Perfect Marriage Revenge

2.

CHAPTER 2: A GAME OF CONTROL

The press conference finally drew to a close, leaving Linda feeling drained and emotionally battered. Nathan ushered Gina out first, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back. “I have some business to attend to,” he murmured to Linda, his eyes already distant. “Don’t wait up.”

As the room emptied, Linda made her way back to their penthouse, her mind reeling with the implications of Nathan’s announcement. The household staff cast pitying glances her way, but Linda barely registered their concern.

Night fell over Chicago, casting a golden glow over the city. Linda stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of their living room, clutching a crystal tumbler filled with Nathan’s expensive scotch. She pressed her palm against the cool glass, watching the city lights twinkle below. Each light represented a life untouched by her pain, oblivious to the shattering of her world.

The next day, Linda took a deep breath, smoothing down the silky fabric of her custom-made white Dior gown. The Children’s Hospital Benefit Gala buzzed around her, Chicago’s elite mingling in a sea of designer outfits and glittering jewels. She plastered on her most convincing smile, determined to maintain the façade of contentment despite the turmoil raging inside her.

As she navigated the crowded ballroom, Linda’s eyes scanned the room, searching for Nathan. She spotted him across the room, deep in conversation with some corporate bigwigs. Her heart clenched, but she forced herself to keep smiling.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd near the entrance, and Linda turned to see Gina Cho gliding into the gala. The supermodel wore a daring, skin-tight gown from a competing designer, drawing every eye in the room.

Linda gritted her teeth, feeling a surge of anger and betrayal. But she refused to let Gina see her break. Instead, she made her way to the ladies’ room, gripping her clutch so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Once inside, she leaned against the marble countertop, meeting her own eyes in the mirror. “You can do this,” she whispered to her reflection. “Don’t let them see you break.”

The charity auction began shortly after, with Linda taking her seat at a table near the front. She could feel eyes on her, whispers following in her wake. But she refused to let it get to her. Instead, she focused on the auction, determined to reclaim some control.

As the auctioneer introduced a rare art piece, Linda saw her chance. “Twenty thousand,” she called out clearly, raising her paddle. The room buzzed with excitement as bids flew back and forth. Linda’s heart raced, but she kept her composure, systematically outbidding her competitors.

Finally, the auctioneer’s gavel came down. “Sold!” he exclaimed. “To Mrs. Russell for sixty-five thousand dollars!” A smattering of applause filled the room, and Linda allowed herself a small, genuine smile as she made her way to claim her prize.

For a brief moment, she felt like herself again. But as she approached the champagne fountain, clutching her new acquisition, a familiar voice called out behind her.

“Oh, Linda! I simply must congratulate you on your win.”

Linda turned to see Gina approaching, a glass of red wine in hand. The supermodel’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Linda felt a surge of anger and resentment. But she refused to let Gina see her break. Instead, she forced a smile, determined to keep up the façade.

The supermodel’s smile seemed to falter for a moment, and Linda sensed a hint of malice beneath the surface.

“Thank you, Gina,” Linda replied coolly, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m thrilled with the piece.”

Gina took a step closer, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. “I’m sure you are. It must be nice to have something that’s truly yours, given the… complicated circumstances.”

Before Linda could respond, Gina’s heel seemed to catch on the hem of her dress. She stumbled forward, her wine glass tipping precariously. As if in slow motion, Linda watched the red liquid cascade down the front of her pristine white gown.

Gasps echoed through the nearby crowd, and Linda felt a surge of embarrassment and anger. Gina’s hand flew to her mouth in feigned shock.

“Oh my god, Linda! I’m so sorry! How terribly clumsy of me.”

Linda stood frozen, the cold wine seeping through the delicate fabric. She could feel curious eyes on her, waiting to see how she’d react. With supreme effort, she managed a tight smile.

“These things happen,” she said through clenched teeth. “If you’ll excuse me, I should go clean up.”

