Falling for my Husband's Rival

Sarah's POV

I rushed into the restroom, slammed the door shut, and barely made it to the sink before I threw up. My knuckles ached as I gripped the edge of the sink.

Am I dreaming? No.... no, I'd held it in my hand just a few minutes ago, a black credit card, t'was cold, and heavy. The name written on it in gold letters were clear; Sean Miller.

A loud bang on the door pulled me out of my twisted thoughts, followed by Ms. Harlow's yell. "What the hell are you doing in there?" She slammed her fist against the restroom door repeatedly, the sound echoing through the small space like a heartbeat.

I glanced at the door and sniffed my runny nose. "Just a minute, please," I said, my voice almost cracking. I leaned over the sink, staring at my puke inside it, my eyes brimming with tears. I squeezed them shut and forced myself to breathe through my nose.

The stranger's voice came echoing carelessly in my head again, "No, darling, I'm just living life... Sean's wife died years ago. She'd been lucky to be with such a loving man before she died."

Dead? He told her I was dead? The thought hit me like a punch, and my stomach twisted in protest.

"Get the fuck out of there, bitch! You have a customer waiting, Sarah! We don't pay you to hide in the restroom!" Ms. Harlow screamed, and banged the door harder this time making me flinch.

I turned on the tap, washing everything away as fast as I could. Water splashed on my hands and my uniform but I didn't care, my heart was pounding too loudly to think. I wiped my face with the back of my hands, and unlocked the door to see Ms. Harlow standing there, arms crossed, and heels tapping impatiently against the floor.

Her sharp eyes scanned me from head to toe before she snarled, "You look like shit! Fix it! Customers don't pay to see your problems."

I felt her words slice through me, but I kept my head down, eyes burning.

Fix it? How? By pretending I'm fine when I'm falling apart?

"Get going!"

She stepped aside, and I walked past without saying a word, her gaze dragging over me, face twisted in disgust, like I was something dirty.

I walked back into the sales area, and the lights hit me instantly, too bright and clean. Everything was shining... polished floors, and glass shelves lined with dresses worth more than my rent.

The stranger was still there, standing by the counter, flawless as ever. Perfect hair, perfect makeup, and a smile that didn't know what hunger felt like. She was still on that call that was driving me insane.

She laughed softly into her phone. "Well... just shopping for our vacation tomorrow," she said, pausing for a few seconds as she listened to whoever she was speaking to. She winced, "Why not? Yeah, life's good with Sean."

My heartbeat quickened when I heard her mention my husband's name again. But what could I do? Absolutely nothing. Moreover, Ms. Harlow was standing nearby, watching me like a hawk, waiting to see if I'd mess up again.

I took my place behind the counter, my hands suddenly feeling weak. As soon as she caught sight of me, she ended her conversation over the phone, and turned to me. "Hi, you disappeared."

"I'm sorry," I replied sharply. "I wasn't feeling well," my gaze fixed on the counter because I couldn't even look her in the eye.

"I'll take these," she said, pushing a pile of expensive dresses toward me, all part of a limited collection.

Crap! I hadn't even had breakfast, yet a woman was about to swipe my husband's card for dresses labeled 'limited collection.'

I blinked rapidly, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I scanned the tags-the price on the screen was more money than I had made in the last three years.

My hands shook as I folded the clothes. Then, she took out the black card and put it on the counter again.

Name: Sean Miller. Code: 7780.

I stared at it for another second... the same name, same four-digit code he used for our empty bank account.

I clenched my teeth and swiped the card. It went through.

I breathed in... and then out. "Would you like a receipt?"

"Sure," she said, staring at me.

I picked up my pen, my fingers unsteady. "For the receipt, may I have your name?"

"Valerie Shawn."

I wrote it down on the receipt book but before I could finish the last 'n', the pen mistakenly slipped from my fingers, hitting the counter with a loud clack and rolled away. My heart started racing again at what I'd just done.

Ms. Harlow immediately stepped closer and glared at the pen, then at me, her eyes brimming with disdain. "Sarah, what the hell is wrong with you today?"

I didn't answer her, I couldn't. I just stared at the name on the receipt and the card lying there like a weapon.

Valerie looked at me closely now, her smile fading into confusion.

"Are you okay?" she whispered.

I looked at her, in the reflection of the glass behind her, I saw my own face, pale and broken.

"Yes... I'm okay," I stuttered, handing the card back to her with fingers that no longer felt like mine.

