Chapter 3 TASTELESS LEFTOVER

Williams 's POV

The lavish grand ballroom of Regal Crown Hotel glittered with crystal gold and silver chandeliers, casting beautiful reflections across the marble floor, filled with Italy's elite -- billionaires, politicians, and industry moguls. The sound of laughter and clinking of glasses echoed through the air.

I stood at the center, dressed in a custom-tailored suit, basking in the attention of high-profile investors. My business empire had faced some struggles in recent years, but tonight was different. My smug smile is firmly in place as I entertain guests.

Tonight, I am announcing my engagement to my mistress, my bride-to-be.

Mandy..

She clings to my arm like a prize, her sparking diamond engagement ring catching the light. She's basking in the glory of being the woman I had chosen.

The press has gathered in one corner, their cameras flashing as the hotel doors swing open. The room instantly fell into silence.

Conversation stopped mid-sentence, and the clinking of champagne stopped as heads turned towards the entrance.

A figure stepped inside... Gosh... She's breathtaking.

She walked in with effortless grace, dressed in a deep red silk gown that hugged her curves like it was made just for her, the off-shoulder design leaving her smooth collarbones exposed; she is the epitome of power and elegance.

A split ran up her leg, revealing just enough to command attention, and the fabric shimmered under the golden light, making her look almost ethereal. Her long dark hair spread in soft waves down her back.

The air shifted.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

It couldn't be.

I turned, my drink slipping from my grasp as my eyes locked into her. My heart stopped.

Mabella Green.

My ex-wife.

The woman I had discarded like she was nothing.

But now looking at her, she isn't the same woman I humiliated and threw away with tears.

No.

This Mabella was untouchable. More powerful. Deadly.

Her bold red lips curved into a knowing smirk as she walked towards me, stopping inches away. She tilted her head as if studying me like a mere business acquisition -- one she had no intention of buying.

But it's her eyes that sent chills through my spine.

She wasn't the same woman I had thrown out two years ago.

Mandy's grip on my arm tightened. "What is she doing here?" She hissed, panic creeping into her voice.

But I was frozen, my smirk vanishing. I had spent years convincing myself that Mabella had disappeared, that she had been nothing more than a phase --- a mistake that I had long since erased.

And yet, here she is.

Looking like a goddess reincarnated for vengeance.

Her black stilettos clicked against the marble, her presence turning heads, her Aura commanding attention as she descended the steps, a deliberate rhythm that only heightened the tension in the room.

Guests whispered in hushed tones, their eyes moving between Marbella and I.

And then, she smiled.

Not the soft, affectionate smile of the past.

But a slow, knowing smile -- one that promised retribution, not reconciliation.

She reached for a champagne flute from a passing waiter, the movement effortless, exuding wealth. She took a slow sip, letting the taste settle on her tongue before locking her eyes with Williams.

"Congratulations, I heard you were celebrating," she finally spoke, her voice smooth, almost teasing. "I thought I'd stop by... For old time's sake."

My throat went dry. The weight of her presence pressed down on me like an iron chain.

"Mabella..." I started, my voice barely above a whisper.

She tilted her head, forming innocence. "Oh? You still remember my name?" Her lips curled. "That's surprising. You seemed quite eager to forget me."

Mandy, feeling the shit in power, immediately stepped forward, placing a possessive hand on my chest. "You -- what are you doing here?" She demanded, her tone sharp. "This is a private event."

Mabella didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, she let her gaze sweep the luxurious surroundings, taking inexpensive floral arrangements, the ice sculptures, the extravagant display of wealth.

"Private?" She mused. "Oh, darling... Nothing about Williams is private. Not his business..." Her gaze shifted to me, eyebrow arched." ...and certainly not his engagements."

A ripple of laughter, quiet but unmistakable, spread through the crowd.

Mandy's face flushed with anger. "You weren't invited."

Mabella took a single step forward, stopping just before the couple. "Did you think I'd miss the chance to celebrate my ex-husband's latest victim?" Her eyes met Mandy's, piercing, unapologetic. "I just wanted to confirm if it was the foolish mistress I was deceived to believe was Williams's cousin that decided to take over my leftovers."

Mandy gasped. A few guests chuckled behind their champagne flute.

I clenched my jaw, my eyes darkening with something unreadable -- guilt, anger, regret?

Mabella ignored us, turning her gaze to the nearest table where a bottle of 1985 château Margaux sat unopened. With an air of unbothered entitlement, she reached for it.

"Ah," she sighed, pouring herself another glass.

"Williams always did have good taste in wine." She raised her glass, her smirk deepening. "Shame he didn't have the same taste in women."

Gasps filled the room. Mandy flushed red, her nails digging into my arm. "You ---"

I finally found my voice. "Enough," I snapped, stepping forward. "What do you want, mabella?"

Mabella tilted her head, studying me with amusement. "Want?" She let the words roll off her tongue. "Oh, Williams..." She set the glass down and moved forward, just enough that only I could hear her next words.

"You still don't get it. I already have everything I want," she whispered, her voice dangerous caress. "And soon, I'll have what you want too."

My eyes flashed with uncertainty.

Mabella moved back, looking at me with the kind of disdain reserved for insects. Then, without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel, the slit of her dress revealing a teasing glimpse of her leg as she walked away.

The entire ballroom watched in stunned silence as she left, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with tension and unresolved history.

Mandy, now visibly shaking with fury, turned to me. "Why does she still affect you?" She hissed.

I didn't answer.

With poise and confidence mabella turned around from the doorway, disdain in her look. "Enjoy your celebration while you can, darling ex husband." Her voice dripped with sweet venom.

"Because soon, the only thing you'll be celebrating... Is your downfall."

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