The next morning I woke up to a bouquet of fresh white roses along with a pendant sitting by the bedside as Xavier slept with his arm around me.

A note was attached with the flowers.

[I forgive you for yesterday- Xavier]

An incredulous smile graced my lips as I barely controlled the strong urge to confront Xavier. Removing his hand wrapped around my body I got up quickly before leaving for the office without a single word as the flowers were left untouched.

Sitting in my cubicle, I was immersed in drafting a resignation letter when I received Xavier’s call.

“What do you want Xavier?”

“Aria, what the fuck do you mean?! Do not test my patience with you!” Xavier warned, his frown deepening, confusion bleeding into something dangerously close to rage.

“I come home from a draining trip only to hear your stupid arguments. Yesterday I relented and even after you insulted my friends I refused to let it come between us, but what the hell do you mean by leaving like this today?”

“Isn’t it your house too? I took care of it while you were absent so I automatically assumed you will do the same..” I said softly pretending nothing was wrong at all.

Xavier felt something was amiss and his eyes narrowed sharply.

“The fragile french cutlery worth thousands of dollars that my friends ate in yesterday are still lying unclean in the damn sink!

The breakfast is nowhere to be seen and you did not even touch the gifts I brought you despite everything!” He spat his voice laced with disbelief and rage.

For Xavier, I was a free nanny who was always serving him no matter what, from his morning coffee to his home cooked warm meal, taking care of his laundry and cleaning the house like a good traditional wife he needed for his pleasure yet never intended to marry.

Like an object he used and discarded me and yet I was so blind in love that I could never see it.

“Oh, that pendant? Aren’t those available in the night market in Paris for fifty dollars?”

“I am sorry but I assumed that since you bought the antique jewelry from the ancient Han dynasty in an auction worth millions of dollars there is no way you will give me a fake gold jewelry.

Xavier, don't you clearly know that I am allergic to mixed fake gold and last time you gifted it to me I developed severe burn marks because of it.”

Complete and utter shock consumed the man who did not knew what to say.

Obedience had become my second nature so how can he ever expect me to say such words to him.

“Are you blaming me Aria? Aren’t you being too greedy?!

You despise my thoughtful gifts and squander money on expensive designer clothes while neglecting your work.

Don’t forget that you work for me so, even if you are my girlfriend I cannot make any exceptions for you.

Everything you have is provided by me and yet you cannot even do such meagre tasks for my sake?” He clacked his tongue, sighing as if deeply displeased with my behaviour.

Silence stretched lond as I simply listened to his hurtful words and refused to argue with him pointlessly for at the end no matter what I said he would always see me as wrong.

“Aria, to take care of your feelings, that day in the interview while everyone was wearing a designer suit, I chose to wear that damned cheap tuxedo you purchased from who knows where just to please you but you have continued to disappoint me.”

A small humorless chuckle left my mouth as I listened to Xavier in disbelief.

“That tuxedo was from Oriole fashion industry, the designer brand your father used to work at, as a labourer barely earning enough to feed your family.

While we were still in college didn’t you say that it was your dream to once buy the best designs at that brand and showcase it in front of the world as a symbol that you have risen up?

It was my heartfelt gift but..It’s such a shame that you still can neither recognise the brand after staying in this industry for all these years nor see my feelings..”

The words landed like a slap making Xavier freeze in shock.

At that moment he was reminded of the past he had long forgotten, that he was once the man who was nothing, I gave him my life, money, connections and resources to rise above the top.

Even though Xavier now had unparallelled wealth the things he bragged he gave me, were in reality could be brought by me even without taking a second look for I never lacked money.

“Aria, is it your intention to bring up my past when we have come so far in this relationship.” Xavier said coldly, finally not able to find the reason for my odd behaviour.

“Have we? I never said a word Xavier, it was you who found my feelings cheap and replaceable. Did you even realise that I have been sick for the past few days suffering from fever and still working for you like a machine?”

Taken aback by the strange tiredness in my voice as if I was too burdened to keep this going and it made him unknowingly feel strange in his heart.

“Aria-” Xavier’s voice softened as he called my name.

“Xavier, while you have been telling me constantly not to disappoint you, you should also pay attention to the fact that maybe you are the one who has been disappointing me all this time.”

I hung up without listening to another word, making Xavier feel a strange frustration as he threw his phone down sharply.

That day I worked past my hours to complete my resignation and wipe out with all my financial accounts and information saved in the company.

It was almost past seven in the USA when a message from the French embassy popped up on my screen.

[NAME; ARIA VALARIE French Citizenship application: Successful

Congratulations on acquiring the French citizenship Miss Valarie.]

At that moment the joy of going back to my parents and the slight fear of starting a new life after marriage with ‘that’ person was cut short as my phone beeped with another message.

[Manager Kim: Miss Aria, please hurry to the front reception There is a big issue!

Actress Julia Lest has arrived.]

