Revenge: I Married His Best Friend

Chapter 2

A week had passed since Leila read the heart-wrenching headline, yet she couldn't comprehend the reason behind their betrayal.

She stared down at the mirror as she adjusted her black dress—today was their so-called wedding, and she planned to witness every bit of it.

There was another thing she also realised: The transfers Andrew's lawyer mentioned, started the same year she introduced Camila to Andrew and his company.

Could she be responsible for it? She asked herself. However, Camila wasn't the brightest bulb in the room, she still had her doubts.

“I still haven't found a good reason for your presence there, honey,” Mrs Winston said, placing her hands on Leila's shoulder.

Leila wasn't surprised. Her stepmother had been watching her for quite some time now. She even tried convincing her but it was of no use.

After thinking over it for a second, she asked flatly. “How’s Dad? I haven't seen him in a while.”

Mrs Winston heaved a sigh. “He hasn't been himself since that day, nor has he left his room… He keeps blaming himself for everything.”

Hearing her answer, Leila's lips twitched, and she said, “I have to go now. I don't want to be late.”

Moments later, she made her way towards the red carpet. She adjusted her extra large sunglasses, big hat and dark scarf—the last thing she wanted was to be recognized.

Being seated at the far corner of the hall, her eyes remained fixed on the two people that turned their backs on her.

Right at the altar, Andrew recited his vows. “I never understood what it meant to be truly loved, until I met this beautiful soul, standing here today.”

The crowd erupted as they witnessed his genuine adoration for Camila.

“The same crowd that were happy for her marriage with him three years ago,” she chuckled bitterly, slowly sipping her wine.

Andrew placed his hand on Camila’s stomach, “I’m grateful, not only for this wonderful woman… but because of our unborn child she's about to bring to this world.”

The once sparkling wine, now left a bitter taste in Leila's mouth. The weight of his words felt heavier than their betrayal.

Not only did they fool her, they also had a child? How long have they been together?

Leila's grip on the wine glass tightened, her world crumbling down. She couldn't bear the searing pain she felt. Her once firm resolve, now fallen like a pile of ash.

Ending her reverie, a deep baritone voice said, “If you keep holding onto that glass like that, you might cut yourself.”

She looked at the man standing behind her, his intense gray orbs piercing into hers—he took the glass away, clearly upset about her drinking alcohol.

It was Andrew’s best man, Nathan Reed.

The man stood confident before her, overwhelming power radiating from him. She hid her face, slightly embarrassed.

Did he recognize her? Has she been caught already? This man would definitely expose her if he knew who she was!

Nathan remained composed. His gaze was calculating. He leaned back on his seat, his voice, calm and smooth. “Your presence here will only be between us… Leila Winston.”

Leila cleared her throat, her face flushed. “I was about heading out anyway.” Her voice came out a bit louder than intended.

She grabbed her bag, standing up. But his warm fingers wrapped around her cold sweaty palm, stopping her.

“Let’s talk,” He demanded, his voice low and firm. Leila sat down immediately, swallowing the bile down her throat.

Nathan saw through her uneasiness, but pressed on. “It's about Andrew.” He said, watching her demeanor change. “I want to help you get your revenge.”

Leila scoffed, his words laughable, “Revenge? You of all people, offer me revenge? You're his best friend for crying out loud, do you think I'll fall for that?”

Nathan's expression remained calm, his voice cold, “Listen to me, Leila.” He said, “I'm sure you remember how he sold you and your family out.”

She raised an eyebrow, “What does that have to do with this?”

It was one of those events that stirred deep emotions within her. Nathan saying it now, sounds like she's revisiting old wounds.

Nathan leaned closer. “What if I told you that he offered that same company to Camila as a wedding gift?”

Leila’s lips parted in shock as his words sank in. Andrew ended their marriage, filed a restraining order, humiliated her father, all because of a gift for Camila?

Nathan could see the gears spinning in her head, so he slipped a document towards her. It was a deed of ownership. Reading through it, her eyebrows deepened even more.

“I'm sure you're wondering why he's doing this. Well, in a nutshell, it's all because of her family's wealth—it’s quite obvious that her parents had quite a good history of old money.”

Leila remained silent, slowly crumpling the edges of the paper as her rage grew palpable.

“You see, your ex-husband, Andrew, has always been fueled by his greed from the start. It's no surprise that he's trying to seal a merger with her family now.”

Leila felt the strain in his voice. Was he also a victim of Andrew's cruelty? She thought deeply.

Maybe even worse than she experienced, but why now? Why help her get revenge? Why did he remain his best friend even after everything?

As she pondered, she realised why the transfers to her father's company started the same year Camila returned, it was Andrew's plan all along. But still, a lot of things weren't adding up.

She heaved a sigh, thinking about it for a while. She knew she had nothing to lose even if she conspired with him.

Soon, she asked. “So how do you plan on helping me?”

Nathan sat upright, his voice smooth, “It’s simple. Marry me.”

Immediately, she burst into laughter while covering her mouth, feeling embarrassed.

“Marry you? Why would I want that?” She asked, clearly entertained.

Noticing his cold expression, she cleared her throat, “I mean, how's that a revenge plan?”

Nathan raised an eyebrow, his voice calm. “He married your best friend, right? Why not marry his best friend?”

“Or am I not good enough for you?” He asked, slightly irritated.

“Of course, you are!,” Leila admitted, giggling. “It's just been a while since I heard something this hilarious.”

Leila watched his expression soften and she smiled. His plan was seemingly plausible.

Nathan was amused. “Is that so?”

She nodded. “Yes, and if you keep making me smile, how can I possibly say no to you?” She said, but he didn't quite understand her.

“Of course, I'll marry you,” She added, and Nathan eased a little.

But then, she had one question that has been bothering her this whole time, so she asked.

“What's in it for you? You're literally helping me get revenge, what do you stand to gain from all this?”

The air in the room thickened, the silence heavy. Nathan's gaze lingered on her for a second longer, then he answered.

“Well, this is just the start of my personal vendetta.”