"Have a nice day." I murmured.

Valerie smiled, though she looked a bit worried. "You too, I hope you feel better." She grabbed the packed dresses she'd bought, turned and walked out, her heels clicking confidently across the floor.

I watched her leave the boutique, my mind still spinning. She's off to pack for a vacation with maybe my Sean... this is unbelievable.

"What just happened now, Sarah?" Ms. Harlow snapped, making me tremble. She grabbed my chin and forced my face up to hers, her fingers hurt.

She didn't even let me answer her first question, then she said the worst.

"For the next two days, I don't want to see you anywhere near Lumière House... you're a disaster, and you're scaring off customers. You're suspended for two days, and it's coming out of your pay. Go home, and deal with whatever mess you're hiding."

"But Ms.–"

"Shut the fuck up!" She sighed, rolled her eyes, and walked straight to her office, leaving me speechless.

I felt eyes on me, and heard my colleagues whisper. Embarrassment burned inside me as I lowered my head again, staring at my shoes, the soles thin and patched over too many times.

Almost instantly, the bell's sharp ring cut through, making me flinch.

I let out a slow breath I didn't know I was holding and began to pack my things behind the counter, my hands still shaking as I shoved my belongings into my bag. I picked up my bag, dropped it twice by mistake before I finally held it steady.

"Sarah... get hold of yourself." I whispered to myself.

My head felt full of too many thoughts already and now, my manager has just suspended me for two days, which is going to affect my pay.

I turned to leave and slammed straight into someone, a man.

"Oof..!"

My bag slipped from my shoulder, papers flew everywhere, and my phone hit the floor sliding across the tiles. His things fell too-two phones, and keys clattering loudly.

"I'm so sorry," I panicked, dropping to my knees, and gathering his things.

I looked up and almost forgot how to breathe. I'd just bumped into one of Lumière House's best and most regular customers, Mr Adrian... unfairly handsome like always, tall, broad shouldered, sharp jaw, with dark hazel eyes that just stopped on me and didn't move.

The smell of his designer perfume filled my lungs-the kind of scent you don't forget. He'd always been nice to me, and now I just might've messed things up.

For a second, neither of us spoke, not until Ms. Harlow's voice cut through the boutique like a whip.

"Oh, shit! You again!" She rushed toward us, and my heart slammed into my chest.

Before I could react, a huge guy stepped in front of Mr. Adrian, solid, and expressionless, grabbed my arm and shoved me back roughly.

"Next time watch where you're going young woman," he snapped, tightening his fist like he wanted to punch me, eyes narrowed.

I stumbled, nearly falling, yet Ms. Harlow rushed forward and pushed me aside like trash.

"We are so sorry, Mr. Adrian," she stuttered, almost bowing, her hands clasped together. "She works here... she suffers memory problems. If you want, I can fire her right now."

She glanced at me with a dismissive look, like I was a problem to be solved. It made my skin crawl.

Mr. Adrian said nothing. He only stared at me with an unreadable expression, his eyes narrowed slightly, while the huge guy bent down to pick his things.

Then I knew... my life was about to get much worse.

Sarah's POV

Ms. Harlow suddenly gripped my shoulder, forcing me down with unyielding pressure.

My knees slammed against the hard tiles, the dull thud sending a sharp sting shooting up my legs.

"On your knees," she hissed close to my ear, her voice cold and unforgiving. "Apologize to Mr. Adrian. Now."

The boutique erupted in chuckles, my colleagues trying to hold back laughter, and people passing by stopped to stare, giggling.

My face instantly turned bright red from the heat of shame. I stared at the floor, my throat feeling tight and dry.

I was a mother, a wife, and a human being, but here, I was being treated like a dog. My throat tightened as the words forced their way out.

"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Adrian..."

They barely made it past my lips.

"Thats enough."

His voice was quiet, but it carried a weight that cut clean through the room. Ms. Harlow's hand went rigid on my shoulder, then slipped away at once.

"It's fine." He turned to Ms. Harlow, the look in his eyes saying far more than words ever could.

I lifted my gaze, just enough to catch his dangerously handsome face. There was no anger there, only a sharp edge of annoyance, and it wasn't directed at me.

"No one's getting fired. You may go, Ms. Harlow," he said calmly.

Ms. Harlow blinked rapidly, as if she'd just been struck. "Yes... of course, sir. Thank you... you're too kind."

