She Understood Every Word A Billionaire Wife's Revenge

Start Reading

At the party the night before our anniversary, my best friend Regina Larson teased Oliver Gilbert in French, right there in front of everyone.

What man doesn't stray? Mr. Gilbert's kept himself to Melanie Henson alone all these years. Don't tell me it's because he can't perform?

Oliver, tenderly holding a bite of cake to my lips, raised an eyebrow and answered in a careless drawl.

"Whether I can perform or not, haven't you already found out for yourself? Do you really need to ask me?"

The room went hot. The friends who understood French went wide-eyed and couldn't hold back their gasps.

Oliver frowned slightly and cut it all off at once.

"None of this reaches Melanie. She's a bit of a purist about these things. If she found out, she'd divorce me for sure."

Everyone laughed and agreed, pushing their glasses toward him, making him drink a few extra as punishment.

Oliver had gastritis. His doctor had told him not to drink too much.

I reflexively pushed all the glasses away from him, but he caught my hand.

"Today's a good day. A little drinking gets the mood going. Tonight, once Melanie's asleep, we can try a few other positions."

"Melanie would never wait on me like that. She's stiff as a board in bed."

Listening to Oliver flirt with Regina without a shred of shame, the filth coming out of his mouth turned my stomach so fast I nearly threw up.

What Oliver didn't know was that I'd grown up in France. My adoptive parents raised me to adulthood, and only then did I come back to live here.

Without thinking, I took the bottle away and slammed the cake in his hand to the floor. I tilted my head to catch his reaction, but by then his eyes held nothing but Regina's smooth, full thigh.

A few days ago I'd found proof of their affair. Oliver had hidden it for ten years, and it was a key card he'd carelessly dropped that finally gave him away.

After I fell apart, I chose to hold it in and say nothing, quietly reaching out to the adoptive parents I hadn't seen in ten years, asking them to forge me a new identity.

The whole city was looking forward to our tenth wedding anniversary three days from now. But no one knew I'd signed with the French division of the classified national institute, leaving in three days.

"Everyone, come look at the diamond ring on my hand."

"Pity it's so small. Hardly worth wearing."

Regina suddenly rose to show off the ten-carat diamond on her finger, her eyes brimming with triumph.

The ring caught the light and dazzled everyone in the room, and they all crowded forward to admire it.

I looked down at the one-carat ring on my own finger. Similar style, but the stones were worlds apart in size.

There was already a clear groove where the band sat, the ring worn so small I couldn't even get it off anymore.

I remembered three months ago, when Oliver and I attended the global jewelry auction. He'd promised he would buy that ten-carat piece for me, but just before the bidding, something came up and he left ahead of me.

Now that prized piece had somehow ended up on Regina's finger, and the envious voices around me pulled me back to reality.

"No way, ten carats and she still calls it small! Not like my husband, who thinks even one carat's too pricey."

"Such a gorgeous ring, who gave it to you? Regina, you're so lucky!"

Regina pressed her hand to her cheek, tilting her head, and said lightly, "From the person who loves me most, of course."

She noticed the complicated look on my face and my silence. She walked briskly over and took my hand.

"Melanie, your ring's so much like mine, but how is the diamond so tiny you can barely see it? Isn't Oliver supposed to spoil you more than anyone?"

I stayed silent and quietly yanked the ring off, not noticing that my hand had already started to bleed.

Once it was off I dropped it into the trash and looked for Oliver's reaction, but he was busy confirming the details of Regina's new jewelry with his assistant.

She looked me up and down with disdain, then threw back her head and laughed.

The moment she noticed the necklace at my throat, she said nothing and yanked hard on the chain, reaching to snatch it away.

I wouldn't let go, and we pulled against each other until the chain had scored bloody welts into my neck.

"Regina, careful!" Afraid she might fall, Oliver steadied her by the small of her back, his face full of worry for her.

In the end my necklace snapped, and blood began to seep from my neck.

In the chaos I was shoved to the ground, and Regina took the chance to pour a nearby glass of liquor onto my gown, all while acting like it was an accident.

I was a wreck. Burning with anger, I got up meaning to teach Regina a lesson, but the people around me thought I was making a scene.

"It's not a big deal, is it? Do you really need to blow up like this?"

"Regina's your best friend, isn't she? Is that any way to treat a best friend? Regina, I genuinely feel sorry for you, having to deal with someone this hot-tempered."

The jeering around me set my nerves on edge. I decided to go out alone and sort myself out.

The moment I stepped out the door I heard Oliver's voice.

