Vows of Vengeance

Chapter 4: Unveiling Deceptions

“Hey babe, you know our college is having an alumni reunion next week?” Elara saw the message from her best friend Sophie on her phone and remembered their college was hosting the event. In her previous life, she hadn’t attended due to family issues and her upcoming engagement with Alex, but this time she decided to try something new.

“Yeah, I got the memo. So, what do you think? Wanna go visit the old stomping grounds?” Elara texted back.

“Haha, totally! It’s been ages since we last checked out the campus. You bringing Alex along?”

“Not sure… We’ve been having some issues lately….” As Elara was typing, Sophie FaceTimed her.

“Girl, you were taking forever to type. Figured FaceTime would be quicker.” Sophie said as soon as Elara picked up.

“Haha, my bad. I was trying to explain what’s been going on with Alex and me.”

“You two having issues? Spill the tea, what’s up?”

“I don’t even know. He’s been acting all shady and secretive. Plus, the investment project he pitched to John doesn’t really add up. I feel like he’s scheming something.” Elara hesitated to tell Sophie about her past life experiences. Even though Sophie was supportive, talking about reincarnation and past lives would probably make her sound crazy.

“He pitched a project to John? What kind of project?” Sophie asked, surprised that Alex, usually so tight-fisted, was being so generous.

“Something about AI and healthcare investments.” Elara gave Sophie a brief rundown of the project, hoping her friend’s extensive network might help.

“Healthcare, huh? Let me think… Oh yeah, remember Matteo from frat? He’s working in a healthcare startup now. I can ask him about it.”

“Matteo? Sorry don’t bring up to me. You’re the best! I’ll send you the details, and you can ask him for me.” Elara felt grateful, knowing she could always count on Sophie.

“No problem. Hey, are you free tomorrow? Let’s go shopping for some outfits and you can fill me in on everything with Alex. I’ll help you figure it out.” Sophie was always worried about Elara getting hurt, even though she didn’t want to meddle too much in her friend’s love life.

“Sure thing, tomorrow afternoon. I’ll pick you up.” Elara realized it had been too long since they last hung out. Sophie, a designer, was always traveling for inspiration, and they hadn’t seen each other in about two weeks.

---

The next afternoon, Elara arrived at Sophie’s place right on time. Catching up with Sophie was always a lively affair, filled with laughter and endless chatter. Even though Sophie often traveled for work, they never lost touch, keeping their bond strong through social media and little souvenirs Sophie brought back from her trips. They were best friends in every sense.

With coffee in hand, they walked into a high-end dress shop, “Elysian Couture” owned by Elara’s designer friend Mark. Elara had helped Mark through tough times when he first opened the shop, investing in his business and introducing him to many clients in the design world. Now, Mark was one of the top designers in the country, and Elara enjoyed VIP treatment whenever she shopped there.

“It’s been forever since I last came to Elysian. Mark’s designs always hit the spot for me.” Sophie marveled at the new dresses on display.

“Haha, Mark would be thrilled to hear that.” Elara said, picking up a backless dress and heading towards the sales associate to have it placed in the fitting room.

Sophie was about to check out the dresses on the display when she suddenly saw a familiar figure outside the store. Just as she was about to go and say hi, she saw something even more intriguing. Sophie froze, thankful for the tall racks of dresses that hid her. She quickly took out her phone and snapped a photo, needing evidence to show Elara.

“Babe, what are you doing over here?” Elara called out, wanting Sophie’s opinion on her dress, only to find her best friend standing motionless by the display.

“Uh, nothing. I saw some familiar faces and thought I’d say hi, but they left.” Sophie replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Really? Well, if they’re gone, come help me with this dress. Do you think it’s right for the alumni reunion?” Elara didn’t press Sophie further, knowing everyone had their secrets, just like she did.

“This dress? It’s perfect on you! Totally shows off your best features, girl!” Sophie said, her gaze dropping meaningfully.

“Haha, I’ve put in a lot of work for this.” Elara joked, flaunting her assets.

“Alright, I’ll take it then. Have you found anything you like?” Elara handed the dress to the clerk, signaling to wrap it up.

“E, there’s something I need to talk to you about. Can we go somewhere private?” Sophie’s mind was racing with what she had just seen. Even if it was a misunderstanding, she felt she needed to tell Elara.

“No problem, let’s head to that café nearby.” Elara suggested, sensing the seriousness in Sophie’s tone.

Once seated at the café and having ordered their food, Sophie took a deep breath, preparing to tell Elara what she had witnessed.

“E, you won’t believe who I just saw . It was Alex.” Sophie began.

“Alex? My boyfriend Alex?” Elara was shocked. She hadn’t expected Sophie to run into Alex today.

“Yeah, him. But he wasn’t alone. I saw him with someone else.”

“Someone else? Who?” Elara asked, a sinking feeling in her stomach. Alex had told her he was at the office for meetings.

“I saw him with Cassidy. They were all over each other.” Sophie said, watching Elara’s reaction closely, afraid of hurting her best friend.

“I know Cassidy. We were roommates in freshman year and later joined the same sorority. I’m not surprised they’re together.” Elara replied, her voice calm. In her previous life, their affair had probably started even earlier.

“You don’t seem surprised. Wait! Did you already know?” Sophie asked, puzzled by Elara’s calmness.

“Remember I told you Alex has been acting weird lately? I had a feeling he was hiding something.” Elara explained.

“Yeah, I remember. So, it’s this? He’s cheating on you?” Sophie was incredulous.

“I think it’s more than that. When I was at my dad’s company, I saw someone familiar out of the corner of my eye as I got in the elevator. I didn’t realize who it was at the time, but now I’m sure it was Cassidy.”

“What would she be doing at the company? You said Alex was pitching an investment project to John. Could she be involved?” Sophie speculated.

“I think so. There’s no way Alex could have pulled this off alone. Maybe Cassidy’s part of it, but she wouldn’t have the skills for such a project. There must be someone else behind it.” Elara piecing things together.

“Those bastards! So, what’s your plan now?” Sophie ready to support whatever Elara decided.

“Breaking up with Alex now isn’t the right move. I don’t want to tip him off. And just dumping him is too easy. I want him to pay.” Elara said, her voice filled with resolve.

“Whatever you decide, I’ve got your back. You’re not alone in this.” Sophie assured her. As Elara’s best friend, she would always be her strongest supporter.

“Thank you for always being there for me. It means the world.” Elara said, standing up to hug Sophie.

“Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for.” Sophie replied, hugging her back.

---

At 6 p.m., Elara arrived at the banquet hall, punctual as ever. Sophie had texted her earlier, mentioning she would be a bit late due to some work commitments. So, Elara ventured into the event alone.

She took a champagne flute from the attendant at the door, sipping it lightly as she made her way into the bustling room. Though the dinner had yet to begin, the hall was already filled with people. For many alumni, this reunion was not just a chance to reminisce but a valuable opportunity to expand their social circles and career prospects.

As Elara wandered through the hall, she nodded and smiled to everyone she passed, even if she didn’t recognize them. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and lively conversation, a stark contrast to her inner turmoil.

“Elara?Elara Hamilton?” A voice called out just as she was about to select a dessert from the buffet.