BIT

There, right next to the swimming pool, Harvey and Alicia embraced as if they were a long–lost couple. They paid no heed to the bustle around them as if the world belonged only to the two of them. Rebecca quickly averted her pale face, feeling her entire joints ache, and her chest tightened as if a large log pressed down on it.

“Ma’am” Lucy swallowed hard, feeling guilty

I’m fine. I’ll come down now,” Rebecca replied, trying to steady her trembling body. She knew Harvey had never truly loved her, but being betrayed right before her eyes felt like a humiliation.

“Ma’am, it might not be as bad as it looks,” Lucy interjected suddenly, feeling the need to speak up as her boss seemed distressed. Rebecca smiled thinly. “Thank you for your comforting words, Lucy,” she said as she walked out of the room, her right hand over her left chest as she felt her heartbeat control her emotions.

After descending the classic spiral staircase of the Specter family’s luxurious mansion, Rebecca finally reached the first floor. The music playing from the speakers filled her ears. She looked around and found the guests had crowded almost every corner of the party area.

“Rebecca!” someone shouted. She turned and forced a stiff smile when she saw Victoria, her mother–in–law, standing not far from her looking prominent in her bright red dress. Rebecca nodded politely, not moving from her spot. Her relationship with Harvey’s family had never been good, especially after Harvey’s grandfather passed away

a year ago.

“Hey!” Victoria called out again as Rebecca tried to move away. Rebecca took a deep breath, trying to be patient. “Yes, Victoria?”

didn’t

Victoria chuckled, “Don’t ruin my son’s reunion party with his ex! I thought you like parties. Just go back to your room and eat your book!” She said with her usual annoying expression. Not far from her was Mia, Harvey’s sister, almost spewing wine. from her mouth as she tried to contain her laughter.

Rebecca glanced at them both, then smiled sarcastically instead of getting angry. “Nice try!” She lifted her chin and walked away from Victoria and Mia, who looked at her with annoyance.

From a distance, she could see Harvey chatting with Alicia. They looked very intense

01133 WHI AUG 14

and close. With almost floating steps, she approached them and h.ochind the sushi buffer, with a large swan carving as decoration

You know your grandfather has never liked the for a long time; he’s been lying about me! I never took a penny from him! He threatened me to leave you, that’s why I left! Believe me. Harvey! There was no day I spent without thinking of you,” Alicia ranted, gripping Harvey’s arm.

Rebecca clenched her fists. She knew Alicia was lying; she just wanted Harvey’s attention. She could see how Harvey still had feelings for Alicia, and it hurt her very much. As she was about to approach them, suddenly Alicia rushed into Harvey’s arms. once again, leaving Rebecca frozen in her tracks.

“I need to give this woman a lesson.”

It wasn’t what Alicia did that left her stunned, but how Harvey’s hand lifted to reciprocate Alicia’s hug, even though they knew there were hundreds of pairs of eyes at the party that night..

“Mr. Specter, the Vice President of CB Bank wants to meet with you,” suddenly John, Harvey’s assistant, appeared. Harvey released his hand from Alicia’s and coughed nervously. “Sure,” he nodded at Alicia faintly and strode off to follow John.

After Harvey left, Rebecca emerged from her hiding spot and confidently approached Alicia, who was smiling in triumph.

“Enjoying your little charade, huh?” greeted Rebecca, folding her arms across her chest.

Alicia turned to her, slightly surprised, but quickly put back the triumphant smile on her face. “Rebecca Harper!” she exclaimed, with a slightly raised voice.

“It’s Rebecca Specter,” replied Rebecca firmly,

Alicia snorted. “Too bad! Soon enough, you’ll be back to your birth name-”

Rebecca felt her blood boil, and she stared at Alicia sharply. “Watch your mouth if you don’t want to be kicked out of this party,” she hissed, not letting go of her sweet smile. She wanted Alicia to know she wasn’t intimidated.

“No one is getting kicked out of this party; I am the star of the night,” retorted Alicia, reaching out to take a glass of wine from a passing waiter’s tray.

Rebecca snorted with laughter. “Dream on! I am Harvey’s wife, and everyone knows it!

You may feel victorious because of your past, burl chose the right woman!”

y loves me, and he knows he

Alicia burst into loud laughter, her voice competing with the music from the speakers.

“Harvey’s wife? You should be ashamed, Rebecca! He married you only because it was his grandfather’s request! He didn’t want to lose his inheritance, that’s it! Just because he’s been friendly to you doesn’t mean he loves you! You should look in the mirror! An orphan like you will never fit beside a cool guy like Harvey!”

Rebecca clenched both her hands, feeling humiliated. “Stop talking, or you’ll regret it!” she hissed, holding back the burst of anger.

Alicia chuckled. “Let me clarify, Harvey’s late grandfather deliberately trapped you both until Harvey accidentally slept with you. The question is, did you perhaps know about that trap plan? You don’t even know who your parents are, do you? It seems like you should make sure if your mother is a whore or not.” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Rebecca raised her hand, almost slapping Alicia, but a strong grip stopped her.

“Becky! Have you lost your mind?”

She looked up and found Harvey staring at her sharply, while Alicia covered her face, screaming as if she were in pain.

“Alicia, are you alright?” asked Harvey, checking Alicia, who covered her left cheek. “This crazy woman almost slapped me for the second time!” she lied.

Rebecca glared. “Nonsense! I haven’t even slapped her yet! Harvey, you

should-”

“STOP! Rebecca, you better go back to your room; you’ve really ruined my party,” said Harvey coldly.

‘Rebecca?”

It had been a long time since Harvey called her by that name. She felt a chill run through her body. Her breath rose and fell as she held back her emotions. She walked quickly away from Alicia, who was silently grinning with victory. Her eyes blurred with tears, she almost crashed into a waiter with a tray full of drinks in his hand, but someone pulled her, making her fall into his embrace. She looked up and saw a handsome face with a sweet smile greeting her, “Becky? Long time no see!”

*****