Chapter 13
Julie POV
I stared at my phone, scrolling through the evidence the private investigator had sent me- message after message, photo after photo, even videos. I just couldn’t believe it. It was true.
“This bitch” I chuckled
I had seen it on her phone, but I doubted it because it was blurred.
“Bastard,” I cursed.
I put the phone down, unable to believe it.
Two weeks ago
Maria’s birthday and her eighth wedding anniversary were coming up. She had casually mentioned it to me during one of our forced
friendly conversations after I had accepted her apology.
Julie, I’m thinking of throwing a party,” she said. “I don’t know if you would like to come, but maybe I can use the event todaymake it up to you.”
Oh, I would be there, all right.
I had convinced Maria to let me handle the highlight of the evening a slideshow capturing “the beautiful journey” of her and her husband’s life together.
“Trust me,” I told her, smiling so sweetly it almost felt natural. “I’ll make it unforgettable.
The night of the panty arrived. Maria’s house was filled with people–friends, family, and even a few clients and followers from her small writing community. She floated through the room in a pastel dress, laughing and greeting guests, her husband by her side.
I watched her from the corner, sipping my drink. She really didn’t know what was about to hit her.
When it was time for the slideshow, Maria gathered everyone in the room, her face glowing with joy. “Julie has put together something really special for us,” she said, gesturing toward me, “Let’s all give her a big round of applause”
I smiled as the room clapped politely and stepped forward. “Thank you, Marja,” I said. “I worked hard on this, and I think it truly captures the essence of your life together.”
The lights dimmed, and the first slide appeared on the screen: a photo of Maria and her husband on their wedding day, smiling and full of hope. There was an audible “aww” from the audience.
But then, the next image appeared–the moment I had been waiting for a photo of Maria and Alex holding hands in a restaurant. The room fell silent.
Maria came close to me as she whispered.
What are you doing?” She asked.
“Shhhh you are interrupting the slide show, the best part is yet to come” I said.
With the smile on my face she knew the slideshow was going to be her downfall, she tried putting it off but it was too late.
As the slideshow continued, videos of them being intimate–in bed, on the kitchen floor–played on the screen. The late–night chats, the secret messages, everything was displayed. Casps and whispers filled the room.
“Turn it off! Turn it all offf” she screamed.
It kept playing as she wobbled to the stage, almost tripping. She tried to turn it off, but it continued, so she resorted to her last option and began destroying the equipment. But the damage was already done, everyone was staring at her in disgust.
1/3
10:00 PM
Chapter 13
“What.. what is this?” Maria’s husband stammered, standing up.
Maria wobbled off the stage, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
I stepped back a bit, took a seat, and with a glass of wine in my hand, I was ready to watch the drama unfold.
Maria turned to me with tears in her eyes. “You are really despicable.”
I crossed my legs. “I thought it was time everyone saw the real Maria,” I said calmly. “Happy birthday and wedding anniversary, by the
way:
Her husband stormed out of the room, and Maria ran after him, pleading. “It’s not what it looks like! Please, let me explain!”
“Not what it looks like, huh?” he said. “The pictures, the messages, the videos–what exactly am I supposed to think, Maria?” he shouted.
Maria dropped to her knees, with tears all over her face. “I made a mistake,” she whispered. “Please, don’t leave me.”
I am done with you” He said as he turned to leave.
Then the guests began to leave in awkward silence, so I made my way to the door. Maria stumbled after me, grabbing my arm.
Why would you do this to me?” she sobbed.
I shook her off. “Why?” I repeated, turning to face her. “Because you deserved it. You destroyed my marriage, Maria. You betrayed me in the worst way possible. Did you really think I would let you get away with that?”
Juliet” she streamed. “You just destroyed my life” she said, her voice trembling
“All because of what? I slept with your husband and I hid his affair.” She chuckled.
“Maybe if you were doing your duty as a wife, he wouldn’t have needed someone to satisfy his desires.”
I took the glass of wine and poured it on her.
“Happy birthday and happy anniversary once again,” I said as I walked away.
Outside, I took a deep breath as everything I had planned went well. Maria’s perfect little world had crumbled, just like mine had. But instead of feeling victorious, I felt empty.
I walked down the street, feeling a bit empty. Alex had been arrested, and I had destroyed Maria’s life. Why the hell did I feel this way? Why wasn’t I satisfied?
I walked over to a lagoon close by, screamed my heart out, and cried
“I hate you, Alex!!!” I screamed louder, my voice echoing. 1 hate all of you!”
“I hate sandwiches!” a voice from behind screamed so loudly. “And tomatoes!!!
I turned to see who it was the stranger from the hospital.
“Now that is how you scream,” he said.
“Can you please leave me alone?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t. And plus,
6, me meeting you three times is definitely not a coincidence,” he said with a smile.
“Yeah, are you stalking me?” I asked.
“And who wouldn’t stalk this beauty?” he said.
“I’m really not in the mood for this. I had a long day, and right now I just want to be left alone.”
“Talking about it might help. I’m all ears. I want to know about your bad day,” he said.
“And your girlfriend or your wife wouldn’t have an issue with that? Who knows, she might just walk in here and give me the slap of a lifetime like she did, I asked.
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.