Betrayed by love, redeemed by revenge

Mia's POV

===========

The IV drip was cold against my arm and so was the rhythmic beeping of the monitor the only sound in the sterile hospital room. My body ached, but the sharpest pain wasn't physical. It was the ache in my chest, the hollow feeling that had been growing for months.

I stared at my phone, the screen glowing with a photo that made my stomach churn. There he was-Ethan Montgomery, my fiancé of seven years. His arms were wrapped tightly around Rachel with her smile so wide it could have splited my phone screen.

"Reunited at last. A family moment to treasure forever," the caption read.

What a family moment. My family. Or at least, the people who were supposed to be my family.

My thumb hovered over the call button and this would be the fifth time I'd tried to reach him in the last hour. And each time I try his line, I'd been met with the same mechanical voice which says "The person you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please leave a message."

But not giving up, I hit the button anyway, listening to the line ring. Once. Twice. Three times and then the voicemail.

My chest tightened as he had told me earlier that he was too busy to be here with me, that work was piling up and he couldn't afford to take a day off. But only to find him smiling like he didn't have a care in the world, with his hand resting far too intimately on Rachel's waist.

Then the door opened, and a nurse walked in, her shoes squeaking softly against the linoleum floor. "How are we feeling, Miss Grey?" she asked, her tone polite but distant.

I forced a weak smile. "I'm fine," I lied.

With that, she proceeded to check the IV, and adjusted a few settings on the monitor, and then gave me a nod. "You're all set to go. Just make sure to rest and stay hydrated."

Hearing this, I nodded, sliding off the bed as she left the room. My legs felt shaky, but I ignored it, grabbing my bag and heading for the exit. Then the cold evening air hit me like a slap, but it wasn't enough to clear my head.

By the time I got home, the apartment felt colder than usual, as the silence pressed in on me from all sides. Ethan wasn't back yet and he hadn't even called to check on me.

So, I dropped my bag by the door and walked into the living room only to see his suit jacket being draped over the back of the couch, carelessly tossed aside like everything else in his life. I hesitated, my gaze lingering on it.

Don't do it, Mia, a voice in my head whispered. But another voice, louder and angrier, pushed me forward.

With that, I reached into the pocket, my fingers brushing against something small and cold and out of curiosity I pulled it out and froze.

Earrings. Silver. Elegant. Definitely not mine.

My heart pounded as I reached into the other pocket. And this time, I pulled out a small box of condoms. My stomach twisted when I saw it was open.

My legs gave out, and I sank onto the couch, clutching the items in my hands. Seven years. Seven years of love, loyalty, and sacrifice-for what?

This?

Then the sound of the door opening snapped me out of my daze as I saw Ethan walked in, his tie loosened and his shirt wrinkled. And he smelled faintly of perfume, a scent that wasn't mine.

"Hey," he said casually, as if everything was normal.

I stood, my hands trembling as I placed the earrings and the condom box on the coffee table. "We need to talk," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

He glanced at the table, his expression flickering for a brief moment before settling into indifference. "If this is about Rachel-"

"This isn't about Rachel," I snapped, cutting him off. I gestured to the table. "Care to explain these?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're overreacting," he said dismissively.

"Overreacting?" My voice rose, the anger bubbling up inside me. "Seven years, Ethan. Seven years, and this is what I get?"

Then surprisingly he crossed his arms, leaning against the wall with a smirk. "Maybe if you weren't so uptight all the time, I wouldn't have to look elsewhere."

Hearing those words hit me like a slap. My vision blurred with tears, but I refused to let them fall. Not in front of him.

"I'm done," I said, my voice trembling but firm. "We're done."

And for the first time, his confidence wavered. But instead of apologizing, instead of fighting for me, he laughed with a low, bitter sound that sent a chill down my spine.

"You'll regret this, Mia," he said, his tone dripping with disdain.

Then, I stared at him, my heart breaking into pieces as I didn't know how to put back together. "No," I whispered. "You'll regret it."

On that note, he grabbed his coat and left without another word as the door slammed shut behind him. I stood there, with the silence of the apartment pressing in on me like a weight.

For the first time in seven years, I was alone. Truly alone.

But as I sat back down on the couch, staring at the evidence of his betrayal, something inside me shifted. Though the pain was still there, raw and all-consuming, but beneath it was something else.

A spark.

I didn't know how, and I didn't know when, but I was going to make sure Ethan regretted every single choice he'd made.

Mia's POV

==========

However, the sound of clinking silverware and polite laughter filled the dining room, but I felt like an intruder. The table was set beautifully, as always-my adoptive mother, Diane, prided herself on appearances. The china was polished to a shine, the napkins folded into perfect swans.

And at the head of the table sat Rachel, her smile radiant as she regaled everyone with stories about her life before she was "found."

Hearing it, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, as my appetite were long gone. But Diane had insisted I come to this dinner, though it was clear I wasn't the guest of honor.

"Rachel," Diane said, her voice warm with pride, "tell us again about that time you met the CEO of your company. What was his name?"

