The Sweetest Revenge

Someone once said you'll find your true love between the ages of twenty-seven and thirty-five.

Is that really true?

Alexa Greisy wasn't sure. In fact, she thought it was complete bullshit. At twenty-six, she hadn't even thought about love in the past five years.

Not once. Not during the chaos of her life.

Her downward spiral began when she found out her boyfriend was cheating. That betrayal drove her to drown her rage in alcohol, which led to a non-consensual one-night stand with a stranger. But the nightmare didn't stop there. When she found out she was pregnant, her parents kicked her out, unwilling to bear the shame. She dropped out of university, lived alone, worked nonstop to survive, and tried to support the life growing inside her.

When the weight of it all became too much, she attempted to end her life by jumping off a bridge.

But she didn't go through with it, not entirely.

She was saved. Her best friend pulled her back before she could fall. A miracle, perhaps, or just dumb luck.

Next year, she'd be twenty-seven. If she really did find her "true love" then, maybe she'd finally forget how close she came to losing everything.

Alexa smirked at the thought, her eyes drifting back to the bustling courtyard of the grand mansion behind her. The party she had designed was in full swing, a dazzling wedding celebration for her best friend, Jane Ryleigh.

Funny. Jane, once a shameless playgirl who jumped from one rich man to another, now swore she had found true love with a billionaire, no less.

So ... does true love actually exist?

"Lexa!"

A familiar voice called out. Alexa turned to see the radiant bride striding toward her in all her glittering glory.

"What an amazing party, Lexa. You totally rock!" Jane squealed, throwing her arms around her. Then she twirled, showing off her dress. "Look at me! Am I stunning or what? This is my dream wedding!"

Her silver gown shimmered with sequins, its tassels sweeping the floor, and a front slit revealed toned thighs and dazzling heels. Jane looked like a fairytale princess, sparkling from head to toe.

Alexa's gaze softened. "You look gorgeous, sweetheart."

Jane blushed, then a man approached, wrapping an arm around her waist. The love in his green eyes was impossible to miss.

Alexa felt a twinge of envy.

Jane beamed. "You've only seen her in photos. This is the real deal, my best friend, Alexa Greisy."

The man reached out with a smile. "Hi, Mrs. Greisy. I'm Kenric Hamilton. Nice to meet you."

Jane had said her fiancé rarely smiled, but when he did, he was stunning. Alexa silently agreed.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Hamilton," she replied, returning his handshake with a stiff smile. Her palms were sweaty. So this was one of the rich men, though his hands weren't soft or manicured as she'd expected. His skin was warm, veined, and calloused.

"Is she the one you wanted to introduce to my cousin?" Kenric asked.

Alexa frowned. "Jane? What's that supposed to mean?"

Jane's expression was like a thief caught red-handed. "His cousin's a lawyer, he's looking for a girlfriend."

"Not anymore, Jane."

"No, no! I meant well! Listen to me, Preston is a good guy. A real gentleman, not like the jerks I introduced you to before. He's different."

"Preston?"

"Yeah. Preston Carnell."

Alexa sighed. "I get it, but not now. This is your wedding. Why are we talking about this?"

Kenric quickly interjected, sensing the shift. "Oops, I'm sorry, Mrs. Greisy. I didn't mean to bring it up."

Alexa grimaced. "No, it's fine, Mr. Hamilton. I just ... don't like discussing these things."

Kenric smiled. "Call me Kenric. 'Mr. Hamilton' sounds like my father. He passed away two years ago."

"Alright, Kenric. You can call me Alexa."

He nodded politely, pulling Jane closer. "Should I leave you two alone?"

"I'll catch up with you later," Jane said.

"Take your time," Kenric replied gently, kissing Jane's cheek before walking away. He looked no older than Jane, but she had told Alexa he was forty. A widower with no children, his first marriage had ended because of relentless pressure from his in-laws to have kids. He couldn't take it anymore, so he divorced.

Jane watched him walk away, admiration in her eyes.

"Well? Isn't he even more handsome in person? And rich too, who wouldn't want to marry him?"

Alexa rolled her eyes. "So you married him because he's handsome and rich? Not because he's your 'true love'?"

"Oh, come on! Are you still mad at me? I told you, he is my true love. The money and looks are just perks."

