Chapter 3
1 was very f
furious. “You owe me th
those flowers!”
Orion scowled. “Delphine, he’s just a kid. Why are you taking it so seriously?”
“Go to the kitchen and make dinner. Stop provoking him “He actually handed me an apron
I laughed–cold and sharp. “What am I, your maid? Why would I cook for you three?”
His expression hardened. “Delphine, can’t you just be reasonable? Ever since the city hall, you’ve been acting out, stirring up drama for
no reason.”
“This was supposed to be a peaceful evening. We were all getting along until you walked in and turned it into chaos.”
“I’m offering you an out here. Cook dinner–as an apology to Seraphina and the child.”
I looked him in the eye. “Orion, be honest with me. Do you really believe we had no issues? That I’m the one who should be apologizing?”
His eyes flickered, briefly dodging mine
Then he sighed. “The kid’s innocent. Delphine, you’re an adult. So what if you have to take a little grief? I’ll make it up to you. Double.”
My chest went cold.
And I’m not innocent?
At that moment, the boy came charging over again–this time wielding a
a dinner fork
Hejabbed it hard into my thigh. “Get out! You don’t belong in our house!”
I shoved him away, biting back a cry of pain.
“This house is mine.” My voice was ice. “If someone’s
Auto–added to the Library
The boy burst into tears and ran into Seraphina’s arms.
This house had been meant as our wedding home. I’d bought it with that future in mind. And now, Orion was playing family with another woman and a child–in my bed, under my roof.
Seraphina dabbed at her eyes and said, in a trembling voice, “We shouldn’t have come. I’m sorry. We’ll leave.”
But Orion stepped in front of her, blocking her path with a look of exaggerated concern.
He turned to me, clearly annoyed. “It’s already dark, and Seraphina has a kid with her. Where exactly are they supposed to go? Can’t you just be a little more generous, Delphine?”
I nodded slowly. “Fine. They can stay the night. But if they’re not out by morning, I’m calling the police.”
Orion’s mouth twisted. “If you’re kicking them out, then I’ll go with them.
I smiled faintly. “Be my guest.
I turned and opened the bedroom door–ready to distance myself from all this madness.
But the moment I stepped inside, I froze.
The sheets were wrinkled. The pillows dented. The comforter still warm.
And underneath the pillow was a bra. Not mine.
She slept in my bed..
Istood there, stunned, stomach churning. Then I silently gathered my documents and walked out.
Chapter 3
Bang.
The door slammed behind me.
I booked a hotel room for the night. That house was no longer clean. Tomorrow, I’d bring in a professional cleaner.
Everything contaminated would be thrown away.
After washing up, I collapsed into bed. My entire body ached with fatigue.
Just as I was starting to fall asleep, my phone buzzed.
A friend request.
Laccepted and immediately received a string of photos.
All of them showed Orion and Seraphina. In my bed. In my home. Tangled up in each other like they belonged there.
The last photo came with a message
[Smart women know when to let go.]
I stared at the screen, then replied:
[Some people just like collecting garbage. I’m happy to let her have it.]
Then I turned off my phone–and slept like a rock
When I woke up, daylight was already streaming through the window.
I had breakfast, then headed over to reclaim my house.
But the moment I opened the door, [froze
The living room was filled with balloons and streamers. The walls were plastered with posters each one a wedding photo of Orion Sterling and Seraphina Lane.
Strangers were everywhere, lounging on my furniture, some standing, some sitting. I didn’t recognize a single face.
Someone had kicked off their shoes and was trampling all over my designer sofa. Others were raiding my fridge, drinking from my cups like they owned the place.
My bookshelf had been ransacked. Books and documents lay scattered across the floor.
The antique decorations I had bought at auction–along with precious gifts from my parents–were being passed around like party favors. Some of them were already broken.
I clenched my fists and walked over to shut off their speaker.
Immediately, a few people turned and looked at me with clear annoyance, like I was the one ruining their party.
I took a slow breath and asked, voice low and cold, “Who are you? Why are you in my house?”
They looked at each other, confused.
Then one of them said, “Your house? Isn’t this Seraphina’s place?”
“We’re here for the wedding. Who even are you?”
My mouth went dry. I could barely get the words out. “Wedding? Orion and Seraphina are getting married in my house?”
Then someone pointed at me suddenly, eyes lighting up in recognition. “Wait a minute–I know you! You’re that homewrecker, right?”
Chapter 3