The Life I Rebuilt From His Lies

Chapter 1

The ballroom was filled with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses—Murray Johnson's and my engagement party was in full swing. I wore a custom white gown, and on my wrist rested the Johnson family heirloom—a stunning emerald bracelet worth millions.

"You look incredible tonight, Elizabeth," Murray whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

As I passed the VIP lounge, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"You promised me, Murray. You said we'd be together." It was Sylvia Wright, his assistant.

"Sylvia, just be patient a little longer," he whispered. "Elizabeth's situation is complicated. The moment those shares are mine, I'll end the marriage. Then we can be together."

"But Murray..." she whispered, tears in her voice, "I'm pregnant. Two months."

I turned and walked away, my whole body shaking.

Back in the glittering ballroom, Murray's charming smile made my skin crawl.

On our wedding night, he took my hand, his thumb brushing my knuckles. "Tonight is our night. Nothing else matters but you."

The words would have melted my heart before. Now, they just sounded hollow.

*****

The champagne tower glittered, catching the light as I moved through the room. I wore a custom white gown, and on my wrist rested the Johnson family heirloom—a stunning emerald bracelet worth millions.

All evening, guests had been showering me with compliments, telling me how lucky Murray Johnson was to have found a talented jewelry designer like me. Soon, I'd be Mrs. Johnson.

"You look incredible tonight, Elizabeth," Murray whispered, his breath warm against my ear. I felt my cheeks flush.

After five years together, we'd finally make it official tomorrow.

"I'll be right back," I said softly. "Just need to use the restroom."

"Let me come with you," he offered.

"No, it's fine—stay with everyone."

I lifted the hem of my dress and slipped away. But as I passed the VIP lounge, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Murray, when this is over, we need to talk about us." It was Sylvia Wright, his assistant.

I froze just outside the door.

"Sylvia, not now. You know what tonight means," Murray replied, his voice low and tense.

"That's why I'm asking. You promised me, Murray. You said we'd be together," Sylvia pressed.

My heart pounded. I edged closer, peering through the narrow gap in the doorway.

There they were—Murray pressing Sylvia against the wall, his arms wrapped tightly around her.

"Sylvia, just be patient a little longer," he whispered. "Elizabeth's situation is complicated. Her father owns Sampson Jewelry. I can't just walk away."

"So you're actually going to marry her?" Sylvia's voice trembled.

"It's only on paper. You know you're the only one I want," Murray murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead. "The moment those shares are mine, I'll end it. Then we can be together."

My clutch felt tight in my grip, nails leaving half-moon marks on my palms.

I realized that our entire relationship had just been part of his plan.

"But Murray..." she whispered, tears in her voice, "I'm pregnant. Two months."

He stared at her in disbelief. "You're... what?"

"I can't keep waiting. Our baby deserves more than this."

The silence stretched between them before he finally drew her into his arms. "I'll make this right, Sylvia. You and our child will have everything."

I turned and walked away, my whole body shaking.

Back in the glittering ballroom, Murray's charming smile made my skin crawl.

"Elizabeth, you look pale. Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, all manufactured concern.

"Just tired," I managed, forcing my lips to curve.

"Then let's wrap things up as soon as possible," he said, all smooth concern.

*****

Murray drove me home after the engagement party, the city lights blurring past the window.

"Elizabeth, tomorrow we'll be legally married," he said, his face cast in thoughtful shadows beneath the streetlights, one hand steady on the wheel.

"I know," I murmured, my voice barely audible."

"You've been quiet all night. Is everything okay?"

"Just nervous," I lied.

His hand found mine. "Don't be. We're going to be so happy together."

The word "happy" tasted bitter. How could he talk about happiness when he was already having a child with someone else?

As soon as I got home, I fired up my laptop and started digging into Murray's recent movements.

As a jewelry designer, I moved in circles with wealthy clients who always knew everyone's business.

It didn't take long to connect the dots.

Three months ago, when Murray was in Mirand on business, Sylvia had conveniently been there for a jewelry exhibition.