Before Alexa could respond, Jane dragged her to the buffet and grabbed a plate of desserts.

"Ugh, I'm done with dieting. Let me eat in peace."

"Manners, Jane!" Alexa scolded. "You're the billionaire's bride now."

"So what?"

Alexa snatched the plate from her hands. "Oh no, not my cake!" Jane cried.

"You'll gain weight again. You'll look like a pig," Alexa paused, wincing. "I mean, you're the queen of the night. Everyone's watching. You don't want to embarrass yourself-or Kenric."

"He doesn't care about people's opinions. Especially about my weight."

Jane pouted at the stolen cake, her stomach aching in the tight dress. Alexa was ruthless.

"Don't you usually care about your public image?" Alexa asked.

"Kenric doesn't, so why should I?"

"Okay," Alexa sighed.

She gave up. Jane happily reclaimed her cake.

"By the way, where's Fillo?" Jane asked between bites. "You didn't bring him?"

"Too crowded. He'd cry."

"Really? Most kids love parties."

"Not him," Alexa replied, sipping wine. "I'd rather raise a quiet boy than a future jerk."

"Lexa, he's just a kid."

Fillo Greisy was Alexa's son. He was four years old now. A miracle born from pain. She'd been mentally broken, abandoned, shamed, left to raise a child alone. He was born prematurely because of her stress.

But thanks to Jane, Alexa had rebuilt her life. She now ran a small, promising wedding planning business. The entire event tonight had been her work.

If someone said a child could bring luck to their parents, Alexa would wholeheartedly agree.

Jane suddenly commented, "Fillo really looks like Ray. Like a twin. But he won't be Ray."

"Don't say that bastard's name."

Jane ignored the warning. "Kenric actually knows him."

"Jane--"

"They're not close, don't worry," she continued. "But Kenric has his number. Do you want it?"

"No," Alexa said coldly. Her brown eyes darkened.

She had thrown away Ray's business card long ago. It was the last remnant of his presence. She didn't need it.

Jane finally let it go, moving off to greet other guests.

Alone now, Alexa felt a little hungry. She wandered to the buffet, picking a piece of red velvet cake. If Fillo were here, he'd devour it with a smile. She smiled at the thought.

Even if she hated his father, she adored her son.

Maybe Jane was right. She should have brought Fillo.

This place was breathtaking like a royal palace with gold covered furniture and high ceilings. Jane was so lucky.

Most people needed an entire venue for a wedding. Jane said buildings were too confining. The hall in Kenric's mansion was the size of a football field. Alexa's team had spent two days and nights just decorating it.

She swallowed her envy.

Back in school, she once dreamed of getting married at twenty-five. But that dream was long gone. After all that had happened, who would want to marry a single mother?

Alexa wasn't even a widow.

She had chosen to put her own dreams aside-for Fillo.

As she walked through the grand halls, she looked up at the crystal chandelier glittering above, mocking her with its extravagance.

What a cruel world.

"Excuse me, could you move aside? You're blocking the way."

A low, magnetic voice came from behind her. She stepped aside, startled. Her eyes traveled up from polished shoes to a boutonniere that matched Kenric's. A VIP.

And then she saw his face.

Her heart stopped.

She staggered, bumping into someone. She nearly fell, but a strong hand caught her by the waist and pulled her upright.

"Are you alright?"

Alexa instinctively pulled away. No answer.

"Miss?"

Still nothing. She was dazed, her heart clenching, old wounds ripping open.

Ray Sanders.

That face. That man.

How could she ever forget?

He was the bastard who got her pregnant five years ago.

... to be continued ...

"What? Take revenge?"

Jane's voice was high-pitched and rose five octaves.

"You want take revenge on Ray? What will you do to get revenge? Have you met him? You met him yesterday, right? Did you two fight? No. You couldn't have fought, if so I would have heard about it! Then how do you feel? Did you two say hello?"

Being bombarded with questions like that, Alexa told her what happened yesterday, without telling her that she fell and Ray hugged her waist. She just told how she spilled the wine on Ray's expensive suit with satisfaction.

"No wonder why he took off his suit when he met us," Jane laughed. "Isn't he mad at you for that?"

Alexa shook her head. She was also surprised.

Jane, "Wait. Don't tell me he doesn't recognize you again?"

