Chapter 1
Phalicia Lombard had always believed she was Caleb Phelan’s wife until one day–a clerk told her she was unmarried.
“That’s impossible. I married Caleb Phelan a year ago.” she countered.
“According to our system, Mr. Phelan is married indeed, but you’re single.” the clerk explained, showing her the screen.
Phalicia gasped and took a glance, only to find Caleb’s lawfully wedded wife was Shevonne Sandoval.
Standing in the lobby, Phalicia froze, her head buzzing.
Shevonne Sandoval? She had never heard of that name before.
She went to Caleb’s company in a daze, wanting to know the entire truth.
“Caleb, when are you gonna tell Phalicia the truth?” Phalicia was about to push open the doors, but the words made her hand stop in mid–motion.
It was the voice of her best friend, Carlene Pruitt.
Through the blinds, she saw Carlene sit across from Caleb.
Carlene chuckled, continuing, “Great job bankrupting her family. And you actually got her to fall for you? That’s badass. But you’re married already. How are you gonna handle it if she finds out?”
She was too busy gloating to notice Phalicia just outside.
Phalicia’s mind went blank. Her cheeks, still pink from the cold, went ghastly pale in an instant.
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Carlene’s words were like a thunderbolt, leaving her numb.
Caleb was actually the mastermind behind her family’s bankruptcy? And Carlene knew about this?
She trembled uncontrollably at the mere thought.
On the other side of the door, Carlene kept giggling. “Shevonne will be back soon. You know you won’t be able to keep hiding this any longer, right? Since Phalicia has already got the Jewelry Department up and running, her mission is completed. I suggest we dump her.”
Caleb stood against the window, making it impossible for Phalicia to see his face.
She could only hear his icy tone. “No rush. I need her to make Vonnie jealous. Vonnie eloped with another man right after we got married. I gotta punish her for that.”
Outside, Phalicia trembled so violently that she could barely stand.
Meanwhile, Caleb set a glass of water down on the desk and continued, his voice deep, “Besides, Shelton’s lawyer is still fighting for a reduced sentence. I gotta deal with that.”
“Shelton? Phalicia’s brother? Don’t make me laugh. He’s such a shithead!” Carlene laughed.
She slapped the couch, unable to stop giggling at
“Your guy
all. “Your
deliberately harassed Phalicia in front of him, and he took the bait just like that. Serves him right that he got eight years in prison.”
Then she seemed a bit hesitant. “Wait… Does Phalicia know Melvin is seriously ill, though?”
Phalicia’s breath hitched.
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Melvin Lombard–her father–was seriously ill?
“Now isn’t the time. I’ll tell her everything within two months.”
11 288 VONETAS
Caleb’s tone grew serious. “The Jewelry Department is about to launch a limited–edition collection, and everyone has high hopes for her. Besides, she needs to finish your work, too. That news will distract her.”
Phalicia felt her blood ran cold. Turned out her beloved “husband” and bestie of ten years were both monsters! They ruined her family just to get what they wanted!
She felt an urge to barge in, but she knew it wasn’t the right time. So she bit her tongue till it bled to calm herself.
Then, she hurried downstairs, tears welling up in her eyes.
The cold wind sliced through her thin coat at once as Caleb and Carlene’s conversation echoed in her mind.
The Lombard family used to be thriving. However, they were accused of illegal dealings three years ago, and Melvin’s inner circle was arrested.
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