"Regina, don't fight over cheap junk like that anymore. Look, your hand's rubbed red. I just ordered you a whole new set of jewelry."

"If you're upset, I'll make Melanie apologize to you"

That necklace was the one he'd made for me by hand on our fifth anniversary. I wanted it back, but the door was locked, and my bag had been thrown out after me.

I stood at the door wiping the liquor off myself, an endless ache inside me. Outside the party hall, passersby were talking about Oliver's and my perfect marriage, sighing over how much they envied us.

I gave a bitter little laugh. The truth was, I'd found out about Oliver's betrayal just yesterday.

I'd wanted to surprise him at the end of his workday, and I'd hidden behind the curtains in his company office.

What I hadn't expected was the sound of heavy breathing. Through the curtain, I saw Oliver and Regina.

Two naked bodies pressed tight together, Regina's rose-red lingerie beaded with sweat.

They left streak after streak on the curtain, and by then Oliver was only five centimeters from me.

The setting sun traced their outlines. They stayed tangled together for six hours, until midnight.

No one knows how I got through those six hours. I only remember that after the despair broke me, there was nothing but endless numbness.

The moment I left that building, I declared in my heart that Oliver and I were completely finished.

My tears fell without my meaning them to, and the ring of my phone suddenly broke through my thoughts.

"Ms. Henson, the documents you submitted to the classified institute have been approved. In three days, someone will come to escort you."

"Your superiors have already notified your family. You may take your time to say your goodbyes."

At the mention of family, the hand holding the phone began to tremble.

My family. Once, Oliver and Regina counted as my family too.

But they had cheated, become the people who wounded me most deeply, and so they no longer counted as my family either.

Mel, are you sure you want to do this? Your father and I are worried about you...

My adoptive parents spoke at the same time, and I could hear the worry in their voices.

Yes. This time I'll be taking a new identity. My tone was flat. From now on, there is no more Melanie Henson.

What!

Can you really let go of Oliver Gilbert? And Regina, she's your best friend.

I paused, then let out a bitter little laugh.

They're together. I walked in on them in the middle of it.

The line went dead silent. After a string of sighs, they told me to keep my chin up.

We'll handle everything on this end for you. In three days, we'll come get you.

After I hung up, I let out a long breath. Every trace of information was erased, my marriage to Oliver Gilbert dissolved, and I felt lighter than I ever had.

The wind bit through me. I got up to leave, but my heel turned under me and I went down, unable to stand.

The compact mirror shattered across the ground, and in the scattered glass I saw the reflection of Oliver Gilbert and Regina Larson.

I turned and realized the door of the private room had been left open a crack on purpose, wide enough to see the two of them pressed together.

Regina glanced over and noticed me, and the necklace slid down to her feet, where she crushed it under her heel, dead center.

Oliver was like a man entranced, thinking of nothing but pulling her in for a kiss.

Mr. Gilbert, Miss Henson is gone. She's not at the entrance either.

The assistant reported it quietly at his side. Oliver waved a hand, unbothered. It's fine. She won't actually leave me.

I left my bag and shoes right there and walked home barefoot, limping, wind and rain lashing me the whole way until I was soaked through.

At least it was dark by the time I finally made it. The moment I pushed the door open, party poppers and fireworks went off together. The room was decked out in lavish decoration, and at the center of the round table sat a ten-tier fondant cake.

Welcome home, Regina! Happy tenth anniversary! Wishing Regina and Oliver a sweet and happy life together! The staff had gathered as one, their faces full of joy.

The lights came on, and the festive mood dropped into dead silence. Soaked to the skin, I stood barefoot in the doorway, greeted by a celebration that was not for me.

Every one of the staff went wide-eyed. The housekeeper stammered, Miss Henson, you're finally home. We were rehearsing this year's April Fools' skit. Sorry to bother you, we'll clear everything away right now.

The celebration was whisked away in no time. I stood in the doorway, teeth clenched, watching it all. So everyone in this house had been lying to me.

Looking at the huge wedding photo in the hall, all I felt was the mockery of it. In a fit of fury I picked up the antique vase beside me and hurled it at the wall.

The glass burst apart in an instant. I walked across the glass-strewn floor, took down the photo, and carefully tore out my half. From now on I would never appear in the same frame as Oliver Gilbert again.

I picked up a lighter, ready to burn the photo to nothing.

A heartless traitor. I never want to see him again.

Never see who again? Where are you going?

Oliver's breathing was slightly ragged as he watched my expression with care.