Disgust was written on Alexa's face at this time. Then remembered the bastard's expression yesterday. When she spilled wine on his suit, he wasn't angry at all, even smiling and asking if she didn't sprain her ankle after almost falling.

Honestly, Ray's smile is very handsome and charming, but she is really sick of that playboy smile.

Yesterday she really wanted to curse him for ruining her life in the past, but she didn't want to make a scene at Jane's wedding party.

Alexa just thought, there was no way Ray would forget her. Right after she found out she was pregnant, she came to Ray's nightclub many times looking for his whereabouts. Ray had met her once, the man seemed to be in a bad mood at the time and a woman by his side chased her away. And Ray just looked at the humiliation towards her with a cold face.

That guy really is a bastard. After sleeping with a woman, he would pretend not to recognize her!

Good. Very good. Alexa will really help karma fall to his way.

After telling her everything, unexpectedly, Jane really supported her in taking revenge, without further ado taking her shopping to a women's clothing store.

"Why are you suddenly telling me to dress up?" Alexa peeked at the price of a dress. "This is a celebrity clothing store."

Jane was indifferent when she put some clothes into a shopping bag. "I have a lot of pocket money from my hubby. I wanna treat you."

Wow, is marrying a billionaire this lucky?

Alexa doesn't really like taking advantage of other people's wealth, but Jane is the type of person you can't resist. She will do various things to get Alexa to accept her.

"Okay, but what's your goal?" Alexa asked, starting to feel heavy with her shopping bag.

Jane cleared her throat. "Help you get revenge?"

Alexa gaped in disbelief. "Jane, this is my problem. You don't need to feel pity."

"It's not pity, I'm excited to help you." Jane rolled her eyes, she smiled seeing the glitter beads on the cleavage of a dress. "Red suits you."

"But, I don't need all this," Alexa said, a little sadly. "And I don't like red."

"What color do you like?"

"Black."

"Ew, such a tacky." Jane's lips pursed, she called the shopkeeper who was following them to come closer. "Is there black in this dress?"

The words made Alexa almost choke. Jane has already taken a lot for her, is it still not enough? Black isn't really her favorite color, she likes mustard by the way.

The shopkeeper took the same dress in another color. The black glitter under the bright shop lights made the dress look luxurious.

"Gosh, didn't think this would be beautiful. I think you would look good in a black dress for the evening party at Veloture."

Veloture is a Ray's nightclub.

"Seriously, I don't need this."

"You need it. You're a career woman, but you're so ugly. You have to dress pretty if you want to get Ray's attention."

"Jane, I want take revenge, not dating," corrected Alexa.

"Revenge must be done in a sweet way, Lexa. First a duck must turn into a white swan first."

"You mean I'm ugly?"

"Yup." Jane answered without blinking.

"Really really really ugly?"

Jane nodded.

Alexa, "..............."

Jane, "Good, if you realize it."

Alexa sighed. She looked at herself in a nearby mirror, muttering; "Not that bad."

"You know, I have prepared your revenge plans."

Alexa's patience was at its limit as she said, "Oh, shit! You even planned that? Jane, I don't like you interfering my matter this far."

"Don't be offended, Lexa. This is for your own good." Jane still didn't look at her, busy with the heavy dresses at exorbitant prices. "Last night Kenric asked me if you could plan a party, I just answered; you could."

"I planned your party."

"That's not what I meant, this is outside of wedding parties. Your business only accepts wedding design services, right? Can you design another job such as events?"

"Kenric needs help with event planning?" Alexa asked back.

"It's Ray."

Alexa glared. "No! I only accept clients I like."

Jane frowned. That's unprofessional of you, she cursed. "You want take revenge, right? You have to meet Ray often and your first step is to become his friend."

"Friend? You're crazy! Just looking at him makes me throw up."

It seemed Jane ignored the protest, matching one of the dresses on Alexa's body. "First you have to look beautiful and convincing."

"There's nothing wrong with my appearance. I'm quite pretty."

"You have natural beauty, but not everyone can see that. You need to attract more attention."

"..."

"Come on, Lexa. Your cheeks are chubby, you should do bottox." Jane asked her to look in the mirror, today Alexa appeared with her hair tied high, in an oversized plaid shirt and jeans, she was not feminine at all. "Now go into the fitting room to try it on, let me judge."

