The Revenge of the Reincarnated Villainess

Carmen sat at her glass-topped desk, fingers flying over her keyboard as she finalized the figures in her quarterly report. Sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind her, casting a golden glow on her sleek, modern office. Manhattan's skyline stretched before her, a proof of her success as a finance director at one of the city's top investment firms. She was composed, impeccably dressed in a fitted ivory blouse and tailored skirt, her dark locs pulled into a low, neat bun.

Just as she was about to move to the next task, a sharp sound broke her focus. "Delivery!" A file landed on her desk, sliding a few inches across from her 'Espresso yourself' mug which she never failed to bring to work and take back home everyday. It's been three years and the mug was still too precious to her. Carmen glanced up, startled, to see one of her colleagues, Jenna, smirking down at her, holding a bunch of files.

"Jesus Christ, Jenna!" Carmen jolted a bit, chuckling, before letting out a playful sigh."You scared me!"

"Sorry, didn't mean to! But seriously, Carmen, three years married to The Cody Wade?! What's it like being with such a dreamboat?" Jenna smirked, nudging her with a wink.

"Don't be dramatic now, Jenna. There's still plenty of work left." Carmen replied with a smile.

Jenna's face fell slightly , only to be replaced by a mischievous grin. "Oh, come on, Carmen! You can't keep all the details to yourself now. Tell meeee, pretty please! What's it really like living with Cody?"

Carmen's face softened, her heart warming at the thought of Cody. "Well, Cody's been just...Cody" she shrugged, only for Jenna to shoot her a disappointed look."

"Carmen, you know what I'm asking..." Jenna whined.

Carmen chuckled. She wasn't too keen on sharing too much about her personal life, especially not to Jenna Mcclarke-Roldwells' secretary and unofficial gossip queen. But when it came to talking about her husband, Carmen couldn't help it.

"Alright, fine," Carmen sighed, a dreamy look crossing her face. "I can't say it's been anything less than incredible, Jenna. Cody's...everything," she glanced at the wedding ring on her finger, smiling softly. "Tomorrow's gonna make it three years. Cody has something special planned, apparently."

"Of course he does," Jenna teased, causing Carmen to blush "You're married to Manhattan's golden boy. The guy's a millionaire and still looks like he just stepped out of a Calvin Klein ad. Ugh, you're so lucky! Talk about living the dream.

Carmen laughed, shaking her head. "Don't worry too much Jenna. One of these days, you'll find someone who knocks you off your feet."

"Well I doubt that," Jenna rolled her eyes. "All the guys around here are either taken, broke, or totally clueless. I need a 'Cody' in my life."

"Well, it's not all designer suits and gala events," Carmen replied with a laugh. But as she spoke, her mind took her back to the life they'd built together. How they went from being best friends to a happily married couple.

Jenna shot her a knowing grin, tapping at the files she threw on Carmen's desk. "Hey, lover girl, this is for you. The boss needs it reviewed by the end of the day. Email the edited copy to him."

"Got it, thanks," Carmen nodded, pulling the files closer. Jenna lingered for a moment, giving her a final wink before sauntering off, leaving Carmen alone with her thoughts.

What was it they said about marrying your best friend?

Three years ago, at exactly 8:59 p.m., Cody proposed to Carmen in a way that still played through her mind like a scene from her favorite movie. They'd been best friends since childhood, with Carmen always standing by his side, supporting him through countless late nights as he pursued his dream of making video games.

She'd been there when he was broke, listening to his frustrations and cheering him on, even celebrating with him in her small apartment when he sold his first game to an indie company. Over time, Cody's talent gained recognition, and he eventually made his first million.

She thought back to the sheer joy she'd felt when she saw him going down on one knee under the city lights, and every precious moment since. Tomorrow marked three years of marriage, and Cody had hinted at a surprise. She was curious, but had managed to hold back from prodding him for the finer details of his plan.

Cody was thoughtful, yes. But he had a flair for the extravagant stuff. She remembered one particular occasion where he'd filled her workplace with two thousand peonies, along with a romantic note and an array of different dishes she eventually shared with her colleagues and those in need on the streets. Oh, and there was also the brand new car he gifted her that day. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of surprise Cody had in store for their anniversary this time.

Before she could get too caught up in her memories, her phone buzzed, and she saw Millie's name flash on the screen. Millie was her best friend, a no nonsense model with a big heart and an endless supply of sass and fun.

Carmen answered with a smile. "Millieee,"

"Hey bestie, are you done with work yet?" Millie asked, her voice bright and unusually chirpy.

Carmen glanced at her laptop and the files on her desk. "Not really. Why?"

"Because we're going shopping!"

Carmen sighed "Millie...."

"You're not going to spend your whole day in that office, are you?" Millie's voice teased through the phone.

