Chapter 3 A New Me

Standing in front of the calendar picture frame of her and Nicholas on their wedding day on her make-up desk, Kiera’s eyes settled on the year—2021.

It was hard to believe that she stood here, reborn after the tragic event that happened. But as much as she wished to doubt it, the pain that coursed through her body was too big of a reminder for her to forget.

It was 2023 when the incident happened and looking at the date now, the mishap that occurred in her past life certainly hadn’t happened now.

Kiera sat in front of her desk in her new apartment (after moving out of Nicholas’ mansion the previous day), her heart pounding with a mix of determination and anxiety as she read the content of the mail on her laptop screen.

She made up her mind to break free from the nightmare that her marriage to Nicholas had become.

Taking in a deep breath, she pressed the send button, sealing the fate of their relationship. The express mail containing the divorce papers was on its way to Nicholas’ office, a tangible declaration of her newfound strength and independence.

Simultaneously, she composed a message on her phone, registering the divorce at City Hall for that morning.

She knew Nicholas’ arrogance all too well. He would be unable to resist the challenge she had posed to his boundaries. He hated when anyone went against him, particularly her.

A smug smile crept up her face as she closed her laptop and got up from her seat.

It was a new day, she did not plan on wasting away here.

As she prepared for the day ahead, Kiera glanced around the room, taking in the lavish display of haute couture dresses and her smile broadened.

She missed all of this. In her previous life, the only reason she dressed well that day was to ensure she signed the deal at the event her company hosted.

In the past, she had felt crushed and devoid of confidence, allowing Nicholas to control every aspect of her life, including her appearance.

Down to standing naked before him, nothing about her moved him and day by day all of her allure and beauty diminished.

He had never cared about what she wore, dismissing her very existence as nothing more than a pet, one he came to when needed and forced her to take the pills right after.

The mere thought of it sent a shiver down her spine as her anger rose again.

But today was different.

Today, Kiera felt a glimmer of empowerment, a spark of her former self returning. She picked out an elegant dress, carefully selecting each accessory, revelling in the act of adorning herself.

No longer would she hide in the shadows. She had discovered her worth and refused to be defined by Nicholas’ callous disregard.

Slowly, Kiera lifted her chin as she gazed down at her reflection in the full-length mirror, captivated by her reflection in the dress.

Soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon her delicate features.

She traced the contours of her body with a tender touch, her fingertips gliding effortlessly across her flawless skin.

Her slender waist curved gracefully, accentuated by the way her bodycon gown gently hugged her figure.

As she turned slightly, her gaze wandered to her sculpted shoulders, proud and elegant. The gentle curve of her neck led her eyes to the delicate slope of her collarbones, hinting at a quiet allure.

Her fingers gracefully brushed through her luscious blonde locks, the richness of her hair cascading like silk over her shoulders.

Her attention shifted to her hourglass figure, eyes following the gentle swell of her hips, appreciating the harmony they brought to her overall appearance.

With a contented sigh, she stepped back, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. Right now, he had not yet destroyed her beauty and she was glad for the timing of her rebirth.

The morning passed, and Nicholas was nowhere to be seen.

Her anger and frustration welled up as she dialled his number, ready to talk sense into his life only to be met with silence.

“That damn bastard!” Kiera cursed. “Tsk, well I do not plan on you calling this a bluff. I must be free myself of you.”

Determined to confront him face-to-face, she picked up her car keys and hurried to his office, her mind consumed with the impending divorce.

As soon as Kiera arrived at his floor, she met his personal assistant. She wore her usual smile hoping to get past him easily when suddenly she noticed the smug smile on his face as he walked in front of her to block her path.

Kiera’s brows lifted quizzically and waited for an explanation.

No matter what, she was still his boss’ wife, which gave her an equal amount of power.

When she did not get an explanation, she was forced to speak. “Move out of the way. I am here to see Nicholas.”

His smile deepened, relishing in her plight.

“I do not know why you keep forcing your way in. Nicholas would never fall in love with you no matter what you do or how beautifully you dress,” he remarked mockingly, eyeing her outfit.

Silence fell as his words hung in the air, a challenge that Kiera refused to back down from.

Her voice, laced with a touch of defiance, cut through the tension. "Is that so?" she retorted, her tone carrying an undercurrent of steely determination. "Well, perhaps Nicholas needs to be reminded of what he's been missing all along. Isn’t that right, Tony?”

Tony was taken aback by Kiera’s unwavering response and realized the gravity of the situation.

When had she learnt to talk back?

"Step aside, Tony," Kiera demanded, her voice unwavering. "Or I won’t hold back when I send your wife pictures of your infidelity.”

