Between Love And Revenge

Cleo woke to the metallic tang of blood in the air and the blinding beam of light aimed directly at her face. She squinted, disoriented, as a shadowy figure loomed over her.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I had no idea you were still here," came a familiar voice.

As her vision cleared, she realized it was Sophie, her assistant, standing nervously by her desk.

"Oh my God, ma'am, your nose is bleeding again," Sophie exclaimed, panic lacing her words.

Cleo groaned softly and reached for the napkin sitting nearby. She dabbed at the blood with slow, deliberate movements, her exhaustion evident.

"Is my husband home yet?" Cleo asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No, ma'am," Sophie replied hesitantly.

Cleo wasn't surprised. She had grown accustomed to Ethan's absences. Married for five years, their relationship had started as a whirlwind romance. Ethan had been everything she dreamed of-attentive, loving, and ambitious. But ever since his promotion two years ago, he had become a different man: distant, impatient, and consumed by his work.

"I'm fine, Sophie. You can leave me now," Cleo said, forcing a weak smile.

Sophie hesitated, worry etched across her face, but she eventually nodded. "Alright, ma'am. Let me know if you need anything."

Cleo waited until Sophie was gone before standing from the desk. She moved unsteadily toward the bathroom cabinet, where she kept her medication. The sight of her reflection in the mirror made her pause. Pale skin, hollow eyes, and faint bruising beneath her nose-it was a stark reminder of her condition. Hemophilia had ruled her life for as long as she could remember, and the constant nosebleeds were only one of its many burdens.

After swallowing the prescribed pills, she crawled back into bed, exhaustion pulling her under.

---

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Cleo blinked awake, immediately checking her pillow for bloodstains. To her relief, there were none.

As she stretched, the sound of movement caught her attention. Frowning, she turned toward the closet. Who could it be? She padded softly across the room and peeked inside.

"Ethan?" she said in surprise.

Her husband stood there, buttoning his shirt, seemingly unaware of her presence. Cleo smiled and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Good morning, my love."

Ethan stiffened at her touch and gently pulled away. "Have you secured the deal with the Mablethorpe company yet?" he asked without turning to face her.

Cleo's smile faltered. "Not yet," she admitted.

Ethan stepped out of the closet, his expression unreadable. "I need that deal finalized today," he said firmly, brushing past her and heading downstairs.

Cleo followed him, her heart sinking with every step. "I've been working on it, Ethan. I stayed up all night analyzing the contract, looking for potential loopholes-"

"There are no loopholes!" Ethan snapped, cutting her off. His voice was sharp, and it echoed in the quiet hallway. "Stop wasting time and just do what I tell you to do."

Cleo froze, biting back a retort. She wanted to tell him she was only being cautious, that she didn't want his company to face any liabilities. But her words felt futile in the face of his growing impatience.

By the time they reached the driveway, Ethan's driver was already holding the car door open. Ethan turned to her briefly. "Set up a meeting with Mablethorpe today and get me that deal," he said before sliding into the car.

The driver shut the door, got into the driver's seat, and drove off, leaving Cleo standing alone.

She exhaled shakily and turned back toward the house. "Sophie," she called as she walked through the front door, "please tell the chef to make me breakfast."

"Yes, ma'am," Sophie replied from the kitchen.

Cleo climbed the stairs back to her room, the weight of her emotions finally breaking through. She sank onto the bed, silent tears spilling down her cheeks. She couldn't remember the last time Ethan had truly looked at her-or the last time she had felt like a priority in his life.

But Cleo was nothing if not resilient. After a few minutes, she wiped her tears, squared her shoulders, and stood. She approached the desk, gathering the contract documents and placing them neatly into her bag. Then she picked out an outfit, showered, and dressed, the motions mechanical yet purposeful.

As she descended the stairs, Sophie was already waiting by the dining table.

"Ma'am, the car is ready," Sophie informed her.

Cleo nodded and sat down for a quick breakfast. Her mind was racing as she considered her next move. Securing the Mablethorpe deal might please Ethan for the moment, but deep down, Cleo knew it wouldn't solve the growing rift between them-or the ache in her heart.

She finished her meal, stood, and grabbed her bag. "Let's go," she said to Sophie, her voice steady.

Sophie followed as Cleo stepped outside, determination etched across her face. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Cleo was prepared to face them-on her own terms.

Cleo and Sophie arrived at the sleek, modern headquarters of the Mablethorpe Company. The large glass doors of the building gleamed in the sunlight.

The room exuded professionalism, with its minimalist décor, polished marble floors, and the soft hum of business chatter in the background. At the reception desk, a young woman dressed in a crisp navy-blue uniform looked up from her computer screen as they approached.

"Good morning," Sophie began, her tone confident but polite. "We have an appointment with the CEO of this company regarding a contract. We're here as representatives of the LX Group."

The receptionist offered a courteous smile. "Good morning, ma'am. Of course, the CEO has been expecting you. Please have a seat while I notify him of your arrival."