She stepped back at once, hurriedly smoothing down her expensive dress, though her hands trembled enough to betray her composure. For a fleeting second, her gaze dropped to me-sharp, venomous, filled with undisguised hatred.

"Take care of him," she snapped.

Then, without waiting for a response, she turned and fled to her office.

I pushed myself upright on unsteady legs, my body still trembling. I tried to straighten my uniform, but my fingers fumbled uselessly, refusing to cooperate. My heart pounded hard against my ribs, each beat loud in my ears.

"I... I'm so sorry," I said again, my head bowed as the words scraped out of my dry throat.

"Do you really have memory problems?"

The question made me flinch. I glanced up and shook my head quickly. "No... no, sir. I just–" My voice faltered. "I'm not feeling very well today."

"Then why are you working if you are sick?"

"It just started," I said, nervously scratching the back of my head.

He didn't speak for a beat. He simply stood there, watching me.

"Call me Adrian," he said finally.

The words caught me off guard, sending my thoughts into a brief spiral. Why would a man like him want me to use his first name?

"Oh... okay," I breathed.

Suddenly, Penelope, my colleague pushed her way in, a bright, practiced smile already in place as she smoothed her hair.

"Hi, Mr. Adrian," she said sweetly, her voice coated in honey. "I can help you with anything you need. Sarah is a bit slow today."

Mr. Adrian didn't even glance at her. His attention stayed firmly on me.

"As you can see," he said, voice edged with ice, "I already have someone assisting me."

Penelope's smile faltered, slipping out of place. Her eyes shifted to me sharply.

"Don't keep your children waiting, Sarah," she snapped, loud enough for nearby ears to catch. "Help Mr. Adrian and then go home to your husband. He's waiting, isn't he?"

Her words landed hard, knocking the breath out of me for a moment. It reminded me of the card, and the lie I was living.

She gave me a dismissive once-over, turned sharply on her heel, and walked away.

Mr. Adrian flicked his wrist. The huge guy stepped forward, picked up my things, and handed them to me without a word.

"Thank you," I whispered to the guy, holding my bag tight against my chest like a shield.

Mr. Adrian's gaze lingered, the silence thick between us, till he finally asked, "You are married?" Voice softer now, laced with curiosity.

I waited a second, then nodded. "Ye... yes, sir. Sorry, Mr. Adrian."

"And children?"

I thought of Ethan and Lily, my chest tightening with a quiet ache.

"Yes," I said softly.

He nodded slowly. "Oh. Okay."

Then, he stepped back, giving me space. "Go home to them. I'll find someone else to attend to me. You look like you need to rest."

He started to walk past me, then paused, just long enough for his hand to brush lightly against my shoulder.

The contact was brief, but it sent a sharp, electric jolt through me, unexpected and unsettling. My pulse jumped, my breath catching as though something had shifted before I could understand it.

I stood there, rooted in place, feeling oddly frozen. Then the memory of the black card flashed in my mind again-the name SEAN MILLER in gold letters, the woman called Valerie, and her vacation. The pain returned so sharply it stole my breath.

I didn't hesitate. I turned and walked straight out of Lumière House.

Outside, the world felt gray and cold as I made my way home, my eyes fixed on the cracked sidewalk. I didn't notice the shops or the people passing by. Every step felt endless, as though my body was moving while my spirit dragged behind

Could it be another Sean? I asked myself over and over. Is it possible there is another man with the same name and the same bank code?

Questions flared in my head like a wildfire, with no water to put them out. I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize where I was going.

HONK!

A sharp blast of a car horn shattered through my daze, right beside my ear. I gasped, stumbling back in panic as I realized I'd stepped into the middle of a busy road without even noticing.

"Crazy bitch!" a man yelled, pushing his car door wide open and leaning out. He looked at me like I was a piece of trash. "Maybe hitting your skull off would've been better for the world!"

"I'm so sorry!" I called out, my voice lost in the wind as I clutched my bag tightly and ran toward the sidewalk, my heart hammering in my throat.

"Sorry to yourself!" he snapped from the car, slamming the door shut before speeding off without another glance.

I stood on the sidewalk for minutes, shaking, and watched his car disappear down the road.

I got home a few minutes later. The dim hallway always carried the smell of old grease mixed with harsh cleaning chemicals. I walked to Flat 24 and knocked softly, my hand feeling weak against the door.