As she turned to leave, she heard Gina’s saccharine voice behind her.

“Of course, darling. Do hurry back. I’m sure Nathan will want to dance with both his ladies tonight.”

Security quickly escorted Linda to the VIP bathroom, shielding her from prying eyes and invasive questions. Once inside the luxurious space, she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, sinking onto a plush ottoman and burying her face in her hands.

A knock at the door startled her. “Mrs. Russell? I’ve brought your backup dress from the car, as requested.”

Linda composed herself, opening the door to accept the garment bag. “Thank you, James. I appreciate your discretion in this matter.”

As she began to change, movement in the next stall caught her attention. Through the gap beneath the partition, she recognized Gina’s designer heels.

“Yes, everything’s going according to plan,” Gina’s voice drifted over, low and smug. “Nathan’s eating out of the palm of my hand. Trust me, within a year, I’ll be the new Mrs. Russell.”

Linda’s blood ran cold. She held her breath, straining to hear more.

“Of course I’m sure,” Gina continued. “Linda’s a has-been actress who can’t even give him children. Once I’m pregnant, she’ll be history. Now, I’ve got to go. Can’t leave my adoring public waiting too long.”

The stall door opened and closed, leaving Linda alone with her racing thoughts. Her hands trembled as she finished changing, her mind already formulating a plan.

The rest of the gala passed in a blur. Linda went through the motions, smiling and chatting as expected, all while the weight of Gina’s words pressed down on her.

When Nathan finally announced it was time to leave, she felt a mix of relief and dread.

In the back of their town car, Nathan loosened his bow tie. “Well, that was quite an eventful evening, wasn’t it?”

Linda turned to him, her voice low and urgent. “Nathan, we need to talk. I overheard something tonight that you need to know about.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what might that be?”

With shaking hands, Linda pulled out her phone. “I recorded it. Just… just listen.”

She played the audio of Gina’s bathroom conversation. As the damning words filled the car, Linda watched Nathan’s face, hoping to see a flicker of concern or anger.

Instead, his expression remained impassive. When the recording ended, Nathan sighed.

“Linda, darling, do you really expect me to believe this? It’s clearly some sort of fabrication.”

Linda’s voice cracked. “Nathan, I swear to you, this is real. I heard her with my own ears!”

Nathan’s condescending smile made Linda’s blood boil. “I think you’re letting the stress of our new situation get to you,” he said, his voice dripping with patronage. “Perhaps it’s time to consider seeking professional help. A therapist, maybe?”

Linda felt as though she’d been punched in the gut. “A therapist?” she repeated, her voice incredulous. “You think I need therapy because your mistress is scheming to take my place?”

Nathan’s expression turned cold. “That’s enough, Linda. I won’t listen to these paranoid fantasies. Gina is a part of our lives now. The sooner you accept that, the better off we’ll all be.”

The rest of the ride home was spent in tense silence. Once they arrived at their penthouse, Nathan retreated to his study, leaving Linda alone in the vast living room. She paced the polished floors, her mind racing with the events of the evening. Victoria’s smug smile, the wine stain on her dress, Nathan’s dismissive attitude – it all swirled together in a toxic mix.

As the hours ticked by, Linda’s stomach growled, reminding her that she’d barely eaten at the gala. She decided to order some comfort food from her favorite late-night diner. But when she went to complete the purchase, an error message popped up.

Linda tried another card, but it was declined as well. A sense of unease crept over her as she opened her banking app. She entered her password with trembling fingers, only to be met with a stark message: “Account access restricted. Please contact your financial institution.”

Panic rising in her throat, Linda tried every account she had. Each one showed the same message – frozen, inaccessible. Her mind reeled as she tried to process what was happening. Had Nathan done this? Was he trying to control her, to manipulate her into accepting his new relationship?

Linda’s eyes scanned the room, feeling a sense of desperation wash over her. She was trapped, with no access to her finances, no way to

escape. Nathan had her right where he wanted her.