Two months ago, there was a charge from an exclusive maternity hospital on his credit card statement.

Then last month, Sylvia took three days of sick leave.

The pieces fit together perfectly.

I walked to the safe, opened it, and took out the stock transfer agreement my father had given to me.

My father had promised me twenty percent of Sampson Jewelry as my wedding gift.

Now I understood that was the real prize Murray had been after all along.

A cold smile touched my lips as I locked the documents back in the safe.

If he wanted those shares so badly, I'd make sure the price was higher than he ever imagined.

*****

The next morning, I arrived at city hall right on schedule.

Murray stood waiting at the entrance, a bouquet of white roses in his hand.

"You look beautiful today, Elizabeth," he said, offering me the flowers.

I accepted them, my mind still lingering on everything I'd uncovered last night.

"Shall we go in?" I asked.

"Wait." His hand caught mine. "There's something I need to say."

For a moment, my heart leaped. Was he finally going to tell me the truth?

"I love you. You're the only woman for me. Nothing will ever change that," he said softly.

The words sounded so sincere. If only any of them were true.

"I love you too," I said, matching his tender tone.

The ceremony passed in a blur, and before long, we were holding our marriage certificates.

"My dear wife," Murray murmured, kissing my cheek.

"My dear husband," I replied with a perfect smile.

We stepped out into the morning light, and just then, his phone rang.

"What?" He sounded surprised. "Okay, I'll be right there." After he hung up, his expression looked apologetic. "There's an emergency at the office. I need to go handle it."

"It's okay. I understand," I said.

"How about I pick you up tonight and we go celebrate?" he offered.

"Sure," I agreed.

Instead of heading home after Murray left, I made my way straight to a private detective agency.

"Ms. Sampson, you want me to look into your husband?" Eric Wilson, the private detective, blinked in surprise.

"Yes, I think he's cheating on me," I replied.

"Do you have any proof?" Eric asked.

I passed him the file I'd put together last night. "Will this do?"

Eric looked through the documents carefully and then nodded. "This is plenty. We'll get right on it and collect all the evidence you need."

"How long will it take?" I asked.

"About a week," Eric replied.

"You've got just three days," I said, pushing a check across the desk. "Here's the deposit. When the job's done, you'll get another check for the same amount."

Eric's eyes lit up at the figure written on the check. "You have my word, Ms. Sampson. Three days, and you'll have exactly what you want."

Chapter 2

After leaving the detective agency, I headed straight to the headquarters of Sampson Jewelry, my family's company.

"Ms. Sampson? What are you doing here?" Sally, my father's secretary, stared at me in surprise.

"Just came to see my father," I said.

"He's in a meeting right now. Just hang tight for a sec," Sally told me.

I sat in the office, waiting for my father, my mind already spinning with my next move.

Murray thought he could snatch shares of Sampson Jewelry. Then I'd make sure he'd only end up shooting himself in the foot.

"Elizabeth? What brings you here?" My father walked in, looking a bit worn out.

"Dad, I want to talk to you about the share transfer," I said.

My father's expression changed. "What's wrong? Is Murray treating you badly?"

"No, it's not that. I just want to go over the details," I replied.

"What details?" my father asked.

"If Murray and I split up, who would actually own the 20% shares of Sampson Jewelry?" I pressed.

My father was taken aback. "Elizabeth, you guys just got married today. Why are you already talking about divorce?"

"I just want to make sure I understand," I said.

My father thought it over. "Under the agreement, if you two get divorced, the shares will still belong to you. But if the divorce is your fault, the shares will be reclaimed."

"What exactly counts as my fault?" I asked.

"Infidelity, domestic violence, committing a crime—things like that," my father clarified.

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Glad to hear it."

"Are you okay, Elizabeth?" my father asked, his eyes filled with worry.

"It's nothing, Dad. I'm heading out now," I said.

*****

After leaving the office, I went straight over to Murray's office building.

I wanted to see with my own eyes how they were about to put on their big show.

Once I got to the company, I didn't head up right away. Instead, I parked myself at a café downstairs, keeping an eye on the upstairs action through the huge glass windows.

