“Happy birthday, Nicky! I love you! You’re the only woman I’ll ever love in this lifetime!”
Tristan pushed a cart forward, topped with a massive three-tiered cake. Resting at the very top was a car key.
“A new car, just for you. I had it shipped in from overseas.”
“Wow, the latest one! Do you know how much that costs?”
“I’m so jealous! I couldn’t even get on the waitlist!”
Lisa clenched her jaw in frustration, forcing a smile. “Mr. Ford is so generous to Miss Snow.”
“Miss Evans, no need to be envious. Maybe your boyfriend will get you one too,” Tristan replied casually.
Lisa’s eyes lit up at his words. “Really?”
The others might not have understood their exchange, but Nicole did. She knew this car wasn’t just for her—Tristan had bought the exact same one for Lisa.
So much for being the love of his life. It was all lies.
“I’m tired,” Nicole said abruptly. She couldn’t keep pretending any longer. Without another glance at the party or the gifts, she turned and headed upstairs.
Murmurs followed her departure, some guests commenting on her behavior.
“She’s so spoiled. She doesn’t even care about Mr. Ford’s effort.”
But Tristan only smiled, brushing off the remarks. “My wife is tired and needs her rest. Don’t you dare say a word about her. I’ll spoil her as much as I want.”
Nicole went to the furthest corner of the second floor, into the home theater. She tried watching a movie, but her mind was in chaos.
The noise from the party downstairs lingered for a long time.
Feeling thirsty, she decided to head down for a drink.
As she passed by the master bedroom, muffled sounds of passion stopped her in her tracks.
For a moment, it felt like lightning had struck her. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
Step by step, she moved toward the door. Her legs felt like they were made of lead, each step heavier than the last.
When she reached the doorway, she froze, staring at the scene inside.
On their bed, the silhouettes of two entangled bodies moved shamelessly. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
“You naughty thing,” Tristan murmured between breaths. “You’re so bold, teasing me here. What if Nicky sees us?”
“That’s exactly what I want!” Lisa replied provocatively. “I want her to see. I want her to know that you’re mine!”
Lisa’s seduction chipped away at Tristan’s restraint, bit by bit, until it completely crumbled.
“This is thrilling! But no matter what, Nicky can never find out about us! Do whatever you want but provoking her is off-limits!”
“Why? Tristan, can’t you just divorce her and be with me?”
Tristan froze, his movements halting as his expression darkened. He fixed Lisa with a cold stare.
“Lisa, you’ve crossed the line tonight. Do you realize the things you said to her could cause problems? And let me be clear—I will never divorce her. She will always be my wife. You’d better remember your place.”
Lisa pouted, her voice softening. “I understand, but it hurts, you know? You invited me here just to watch how much attention you lavish on her, how good you are to her?”
“Enough. I’ll make it up to you, alright?”
The two continued their entanglement, completely oblivious to Nicole standing outside the door.
A sharp pain stabbed through her heart as she gripped it tightly, bending over and gasping for air until the suffocating feeling eased slightly.
But the tears came anyway—hot, relentless, and uncontrollable.
She leaned against the wall for support, step by step making her way downstairs.
The fireworks were still going, painting the night sky with bursts of color. The display had lasted for three hours now.
Nicole stood in the yard, watching for what felt like an eternity, until finally, Lisa and Tristan emerged from the house, one after the other. Lisa’s steps were unsteady.
When Tristan spotted Nicole standing outside, he rushed over, wrapping her cold body in his arms and draping his jacket over her shoulders.
“Why are you down here again? Weren’t you tired? Where did you go earlier? I couldn’t find you and was so worried.”
