Chapter 1: Betrayal
10:45 am, H city.In front of a small apartment, Emma Garcia pushed open the unlocked door and went inside. Putting down her suitcase, her heart swelled with an indescribable insecurity. People often said that a woman’s sixth sense was too accurate.The room was quite messy. Calming down a bit, in the quiet area, Emma gradually heard the sound of gasping and lascivious sounds that made adults blush too.“A…a… David, it’s good.”“David, faster… It’s so good. I love you, baby.”The sound of kissing and doing this work resounded throughout the room. The man said, "Selena, you are great!""Honey, who is better? Me or your Emma?" The woman suddenly burst into laughter, a smile that was full of triumph."Why do you suddenly mention that damn girl? Of course, you are better. I only love you!"“But… what if Emma finds out—”Every word disgusted Emma. She covered her mouth, her eyes widening as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.The man inside continued saying, “She’s still in France. How would she know? Don’t care about her.”Emma's face was whiter than ever. She slowly made her way to the bedroom. The door was ajar, and the light from outside shone through the gap in the darkness inside. The bag in Emma's hand fell to the ground, her eyes wide with surprise.The strange noise caused the lovers inside to stop "moving”. The man suddenly turned around. Emma opened the door, watching the scene unfold before her eyes.“E… Em… Emma?” Still intoxicated with pleasure, the man's low voice spoke up, calling her name.She was not the person who surprised him, but he had prepared such a big surprise for her that she could not forget it for the rest of her life.Emma stood dumbfounded at the door. The naked couple on the bed were both looking at her in bewilderment. Her heart pounded in her chest, the mix of emotions swirling inside her making it hard to breathe. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the heartbreaking scene before her. She was more familiar with these two faces than anyone…David Thompson - her boyfriend of 4 years, and Selena Shirley - her best friend since high school, are making love on her and David's anniversary.“I… Emma, everything isn’t like you think. Let’s hear me explain first.” David jumped from the bed, quickly put on his pants, and wanted to run to Emma.However, before David could touch her, Emma gave him a hard slap across his cheek.“You… You two…” Emma's voice faltered, her whole body trembling with raw emotions. She struggled to find the right words to express the pain and disappointment coursing through her. Her eyes were drowning in despair.Selena Shirley hugged the blanket over her chest, kneeling on the bed, wanting to explain, “Emma, we… We were just drunk so that we couldn't control ourselves. We… don't have any relationship at all.”Emma felt that the words were very harsh. She slapped David again, saying, "What do you want to explain? Drunk? Drunk in broad daylight?"“If you guys don’t have any relationship but still make love, I feel even more disgusted!” She said each word, her eyes filled with hatred towards David and Selena.She couldn't fathom the extent of the pain that now coursed through her veins. Her heart was shattered into a million pieces, and she didn't know whether to feel sad or ridiculous because she couldn't even shed a tear. Her body felt paralyzed, torn between the desire to scream out her pain and to turn away from the unbearable scene before her.She wanted to slap this goddamn couple to vent her anger, but she just stood there dumbfounded. Looking at the man she had loved with all her heart for four long years and the best friend she had trusted above all else, Emma felt a knife pierce her heart with the most painful stab.Emma tried to continue, “David, we are done! You and I break up from now on. Don't let me see your fucking face again!"Remaining silent, David turned pale. Caught cheating in his bed, what else can he say? Why hadn't anyone told him that Emma was coming back? She didn't even tell him.What if she got mad and demanded the money she paid for the last 4 years including this apartment? David just got a good position at a big corporation. Her scary dad could make him lose his job immediately... No, she's always loved him, just beg her, and everything would be better.When he saw Emma was about to leave, David pulled her hand back, knelt on the ground, and in a choked voice begged, “Emma, please don’t break up—”Selena Shirley sat on the bed. Watching as David begged Emma, she angrily grabbed the blanket, gritted her teeth, and said:“Emma, do you think you're so nice? You leave David alone to study abroad for many years. Have you ever had other lovers in France? I dare you to swear!”Emma Garcia turned to look at Selena, her eyes filled with hatred and contempt. The corners of her mouth curled up into a mocking smile.“Selena, I know you've always been jealous of me. My academic achievement since high school was better than yours. My family's condition is also better than yours. Even my boyfriend, you also covet, sneaking behind my back to do this dirty trick. Don't think everyone is as vile as you are. I bless you all, damned couple.”