Queen Of Hearts: My Ex Or My Next

LAURA:

Anniversaries were meant to celebrate marriage milestones- not mayhem wrapped in diamond rings.

I stood in the golden-lit ballroom of the most opulent villa in Lotus City, but it felt like sitting in the sun, with my sanity ripped apart, piece by piece.

The lights burned into my skin, the floor trembling beneath my feet, and the ventilator's hum stung like an arctic blast.

Was this some kinda cosplay? Why were my sister's legs straddling my husband's waist, and his veiny, muscular hands groping her plump ass?

Not to mention they're tongue-tied, exchanging bacteria, and kissing each other senseless like two horny teenagers.

The babies in my womb kicked, sensing the disgust slithering through my veins. It's like they're asking me, What's daddy doing? Why was that Jezebel grinding into Daddy's crotch?

My husband's erection was hard like my chest, straining against his slacks, as he growled into her mouth. The bitch was moaning like I normally do whenever my husband runs an erotic marathon between my legs.

She slid a hand into his slacks, her fingers moving inside the fabric. Disgust had me in a chokehold as his mouth roamed through her neck, the exact way he always did to me.

He smacked her ass, squeezing. " The faster I f**k your tight heat, the better," another smack. "Faster."

Slurpings, groanings, moanings, and other lewd sounds filled my ears as the duo began cloth humping themselves.

The glint flashed in my eyes, my breath racing, as I caught my supposed-to-be-diamond ring snaking around her manicured finger.

From the way I'm seething, I know this rage isn't healthy, but if I'm to explode, one thing's for sure- they're f**king going down with me.

Padding to my left, I snatched the metal rod, charging toward them. The lash whipped brutally, as I battered the rod on her firmly displayed ass.

Her screams pierced the air, and Kai pulled her back, taking the angry hit of the rod. I battered relentlessly, flogging that promiscuity out of her system and making sure she never uses that ass again.

Manly grunts echoed, the rod dropping, as agony wracked my system. I stared at his bloody back, my lungs shrinking at the fact that he willingly took the hit for her, when he hadn't defended me one day in public.

Leila cried out, clutching her ass and writhing into his chest. "My ass is on fire. It's bleeding, it's..." she sobbed the rest of the words.

Kai cupped her cheeks, giving me the stunning view of his face: An Olympian god face, wild steel eyes encased in glasses, with a chiseled, muscled form clad in a tailored black suit.

I thought I hit the jackpot: smart, rich, and handsome, but I curse the day I laid eyes on this handsome devil.

The man I loved turned to me, a loathing flame brimming in his eye. My heart pounded at the sheer disgust this man felt toward me.

Mind you, this was the man who promised me heaven and earth, and said that I shone brighter than the entire galaxy combined.

He f**ked me on mountain everest, our blood thickening to ice, then he whispered something deranged: "You're burning me, My Air... Please end my misery."

The hot slap smashed my trance, yanking me back to my nightmarish reality. Tears blurred my sight as I stared at the man I once loved from a screen of black rage.

"W-Why?" I choked out, the pain in my heart numbing that of my cheek. "Y-You're not a coward, Aaron Kai, so I'm sure you have a reason for ripping my heart."

It flickered fast and dead, a sneak peek of what we once were, before something dark tapered his eyes. "A paper has no soul, Laura. That's why I never felt a damn thing."

The slap rang aloud, his face whipping to the side. His jaw clenched, barely restraining the fury clouding his face.

"That was before we ended our one-year contract marriage, you bastard!"

"Watch your mouth!"

"We loved each other, you took me round the world," I glanced at my protruding belly. "You gave me this... said we won't be separated in this life or the next. Don't you remember?"

I grabbed his shoulders, my voice breaking. "Achilles and Jason? That's what you said we'd name them, you--"

"None of that matters anymore," he said coldly, taking off my hands.

"Why?" I bit down on my lips, sniffling. "Why did you love me if you knew you'd ruin me?

Made me believe for three years you're my better half? Do this to the mother of your children? Made love to me on mountain everest, and pushed me away without remorse? I want to know why?"

He remained silent, face downcast. I battered on his chest, letting it all out. "Why, Tyga, tell me f**king why?! On our anniversary, you did this to me. Why? I want to know?!"