"Thank you," Sophie replied, and the two women made their way to a nearby seating area.

As they settled into the plush chairs, Cleo glanced around, taking in the details of the space. A large abstract painting dominated one wall, while the opposite side was lined with glass panels that revealed a bustling courtyard. Despite the busy atmosphere, the room was remarkably quiet, with only the occasional ringing phone breaking the stillness.

The receptionist picked up her phone, her voice low as she spoke into the receiver.A few minutes later, the receptionist hung up and approached them with a professional air. "You may proceed now," she said with a polite nod. "Take the elevator to the sixth floor. Once you exit, it's the first door to your right."

"Thank you," Sophie said once again, her voice steady despite the slight adrenaline rush she felt. Cleo followed close behind as they made their way to the elevator.

The gentle hum of the elevator filled the small space as they ascended. When the doors opened on the sixth floor, they stepped out into a quieter, more exclusive section of the building.

The carpeted hallway was lined with framed photographs showcasing the company's milestones and achievements. At the end of the corridor, they arrived at the CEO's office. Outside the grand double doors was a secretary's desk, where a woman with neatly styled hair and an air of authority greeted them. She rose from her chair as they approached.

"You must be the representatives from the LX Group of Companies," the secretary said with a warm but professional tone. "The CEO is expecting you. He'll see you shortly. Please follow me to the conference room."

"Thank you," Sophie said, offering a polite smile. Cleo nodded, silently taking in her surroundings.

The secretary led them down another corridor to a spacious conference room. The room was bright and modern, with a long glass table surrounded by ergonomic chairs. A large screen dominated one end of the room, likely for presentations, while floor-to-ceiling windows on the opposite side provided a stunning view of the cityscape.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," the secretary said as she gestured toward the chairs. "The CEO will join you momentarily. Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee, or water?"

Sophie looked at Cleo and Cleo replied

"Water would be great, thank you," her tone professional yet warm. Sophie declined the offer politely.

As the secretary left to fetch the water, Cleo turned to Sophie. "It's all very impressive, isn't it?" she remarked, her voice low.

"It is," Sophie agreed.

They took their seats, Cleo placed the documents on the table.

The sound of footsteps approaching the conference room drew their attention. The secretary returned, carrying a tray with a glass of water, which she set down in front of cleo. "The CEO will be here shortly," she assured them with a polite smile before leaving once again.

Cleo leaned back in her chair, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Do you think he'll go for it?" she asked Sophie, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"The proposal is solid ma'am, and the LX Group's reputation speaks for itself. Besides this partnership would benefit both sides." Sophie replied

Cleo nodded, reassured by Sophie's confidence. Despite her own nerves, she felt a sense of determination. She didn't want to let Ethan down.

Minutes later, the door to the conference room opened, and a tall man in an impeccably tailored suit entered. His commanding presence immediately filled the room, and both Cleo and Sophie rose to their feet.

"Good morning," the man greeted them, extending a hand. "I'm James Mablethorpe, CEO of the Mablethorpe Company. It's a pleasure to finally meet the representatives from the LX Group."

"Good morning, Mr. Mablethorpe," Cleo replied as she shook his hand firmly. "I'm Cleo Daniels, and this is my assistant Sophie Harper. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today."

"The pleasure is mine," he said, turning to shake Sophie's hand as well. "Please, have a seat."

As they settled back into their chairs, James took his place at the head of the table, his sharp eyes assessing them with interest. "I've heard a lot about the LX Group," he began. "You've built quite a reputation in the industry. I'm curious to hear what you have to offer."

Cleo smiled, her professional demeanor unwavering. "Thank you, Mr. Mablethorpe. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss a potential partnership with your company. The LX Group has been at the forefront of innovation in our field, and we believe that a collaboration with Mablethorpe could be mutually beneficial."

As Cleo launched into her presentation,emphasizing key details and providing additional insights. highlighting the advantages of the partnership and the potential for long-term success.

James listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with questions or comments. His sharp mind and business acumen were evident in the way he analyzed their proposal, probing for details and seeking clarity where needed.

By the end of the meeting, the atmosphere in the room was charged with a sense of accomplishment. James leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You've given me a lot to consider," he said finally. "The proposal is impressive, I'm optimistic about where this could lead."

"Thank you, Mr. Mablethorpe," Cleo replied, her tone warm but professional. "I'm confident that this partnership will be a success, and we're more than happy to provide any additional information you may need."

" There's no need for that, let's sign the paperwork" James replied and Cleo excitedly handed him the contract and he signs

"Thank you sir, we are honoured to be working with you"

"Same here" he replied.

As they exchanged final pleasantries and prepared to leave. They reached the elevator

"Ma'am you're nose is bleeding again"

"Ma'am, your nose is bleeding again!" Sophie exclaimed, concern evident in her voice.

