PERFECT MARRIAGE REVENGE

Elena's footsteps echoed through the silent hallway as she stepped inside.

It was a stressful day and she needed to take a shower and prepare for her anniversary with Alan.

Her expectations were cut short when she ascended the stairs leading to her bedroom only to hear the sounds of moans emanating from the room.

The sounds grew louder as she climbed the stairs. The soft, husky moans sent a shiver down her spine, her heart racing with a mix of shock and disbelief.

Tried so hard not to believe that it was coming from her matrimonial room but the more she climbed the stairs, it became clear that it was her matrimonial room.

The creaks, the groans, the soft gasps and the unmistakable whispers of pleasure all painted a vivid picture in her mind.

The partially opened door made it easy for her to the two figures curled up on the bed.

The sheets were twisted around them. Her husband's arm was wrapped around the lady's waist, his hand resting on her hip.

The lady's leg was draped over his, her foot tucked between his calves.

Elena's eyes felt like they were burning, her vision blurring as she stared at them. This was a moment that was never meant for her eyes. She held the bottle of champagne she was carrying tight to avoid making a sound.

The only thing on her mind was to go inside and break their heads. Alan has done the worst thing she could ever imagine today.

Elena drew a deep breath before she gathered the courage to walk into the room.

She pushed the door open with a sudden, fierce motion, the wood crashing against the wall with a loud bang. Her husband's eyes went wide, his mother dropping open in a wide shock.

The mistress's arm flashed across her chest, her hands grasping for the sheet.

Elena's face reddened, by her left-hand side was the champagne she held tight. She sprinted towards the bed with champagne ready to smash it on the mistress's head.

But before she could do that her husband lunged forward, his arms wrapping around her.

"Elena, no!" he shouted, his voice quiet in her ear.

She struggled against his grip, her body twisting and turning as she tried to break free. Alan still held her, his finger digging into her skin.

"Elena, calm down, let's talk about this. Please understand."

"Understand what? That you've been cheating on me. You never intended to honour our vows did you?"

Alan's eyes moved quickly around the room, avoiding her gaze.

"Let me go!" she spat her voice bitter.

"You are going to pay for this !"

She wrenched herself free from Alan's grasp. The champagne bottle slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor as it spilt its contents.

Elena's gaze locked on her husband, her eyes burning with a mixture of anger, hurt and betrayal.

After some minutes, her gaze dropped, her eyes losing their fierce intensity. She turned, her feet dragging her as she disappeared from the bedroom moving to the sitting room.

Elena collapsed onto the sofa, tears streaming down her cheeks. She buried her face in the cushions, her sobs muffled like fabrics.

Her mind raced, thoughts swirling. What did I do wrong? Was it something I said? The questions tormented her. She rocked back and forth as the tears continued to flow.

Elena's sobs were interrupted by a gentle touch on her shoulder. She froze her body still buried in the cushions. She slowly lifted her head and turned to face the figure that touched her. The look she gave when she saw the figure was a mixture of anguish and anger.

"What did I do to deserve this ?"Elena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I know I hurt you, Elena. I'm so sorry. This marriage was never going to work in the first place", Alan replied.

"Sorry isn't enough Alan. You broke me, you shattered my trust, my heart... everything," Elena's voice cracked.

"Elena, listen_"Alan stood his finger pointing towards her.

"I love Victoria. I only married you because of Mother, "Alan's words tumbled out in a rush.

"Your mother is dead, Alan. And now you are trying to just get rid of me?"Elena's words came in short gasps.

"I'm trying to be honest, Elena. We were never going to work out. It's time for you to move on."

"Move on? You want me to just forget everything we shared, my feelings for you, my sacrifices. "

"Forget? No Elena. We want you to face reality. You were never meant to be with him."Victoria interrupted the conversation, wrapping her hand around Alan's body.

Elena tried hard to hold back the tears. She was in pain. She did not want to lose Alan because he had always been the man of her dreams.

"Alan, today is our first anniversary, you should have honoured it before fu** ing her. You fu** her in our matrimonial bed."Elena's voice was soft.

"Can you stop with the emotions Elena, I want you to go in there and pack your bags because you are no longer welcome here."Victoria's voice thundered.

