AMBERThe entrance to the party is a grand affair, with cascading flowers and twinkling lights adorning the pathway. As we step inside, the atmosphere shifts from anticipation to pure awe. The party venue is a sight to behold, near perfection in every aspect. It's a realm of luxury and extravagance, a testament to Harper's taste for opulence.My eyes widen as I take in the lavish surroundings. The decor is a stunning fusion of modern elegance and classic charm. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow that complements the rich hues of the furnishings. Guests dressed in exquisite attire move gracefully through the space, their laughter and chatter adding to the vibrant ambiance."Wow, I was very impressed that you're here, Amber, Sebastian. Anyway, do you like the party?" Mrs. Martinez greets us, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction."Yes, it's very cool!" I exclaim, genuinely amazed by the spectacle before me."Harper has really good taste! Right? Anyway, pl
AMBERHarper Davis's scrutinizing gaze lingers on me, her eyes traversing my gown with a calculated curiosity. Every fiber of my being clenches against the urge to lash out, to reveal the storm of emotions that churn beneath my carefully composed exterior. But I must remain steadfast, strategic – playing the role of an admirer, a devotee to her grandeur.I return her gaze with an innocent smile, my eyes concealed behind the elegant masquerade mask. I’m glad Sebastian handed me a masquerade mask, which I totally forgot when we got here. And I wanted to thank the theme of the party. So, I won’t have to show my full face. I want suspense. I don’t want Harper to see my full face yet. "Oh, I'm your avid fan, Mrs. Davis! I've heard stories about you, and I must say you're my idol," I declare, my voice carefully modulated to exude admiration.For a moment, Harper's guard drops, her demeanor softening as flattery wraps around her like a warm embrace. "Hmm, really?" she responds, a hint of sa
AMBERA relieved smile tugs at the corners of my lips. I knew I could count on Sebastian, and his willingness to participate in my charade is a testament to our unwavering partnership. Dressed in his masquerade mask, he exudes an air of mystery that only adds to his undeniable allure.As Harper's inquisitive gaze lands on me, curiosity burning in her eyes, I take a well-timed cue and feign a cough, using the opportunity to introduce Sebastian. "He's my escort–" Before I can finish my sentence, Sebastian deftly interjects, his actions perfectly synchronized with our plan. He kneels before Harper, his demeanor respectful yet confident. With a gesture that catches the attention of the room, he delicately takes her hand in his and places a gentle kiss upon it.I watch the scene unfold, a mix of awe and anticipation swelling within me. Sebastian's display is a calculated move, a piece of the intricate puzzle we've meticulously crafted. "Good evening, Mrs. Davis. My name is Seb," he introdu
AMBER My heart clenches in trepidation as the poker game begins. Every card dealt feels like a step into the unknown, a dance of uncertainty where Sebastian's fate hangs in the balance. Despite the façade I'm putting on, I'm not a poker expert myself. But unlike Sebastian, I at least have some knowledge about the game. I'm aware of its intricacies, and I know that luck alone won't suffice. “Damn it, Sebastian! Why do this?” I whispered to myself. Amid my worry, I remind myself to observe, to learn every nuance of the game as it plays out. I need to turn this into an advantage, to gather every piece of information that could aid me in the future. This game isn't just about the cards – it's a battlefield of strategy and cunning, one that could determine the trajectory of my quest for revenge. Game one commences, and my fear comes true as Sebastian's lack of experience becomes apparent. His loss is met with triumphant cheers from Harper's friends, their laughter a chorus of mockery. I
AMBERMy heart leaps into my throat as I spot Eugene Davis, the imposing figure of power who is Harper's husband and my father-in-law. My breath catches, and for a fleeting moment, my confidence wavers. Though he may not possess Harper's overt hostility, I can feel his disapproval in every glance he's cast my way. He's never approved of me as Lucas's wife, and his presence here is a stark reminder of the complicated web I've woven.Harper beams with pride as she introduces Eugene to her friends, her affection for him evident despite his stoic demeanor. "Oh, Eugene, Harper didn't tell us that you're gonna come here. We should have waited for you. We played poker," one of her friends chirps.Eugene Davis, his demeanor as imposing as ever, attempts a strained smile. "I'm just here to fetch my wife. I had a long day at the company. As much as I want to have some bonding time with my wife's friends, I can't." His response carries the weight of his responsibilities as a CEO.One of Harper's
AMBERSebastian's question pulls me back from my thoughts, and I meet his gaze with a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "Honestly, Sebastian, I don't have a concrete plan just yet. But there's someone else I've been thinking about," I admit, my voice tinged with a hint of contemplation.His brow furrows slightly, his attention fully on me. "Who are you thinking about, Amber?"I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Brittany," I say her name with a mixture of bitterness and resolve. "She's Lucas's sister, the one who always seemed to be the ideal woman in his eyes."Sebastian's understanding eyes meet mine, and I can see that he's aware of the history between Brittany and me. "Tell me more about her. Why do you think she should be part of our plan?"I lean back against the car seat, my mind sifting through memories I'd rather forget. "Brittany was always the golden child in their family, the one who could do no wrong. And Lucas... he always held her up as the standard I s
AMBERAlone in my room, the weight of my thoughts pressed heavily on my chest, making it hard to breathe. My imagination ran wild, spiraling into the dark abyss of revenge. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, the power I now held over the destinies of those who had wronged me.Brittany Davis—the name echoed in my mind like a chant, igniting a surge of emotion that threatened to consume me. She hadn't been the direct perpetrator of my suffering, but she had stoked the flames that had devoured my life. A fire that had ravaged my self-esteem and left me broken.Her perfectionism grated against my nerves, a constant reminder of how inadequate I had felt in my past life. How I had been molded into someone I wasn't, just to fit the warped expectations of a family that had never truly cared. I despised her for being everything I was forced not to be—successful, independent, beautiful, and confident.But it wasn't just about that. It was the way Lucas, my “ex- husband”, clung to her like
AMBERMonday morning arrived with a sense of purpose, and I found myself at Sebastian's clinic, just as we had arranged. There was something reassuring about the routine of it all, the familiarity of his presence that grounded me in this new life I was building."Good morning, Amber," Sebastian greeted, his voice warm and comforting. His dedication to his work was evident—he was always the first one here, despite being the surgeon."Good morning, Sebastian," I replied, setting my handbag on my desk. His request for breakfast came as no surprise, and I set about preparing our usual morning ritual. Two steaming cups of coffee joined the spread, completing our makeshift breakfast feast.As Sebastian organized his desk and laid out the French toast, I couldn't help but admire his dedication to these simple moments. It was as if he was creating a haven amidst the chaos of the world, and I found solace in that."Let's eat now before we start our work," he suggested, his eyes lighting up at