Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
“I can take a taxi back,” Vera quickly responded, stepping back. Her car was still parked at Adams Group, where she had left it to join him for dinner. The dinner had already been captured by photographers, and being seen with Victor again would complicate things further.
As she declined, she turned to scan the traffic. “There are plenty of taxis around. I can manage by myself. Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Adams,” she said.
As she spoke, Vera turned to leave.
Victor watched her intently and then calmly stated, “It’s rush hour now. You could end up waiting for a taxi for two hours.”
His observation briefly stilled Vera. Rush hour indeed made the city roads congested. “It’s not far to Everspring Garden from here. It’s on my way. I can drop you off,” Victor offered casually.
After hesitating briefly, Vera decided to accept the ride rather than wait.
Unbeknownst to her, as she got into the car, several cameras captured the moment from the shadows. Victor chose a less crowded route to make the drive smoother. He selected a soothing piano piece to play, and the gentle evening breeze added to the calm.
Vera, feeling more at ease, rolled down the window to enjoy the fresh air.
Though they didn’t talk much, the drive felt more comfortable than before. Victor occasionally glanced at Vera, the scent of her gardenia perfume filling the air as the breeze passed through.
They soon arrived at the entrance to Everspring Garden. Just as Vera was about to exit the car, her phone began to buzz incessantly with message notifications.
Vera pulled out her cell phone, noticing messages from friends about the trending news. Since graduating from college, she had become a full-time housewife, with only a few friends she had kept in touch with.
Glancing at the messages, Vera saw everyone asking the same question about the authenticity of the trending news. Her side profile in the photo had made her recognizable.
Without responding immediately, Vera glanced over at Victor, gave a slight nod, and said, “Thank you for the ride home tonight, Mr. Adams.”
Victor smiled and replied in a low voice, “You’re welcome. Go home and rest well.”
“Okay,” Vera responded.
After this exchange, Victor drove away.
Once the vehicle was out of sight, Vera began her walk home, pondering who might have instigated the trending search. She had only walked a few steps when she noticed a figure under a nearby camphor tree.
The figure was unmistakably Howard, recognized by his height and build. Vera’s face twisted into a frown, her eyes reflecting disdain.
“Why is he here?” she wondered.
Howard had already noticed her. Discarding his cigarette with a look of disgust, he stepped out from the shadows, the lighting enhancing his features. Vera felt a deep revulsion at the sight of him.
His look hadn’t changed, but now, all she felt was sickness.
“Why are you here?” she asked, her voice cold.
She eyed him warily, clutching her bag tightly, ready to defend herself if needed.
Howard’s expression was stern as he held back his anger. “Vera, remember, we’re officially divorced. Yet here you are, with another man, and letting him drop you off. Can’t you wait? Do you always need a man by your side?”
Vera immediately felt irritated and let out a laugh, her tone cold. “And you dare to judge me like this? Have you forgotten that you were with Lily in our bed while we were still married?”
Her eyes filled with disgust and sarcasm, sharp as needles, piercing Howard’s heart.
Howard’s heart ached deeply. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. This wasn’t how Vera should look at him.
Losing her patience, Vera said with a sharp tone, “When will you finalize the divorce? Once it’s done, I want you out of my life completely.”
Annoyed, Howard adjusted his tie and warned, “As long as we’re still married, you remain my wife. Keep your distance from other men.”
“Have you no shame?” Vera spat. “Does Lily know that you’re trying to control who I see? You’re truly despicable.”
With every word, Vera’s disgust grew. Just seeing Howard’s presence soured her mood.
She pulled her phone from her bag and sneered, “Maybe I should call Lily right now and let her hear your so-called advice. I don’t need to endure your presence.”
Just as she was about to make the call, Howard snatched the phone from her hands.
“Give it back!” Vera demanded coldly.
Howard’s voice was icy and menacing as he stepped closer to her. “So, you’re eager to cut ties with me to be with Victor? Consider this-his high status won’t change the fact that he sees a divorced woman as disposable. How could he truly want someone like you? He’s just using you to pass the time.”
Howard regained his composure, his tone now lofty and cautionary. “For the sake of our long history, I advise you not to jeopardize your future. Victor could easily ruin you.”
Vera clenched her fists, the hatred in her gaze unmistakable. Every time she thought she couldn’t be more disillusioned with Howard, he managed to shock her further.
“Don’t assume everyone is as vile and sordid as you,” she replied, her teeth clenched in anger. “I regret every moment spent with you. I’d rather have given those years to the dogs.”
Her words provoked Howard even further. In a sudden move, he reached out and grabbed her neck.
“Do you blame me for holding you back? Tell me. Why did Victor defend you in the restaurant? Is it because you couldn’t endure being alone and sought his presence with such desperation?”
Furious, Vera narrowed her eyes, her anger rising quickly. Without hesitation, she swiftly raised her hand and struck Howard across the face with all her might!
The sound of the slap echoed loudly through the night. Vera’s right palm throbbed with pain, her eyes burning with hatred and disgust.
“Don’t assume everyone is as vile as you. I was so blind to have loved you.”
She then stepped back, sharply withdrawing her hand.
Howard glared at her, his eyes filled with anger.
“Based on your reaction, I was right. You’ve been with Victor, and that’s why you want to divorce me!”
“I want to divorce you because you betrayed me, and I caught you! What? Should I just sit at home, crying, waiting for you to return? No more double standards!”
Howard scoffed, blind to his own faults. “Why don’t you take a look at yourself? If it were for you, Lily would have been my choice from the start!”
Vera nearly laughed out loud.
After being betrayed, she was expected to suffer and reflect on herself? Ridiculous.
She inhaled deeply, calming herself, and hissed, “Leave. I don’t want to see you again. Harass me again, and I’ll tell Lily everything.”
Howard’s voice was stone-cold as he said, “Now that the Montgomery family no longer supports you, you’re like a stray dog. Watch how you act before our divorce is final, or you’ll regret it!”
Vera closed her eyes, taking another deep breath.
Loving the wrong person brought nothing but torment.