A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 68:

“I need it ready by Friday,” I told her, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. “No excuses.”

Next, I made a list of names. The people attending this event weren’t just high society—they were vultures, circling at the first sign of weakness. If I played my cards right, they would do half the work for me.

Let her laugh and smile while she still could. By the end of the week, her perfect world would crumble, and I would be there to watch every glorious second of it.

A day before the event, my plan began to take shape. If Raina thought she could walk into my world and take everything that was supposed to be mine, she was sorely mistaken.

The custom dress made by my designer was nothing short of perfection. A floor-length, emerald-green gown with a daring neckline and a slit that hinted at just enough to leave people guessing. The fabric shimmered under the light when I tried it on, reflecting a wealth and sophistication that would ensure all eyes were on me.

I twirled in front of the mirror, a slow smile spreading across my lips. “Just wait, Raina,” I whispered to my reflection. “You won’t know what hit you.”

The day of the charity auction arrived, and the air buzzed with anticipation. I stepped out of the car with a confidence that turned heads, the paparazzi flashing their cameras as I made my way up the steps. I didn’t care about them; they were just tools to amplify the humiliation I had planned for Raina.noveldrama

Inside, the hall was stunning. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off polished marble floors. The room was filled with the city’s elite, dressed in their finest as they sipped champagne and exchanged polite, calculated smiles.

I was early, but I didn’t mind. It gave me time to position myself in the perfect spot—somewhere I could see everything without being seen—at least, not until I wanted to be.

The event didn’t truly begin until the Grahams arrived. As usual, everyone waited for them, their presence the unspoken green light to start the evening. And then, there she was.

Raina walked in on Dominic’s arm, and the sight of her laughing, radiant, and poised was enough to make my stomach churn with jealousy.

That should have been me.

That life—full of wealth, admiration, and power—was supposed to be mine. If Raina wasn’t with Alex anymore, then why did it feel like she had still won? The memory of Vanessa’s voice flashed through my mind, her words dripping with envy: “Alex is pining after Raina. It’s almost like he wants her back or something.”

I clenched my teeth, my nails digging into the stem of my champagne flute. That bitch. Even her brother couldn’t help but fall under her spell.

But then, an idea sparked—a wicked, delicious thought that spread through me like wildfire.

I smiled, the edges of my lips curving into something sharp and dangerous. “Maybe we could swing both ways,” I muttered, just as a waiter approached, offering me another glass of champagne.

I took the glass, my mind spinning with possibilities. If I couldn’t have Alex, why not Dominic? Or better yet—why not both? Whichever one I claimed would be a victory, but we both knew who the greater prize was.

There was no way in hell I was going to let my childhood friend live better than me.

RAINA

Another party. Another auction. As much as I had grown accustomed to these events, they still drained me. The constant buzz of chatter, the glittering gowns, the hollow sound of laughter—it was exhausting. All I wanted was to be at home, wrapped in a blanket with Ava’s giggles filling the room. But Dominic had insisted we attend, his reasons vague but persuasive enough to convince me.

The venue was as grand as ever—chandeliers sparkling like diamonds, walls lined with gilded frames, and the unmistakable scent of money in the air. It was the same crowd, too. The high and mighty of society, gathered under the guise of charity but really just eager for a reason to flaunt their wealth.

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