"I still have a few things left to wrap up for the boss, Mills." Carmen replied, groaning. She knew her best friend. And there was no way she was getting out of this. But she could try. "Besides, I don't really need anything."

"You're not getting out of it, Carmen."

"Well, I could try." Carmen chuckled

"Oh, come on. It's your three year's anniversary tomorrow. Don't you want to pick out something extra special for Cody? If he's surprising you, you should surprise him back, don't you think?" Millie prodded, "And I need...something for me. For work."

"Millie," Carmen laughed, "I've already got him a gift!"

"Yes, but you can never have too many surprises for the man you love, Cam." Millie argued, refusing to take no for an answer. "Gurrrlll, please? I'm dying for an afternoon with you outside the office."

Carmen paused, looking around at the incomplete work on her desk, and then sighed, smiling. "Fine, you win. I could really use a break right now. An hour or two would do."

"Yayyy"

"I'll meet you in ten."

"I'm downstairs already, I'll-"

Carmen raised an invisible brow, "Wait. So you're downstairs? And you're calling?"

Millie chuckled "Okay, see you in ten, Cam, bye."

After the call ended, Carmen closed her laptop, reached for her phone and dialed Jenna to cover for her. Jenna picked immediately "Roldwells' secretary, how can I help?" She's been Roldwells' secretary for years, her voice was now like an automated machine.

"Jenna, it's Carmen. Please, I'll be stepping out for two hours. Three max. Could you cover for me? Please Jen."

Jenna smiled mischievously, "Well, I could. But that would cost you..."

Carmen sighed, knowing what someone like Jenna was looking for "One Hermés Birkin bag and MatteTrance Lipstick?"

Jenna grinned widely. "Done! Be safe, Cam. Two hours. That's what I can do."

"No problem, I'll try. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Jenna said, dropping the call.

Carmen packed up the rest of the thing's necessary, and stepped out into the office hallway. She gave Jenna a quick wave, which was returned with a playful smirk as she passed by her office.

As she made her way through the hallway, she felt the familiar stares of several pairs of eyes following her until she entered the elevator. She was used to it by now. Her husband was Manhattan's golden boy. And his status as a successful, attractive businessman came with its own sort of attention. As his wife, she often found herself a subject of the same look wherever she went-either admiring or envy, sometimes a mixture of both.

A few minutes later, Carmen stepped out of the elevator and spotted Millie, standing at the center of a small crowd. Fans were gathered around her, taking selfies and eagerly asking for autographs.

Millie Hoffman, Carmen's best friend, was hard to miss. She was a striking beauty with porcelain skin, high cheekbones, and blonde straight hair that cascaded down her back.

As one of the most sought-after models in the industry, Millie had graced countless magazine covers and runway shows, her face instantly recognizable to anyone who followed fashion. But beyond that cold fashion model, was the cute, beautiful, kind girl Carmen became best friends with back at college.

Carmen moved closer, and instantly, Millie spotted her. She wrapped up the last of the autographs, blowing a playful kiss to the fans she couldn't get to. "Next time, I promise!" She called out, and with that, the crowd reluctantly began to disperse. Millie wasted no time in rushing over to Carmen, pulling her into a tight bear hug and planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Aww,Cam, you have no idea how much I've missed you!" Millie exclaimed.

"I've missed you too, Mills, but if you crush me like that, you won't see me again," Carmen teased, laughing as she tried to free herself from Millie's hug.

Millie giggled, loosening her grip slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry! I'm just so excited, I don't know why!"

Carmen raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Because you're going shopping, that's why you're excited."

Millie's eyes sparkled as she grinned back. "Yes, exactly! And because you're coming with me, of course. But mostly...because I'm spending the day with someone special tomorrow." She winked, her fingers running through her shiny blonde hair in a casual, almost flirtatious manner. Millie was beautiful and she knew it. So she never failed to show it off whenever she had the chance to. And if Carmen was a guy, she would most certainly fall for her.

Carmen rolled her eyes at her best friend but couldn't suppress a smile. "You're unbelievable, Mills. Don't get pregnant."

Millie smirked at her, a knowing look hidden in her gaze. "Trust me, I won't." She winked "we've been going on for six months now."

"You mean banging each other? And you're telling me now?" Carmen turned to Millie, shocked. "Do I know him?" She asked Millie and she just shrugged in response.

"Nope. Not really. I mean, maybe..." Carmen raised a brow as if in question and Millie sighed. "Do not worry your pretty little head about my sex life, bestie. You'll meet him soon, trust me." She laughed.

And In some kind of way, Carmen felt really uneasy but she brushed it off as just nerves or hunger. Being outside with Millie made her want to eat. Carmen followed Millie into her car and they drove off.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the central mall.

"So," Millie started as they walked toward the entrance, "what are you getting him?"

