Chapter 3
– Soraya-
“Hi? What’s your name?” the fourteen–year–old Soraya greeted with a smile. She was attending Cedric Montclair’s birthday party. Upon seeing Calum, she immediately approached.
Of course, Soraya already knew who he was. The Montclair and Azar families had lived across from each other for years.
“Calum,” the young Montclair heir said. He shook his head like he already knew there was no need for introductions.
-Can we be friends, Calum?” she asked.
He just shrugged, and Soraya took it as an approval.
There was a time when Soraya and Calum got along just fine. Their families were close, and being neighbors, Soraya saw his achievements and grew to admire Calum
Yes, Calum was a handsome man. He was tall and athletic, with brown hair and sharp blue eyes. But Soraya didn’t fall for just his looks. She loved the quiet strength he carried. He didn’t talk much, but when he did, people listened. He took over the family business at a young age, and even then, he acted with the seriousness of someone much older.
Yet life had a way of turning everything upside down.
One crucial night changed everything, forcing them into marriage.
That was when Calum started hating Soraya. He firmly believed she had orchestrated the events leading up to her
pregnancy.
Soraya had hoped she could win Calum’s heart. After all, she was young, bright, and attractive. She had an angelic beauty, with long. sleek caramel hair that cascaded down her back and skin as fair as ivory. She did not have to wear heavy makeup or provocative clothes to stand out. Aside from her natural qualities, Calum’s parents adored her.
However, throughout their marriage, Calum treated her with disdain. He ignored her, and the worst part was how he allowed his friends. to look down on her. And now, he flaunted a mistress without even batting an eye.
There was no other way to go around it. Soraya needed to choose herself, or else she would be that useless person Calum’s friends had labeled her to be.
Soraya had stayed with her uncle for the past few days. One would think that, despite her absence, her husband would call or be concerned–but no. He never called or texted.
Calum didn’t care.
In fact, since their marriage, Calum had sent her no more than fifty messages. They were either purely business or matters related to Sage.
They did not celebrate their anniversary Calum never came to her birthday celebration, and unless the party was held at the Montclair mamion, Soraya was never invited to his birthday party.
Sage, however, had sent Soraya two messages on the chat app, but she chose not to read them. Soraya was afraid of giving in, afraid of being rejected once again, and afraid of falling into the trap she had been under for the past seven years.
On a Thunday, Soraya sat at her desk her laptop open, screens glowing with charts, notes, and color–coded plans. She had made a schedule and was sticking to it. Everything had its place the market data on the left, a checklist of tasks in the center, and a list of safe. quiet apartments onthe riga. After the divorce, she needed a new home and a new routine.
On her priority list s a visit to Argis Core Systems and to meet an old friend.
just as she was planning her life, she received a text from her college best friend. Lyra Hayes
hat the fu
Tyra Suraya! What the fuck is going on
Then, Lyra sent a picture of Caluim. He was impeccably dressed, with Rose clinging to his arm. Rose was smiling at Calum, her gaze
flirtatious
Lyre (I’m attending the mayor’s birthday party, and I overheard some people say
3:53 PM P P.
Chapter 3
For a moment, Soraya struggled to breathe. Her hands shook as she looked at the image.
She wanted to cry, but instead, she returned to her computer and stared at her outlined plans.
“Breathe, she told herself. You have already made your decision
Soraya closed her eyes and counted numbers, regaining control of her emotions once more. ..Four, three, two, one.”
She took deep breaths and reset the logic.
When she opened her eyes, she returned to her phone.
Lyra: [Talk to me right now! Or I’m storming in and slapping that woman’s face!]
Soraya quickly called her friend. “Don’t do that. You know Calum has a lot of power in the city. He could cause problems for your family’s business. It’s not worth it, Lyra”
But
“I’m divorcing him. Lyra. I can’t take it anymore, Soraya revealed.
She could hear her friend’s struggle to accept things. Lyra was on the verge of tears. “But you love him so much.”
“I have reached my limit. I want to work on myself,” Soraya said softly.
“Okay. Okay. You know what? You are right. You should have left that asshole a long time ago!” Lyra went on but then paused. “But what about Sage?”
Her friend finally remembered why Soraya held on so long
-Sage? She needs a mother that she can be proud of,” Soraya said. “I need time to be that person for her.”
Lyra had been away, working in another city. Soraya did not even know when she came back to Cedar Heights. Thus, it did not come as a surprise that Lyra was unaware of Rose, the new woman in Calum’s life.
She told her friend everything, including Sage’s newfound affection for Rose. At the end of her narrative, Lyra said while weeping, “1 wish I were there for you. I will hug you forever!”
“Me too.” This time, Soraya allowed herself to shed a tear. “But we can catch up next week. I will collect that hug. Let’s see how forever Lasts for you?
When Lyra laughed. Soraya found herself smiling for the first time in months.
should have a reunion–you, me, and I Silas.” Lyra proposed, mentioning a common friend.
That’s on my priority list. I’ll give you a call when I’m back at Cedar Heights,” Soraya said before finally ending their conversation
Soraya returned to reviewing her solid plan. According to her timeline, her goals would unfold over the next two to three years.
Little did she know that the moment she set her plans in motion, opportunities would come knocking faster and louder than she ever anticipated.