make sense. I was rich? That was bull-crap. “You didn't see how your wealth got into your head? Making it big as the CEO of a multi billionaire conglomerate at the age of 22 years? That's a fúcking threat to me, Darya.” I've been working endlessly for us. Andrei and I! So how can that pose a threat to him? How? I even went as far as signing my companies documents to him so I could prove to him that I wasn't a threat. What was he saying now? “You're being ridiculous Andrei. Is this some sort of cover up for your infidelity?” My heart was heaving with anger and I was trying my best to control myself. “Cover up?” he huffed. “Why will I spill crap to cover up for what's the truth? You're rich, Darya, yeah. But spending my forever with you? I don't see myself doing that. You're a spoilt brat, and—” “Then why the hell did you marry me, why?” I yelled at him, fingers curled into fists. He chuckled, lips curling. “For power? What else Darya, your dumb brain couldn't tell you I was only interested in your wealth? Tsk. Tsk.” he clicked his tongue pathetically and my tears pooled down my cheeks. I couldn't control it. The truth slammed hard into me like a tidal wave. This wasn't about love, but power and wealth. I wasted four years of my life, loving the wrong person who was only interested in my wealth. Someone who didn't love me, didn't see me as someone he could spend the rest of his life with. I was only a bait... Caught up in his game of power pursuit and it took him years of planning and strategizing to show his real nature. And for Anastasia... She approached me for the same purpose too. My wealth. It was all they wanted. I paused, turning around in one swift move and I saw an object. A knife. One minute I was standing clueless in the room, broken. And the next, I was holding a knife in my hand, determined to end their lives. If I die, I die... But I wouldn't let them go unscathed. I'll make them pay for hurting and breaking me in the cruelest way. As I launched closer with the knife, determined to stab Anastasia's heart, Andrei shot his hand forward and I was flung across the room. I crashed against the couch, then a crack. I felt my bone crack because of the heavy impact of the fall. But that didn’t stop me. I was too blinded by rage to even think a moment. I grabbed the knife once more, then hurled it forward, eyes bloodshot. Before they could dodge, it rammed into Anastasia, her blood spilled on the floor and an ear-piercing scream tore from her lips.