Before long, I spotted Sylvia stepping out of the elevator, clutching a file in her hand.

She was dressed in a loose white shirt, looking every bit the part of a pregnant woman.

I pulled out my phone and started recording.

Sylvia walked up to Murray's office and knocked.

"Come in," Murray's voice called out from inside.

Sylvia pushed open the door and slipped in, closing it quietly behind her.

I waited for ten minutes and then headed upstairs.

"Mrs. Johnson, what brings you in today?" The receptionist spotted me right away.

"Just here to see my husband," I replied.

"Mr. Johnson is in a meeting right now. Would you like to wait for him?" she asked.

"No need. I'll just head in," I said, brushing her off.

"Wait, but..." The receptionist tried to stop me.

But I was already heading straight for Murray's office.

As I pushed open the door, I caught Murray holding Sylvia in his arms, their lips locked in a kiss that clearly wasn't meant to be interrupted.

I cleared my throat deliberately, making sure they noticed me.

They jumped apart at once. Sylvia's face turned bright red, while Murray looked completely flustered.

"Elizabeth, what are you doing here?" Murray blurted out, hurriedly straightening his clothes.

"Just popping by to see what my husband is up to," I said with a sweet smile. "Clearly, you're busy."

"Sylvia got dizzy just now while giving her report, so I caught her before she fell," Murray explained.

"Really?" I fixed Sylvia with a look.

Sylvia stared at the floor, unable to meet my gaze. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Johnson. I wasn't feeling well."

"No worries. It's totally normal for girls to have off days," I said breezily, striding over to Murray's side. Then I slipped on a smile and turned to him. "So, honey, our celebration dinner tonight—is that still on?"

"Of course it is," Murray replied, pulling me close by the waist. "Sylvia, why don't you head home and rest up?"

"Okay, Mr. Johnson," Sylvia muttered and then hurried out of the office.

After Sylvia left, Murray loosened his grip on me. "Elizabeth, what was that all about just now?"

"What do you mean?" I replied, raising an eyebrow like I had no idea.

"I mean, your whole attitude... It's like you suspect I'm hiding something," Murray said.

I chuckled. "What could I be suspicious of? That my brand-new husband is cheating on me on day one of our marriage?"

"Elizabeth," Murray said more sharply. "That's not something to joke about."

"I'm dead serious," I shot back, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Murray, we're married now. I expect you to stay loyal to me."

Murray paused for a second and then broke into a smile. "Dummy, of course I'll be loyal. You're my wife—the one I love the most in the world."

"The one you love the most?" I echoed those words, my voice flat.

"Yes, the one I love the most," Murray said, pressing a kiss on my forehead. "Elizabeth, don't overthink it. We're going to be happy together."

I just watched him silently as he put on his little performance.

*****

That night, Murray took me to the fanciest restaurant in the city.

"To celebrate our marriage, I booked the presidential suite here," Murray said, raising his champagne glass.

"The presidential suite?" I echoed, a little surprised.

"Yes. Tonight is our wedding night. It has to be something special," Murray replied with a grin.

I clinked my glass with his, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Sylvia. I wondered if he would go to see her later tonight.

Throughout dinner, Murray's phone went off several times, and every time, he'd just silence it right away.

"Who's blowing up your phone like that?" I asked.

"Just some work calls. Nothing important," Murray said.

"If it's nothing, then why not answer?" I pressed, giving him a look.

"Tonight is our night. Nothing else matters but you," Murray said, his tone dripping with charm.

The words would have melted my heart before. Now, they just sounded hollow.

Chapter 3

That night, Murray was tender, treating me with a lover's care.

He lit candles, played soft music, and even drew a bath for me.

"Elizabeth, you look beautiful tonight," he said, pulling me into his arms.

I forced a smile, but deep down, my mind kept replaying what I'd witnessed earlier.

"Murray, do you think we'll always be this happy?" I asked.

"Of course," he replied, kissing my hair. "We'll have lots of kids and grow old together."

