Love, Lies and Power

CHAPTER 2

A Broken Celebration 🤔

Sandra's POV

The day I had waited for and feared most finally came. My birthday party filled every corner of the villa, with guests streaming in through the grand entrance. Politicians in tailored suits, their wives in elegant gowns, friends I had known since childhood, and people they had brought along all of them gathered to celebrate with me. I stood near the doorway in my green sequin gown.

It hugged my curves and sparkled under the lights. I sensed the lecherous gazes aimed my way. My chest tightened. Even my husband’s friends stared too long, too boldly. Their eyes traced every line of the dress I had worn only to upset him. He had demanded I throw it away. His voice was cold when he said a mayor’s wife must dress modestly. But I refused. Today, I would wear this dress to show him I could choose for myself.

My friends Katy, Vera, and Lily found me by the champagne fountain. They flanked me with smiles and cheers.

“Sandra, you look stunning,” Katy said, pulling me into a quick hug.

“Absolutely perfect,” Vera added, tipping her glass.

Lily squeezed my arm. “This is going to be the best party ever.”

I forced a smile and replied, “Thank you, all of you. I am glad you are here.”

My heart fluttered at their support. They had planned every detail: the flowers, the music, the food. Everything glittered, from the crystal chandeliers to the rose petals scattered on the marble floor. For a moment, I almost believed joy would fill the hollow in my chest.

The music shifted, and I knew it was time. I stepped onto the small stage I had arranged, cleared my throat, and scanned the crowd. My voice wavered as I lifted the microphone.

“Thank you all for coming,” I began. “I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to celebrate with me today.”

Polite applause filled the room. I took a breath and continued, “This year has brought its challenges, but your friendship has been a light in the darkness. I hope tonight you enjoy the food, the music, and the company.”

Another round of applause. I smiled and stepped down. It was time for Steph, Mayor Rogers, to speak. He and I had agreed he would say a few words. I turned toward the empty space at the top of the stage. My stomach clenched.

He was not there.

Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire. My cheeks flushed with heat as I searched the gathering. There was no sign of him. My heart pounded. How could he abandon me now?

I stepped back onto the stage, holding the microphone very tightly. “One moment, please,” I said. My voice cracked. I hurried off the stage, weaving between guests. I checked the study, the library, and the balcony overlooking the gardens. I called his name, but only echoes answered. I rushed through the hallways, panic rising with every unanswered call. He was nowhere.

My feet carried me back to the ballroom. The soft hum of conversation had died. A deathly quiet settled over the crowd, and my throat closed with dread. I ran to the screen at the far end of the room. I had asked the planner to show me birthday memories photos of me as a child, at school, with my parents. But the screen flickered, and a video played that stole the breath from my lungs.

It was Steph. In a room I did not recognize, he was with another woman. They moved together with desperate passion. Their moans were amplified through the speakers. My legs trembled. I gripped the back of a chair to steady myself.

“Sandra!” Lily’s voice cracked as she and my friends rushed to my side.

“We are so sorry,” Lily whispered. We told the planner to load your childhood video. He said he did, but this appeared instead.”

Vera tugged at my arm. “I will stop it.” She turned to the technician. “Turn it off now!” The screen went black, but the damage was done. Faces around me blurred. I felt each heartbeat in my ears.

I heard strangers speak. “How could he do this to her?” “A mayor who cheats cannot lead our city.” “This is shameful.” Their voices collided like thunder. I could not breathe.

I pushed past my friends and ran upstairs. The silk gown felt tight around my chest as I pounded up the stairs two at a time. I threw myself into the suite Steph and I shared. The room felt empty without him. I slammed the door and collapsed onto the plush rug. Tears burned my eyes as I curled into a ball and let them fall.

My friends knocked softly. “Sandra, please let us in,” Katy called. “We love you.”

I said nothing. I tried to stop my sobs, but my body shook with grief and rage. No one could reach me through the door.

****

The next morning, I woke to silence and sunlight. The scandal had exploded overnight. My phone buzzed with messages. Headlines screamed about the mayor’s infidelity. Blog posts speculated on his rivals, on political betrayal, on whether he had planned this leak. TV stations replayed the video clip, the look of shock on my face. I felt exposed and hollow.

I packed a small bag. I could not stay in that room. I carried clothes, my jewelry, and memories that felt worthless now. I moved into the guest room, closing the door behind me. When Steph came to my door, I did not answer. His voice begged through the wood.

“I was drugged. I swear I was drugged. It was my rivals trying to ruin me. Please, Sandra, believe me.”

I said nothing. I imagined his face pressed against the door, tears staining his suit. I wrapped the covers around me and stayed silent.

Each morning he returned, apologizing, swearing he had never meant to hurt me. He called my phone, left voicemails full of regret. I ignored them all. My world had shattered, and he stood outside the ruins, pleading to come in.

After a week, exhaustion and anger drained me. I opened the door with a c***k. His eyes looked red and tired. He took my hand, and I pulled back.

He pleaded, “Sandra, it was a mistake. I love only you.”

I looked at him, at the man I had married. My voice was quiet but firm. “You know what hurts more than cheating or public shame? It was seeing how you made love to her with a passion you never showed me.”

His shoulders slumped. He whispered, “I am sorry. I know I have failed you.”

I stepped back. “We are done,” I said. “I will not stay in a marriage of lies.”

I collected my bag and walked away. I left the vetting of our estate to lawyers. News of my decision spread faster than the video ever had. Newspapers announced our divorce. Talk shows debated what it meant for the city. I no longer cared.