Betrayal Behind The Scenes

"It seems so hard to even find, let alone meet you after you married Keenan." Liam, a man who is an old friend of Catherine Chandra, raised his glass, inviting the woman's glass to clink with his.

Catherine smiled, her eyes winking to the side. "I love Keenan, and I have to be a good wife to him by not seeing other men like you."

The two old friends laughed heartily. Tonight, Liam met Catherine because he wanted to invite her to rejoin their company.

"You're beautiful and talented, Cath, but I admire that you're willing to give everything up for your husband. Ah, you're even more beautiful now that you're married." Liam teased as he folded the black folder that had been open all this time.

"I just don't want to be a disobedient wife." Catherine chuckled softly. "You also know, it was very difficult for me to find a well-established man like Keenan."

Catherine's phone rang softly, and an alarm for tonight's schedule prompted her to grab her clutch and stand up. "I have to go tonight."

"Meeting Keenan?" Liam asked.

"Of course. He's my only man every night."

Liam patted the woman's arm lightly. "Alright, your old habit hasn't changed. In that case, let's part ways. I hope we can meet again someday."

"Of course, Liam. I'm sure this won't be our last meeting," said Catherine.

They hugged briefly, then parted ways. Catherine went to her car in the parking lot. However, before she started the engine, a text message startled her.

***

The sound of moans filled the 5x5-meter room in a five-star hotel. A brown-haired woman led the way, making the man beneath her enjoy the moment.

"You're amazing, Arsila...."

CRASH!

The man and woman, amid their heated encounter, turned in shock, halting what they were doing and quickly covering their bodies with the blanket.

"LET ME IN!" Catherine shouted angrily as two officers blocked her entry into the hotel and allowed her inside.

Catherine's rage peaked as she stormed to the bed, yanking the blanket off Arsila.

SLAP!

A slap landed on Arsila's cheek, causing her face to turn aside. "ARE YOU STEALING MY HUSBAND?! HUH?!"

Arsila didn't respond; her head lowered as if feeling no guilt.

"ANSWER ME, ARSILA-"

"Watch your tone, Catherine!" Standing at 180 centimeters, the man pulled his wife away from Arsila.

"Show respect to Arsila and stop this cheap drama!" Keenan yelled.

"Cheap? What do you mean? I'm your wife, Keenan. This cheap woman is the one who stole you from me!" Catherine shouted back.

Keenan stood up, put on his pants, and pulled Catherine away from the bed. "Do you realize what you've done?!"

"Do you realize what you've done, Keenan? Why are you sleeping with another woman when I invited you for dinner?!" Catherine's voice quivered violently.

Keenan was about to respond to his wife when Biana-Keenan's mother-suddenly entered the room. Her arrival stopped their argument. Catherine felt a sense of safety, thinking Biana would defend her since Keenan had crossed the line.

"Mother, please remove this woman from my room. She's disturbing Arsila and even hit her," Keenan said.

Biana approached her fingers, smoothing Catherine's slightly messy hair and wiping away the tears on her daughter-in-law's cheek.

"My dear, end this drama. Haven't you realized that the business world is never without infidelity?" Biana said softly, her words sending shockwaves through Catherine.

"What do you mean, Mother? Why aren't you stopping Keenan?"

"Stop? Don't you see the chaos you've caused tonight? You made us lose everything. Can't you think, can't you be aware of the condition of this family?!" Biana's voice began to rise.

"Ah, I had my suspicions. At first, I ignored the rumors about you often hanging out with male friends outside... you never cared about your husband because you could leave whenever you wanted if this family fell apart!"

"Mother, what are you saying-"

"Enough, Catherine! Stop pretending and leave your husband with Arsila!" Biana snapped.

"MOTHER, I NEVER MET WITH MALE FRIENDS, LET ALONE HAD AN AFFAIR!" Catherine screamed in anger, but Biana just smiled at her.

"No garbage is stored without a stench spreading. That's what you've been like all this time," Biana said.

Catherine's body trembled violently, her eyes glaring at Arsila, who still wrapped herself in the blanket. The woman smiled maliciously at Catherine, feeling victorious because she was fiercely defended.

"If you were aware of your husband's condition, at least you would stop using our family's wealth to go out partying. Stop using our family's money and be a useful wife by allowing your husband to sleep with a woman much more useful than you," Biana said.

"Mother, I can do anything for Keenan. I'm sorry I didn't understand what was happening, I-"

A condescending smile appeared on Biana's lips as she stroked Catherine's head, then turned the gentle touch into a painful squeeze.