"Why do I have to look pretty for a bastard?" Alexa didn't move.

Jane ignored her, humming.

Alexa sighed tiredly. She almost forgot that it was useless to argue with Jane. She would never win despite training for a thousand years.

As she was about to enter one of the booths, Jane grabbed her arm.

"What this time?" she grumbled.

"Look, look there, isn't that Ray?" Jane pulled her arm closer to see something. "Who is the woman with him?"

Alexa looked to the side, noticing someone who had just entered from the main door with a woman. They embraced each other affectionately like a couple.

This made Alexa's forehead frown. "I've seen that woman before."

"Eh? Who? Could it be his girlfriend? At my wedding, he was alone."

"Why was he invited to your wedding?" Alexa asked curiously, she forgot to ask this since yesterday. Moreover, Ray wore a boutonniere in his suit pocket.

"Ray is a VIP guest at my wedding. Kenric's company invited him. Didn't I tell you that Kenric knows him?"

"Are you sure they are not close friends?" asked Alexa again.

"Just a colleague. Kenric's colleagues know him and they often hang out."

Alexa's eyebrows rose. "Where do rich people go to hang out?"

"Play golf, maybe. Kenric really likes golf."

Old man tastes, said Alexa to herself. People who have lived under the poverty line never seem to see a golf course from afar. What's great about playing golf on an incomparably wide green field, then riding a golf cart to enjoy the view?

"I think it's his girlfriend, they're so affectionate." Jane heated Alexa up.

"Maybe," answered Alexa slowly. She looked the other way. "I don't care."

"Don't care my ass! I can see an opportunity here. We can use his girlfriend as part of your revenge!!!"

Alexa didn't understand what she meant, so she sighed.

But this reaction made Jane suspicious. "Wait. You're not jealous, are you?"

"Are you crazy? Why should I be jealous? I hate him to the core you know! I want to tear him apart now instead of being jealous!" Alexa pinched Jane's arm in annoyance. She tried to enter the booth, but Jane held her back again.

"Wait, wait. He's coming this way!" Jane said excitedly.

Alexa couldn't escape no matter what happened and was forced to monitor Ray's movements with his 'girlfriend' who was heading towards them. She tried to stay calm even though her head was already thinking of ways to scratch that handsome face. But who would have thought that when her hearing caught the tap of loafers' footsteps, her heart would start beating fast.

Why is she nervous?

"Jane, I knew it was you. What a coincidence we met here," Ray said pleasantly, kissing Jane on either side of her cheek. "I didn't get to say it, but congratulations on your wedding."

Alexa's forehead furrowed deeply. Ray is very friendly to Jane. Have they known each other long enough?

Well, naturally speaking, Jane has been a regular customer of Veloture since she was a teenager. In fact, the one who introduced Alexa to Ray was Jane. However, Ray could be making small talk because Jane is Kenric's wife.

Whatever it is, Alexa didn't care.

"Thanks, Ray, there were too many guests so we didn't greet each other. Besides, you only came for a moment, so we didn't have time to chat." Jane smiled.

"I'm sorry. I have another appointment and have to leave that day. Tell Kenric my apologies."

"Of course," Jane laughed, then nudged Alexa on the shoulder deliberately, "This is Alexa Greisy, my friend. And who is this?"

Jane's gaze fell on the woman who was holding Ray's arm like a caterpillar. Seeing it made the scene ugly. Jane almost rolled her eyes.

"Your girlfriend?"

Before Ray could answer, the woman in the red dress stretched out her hand and said arrogantly, "Hailey Tatum, Ray's future wife."

... to be continued ...

Future wife? Alexa glanced at him in disgust.

This bastard could forget the woman he got pregnant and would just go get married like that?

And, oh, Alexa finally remembered who this woman was and why she felt familiar with her face. Of course, she was the arrogant woman who was with Ray when Alexa visited Veloture, and she was the one who kicked Alexa out at that time.

"Oh." Jane answered without shaking her hand at all, then glanced at Ray. "I heard you want to have a party at your nightclub?"

Hailey withdrew her hand in annoyance.

"Yes, I really like your party. So, I asked Kenric for recommendations on finding some party designers. Can you help me?"

What a great opportunity.

