"Why did you come to see me?" I asked as I sat down next to Vincent in his car.

The rain poured down heavily outside, drumming against the glass. The sky was dark and the sound was heavy as the rain poured.

Vincent didn't say anything. He handed me a tablet and I took it. It was some files along with information on his girlfriend,Hailey.

"Tomorrow, I am hosting a birthday party for my girlfriend, Hailey. You are invited. It's your chance to meet her and see what a wonderful girl she is. You can also use the opportunity to bring me proof of her being a spy." Vincent said staring at me.

I stared at him, the glow from the tablet casting a pale light on his sharp features.

"A party?" I asked, my voice tight. "You want me to show up at her birthday party with proof she's betraying you?"

Vincent tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into something that wasn't quite a smile. "You're the one who said she was."

I looked down at the tablet again, scrolling through the data he'd given me. Photos. Conversations. Bank records. But nothing solid. Nothing that proved she was a spy.

"She's smart," I muttered.

"Then be smarter," he said, turning to look out the window. "I'm giving you all the information you need. Use it."

The rain grew heavier. I could barely see the road ahead, but I already figured Vincent out. He already believed me.

"Why are you even with her if you don't trust her?" I asked, watching his reflection in the glass.

His jaw clenched. "I trust no one."

There was a beat of silence. Then he reached into the side pocket of his coat and pulled out a silver envelope. He held it out to me.

"Your invitation. Dress nice."

I stared at the envelope in my hand. This wasn't going to be easy at all.

I returned back home after the rain had stopped. Everyone had gone to bed and Jason was nowhere to be seen so I went to our bedroom. The moment I walked in, he fumbled with his phone and hid it. I walked past him and went to climb into bed.

"Lyra, who was that man?" Jason's voice cut through the silence like a knife.

I didn't answer right away. I slipped under the covers, the blanket making me warm.

"Don't pretend you didn't hear me," he said again, his voice sharper this time. "You got out of a stranger's car. At night. In the rain."

I turned slowly to face him, my expression calm but tired. "Are you asking because you're concerned... or just curious?"

Jason scoffed. "Is there a difference when it's my wife involved?"

I sat up, tucking my knees under the covers. "You're just now remembering I'm your wife?"

" What's that supposed to mean?"

He was still playing the good caring husband. It made me sick to my stomach but I didn't want to give away anything. Not until I got evidence of his affair with Vanessa.

I met his gaze without flinching. "It was Vincent Vale, our client."

"Our client? What's a client doing showing up at your house?" Jason asked, his voice clearly annoyed.

"He needed legal advice," I said, keeping my tone even. "And apparently, I'm the only one who can give it."

Jason's jaw clenched but he didn't say anything right away. He stood by the edge of the bed like he was interrogating a teenager.

"You've changed, Lyra. This isn't you. Talking back to mom, pushing Clarissa and walking off with a client. You're my wife." Jason said making me roll my eyes.

I slid into bed and kept my back to him. Even lying down in the same bed with him made me sick. However, I couldn't show it. Not now.

********************************

The party was already in full swing when Jason and I arrived. Jason had insisted on coming the moment he found out about the party and I agreed. He could help me with the perfect cover to meet Hailey, Vincent's girlfriend.

"Mrs. Douglas," Vincent said as he walked up to me and Jason wrapped his hand around my waist possessively.

Vincent's eyes dropped to Jason's arm, then slowly came back to mine. There was a flicker in his gaze. Annoyance? Amusement? Maybe both.

"Mr. Douglas," he added with a polite nod.

Jason didn't return the gesture. His grip on my waist tightened slightly, the message clear. I belonged to him. At least, that's what he wanted everyone to believe.

"I see the party's going well," I said, my voice smooth as I looked around. The lights were warm and low and the music was soft jazz that didn't match the sharp tension simmering between the three of us.

"Of course," Vincent replied coolly. "Only the best for Hailey."

He turned, waving for someone. "Speaking of which..."

Haileycame out of the crowd like a goddess. She was wearing long green dress hugging her figure, red lips curved into a flawless smile. Hailey. The supposed spy. The woman I had to expose.

