"What a splendid party!" Amora's loud voice rang out from the far end of the guests' line facing the podium.
The hall was decorated with pink balloons, filled with guests-children and adults alike. Amora's eyes fell on her husband, Vicktor, hosting a birthday celebration. What cut even deeper was recognizing the woman in the ivory-white gown standing by his side. That woman was Lucy-her own friend.
Driving her car, Amora had secretly followed Vicktor Caldwell, her husband, after she discovered a check, proof of payment for the hall, worth a billion. The dark secret had been revealed while she was tidying her husband's study.
"A-Amora..." Vicktor stammered, both nervous and shocked to see his wife's sudden arrival.
"Vick, don't let Amora ruin Kelly's party," Lucy whispered softly.
All eyes turned toward Amora as she walked slowly across the red carpet toward the podium.
It wasn't just Amora's sudden arrival, but her full, rounded figure that shifted everyone's attention solely onto her.
Vicktor's heart pounded harder than ever as Amora ascended the podium. Her gaze was sharp, first piercing into Vicktor's face, then shifting to Lucy's. Finally, she bent slightly, leaning toward the little girl, around six years old.
"What's your name?" Amora asked gently.
"Kelly Caldwell," the girl answered in a small voice, her eyes locked on Amora's, a flicker of fear in them.
Amora lifted her head again, throwing a cold look at Lucy.
"Amora..."
"Hi, Lucy. It's been a while since we last met."
Amora cut off Vicktor's voice, which sounded as if he was trying to calm her.
"How have you been?"
Lucy didn't answer. She stood frozen, only glancing at the bewildered Vicktor.
"Why wasn't I invited to your daughter's birthday party?" Amora's voice trembled with rage, fighting to hold back the storm building inside her. She wanted to explode, but the presence of children kept her restraint.
"Amora, darling. I can explain everything-but not here," Vicktor said, reaching for her hand. Amora quickly brushed him away.
"Why, Vicktor? Afraid people will find out about your sordid affair?" Amora's lips curled into a cunning smile.
"Please, Amora. Don't ruin my daughter's celebration," Lucy finally spoke.
"And what about my marriage that you already ruined?" Amora retorted, her voice low but dripping with venom.
The hall fell into silence.
"Mommy, when can we cut the cake?" Kelly asked innocently. The little girl had no idea of the storm swirling around her.
"In a moment," Lucy answered with a faint smile.
"Kelly, I have a gift for you." Amora reached into the handbag she carried. She pulled out a small square box, tied neatly with a red ribbon.
"Here, this is for you, sweetheart." Amora extended her hand.
"Thank you, Auntie." Kelly smiled shyly as she accepted the gift.
"Go on, continue your party. But remember this, Vicktor-our business isn't finished!" Amora's fox-like eyes bore into the two people who had betrayed her so cruelly.
"And you, Lucy," Amora's finger pointed sharply at her former friend. "You filthy woman!" she spat, her voice cutting through the air.
With that, Amora turned and walked out. She had heard enough. Now it was time to plot her revenge.
For years, Amora had trusted Vicktor. Yet behind her back, he had betrayed her. Ten years she had given to her husband, devoting herself entirely to him.
And not only that-Vicktor's entire family lived under her roof. The luxurious mansion had been a wedding gift from Robert Shane and Jessica Shane, Amora's parents.
It was Amora who had lifted Vicktor's standing, pleading with her parents to grant him a role in managing the Shane family business.
The next day, the CCTV of her home captured something that made Amora's blood boil. Vicktor walked in carrying Lucy and Kelly.
"How dare he bring his mistress into my house!" Amora muttered furiously as she stormed to meet them.
The main door swung wide open, and her face twisted into a sneer at the sight of Vicktor. Planting her hands on her hips, Amora glared straight at Lucy.
"Amora, since you already know about me and Lucy, I've decided-I want Lucy and Kelly to live here with us," Vicktor declared, boldly.
It was as if lightning struck her in broad daylight. Amora stood frozen, her chest tight, the fire inside her burning hotter than ever.
A sharp slap landed on Vicktor's left cheek. Lucy flinched, clutching Kelly, who suddenly burst into frightened tears. Amora stood tall in the doorway, her eyes bloodshot, her chest heaving with the emotions that threatened to explode.
"Do you think I'm a woman you can trample on as you please, Vick?!" Amora's scream echoed through the grand living room.
Vicktor held his cheek, still stunned.
"It's not like that, Amora. I was only-"
"Shut up!" Amora snapped, pointing a trembling finger at him. "You brought this whore into my house? Right before my eyes?! Have you lost your mind?!"