“Emma, please don't go… I know I’m wrong. I’m stupid to do this time. This is only the first time! We have never been together before. Emma, trust me. I love you. I love you so much. Please don’t leave me." David didn't care what Selena just said. He kept begging Emma."Love?" Emma repeated the word 'love', her face disdainful, “David, hearing that word from your mouth makes me nauseous. You two should get out of my life. If we meet again, I will kill you both."Emma's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and sadness. She took a deep breath, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Her gaze was attracted by the pile of clothes scattering on the floor. A picture frame of David with her shattered and strewn across the ground.Seemingly reaching her breaking point, Emma’s emotions surged up powerfully. She rushed to the wardrobe, yanking its door open, only to discover numerous clothes belonging to Selena. By now, David's face had turned pale. He knelt on the ground looking utterly vile.Emma unleashed all the emotions in her heart. She violently threw everything within reach, pulling out all the dresses from the closet. The unfamiliar perfume of another woman made Emma suddenly feel nauseous. At this time, only the sound of broken glass and other furniture resounded in the room.After a while, as Emma's outburst subsided slightly, her wavy blonde hair was a little messy. In a hoarse voice, her beautiful eyes looked at the damned couple, "Get out! I said get out of here. This is my rented house, so today I want you both f*ck off!"Then, she took out her phone and quickly snapped a photo. David and Selena, were of course the main characters in the picture, "David, my lawyer will contact you. Over the years, the money I've given you and the rent for this apartment – don't think you'll get away without paying back a cent."Emma breathed out wearily, waving her phone at Selena with a mocking smile, "I've heard you're a rising model now. What would happen if the media got this photo?"Selena's eyes widened in shock. She didn't care that she was still undressed, immediately jumping off the bed and rushing towards Emma. Her mouth spat out curses, "You f*cking b*tch! I dare you to do that."Emma quickly backed away, watching as David tried to restrain Selena.Selena, in a fit of rage, continued to kick at Emma, "You think just with that photo you can intimidate me? Don't you see how pitiful you look when you can't even keep your own boyfriend?"Emma stepped forward, yanking Selena's hair backward, her hand gripping Selena's chin tightly, "Shut up! A cheap third wheel like you only deserves the trash!"After that, she gently tidied her hair and clothes, decisively leaving. If they dared hurt her, she would make them pay a heavy price!Emma struggled to get her suitcase out of David. He was naked like that so he didn't dare to run outside. As soon as she left this damned apartment, tears started to flow incessantly.She and David fell in love while they were in university. For the past three years, whenever David had financial difficulties, she had always helped him. When he was evicted from a rundown motel for being unable to pay his rent, Emma rented this apartment for 2 years on his behalf. Even though the apartment wasn't too great, she spent all her savings while hiding from her parents. Living in such a big city was not easy, David always said he was grateful to her.But how did he repay her? He betrayed her by making love to her best friend. For Emma, as long as it was a betrayal, it didn't matter how often or when it started because it was still a betrayal.Emma took a taxi straight to a bustling bar in the city. It was still bright outside, but stepping through the bar's door was like entering another world
One month had passed since the tumultuous events unfolded in Emma's life. After returning home, she found herself grappling with not one, but two shocking revelations that struck her like a hammer, causing a mental breakdown that left her emotionally shattered.For the next two weeks, she rarely left the confines of her home. Her mother, worried and heartbroken, diligently brought meals to her room, only to be disheartened by the sight of her daughter barely eating. Emma's father tried his best to push her to join the family company, hoping it might help her heal. In the past, Emma's family always objected to her love for David, but she risked everything to be able to love him. However, David - the man she had sacrificed so much for, betrayed her trust in the cruelest manner possible. Mr. Garcia had a heart disease so just encountering something stimulating would easily make him relapse. She no longer dared to disobey her parents anymore.Sitting in her familiar room, she found herse
The following day, Emma went to work as usual. Today, the R&D department had an important meeting with the executive board, so Emma dressed politely. She wore a knee-length skirt that created a perfect balance between elegance and sophistication. Her wavy hair, like gentle cascades of silk, was adorned with a simple, delicate hairpin, adding a touch of grace to her overall appearance.Upon arriving at her workspace, Emma couldn't contain her cheerfulness and greeted her colleagues with her characteristic warmth, "Good morning!" However, she noticed something unusual in their responses making her very confused. Her colleagues who passed her just nodded and smiled distantly.As Emma settled at her desk, even Anne, her friendly co-worker sitting beside her, seemed preoccupied and lacking her usual enthusiasm. "How's everyone doing today? What's wrong with work?" Emma wondered, a tinge of concern creasing her brow.It was still not time for the meeting. With a hint of restlessness, Emma
