Ex's Revenge

CHAPTER THREE

The satisfied smile spread across my face as the doctor came in with his clipboard to inform me I had been discharged from the hospital and that I was free to go. These were words I desperately wanted to hear. Excitement washed over me because, a few hours ago, I could have sworn that my life had ended. As I exited the hospital, bracing myself for what was to come, I took deep breaths as the driver pulled up to take me to the mansion.

Arriving at the magnificent gates of the Willows, filled with nothing but deceit and betrayals, a wave of anger soon washed over me as I saw Bethany's face in the distance, smiling as angelically as ever. Everyone seemed to be acting like all was well; two could play that game. I stepped out of the vehicle and walked into the grand mansion, which was decorated everywhere. The servants came up to me, bowing and taking my bag as I walked to the dining room where everyone was seated as usual. Bethany looked indifferent, but something about my parents’ faces was filled with guilt. My dad could barely look me in the eyes, and my mom's eyes were filled with despair; she looked like she was about to cry. Something about that look on their faces made me feel bad for them and made me want to know the reason.

My thoughts were quickly interrupted by Bethany's annoying voice. “Do you care to join us, or would you prefer to watch us eat? I don't mind giving you a show.”

Everyone knew Bethany was a b***h, but they always let her get away with it, or my parents were just blinded by the fact they didn't want to lose her again. I just rolled my eyes at her and took my seat.

My dad cleared the awkward air by asking how I was doing. “I am fine, thanks for asking.” Anyone observant enough could hear the disgust in his forced politeness. As the air fell silent again, Bethany, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying herself.

“Since no one wants to say it, well, Amy, I am sure you have already heard, but I will announce it again: I am engaged! The bad news is my engagement party was postponed, but the good news is that it will also be celebrated on Grandpa's 60th birthday coming up in two days. I am so excited! Now my favorite sister can attend!” she said, trying to get a reaction, but I was indifferent.

“Congratulations, Bethany.”

“Thank you.”

I decided not to give Bethany the satisfaction she wanted. As I clinked a glass to get everyone's attention, everyone looked at me with suspicion and amusement as I continued a toast to Bethany on her engagement. Bethany’s face turned hot red from anger at not getting the satisfaction she wanted. I continued, “Calm down, Bethy; save the blushes and emotions for your engagement party,” I said as I gave a satisfactory wink.

Bethany forced a smile. I threw my parents a glance, and everyone looked like they enjoyed me putting Bethany in her place.

“Thanks a lot for the dinner,” I greeted everyone with a warm smile before exiting the dinner table. The puzzled look on Bethany’s and my parents’ faces made me feel satisfied, but this was only just the beginning.

I returned to my room, stalking my knight in shining armor. I could call him Jeremy, but where is the fun in that? I let out a chuckle. What is wrong with me? I put myself together, trying to find more details on him, but this guy is impossible. Is he a ghost or what? Other than what people say about him and his family, there is nothing else—no interviews, nothing. I growled in frustration as I shut my laptop and went to bed.

The next morning, I decided to help around the house with decorations and all to clear my head. Plus, my favorite people in the world were coming: Grandma and Grandad, the only people in the world Bethany's charms do not work on, and they are not upset about the news because they never liked Collins or the Stones family.

Later during the day, my grandparents finally arrived. I had been taking food in my room, but that night, Grandpa summoned everyone to the dining table, and if there’s one thing you dare not disobey, it’s Grandpa. So for their sake, I had to go. It was a full house; everyone had arrived in preparation for his birthday. They all exchanged pleasantries, and laughter filled the room—it was so nice. Everyone was so happy, of course, except Bethany. Grandpa kept asking me questions and praising me. Bethany hated not being the star of the show. Desperate for attention, she knocked a glass over, the sound of it shattering grabbing everyone's attention while she pretended to be hurt.

“Are you hurt?” Grandpa asked before proceeding to call the family doctor.

Bethany, not getting the attention she wanted, became furious as she said, “It’s fine; it was just a bruise.” A mocking laugh slipped out, and she gave me a death stare. Dinner was finally over, and the night ended on a good note. Walking back to my room, I bumped into one of the servants.

“I am sorry, ma’am,” he said, hurrying.

“You dropped this.” I took a glance at the paper before returning it. It was the guest list, and the Windsors were coming—not just the Windsors, JEREMY FREAKING WINDSOR! It’s said that he doesn’t attend events.

“Yes!” I shouted in excitement, jumping and singing in joy as I went to my room to prepare for the next day.

It was finally the day I had been waiting for. I had my dresses ready, my makeover team was ready, and the mansion was well-decorated. It was time for the party. Everyone came in their beautiful dinner gowns and tuxedos. The room was filled with riches and wealth. I scanned the room to find Jeremy; I saw the gorgeous creature approaching from a distance.

“Yes, yes, yes!” I thought out loud. Everyone looked at me.

I muttered an embarrassed, “Sorry,” as I excused myself. I summoned the courage to walk up to him. “Hi, I—”

Before I could complete my statement, this human of a knight walked past me like no one was talking to him.

“This might be a lot harder than expected.”

Post Note:

With Jeremy's cold dismissal fresh in my mind and Bethany's engagement party around the corner, I sense the chaos ahead. What surprises await me? Find out in the next chapter!