Her eyes flicked to Jason, then to me, and her smile only deepened. "You must be Lyra. I've heard so much about you."

Jason took a small step forward, clearly impressed by her. "Pleasure to meet you. Happy birthday."

"This is my husband, he is a lawyer at the firm." I said introducing Jason.

Just then, the door opened and I caught sight of Vanessa as she walked into the room. Her hair was different from the way she usually wore it and she had put on a seductive red dress that had a slit in the front.

What was she doing here?

" On behalf of the firm, I got my assistant to get a little something." Jason said smiling as he reached out the bouquet of flowers and box from Vanessa.

I noticed as his hand touched her own for a second longer before he let go.

" Thank you so much." Hailey said as she took the flowers and the box smiling.

She seemed too innocent, too proper.

A few minutes later, the party continued and I watched as Jason mingled with the important guests at the party with Vanessa. My attention wasn't on them. It was Hailey. Hailey walked around talking to different people before she headed out.

I followed her.

Slipping past the crowd, I moved quietly through the hallway, keeping just enough distance so she wouldn't notice me. My heels clicked softly on the marble floor but Hailey didn't notice me. She pushed open the back door of the mansion and stepped out into the night.

The air outside was cooler, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the party. I stayed in the shadows, watching as Hailey walked quickly across the stone path, her green dress flowing behind her like a second skin. She didn't glance back. Didn't pause.

She was meeting someone.

She stopped near the garden, under a tall lamppost. A man stepped out from behind the hedge like he'd been waiting. I didn't recognize him at firs but then the light caught his face. Tall. Blond. Arrogant smile.

Damien Delmar.

Heir to the Delmar Group.

Damien reached out and kissed Hailey making a gasp escape my lips. The two of them were having an affair. Watching them get into the car, I brought out my phone and called Vincent asking him to meet me outside.

Hailey and Damien continued to make love in the car completely unaware as Vincent approached them with the guests. Suddenly, Vincent put on a torch pointing it right at them. Hailey immediately pulled away, her face pale and frozen. Damien cursed, scrambling for his shirt as the car door flung open.

The light from Vincent's torch didn't waver. He stood there, expression stone cold, surrounded by confused guests who had followed the commotion.

"So it's true. You are involved with Delmar Group." Vincent said clenching his hand into a fist.

Jason stood in the crowd stunned into silence. His gaze bounced between Hailey and Damien like he couldn't process what he was seeing.

And me?

I stayed in the dark, watching from the shadows.

Tonight was Hailey's turn. Next was Jason

Jason and I returned home in the quietness of the dark. Margaret and Clarissa were both asleep so we headed straight upstairs to our bedroom. Jason had not said a single word since we left Vincent's party. It was almost as if he was shocked.

He should be.

"Wow, that was something. I never expected that such a thing from a renowned model like her. She was actually cheating on Vincent Vale." Jason said as he came out of the bathroom already changed into his nightwear.

"That's what all cheaters deserve. To be humiliated and destroyed in public." I paused staring at him. "I'll be going to court tomorrow so I might not have breakfast with you. You can call Vanessa to bring you something." I smiled.

I just needed a chance to expose them too.

"No. I'll have breakfast here at home. Vanessa is too clumsy and annoying." Jason lied making me pause while I was rubbing my cream.

"You have never had any complains about her before."

Jason glanced at me, his expression tight. "Well, people change," he said quickly.

I kept rubbing the cream into my arms, but my eyes were on him through the mirror. He walked to the bed, pretending to scroll through his phone, but I could see the flicker of nerves in his fingers. His act was cracking, little by little.

I stood, slowly. "Change? Funny because somethings never do."

Jason looked up sharply. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I shrugged my shoulders putting on my nightgown. I could feel his eyes on me as I got in bed.

Jason slowly set his phone aside, then shifted closer to me on the bed.

"Lyra..." he started, his voice low, trying to sound soft, careful. "I know things have been weird lately. But maybe a child would make things better."

I didn't say anything. I reached for the remote and turned off the bedside lamp. The room fell into a soft darkness, the moonlight casting pale shadows across the wall.

That didn't stop him.