Jane immediately glanced at Alexa who was standing uncomfortably beside her while composing a catchphrase. After the sentence was on the tip of her tongue, Jane put her arm around Alexa's shoulder on purpose.

"What kind of coincidence is this?" said Jane laughing. "We met at the right time, Ray. Look. She was the one who planned my wedding party. You can ask for her business card if you want to use her services. She will plan your party well, she's brilliant."

"I don't-" Alexa's words was cut off when the tip of Jane's heel stepped on her shoe. Even though she was wearing thick sneakers, it still hurt like hell.

"Ray, let us go to the washroom for a moment, then we'll talk again."

"Sure."

Jane was already dragging Alexa's arm excitedly to the corner of the shop. The area was quiet because there were only panties and bras with floral motifs.

"Jane, you hurt me!" Alexa complained, pulling her arm roughly.

As usual, Jane didn't care about her protests, she even deliberately shook Alexa's shoulder enthusiastically. "Lexa, Lexa, Lexa! This is a great opportunity. You can't waste it. Where's your business card? Give it to me, quick!"

"What for?"

"Ray needs you to plan a party at his night club."

"In case you forgot, I'm a wedding planner."

Jane rolled her eyes. "Wedding party or not doesn't matter. You just need to add new equipment to the stock."

No answer from Alexa. Her gaze said that she was very reluctant. Her main goal is revenge on Ray, not making small talk about approaching him like a cheap whore.

Alexa used to be so stupid.

She wouldn't be stupid this time.

"If you don't have money, I can give it to you. I will help you stock up on goods," said Jane stubbornly.

"It's not about money."

"So?" Jane gave her a lazy look. "Try to think carefully. Your business will be increasingly known to many people if more successful businessman use your services. It only takes a little time for you to spread your wings. Just think about the positive side."

Alexa remained doubtful.

Jane immediately held her hands. "Lexa, I've always been by your side when you needed help. Do you think I'd leave you if this didn't work out?"

Maybe Alexa needs to clarify who initially plunged her into the abyss of stupidity. If only Jane hadn't taken her to Ray's nightclub, maybe she wouldn't have slept with him and become a widow without marriage. Shit!

No, no. This wasn't entirely Jane's fault either. This obviously wouldn't have happened if her boyfriend hadn't cheated on her!

With reluctance written all over her face, Alexa took out her small company's business card. On the card she used her phone number as the contact person. Very stupid. She should have another number to put on the card. Now she regreted it.

"You're willing to help me?" Alexa asked when she saw that Jane was very happy, as if a plan was working in her head.

"Of course," Jane grinned, pushing her into the booth. "Hurry up and try on all these dress. I'll talk to Ray for a moment."

Elsewhere, Hailey was holding a pink knee-length dress to her body as she asked, "Babe, what do you think of this dress?"

To be honest, Ray doesn't like pink.

"Yeah, it's great," he replied. "Do you still need a long time? I have a meeting with a sponsor today."

Hailey pouted. "You just came home and you're already this busy? Shouldn't you make time for me?"

"I can't, I've been away from my club for a long time," Ray answered while busy on his phone. "I will hold an event to add facilities."

Hailey's lips pursed even more. She already knew that Ray was a busy person.

Ray Sanders is a young entrepreneur who owns many nightclubs in various cities and countries, one of the most famous of which is Veloture. That club was his first night club when he was just starting his career. Its success made him enthusiastic about building other clubs in various places, and he did not hesitate to provide many facilities at the club.

People call Veloture the Five Star Club.

At that club, someone can register as a special member. There are hotel rooms and swimming pools for those who want to stay overnight, even a luxurious restaurant with an indulgent menu. Recently, Ray also did not hesitate to add billiard playing facilities, which he plans to cut the ribbon on next week.

That's why he was busy preparing it all.

"You've left me for five years, but when you came back you were still busy with your work," said Hailey wearily. "I am your fiancé or not?"

The words caught Ray's attention on his phone, he came closer to grab her waist. "Babe, I'm sorry, ok. After this is over, we're going on vacation for a whole week. How about it?"

"Are you serious? I'm so happy to hear that! I love you, Ray."

Hailey finally left him to go to the fitting room. Because it was not far, he chose to wait for her at the front. He sighed. His focus was immediately disintegrated after Hailey sulked. He and Hailey had been engaged five years ago, or somehow she could be his fiancee. Ray doesn't remember it clearly.