I was tied up talking business the whole time. Why did you come home ahead of me?

He pulled me into his arms, his hands settling at my waist.

Don't worry, Mel. From now on, wherever you are, that's where I'll be. I want to be with you forever.

I pushed his hands away, the corners of my mouth curving up, and asked lightly,:

And if I disappeared?

Oliver gripped my hand, his face set.

Then I'd disappear with you. Mel, you're the only reason I have to keep living.

I didn't answer. I just stared at the kiss mark on his neck.

Oliver, your words will come true in three days.

He looked at the wreckage of the house, knowing he hadn't taken good care of me.Mel, I'm sorry I let you come home alone today. I'll never let you leave me again.

After fussing over me and getting me dressed up, he took me to the most famous upscale restaurant in the city.

The moment we walked in, the servers came forward eagerly to greet us.Will it be the usual today, starting with Ms. Larson's favorite dishes?

Oliver cleared his throat and waved it off.Bring out one of everything on the menu. And change the music to Mel's favorite, something soft.

Watching Oliver put on his composed act, I only found it funny.

Guess what surprise I've got for you, Mel.

Lights suddenly flickered across the pitch-black sky, and countless drones spelled out my name.

Ten years went by so fast. We'll definitely have another ten!

Oliver held my hand and said it tenderly.

I didn't respond. Just as I was settling in to eat in peace, a flung glass came out of nowhere and splashed across the hem of my dress.

I'm sorry, Mel, are you all right!

Regina swept in wearing a lavish vintage gown, spilling out apologies that couldn't hide the smirk tugging at her lips.

"Melanie, I'm so sorry, it just slipped."

As if that wasn't enough, she tipped the last of the red wine "by accident" right over my head.

The alcohol ran into my eyes, and I doubled over on the floor, crying out from the sting. Oliver didn't react at all. His eyes held nothing but delight at Regina's sudden appearance.

"Regina, what are you doing here? You've got wine all over your hands, quick, wipe it off."

Watching her look grow smugger by the second, fury flared through me. I grabbed the wineglass, smashed it to the floor, and swung my hand across her face.

She hit the ground in an instant, cheek red and swelling.

"So sorry. I bumped into you by accident. You're okay, aren't you?"

Broken glass drove into her hand, and Regina shrieked with the pain.

"Melanie Henson, you're insane!"

Oliver couldn't sit still another second. He hauled Regina up and rounded on me. "Melanie, how could you raise a hand to Regina? She only knows you like your wine and was joking around with you."

He had someone fetch a bandage at once and wrapped the cut, the ache in his eyes practically brimming over.

"I shouldn't have joked. I thought Melanie wouldn't mind."

Regina nestled against him, all pitiful and fragile. I wiped the wine away and forced my eyes open, and met the faint disgust in Oliver's gaze.

"Wasn't this a surprise for me? Regina, why are you even here?"

Regina choked on it, at a loss, and it was Oliver who smoothed it over for her.

"Regina wanted to give you her blessing too. She's your best friend, after all."

"The greatest blessing she can give me is leaving right now. Thank you."

I glared at her, and though it clearly galled her, she had no choice but to stand and go.

The dinner was ruined, the air a little awkward, and though Oliver stayed there with me, his mind was on someone else.

A ringtone cut through the tension, and the sullen frown he'd been wearing smoothed away in an instant.

Even as he angled the phone away, I caught the pinned contact at the top: "baby Regina."

He tapped out a text on the sly, and at last a smile curved his mouth.

Just as I'd expected, he turned to me with an apologetic face.

"Melanie, I'm really sorry. I had your tenth-anniversary gift all ready, and I meant for us to open it together, but something's just come up at the company..."

Fine, I'd play along with his little act. I only nodded, all understanding. "It's fine. Go take care of work."

He left in a rush, and I got up at once and followed quietly behind.

He didn't stop until he reached the luxury car down in the garage, where Regina had already been waiting a good while.

"What took you so long? Is Melanie Henson really that fascinating?" Regina rolled her eyes, impatient.

Oliver said nothing. One kiss was all it took to settle her.

She curled into his arms. "Go on, then. How are you going to make it up to me? That slap hurt like hell."

Oliver stroked her cheek gently. "It's all my fault. I don't know what got into Melanie today, going off like that."

"Don't worry. Anything you want, except the seat of Gilbert matriarch, and I'll give it to you."

Oliver popped the trunk right away and pulled out the couture gift he'd prepared.

When she finally broke into a smile, he leaned in close. "That's my surprise. So what did you get for me?"