"Because he doesn't love you!" Leila snapped, lunging forward.

Blood sister, my foot! All I could see was a parasite feeding on other people's happiness.

I shook my head. "You were supposed to be my sister... how could you?"

She laughed bitterly. "I didn't put a collar around his neck and force his affection. He did it himself!"

Malice steamed in her eyes. "He came to me every night, begging me to let him in, taking out his frustration of years on me. Grandpa forced him to marry you; he only agreed to secure Aaron's fortune. You were never enough, he never loved you, it's always been me. I've had to cope with that... not anymore."

I staggered with a hand to my mouth, my breath fading, as I turned to him. Words stood on my lips, but never saw the light.

She betrayed me, but he killed my soul, and I'm confident that this scar won't heal. Not in this lifetime: NO.

He moved toward me, dipping his hand into his coat and producing a file. My mother was a lawyer, and I recognized that file instantly.

I swallowed the lump stuck in my throat, terror sinking deep, as my reality panned out to me- I was about to be an ex-wife, but I'd die before letting that happen.

He adjusted his glasses. "Sign it, get rid of those things in your stomach, and leave my house, Laura Deville."

My chest burned, but I refused to break and let one third-party pussy take what's mine: Never. Leila glanced at her watch, her smirk taunting, nothing like the blood sister I grew up with.

Gathering my resolve, I moved before shrieking in pain. "Kai! My stomach, it's.... ah!!!"

My legs gave out, sending me to the floor. The pain was slashing, unforgiving, a heavy weight smoldering down my belly.

"Laura!" Kai moved, but she held him back, smiling. "It's all part of the act, so you'd take her back. Don't fall for it."

Iron stung my senses, a wet liquid trickling down my thighs. "Ahh! Kai, my baby, it's.... ahh!"

My vision swayed, tears flooding my cheeks, as I watched my husband being restrained by this witch.

"No, no, she's-"

"It's an act, don't you see!" Leila snapped, biting back her grin. "Get the pen, let's get rid of her."

The fragile glint in his eyes was a confirmation that this devil still loved me. "Y-You sure, she's--"

She silenced him with a kiss, placing his hand on her ass, then pulled away. "Get the pen."

Like a zombie, he sauntered away, then she took out her phone, tapping away. My phone chimed; with trembling hands, I entered the message, and my blood ran cold.

"The coffee this evening? I knew the poison worked magic, but damn! Dress bloody. Face pale. God! Did you see your face? You'd make a fine actress. Now, leave us alone, else, there won't be anything left of you."

I met her venomous gaze, my vision burning black.

I've been drinking the poison she'd been brimming right under my nose. I killed my baby with my own hands.

Hate ambushed my soul, blackening all lights in its path, I let it consume me like a black hole until I'm dark inside out.

He returned with a pen, something akin to regret flashing in his eyes.

The woman you knew was gone. You're letting your doom get away.

With shaky hands, I snatched the papers from him and slammed my signature on it. I broke the pen, my voice ash. "You demons. Mark my words. You'll pay for this."

I stormed out of the hall, with ink and scar, my heels clicking on the marble floor.

.

.

.

I fixed my gaze on the floor, avoiding every pair of eyes as the whispers grew louder with every step. Suddenly, a harsh light flashed in my face, blinding and hot as a car horn blared, vibrating through my skull.

My heart pounded in anticipation.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for impact.

But it never came.

"Have you lost your mind, princess? F**k off the road!"

A masculine voice shouted from behind me, his footsteps drawing closer.

I turned, peering into onyx blue eyes. His jet black sleeked backward, accentuating his perfectly tailored suit. The scent of cedarwood and lavender was potent as his huge form strode toward me, the moonlight making him look sinisterly hot.

I must be hallucinating, because no one has the right to look that good.

"Your nose, you're bleeding!"

My vision blurred, and I slumped into his arms. I tried to run, but my body betrayed me. His arms wrapped around me like iron bars, and I wasn't sure I wanted to escape.

"Don't die, Cute Bug." Was the last thing I heard, before the darkness took me.

Laura died that night, and a woman of vengeful retribution awakened in her stead.