Rushing outside my chamber I was astonished to see that a hush had fallen over the entire building as people watched the rumored Mrs.Stone making an entrance.

The black Mercedes stopped in front of the office and Xavier came out looking satisfied with himself. His arm gently supported a beautiful woman by his side who looked at him shyly with an innocent smile.

I wanted to laugh at my destiny. If only I had chosen to go home at my designated time today like always, I wouldn’t have to witness all this.

“Xavier, I feel a little unwell…” Saying that her body swayed dangerously before being caught by Xavier immediately.

“See this is what happens, it is almost nighttime and you still haven’t eaten anything properly. I will go and buy you some food myself.”

It was at that moment Julia’s eyes fell upon me who was watching them from afar and a slow knowing smile spread across her lips.

“B-but I am just a little lightheaded…it is..it is all your fault! You made me so tired and now I have completely lost all the feelings in my legs!”

I watched the scene with my heart sinking endlessly as I understood the meaning behind those words all too well to mistake it. all my beautiful memories with Xavier were crushed and the painful wounds of his cheating were reopened all over again.

“It's my fault then.” Without waiting for Julia to complete, my ‘boyfriend’ of ten years gently scooped up his mistress into his arms, carrying her inside the company bridal style.

“Oh my god? Not only did he open the car door for her but this…no way is this a professional relationship..”

“What are you even talking about? My boyfriend is a journalist and he told me that they have been tracking these two for the past three years, it was just that Mr.Stone was too careful and the paparazzi never had the right evidence.”

I could not help but stand there frozen as a fellow colleague said with a frown.

“Wait for me in the lounge area till I come back with your food alright.”

“Alright.” Julia answered with a smile as the duo soon entered the VIP area before Xavier left as quickly as he came.

With my heart feeling as if it was shattered completely I went to collect my stuff and was going to leave immediately before a soft voice resonated outside.

“I am bored in the lounge room, quickly hand me the keys of the CEO’s chambers. I will wait for him there.” The receptionist was completely taken aback by the sudden request by Julia and stammered in nervousness.

“Miss Julia, I am sorry b-but I am unable to do so.

Even if you are CEO’S girlfriend, I-I cannot give you a direct actress to his personal space because of company policy and secrets.”

“Then do you want me to keep standing here?” Julia said those words softly yet there seemed to be an inexplicable chill in her words.

The receptionist was on the verge of crying while the staff members looked utterly bewildered by such a request.

I could not watch anymore and thus intervened.

“Miss Julia, welcome to the Avalon Enterprises. I am Aria-”

“Aria?” Julia interrupted before smiling, tilting her head with her eyes colder than ice as if inspecting a rare insect.

“Oh, the maid in Xavier’s apartment, isn’t it?” Gasps were heard throughout as Julia smiled innocently.

“You are Xavier’s servant so you will heed to my orders right? Go on and fetch me the key to Xavier’s chamber quickly like a good puppy. Hurry up.” My fists clenched hard as Julia looked at me mockingly expecting me to create a scene in front of everyone present.

“How can she?…Secretary Aria is a such an important person…”

“Het stay quiet, she will soon become Mrs Stone, do you really want to lose your job?”

“It is better being a maid than a mistress who wrecks home. I will definitely not take offense at Miss Julia’s words. Atleast you didn’t call me something as disgusting as a mistress. ”

“You!” At my words Julia wanted to retaliate yet stopped suddenly.

It was at that moment she saw Xavier’s car arriving at the office parking lot and a smile graced her lips..

“Oh my god you must have taken my words seriously while I was merely jesting Aria.

What to do? I am so sorry if my words hurt you. I must have appeared so rude, I hope you will forgive me.”

Suspicious of her change in behaviour I nodded without a word and with a wave of my hand I quickly dismissed the staff to either go home if their shift ended or get seated and start working again.

“Xavier told me alot about how useful you are with household chores thus I could not help but ask him to transfer you to me. Oh dear, I hope you don’t mind it.”

“No worries.” I said stoically.

“It is really hot today, can you please get me an iced coffee? No sugar. Extra foam please?”

But it was rather cold today.

I hesitated for half a second before nodding.

Silently, I walked to the break room, prepared the coffee exactly as requested and returned to Julia’s side, offering the cup to her.

It was at that moment Julia scratched my hands painfully with her sharp nails in the garb of taking the coffee making the cup tip and splatter the cold liquid all over her luxurious blouse.

The sting on my hand which started bleeding made my hands tighten into fists at my sides.

A collective gasp rippled throughout the office as the dark stain spread over her white shirt, clinging to her skin and the lingerie beneath was evidently visible.

“This…this can’t be..no..”Bile rose my throat as I realised that the piece of clothing she was wearing underneath was the same one I wore on my first night with Xavier years ago.

“More beautiful, younger and better than you Aria. He begged to see me in this.”

Julia’s lips moved and others thought she was whispering her grievances to me but it was only I who clearly heard each and every word leaving her mouth with a satisfied smile.