I felt the mattress dip as he leaned toward me, his hand brushing against my thigh, slow and unsure. Then it slid higher, like he thought I wouldn't notice. Or like he still had the right.

"Don't," I said, my voice sharp as a blade.

His hand froze.

"I said don't touch me."

Jason pulled back immediately, as if my words had burned him. "I'm tired. I need to go to court tomorrow. We can have that talk about another child later." I said closing my eyes.

In my past life, I had been so naive and gotten pregnant. I had to watch my son slowly slip from my hands after he was poisoned by someone. I didn't need to guess who it was. Had to be Vanessa, Margaret or Jason.

"Goodnight," Jason muttered under his breath and I could tell he was not happy.

I didn't care.

**********************************

I arrived at the courthouse the next morning. Getting out of my car, I saw Vincent waiting for me in front of the courthouse. He stood beside the stone steps in a charcoal suit, his hands deep in his pockets, jaw tense. His eyes found mine the second I shut the door behind me.

"You ready?" he asked.

I walked up to him, heels clicking with each step. "More than ever. Today, we end this."

Vincent didn't say much after that. He just nodded and held the door open for me. We walked in together.

The courtroom was already half full. Hailey sat at the plaintiff's side, dressed like she was attending a press conference. Her hair was neatly curled, her lips had soft pink lipstick and her legs crossed. She looked confident. But I saw it in her eyes. The fear. The cracks. Because she knew what was coming.

This wasn't just a defamation case.

This was the case that would expose her lies and tie her directly to the Delmar scam that nearly cost Vincent everything.

As the judge entered and we all rose, I took a breath. Calm, sharp, focused. I had studied every document, every transaction, every email. Hailey might have used her looks and charm to manipulate, but the law didn't care about that.

The judge sat. "Proceed."

Hailey's lawyer opened first. He made it sound like a tragic love story. That Hailey was dragged into this mess out of heartbreak. That Vincent and I conspired to ruin her public image out of jealousy and vengeance.

"She's lost brand deals. Partnerships. Her face is being used in memes," he whined. "She was humiliated in a party with over a hundred industry figures watching."

I didn't blink.

When it was my turn, I stood up, walked to the center of the courtroom, and began.

"Your Honor, what happened at that party wasn't defamation. It was exposure. The truth. My client, Vincent Vale, purchased three properties through Delmar Group under false assurances that they were clean assets. A few months later, he was slammed with lawsuits. Each one tied to unpaid taxes, illegal permits, and ownership disputes."

I turned slightly, facing the judge more directly. "Ms. Cross is the one that convinced my client, Mr. Vale to buy those houses. I have evidence that this is not her first time pulling such a scam. She is in cahoots with Damien Delmar therefore we would like to ask for compensation. Not only should Delmar Group return the money that Mr. Vale used in purchasing those houses but they should also compensate for the lawsuits he had to settle out of pocket, the damage to his public image, and the collapse of two major partnerships tied to the project."

I walked over to the desk and picked up a stack of printed documents. My heels echoed with purpose in the quiet courtroom as I handed copies to the judge and opposing counsel.

The judge stared at it for a while before looking at Hailey's lawyer. "I believe there is no more need to drag this out. In light of the evidence presented, this court rules in favor of Mr. Vincent Vale. The plaintiff's claims are dismissed. Furthermore, the court orders Delmar Group to pay in full for damages and fraudulent transactions. Ms. Cross will be investigated for her role in the deception."

Hailey sat frozen, her perfect curls no longer hiding the panic in her eyes. Beside me, Vincent let out a slow breath, his shoulders finally relaxing as the judge got up leaving the courtroom.

Hours later, I found myself in one of Vincent's hotels. Vincent had insisted that we should go and celebrate. I didn't see a reason not to since I needed sometime to relax.

"To finally getting justice. I can't believe that your words were true." Vincent said as we clicked glasses together.

" Let's just say that I have a gift." I muttered taking a sip of my drink.

" Well, your gift is amazing. You saved me." Vincent said, his voice barely audible.

I smiled again looking towards the door when Jason walked through it. He wasn't alone. He and Vanessa walked inside smiling and whispering to each other. My hands clenched around my drink.