In the luxurious office, the quiet atmosphere enveloped the people inside. Harry sat cross-legged, hands clasped in his lap, his eyes like a hungry tiger waiting to hunt."You lied! I... I didn't... do that." Emma embarrassedly stared at him with wide eyes, emotionally rebutting, but her voice became increasingly quieter.That day, after returning home, that passionate night gradually appeared clearly. The intensity of the memories was such that she found herself desiring a magic medicine to wipe away the traces of that night from her mind.The corner of Harry's mouth curled up into a sly smile, his deep voice carrying a hint of charm and teasing, "Hm? You forgot it all?""It's okay, I will help you to recall. Every sigh, every… surrender," He murmured, his voice dripping with a mix of allure and mischief. He paused, a finger playfully tracing his lips as if occurring the memory again then continued: "Before our passionate night began, you wept under my body and said that you wanted
“Mom, where is my dad? Why did Dad suddenly get sick?”The instant her mother's anxious voice reached her ears, Emma, without hesitation, flagged down a passing taxi and directed the driver to speed towards the hospital. Thoughts of afternoon work vanished from her mind. Along the way, she kept praying in her heart for her dad to be safe. Thought of her dad getting sick because of the news this morning, her face was totally paled.The pungent antiseptic smell, the clinical coldness of the place, and the stark contrast of a glowing red sign against the sterile white walls intensified her unease. An aristocratic woman sat outside, sobbing while wiping her tears with a towel.Seeing Emma coming, she immediately stood up and ran to hug Emma, “Sweetie, your dad is having surgery. I don't understand what happened either."Emma's gaze drifted to the opalescent glass door that couldn't see anything inside, her heart ringing in fear. Gently, with a comforting touch, she took her mother's hand,
The rain continued its relentless downpour outside. Emma turned her gaze to the streets of H city but only saw a blurry scene because the raindrops on the car window were blurred with the twinkling lights. In the silence of the car, if she listened intently, she could distinctly hear each heartbeat resonating.H City stood as the dynamic economic heart of the country, a nexus for global business corporations, including the powerful Handerson family. From her childhood, she would frequently visit her maternal grandfather's residence, which was nestled within the city's most opulent villa district. In her memory appeared a large and splendid mansion like a magnificent castle, with two doorkeepers standing outside the gate like royal guards. She once asked her father to drive around that area to admire it; then again and again surprised by its massiveness. Growing up a little, she learned that the castle belonged to the most powerful Handerson family in the country.After her maternal gr
“You have no value at all.”Emma's beautiful eyes widened in surprise. Harry's cold, emotionless voice was like a knife stabbing into her heart, causing her to seriously ache. The cherry lips moved a few times to struggle to find words but didn't make a sound. Facing Harry's determined gaze made her feel like she was being cornered.The large room fell into silent contemplation. Not knowing how long the two maintained this face-to-face position, time seemed to stretch endlessly as the two held their intense gaze. Suddenly, Emma burst into laughter. She looked down at her hands clasped together, unable to hide her worry.That's right! In this world of money and power plays, she herself had no value at all. However, accepting this realization was not as difficult as she imagined. Raised as the cherished daughter of the Garcia family, her blissful upbringing had protected her in optimism and naivety. However, destiny had tossed her onto a new path, challenging her every notion. Now was
Harry briefly answered a few questions then opened the door and went inside. When he saw Emma sitting to chat lovingly with her mother, his finger on the door handle suddenly stiffened for a few seconds.He approached her, his voice low and soft, "Come here with me for a moment. I have something to tell you.”Emma nodded and followed him out to the hospital's flower garden. A summer wind blew past, making her hair and dress gently flutter. Her small figure standing next to the blooming flowers created an extremely charming landscape picture."What's up?" Emma pushed her sideburns behind her ear and asked softly.Her current expression was no longer as bright as when she was with her mother, her eyes were clearly contemplative. She looked around the flower garden once. People coming and going were very crowded but tinged with silence, from time to time there would be a few small conversations or the sound of the wind rustling on the tops of the trees. Obviously, the city of H was in th