Lucy tried to speak, her voice shaky. "Amora, please don't say that in front of Kelly. I'm not a whore, I still have my dignity, Amora!"
Amora's head whipped toward her, eyes blazing. "That child? A child born of betrayal? And you still dare to talk about dignity?"
Kelly sobbed harder, her small face pressed against Lucy's stomach.
"That's enough!" Vicktor roared at Amora, his voice filling the room as he stepped forward to shield Lucy. "You can be angry with me, Amora. But don't you dare hurt that child. She knows nothing of this."
Amora laughed bitterly. "You dare defend her in front of me?" She jabbed her finger toward Lucy. "I gave you everything because I chose to love you, Vicktor-not because I had no other choice!"
Vicktor fell silent, his gaze fixed on Amora. There was guilt in his eyes-though only a little.
"All this time I was busy saving your life, Vicktor! I fought for your company. I convinced my father not to fire you when you caused billions in losses! And now? You repay me by bringing another woman into my home?!" Amora's eyes glistened, holding back tears of pain.
Lucy pulled Kelly aside, feeling the room's heat rise with every passing second.
"Amora, I'm sorry," Lucy whispered. "But our relationship has lasted for years. I love him."
"Silence." Amora stepped closer until only inches separated her from Lucy's face. "You truly are a cheap woman!"
"But I can give Vicktor children," Lucy countered coldly. "I'm beautiful, slim, and sexy. In a house this big... don't you have mirrors, Amora? Look at yourself-fat, wide, and ugly. You're not worthy of standing beside Vicktor."
Smack!
This time the slap landed across Lucy's face. Kelly screamed, "Mommy!"
Vicktor rushed to steady Lucy as she staggered. "Enough, Amora! I won't let you hurt them!"
Amora shook her head slowly, her expression turning dark and sinister. The disappointment etched on her face cut deeper than anger. He defended his mistress over her.
"You'll regret this, Vick. You'll see the true face of the woman you've belittled. I won't stay silent!"
"Amora, why not try to make peace with the situation? I'll never take your place. You're still Vicktor's legal wife. Kelly and I-" Lucy began, but Amora cut her off sharply.
"You really are insane, Lucy!" Amora spat, shaking her head. She couldn't comprehend how a woman could willingly be another man's mistress for life.
"Let's get a divorce, Mr. Vicktor Caldwell!" Amora declared loudly.
Silence fell. Even Kelly stopped crying, as though she too sensed the dark aura that suddenly filled the living room.
"What do you mean?" Vicktor gasped.
Amora only let out a short, bitter laugh and turned away.
"Lucy, don't you dare dream of stealing my wealth. You'll regret this and leave with nothing!"
With graceful yet furious steps, Amora stormed out of the house. Vicktor moved to follow her, but Lucy held him back.
"Let her go. That woman is only bluffing."
Vicktor shook his head, his eyes fixed on the door Amora had just closed.
"No, Lucy... Amora isn't bluffing. I'm afraid she'll run to her father."
.
Driving her own car, Amora arrived at a five-star hotel. Standing in the bathroom, she stared at herself in the mirror. Her hand gently touched her rounded cheek.
Tears spilled freely. "How could you betray me, Vick? Is it because I'm fat and ugly? Have you always been ashamed of having a wife like me? Is that why you turned to Lucy?" The wound in her heart gaped wide, raw and excruciating.
It had been a week since Amora left the house. She ignored countless calls from Vicktor. Not a single one of his messages had she opened. Amora was calming herself, preparing to take the biggest decision of her life.
She no longer cared about Vicktor and Lucy's illicit affair. Amora was already planning something far greater-to exact revenge on both of them.
.
Meanwhile, back at Amora's residence-
Lucy was thoroughly enjoying every facility. She even slept in the master bedroom that once belonged to Amora and Vicktor.
Amora's absence had turned out to be a blessing for Lucy. She could now freely play the role of Mrs. Caldwell. Especially Kelly, who delighted in swimming every day in the luxurious pool.
This was the life Lucy had always dreamed of-shopping, indulging herself, and lounging around waiting for Vicktor to return from work.
"The air feels so fresh today," Lucy sighed contentedly, sitting on a poolside chair, raising a delicate glass of orange juice in her hand.
"Who are you, and why are you in my daughter's house?!"
A deep, commanding voice boomed suddenly.
Lucy jumped, startled, turning to see an older man glaring at her with piercing eyes. She quickly stood, her heart pounding, her face filled with fear.
The man strode toward her quickly, his expression blazing with fury.