"Stop your nonsense and leave this place right now!" Biana growled, her eyes glaring at her daughter-in-law, her hand slapping Catherine's head harshly.

Catherine turned to Keenan, tears uncontrollably flowing, lamenting her misfortune tonight. "Honey...." Catherine called softly. "You still believe in me, right?"

Keenan took a deep breath. "Everything is clear. Stop pretending when you know my current condition. I'm the victim of your selfishness all this time."

"But that woman... she's stealing you from me," Catherine said.

"She didn't steal me; I need her more than anything." Keenan approached Catherine and whispered. "You need to understand why I need to do all this, and you just need to sit quietly and give in...."

"The company is facing a downturn; I need someone who supports me, and Arsila is the right person."

Catherine trembled violently, her stomach churning painfully. "Stop all this, Keenan. Let me do it for you-"

Keenan jerked Catherine's hand, holding his arm, as she knelt. "Aren't you ashamed, Catherine? You're talking as if you have everything in front of Arsila. You should protect your husband's reputation and give in. Arsila is much better than you!"

Keenan took a white folder he had prepared in case something like this happened tonight.

"Take this and go home... we'll continue our business at home. Don't interfere with what I'm doing with Arsila."

Catherine opened the folder, and immediately, her body froze as two burly men forcibly pulled her arms.

The Divorce Papers.

Catherine sat with a vacant look at a deserted bus stop. It was 11 p.m., and there weren't many people on the streets-just a faint breeze and flashes of lightning indicating that rain would soon follow.

The white folder Keenan had given her was still in her hand. Catherine didn't know whether she should go home tonight or not.

What she experienced from her husband's behavior was truly heartbreaking. She felt she had no more chances, and even Biana, who had been like a mother to her, had joined in mocking her.

"You're still here." A woman suddenly stood before Catherine, crossing her arms over her chest.

Arsila, the woman who had enjoyed the warmth of the bed with Keenan just a few hours ago, stood confidently, with a malicious smile, watching Catherine's misfortune.

"Admit your defeat and end this cheap drama you've created. You should bow your head before me, so Keenan doesn't have to divorce you," said Arsila.

Catherine gave a faint smile, her body drained of energy, but she didn't want to look weak. "Do you feel like you've won now? Don't you think your approach is rather cheap?"

"Cheap? Haven't you heard? Keenan himself said he needs me. I'm the only one who can steer his company in a better direction." Arsila lifted Catherine's chin.

"Be kind to me, if you don't want to end up poor. Make peace and accept me as Keenan's next wife, and live harmoniously with me, then you'll be fine."

"Never!" Catherine stood up. "Undo whatever you've planned with my husband. I'm much more capable of helping him than you are!"

Arsila laughed and gently pulled Catherine's hand. "Let's go home; I don't want my future husband to worry about his pathetic wife."

"LET GO!" Catherine jerked her hand away, but Arsila deliberately let herself fall.

"ARSILA!" Keenan unexpectedly appeared, running toward her and helping her to her feet.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, CATHERINE!" Keenan shouted angrily.

Catherine took a deep breath, raising the white folder in her hand, then took a pen from Keenan's shirt pocket. She signed the divorce papers in one breath and handed the folder back to Keenan.

"I accept this divorce. I would never want to stay with a despicable husband like you!" Catherine spat.

"You-"

"Don't ever look for me or my child." Catherine said as she held her still-flat belly.

Keenan was shocked, as was Arsila, hearing what Catherine had just said.

"Don't ever look for us, because my child and I will never need a father like you." Catherine turned around and walked away, suppressing the pain in her stomach that hadn't subsided.

Tears that had been held back finally fell, soaking her cheeks and the raindrops that added to the night's melancholy. No matter how strong Catherine Chandra was, her soul was shaken; seeing the person she loved destroyed her trust and devotion.

The car's headlights lit up behind Catherine, causing her to turn and squint to see whose car it was.

CRASH!

Before she could react, the speeding car struck Catherine hard.

***

The door to the psychiatrist's office. Catherine gazed at the dark brown door with a faint smile of relief.

"How's it going? Are you able to reduce the medication?" Dhira-a friend and personal secretary to Catherine-asked as she handed her a cup of lemon juice.

Catherine shook her head. "Dr. Howard said I could cut back on the consultation schedule, but I still have to take the medication, just not as often."

Dhira nudged Catherine's arm. "Congrats! I'm happy for you."

