Chapter 3 - The First Confrontation“What the hell are you doing here, Mia?” Adrian hissed, stopping inches from me. His eyes raked over my outfit, a flicker of insecurity passing behind his polished veneer. “I expected you to show up in tears, wearing some frumpy off-the-rack dress. Not… this.”
“Good evening, Adrian,” I said, my voice smooth, chillingly calm, and devoid of any warmth. “You invited me to watch you win. How could I possibly miss the greatest performance of your life?”
Celeste glided up beside him, looping her arm through his with a triumphant, condescending smirk. Her eyes flashed with cruel amusement.
“Mia,” Celeste purred, stepping forward to flash her diamond engagement ring. “I’m so glad you made it. Truly. I know how painful it must be for a barren woman to stand in a room full of life and fertility. But hey, some of us were just built to be mothers. Others… well, you tried your best, didn't you?”
A few guests nearby snickered, anticipating my breakdown.
I didn't blink. I tilted my head, looking down at Celeste’s prominent belly with a pity so profound it wiped the smirk right off her face.
“You’re right, Celeste,” I said softly, loud enough for the surrounding crowd to hear. “Some women are chosen to be mothers. And some women are just chosen to be temporary placeholders while the real work is done behind closed doors.”
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Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Watch your mouth, Mia. You’re a guest here. Don't make a scene, or I’ll have security throw you out on the street where you belong.”
“Oh, Adrian,” I smiled, letting my eyes sweep over the sea of high-profile witnesses. “The only person getting thrown out tonight is you. And trust me, the street will look luxurious compared to where you’re heading.”