Regina slid onto his lap and let her whole weight fall against him, the bow at her chest already pulled loose.

"That, of course, you'll have to unwrap yourself. I promise you'll be more than satisfied."

Oliver lost himself completely and buried his face against her chest, and then the light inside the car dimmed.

Their moans reached my ears, and I was sick to my stomach right there on the spot.

My heart hurt as if a thousand needles had run it through. That luxury car was my birthday gift to Oliver, and now it had become the stage for their passion.

I forced down the storm surging inside me. Three more days and it would be over.

Once I was calm, I called the dealership's sales department and put the car in my name. Oliver no longer deserved the right to use this gift.

After I recorded the proof of the two of them cheating, I braved the cold wind and went home. I built up a fire in the back garden and burned every gift Oliver had ever given me.

The wedding dress in the cabinet, the one I'd kept for ten years, I looked at for a long while. Then my heart sank, and I gathered it up and flung it into the flames.

Late that night I was sleeping deeply when Oliver burst through the door.

His face was all worry. "Melanie, I finally found you!"

It was three in the morning by then. They'd tangled together for another six hours. Watching Oliver overdo his little performance, I found it utterly laughable.

"I couldn't find you at the restaurant. I was going out of my mind!"

Oliver played it like a man undone by love, stroking my hair, hot tears sliding down his face.

I pried his hand away and tried to go back to sleep. That was when he noticed the bare band of pale skin on my ring finger. The engagement ring was gone.

"Mel, what happened? We promised we'd wear those rings our whole lives. How could you lose it and not even tell me?"

I forced up a small smile. "It was too cold, so I came back early."

"I lost the ring by accident. It's such a small thing, it didn't seem worth mentioning."

I'd been out in the cold wind too long these past few days, and now I couldn't stop coughing.

"Mel, are you all right?"

Oliver pressed his palm to my forehead and was already on the phone to the best hospital in the city.

"Every one of your doctors is to be there today. If anything happens to Mel, that's on you."

I waved a hand and said I'd just gotten chilled, nothing serious. He insisted on taking me in for a full examination anyway.

"Don't worry. I'll make you well again."

"As for the ring, once you're better we'll fly to Switzerland for the jewelry auction. Whatever piece you want, it's yours."

By six in the morning, the tests confirmed I was fine, and only then did Oliver relax.

"Mel, thank God you're okay. If something happened to you, if you left me, I wouldn't want to live either."

He stroked my forehead carefully, checking my temperature over and over. Seeing how pale I looked, he offered to cook for me himself.

The man who never so much as lifted a finger at home carried bags of groceries off toward the little kitchen off the ward.

I watched his back as he bustled around, and it all felt hazy and false.

I checked the calendar. Two more days and I could leave. My body was fine now, and I planned to go back on my own.

I pulled on my coat and stepped out of the ward. Regina was coming straight toward me. She didn't notice me, though. She just turned and slipped into one of the side rooms.

Something felt off, so I followed. Before I even got close, I heard Regina's voice, sweet and simpering.

"So devoted to Melanie. I've never had you cook for me with your own hands."

Regina teased her fingers under Oliver's chin, a little jealousy in her tone.

"Mel had a coughing fit. I was worried about her."

"Today I'm giving her my full attention. If there's nothing important, don't bother me."

Regina snatched the cooking utensils out of his hand and hurled the soup he'd just finished to the floor.

"What's that supposed to mean? So you're choosing her?"

She made a show of leaving, then flung a lab report out of her bag. "Then me and the baby in my belly will never come back."

Oliver looked startled at first. Then he read the report carefully, his brow smoothing out, and he was so overcome he lifted Regina off her feet and spun her in a circle.

"Something this big, and you're only telling me now?"

"I only came in for tests this morning because of the morning sickness. The doctor said I'm three months along, that I need to rest properly."

"Last night we were really careless. The baby isn't stable yet. I'm scared..."

Oliver held Regina in his arms, looking down at the report with satisfaction, telling her over and over not to worry.

"Don't be afraid. I'll get every doctor here to check again right now. Our baby is going to be perfectly safe."

Regina nodded, pleased, and leaned in close to kiss him.

Oliver caught the scent of his favorite perfume and pressed himself hard against her. His eyes clouded with want as he bent his head and softly circled his arm around her neck.

Their kiss was hot and lingering. Regina ran both hands over his arms, lost in it.

Through the gap in the door I watched the two of them without an inch between them, the news that Regina was pregnant turning over and over in my head.