His father said that his late mother had matched them since childhood and they loved each other.

But for Ray it seemed like a made-up excuse.

After waiting for an hour while spacing out, Ray was confused as to why Hailey hadn't returned yet. He headed to the fitting room which was located some distance from where he was sitting. There are three booths and they were all closed.

"Hailey, are you finished?" Ray shouted rather loudly, there was a crashing sound inside. "I'm busy. Hurry up."

No answer.

"I'm coming in, don't blame me if you're naked."

Still no answer.

Okay.

This means the green light has been given. Ray never had sex with Hailey, but he often saw her naked. They wouldn't be embarrassed by each other just because of that.

Ray chose a booth at random and entered at the very end. As soon as he entered, he gasped, an auburn haired woman glaring at him in horror. Ray's eyes auto-focused on the sleeve of her newly worn dress. However, then he heard the woman scream loudly.

"W-What? W-What are you doing?! Are you a pervert?! Get out! Get out of here!" The woman screamed while flailing Ray's arm backwards.

Meanwhile, Ray repeatedly protected his head and face so he wouldn't be hit.

If he remembered correctly, this woman was someone who was with Jane. Her name is Alexa Greisy. Ray tried his best to apologize, but he kept getting pushed out of the room with her monster strength.

This woman is something.

"Hey! Listen to my explanation first!" Ray stepped back, he had exited the booth, almost falling down the steps.

"Who wants to hear an explanation from a perverted man like you, huh?!"

Strangely Alexa didn't let him go when

they're already outside. Even though her arms were open and the other hand was holding her breasts as if they were about to fall off. Ray wanted to warn her, but she tripped over the steps of the room and fell towards him. A strong impact sound was heard as the two fell on top of each other.

However, something made Alexa even more angry.

Ray's hands were on her breasts.

Ray's hands squeezed her breasts.

Ray's hand ....

Alexa immediately stood up straight. Her face had turned red from embarrassment and anger. "Y-You, you, you!!! What the hell are you doing! You pervert! You want to rape me?"

Ray also got up.

Around them, several shop visitors looked at them curiously, whispering.

"Hey, calm down. Listen to my explanation, don't shout."

However, she didn't listen. It's bad, this man will fool her twice. She quickly shouted, "Guards! Help! Guards! Where the hell-mmfffh!"

Her mouth was gagged and she was pushed into the booth again. Ray closed the curtains and they were crowded together inside. Her eyes widened. This man's strength was quite great, once she rebelled, she couldn't extricate herself.

This was an unfortunate situation.

She broke out in cold sweat. She didn't want to be pregnant without a husband anymore. Not after the hell she went through.

"Are you calm down now?" he asked in a deep and heavy voice. His clear blue eyes moved from her chest, to another direction. "You ... your chest is open, there are lots of people outside. Quickly cover it."

Her eyes could only bulge. That look said that she didn't understand what was happening, until he finally let her go. Pointing to her chest.

"Your bra is showing, it's yellow," he commented.

She immediately took a look and closed it with a red face.

He raised his hand. "And I had no intention of raping you, okay? You're not my type."

Alexa didn't even hope to be this Mr. Arrogant's type until she dies.

"This is all your fault, Mr. Sanders! If you hadn't entered carelessly, this wouldn't have happened. You have to take responsibility!"

It was his fault from the start, so he lowered his pride and gave in. He couldn't risk his name because of this ridiculous incident.

"Okay." Ray took out his business card. "It's my fault, sorry. If you're not satisfied with my apology, come to me and tell me what you want."

Alexa fell silent.

"I'll buy you dinner," he continued.

Alexa secretly watched Ray's face, nothing had changed since the last time they met. She remembered his thin, sharp beard that was still the same. Even though her memory of the man she slept with at that time was still vague, she was sure she remembered his handsome face and beard.

Unconsciously her hand touched his shirt.

"Excuse me?"

Alexa was shocked, grabbed Ray's business card roughly. "I accept your invitation. Please come out now, Mr. Ray Sanders."

After Ray left, Alexa couldn't hold back anymore. She immediately squatted down and calmed her crazy beating heart.

Damn it!

What is it? What the fvck just happened?

... to be continued ...