They walked towards the elevator not noticing me and Vincent seated by the bar in the corner. I got up and followed them.

Sound of laughter erupted from the room as I walked along the hallway heading to meet them. Finally, I could be free from both of them. I could get a divorce and sue Vincent for everything he owned.

I opened the door and walked in.

Just as I expected, Jason was lying in bed with Vanessa. Both of them seemed shocked to see me but I didn't care. Jason fumbled with his clothes as he saw me.

"Lyra, I-" He started but I stopped him.

" I want a divorce, Jason. And your resignation letter." I said staring at him.

I woke up gasping, as if someone had been strangling me.

Where was I?

The sun streamed through the curtains, and the faint scent of lavender filled the air. I looked around the room, hoping to find a clue. The place was extremely neat, with no signs of dust and the sheets still warm against my skin.

For a moment, the images from last night clung to my mind. Jason tangled in bed with Vanessa, my voice cutting through the room as I demanded a divorce. My heart still pounded, my breath unsteady.

It hit me like a bucket of cold water.

It hadn't happened.

I was still trapped in this marriage. That was just a dream.

A bitter laugh escaped me before I could stop it. I'd tasted freedom for a few precious seconds, only for it to be ripped away the moment I opened my eyes.

My gaze fell to the small folded paper on the bedside table. A note.

Didn't want to wake you. Breakfast downstairs. - Vincent

I ran my fingers over the handwriting, my mind shifting. Vincent was real. Last night in court was real. The win was real. But Jason... he still had no idea how close he was to losing everything.

I got out of bed, my bare feet touching the cool floor. My jaw tightened. If that dream was any sign, it was exactly what I needed. A reminder of where this road would take me.

Jason wasn't going to see it coming.

Not until I made it real.

I walked towards the chair and reached for the night robe wearing it. The material was super soft and smooth almost as if it was expensive. I took in the room once again. Everything looked expensive.

But why was I in a hotel room? Had I slept with Vincent Vale on our first night together?

I closed my eyes trying to remember anything but I couldn't. My phone buzzed on the table making me reach for it.

Vanessa: Lyra, where are you? The board members are waiting for you.

Seeing Vanessa's name made me clench my phone. She was still my assistant. I wanted to fire her so badly but I knew now was not the time.

My phone buzzed again.

Vanessa: The chairman is asking for you. Should I tell him you're sick?

I typed back slowly.

No. I'm on my way.

I stepped into the bathroom and removed the night robe throwing it to the floor. Putting on the shower, I moaned as the warm water cascaded over my skin, washing away the faint chill from the air. Steam curled upward, fogging the mirror and wrapping me in a comforting haze.

For a moment, I let my mind wander back to my past life when I actually trusted Vanessa. I used to leave her in charge of entertaining the board members when I was swamped with meetings, confident she would represent me well. I never imagined she would one day use that access for her own gain... and Jason's.

The thought burned in my chest. Wouldn't happen again.

I tilted my head back under the spray, letting the water run over my face, trying to drown out the anger. That's when I heard the faint click of the door behind me.

I froze.

Through the glass, a tall figure moved into view, his reflection faint in the mist. My pulse quickened when I realized who it was.

Vincent.

He stood there, his gaze sweeping over me with a calm intensity, as if he wasn't sure whether to leave or stay. I turned slightly, stunned, heat rushing to my cheeks despite the steam already warming my skin. The bathroom glass was transparent.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The air between us felt heavy, charged. His eyes lingered on mine, then dropped lower, tracing the trail of water down my collarbone before snapping back to my face.

Slowly, I reached for the glass door, pushing it open just enough to grab the night robe on the floor.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice soft but unsteady. "Didn't you already leave?"

" Yeah....I'm sorry. I forgot something important. My wallet." he said reaching for a black luxury men's wallet that was on the sink.

I didn't notice it when I walked in.

My cheeks flushed as I watched him stare at my body. "Can you please leave now?" I asked, my tone harsher than usual.

"Of course," Vincent said turning around to leave.

The door slammed behind him.