Elena's lips curled up, a low, husky laugh escaping her throat.

Victoria's expression changed, her brow frowning in confusion."What's so funny?"

Elena's eyes blazed with anger as she took a step closer to Victoria. Her hand shot out, grasping Victoria's neck in a tight grip. Victoria's eyes widened, her face paling as Elena's fingers dug deep into her skin.

"You think you can just come in here and take everything away from me?"Elena's voice was low and scary, her words dripping with venom.

Victoria's hands grabbed at Elena's arm, trying to pry her loose."Elena stop you are hurting me! Alan."

Elena's grip tightened, her eyes flashing with fury."You should have thought of that before coming in between Alan and me."

She shoved Victoria backwards, sending her crashing onto the sofa.

Alan rushed forward his face, his face pale with concern."Baby, are you okay ?"He helped her sit up, his eyes glanced at Elena.

Victoria's gaze locked onto Alan's, "I think she broke my skin."

Alan's face darkened his eyes radiating with anger turned to Elena.

"Let's get a divorce."

"Let's get a divorce."

Hearing the strangest words from her husband, Elena's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on him.

Did she hear him right? A divorce?

Her heartbeat picking up in an unsteady rhythm, uncertainty settling in, she forced a smile. "It's not funny, stop this joke, Alan."

Upstairs was their luggage packed, set luggage a vacation for their wedding anniversary. Elena took hours getting ready at Alan's command.

What's with this strange joke?

"It's not a joke, Elena...My lawyer will be in touch soon."

Elena's head jerked up, a slight movement, almost invisible. She turned, her feet carrying her upstairs, it was as if her body had disconnected from her mind.

She grabbed her luggage with swift efficiency and headed downstairs.

Her footsteps echoed through the silence, a solitary march towards the door and then she was gone leaving behind only the faintest whisper of her presence.

Elena's feet moved swiftly, carrying her away from the house. She didn't look back. Ahead, she saw a yellow cab, its roof glowing like a beacon.

Elena raised her hand, palm open. The taxi slowed down, its lights flashing. The driver looked at her and nodded. Elena dropped her hand and stepped forward, ready to get in.

She opened the door, the creak of the hinge echoing through the stillness. The driver's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror. The driver's hand pulled the handle, the trunk lid yawned open. Elena lifted her suitcase, dropping it into the dark space and shutting down the trunk.

Elena slid into the back seat."The Keystone Hotel, please, "her voice barely above a whisper.

The driver's nod was a slight movement, his eyes already back on the road.

Five minutes later, the taxi pulled up to a hotel entrance, its wheels stopped turning, the engine slowing Elena's eyes fixed on the gleaming glass doors of the hotel. She pushed open the taxi door and dropped a little cash for the driver. The trunk lid opened and she took her suitcase.

Elena's hand grasped the cool metal handle, pulling the door wide open with a soft creak. Her feet carried her across the entrance, into the welcoming embrace of the lobby's air-conditioned air.

The door swung shut behind her, its gentle thud a small sound on her arrival. The receptionist's eyes lit up as Elena approached the desk. A warm smile spread across her face.

"Welcome to Keystone Hotel, ma." her voice was friendly and inviting.

Elena leaned in, her eyes scanning the receptionist's face."What options do I have ?"She asked her voice low and curious.

The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard, her eyes scanning the screen before looking up with a smile. "We have our standard rooms, our deluxe rooms with a city view, and our VIP suite with a private balcony."

Elena's eyebrows arched, her interest sparked by the mention of the VIP suite.

"I will take the VIP suite."

Elena reached into her handbag, her fingers closing around the cool metal of her credit card. She slid it across the counter, her eyes locked on the receptionist's efficient hands as she processed the payment.

"That will be $5000 please"her eyes scanning the screen before nodding with a smile.

Chunk-chunk

The machine emitted a soft beep as the transaction was approved.

The receptionist handed Elena the key card with a smile.

"Enjoy your stay ma'am "her eyes flashing to the female attendant standing close to her. The attendant stepped forward her eyes locked on Elena as she pointed towards the elevator.

