A PAINFUL REGRET WITH A PERFECT REVENGE

THE FIRST MOVE

The next morning, Laura woke up feeling different.

For years, she had started her mornings with the same thoughts.

How could she make her mother proud?

How could she gain Patricia's acceptance?

How could she make Williams love her more?

But this morning was different.

The old Laura had spent years seeking love from people who never intended to give it.

The new Laura was done begging.

She sat upright on her bed and stared out the window.

The sun was already rising, painting the sky in shades of gold and orange.

For a few moments, she remained still.

Then she smiled.

Not because she was happy.

Not because she wasn't hurt.

But because she finally saw the truth.

The pain was still there.

The betrayal was still fresh.

But now she knew who her enemies were.

And she intended to make them pay.

Slowly, she got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom.

The cool water running over her skin seemed to wash away the last traces of the old Laura.

When she finished bathing, she stood before her wardrobe and carefully selected one of her best outfits.

She took her time applying her makeup.

Not because she wanted anyone's approval.

Not because she wanted to impress Williams.

For herself.

Only herself.

When she finally stood before the mirror, she paused.

For years she had looked into mirrors and only seen flaws.

She had compared herself to Patricia.

Compared herself to other women.

Wondered why she wasn't enough.

Now she saw something different.

A beautiful young woman.

Strong.

Intelligent.

Talented.

A woman who had survived years of emotional neglect and still managed to remain kind.

A woman who deserved better.

Much better.

Laura smiled at her reflection.

"I'll never make myself smaller for anyone again."

The words felt powerful.

Like a promise.

She grabbed her handbag and headed downstairs.

As expected, her parents were already having breakfast.

The familiar sight almost made her laugh.

It had always been the same.

Breakfast was rarely announced to her.

If Charles didn't specifically ask someone to call her, they simply carried on without her.

Once upon a time, that would have hurt.

Today it didn't.

She simply smiled politely and walked past them.

Charles looked up.

"Good morning, Laura."

"Good morning, Father."

Maria barely glanced at her.

Patricia didn't even bother looking up from her phone.

Laura wasn't surprised.

Without saying another word, she left the house.

Outside, she got into her car and sat quietly for a moment.

Then she remembered.

Today was supposed to be the day she and Williams tested their wedding outfits.

A small smile appeared on her face.

Perfect.

It was time for the first move.

She started the car and drove away.

A few minutes later, her phone vibrated.

Williams.

She opened the message.

Good morning, darling. I wanted to call earlier about the wedding outfit fitting. I'm handling something right now, but I'll join you as soon as I'm done.

Laura stared at the message.

Then laughed softly.

The audacity amazed her.

Even after everything she had heard.

Even after all the lies.

He was still pretending.

Still acting.

Still wearing his mask.

"You're a better actor than I thought," she whispered.

Then she locked her phone and continued driving.

When she arrived at the bridal store, the staff welcomed her warmly.

Everyone knew her wedding was approaching.

The workers excitedly brought out the dress that had been specially prepared for her.

The gown was breathtaking.

Elegant.

Beautiful.

Almost like something from a fairy tale.

Laura gently touched the fabric.

For a moment, sadness filled her heart.

Once upon a time, this dress represented her dream.

Now it represented a lie.

The attendants helped her into the gown.

A few minutes later, she stood before the mirror.

She looked stunning.

Any bride would have been thrilled.

Laura smiled sadly.

"If only it had been real."

Then the curtain opened.

She turned.

Williams stood there.

The moment his eyes landed on her, he froze.

His expression was filled with shock and admiration.

For a second, he seemed unable to speak.

Finally he smiled.

"Laura..."

He took a step forward.

"You look beautiful."

Laura smiled back.

A cold smile.

A smile he didn't understand.

Then, without warning, she reached for a decorative cutting knife resting on a nearby table.

Before anyone could react—

RIP!

The blade tore through the wedding gown.

Gasps filled the room.

Again.

RIP!

Another tear.

The expensive fabric split apart.

The attendants screamed.

Williams' eyes widened in horror.

"Laura!"

She continued.

RIP!

RIP!

Within seconds, the beautiful gown was ruined.

The room fell silent.

Williams stared at her.

"Have you lost your mind?"

His voice echoed through the room.

"Do you know how expensive that dress is?"

Laura laughed.

The sound shocked everyone.

For the first time, her laughter held no sadness.

Only confidence.

She slowly walked toward him.

Then—

SLAP!

The sound echoed through the room.

Williams staggered backward.

A red mark appeared on his face.

Nobody moved.

Nobody spoke.

Laura looked directly into his eyes.

"You still have the courage to stand before me and pretend?"

Williams immediately switched expressions.

Confusion.

Innocence.

The same mask he always wore.

"Laura, what are you talking about?"

She laughed again.

"Oh, yes."

"Of course."

"You wouldn't know what I'm talking about."

Williams swallowed nervously.

For the first time, genuine fear appeared in his eyes.

Laura stepped closer.

"You think I'm still that foolish girl?"

"You think I don't know about you and Patricia?"

His face went pale.

Only for a second.

But Laura noticed.

And that was enough.

She smiled.

"Exactly."

Then she slowly removed the engagement ring from her finger.

The same ring she had once treasured.

The same ring she had stared at every night before sleeping.

Now it meant nothing.

She held it up.

"I don't need this anymore."

Then she threw it directly at him.

The ring bounced against his chest and landed on the floor.

"You can marry Patricia if that's what you've always wanted."

Silence.

Nobody moved.

Nobody spoke.

Laura turned around.

Then she walked away.

Without looking back.

Without regret.

Without tears.

For the first time in years, she felt free.

When she arrived home, Maria immediately noticed her.

"Laura?"

Her mother frowned.

"Weren't you supposed to be at the fitting?"

Laura ignored her and continued upstairs.

"Laura!"

Still no response.

Inside her room, she changed into more comfortable clothes.

Then she sat on the edge of her bed.

The confrontation had felt good.

But she knew it wasn't enough.

Williams was only the beginning.

The real game had just started.

She picked up her phone and called one of the company's trusted employees.

Stanley.

"Hello, Miss Laura?"

"Stanley, I need a favor."

"Of course."

"Can you get me Robert's phone number?"

There was a brief pause.

"You mean Mr. Robert? Patricia's fiancé?"

Laura smiled.

"Yes."

"I need his number."

"Alright. I'll send it immediately."

A few moments later, the message arrived.

Laura stared at the number on her screen.

Robert.

The one person who had shown her genuine kindness.

The one person who didn't know he was about to become part of something much bigger.

A slow smile spread across her face.

For years everyone had known her as the weak girl.

The naive girl.

The girl who could be used.

The girl who would forgive anything.

But they had made one terrible mistake.

They assumed she would stay that way forever.

As Laura stared at Robert's number, a dangerous thought crossed her mind.

The game had finally begun.

And this time, she intended to win, and not just to win but to make her rival pay the price they wanted her to pay earlier.