As I left the mansion I felt my phone buzzing for a while and when finally I pulled my phone out as soon as I stepped into of the car, I opened it to see flood of Kevin’s messages. His tone was the same as always, arrogant and entitled.

Where are you?

Why haven’t you done anything for me today?

It’s your fault I’m late; you didn't prepare breakfast for me, neither did you prepare my clothes.

Instantly I got pissed off, he must think I was really a fool that he could use and later dump me.

I laughed to myself as I shook my head, I could only I wonder how I’d ever fallen for someone like him. Once, I’d believed in his charm, his promises but now? Now all I could see was the selfish and scheming man he truly was.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. I didn’t bother replying. Deciding to leave him to his worries. I wasn't going to bother myself about his needs anymore.

As for me, I had some plans of my own for him and Stella. By the way, I still needed to gather every shred of proof that would expose him and the truth about us. So I returned home quickly, when I get home there was no sigh of Kevin.

I made myself comfortable in the living with a tray of fruits in fronf of me which I ate in silence. After just a little while I heard the sound of a car pulling up into the driveway.

I peeked outside, It was Kevin, he came home earlier than usual. “Why was he back so early?” I muttered to myself.

Kevin walked in through the door and the moment he looked at me, His face darkened.

“You're back early,” I said looking looking up at him which made him frown deepen.

“Is there a problem?” I asked like I didn't know what he was pissed off about. For now I would act like I did not know what was going on and would continue with his games.

I didn't realize this before but it was harder pretending in front of Kevin. Just looking at him disgusted me.

“Why didn’t you reply to my messages?” He finally asked, signing.

I shrugged my shoulders as I looked up from the couch, my expression as blank as I could manage. “I wasn’t feeling well,” I said flatly.

“Is that why you didn't check your phone?” He questioned me.

“I’m really tired and didn’t check my phone.” I replied simply.

His expressions faltered for a moment. “Oh… I see,” he muttered before switching his one to something softer.

He observed me closely, “Hope you're fine?” Kevin asked, seeming caring.

“He is acting caring now?” I jeered in my head. His ability to fake all this was really amusing to me.

Now that I knew what he was up to, it was not easy keeping up with the game. I must commend him for that. He was good at it, same with Stella.

I nodded my head, “Yes I think I would be alright, I was just taking a rest and nothing much.”

“Alright then,” Kevin said as he picked up an apple from the fruit tray.

“I'll head to my room now,” Kevin signed and somehow it relieved me.

But as he was about to walk way when he stopped in tracks. “Then, where did you go this morning?” He questioned raising his eyebrows.

I met his gaze, I didn’t plan to hold back or hide this time. “I went to your grandfather’s house.”

I observed him well and i noticed his sharp and immediate reaction.

“You went to grandpa's house?” His brows furrowed, and there was an unmistakable edge of disdain in his tone. “Why would you go there?” He questioned, signing.

I tilted my head, “You don’t like me visiting your grandfather?” I asked my voice calm.

He shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing. “No, it’s not that. I just… wasn’t expecting it.”

“Is there a problem if I go visit him I asked?” Faking a confused look on my face.

He shook his head and let out a light awkward laugh, “Not at all, but you should have asked me before you did so.” He signed.

“Well,” I said, standing up and looking him in the eye, “I had a reason.”

His brow furrowed. “What reason?”

I took a deep breath and dropped the bombshell. “I’m joining the company.”

Kevin’s eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms, his gaze becoming sharp. “Why do you want to work at the company? Aren’t you happy at home?”

“I'm but I think I need some challenge,” I shrugged my shoulders as I looked into Kevin's eyes.

Kevin took a step forward, stretched his hands and touched my shoulders. Instantly my body reacted, I jerked back as I felt his hands.

Kevin noticed my movement and his face lit in surprise, “Did I startle you?” He asked to which I shook my head.

“No you didn't,” Although I barely suppressed the wave of disgust that rolled over me when he reached out to touch me.

His touch, once comforting, now felt repulsive. I took a step back, carefully masking my disgust with a small, wistful smile. “I’ve been feeling lonely,” I said softly. “You’re always at work, and even Stella is there. I thought maybe I could be part of it too.”

He frowned, clearly taken aback. “Working in the company isn’t easy and isn't no child's play.”

I paused for a moment before calmly reminding him, “I was a director in the company, Kevin. Or have you forgotten that?”

Hearing that Kevin's face flushed red, and I could see the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

He was left speechless, but of course he couldn't forget that. He had no response, no defense. He stood there utterly speechless and watching his insecurities rise to the surface sent a quiet thrill through me.

This man — this man for whom I gave up everything — had the audacity to betray me. I’d left my promising career, abandoned my position as the next chairperson, just to be by his side. To take care of him. To support him and how had he repaid me? By stabbing me in the back.

I forced those bitter thoughts aside, plastering a sweet smile on my face as I walked towards him. I realized something, If I act distant from Kevin then sooner or later he would catch up with the fact that I might have found out something.

Arriving in front of Kevin, I loosened his tie with practiced ease and slid his coat off his shoulders. My smile was sweet, my tone light. “You’re going to be very happy tomorrow,” I murmured, carefully removing his coat as I locked eyes with him.

Kevin eyebrows pressed together, tilting his head towards me. “What do you mean? What’s this about?”

