The Billionaire's Secret Heiress Lover

The rain pounded mercilessly against the windows of Sotheby's as I finished my final appraisal of the evening. My fingers traced the intricate brushstrokes of the newly authenticated 17th-century masterpiece, a sense of triumph coursing through my veins. Another success to add to my growing reputation as one of New York's finest art appraisers. "Time to call it a night," I murmured to myself, gathering my things and preparing to brave the storm outside. As I stepped out of the building, the rain immediately assaulted me, soaking through my designer suit in seconds. I cursed under my breath, fumbling with my umbrella as I scanned the street for any sign of an available taxi. No such luck. The journey home was nothing short of hellish. The subway was packed with irritable commuters, all of us sardined together in damp misery. By the time I reached my apartment building, I was soaked to the bone and in a foul mood. The handwritten "Out of Order" sign on the elevator was the final straw. "Perfect," I groaned, beginning the long climb to my penthouse apartment. With each step, I tried to focus on the positives. Evan would be waiting for me. He'd wrap me in a warm embrace, listen attentively as I shared the details of my latest professional triumph. Maybe he'd even run me a hot bath, pour some wine... The thought of my boyfriend's comforting presence was the only thing that kept me going as I finally reached my floor. I frowned as I approached our door, noticing it was slightly ajar. Had Evan forgotten to close it properly? "Evan?" I called out as I entered, my voice echoing in the seemingly empty apartment. No response. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach as I moved further inside. That's when I heard it – a muffled giggle coming from our bedroom. My heart began to race as I approached the partially open door. My hand trembled as I pushed it wider, unprepared for the sight that would greet me. There, tangled in the sheets of our bed, were Evan and Sarah – my boyfriend and my best friend – locked in a passionate embrace. Evan's muscular back was visible above the rumpled sheets, his hips moving rhythmically as Sarah's legs wrapped around his waist. Her head was thrown back in ecstasy, long blonde hair spilling across my pillow. For a moment, time stood still. I felt as if I were watching the scene from outside my body, unable to process the betrayal unfolding before my eyes. Then, reality came crashing down. "Evan! Sarah! How could you do this to me?" I screamed, my voice raw with pain and fury. They sprang apart, their faces masks of guilt and shock. "Olivia!" Evan gasped, scrambling to cover himself. "This... this isn't what you think!" I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and unnatural. "It's not what I think? Then what is it, Evan? Are you two rehearsing for a play I don't know about?" Sarah, at least, had the decency to look ashamed, clutching the sheets to her chest. "Olivia, I'm so sorry... We never meant for this to happen..." "Never meant for it to happen?" I spat, my eyes burning with unshed tears. "What, did you trip and fall onto his d**k?" I grabbed the nearest object – a crystal vase filled with roses Evan had given me just days ago – and hurled it across the room. It shattered against the wall, water and petals exploding in all directions. Evan jumped out of bed, reaching for his discarded pants. "Baby, please, let me explain—" "Explain?" I cut him off, backing away as he approached. "Explain how you've been f*****g my best friend behind my back? How long has this been going on, Evan?" Sarah spoke up, her voice small. "It was just a mistake, Olivia. We had too much to drink one night, and—" "Save it," I snarled. "I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses. Either of you." I turned to Evan, meeting his pleading gaze with eyes of steel. "We're done. Get out of my apartment. Now." "Olivia, please," Evan begged, reaching for me. "I love you. We can work through this." I recoiled from his touch as if it burned. "Love me? You have a funny way of showing it. Get. Out." As Evan fumbled to gather his clothes, Sarah attempted to approach me. "I know you're hurt, but maybe we can talk about this when you've calmed down—" The crack of my palm against Sarah's cheek echoed through the room. "Don't you dare tell me to calm down," I hissed. "You're no friend of mine. You're nothing to me now. Both of you – get out of my sight before I call the police." Evan, now partially dressed, tried one last time. "Olivia, where am I supposed to go?" I laughed mirthlessly. "I don't give a damn where you go. Sleep in the gutter for all I care. Just get out of my home and my life." As the reality of the situation sank in, Evan's demeanor changed. His pleading expression hardened into something uglier. "Fine. Have it your way. But don't come crawling back when you realize what you've thrown away." "Thrown away?" My voice dripped with venom. "You're nothing but trash, Evan. And I'm taking out the garbage." With that, I stormed out of the bedroom, unable to bear the sight of them for another second. I heard hurried movements behind me as Evan and Sarah scrambled to dress and gather their belongings. I stood by the open front door, arms crossed, as they shuffled past me. Sarah attempted to meet my gaze, but I stared straight ahead, as if they were invisible. As soon as they crossed the threshold, I slammed the door shut and engaged every lock. Only then did I allow myself to slide to the floor, my body wracked with sobs. The rain continued to pound against the windows, mirroring the storm of emotions raging within me. In the span of a few minutes, my entire world had shattered. The man I loved and the friend I trusted most had betrayed me in the cruelest way possible. I don't know how long I sat there, crying until I had no tears left. When I finally stood, my legs shaky and my heart hollow, I knew I couldn't stay here. Not in this apartment, surrounded by memories of my life with Evan. I needed to escape, to go somewhere – anywhere – else.