Chapter 2 A Chance Encounter At The Nightclub

"Ella?" A deep crease formed between Alexander's brows. "What's wrong?"

Not wanting to expose herself, Gabriela answered at once, "I didn't want the serum from the mask dripping onto you."

Alexander had always been particular about cleanliness, especially when it came to anything sticky or unpleasant.

Just as she expected, he instinctively moved back and kept a gap between them.

Even so, doubt lingered, and he continued, "After you left, I remembered there was a problem with one of your projects. I had someone look for you, but you weren't around. Did you head home early?"

His eyes stayed on her, watching closely for any change in her expression.

Sensing what he was trying to confirm, Gabriela stayed calm and scrolled through her phone. "I was exhausted from the trip. I only wanted to come home and get some rest."

From the corner of her vision, she noticed the tension leave him, and she almost found his reaction amusing.

They exchanged a few casual words, and once she removed her mask and washed her face, he moved behind her and pulled her into his arms.

"Ella, we're already married," he said softly as his lips brushed against her neck, his touch light.

A wave of disgust rose in her, and she shoved him away. Seeing his puzzled and slightly annoyed look, she quickly came up with an excuse. "It's my period... I don't feel well."

Without waiting for him to respond, she picked up her pillow and blanket and walked toward the guest room.

"What is it? Are you..."

Alexander had just begun to frown and open his mouth to question her when his phone suddenly rang, interrupting him.

The caller's name "Babe" lit up on the screen, and Gabriela's eyes locked onto it as she waited for his reaction.

As expected, he didn't hesitate. Even with her watching, he answered right away.

He lowered the volume and stepped out, while a trace of mockery surfaced in Gabriela's gaze.

Standing by the doorway, she watched him in the hall as his expression softened into something gentle.

She recognized that look. It was the same one he used when he pursued her, though it had disappeared after their marriage.

A soft, teasing voice came through the phone. "I miss you. Can you come stay with me?"

Alexander glanced toward the guest room with hesitation, but he still agreed in the end.

When he returned after the call, Gabriela had already lain down, pretending to be asleep.

He tightened his lips, then turned around and left in silence.

As soon as the door closed, she sat up. Looking out the window, she caught the light flashing from the garage.

Moments later, Alexander sped off in his newest car, disappearing in an instant.

With his taillights fading into the distance, Gabriela began packing her belongings.

Inside the walk-in closet, she looked over the luxury pieces Alexander had given her, from their early relationship to their married life.

One by one, she took photos and sent them to a secondhand luxury dealer. The quoted amount was enough to secure a small apartment downtown.

She couldn't deny it. No matter how despicable he was, Alexander had been quite generous while they were dating.

With that money, she wouldn't struggle even after the divorce.

After finishing her packing, Gabriela called her best friend, Lindsay Reynolds.

"Are you free tonight? I'll take you out to The Ritz."

Lindsay checked the number again, disbelief filling her voice. "Wait, you? The perfect wife asking me out for drinks? Is this actually you, or did someone grab your phone to mess with me? Or is this some kind of scam?"

Unfazed by Lindsay's reaction, Gabriela spoke evenly. "Are you coming or not?"

"Of course I am!" Lindsay answered right away. "Ever since you got together with Alexander, you've been impossible to find. It's been ages since we spent time together."

Lindsay's words stirred something in Gabriela, a quiet mix of feelings she couldn't ignore.

For Alexander, she had let go of so many things.

Gabriela had just reached the entrance of The Ritz when Lindsay rushed over and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"You're paying tonight, right? Then I'll eat and drink as much as I want tonight."

The familiar warmth of that embrace brought back memories of their school days, when everything felt simple and carefree.

A small smile appeared as Gabriela hugged her back.

"Hey, what's going on with you?" Lindsay asked, picking up on her mood.

Gabriela avoided answering, brushing it off, but everything shifted the moment Lindsay noticed someone nearby.

In the distance, Alexander stood with his arm around a young woman who looked barely past her twenties.

"Ella, that's Alexander, right? I'm not imagining things?"

Lindsay blinked in disbelief, wondering if her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Following where Lindsay pointed, Gabriela's eyes settled on her husband.

A faint, bitter smile touched her lips.

There was no need for Lindsay to ask further. The look on Gabriela's face already gave her the answer.

Anger surged through Lindsay, and her hands curled into fists. "They're really shameless! If I don't make them pay tonight, I'll regret it!"

As Lindsay's anger neared its breaking point, Gabriela quickly stopped her. "It's not worth your time."

Lindsay took that calmness the wrong way and frowned.

"Ella, wake up! He's out here showing off his affair, and you're just going to ignore it?"

Seeing how worked up Lindsay was, Gabriela felt a quiet warmth, though her expression stayed composed. She shook her head. "I've made up my mind to divorce him. Let's not allow people who don't matter to spoil our evening."

The word "divorce" left Lindsay stunned for a moment. Then excitement quickly replaced it.

"That's exactly what you should do! I've never thought he deserved you anyway. Back in school, you had so many guys chasing you. If he can't value you, someone else will. I'll set up a gathering and invite all those guys. Let's make him regret everything!"

"Once the divorce is done, he won't have anything to do with me anymore," Gabriela replied, her voice turning cold as she shut down the topic.

Lindsay changed the topic right away and slipped her arm through Gabriela's with a warm smile.

"Forget him. Tonight, we're drinking until we can't stand. I'm not as strong as before, but I can still keep up!"

Gabriela let out a soft laugh at her confidence. Yet after just two drinks, Lindsay was already slumped over the table.

"I'm not finished... Just wait..." Lindsay muttered, still trying to continue.

Seeing Lindsay refuse to admit defeat even in that state, Gabriela sighed.

She called over the bartender, "Can you keep an eye on my friend? I'll be back after I use the restroom."

Inside, Gabriela had just finished drying her hands when a frightened voice reached her.

"Please let me go! I have a boyfriend..."

Instead of backing off, the men laughed and pressed closer, their behavior becoming more aggressive.

A frown formed on Gabriela's face as she stepped forward. Her voice came out firm and cold.

"This is a place for fun, not trouble. Touch her again, and I'll call the police."

Taking the chance, the young woman rushed over and hid behind Gabriela.

The moment she got a clear look at Gabriela, surprise flashed across her face. "It's you?"