I sighed in relief frozen as the warm water continued to pour down my skin. A few seconds later, I walked out of the bathroom. The room was empty which made me relieved. I quickly reached for my clothing putting it on.

The last thing I wanted was for him to come back and meet him still here.

**************************************

"How was it?" Vanessa stood with a smile as I walked out of the boardroom being the last person to leave.

Her face was the perfect mask of concern, lips curved just right, eyes wide with false sincerity. But I saw it. The faint twitch at the corner of her mouth, the gleam that had nothing to do with kindness.

Pretending.

She was good at it. Too good.

"It went fine," I said, brushing past her without slowing. I didn't give her the satisfaction of asking for details. She fell into step beside me anyway, heels clicking against the marble floor like a drumbeat I couldn't shake.

"I kept them engaged while you were gone," she added, voice dripping with that fake helpfulness she had perfected over the years. "You know... just like old times."

I stopped walking, turning to face her fully. My smile was calm, but my eyes told a different story. "Yes," I said softly, "exactly like old times."

Her expression faltered for a split second. It was so quick most people wouldn't notice. But I did. I noticed because she had been my assistant and close friend who betrayed me with my husband.

As we reached the elevator, my phone buzzed making me reach to check my phone. Vincent had texted.

We need to talk. Tonight.

I didn't respond. Not yet.

Because right now, my attention was on Vanessa and how best to peel away her polished mask until everyone saw what was really underneath.

The elevator doors slid shut, trapping us in a small, mirrored box together. She adjusted her blouse, glanced at her reflection, then at me.

"So, Lyra... big win yesterday," she said. "You must be... relieved."

"Yes, it was. Where is Jason?" I asked turning to look at her.

Suddenly, a scent caught me. Roses, soft and familiar.

The type of perfume Jason liked.

The hair on my neck rose. It wasn't the perfume Vanessa used to wear at work in the beginning. Was this the time their affair started? Maybe it was months before now.

My hands clenched by my side as the elevator opened. Vanessa stepped out first before I did.

" I have no idea. He should be in his office."

I stepped out behind her and didn't even bother to go and check. I needed to keep an eye on the company fiances. Make sure that there was nothing that would backfire on me.

"Do you want me to bring you coffee before your next meeting?" Vanessa asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"No," I said smoothly. "I'll get it myself."

We stopped at my office. She lingered, searching for something in my expression, maybe trying to read me. I gave her nothing. She finally turned away, her phone already in her hand and her fingers moving fast.

I entered inside and found Jason waiting for me.

"Darling, you're back." he said quickly jumping up the moment I walked in.

He was seated on my seat. His expression was one of fear as if he had been caught doing something bad.

Was this why Vanessa had been texting on her phone earlier?

Jason obviously didn't see the message.

"What are you doing in my office? You shouldn't be here." I said walking over to meet him.

" I thought I should wait for you while you were in the meeting with the shareholders. What did they say? Did they agree to the expansion budget?" His voice was calm, but I knew something was wrong.

Jason was the one that had suggested the expansion budget. I agreed to bring it up with the shareholders. I didn't even check.

God. You're really stupid, Lyra.

"Yes," I said finally, my tone cool. "They agreed."

Jason leaned back in my chair as if he owned it. "Perfect. This could be the start of something big for us, Lyra."

Us. The word almost made me laugh.

In my past life, he'd said those same words to me frequently. Now I knew that he wasn't referring to me and him but he and Vanessa.

Jason's phone buzzed on my desk. He didn't reach for it. But the name flashing on the screen made my breath hitch.

Mum.

He reached for it and answered it smiling wide. "Hello mum,"

His face suddenly changed a few seconds as he got up from my chair. Jason's knuckles whitened around the phone.

"What? When?" His voice cracked, urgency bleeding into every word. I watched his jaw tighten, his other hand already fumbling for his keys. "I'll be there right away."

He hung up, his eyes darting to me. "It's my mom... she's had a stroke."

His words suddenly made me remember what happened in my past life. Margaret had used her illness as an excuse to stay. If she had not stayed, my baby wouldn't have died.

This time, I wasn't going to let her have her way.

"Jason, wait." I called out stopping him before he could leave. "I'm coming along with you."