"Well, I already picked something up for him last week," Carmen replied.

"Then why are we here?" Millie whined, throwing her hands up in mock exasperation.

Carmen shot her an incredulous look. "You practically blackmailed me into coming, Mills."

"I did?"

Carmen sighed and rolled her eyes. "You know what? Fine, I'll grab him something else. No gift is ever too much. Now can we just go? I need to be back at the office in two hours, otherwise Jenna's gonna charge me more."

Millie flashed her a grin, giving her a playful nudge. "That's the spirit! Let's make this the best anniversary ever."

They stopped by a few high-end stores, Carmen picked up a few items, but nothing felt quite right. Carmen didn't know what to select for Cody. Now that she was back here, she was second-guessing the gift she'd bought for Cody last week. Would he like it? That was the problem with buying things for rich people-they already had everything.

"You know," Millie began with a mischievous grin, "I still remember the time Cody tried to impress you by cooking that ridiculous three-course meal. It was so burnt, even the fire alarm didn't want to participate."

Carmen couldn't help but laugh. "Don't remind me. He was so proud of it too. Called it his masterpiece."

"Sick," Millie giggled. "And don't forget the time he tried to buy you that ridiculously expensive art piece, but you almost had a heart attack when you saw the price tag. You're both hopeless."

The memories made Carmen smile, and slowly, the perfect gift idea began to form. "Okay, maybe picking something for him isn't as hard as I thought. I know him better than anyone else.

"Yeah, you think so." Millie muttered under her breath as Carmen stopped walking to look at her.

"Did you say something?" She asked

Millie coughs, "No...I mean, yes. Let's get something to really make Cody smile."

"I know right..."

"So what do you have in mind?"

****

Their final stop was the ice cream parlor, where they treated themselves to oversized cones, giggling like teenagers as they strolled back towards the exit.

As they walked, Millie's face suddenly turned a little pale, and she winced

"Mills, you good?" Carmen asked.

Millie waved her hand dismissively, "Oh, it's just... I think I'm feeling a little off. It's nothing, really. Maybe I should head home."

Carmen's smile faded, worry creeping into her voice. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Millie shook her head quickly, "No, no, I'm fine! Actually, I just remembered...I need to meet someone nearby for a quick errand. I'll see you back at the house for the arrangements later, okay?"

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Go ahead, and don't worry about me. I'll meet you soon."

With a hesitant nod, Carmen agreed, giving Mille a quick hug before hailing a cab. As Carmen's car pulled away, Mille took a deep breath then turned and headed back to the shopping district, slipping into one of the boutiques they'd visited earlier. Her eyes scanned the shelves until they settled in a section she hadn't explored earlier with Carmen. With a small secret smile, she selected a beautiful set of a one piece lingerie, something she knew would catch Cody's eye.

With an evil smile, she walked to the register, paid for it and left in the opposite direction Carmen did.

November 8th, 2024.

It was the exact date, three years ago, when Cody had proposed to Carmen, and she had said "yes" without a moment's hesitation. Today was supposed to be a celebration of that precious moment -their wedding anniversary. The memory alone made her giddy and excited as she and Millie bustled around the living room, scattering rose petals and arranging candles.

"Do you think he'll like the setup?" Carmen asked, glancing at Millie with a sparkle in her eyes.

Millie gave a bright, reassuring smile. "Of course he will. You've gone all out. Cody loves these kinds of things. If I'm not mistaken, It's perfect." She placed a hand on Carmen's shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "Cody's a lucky guy. So calm down. And stop being nervous or negative about everything."

Yes! And to be honest, Cody was really a lucky guy. No matter what, having Carmen in his life brought him so much luck. So one could say, it was the woman beside him that made him successful.

Carmen's cheeks flushed with pride and pleasure. She looked around, imagining Cody's face when she walked through the door. She had prepared his favorite meal; a perfectly grilled steak with mashed potatoes and green beans, just the way he loved it. She had also decorated their home, just the way he liked, and had even bought herself a new seductive dress; the one she couldn't wait to try on when they were alone in the room.

Everything was ready. Tonight was going to be perfect! She could feel it. She just needed to call Cody to find out where he was. Just as she picked up her phone to dial, it started ringing. His name, 'Love of my life', flashed on the screen, and she answered it eagerly. "Hey, babe. Are you almost on your way?"

A pause lingered on the line before Cody replied, his tone distant. "Uh, not yet, love. I have a ton of paperwork to finish. I'll be home late-maybe not until around nine or nine-thirty."

"Can't they wait?" Carmen asked hopefully.

"No, babe. They can't. It's gonna cost the company if I'm not able to finish this on time and process."

