The Ex-Wife's Comeback!

Chapter 4

CARA

I sat in front of the mirror, the make-up artist's skilled hands still working their magic. The red floral gown I wore fit me perfectly, the fabric swirling gracefully around my body, accentuating my curves.

My hair had been styled to perfection, and the make-up artist was now putting the finishing touches on my face. I looked stunning, like one of those models I often saw online.

However, as I gazed at my reflection, an unsettling feeling crept in. This wasn't me. Slowly, without realizing it, I had become a shadow of myself.

Lost in thought, I was jolted back to reality when the door opened and a maid poked her head inside.

“Ma’am, you’re needed downstairs. Mr. Nicklaus is calling for you.”

With the assistance of the make-up artist, who helped me gather the long gown, I managed to stand properly. It was time to face whatever awaited me downstairs.

I knew I had agreed to this, but unease churned in my heart. I trusted he wouldn't hurt me, yet the thought of facing the world and pretending to be his wife terrified me. But then again, what has the world ever done for me? Nothing. So why should I care about their opinions?

Descending the stairs felt like an eternity.

As I reached the bottom, I saw him. He looked resplendent in a red suit, his fierce face and emerald eyes fixated on me.

He didn’t say a word, but the way his gaze locked on mine made my heart skip. Something shifted in the air between us.

He held out his hand. I was never one to be attracted to older men, but there was something inexplicably different about him. Something that made it hard to look away.

I slowly took his hand, inhaling sharply at the softness of his palm.

“Once we walk out that door, Cara, you're Mrs. Salvatore, my lovely wife,” he whispered, his breath lingering in my ear, causing a strange flutter in my chest.

“It's a game I'm willing to play,” I replied after a moment of silence.

We left the living room hand in hand, and as we stepped outside, I noticed a sleek, red Lamborghini parked in the driveway, gleaming like sunlight.

As we approached the car, the door opened, and a uniformed driver stepped out. He opened the door for us, and we both got in, the door closing behind us.

I folded my hands together and inhaled deeply.

“Breathe in, Cara. They won't bite,” he said, glancing at me with a small smirk that disappeared as quickly as it came. His voice was calm, commanding—but strangely soothing.

The car zoomed off.

After what felt like an eternity, it pulled up to a grand hotel, a red carpet leading to the entrance. The driver got out, leaving us alone in the car.

“Wait for me here, okay? I'll ask someone to call you in,” he said. I nodded.

“You don't need to be scared. I'm here,” he added, looking… reliable for a moment.

“Don’t take too long. I'll be waiting,” I smiled.

As he made to leave, he suddenly leaned forward and kissed my lips. I tried to push him away, wanting to understand why, but he only deepened the kiss.

The moment I felt his mouth, I froze. I couldn't tell if it was me or my body reacting on its own, but I wanted him to continue.

His lips were firm, confident—like he was used to getting what he wanted.

Before I could savor it, he pulled away and tugged my shoulder, causing me to flinch.

“Sorry for kissing you without your permission. I just want you to get used to it. I'll be kissing you a lot in there,” he said. I slowly nodded, still confused.

“Don’t fret,” he mumbled as he walked out.

As soon as he went in, I heard cheering from everyone inside. They were chanting his name. The noise was overwhelming, and I covered my ears. This was the first time I’d experienced such attention.

Suddenly, his voice boomed. He had kept me here to hear him.

“Thank you all for honoring my event. A special thank you to my honorable guest,” he said, followed by applause.

“The major reason I came to this party was to address the issue of me being single,” he paused, and the room fell silent.

“Actually, I've been married for a year now,” he announced. My mouth fell open.

“A year!” the crowd exclaimed in unison. Even I was shocked.

“Yes, she's been outside the country since our marriage. I'd like to introduce her to you all now,” he added, and murmurs rippled through the room.

I knew my cue. Spotting the driver, I quickly stepped out and walked to him. He signaled for me to walk ahead, and he followed me inside.

A bright light illuminated the room as I entered, my heart racing. I quickened my steps to the stage.

Basking in the attention, my blood ran cold. In the corner stood the man I had been running from, the man I thought I had left behind.

Jayden!

I thought I’d forgotten what he did to me, but staring at him, I could barely breathe. I tried to step forward but couldn’t. I was frozen.

Suddenly, his eyes met mine. The world stopped. He was shocked; his mouth opened in surprise.

A warm hand on my bare shoulder brought me out of my reverie.

“What’s wrong, Cara?” Nicklaus asked, noticing my trembling.

“Pull yourself together, Cara. Heads up,” he stated, giving me the only motivation I needed.

He wrapped his arm around my waist while I held onto his, and we walked to the stage.

“Meet my wife, Mrs. Cara Salvatore,” he announced, and the room erupted. Flashes of cameras shone on me, and paparazzi swarmed the hall. Security held them back.

Nicklaus pulled out a remote. “I promised to make my wife the envy of everyone, and this is just the beginning.” He pressed the button, and the anticipation grew.

Almost immediately, a red Bugatti drove into the premises, a note attached:

“FOR MY LOVELY WIFE”

My jaw dropped. A brand-new, bright red Bugatti—it was mine. I couldn't believe it.

I hugged Nicklaus deeply, and he returned it. The crowd roared. At that moment, I couldn't tell if I was pretending or truly grateful.

“I once asked if you were ready to be spoiled, and you said yes. This is just the beginning,” he whispered. I smiled.

I pulled away when a notification came on my phone. I hesitated, but curiosity won.

The text made my heart drop:

“You f*****g vixen! If you want to get back at me, why not pick other men to screw apart from my uncle? b***h!”

I stared, stunned. How had I forgotten to block him?

“Married for a year, my foot! Get the f**k away from my uncle, you hypocrite!”

“Uncle?” I asked myself, then reread the text. My eyes widened.

It hit me.

“Jayden Salvatore. Nicklaus Salvatore.”

I stared at Nicklaus, then shifted to Jayden.

“Oh my goodness! What have I

gotten myself into?” I mentally cried.

And just like that, the glamorous ball had turned into a battlefield I wasn’t ready for.