Rachel laughed, tucking a strand of her perfectly curled hair behind her ear. "Mr. Callahan. He's a genius, honestly. He said I had potential from the moment he interviewed me."

Listening to her daughter's words Diane's eyes sparkled as she leaned forward. "You've always been destined for greatness, sweetheart."

So, I stabbed at my salad, the fork scraping against the plate. It was as if I didn't exist.

"Oh, Mia," Rachel said suddenly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "How's your... job going? And what is it you do again?"

I looked up, meeting her gaze. She knew exactly what I did. I'd told her during her first week back in the family, though she'd clearly decided it wasn't worth remembering.

"I'm a marketing manager," I said evenly.

Rachel tilted her head, feigning interest. "Oh, right. Marketing. That must be... fun."

"It pays the bills," I replied, forcing a tight smile.

Rachel's smile widened, and I could see the satisfaction in her eyes. She loved these little digs, these subtle reminders that she was the golden child now.

Then, Diane cleared her throat, her gaze shifting to me. "Mia, dear, maybe you could learn a thing or two from Rachel. She's accomplished so much in such a short time."

Those words stung more than I cared to admit. I'd spent years trying to earn Diane's approval, only for it to be handed freely to Rachel the moment she returned.

"I'm sure I could," I said, my voice strained.

"Ethan!" Diane's sudden exclamation made my heart stop.

I turned, and there he was. Ethan, standing in the doorway with a bottle of wine in hand, looking every bit the charming fiancé he used to be. Except he wasn't mine anymore.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, flashing his trademark smile. "I got held up at work."

Diane waved off his apology, practically glowing as she motioned for him to sit beside Rachel. "You're here now, and that's all that matters."

I couldn't breathe. He hadn't even looked at me, hadn't acknowledged my presence.

Rachel leaned closer to him, her laughter soft and intimate as she said something I couldn't hear and Ethan chuckled, his hand brushing against hers as the room felt like it was spinning.

"So," Diane began, her tone casual but pointed, "I heard the engagement is off. That must've been a difficult decision for both of you."

My chest tightened as I glanced at Ethan, hoping-praying-he'd say something to defend me. But he just smirked, leaning back in his chair as if he was completely at ease.

"It was for the best," he said, his voice smooth and detached. "Sometimes things just don't work out."

Rachel gave me a sympathetic look, though her eyes gleamed with triumph. "I'm sure you'll find someone else, Mia. You're... strong."

I gripped the edge of the table, my nails digging into the wood realizing this wasn't just a dinner but a public execution.

"I'm doing just fine," I said, forcing my voice to stay steady.

"Of course you are," Diane said, though her tone was dismissive. "Still, it's a shame. Ethan and Rachel have so much in common. Don't they look wonderful together?"

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to me. I felt like I was being dissected, every flaw and failure laid bare.

But I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. "Excuse me," I said, my voice tight.

As I made my way to the kitchen, needing a moment to collect myself. The humiliation burned in my chest, threatening to spill over.

But behind me, I heard footsteps and I turned, expecting Diane or Rachel, but it was Ethan.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

He leaned against the counter, his smirk infuriatingly smug. "You're making a scene, Mia. As usual."

I glared at him, my fists clenched. "You have no right to be here."

"Relax," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "It's not like I'm the one who ended things."

"You cheated on me," I hissed.

He shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "You were boring, Mia. Always so uptight, always trying to control everything. Rachel's... refreshing."

The words cut deeper than I expected, but I refused to let him see how much he'd hurt me.

"Enjoy your 'refreshing' new life," I said coldly. "I'm done with you. And I'm done with this family."

With that, I pushed past him, grabbing my coat on the way out. The cold night air hit me like an arrow from bow, but it was a relief after the suffocating atmosphere of the house.

And as I walked to my car, my mind raced with the thoughts of me losing Ethan and the family I'd spent my entire life trying to belong to.

But maybe at the end of it all, that wasn't such a bad thing.

Mia's POV

==========

Few days had past as I sat on my couch, absently holding the elegant invitation in my hands, its gold-embossed letters glimmering in the soft light of my living room. James Candace's 80th Birthday Celebration.The words danced before my eyes, almost too much to take in, too grand for someone like me.

James Candace. My grandfather.

He was the only real family I had left, the only one who ever made me feel like I mattered. The man who had always been a constant in my life. Until recently, the world I thought I understood had fallen apart. Ethan-my ex-fiancé-had shattered everything, and now even my adoptive parents had turned their backs on me in favor of Rachel, their biological daughter. The woman who had taken my place, effortlessly sliding into a life that had once been mine.

I could already feel my stomach twisting at the thought of attending this party. But, on one hand, I couldn't let James down and on the other, I wasn't sure I could stand being in the same room as Ethan and Rachel. Not after everything that had happened.

So, I glanced up at the photo on the mantle, seeing myself as a little girl, sitting on James' lap, his arms wrapped around me with a smile on his face as he looked down at me like I was the center of his universe.