She was actually pregnant. Ten years ago Oliver had insisted he never wanted children, that he only wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.

His single-mindedness had once moved me. Now it just struck me as absurd. I recorded the two of them and got ready to leave.

They were making so much noise, still oblivious to the utensils clattering on the floor, that the sound drew a crowd, until a young nurse finally came in.

"Mr. Gilbert, is there anything you need? Miss Henson has been waiting for you at the door this whole time."

Their lingering kiss broke off, and they both saw me behind the door.

I had no interest in playing along, and turned to go, but she called out to stop me.

Without a shred of guilt, she cried out, "Mel, what are you doing here? What a coincidence."

Oliver hurriedly hid the report behind his back, his hands going right back to the soup he was making for me.

I asked back, calm, "Regina, why are you at the hospital too?"

"I came to see you, of course. You're my best friend. I was worried about you."

"Regina came specially to help me. She knows what you like. We were just talking about what to cook for you."

Oliver stepped in to smooth it over, but the guilt in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Regina picked up his line and started comforting me. "Mel, you have to take good care of yourself. It's a good thing you're not pregnant, or you'd really be suffering."

A cold laugh rose in me. Their acting was so smooth and natural it fooled everyone around them, and the young nurses kept casting envious glances their way.

Regina put on a caring face and moved to help me up. As she leaned in close, the tattoo of Oliver's English name by her collarbone slipped into view, as if by accident.

I threw off her hand and went back to the ward alone.

"This is all Melanie's fault. Oliver, I hadn't had my fill yet."

Regina cupped his chin and the small of his back, teasing at his lips. His shirt was already half off, his frame taller and more striking for it.

Oliver's eyes were hazy as he kissed his way down her body. Only when his hand found the gentle swell of her belly did he push her back, holding himself in check.

"Pregnant, and still tempting me like this. I'll satisfy you this once. Wait for me in the usual place, like a good girl."

"Don't come looking for me anymore. Melanie almost caught us today."

Regina said, impatient, that of course she'd never find out.

"I just wanted you to stay with me. The baby and I both missed you." She burrowed into his arms, coaxing.

One wall away, I heard every word of it. As the heavy footsteps drew closer, I lay back down and pretended to be asleep.

"Mel, I'm really sorry. Something urgent came up at the company, I'll have to travel for a while"

When Oliver got no answer and saw I was asleep, his mood lightened considerably.

Behind him, Regina mocked, "Look at that complexion, that scrawny figure. If I were a man I wouldn't want her either. Not a patch on me."

Oliver shut the door softly and left with his arm around Regina. Through the gap in the door I watched their backs recede. This was probably the last time I'd ever see them, for the rest of my life.

On my way out of the hospital, I found Regina's lab report on the floor. I'd long given up on Oliver, so looking at it left me strangely calm.

That night, not a single message from him. I finished packing to leave and kept only one box behind.

It was full of the love letters Oliver had written me and the photos from our wedding, every one of them long since yellowed.

At midnight, a message came from an unknown number, with a photo attached.

'Jealous? Oliver's reward to me. I doubt you've ever laid eyes on anything this expensive in your life.'

'Barely pregnant and already spoiling me this much. I'm nothing like a certain unlucky woman. If you're smart, you'll divorce quietly and step aside. Don't make things hard for Oliver.'

In the photo was a round-trip ticket to Switzerland, and on her hand a ring, round and enormous. It was the largest raw-stone diamond in the world, the one the news had reported sold at auction just five minutes ago.

I remembered Oliver's promise to take me to Switzerland to buy a brand-new diamond ring. Now it belonged to someone else.

The glow of the phone screen lit the bare mark on my right ring finger where a ring used to sit. I didn't reply, blocked the number, and went back to packing.

A full day and night, and nothing from Oliver. He used to call to say he was safe if a trip ran even two hours long. But I didn't care about that anymore.

Night fell, and the day had finally come. Once I was in the car, I looked at the place I'd lived for ten years, then tossed the keys onto the roadside.

The roads were clear the whole way. I stared blankly at my phone screen. Soon more photos and texts came through, and just as I went to open them, a hard brake jolted me.

"This road's lively tonight. Some rich family throwing a party, maybe?" the driver muttered, rolling down his window.

I looked at the dazzling bridge ahead, packed with people singing and dancing, everyone raising a glass in celebration.

Far as it was, I could still make out the two at the very center of it all: Oliver and Regina.

The scene in front of me pulled up the memory of that noisy wedding banquet years ago. But the photos on my phone dragged me back to reality.