"This way ma'am "

Elena followed her. As they approached the elevator, the doors slid open with a soft whoosh. The attendant stepped aside, and Elena entered, her eyes adjusting to the mirrored interior.

Suddenly, a tall figure slipped in beside her with a suitcase and a coffee drink, his arm brushing against hers. Another average figure slipped in too and the doors closed. They stood together in silence, the only sound the soft hum of the elevator.

The average figure's gaze locked onto the suitcase carried by the tall figure, his hand reaching out to claim it. But his attention was split. In that moment of distraction, his elbow jabbed back, connecting with the cup. The man's reflexes were quick but not quick enough. The coffee spilt, a dark arc splashing across Elena's gown mere inches from her breast.

With a swift motion, the tall man shrugged off his suit jacket. He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto the stain spreading across Elena's without a word, he draped the jacket over her shoulders, making it invisible for the coffee dark blotch to be seen. His fingers brushed against her skin as he adjusted the fit, his gaze never leaving hers.

The two continued to gaze at themselves before a noise from the average figure brought them back to reality.

"I am sorry for the mess" his voice soft and tender.

"Um, it's nothing ."

He extended his hand, his eyes locked on hers."Ethan "he said his voice low and Elena's hand slipped into his, her palm grazed by his fingers as they shook.

"Elena," she replied. Their hands lingered for a moment.

"Sorry once again for the mess up, it wasn't his intention to do that."Ethan pointed at the other man.

"I am sorry ma'am." the average man bowed.

"No worries, I am fine."

"Elena, can I make it up to you?"Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners.

Elena stared at him without blinking.

"Dinner, maybe?"Ethan asked, his eyes hopeful.

Elena's lips pressed together, her head leaning slightly."I don't know, Ethan..."

"Come on," he coaxed, his smile persuasive."I promise to make it worth your while."

Elena's eyebrows raised, her eyes doubtful ."I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Ethan's expression turned sheepish.

Elena's resistance slowly melted, her face softening."Fine "she relented a small smile playing on her lips."But just dinner."

The elevator door slid open with a soft hiss. Elena stepped out, her hand extended, holding out the suit."Here you go."

Ethan's eyes lit up as he took the suit from her, his fingers brushing against hers."Thanks, Elena, this is my card. Call me when you are ready."

Elena smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners."Just be more careful next time," she teased, stepping past him into the hallway.

Ethan watched her go, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure before he turned to head in the opposite direction with his secretary.

"Boss, it seems you are interested in her, never seen you so anxious to have dinner with a lady."

Ethan's smile was adorable."Let's just say I remember more than I let on."

Ethan strode into the Luminaries company's conference room, his confident stride commanding attention. The room fell silent as he took his seat at the polished mahogany table, surrounded by the industry's top investors.

Mr.Alan, the meeting's host and the CEO smiled warmly."Gentlemen let's begin. Our first agenda item: the proposed merger."

The room burst into a loud din, each investor vocalising their stance. Ethan listened attentively, his eyes scanning the room as he absorbed every word.

"I think it's a risky move," said one investor, her voice laced with concern.

"I disagree," countered another."It's a bold opportunity for growth."

As the debate raged on, Ethan's gaze locked onto Mr Alan, who nodded thoughtfully."Mr.Nelson your thoughts."

Ethan's voice was calm and authoritative.

"I believe this merger has potential, but we need to carefully consider the financial implications."

The room fell silent once more, the investors nodding in agreement.

Mr.Alan smiled."Thank you, Mr.Nelson."I think we've reached an agreement."Let's move forward with caution."

The meeting adjourned, the investors rising from their seats, their faces filled with determination. Ethan stood tall, his presence commanding respect as he shook hands with Mr.Alan.

"Thank you for your insight, Mr.Nelson."

Ethan smiled, his eyes gleaming with confidence."Anytime, Mr.Alan.Let's make this merger a success."

The other investors smiled, as they all clapped.

"Mr.Nelson, a moment, please."

Alan moved to his office, a glass-walled office adjacent to the conference room.

Ethan followed his long strides matching Mr Alan's pace. The door slid shut behind them, giving them privacy.

Alan's hand extended, motioning to a plush leather chair."Have a seat, Ethan."

