Chapter 1 She's Back

In the evening, heavy rain poured over Owathe as Belinda Wright made her way to Dream Club, soaked through but somehow keeping the cake she held untouched by the downpour.

Upon reaching the private room's entrance, Belinda nudged the door open.

"Verena, throughout the three years you vanished, not once did Lucas cease his search for you. And now, you are finally back!"

Hearing that from inside the room, Belinda froze mid-step.

Verena?

The same Verena Reed who used to be Lucas Clark's girlfriend?

"But hasn't Lucas already gotten married?" queried a soft female voice.

"Ah, Verena, there's no need to concern yourself with that woman Lucas married. Lucas was coerced into that marriage by his father, who threatened to kill you if Lucas didn't get married. Lucas married that woman only to protect you."

"Really?" Verena's doubt was evident.

"Absolutely! Why else would Lucas choose someone like Belinda? She is so unappealing and overweight. Besides, she is an illegitimate daughter. Marrying her was Lucas's attempt to annoy his father, to get back at him!"

Outside the private room, Belinda felt cold; her complexion drained of color.

Recalling the night when Lucas had proposed, she remembered her heart had soared. She had been blissfully unaware of the harsh truth. She had believed herself incredibly fortunate, not realizing she was merely a pawn in a revenge plot. It turned out Lucas had only married her because she was ugly and fat.

Belinda couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, her body wavering slightly.

She clenched the door handle to steady herself.

"Speaking of Belinda, it has been five hours since she left; it's doubtful she will ever show up. Delight Desserts is way out in the eastern suburbs, and just getting there and back takes more than three hours. Besides, that place is notorious for its long queues. Surely, Belinda isn't foolish enough to go there."

"If Lucas requested it, Belinda would go there even if Delight Desserts were in another city. Everyone knows how deeply she loves Lucas. She is so pathetic."

Upon absorbing these scornful remarks, Belinda inhaled deeply, put on a stoic expression, and thrust the door to the private room open, making her entrance.

Her gaze quickly settled on the figure of confidence and charm at the center of the room.

Lucas was sitting there on the sofa with his legs elegantly crossed, embodying a casual yet graceful air.

His visage was stunningly attractive, with every feature exquisitely sculpted.

This man was Belinda's husband, the esteemed leader of the Triumph Consortium.

A hush descended upon the room momentarily when everyone saw Belinda enter.

Shortly thereafter, a voice laced with mockery pierced the silence. "Verena, ever wonder what Lucas' wife looks like? Take a look at her now."

At that moment, Belinda's appearance was disheveled. Rain-soaked clothes clung to her, accentuating her large frame. Strands of hair plastered to her damp face highlighted a noticeable dark mark on her left cheek.

Ignoring the disdainful eyes upon her, Belinda approached Lucas, setting the cake on the coffee table with a strained smile. "Lucas, I've brought the mousse cake you requested."

Without even glancing at Belinda, Lucas slid the cake towards Verena, saying in a charming voice, "Here, you can have it now."

Verena responded with a bashful smile, "I just mentioned it casually. I did not expect you would actually ask her to buy it."

A jolt of realization struck Belinda, her eyes widening in shock.

She felt like her heart had been stabbed by a knife.

The cake she had spent nearly five hours to get... It was meant for Verena?

"Verena, you see how deeply Lucas cares about you now, don't you? He would fetch the moon for you if you desired it."

"That's right! Go ahead and eat the cake. After all, Belinda just spent five hours to get this. Don't let her efforts go to waste!"

At that, Belinda's fists tightened at her sides. She felt like the biggest fool in the world now.

Just then, Lucas rose and strode towards Belinda, meeting her gaze with an expressionless face.

In a cold voice, he said, "The divorce papers are on the coffee table at home. Sign them when you go back."