LAURA:

A tsunami of headache whirled in my skull, spinning me into a halo of light. My nostrils flared from the sting of antiseptic, as I squinted against the fluorescent's blinding glare.

I raised a hand, wincing, as the cold needle bit into my veins. I looked like a thread draped in a sack; this hospital gown is scratching my body, and I want to rip it to shreds. Ugh!

Last I remembered, I was knocked by a car, no, almost. Did I survive?

The finest blue eyes I've ever seen flashed into my mind. He was hot, hulky, and--

I jerked upright at the sound of his voice, my head snapping in his direction. He snuggled back on the chair, eyes closed, and biting down on his lusciously thin lips.

My cheeks heated in admiration. Kai was handsome, but this man? Sin in a tuxedo was sculpted with perfection.

"S-Sir-"

He was butchering the raunchy chorus of 'Get low,' by Lil Jon and East Side Boyz, making me break out in laughter.

Christ! I thought rich people fancied classical or something more suave? Then, why was he jiggling like a school teenager on Friday night?

His head tipped back, wiggling his brows, and whistling to the rhythm. His slim waist moved as he slapped the air in a smack-that-ass motion.

"Oh, my God," my laughter turned explosive, despite the sting in my arm.

I clutched my mouth at his self-made lyrics, making me want to double over. That earbud was evil because he'd die of cringe upon hearing his bad voice.

Tears misted in my eyes as he sang on. "To the bitches, to the whores, you'd scream while on my cock," he howled. "You'd-"

I doubled over, laughing my guts out. What did I just hear?!

"Shit!"

Calloused hands wrapped around me, hefting me onto the bed. Cedarwood and lavender filled my senses, and I caught a whiff of his musky shampoo. Still, there was something dark about his aura; like a malevolence masked with charm.

"A-Are you okay?" his deep tenor echoed with worry. "I'd call the Doctor."

"Doc--"

"You'd scream while on my cock!" I snickered mockingly. "That's the cringest version of that song, so far. You're a really bad singer."

Shame heated his cheeks, then he looked away. "You weren't supposed to hear that."

"I did," I chuckled.

His expression turned serious. "Is that your way of saying thank you to the man who saved your life?"

The gloominess settled in my chest, ripping the memories open.

Those demons conspired to see my world burn, and they went the extra mile to end my life.

My jaw tightened with vengeance. They made a mistake, letting me live. One they'd regret for the rest of their lives.

His touch burned like acid; these handsome men were rotten on the inside, just like Kai. From his lyrics, it's crystal clear he'd want something obscene in return.

Dropping his hands, I shifted on the bed before he seared me with his words. "Pardon my manners. I'm Kaida Crawford."

I shrieked in terror.

Kaida Crawford? CEO of Caford Group, who wore his smile like a shield, yet had malice with warmth.

Rumors had it: 'White veneers under thin lips- don't let that smile fool you. One word from that dragon and your world catches fire.'

I knew there was something off about this man.

He chuckled, the sound terrifying like a snarl. "Don't worry. I won't bite."

My feet pressed into his crotch as I shifted on the bed.

He grinned suggestively. "Oh, that's why you-"

"No, it's not what you think, I'd never-" I trailed off in shame and fury.

"Darling, there are lots of women on my f**k lists. You'd have to sign an NDA, run medical tests, and sprint through a series of interviews to determine if you can actually handle me."

"I'm not a whore!" I snapped.

"You never know, darling," he said smugly. "Three women are currently in orthopedic care. Is that really what you want?"

"Well, I'm Laura Deville, and you'd stop insulting me this instant!"

We both jerked up defensively. He bent to my height, wearing a shit-eating grin which made my blood boil.

Arrogant peasant.

"Skinny zombie."

I hugged my slender frame, snarling. "Get out of here."

He shrugged. "Oh, I own this hospital."

I felt like taking off my skin. "What kind of Doctor derogates his patients?" I gritted out.

"One; I ain't a doctor," he pranced closer, but I refused to cower. "Two, tell me f**king why you shot in front of my car like a cannonball?"

"It's a government road, you idiot!"

He scoffed, pointing a finger in my direction. "Highways are meant for vehicles."

I swatted his finger away. "Pedestrians cross the road."

The silence stretched, his jaw clenched, and my fist tightened.