"Oh, I forgot to ask you something." The two friends left the psychiatric ward, heading to the hospital garden to sit and relax.

"Liam called me yesterday. I didn't expect he'd always find a way to reach me," said Catherine.

"That's true. He called you again an hour ago," replied Dhira.

"Really?"

"Yes, he wants to meet you, but I told him he could come to your house this afternoon. I think it's time you start meeting other people again."

Catherine took a deep breath and nodded slowly. Dhira was right; she should be able to accept the situation more easily than she had a year ago.

"You told me you'd get back at Keenan and Arsila. I'm not sure you can get your revenge if you just stay silent like this," said Dhira.

"You're right." Catherine still remembered everything. "That black car was Arsila's. I know because I saw it displayed on social media."

"Criminal acts like that should be stopped. If you don't have evidence, at least you have two hands to make their lives miserable," Dhira said encouragingly.

Catherine stared straight ahead, watching a group of children chasing butterflies near a patch of orchid flowers.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. The accident she suffered a year ago not only caused her to need a liver transplant but also led to the loss of the unborn child, who had given her the resolve to divorce Keenan that night.

"I have to make them pay. At least not just for me, but for my child's death," Catherine said softly.

Dhira smiled, giving her friend a proud pat on the shoulder. "Liam will be visiting you this afternoon. I hope you'll get plenty of ideas after meeting him."

***

Catherine shook hands with Liam while Dhira clapped in congratulations. Today, Catherine officially rejoined Liam's modeling agency.

"I'm glad you're stepping out of your comfort zone," Liam said. "Ah, there's a lot I'd like to ask you, but I feel like it's a waste of time."

Liam handed a tablet to Catherine, showing her the first project that would be her assignment.

"Skincare?" Catherine pondered.

Liam nodded. "This will be your first project in Paris; there's a big charity event, and I think you're the perfect fit for it."

Catherine examined the text on the event details. Her heart began to beat slowly, feeling uneasy about the brand.

"Gistara, Inc?" Catherine muttered.

"What's up?" Dhira asked.

Catherine shook her head, and a minute later, her smile broadened. "I'll take the offer."

"GREAT!" Liam cheered. "I'll contact Svarga now."

"SVARGA?!" Catherine exclaimed spontaneously upon hearing the name, turning sharply to Dhira, her secretary. "Dhira, you didn't tell me that-"

"I told her to keep it quiet," Liam interrupted. "I knew you'd probably avoid Svarga, but he's the one who asked me to meet you as soon as possible."

Catherine frowned. "But why? I haven't spoken to Svarga in ages."

Liam shrugged. "I don't get it either. Out of all the models in our agency, he specifically asked for you to represent the brand in Paris."

Catherine was puzzled, her gaze directed at Dhira, who was silent. Dhira also didn't understand, as she had only been instructed to keep it a secret that Liam was still good friends with Svarga.

Dhira had no clue that he was determined to meet Catherine this soon. "Don't ask me about it, Cath. I know nothing," Dhira whispered.

Catherine just sighed, her eyes refocusing on the event details on the tablet. Her lips curved into a thin smile, and the initial apprehension in her heart was replaced with a flood of ideas swirling in her mind.

"Gistara...." Catherine repeated the name silently. "Arsila Gistara, is this the beginning of your downfall?"

Keenan opened his desk drawer, searching for a file he had left behind that he needed to bring to the office. But he accidentally stumbled upon a thick white envelope among the documents.

"What's this?" he muttered as he opened the envelope.

Keenan was shocked to find a pregnancy test with two red lines and a doctor's report in Catherine Chandra's name.

Keenan froze, reading the contents and recalling Catherine's words from their last meeting.

"What are you looking at?"

Keenan turned, unable to hide the envelope in time, as Arsila had already snatched it.

"You kept it?" Arsila asked curtly.

"I just found it; I don't know how long it's been there," Keenan replied.

"Do you regret leaving Catherine?"

Keenan shook his head. He touched Arsila's cheek and kissed her gently on her thin lips. "You're my life, Arsila. I never regret leaving anyone for you. You've helped me a lot, you're my breath and soul."

Arsila blushed; just a few words from Keenan were enough to calm her down.

"I'm afraid you'll regret it because you know I'm infertile," Arsila said with a forced tone of sadness.

The man shook his head. "I don't need anyone else, because just being with you makes me happy."

Arsila's phone rang, diverting her attention. "Hang on a moment."