In them Regina was beaming, accepting Oliver's proposal as he knelt on one knee, countless lavish gifts arrayed behind her.

The wedding gown on her was a hundred times finer than the one I'd burned, the full set of high jewelry glittering in the night, friends and family all cheering the happiness of the two of them in that moment.

'Oliver insisted on putting this wedding together for me. He loves me and the baby so much. As for you, I imagine he's already forgotten you completely.'

'He's worked so hard these past few days. If I weren't pregnant I'd have rewarded him properly. The next time you see him will be at the divorce. If you still want to keep any face, crawl out of the Gilbert house on your own. Oliver already treats me as the woman of the Gilbert house.'

This time I finally replied: 'Congratulations. Your wish is about to come true.'

The driver started to turn off and go around. Just as I was about to close the window, my eyes met Oliver's for a second.

I didn't care. But Oliver froze, went blank where he stood, the music around him suddenly grating in his ears.

The next second, my phone rang. It was Oliver.

Mel, where are you? It's been so long, I miss you. Once I'm home, let's leave for Switzerland together.

Is your illness better? While I was away on business, I went through every place around here and found the gentlest, most effective medicine, and your favorite dessert too...

I listened to Oliver's voicemails, so caring and just a little anxious, and said nothing back.

The driver watched my calm face in the rearview mirror and teased, You're a lucky woman, miss. A partner that thoughtful.

I smiled and let it go. The car finally left that bright, crowded bridge behind, and through the glass I looked out at all the glittering excess. None of it had anything to do with me now.

Oliver's calls kept coming, one after another. I quietly powered off the phone and threw it hard onto the roadside.

I reached the airport without trouble. My parents had been waiting a long while. After so many years apart, the moment my mother saw me she rushed forward and pulled me into her arms.

Mel, it's been so long. I've missed you day and night these past few days. Have you been taking care of yourself out there?

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, brimming with ache for me.

I'm fine. Everything's fine.

My father took my luggage, just as overjoyed. Then he noticed the wide bruises across the hand holding my bag, and asked me anxiously what had happened.

No need to put on a brave face in front of us. Mel, what really happened to you?

With them asking again and again, I told them plainly what I'd been through all this time.

It's all behind me now. After today, it's a new life. I said it as calmly as if I were telling someone else's story.

But the worry on my parents' faces was beyond hiding, and my father clenched his teeth, his fists tight.

Don't worry, Mel. Your mother and I will make sure they're properly repaid for everything they've done these years.

We couldn't be at ease sending you off to the research institute alone. This is my protg, Xander Winston. From now on, whatever you need, just leave it to him.

Only then did I notice the unfamiliar man behind my parents. He was tall, his features clean and even, but his eyes held a rare clarity and sincerity.

Xander took my luggage, and together we boarded the plane bound for the research institute.

Night fell. On the other side of the city, Oliver stared at the thirty-some missed calls and countless unanswered messages on his phone, uneasy.

He kept telling himself he must have seen it wrong just now, that those eyes couldn't have been mine.

There was no reason for me to be out there in the middle of the night. I had to be at home resting, that was why I wasn't picking up.

But the calls in Oliver's hand showed no sign of stopping, and watching him fret like this, Regina's fine mood curdled into nothing but jealousy.

She was the leading lady tonight, and yet his heart was still somewhere else, on someone else.

She almost snatched the phone from his hand, but then she thought of that reply I'd sent, and the smugness rose in her again, a smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

Before long she would be the mistress of the Gilbert house. Ten years, and her dream was finally about to come true.

The wedding went on. The crowd's excitement was stoked to its peak, and the ceremony reached the moment everyone had been waiting for: the vows.

Even now Oliver was preoccupied, still thinking about those eyes. Everyone listened in silence as the two of them made their vows, and then, all at once, a phone rang.

Oliver's eyes lit up in an instant, ready to step down and chase after the sound, but Regina would never let him have his way. She held both his hands, tugged her lips into a smile, and gazed at him with a face full of sincerity.

The wedding isn't over yet. Where are you going, Oliver? You promised me the grandest wedding.

I think our child will look forward to seeing the footage of their parents' wedding someday too.

At the mention of the child, Oliver's steps faltered, and in the end he gave it up.

It wasn't until the wedding ended that Oliver realized the butler had called him dozens of times.

The call connected, and a second later came the frantic voices of the butler and the servants.

Mr. Gilbert, you finally picked up! Miss Henson is gone! She's vanished!