Kaida Crawford, saving my life? Hmph, hell would freeze. Men only value something new; when it gets old, they discard it.

"You..." he tipped his chin. "Do you sell heart attacks or are you trying to frame me for murder?"

"I almost had one from how bad you sang."

"Egoistic schadenfreude," he growled. "I should have left you a road whore, run over by a thousand vehicles, and spit on your corpse."

"Chauvinistic Buffon," I shot back. "You weren't even sure if you'd reach your destination."

"You're an ungrateful sack of bones, Laura Deville."

My patience snapped, and I raised my hand. The door flung open, and Aria held me back just in time.

"Tell this ostrich that I don't fancy him, and he'd be f**king a chainsaw if he insults me again, I'd-"

"He saved your life," Aria held me back. "Show little gratitude, Sista."

Aria and I were childhood friends. We haven't seen each other since my marriage. She'd become a travel nurse, and we only spoke through LotusChat. Seeing her brought back a part of me I thought I had lost, but this bastard had successfully soiled my mood.

"Stop kicking, you'd harm the baby!" Aria yelled furiously.

I froze, stuttering. "W-What do you mean?"

A familiar voice chipped in from behind. "You had Don Quai poisoning. That's why you bled through your nose."

Lucian stopped in front of me. He was Leila's fiancé, I'm sure they'd break up if not, that Jezebel wouldn't dare do what she did.

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, we were only able to save one."

Relief flooded me, soaking through every nerve, still a pang dotted my chest- I lost one.

I placed a hand on my belly, rubbing gently. "We'll get revenge, baby. I promise."

"Come here," Aria pulled me into a hug, whispering hopeful words to my ears.

I went into details, telling them how it all happened. Aria went ballistic, threatening to kill Leila herself. Lucian was devastated; he couldn't believe what Leila had done, and later confirmed they had broken up.

Lucian and Aria's attention was needed, and they strode out. They advised me to apologize to Kaida, but I'd jump off a cliff before speaking to this arrogant man ever.

"Who's the father?"

"None of your business."

He blocked my way, his expression apologetic. "I'm so sorry, I-I misunderstood-"

I rolled my eyes. "Apologies not accepted."

"Lucian said you're discharged. Let me take you home."

"I'd wait for Aria," I replied flatly.

Trust landed me in this situation, not anymore.

My phone chimed, Aria's message lighting the screen: "I'm on night shift. You can stay at my place."

My chest tightened. I'd rather sleep at the hospital than walk an inch in this man.

.

.

.

.

I drove thirty minutes with the man. Why? No cabs, past midnight, and I hated hospitals due to the horrendous films and stories I've heard- everyone has that inner horror thinking child.

Xavier Gardens: the epitome of serenity and old-world charm. But it was as if some of its buildings had vanished into thin air.

I quickly opened the car door, but he grabbed my wrist. "Laura DeVille."

"Here," he handed me his business card. "Call me if you need anything."

I hastily took the card. "It'd fit nicely in a dumpster? Thank you." I forced a smile and stepped out of the car.

He sped off, but I could feel his gaze lingering on me like a hawk watching its prey.

I glanced around- nothing.

My grandmother's grill was only a stone's throw from the bus stop, right in plain sight. Now it's gone, along with other buildings beside it.

I fumbled for my phone, my hands trembling as I dialed Aria's number. "Where's grandma's grill?"

The other end was silent; I knew this silence of hers wasn't a good sign.

"Where's grandma's-"

"It's gone!" Her voice was quieter now. "I'm sorry... It was part of the clearance project. I wanted to tell you, but-"

I hung up, agony tearing through me. Just one night, and my world turned into a nightmare.

Tears flooded my face as I stared at the space where my grandma and I would sell tirelessly until midnight.

I can't just sit at Aria's house, doing nothing.

My brain buzzed, confusion and defeat clashing ferociously.

The card!

The edges tugged at my palm. The numbers on it dared me, hungry to be dialed.

I took a shaky breath. I dialed, then deleted. I needed his help, but the fear of being broken again had become my wisdom.

With all the willpower in me, I tossed it in the bin, blinking back the sting in my eyes.

"If my life's a damn Pandora's box, let chaos reign."

I walked away, but deep down, I knew the box had been open.