Arsila smiled when she saw her assistant calling this afternoon. "Hello, what's the news? Did they accept our offer?"

"Madam, this is good news for our company. The sponsor for the charity event in Paris has agreed to collaborate with us, which means our brand can expand to that city."

Arsila jumped with joy, her heart over the moon.

"Have they already found a suitable model to represent our product?" asked Arsila eagerly.

"They have, but this time it's a new model."

"No problem, as long as they're professional and can create an extraordinary impact for our brand," Arsila said.

"Alright, Madam, but could you check the portfolio of the model before our meeting tomorrow?"

"Send it to me; I'll check it now." Arsila hung up the phone, and a minute later, an email arrived on her phone.

However, that happy smile quickly turned to shock when she read the email containing the portfolio of the model who would represent her product in Paris.

Catherine Chandra. The name displayed in the email portfolio instantly changed Arsila's mood.

How could it not? The woman she thought was dead and who had vanished without a trace suddenly reappeared and disrupted Arsila's thoughts.

"So, are you poor now?" Arsila muttered, smiling slyly as she read Catherine's resume.

"For a year, you did nothing, but now you've come back as a model. I thought you were dead, or maybe crippled and hiding."

"Hm ... alright, I know you need money now. I'm willing to meet with you; let's see what happens in Paris." Arsila stood up and asked her secretary to print out the portfolio.

"Madam Arsila...." Samuel called out, then handed Arsila a phone. "Mrs. Hart is calling, asking for some money because she's with her friends at the Louvre."

Arsila sighed and took the phone from Samuel's hand. She then transferred 20,000 Euros to her mother-in-law.

"That old crone only knows money, money, and more money, while the father-in-law only cares about sex and affairs," Arsila whispered.

She felt slightly disgusted with this family. Without her love and obsession with Keenan, she might have chosen to step away from this marriage.

"Madam, your father just called and said that Keenan requested additional funding because the project in New York is being expedited by a month."

Arsila nodded. "Do what they ask, give them what they need, and keep an eye on the stock prices. I don't want to lose money just because this family enjoys looting my family's wealth."

Samuel nodded in understanding, then excused himself. Arsila took her phone and noticed a call from someone she'd been waiting for.

"Hello, Svarga...."

***

Standing at 185 centimeters, the man, wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, waved at Arsila.

"Hey, beautiful soul," greeted Svarga as he hugged the straight-haired, brown-haired woman.

"Have you been waiting for me long?" Arsila asked cheerfully.

"Ah, don't worry about it. I haven't enjoyed the view at the Louvre in a while," Svarga replied.

His name was Svarga Kenneth Oweis, the owner of the largest and most famous modeling agency, producing models ready to become trendsetters nationwide.

"So, has my secretary contacted you? I was quite surprised when you wanted to use my company's services for your skincare brand," said Svarga.

"I've accepted it, and I was also surprised that you would accept my collaboration offer. I thought my brand was too new, and you wouldn't look at my proposal," Arsila replied politely.

"C'mon, you're Arsila Gistara. Everyone knows you and your family as brilliant business people in this city. You're young and beautiful; compared to all my models, you could actually carry the brand without anyone's help."

"That's nonsense." Arsila playfully slapped the man's arm. "I feel like I'm no longer as pretty after getting married."

"Ah, you're still the prettiest, especially since Keenan Hart is your husband."

Arsila smiled proudly. "By the way, I was a bit surprised when I found out who the model was that's taking my brand to Paris."

"You mean Catherine?" Svarga repeated.

"You know her?" Arsila asked curiously.

"I don't know all the models in my company; there are too many. I just know that Catherine is a model recruited without a trainee period like the other models," Svarga said. "But I heard she's a former supermodel who used to walk the runways in New York a few years ago."

Arsila was slightly taken aback but didn't show it. "Wow, that means I'll be getting a lot of benefits later."

Svarga nodded. "But I've also heard that she's a divorcee...."

Arsila didn't comment.

"I don't know much, and I don't want to know much," said Svarga, his expression indifferent to everything.

"You're right," Arsila spoke. "I've heard rumors that she divorced her husband because she was caught cheating."

"Really?"

Arsila nodded. "I don't really care about her; it's just business gossip because she was once married to a businessman."

Svarga nodded. "Well, she's probably down on her luck and needs money now."

"That could be true. A cheating wife usually ends up poor after a divorce. You should be careful; you've got a snake in your company."

"Why's that?" Svarga asked, surprised.

"She could damage your company's reputation," Arsila replied confidently.