His Father’s Wife

"Is your father here yet?" Zoey whispered, clutching Sean’s hand as they glided toward the head table "Any minute now," Sean replied, though he looked very nervous. "He’s been traveling with his new wife. They just landed." Zoey straightened her spine. "I’ve heard she’s the secret weapon behind his company’s recent explosion on the market. Watch me as I win her over. I plan to be the perfect daughter-in-law to her. Even if it has to involve doing everything wants. She’s a fashion genius for crying out loud. I can practically worship the ground she walks on." "Careful what you wish for," the Master of Ceremonies joked, overhearing them as he adjusted their microphones. "I’m serious," Zoey laughed, her voice carrying across the front rows. "I, Zoey Holand, would kiss my mother-in-law’s feet the moment she enters. A woman with such talent, deserves a grand welcome.” The heavy oak doors at the back of the hall groaned open. Silence rippled through the room as James Holand, the titan of the industry, stepped inside. But it wasn't James who stopped everyone's breath. It was the woman on his arm. She was draped in a gown of beautiful red silk. Her aura lightning up even the dimmest room. Gina Holand. Formerly Raphael. Gina’s gaze swept the room, landing on the newlyweds with a cold stare. Zoey’s face went white, her glass of champagne trembling until it nearly shattered. "No," Zoey hissed, her voice terrified. "Sean, tell me this is a joke. Tell me that isn't her." Sean’s jaw had already dropped, his eyes wide with shock. "I had no idea, Zoey. My father never told me about his wife" "O! Goodness, how could you have been so careless?! You let her into the family!" Zoey accused, her voice rising in a panicked whisper. "She’s going to destroy us!" "You're the one who stole her life's work," Sean snapped back, his voice low and bitter. "Maybe you should have thought about the consequences." The room watched in hushed awe as James and Gina approached the stage. James placed a proud hand around Gina’s waist, drawing her closer to himself. "Son, Zoey," James began, his voice booming with authority. "Forgive the late introduction. I wanted the world to see my wife’s ultimate talent before I bring her back home. Meet my wife and the new Creative Director of Holand Industries: Gina Holand." Gina stepped forward, her smile sharp enough to draw blood. Her eyes danced on foul play. O! Boy, this lady knew what she was doing. "Lovely dress, Zoey," she purred, her eyes scanning the stolen design. "It looks almost exactly like a rough draft I discarded years ago. I'm glad you found a use for it." Zoey choked on her words, unable to meet Gina's piercing stare. As she turned to leave, the host’s voice stopped her. . "I believe," the MC interrupted, his voice mischievous as he played along with Zoey’s earlier boast, "the bride mentioned something earlier? Something about kissing the feet of the woman who reinvented the Holand brand?" The crowd, fueled by champagne and a love for drama, began to chant ‘Do it! Do it!’. Gina tilted her head, a mock-sympathetic look crossing her face as she stepped forward, extending one foot. Her shoes alone cost Zoey’s entire bank account. Zoey’s eyes got teary as she watched helplessly. Her eyes went to Sean, then Gina. "Oh, don't be shy, dear," Gina said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Kiss my shoe."