"Oh, okay. No problem! I'll see you later then." Disappointment flicked across Carmen's face, but she forced a smile. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you more, babe," Cody replied, making exaggerated kissy noises. Carmen mimicked him, prompting Millie, who was folding gifts in the corner, to gag dramatically.

"You both are disgusting lots" she said with a laugh.

At the other end of the call, Cody cleared his throat. "Is that Millie?"

There was a brief pause before Carmen replied, "Yes, babe. Millie is here.

Millie chimed in with a cheeky tone, "The one and only!"

Carmen chuckled, glancing at Millie and nodded, adding "She's helping me set up."

Millie smirked and called out, "Come back early, or I'm going to kill you."

"Yes, ma'am." Cody chuckled. "Alright, sweetheart, I'll see you later," he said warmly before handing up.

But there was something about the way he said Sweethearts that felt off. It wasn't just Carmen he was addressing-there was a subtle shift in his tone, a softness that seemed directed at Millie. Carmen didn't catch it, but Millie did. Which was why she was smiling like a Cheshire cat.

After he hung up, Millie turned to Carmen with a sly grin. "You're lucky I didn't make him promise to bring me something," she teased, though there was a flicker of something unspoken sitting in her eyes.

Carmen laughed, brushing off the comment. She slowly dropped her phone and said, "Well, that gives us even more time to finish up with the arrangements before his arrival!"

Just as she was about to pick up more arrangements, her phone buzzed again. She thought it was Cody calling to tell her he'd decided to come back, but it wasn't. This time, it was Jenna, Roldwells' secretary.

"Who is it?" Millie asked.

"It's the office." Carmen sighed, before picking up the call. "Jenna, what do you want?"

"Cam, sorry to do this on your anniversary, but there's an urgent meeting with the higher-ups. They need you here," Jenna's voice crackled through the phone, sympathetic. She thought she could handle the boss alone, but she was wrong. The boss had specifically asked for Carmen and there was nothing she could do.

"Jenna, can't it wait? It's my anniversary for Christ's sake! Cody's going to be home soon, and I was just in the middle of-" Carmen began, desperation seeping through her voice.

"I'm sorry, but it can't. I've tried to cover for you. The deal the boss is after is time-sensitive, and they specifically requested you. You're the only one who will get through to these people. You need to be here, Cam. I'm sorry." Jenna replied, her voice firm.

Carmen felt her heart sink. As she ended the call, she looked at Millie, who had been watching her with concern.

"Let me guess-work emergency?" Millie asked, her brow furrowing.

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "The boss needs me in the office. It's for an important deal. I'm not sure when I'll be back."

Millie immediately wrapped an arm around Carmen. "Hey, don't worry. I'll take care of everything here. You go deal with work. I'll make sure this place is perfect by the time you or Cody is back."

"Really?" Carmen's expression softened as she hugged Millie tightly. What was she going to do without her best friend always having her back? "Thank you. You're a lifesaver, Omg. I'll be back before you know it."

With a grateful smile, she kissed Millie on the cheek, hurried into the room to grab her bag and car keys, then waved at Millie one last time before dashing out. She sped off in her car, determined to get to the office, handle the boss's business quickly, and return home before Cody arrived. There was that one surprise she wouldn't want him to see yet.

The moment Carmen's car disappeared from the driveway, Millie's face twisted into a scowl. Her cheerful facade dropped, replaced by a dark, gleeful grin. She looked around the decorated room, then picked up one of the delicate arrangements and threw it onto the floor, stomping on it with her heel. One by one, she destroyed the setup, crushing flowers and scattering rose petals.

A twisted laugh bubbled from her lips as she watched the decorations collapse around her. The streamers fluttered to the ground, the balloons deflated, and the carefully set table was now a mess. Everything was chaotic. Oh, how long had she been aching to do this? A sense of satisfaction mingled through her bitterness, fueling her laughter. She sank onto the sofa, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths, her manic chuckle exposed through the empty room.

Reaching for her phone, she dialed a familiar number, her finger trembling slightly-not with nerves, but with anticipation. After two rings, Cody's voice came through.

"Sweetheart, what's up?"

A wicked smile curled Millie's lips as she let another one of her twisted laughs spill into the phone. "Your beloved wife just left for the office, babe." Millie purred, her voice low and sly. "She won't be back until late. So...why don't you come home now? I have a little surprise waiting just for you."

There was a pause, followed by Cody's hesitant reply. "Baby, I'm in the middle of work right now. What I told Carmen wasn't a lie -this project-"

Millie cut him off with a playful giggle, her honeyed tone, sharp. "Oh, Cody," she teased, "You and I both know that excuse won't fly. Maybe to Carmen, but not to me." more giggle "If I'm not mistaken, you wrapped that project up last week, didn't you?" Her voice was dangerously low. "The Cody Wade I know would never leave anything until the last minute. That's why you're Manhattan's golden boy-so reliable."