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not now, not when I was trying so hard to keep it together so, looked back down at the invitation, feeling a sinking weight in my chest.

"Should I go?" I wondered as I didn't know if I could face them. Face Ethan. But I couldn't let James down. Not after everything he'd done for me. So, I made my decision then and there. I would go. For him.

However, the night of the party came too quickly, and as I stood in front of my mirror, looking at my reflection, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger in my own body. The black dress I wore fit like a second skin-sleek, elegant, and far too sophisticated for the woman I had become. And my makeup was understated, just enough to highlight my features without making me feel like I was trying too hard.

Though I wasn't trying to impress anyone tonight and I wasn't sure I cared to.

So, I grabbed my purse and took one last look at myself in the mirror then stepped out the door, each click of my heels against the pavement only amplified the rising dread in my chest.

Soon, the Montgomery estate loomed before me as I pulled into the long driveway, its massive columns and grand entrance towering over me.

The house was bathed in the soft glow of lights, casting shadows over the perfectly manicured lawn. With the air heavied with expectation, with luxury, and the moment I stepped out of the car, I could already feel the weight of it all pressing down on me.

I didn't belong here. I never had.

So, I walked up the grand steps to the front door, my pulse quickening with every step I took. The sounds of laughter and music spilled from the inside, and I could feel the anxiety building in my chest.

I was trying to breathe, trying to calm myself, but it wasn't working.

And once I entered, the mansion felt even bigger as the foyer was breathtaking, with grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and guests in their finest attire, murmuring amongst themselves in low tones. The scent of expensive perfume hung thick in the air, and I felt out of place, like I was an outsider in a world I wasn't meant to be in.

My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any familiar faces. There, across the room, then, I saw my adoptive parents. They were laughing and chatting with some of their friends and their easy smiles betraying none of the tension I knew lay between us. And then I saw him.

Ethan.

I froze.

His arm was casually draped around Rachel's waist, and they looked every bit the happy couple. The sight made my stomach churn. As the man who had been my fiancé, my everything, was now standing there with her, as if I had never mattered. As if the past seven years of my life meant nothing. It made the room feel smaller, suffocating.

I wanted to look away. I didn't want to see it. But I couldn't. My gaze was locked on them, and my heart pounded in my chest. It felt like a cruel joke, one I hadn't been in on. Ethan and Rachel, looking so perfect together.

But I wasn't sure how long I stood there before I finally turned away, desperate to get some distance. My eyes skimmed the room, desperate for a distraction. That's when I saw him.

Damian.

He was standing near the fireplace, his tall frame cutting through the crowd. Even from across the room, I could feel the pull of his presence. Damian Montgomery. Ethan's uncle. I hadn't seen him in years, but the sight of him took me back to a time when things felt simpler.

He was just as striking as I remembered. His dark hair was combed back neatly, his sharp jawline giving him a dangerous edge. His eyes locked with mine across the room, and my heart skipped a beat. It was as though no time had passed at all. But there was a flicker of something in his gaze-something unreadable-and it was enough to make my breath catch in my throat.

Without breaking our gaze, he began walking toward me, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he knew exactly what kind of effect he was having on me. My pulse quickened with every step he took. I couldn't seem to look away.

"Long time, no see, Mia," his voice was low, smooth, and carried a hint of something more-something I couldn't quite place.

I forced myself to smile, even though it felt like a mask. "Damian. It's been... a while."

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "That's an understatement."

I laughed softly, a nervous sound that didn't quite match the tension I was feeling. We stood there for a moment and neither of us said anything. I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or genuinely interested, but I could feel the weight of his stare on me, making everything inside me tighten.

"How have you been?" he asked, and for a moment, his tone softened, as though he genuinely wanted to know.

I hesitated as I wanted to tell him the truth, tell him that I'd been broken, betrayed, but I couldn't bring myself to say it. Instead, I forced out the words. "I'm getting by."

Though, Damian studied me for a moment, his eyes became unreadable, and then he nodded. "I can see that. You look... stronger."

Stronger? Was that a compliment? I didn't know. But before I could respond, my gaze wandered back to Ethan and Rachel.

And Damian followed my line of sight, his expression hardening just slightly. "Still can't get over him, can you?" His voice was quiet, but there was a steel edge to it.

I didn't answer. I couldn't.

He glanced back at me, his lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "There are ways to make him regret it. you know,"

I turned to face him, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Damian's eyes sparkled with mischief, and for a moment, I wasn't sure whether he was teasing or serious. "I'll tell you later," he said, his smile widening as he walked away from where I stood.

However, the night stretched on, but all I could think about was Damian and the way his presence seemed to shift something in the air around us, making everything feel charged, like the calm before a storm. I didn't know what was happening, but I could feel it building inside me. Whatever he was offering, whatever he was hinting at was only the beginning.

And I wasn't sure if I was ready for it.

But one thing was for sure, my life was about to change. And it all started with that look from Damian.