As they sat, Alan's fingers drummed a short and sharp beat on his desk."I'd like to discuss the merger further, Mr.Nelson."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with strategies."I'm listening, Mr.Alan."

Alan leaned back in his chair, his eyes piercing."I believe our companies share a nice potential, Ethan. Our combined resources could make the industry grow bigger."

Ethan's gaze never shifted."I agree, but I need to discuss it with my directors. You know the conflicting business models."

Mr.Alan's nod was almost barely noticeable. Yes, but I believe our teams can find a way to harmonize our approaches.

Ethan's fingers drummed on the armrest."It's a possibility, but we need to crunch some numbers and access the risk-benefit ratio."

Mr.Alan's smile grew wider."I knew you'd see it my way, Mr.Nelson."

As they stood, Mr Alan extended his hand, sealing the deal with a firm handshake.

"That reminds me, how about dinner? Bring your wife too because I would love to meet her."

Mr.Alan's eyebrows rose, a hint of surprise."Ah, dinner? I'd like that Nelson."

Ethan smiled as he walked through the door leading to the hallway of the entrance to the company.

******

Elena pushed open the glass door, her heels clicking on the polished floor. As she entered the reception area heading towards the pathway leading to Alan's office, Stood close to the elevator was Leah, Alan's sister.A lady with piercing green eyes and a sharp jawline. Her raven hair cascaded down her back. A black dress hugged her curves, its lace and satin shimmering in the light. Her feet were covered in black stiletto heels.

Leah's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with venom."Look who we have here, my brother's ex-wife finally showed up."

Elena's face remained calm but her eyes flashed with hurt.

Leah continued, her tone mocking "I am so happy that my brother is finally leaving you. Come on, what is Alan doing with a girl picked from the streets? You know, you look shabby, I think luck has never smiled on you."

Elena's jaw tightened, her words careful."Leah, that's enough."

But Leah pressed on, her words laced with malice.", I'm just getting started, love. You see, you are just a barren disappointment, you could not give him a child. But Victoria is already pregnant."

Elena's eyes blazed with anger, her voice low ."That's not true."

Leah continued."It's not that like you are getting any younger. Just go in there, sign the divorce papers and get your settlement."

Elena's face reddened, "How dare you!"

Leah's laughter was like a knife."We both the truth. You were a convenient distraction to Alan. You know he never loved you. He married you because of Mom so that he could get his inheritance."

Elena's voice rose, "Oh really? You know, I think you should go find yourself a man than meddling in other people's marriage affairs. You can't stay away from Alan because you can't make it on your own."

Leah's voice dripped with venom, "At least I'm not a barren, useless wife like you."

Elena's hand rose and fell in rapid succession, her palms striking Leah's cheek with a loud crack, once, twice three times leaving Leah's face red and stinging.

Leah stumbled back, still in shock at the slap given to her. She was in pain and couldn't hide it as she fell to the ground.

Elena's anger poured out in a torrent of violence."This is a little of what will happen to any of your family members that cross part with Elena Wellington from today. Your brother hurt me and I promise, I am going to ruin his life. Get ready."

Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she strode past Leah, her eyes fixed on the door to Alan's office.

Leah's voice screamed behind her, "You think you've won, Elena? Wait till Alan divorces you, I'll deal with you, you traitorous bit***!"

Elena didn't turn back. She kept walking, her pace slow and intentional, as if she was enjoying the triumph.

"You 're dead meat, Elena!"Leah's voice grew louder. I hate you.

Just as Elena reached the door, it swung open, and Alan stepped out his eyes locked onto Elena's.

"What's going on here?"Alan's voice boomed.

A fierce smile spread across Elena's face."Hello Alan, it's nice to see you, you cheating bastard."

And with that, she stepped inside, the door closing behind her.

Their divorce lawyer,Mr.Johnson stood by the window,his briefcase at his Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached him,her hand extended."Mr.Johnson.I see you are already here."

Their hands shook in a firm handshake ,his eyes boring into hers."I be been expecting you Elena."

And with that, Elena released his hand,her eyes shifted to Alan,then back to him.

"Shall we get started ?"