All I could think about was the child he was already expecting with Sylvia—their baby, already two months along.

"If we have a child, will you love us even more?" I asked.

Murray stiffened for a moment, but quickly regained his composure.

"Of course. I'll be the best father in the world," he replied.

"But say, just for the sake of argument, if you were seeing someone else and even had a child with her, what would you do?" I asked.

Murray suddenly sat up, his expression clouded. "Elizabeth, why do you keep talking about this tonight?"

"I'm just curious," I replied.

"There's no 'if.' I would never cheat on you," he said, settling back down. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow's our honeymoon."

As he described our upcoming honeymoon plans, my mind wandered to Sylvia. What would happen to her while we were away?

*****

Early the next morning, Murray's phone buzzed loudly, jolting him awake.

"What? There's a problem with the project?" he blurted out, sitting up with a dark look on his face. "I'll head over right away."

After he hung up, he gave me an apologetic glance. "Elizabeth, I'm really sorry. There's an emergency at the company, so our honeymoon will have to wait."

"It's alright. Work is important," I said softly.

"You're so considerate," he murmured, kissing me gently. "As soon as I fix this mess, we're off to Melirica for our honeymoon."

The moment Murray headed out, I immediately reached out to Eric.

"Ms. Sampson, your husband is at Evergreen Medical Center right now," Eric informed me in a lowered voice.

"The hospital?" I echoed, shocked.

"Yes," Eric continued, "he's over in OB-GYN with that woman named Sylvia."

I felt my world collapse. On just the second day of my marriage, Murray was already taking his mistress in for a maternity appointment.

"I'm going over right now," I said, my voice shaking a little.

"Ms. Sampson, just be careful. Make sure they don't notice you," Eric cautioned.

I hung up, quickly threw on some clothes and hurried out the door.

Evergreen Medical Center was the city's top private hospital—even celebrities came here when they needed treatment.

I threw on a pair of sunglasses and a mask, sneaking into the hospital without drawing any attention.

The OB-GYN was up on the third floor. I camped out by the stairs, spying through the crack in the door.

Before long, I spotted Murray and Sylvia stepping out of the elevator after her check-up.

Sylvia was holding onto Murray's arm, and together, they looked every bit like a loving couple.

"Murray, the doctor said the baby's doing great," Sylvia beamed, her face glowing with happiness.

"That's good to hear," Murray replied, gently touching her belly. "Our child is definitely going to be smart."

I felt a stab in my heart as I quietly started recording everything on my phone.

"Murray, what about Elizabeth? What if she finds out I'm pregnant?" Sylvia asked, worry etched on her face.

"She won't," Murray replied, pulling Sylvia close. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."

"But you were with her last night..." Sylvia's voice trembled.

"That was just for appearances. You're the only one I truly care about," Murray reassured her, kissing her forehead. "Once I get those shares from Sampson Jewelry, we can finally let everyone know about us."

"Really?" Sylvia asked, her voice full of hope.

"When have I ever lied to you?" Murray replied.

Watching them flaunt their love, I nearly burst out from my hiding spot to call them out and rip off their perfect masks.

But I forced myself to wait—this wasn't the moment for confrontation.

As soon as they slipped into the doctor's office, I sneaked after them, keeping a low profile.

"Mr. Johnson, your wife is in great shape, and the baby's growing right on track," the doctor said.

"Thanks, doc," Murray replied, acting like it was perfectly normal to be called Sylvia's husband.

"But your wife is a little weak right now. Make sure she gets plenty of rest and nutrition," the doctor reminded him.

"I'll look after her," Murray assured.

"Good, then. Swing by for your next check-up next month," the doctor said.

After leaving the hospital, Murray and Sylvia headed straight for a nearby mall.

I trailed behind them at a safe distance, watching as Murray picked out maternity clothes, prenatal vitamins, and even some prenatal music for Sylvia.

He took his time with every item, choosing each one with obvious care and affection.

He had never done anything like this for me.

When they got to the jewelry counter, Murray suddenly stopped.

"Sylvia, take a look at this," he said, gesturing toward a stunning necklace.