I brushed my fingers over his collar, faking affection. “It’s a surprise,” I said teasingly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Kevin’s expression shifted, his curiosity quickly giving way to something more. His hands moved toward me as he leaned in, attempting to close the distance between us.

My heart raced, I knew what he wanted to do. I took in a deep breath as I felt his hand grabbing my waist, he wanted to get intimate.

If this was before then both of us will get into a wild intimate moment. Now I know his true colors, obviously I won't let him do that.

I placed a gentle hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. “Not tonight,” I said softly, keeping my smile intact.

He was already leaning over to kiss me on the lips when I stopped him. “Why not?” He let go of my waist and signed, disappointed.

I shook my head, “Nothing, just not today.” I replied, trying to walk away from him.

“But I want this,” He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. His eyes shining with lust.

Inside me I looked at him with disgust, he was as well cheating on me with Stella all this years and had kept up with this fake act all along, deceiving me?

I paused for a moment which made his lips curl into his lips, he must think he had me already.

I shook my head and gently pushed him off to his surprise. “You should freshen up. You’ve had a long day and besides you have a busy day tomorrow.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and turned toward the bathroom.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, the masked expense slipped from my face. My expression changed and my face was red sigh anger.

I stood there in anger for a moment and then suddenly a mocking laugh escaped my lips, low and bitter. “Enjoy your rest, Kevin,” I muttered under my breath, my smirk growing. “You’re going to need it for what’s coming.”

My gaze drifted toward the window as my thoughts turned to tomorrow. I could already picture the look on his face when he saw Kaden in the company.

It was a scene I’d been waiting for, and I wasn’t going to miss a second of it.

The next morning, I took my time getting ready in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me as I adjusted the delicate neckline of my blouse and smoothed the creases in my blazer. The outfit was stunning, fitting for a first day impression.

As I posed in front of the mirror admiring myself, a smile crept up my lift and an inexplicable feeling of joy filled my heart. Today I was going back to the company, after three years. Today was the start of reclaiming what was mine and getting back at Kevin.

For years, I believed his lack of support for my career came from his care about me. I thought he wanted me to relax, to live comfortably. But now, I understand the truth. He wasn’t protecting me, he was afraid all this time. Afraid that I'll take over the company.

He’d always been afraid. Afraid of my potential, my ambition, and what I could achieve if I stepped into the spotlight. And now, I was going to make him feel that fear tenfold. I was going to make him feel more on edge before I completely ruin his everything.

I went to check on Kevin in his bedroom and when I opened the door and peeled in, Kevin was lying on his bed still fast asleep.

Without a word, I turned on my heel and left the room, leaving him to sleep. Although I had always tasked myself with waking him up in the mornings. I wasn't going to wake him up.

*****

As the car sped toward the company, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It had been three years!

Three long years since I’d last stepped into that building, the place where I once considered home. I gave it all up for him—my career, my dreams, my future. And what did I get in return? Betrayal.

But today, everything was about to change. I clenched my fists, determination coursing through me. This wasn’t just about getting even. It was about going back to who I really am.

The skyline came into view, and my heart raced—not with nerves, but with anticipation. “Let’s see how you handle this, Kevin,” I thought, a smirk tugging at my lips.

As I approached the company building, I barely had time to take in the sight of it when a tall man in a sharp suit stepped in front of me. "Mrs. Theia," he said, his tone professional but cold. "Mr. Kaden has requested your presence. Please come with me."

I didn’t need to guess who this was—Dean, Kaden’s assistant. I had expected this, and honestly, it was the perfect opportunity I could ask for and without hesitation, I followed him to the sleek black car waiting at the curb.

Sliding into the seat, I came face-to-face with Kaden. He didn’t speak right away, his piercing gaze silently assessing me. Ignoring the piercing gaze, I extended my hand confidently, offering him a firm handshake.

"Good morning, Mr. Kaden," I said, flashing a polite smile. "Theia Bennett. Your new secretary. I look forward to learning from you and giving my best to support your work."

“You seem very confident in yourself,” Mr Kaden said, his voice calm yet laced with curiosity.

“I believe in making an impression, Mr. Kaden,” I replied, maintaining my polite smile.

Kaden’s lips quirked slightly, almost like he was amused. “You speak like someone used to getting what they want.”

“I speak like someone who knows her worth,” I countered with a simple smile on my face.

Before Kaden could respond, Dean his assistant snorted from the front seat. “As long as you’re not here to mess things up or act as a spy for Kevin, we’ll be fine.”

I turned my head to him, my smile unwavering. “Spy?” I echoed lightly. “Well, if qualifications mean anything to you, let me make it clear.”

"Let’s hear it," he finally said, his deep voice breaking the silence.

I leaned back, meeting Dean’s skeptical gaze head-on. “Harvard graduate, passed with honors. Two-time ACX competition winner. Five national debate championships. And, oh, two years as a director at Harmony Designs. So, if I were you, I’d be careful with the assumptions.”

Dean went quiet, his smugness dissolving into awkward silence.

I couldn’t resist letting a victorious smirk curl on my lips as I turned back to Kaden.

Kaden’s lips twitched, not quite a smile, but enough to tell me he was intrigued.

I met his gaze, looking into his eyes with confidence.