The ballroom shimmered with golden lights as Elena Carter stood in the center, wrapped in the arms of the man she loved. Daniel Hayes looked down at her, his blue eyes filled with devotion—or so she believed. The soft melody of their wedding song played in the background, and guests watched in admiration as the couple shared their first dance as husband and wife.
"To forever," Daniel whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"To forever," Elena echoed, her heart full. She had everything she had ever dreamed of—a loving husband, a thriving career as an artist, and wealth that ensured they would never have to struggle. The world was perfect.
But perfection is often an illusion.
For five years, they lived in bliss. Their mansion stood as a testament to their success, and their love story was one people envied. Daniel was attentive, supportive, and passionate. Elena never questioned his late nights or the whispered phone calls. She had no reason to doubt him.
Until the cracks began to show.
...
It started subtly. Daniel was working late more often, missing dinners, and leaving her messages unread. At first, Elena told herself it was nothing. Work was demanding, and Daniel had always been ambitious. But then came the perfume—the scent of jasmine on his clothes when he returned home late at night. And then the lipstick-stained handkerchief she found in his suit pocket.
One evening, Elena decided to surprise him. She cooked his favorite meal, dressed in his favorite black silk dress, and drove to his office. But when she arrived, his office lights were off. Confused, she was about to call him when she spotted his car across the street—parked outside a luxury hotel.
Her pulse pounded as she entered the lobby, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The receptionist gave her a polite smile, unaware that Elena's world was about to be shattered.
"I'm here to see my husband, Daniel Hayes," she said, forcing her voice to remain steady.
The receptionist hesitated. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but Mr. Hayes checked in with another guest. They requested privacy."
Elena's stomach twisted. She felt the blood drain from her face, but she managed a nod before turning away. Her fingers curled into fists as she took the elevator to the top floor, her heart pounding in her chest.
The doors slid open, and she stepped out, walking down the long hallway until she reached the suite. The door was slightly ajar, and inside, she heard laughter. Familiar laughter. A woman's voice. A voice she had known for years.
Sophia.
Her best friend.
Elena's hand trembled as she pushed the door open. And there they were—Daniel and Sophia—wrapped in each other's arms, oblivious to the woman who had just walked in.
When Daniel finally noticed her, his face paled. But before he could speak, Elena turned on her heel and walked away.
Tears streamed down her face as she stepped into the elevator, the betrayal cutting deeper than any wound. But even in her heartbreak, she had no idea that this was just the beginning.