"That's way too pricey. I can't possibly accept it," Sylvia protested, shaking her head.

"Don't worry about it. You deserve the best," Murray said with a confident smile to the salesperson. "Just ring this up for us."

"Sir, this necklace costs 300 thousand," the salesperson replied.

"Just swipe my card," Murray said, not even flinching at the price.

Watching Murray clasp that necklace around Sylvia's neck felt like a dagger straight to my heart.

Just yesterday, he was whispering sweet words of love to me. Yet today, he was out here lavishing gifts on another woman.

After leaving the mall, the two of them treated themselves to a high-end restaurant.

I waited outside for two hours before they finally came out.

Murray drove Sylvia to a swanky apartment complex, and then kissed her in the car, only pulling away after what felt like forever.

I made sure to jot down the address and apartment number.

Chapter 4

Murray finally got home at ten that night.

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. Today was really a mess," he said, exhausted.

"It's alright. Did you get everything sorted out?" I asked.

"Not yet. I still have more to deal with tomorrow," Murray replied.

"Why don't you go take a shower and get some rest?" I suggested.

While Murray was in the shower, I sneaked a look at his phone. Sure enough, he and Sylvia had been texting a lot.

Murray: [Sylvia, you must be really tired today.]

Sylvia: [I'm okay. I was really happy to go to the hospital with you for the checkup.]

Murray: [Me too. Seeing our baby growing healthy was really touching for me.]

Sylvia: [Murray, I love you.]

Murray: [Love you too. Once this is all over, we can finally be together for real, no more hiding.]

I took screenshots of their messages and erased any signs I'd ever touched his phone.

When Murray came out of the shower, he saw me sitting on the bed, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" he said as he sat down beside me.

"Oh, it's nothing. I just feel like everything's different since we got married," I murmured.

"Different how?" Murray asked.

"You're always so busy now, and we hardly spend any time together anymore," I replied.

Murray wrapped his arms around me, guilt written all over his face. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. Once things settle down, I promise I'll spend more time with you."

"Murray, I want a baby," I blurted out.

His body went tense for a moment. "Elizabeth, we're still young. There's no rush to have a baby."

"But I do want one," I said, meeting his eyes. "Don't you want a baby with me?"

"It's not that I don't want one. It's just not the right time," Murray said, avoiding my gaze. "Let's wait until my career is more stable."

"So when will that be?" I pressed.

"Maybe in a year or two," Murray replied.

By then, Sylvia's baby would probably be running around already.

"Alright," I said, my voice full of disappointment.

*****

Over the next few days, Murray was always busy, leaving early and coming home late. Meanwhile, Eric finally had some good news for me.

"Ms. Sampson, we've gathered all the evidence you asked for," Eric said, handing me a USB drive.

"What's on it?" I asked.

"It's got your husband's chat logs with Sylvia, security footage of them going in and out of hotels together, and Sylvia's pregnancy test results and prenatal checkup records," Eric replied.

I took the USB drive, my emotions all tangled up inside. With this evidence, I could finally tear off Murray's mask and reveal his true colors.

"And we also dug up something big," Eric added.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Before Sylvia even got pregnant, your husband was already searching for the perfect house to set her up in as his mistress," Eric said.

"Where's the house?" I asked.

"Willow Estate. It's fully renovated, just waiting for Sylvia to move in," Eric replied.

I let out a cold laugh. Murray really was scheming from the start.

"Eric, could you do me one more favor?" I asked.

"Of course, just tell me what you need," Eric replied.

"Has Murray talked to any lawyers lately, especially about divorcing me?" I asked.

"I'll look into it right away," Eric said.

That afternoon, Eric got back to me.

"Ms. Sampson, your husband's been secretly consulting lawyers about getting a divorce. He's trying to come out on top in the property split," Eric reported.

My heart went ice cold. Murray wasn't just cheating—he was coming for my money too. If that was how he wanted to play, I wouldn't hold back anymore.

That night, Murray actually made it home early for once.