Her eyes turned cold as he froze, his face drained of colour, a mix of fear and compliance etching itself onto his features as his heart raced and cold sweat formed on his forehead.

“I… You get it wrong. I only did that because of how rude she is.”

Kiera scoffed and shook her head. “Is that the lousy excuse you could come up with? Are you any different from her? Weren’t you rude to me just now? Do not blame others for your lack of ability to not follow the direction of your erection, Tony.”

“I…”

Her gaze darkened further and she ordered once more, each word carrying its own hidden threat. “Move… aside.”

With a mix of fear and compliance, he reluctantly moved aside, allowing Kiera to proceed, watching her determined stride and unwavering spirit.

Kiera turned to face him one last time, her expression was stern and resolute.

"Remember this moment," she warned, her voice laced with an unyielding resolve. "Actions have consequences, and deceit always has a way of catching up with you. Tell your wife the truth."

With that final admonition, Kiera left him standing there as Tony’s eyes darted around the room, his mind racing with thoughts of the repercussions he might face. If only he had not listened to Cristal and taken her bribe to put Kiera down.

He understood the magnitude of his mistake. He had underestimated her strength, and now he was left to face the consequences of his own actions.

Rushing forward, fueled by a newfound determination, Kiera found herself in front of Nicholas’ office door but halted in her tracks.

She could hear moaning from within, the unmistakable sound of Crisal’s voice entangled with her husband's, reverberating in the entire office.

A surge of anger coursed through her veins, fueling her next move.

“Aaahhh…”

“F*ckkk!”

“More, ummm urgh faster, Nick ohh yes arrhhh right there… umm…”

“Gosh fuck, Crsital… aahhh~”

The minute Kiera stepped foot in the office, her eyes landed on the duo who could not restrain themselves with Cristal beneath him while Nicholas thrust wildly into her.

Not saying anything since they had not yet noticed her, she immediately took her phone from her bag and videoed the sweet scene, adding a few pictures to it.

Satisfied by the outcome, she kept her phone in her bag, took some steps in front of their line of sight and cleared her throat.

"Ah!"

Cristal jolted and bumped her head with Nicholas’s jaw, the pain searing into her brain.

The utter look of shock that registered on their faces when they saw her was much too funny. However, the sight before her was both infuriating and liberating.

“I see you have been banging your whore which is why you always side with her huh.”

Nicholas’ shock and embarrassment were plain to see as Kiera confronted him, her voice filled with conviction. “How dare you cheat on me, Nick?”

“Kiera I…”

“Save it for the masses. I am sure the headlines would tell a good tale when this goes out.”

“You…” Cristal’s words hung in her throat when Kiera flashed her a taste of the rage in her eyes. “My thoughts exactly. No more lies.”

She sighed, twisting her lips to the side a bit. “You have one last chance, a way to salvage what remains of your dignity.”

“And why should I listen to you? Not like you have proof,” Nicholas spat out, hoping to throw her off her game. All he got in return was a loud scoff.

“You think I do not have proof? I have more than enough video evidence and pictures,” Kiera refuted and patted her bag.

The way she smiled and battled her eyelids made them know she was not bluffing. Suddenly, Nicholas stretched his hand, reaching for her bag but she was faster and stepped away towards the door.

“Tut tut… I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I already set it to upload and backed up the file. Now do you want to jeopardize what is remaining of her dignity?”

His brows creased as he held back the anger in him. Hesitantly, Nicholas sighed and looked up.

“Anything. Just do not go to the press.”

“Good. You are to accompany me to the town hall on Friday to finalize our divorce. This wouldn’t have happened if you had come as I scheduled.”

“I didn’t see it.”

“Of course, you didn’t because you were balls too deep in her sexually depraved cunt.” Every word that fell out of her mouth held a venom ready for destruction.

“I do not listen to lies, Nicholas. I would free you so you can be with her. I hope she makes you happy,” she stated, turned on her heels and headed for the door.

“Kiera wait… Delete the video and pictures.”

“Say the magic words, Nick. I am not your slave,” she uttered slowly, pushing past his restraints.

“Pl-Please.”

Her smile spilled into her eyes. “On second thought, no, I would hold on to it as collateral. Oh, and do not be late. 9 am sharp.”

At that moment, Kiera realized that she was no longer the timid woman he had treated with contempt. She had become a force to be reckoned with.

She held the power now, and she intended to use it to sever the ties that had bound them in misery.

'I used to blindly love Nicholas, which led to me being looked down upon by people around me but this time around, no more. I would pay every hurt a million times over. This is my promise to you.' Kiera finalized in her mind.

With the pain of being betrayed still filling her heart and clouding her mind, Kiera walked out of the company only to accidentally bump into a man.

"Oh my... so sorry."