Cleo instinctively reached for the handkerchief in her bag, pressing it gently against her nose to stop the bleeding. "Oh my God," she murmured, a hint of panic in her tone. "I forgot to take my medication."

As the elevator doors opened, Sophie helped guide her out, and they hurried toward the car waiting outside. Cleo's steps were hurried but unsteady, and Sophie's worried glances didn't go unnoticed.

"Driver, please take me to my husband's office," Cleo instructed as she settled into the car.

"But ma'am, you're still bleeding. Are you sure you're okay?" Sophie asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry. I can handle it," Cleo replied firmly. "I just need to deliver this to Ethan. The deal has been finalized, and I want to hand him the signed contract personally."

Reluctantly, Sophie nodded. "Okay, ma'am."

The car pulled up in front of LX Group's sleek corporate building. Cleo stepped out, her face pale but determined. She clutched her bag tightly, making her way inside. The receptionist greeted her warmly, though Cleo couldn't help but notice the flicker of discomfort on her face.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. Is Mr. Ethan in his office?" Cleo asked.

"Yes, ma'am. Let me call to let him know you're here," the receptionist offered, reaching for the phone.

"There's no need for that," Cleo said quickly. "He's my husband."

She walked briskly toward Ethan's office. As she neared the door, a faint sound of laughter stopped her in her tracks. A woman's giggle rang out, followed by Ethan's deep voice. Cleo's heart sank, unease creeping up her spine. Without knocking, she opened the door.

Inside, Ethan was seated at his desk, sharing lunch with the manager's daughter. They looked up in surprise at Cleo's sudden entrance.

"What's going on here?" Cleo demanded, her voice trembling.

Ethan stood abruptly, his expression a mix of annoyance and guilt. "Cleo, why are you here? You didn't tell me you were coming. Why didn't the receptionist inform you I wasn't seeing anyone at the moment?"

"What do you mean you're not seeing anyone? I'm your wife, Ethan!" Cleo shot back, her voice rising.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Cleo, I'm having lunch. And honestly, your nosebleed isn't helping matters."

Cleo's hand flew to her face as she dabbed at the blood with her handkerchief. Despite her humiliation, she stepped forward and placed the signed contract on his desk. "The CEO of Mablethorpe signed the deal this morning. I wanted to hand it over to you personally," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan glanced at the contract and gave a curt nod. "Good job," he said flatly. Then, as if remembering something, he opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope. "I have something for you as well."

Cleo blinked in confusion. "What is it?" she asked hesitantly.

Ethan handed her the envelope. Her hands trembled as she opened it, revealing divorce papers. The room seemed to spin as her world came crashing down.

"What... what is this, Ethan?" she stammered, tears welling in her eyes.

"Can't you read? Or are you blind now?" Ethan said coldly. Behind him, the manager's daughter stifled a chuckle.

Cleo's gaze shifted to the young woman. "Is she the one you're replacing me with?"

Ethan smirked. "She's not a replacement. You were just a placeholder. I never loved you, Cleo. You were useful to help me get this job. Now that I don't need you anymore, I don't see the point of pretending."

His words hit her like a dagger to the heart. Cleo staggered back, tears streaming down her face. "After everything I've done for you? After all these years? Ethan, I loved you. I gave you everything-my heart, my soul, my life. What did I ever do to deserve this?"

Ethan remained indifferent, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "You served your purpose, Cleo. Now, it's time to move on."

Shattered and heartbroken, Cleo clutched the divorce papers, realizing that the man she thought she knew had never truly existed.

---

Cleo took a deep, shuddering breath, but the ache in her chest only seemed to grow. With tears blurring her vision, she darted through the office hallways, her heels clicking frantically against the polished floor. Ethan's cruel words played on an endless loop in her mind: *"You were just a placeholder... I never loved you."*

She couldn't believe it. No-she *refused* to believe it. This had to be a bad dream, a nightmare conjured by her worst fears. Yes, that's all it was-a cruel figment of her imagination. Any moment now, she would wake up in her bed, safe and warm, with Ethan lying beside her, just like always. She clung to the hope as if it could shield her from reality.

*How could Ethan do this to me?* she thought desperately. *No, this isn't real. Maybe that wasn't even Ethan. Maybe I went into the wrong office. It has to be a mistake. Ethan wouldn't-*

But deep down, she knew the truth. It *was* Ethan. It was his voice, his face, and those were his cold, unfeeling eyes that had looked at her as if she were nothing. No matter how much she tried to deny it, her heart couldn't ignore the pain etched in his words.

Cleo continued running, blinded by her tears. The hallways around her blurred into indistinct shapes and colors as sobs caught in her throat. She wasn't even sure where she was going anymore; all she knew was that she had to keep moving, as if running could somehow outrun the heartbreak consuming her.

And then it happened. She collided with something-or someone. The impact felt like hitting a wall, and the force sent her stumbling backward. Her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed onto the cold, hard floor.