"Elizabeth, tomorrow's the weekend. Want to catch a movie together?" he suggested.

"I'd love to," I said with a smile.

"Let's pick a romance, just like old times," Murray added.

"Murray Johnson," I blurted out, calling him by his full name out of nowhere.

He looked startled. "What's up?"

"If one day, there's no love left between us, what would you do?" I pressed, my voice low.

Murray just froze, confused. "Why would you ask that out of the blue?"

"I've been wondering lately—if someday we stopped loving each other, would we end up like those couples who split up, fighting over every last cent and custody like it's a battlefield?" I said.

"It won't happen," Murray said softly, squeezing my hand. "Elizabeth, our love is forever."

"Really?" I asked.

"Really," he answered, meeting my gaze. "I swear, you'll always be the only one for me."

What a beautiful lie. If I hadn't discovered his secrets, maybe I'd still believe him. But now, that promise just made me sick.

*****

The movie theater was packed that weekend. Murray had picked out a popular romance.

We settled into the love seats, and he gently slipped his hand over mine.

The hero turned to the heroine and said, "I'll love you for a lifetime. That's never gonna change."

Murray turned to me. "Elizabeth, just like the hero in the movie, I'll love you for a lifetime too."

I just smiled without saying a word.

Just then, Murray's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and his expression instantly darkened.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"It's work. I need to take this," Murray said, getting up.

Murray slipped out of the theater, and I quietly sneaked out after him.

"Sylvia, what happened?" he answered. After listening for a moment, he raised his voice. "You're bleeding? Don't worry. I'm on my way."

As soon as he hung up, Murray dashed for the exit, almost running.

I slipped out right after him, watching his car speed off down the street. Without hesitation, I stepped into the waiting taxi and directed the driver to follow him.

As expected, he drove straight over to Evergreen Medical Center.

I waited outside the hospital for an hour before I finally saw Murray and Sylvia come out of the ER.

Sylvia looked ghostly pale, and Murray was holding her up, his face tight with worry.

"What did the doctor say?" Murray asked, his voice tense.

"The doctor said it's a threatened miscarriage. I need to stay in bed and rest," Sylvia replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's get you home right away," Murray said, his voice gentle but urgent.

"Murray, I'm so scared I might lose this baby," Sylvia sobbed, her voice trembling.

"I swear, nothing will ever hurt our baby," Murray insisted, wrapping his arms around her protectively.

I watched from afar, each word stabbing at my heart as I took in the scene.

They went back to the Willow Estate, and I waited outside until well past midnight before Murray finally left.

When he got home, I was already waiting for him in the living room.

"Murray, you're back," I said, standing up to greet him.

Murray looked surprised. "Elizabeth, why are you still up?"

"I was waiting for you. You left halfway through the movie, and I couldn't help worrying about you," I said softly.

"Sorry, something urgent came up at the office," Murray said, avoiding my gaze.

"What was it? Did you manage to handle everything?" I asked.

"Yes, it's all sorted," Murray replied.

"Good," I said as I walked over to him. "You look worn out. Why don't you go get some sleep?"

Murray nodded and went off to take a shower.

Chapter 5

The next day was Sunday, and Murray mentioned he'd be heading to the office for some extra work.

"What, working this weekend too?" I asked.

"Yes. Many things are going on with this project lately," Murray replied.

"How about I go with you? I could cook something for you while you're at it," I offered.

"No, really, it's chaos at the office. Just stay home and take it easy," Murray said.

Once Murray had left, I headed straight for Willow Estate.

I had to see with my own eyes the place he'd put together for Sylvia.

Willow Estate was the city's most luxurious villa neighborhood, all lush landscapes and tight security.

I told the guard Sylvia's name, and, just like that, he let me through. I realized that Murray had already listed her as a resident.

The villa was enormous, dripping with luxury at every turn, and the garden overflowed with white roses.

Sylvia was watering those flowers, dressed in baggy home clothes. Her pregnancy was unmistakable now, the bump plain for anyone to see.

"Sorry, who are you?" Sylvia asked, her surprise plain when she saw me.