The door open opened almost immediately

Ethan was there first, throwing his small arms around my waist, bouncing with pure excitement. Lily stood just behind him, her little face lighting up like a bulb the moment she saw me.

"Hey Mom," Ethan grinned, "how was work today?"

I carried Lily and felt her small arms around my neck. She pecked my cheek and my heart broke into a million pieces just looking at my kids. They deserved the whole world, yet I couldn't even give them a proper meal.

"It was good, Eth," I murmured, forcing a smile. "Is Dad home?"

"Yeah, Mom, he got home not too long ago," Ethan said, taking my heavy bag from me, already trying to act like the man of the house as he led the way into the sitting room.

"Just stay with Lily, I need to freshen up. I'll be with you guys shortly," I told him, grabbed my bag back and walked toward the bedroom.

The room was a total mess-clothes scattered across the bed, the sheets crumpled and half-hanging off the side. And there was Sean, standing over a large, expensive-looking suitcase made of dark leather with silver buckles. I'd never seen it before in my life.

"You're back," he said without looking at me. He slammed the suitcase shut and locked it in one quick motion.

"Yeah."

I stood by the door, watching him, waiting, holding onto a tiny bit of hope. Praying he wouldn't give me any reason to confirm my fears.

Sean had a tired expression on his face as he sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead like he was in pain.

"Sarah... work is really tough right now. I have to travel tomorrow for a business trip," he said, still avoiding my eyes as he fumbled with his phone.

"I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I'll let you know when I can." His voice sounded just too calm for someone sharing stressful news.

Suddenly, Valerie's happy words came back to my head; Just shopping for our vacation tomorrow...

She was going on a vacation tomorrow. And now Sean was saying he's going on a 'business trip' the same tomorrow, my mind raced.

So it was him.

It was my Sean after all.

Sarah's POV

Later that night, after a dinner that was barely enough for all of us, I sat on the edge of the bed in the kids' room. The room was small, and the walls were old and peeling.

Ethan and Lily crawled under their thin blankets, their bodies curling close to each other for warmth. I leaned back against the wall, and watched them settle in.

Ethan didn't pull his blanket all the way up. Instead, he turned and looked at me, his eyes too serious for a child his age. "Mom, you don't look happy," he said, reaching out a small hand. "Why?"

The question hit me like a physical blow. I felt a lump of hot coal in my throat as I gripped the edge of the old mattress so hard my fingers hurt. "Why do you say so, Eth?" I asked, forcing a calm tone.

Lily shifted closer to me, her small face tilted up as she studied me closely. "You couldn't eat at the table, Mom," she said in her tiny voice. "You just stared at your plate like you were scared of it."

I stayed silent, while Ethan nodded slowly, like he was putting pieces together and said. "And you were fumbling with your food."

He was only a child, but he saw everything.

Lily reached out and held my hand. Her fingers were warm, while mine were shaking. I pulled my hand back gently and forced a sharp, fake smile.

"You see," I said quickly, "Mommy was just meditating on something important."

I felt my eyes brim with tears. "And trust me, Mommy is really happy, okay?" I muttered, staring at the floor. But they didn't look convinced. Worry sat plainly on their little faces.

"Listen, Eth," I said slowly, my voice barely above a whisper, "I have to go now. Put Lily to sleep if you can. Be a good big brother, okay?"

He nodded, though his eyes stayed on me.

I leaned down and kissed them both on the forehead, stood up, and turned toward the door.

"Goodnight, Mom," Ethan and Lily said at the same time.

"Good night," I replied softly, switched off their light and stepped out.

The moment I shut the door behind me, my body gave up. I burst into tears, slamming my hands over my mouth so the sound would not reach them. My back hit the door and I slid down to the floor, sobbing silently. My whole body was shaking. How could I explain to these children that their home was about to break into pieces? How could I tell them their world was cracking right under their feet?

Then, Ethan's voice drifted through the door. "And the dragon said, the sky is blue in the day and dark in the night..." He was telling Lily a bedtime story, the same one I used to tell him when he was smaller.

I pressed my forehead against the door and let the last of the tears fall. Then I lifted my hands and wiped my face slowly, once, then again, until my skin felt tight and dry. I drew in a deep breath through my nose and held it there, forcing my chest to steady as I pushed myself up, and stepped away from the door.

I walked into my bedroom. Sean was already on the bed, lying on his side, his back facing me. He looked peaceful, but my mind was screaming.

