She touched her cheeks, which were a little warm and pink, and inhaled deeply to calm her nerves. Then, she knocked on the door.
A man appeared shortly after. He was tall and imposing. He had cold eyes and defined features, and his lips were slightly drawn together. He was as majestic as the god in the classical Greek artworks.
"It's late. What do you want?" He sounded stern, and he looked like he just saw someone he didn't recognize.
Loraine's courage almost wavered.
"Marco, do you know what day it is today?"
Marco's brow furrowed. "Get to the point."
Loraine's expression of expectancy gradually changed to one of disappointment, yet she managed to muster a smile.
"Today is our third anniversary of marriage. I know you've been swamped with work, but that's fine. I have a surprise planned for you!"
Right after Loraine finished speaking, a woman emerged from behind Marco. She casually stepped beside him and offered Loraine a smile as she greeted her.
"Ms. Torres, Marco has told me a great deal about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
The woman was beautiful and radiated innocence with her gentle voice. Her eyes were expressive and would stir a sense of compassion in anyone.
However, Loraine felt a cold shiver. Her body tensed up, and she found herself unable to move.
"Keely, what are you doing here?"
Although Loraine and Keely Haywood had never met in person, Keely's presence had always loomed over Loraine's marriage like a looming storm.
Keely's influence was evident throughout the house. Marco's family often pointed out to Loraine that Keely was the woman Marco adored, whereas she was just the disappointment he ended up marrying.
Keely felt a bit uncomfortable when she noticed Loraine's revealing clothes and quickly looked away.
"Marco, did I interrupt something?"
Loraine responded coldly, "Yes, can't you tell?"
Keely's complexion drained of color. "I'm sorry. Please don't be upset. I'll leave immediately." She apologized and began to take her leave. Marco's expression grew stern as he looked at Loraine.
"Keely is my guest. Loraine, watch how you speak."
Loraine was left standing at the door as her heart sunk deep within her. She felt utterly ashamed, as if she had been stripped naked.
Despite being Marco's legal wife for three years, Loraine had never received even the smallest measure of respect from him or his family.
Marco was constantly absorbed in his work and rarely returned home. On the rare occasions he was home, he always slept in a separate room from her.
And now, another woman was in his room, and Loraine was asked to turn a blind eye. Why?
After three years, all of her efforts, sacrifices, and expectations seemed to have turned into a cruel joke.
Loraine's eyes were empty as she tuned to Marco. "And what about me?"
Marco was running out of patience. "Enough with the drama. Keely needs to rest. So, what do you want-money or gifts? I'll make it up to you."
Loraine noticed the smug expression in Keely's eyes, and it was the final straw that broke her resolve.
"Marco, do you even care to know what I want? It's never been about money!"
With those words, Loraine walked away, overwhelmed by despair.
Marco watched her retreating figure. He felt irritated as he rubbed his temples. "Why is she acting like this today?"
Keely blinked and said softly, "She must be upset with me. Marco, I'll go apologize to her."
Loraine went back to her bedroom. With a heavy heart, she removed her meticulously selected nightwear and fell onto the bed, feeling completely numb.
Then, someone knocked on the door.
A small flicker of hope brightened Loraine's eyes.
Could it be Marco at the door?
Full of anticipation, Loraine leapt from her bed and swung open the door, only to be met by Keely's insincere face. The light of hope in her eyes immediately faded.
"What do you want?" she asked sharply.
Keely was blunt. "Ms. Torres, let's be clear. Despite your three-year marriage to Marco, he still loves me. I was undergoing treatment overseas and didn't think I'd survive, so I allowed the man I love to marry you. Now that I'm better, I hope you'll step back and allow Marco and me to be together. I think you should consider a divorce."
Loraine felt a deep surge of pain, but her pride prevented her from revealing any vulnerability.
"How can you, a mistress, have the audacity to say this? Doesn't it sound ridiculous to you?"
Keely's smile disappeared. "Loraine, watch your language. I am not a mistress. In matters of love, the one not loved is the mistress!"
Loraine scoffed in response, "In as much as I'm still married to him, I am Marco's wife, and you are the mistress."
Keely felt the sting of Loraine's words, and her expression darkened.
"Don't rejoice just yet. How about a bet? If something happens to me, do you think Marco will let you go free?" Keely's tone was threatening.
A chill of apprehension washed over Loraine.
"Keely, what are you planning to do?"
Without warning, Keely lunged at Loraine and hauled her forcefully toward the staircase.
Caught by surprise, Loraine was tightly held by Keely and she was unable to escape her grip.
"Marco, help! Loraine wants to kill me!" Keely screamed and clung to Loraine tightly, causing both of them to tumble wildly down the stairs.
Loraine couldn't break free in time and was dragged down alongside Keely.
After several rolls, Loraine landed hard on the floor.
Her head hit something hard, and blood immediately started to flow out.
Excruciating pain surged through her body, causing her vision to slowly blur.
Just before blacking out, Loraine saw Marco rushing towards them. He stepped indifferently past her, picked up Keely, and hurriedly carried Keely away, leaving her lying in a growing pool of blood...