LAURA:

Weeks later

"You can go in, ma'am," the secretary smiled, handing me some keys and a file.

"Thank you, miss," I flashed her a polite grin.

"Who even smiles on Monday mornings?" I muttered as I sprinted up the lavish stairs.

I had just landed a job as the personal assistant to the CEO of Topex Corp, the crown jewel of Greentop. It felt like a dream. They gave me a car, an apartment, and a generous salary.

Finally, freedom from Lotus City and its toxic entanglements.

I quickened my pace like I was heading to paradise, grinning like an idiot, right before I slammed into something hard.

"Ouch!"

My bag dropped to the floor, sparks of pain dancing behind my eyelids. I moved, but stiffened; one wrong move and my head would roll off.

It just doesn't end, does it? First, my child. Then, my family's grill. Now, a split head on resumption day.

Who the hell was doing this to me?

"My apologies, dear. Are you hurt?"

Anger seeped into me like venom. That voice. That scent. He'd chase me into oblivion because he saved my life.

"My-"

"Do you have chest bones or brick walls?! Why's your god damn body harder than your life?!" I snapped, rubbing my temples.

His eyes widened with a smile. "Laura DeVille! What are you doing here?"

He adjusted his tie, glancing around as if I were a thief caught breaking into his gold safe. "The last time I checked, you were in Lotus City, recovering from whatever tragedy you suffered."

His face pinched. "Oh, you came looking for me? Need my help?"

"Looking for you?" I scoffed, crouching down to arrange the scattered files. "I'd fancy the company of sewer rats to an ostrich with an oversized ego."

We both grabbed a file, those blue eyes that I'd call beautiful if he wasn't such a jerk roamed around my form with an edge.

Immaculately brushed hair, features sharp enough to cut diamonds, not a fleck of dust on his tailored suit. Not to mention his perfume scenting like paradise; raw and godlike.

A perfect control freak, with a tattered attitude. Nice contrast.

I shot him a glare and slapped his hand away. "I should be asking you that."

He grinned smarmily. "Were you checking me out?"

Just when I was considering being polite, he killed it with his arrogance.

Brushing past him, something flipped inside me. "Christ! You're stalking me... aren't you?"

"Stalking you?" he halted, brows furrowed. "I own this place."

The words licked at my skin like poison, my tongue wobbling from the sting.

He glanced at the keys and files in my hand. Then, his lips pulled into a smile. "Wait... you're my new assistant?"

Shame crept up my spine. "Y-You own Topex?"

"Bingo! That's it. You are," he clapped swiftly in confirmation, the sound jarring in my ears.

"How lovely, Mrs. DeVille. You ghosted me for weeks, and now fate ends up hitting the jackpot."

He pinched my nose playfully. "Incredible plot twist, don't you think?"

My pride twisted in my gut.

"Plot twist, my foot!" I hissed under my breath.

The universe was saying screw you, Laura. You escaped from Lotus City, straight into your dream trap.

I faked a smile. "Newsflash! I'm resigning," I shoved the file into his chest and turned on my heels, but he grabbed my wrist.

"Think about your child, Laura," his tone was mockingly caring. "You'd let your ego get in the way of giving it a good life? You're as poor as a sewer rat, Laura Deville, that's why you preferred the company of scavengers over a wealthy man who's selfless enough to help you."

Shame thrummed in the pit of my stomach, the kind that makes you want to break out in hives.

If those demons hadn't betrayed me, I wouldn't be in this condition; at the mercy of an egoistic jerk.

"It seems your wealth has crippled your sense of reasoning that you can differentiate between a stranded first-class graduate and a miserable person," I gritted out. "I have my certificate... so don't think for a second that I'm at your mercy. Because I'm not."

"Miserable?" he laughed smugly. "Months from now you'd be parading with a pot belly... and an empty stomach."

Tears prickled my eyes at the truthfulness of his words.

"No one wants a liability. It's tit for tat. If you're pregnant and tired, you're of no use in a company."

I shook my head, wriggling out of his hold. "And you want a liability? There are other ways to give my child a good life. Other places."

"One million every month," he cocked a brow, his eyes searching mine for a response.

My stomach dropped. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me clearly. One. Million. Every. Month. What say you?"