Five years ago, when I was pregnant with Lily, life felt different. He used to put Ethan to sleep himself. He used to wait for me so we could fall asleep together, his hand wrapped around mine. Not until he blamed my signature for his failed contract. He said my signature wasn't found in the system, that it was my fault we were poor. No clear reason. No explanation. Just blame.

Could it all have been lies? Did he get that contract? The thought hurt so badly that I forced myself to speak.

"Sean," I called out, staring at his still back. "So tell me... what is the business trip really about?" I asked, but the room remained silent. Only the sound of the wind outside filled the room. "Sean!" I called out again, moving closer to the bed but he didn't move.

My heart started racing like a drum. I moved to the side of the bed, touched his shoulder, and realized he was deeply asleep. He was snoring lightly with his phone clutched tightly in his right hand, even in sleep.

I stared at his handsome face, pain and anger twisting inside me. Valerie Shawn's perfect smile, and the black card filled my mind. I rose slowly and went to the wardrobe.

I opened it silently, searched through the pockets of his old coats with trembling fingers until I found his debit card. My heart began to ache again. It had the same name and the same code Valerie used to pay for the dresses at the boutique. I placed it aside and began searching the lower wardrobe. I moved files and papers, but they were mostly old bills and irrelevant documents.

Then, I saw his heavy metal file box, tucked away in the back. I tried to lift the lid, but it was locked with a code I didn't even know. That was the moment I knew there might be evidence of his lies and deceit inside it.

I had been with Sean for seven years, seven years of my life, and I never imagined I would become a spy in my own home, searching for evidence of my husband's lies.

I glanced at him to be sure he was still asleep, then carried the box to the floor, sat down, and began testing codes. I tried his birthday, the kids' birthdays, and some other codes but it still wouldn't open.

Sean suddenly turned on the bed, his body shifting under the sheets. I froze and stared at him for a few seconds. I stood up slowly, my heart slamming against my ribs, reached for the light-switch and turned it off immediately.

I sat in the dark, my breath coming in short, scared gasps, waited for minutes until I heard his steady snoring again.

Then I turned on my phone, dimmed the light, and tried more codes.

Finally, I typed 7780, his debit card code and it opened. My hands trembled so badly I almost dropped the phone.

I looked at Sean again, and he was still deeply asleep.

I began going through the files. At first, they were unknown business papers. But as I kept looking, I saw papers for houses, cars, and lands worth millions of dollars, all in his name. Then, I saw hard copy photos of him in expensive hotels, drinking wine in clubs, and wearing suits that cost more than our apartment. I flipped through them until I reached the last one, and there it was. A picture of him and Valerie, the same elegant lady who came to Lumière House, standing in front of a private jet. My heartbeat dropped instantly. I increased my phone brightness just a little and looked closely at the photo.

The Sean in the picture looked like a billionaire. He looked much more real than the poor Sean laying in my bed. Tears began dropping from my eyes. They fell onto the photo, making it wet. I immediately slipped the picture into my clothes and kept looking.

At the bottom of the box was a familiar file: VANT APEX GROUP.

My hands shook as I opened it carefully. I felt like I was going to faint, the words blurring before my eyes.

It stated that I, Sarah Miller, agreed to transfer my rightful ownership and position as CEO of Vant Apex Group to Mr. Sean Miller, my husband. My signature sat neatly at the bottom. I did sign it, but I remembered that day, he had told me my signature was needed... nothing serious, just for support, because I was his wife to help him get a contract. And then told me it was a "failed contract" later that week, blaming my signature for it.

The truth hit me like a train as I continued reading through the file. I saw the name, Vesper Vant, my late mother's best friend before she traveled out.

She had sent me the invitation to become CEO of her company, Apex group, five years ago, knowing I'd be the perfect fit.

The terms were clear: a 10-year trial period, and if I did well, the position would be mine fully. But Sean had intercepted it, and tricked me into signing away my rightful place.

He'd stolen my future. He'd stolen my children's future. He'd been living as a billionaire for five years, while I slaved away at Lumière House, my feet aching from standing all day. The pain of betrayal cut deep – Vesper had trusted me with this chance, and I'd let Sean take it all away.

I felt like the room was closing in on me then the worst thing happened. I heard a sound from the bed.

"Sarah..." Sean's voice was deep and clear in the quiet room. I looked up, frozen. Sean was sitting up on the bed, staring straight at me in the dim light of my phone.