"I'm Elizabeth," I replied, slowly removing my sunglasses and locking eyes with her.

Sylvia's face drained of color. "M-Mrs. Johnson, what brings you here?"

"I just came to see the house my husband prepared just for you," I said, casting a slow look around the lavish villa. "Honestly, it makes our own wedding place look basic."

"Mrs. Johnson, it's not what you think. This isn't..." Sylvia tried to explain, her voice trembling.

"So what is it then? Are you really saying Murray didn't buy this place for you?" I cut her off, my tone sharp. "Sylvia, come on, are you seriously still going to play dumb at this point?"

Sylvia bit her lip and said nothing, too afraid to answer.

"Is the baby you're carrying Murray's?" I pressed, my gaze unwavering as I stared her down.

"I..." Sylvia stammered, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

"So, Murray spent the night here with you, didn't he?" I threw the words at her.

Sylvia just broke down completely, falling to the ground. "Mrs. Johnson, please, don't hurt my baby," she begged, hugging her belly and crying her eyes out.

"Hurt?" I scoffed, a bitter smile on my face. "Sylvia, from start to finish, I'm the one who's been hurt here."

"I know I've made mistakes," Sylvia sobbed, crying her heart out. "But Mrs. Johnson, I really love Murray. I'd do anything for him."

"Including being the other woman and destroying someone else's marriage?" I retorted, my sarcasm biting.

"I... I never wanted to break up your marriage, I just..." Sylvia mumbled, her voice shaking.

"Just what? Just got yourself pregnant? Just had Murray buy you a home? Just had him leave his brand-new wife for you last night?" I shot back, every word cutting deep.

Sylvia just stared at me, totally lost for words.

"Sylvia, I didn't come here to fight," I said, squatting down beside her. "I'm here to tell you it's time to end this mess."

"What do you mean?" Sylvia asked, her voice trembling.

"I mean, I'm going to make Murray pay for everything," I said, straightening up. "And as for you? You better pray you don't get dragged into it." With that, I turned and walked away.

Sylvia was crying hard behind me, but honestly, I didn't feel even a hint of pity.

She made up her mind to be the side chick, so she should've known it would end like this.

*****

Once I got home, I started drawing up my plan for revenge.

First, I'd make sure Murray got humiliated in front of everyone. Then, I'd reclaim everything that belonged to me. And finally, I'd make damn sure they both paid for what they did.

I fired up my laptop and started pulling together every shred of evidence—chat logs, recordings, photos, videos. Every piece was irrefutable.

Next, I sent out exclusive invitations to a few key figures—Murray's parents, my parents, and some of our closest friends in the social circle. I told them it was a "special gathering."

When Murray walked through the door that night, he looked pretty pleased with himself.

"Elizabeth, I'm back," he said, leaning in to plant a light kiss on my cheek.

"Murray, I was thinking maybe we could invite both our parents over for dinner," I suggested.

"Sure, sounds good. When were you thinking?" Murray asked, his interest clear.

"How about tomorrow night? We've been married so long and haven't ever really had both our parents over for dinner," I suggested.

"Alright," Murray agreed with a nod. "I'll have my mother bring a few gifts."

"No need to go overboard. Let's just keep it a casual, simple family dinner," I replied.

"We should still bring something," Murray insisted with a happy grin. "Elizabeth, you always think of every last detail."

I wondered if Murray would still be grinning like an idiot when he knew what this family dinner was actually for.

The next morning, I was up before the sun, diving straight into preparations.

I booked the restaurant, decorated and set up the hotel's conference room I'd reserved, and got all the projection equipment sorted—everything had to be absolutely perfect.

Later that afternoon, I called Murray. "Hey, Murray, I moved the dinner to the Golden Hotel. Our place can't really fit everyone."

"Alright, I'll go straight to the hotel," Murray answered.

"By the way, I invited a few friends too. You don't mind, right?" I asked.

"Not at all. The more, the merrier," Murray replied, clearly in a great mood.

If he had any idea who I'd really invited, he probably wouldn't be so thrilled.