My pulse raced, temptation tugging at my heartstrings.

One million every month- enough to secure my child's future and even start my own grill.

"Why are you helping me?" I sniffled.

He shrugged. "I'm a businessman. You never know when you'll need help."

I frowned. "Investors? Shareholders? Fellow elites? Why me?"

"Business varies, Mrs. DeVille. Let's just say I had your back, and you'll, without question, have mine when I'm in need. Deal?"

His words carried a hidden edge, but whatever his motives were, I was ready to walk into that trap for the sake of my child.

I nodded. "Deal."

He brushed past me, reaching the elevator in a few strides. "For f**k's sake, Laura. The company won't partner itself."

Partner meeting?

I hurried after him, heels clicking on the marble floor as I slipped inside, just as the elevator doors slid shut.

.

.

.

.

We moved through the onyx walls, escorted by men in black as a sea of eyes flooded us. It made my skin crawl.

The events of the hospital when I first met Kaida flashed through my mind. He was alone that day. Why the escorts now?

I was about to ask when his phone rang. He veered toward a space near the boardroom, and I followed suit, not minding his private space. Besides, I was his assistant.

"Your grandpa. He needs you!" Her tone was urgent.

His face went ashen. "I'm on my way!" His voice was shrill as he hung up.

Was his grandpa sick? I wanted to ask, but I didn't want to pry into personal matters.

He spun, almost bumping into me. Before I could speak, he chimed in.

"Listen, you know the onions. Take my seat, scale the partners, and close the deal if it sits right," he said swiftly, and dashed out the door.

"What? I–I just resumed today!"

The elevator doors closed behind him. My mouth went dry, anxiety punching through me.

Who hires an assistant and vanishes halfway without showing them the ropes? Haven't even closed a deal before?

Christ. The day just keeps getting better.

"You just have to evaluate them, ma'am, nothing more," the secretary beamed, despite the panic.

I drew a shaky breath, my hand trembling as I twisted the doorknob.

The moment I stepped in, familiar scents hit my nose, and the files dropped from my hands.

Rage blasted through me, flaking my blood into hot chips.

"Laura!" she barked, shoving her chair backward. "Who let this bitch in here?!"

"Ma'am, you're bleeding!" the secretary gasped in shock.

Yes, I had bitten my cheeks, but it was nothing compared to how these demons bled me.

I had been so lost in my fury when a sharp slap snapped me back to reality. I looked up, only to see a pair of red lips curl into a smirk.

"A wretched janitor ought to knock before barging into the council of the elites," she spat, her eyes scanning me like a mannequin used for display.

Then, I saw him. The man who broke me. He sat there, legs crossed on the table, a conflicted smile plastered on his face, as he tossed chips on the floor.

The flicker in his eyes was fast and dead, but I'd slash my throat before getting back with this devil.

"What do we have here?" He grinned sinisterly. "I see you do cleaning jobs now. Tell me, how many shifts? I have some stacked laundry at home that requires washing. Hand service, no machine. Interested? I could pay double?"

The flames of agony rekindled in my chest, but I smothered them, embracing calm as if nothing had happened.

"Laura DeVille. I'll be closing the deal." I extended my hand with a confident smile, as if we were already partners. "Your brief, sir."

Kai snarled. "It seems you bled your brains along with your babies. Get to work before I call security."

My chest twitched, but I smiled. "I'm the CEO's representative."

They both exchanged glances, their faces drained of color, but underneath it, Kai's body seethed with anger.

"T-That's not possible!" Kai rambled.

I snatched the file from his grasp without even going through it.

SLAM!

"Mr. Kai, we don't turn spare parts into luxury vehicles, nor scribbles into a Mona Lisa."

I paused, the words slicing like a war blade. "You're welcome to apply again, but know this... Topex doesn't promote parasitism. You never were, are, and never will be qualified."

Veins bulged on Kai's neck as he stared at me with bloodshot eyes.

I stood up, spine straight, my voice low and deadly. "You bled me once. Never again. This company wouldn't survive the way I did."

The words clung to the air, stiffening them like statues.

A strange sense of foreboding curled in my chest. This wasn't over.

I blinked back the tears misting in my eyes. Then, my phone buzzed, and I answered.

"Laura... marry me."