"Where is Amora?" demanded Robert Shane-Amora's father.
Hearing that question, Lucy felt her heart stop for a moment. The sharp gaze of the old man before her made her body stiffen. She knew he wasn't just anyone. He was Robert Shane-Vicktor's father-in-law, the owner of Shane Group-who now glared at her with deep suspicion.
"I-I... I don't know, Sir," she whispered nervously, her voice trembling.
Robert let out a harsh sigh, then turned his back. "Vicktor! You've truly made me furious!" he shouted while pulling out his phone, his fingers shaking as he dialed his son-in-law's number.
At that instant, Lucy felt her mind go blank. Panic mixed with fear consumed her. Slowly, she moved closer from behind. Without a second thought, both hands shoved Robert's shoulders hard.
Thud! The frail body was thrown against the wall by the poolside. Robert's head hit with a sickening force, leaving a bluish bruise.
"Damn you... you...!" Robert groaned, clutching his pain.
Lucy's breath came in ragged gasps, fear choking her throat. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Sir..." she muttered frantically, dragging Robert's weakening body. With one desperate push, she shoved the old man into the pool.
A splash shattered the silence. Robert thrashed, trying to swim, but it was useless. His aging body could no longer fight. He gasped, struggling to reach the edge, but his strength drained away.
"Oh God..." Lucy's nerves unraveled. She leapt in. With the last of her strength, she dragged Robert back onto the ground. His body lay motionless.
Shaking, Lucy felt for his pulse. It was still there, but faint.
Without delay, she grabbed her phone and called Vicktor. "Vick! Come home, quick! Your father-in-law is here!" her voice cracked, nearly breaking into sobs.
Fifteen minutes later, Vicktor finally arrived after Lucy's frantic call. His gaze froze the moment he saw Robert lying helpless by the poolside, his body pale like a corpse. What shocked him even more was Lucy, standing beside him, her clothes soaking wet.
"Lucy! What happened to Dad?!" Vicktor cried out in panic, rushing toward them.
Lucy lowered her head, her face trembling. Silence hung for several seconds before she answered in a faint voice.
"I... I don't know what really happened, Vick. I just saw your father in the pool, calling for help... so I pulled him out."
Vicktor rubbed his face in distress. "I must call the doctor immediately!" His hand reached into his pocket, but Lucy quickly stopped him.
"No, Vick! Please... just take him straight to the hospital. That's the best thing to do."
Without another word, Vicktor nodded. In haste, he lifted Robert's body. "Lucy, help me! Quickly!"
Together, they struggled to carry Robert into the car. Vicktor panted heavily, his eyes filled with dread. As he was about to start the engine, Lucy leaned closer.
"Vick... I want to come with you," she whispered.
But Vicktor shook his head firmly. "No. Stay at home. I'm worried if Amora sees you there, she'll misunderstand."
Lucy clutched his hand tightly, her voice trembling with feigned fear. "I'm scared, Vick. I'm scared Amora will accuse me of something. I swear to God, I didn't hurt him..."
Vicktor looked deep into her eyes. "Calm down, Love. I trust you. No one will suspect you."
Lucy nodded, as if relieved. And as soon as Vicktor's car drove away, her expression shifted. A sly smile curled across her lips. Yes, she had indeed tried to finish Robert-so that nothing would stand between her and Vicktor's love.
Lucy stood tall in the living room, staring at her reflection in the large mirror with a victorious smile. In her heart, she felt superior to Amora. Back in high school, Vicktor had cruelly rejected her for the sake of Amora-a girl who seemed perfect, smart, and rich in everyone's eyes. But now, the tables had turned. Amora, with her overweight body covered in fat, looked utterly repulsive.
"Amora... my revenge isn't over yet. Many more sweet surprises await you," Lucy whispered, lips curling with satisfaction.
But her smile slowly faded as a thought struck her. Her eyes widened. "CCTV!" she exclaimed, bolting upstairs in panic. Her breath quickened as she raced down the long corridor until she reached a room filled with monitors.
Her hands trembled as she typed frantically, trying to access the recordings. "I have to erase it before it's too late," she muttered.
Yes, Lucy wanted to erase the CCTV footage that pointed directly to the swimming pool.
But suddenly, her face tensed. Inside the storage box, where the memory card was supposed to be, it was already empty. The flash drive had vanished without a trace.
"Damn it!" she shouted, slamming the table so hard it rattled. "Who got to it first?"
Her breathing grew heavier, her eyes darting wildly around the room as if searching for an answer. Someone had secretly broken into that house.