Chapter five
1259 Words
Elara had been watching Caius and the unknown woman for a while now. They were still deep in conversation, laughing and smiling like they had known each other for years. And she absolutely hated it.
She slowly sipped her champagne, her eyes fixed on them. She wasn’t even listening to the person talking beside her anymore. She just nodded randomly, pretending to care.
How could she not be suspicious?
Once a cheater, always a cheater.
She turned back to the group around the table and excused herself, making sure to grab her husband’s award before leaving. She placed her champagne glass down and adjusted her long red dress that sparkled under the lights as she walked toward them, a fake smile already forming on her lips.
“Hey,” she said brightly, linking her arm with Caius’ to show exactly who he belonged to.
Both of them turned to look at her. For a second, no one spoke.
Caius cleared his throat. “This is my wife, Elara. And Elara, this is Calista. A new friend.”
Elara raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You’re already friends?” she asked, her voice slightly sarcastic.
She turned to Calista and forced another smile. “Nice to meet you, Calista.” She stretched out her hand for a handshake.
Calista looked at her hand… but didn’t take it.
Elara’s smile twitched slightly.
“As you can see, I’m his wife,” Elara added, leaning a little closer and lowering her voice. “So don’t get any ideas.”
Calista slowly lifted her eyes to meet Elara’s. A small, amused smile played on her lips.
“Ideas?” she said softly. “Trust me… I don’t need your husband for anything.”
The air suddenly felt tight.
Elara slowly pulled her hand back, embarrassed that it had been left hanging. Her jaw tightened.
“But weirdly,” Elara continued, trying to regain control, “you look familiar.”
Was she one of his old flings? she wondered.
Calista let out a soft laugh. “Really? Where exactly?” she tilted her head. “You should probably think harder than that.”
Caius watched the exchange carefully, surprised by Calista’s calm confidence. She didn’t look threatened at all. If anything… she looked entertained.
Calista adjusted her clutch and gave them both a polite smile. “Anyway, it was nice meeting you both. I wouldn’t want to interrupt married bonding time.”
Her eyes lingered on Elara for just a second longer before she turned and walked away, heels clicking softly against the floor.
Elara stood frozen for a moment.
“Did you hear how she spoke to me?” she snapped quietly at Caius. “And you just stood there.”
Caius frowned slightly. “She didn’t insult you.”
“She disrespected me,” Elara shot back. “And you let her.”
Caius didn’t respond immediately. His eyes were still following Calista as she blended into the crowd.
Elara scoffed angrily. “Unbelievable.” She turned sharply and walked off, her heels hitting the floor harder than necessary.
Caius stayed where he was for a few seconds.
Why didn’t I ask for her card?
Her number?
Anything?
He ran a hand through his hair, annoyed at himself.
Calista Vale.
There was something about her.
And for some reason, he had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time he saw her.
...
Calista sighed as she opened her bedroom door. She was already tired.
Her award rested in one hand, and she smiled softly at it. It felt good. It felt like proof. Proof that she was getting closer to her goal… closer to her revenge.
She honestly hadn’t expected Caius to fall into her trap so easily. She had only gone to the gala to observe, to study him, to plan her next steps. But somehow, he had already taken the bait.
The way he looked at her. Curious. Interested.
Maybe she hadn’t changed that much after all.
Still, he didn’t recognize her. He only said she looked familiar.
And Elara… the look on her face had been priceless. Jealous. Threatened. Almost insecure.
That alone made the night worth it.
Two birds. One stone.
She walked toward the large mirror in her room, the same mirror she stood in front of every morning to say her daily affirmations before stepping out into the world.
She stopped in front of it now and gave herself a small, almost wicked smile.
They always say, don’t change for a man.
But she didn’t change for him.
She changed to destroy him.
Without another glance at the award, she tossed it onto the bed like it didn’t matter. Then she slipped off her high heels, letting them drop to the floor.
She had wanted to wear red tonight.
But she chose black instead.
Black meant many things , darkness, mystery, even evil to some people.
To her, it meant revenge.
It matched her deep red lipstick perfectly. Her makeup had been minimal, but sharp enough to highlight her high cheekbones, full lips, and round eyes that always seemed softer than she felt inside.
She reached behind her and slowly unzipped her gown. The black fabric slid down her body, and she stepped out of it, leaving it neatly on the chair.
Now, all she wanted was a cold shower.
Cold showers were something she had forced herself to get used to years ago. They kept her alert. Awake. In control. Even after the longest days.
She slipped on a soft white robe and tied it around her waist before walking into the bathroom.
The tiles were cool under her feet.
She untied the robe and let it fall before stepping into the shower and turning the knob fully to cold.
The water hit her skin sharply, stealing a small gasp from her lips. But she didn’t step back.
She let it run over her shoulders, down her back, washing away the makeup, the sweat, the tension of the night.
She stayed there longer than usual.
Let it clear your head.
Let it sharpen you.
When she finally stepped out, she wrapped the robe back around herself and walked toward her closet.
She opened it.
Rows of clothes hung neatly inside, dresses, suits, coats. For a second, it looked like she was about to change into something comfortable for the night.
But she didn’t reach for any clothes.
Instead, she stepped further inside and pushed aside a section at the back.
Behind it was another door.
Small. Hidden. Almost impossible to notice unless you knew it was there.
She entered a passcode on the small panel beside it.
Click.
The door unlocked.
She stepped inside and quietly shut it behind her.
The room was small, nothing fancy. Just a desk, a laptop, and walls covered with files, printed articles, financial reports, and pictures.
She had been working on this for years. Maybe it looked like she was crazy, but she wasn’t.
Then again… maybe she was a little obsessed.
Why couldn’t she just start a new life somewhere and be happy?
She sat down in the chair, a folder already spread out in front of her.
Her first target was going to be her ex-husband.
Then his “lovely” wife.
And the kid?
The kid had nothing to do with it… but after all, he was born from the womb of a wicked woman.
She would decide later what to do about him.
Then her parents.
Or maybe… she’d just go in a random order.
- Writer