“That night in Paris was so hot but unexpectedly today was even more intense.

Xavier was so angry with you that he threw all caution to the wind and pulled me in your apartment this morning, right in your bed while you were gone to enjoy a very hot moment together.

Not only this, I modeled all hottest nighdresses he apparently brought for ‘you’ and you know what Xavier say? He said I looked much better in each one of them…sexier and it made him go wild. A plain woman like you can never compare. ”

My lips wobbled as I stumbled back in shock.

“W-What…” A whisper left my lips before it was covered under her scream.

“Ahhhh!” With tears in her eyes Julia looked at me covering her body tightly with her arms hiding her lingerie.

“Julia!” A concerned voice shouted loudly from the entrance, making me suck in a cold breath.

Xavier stood at the entrance, his face marred with rage.

“Good!

Aria Valarie I asked one thing of you and yet you messed it all up! I never realised how jealous and ugly your heart was till now! You just wait!”

And just like that with a glare filled with anger Xavier took Julia and left without glancing back at me whose entire palm was marred with blood and heart completely ripped by his betrayl.

Without waiting for a second Xavier rushed Julia to the hospital, his anger spiking as she cried softly in his arms.

“Miss Julia, I told you that this kind of stress is not good for you. You aren’t hurt now and it’s alright but what if you were seriously harmed…now you have two people to think of.”

The doctor said seriously, making Xavier frown.

“Two people? What do you mean by that?”

“Doctor p-please s-stop, I don’t want to burden Xavier.” Julia sniffled yet a gleam of joy reflected in her eyes as she subtly nodded once to the doctor.

“Mr. Stone, I believe you should take a look at these reports.” Somewhat taken aback by the doctors' concerned demeanor, Xavier quickly opened the file.

[PATIENT: JULIA LEST

MATERNITY TEST: POSITIVE]

“You…You are pregnant with my child.”

Xavier froze as he saw the report and suddenly he was reminded of a long time ago when he and I spent our first night together, my smiling face sweetly saying that one day we will have our own small family.

He realised that not only he had cheated with another woman but had also made her pregnant. A flash of guilt struck him hard.

“Mine?”

“Xavier..I-I am so sorry! I never wanted to come between your love. It is all my fault…I joked a little but your girlfriend took it seriously and she was angry that I seduced you!”

There was a slight edge to Julia’s voice even when she cried pitifully making Xavier’s heart feel wronged for her instantly as he was reminded how scared Julia was.

“Xavier…do you remember that day I asked you to marry me…I-I am your culprit. I became so selfish when the doctor told me that I was three months pregnant.

I hated to force you into a marriage you never even considered but could only think of bringing our little child into a world where they would be called a legitimate son or daughter.

But how can I come between you and your girlfriend at all? Today she was so angry at me that she spilled coffee over my head, I was lucky that it had ice or me and my child…..”

Julia cried heart wrenchingly as she barely spoke between her sobs, making Xavier’s fists clench against the injustice his ‘innocent’ Julia had to suffer because of me.

“If you want…I-I will abort this child and leave forever-”

“No!

You are the only woman by my side!

What girlfriend?! That woman is a fucking leech sticking to me since long, no matter how many times I try to reject her in a roundabout manner she keeps coming back to me like a fucking stray dog!

But this time I have had enough of her. How dare she bully my woman and child!!”

Julia displayed a slow smile as Xavier gently cupped her cheeks.

“We will have a grand wedding day after tomorrow just as I promised. You just have to wait a day more to become Mrs.Stone alright?

I see who the hell tries to bully you then!”

“I trust you Xavier.” Julia smiled gently, her voice revealing a sense of elation.

That night Xavier did not return home at all and I packed all my belongings before moving out of the home I have lived in for the past ten years.

There was a time Xavier loved me and I loved him too much to let him struggle to death. Thus I gave him all the money in my bank account to start Avalon yet when it wasn’t enough, I accepted working around the clock as a waitress to sustain our small household.

Today the same home of my dreams was stained with disgusting remnants of sex.

At my new apartment I sent my resignation to Manager Kim and my team without further delay and instantly multiple calls resonated from my closest friends and Manager Kim as they took me on a conference call.

“Aria, are we seeing it wrong? Is this your resignation?!”

“Aria, why are you resigning?! I am one of the oldest employees of Avalon and it's the ultimate truth that you have co-founded Avalon so how can you leave-”

“She is doing the right thing.” My childhood Mia’s words cut through the panicked voice of my other friends.

“What do you guys even know? My husband is a shareholder of Avalon and he has told me clearly.

Xavier, whom our Aria loved beyond the world, has secretly announced his wedding ceremony with Julia Lest on Aria's birthday.

With a smile that had unshed tears I laughed at those words.

“I want to tell you all something, my wedding too will be held on the same day, instead of going to Xavier Stone’s you should rather attend mine.”