Adelynn's grip on Esme's shoulder tightened. "Don't listen to him, Esme. He's not worth your time or your tears."
Esme knew Adelynn was right, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of betrayal and hurt. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm herself down.
Fury simmered beneath Esme's words. "I supported his career and convinced his father to seek opportunities outside our hometown. And yet, Julian accused me of manipulation. He humiliated our love and shattered my trust."
Sobbing, Esme buried her face in her hands, her shoulders quivering with the weight of her anguish.
Adelynn enveloped Esme in a comforting embrace, offering solace and reassurance. "That man doesn't see your worth. It's good that you ended things. You deserve someone better than a cheating partner." She held her chin and wiped her tears away. "You are young and beautiful. You will get a better man than Julian."
With a bitter laugh, Esme shook her head. "I can't think about another relationship right now. Trusting someone after this feels impossible," she sighed in resignation.
"I'm not asking you to rush into anything," Adelynn conceded, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. "You're finally single now. Let's celebrate that tonight."
Esme chuckled at her friend's zeal. "No, Adel, I can't..."
Adelynn wouldn't take no for an answer. "Come on, Esme. Don't lock yourself away because of a cheater. He is probably out enjoying himself, so why can't you? You deserve to have fun and live your life to the fullest."
Rising to her feet, Adelynn grabbed the tabloid from the coffee table, determined. "I'll finish work early. Then we're hitting a bar, and we'll dance the night away. Be ready."
Esme shrugged in defeat, realizing she couldn't outmaneuver her persuasive friend. "Alright," she relented, agreeing to the evening plans. "Let's celebrate."
"That's my girl. I've got to run to work now, but I'll be back early in the evening. Get ready, and we'll hit the town!" With that, she rushed off to her room, leaving Esme alone in the hallway.
Esme sat on the couch, feeling a mixture of nerves and uncertainty. She wasn't sure if she was ready to move on and party, but she also didn't want to disappoint her friend. Sighing, she leaned back and closed her eyes, wondering what the night ahead would bring.
As Adelynn departed for work, Esme found herself sinking deeper into sadness. The recent tumultuous arguments with Julian and their painful breakup played on an endless loop in her mind, stirring fresh tears in her eyes. In her solitude, a yearning to connect with her parents overcame her, prompting her to reach for her phone and dial her mother's number.
After just a few rings, Scarlet, Esme's mother, picked up the call.
Esme was overwhelmed with emotions when she heard her mother's voice. She wanted to cry out loud and tell her everything. But she held herself back, not wanting to upset her. Besides, she didn't want to talk about Julian right now.
"Mommy," Esme greeted, attempting to muster a faint smile, though her trembling voice betrayed her true emotions.
"Esme, I thought you'd call me last night," Scarlet chimed in, a mix of excitement and disappointment evident in her tone. "How was your exam?"
"It went well," Esme replied tersely, struggling to mask her inner turmoil.
"I knew it. My daughter is brilliant," Scarlet exclaimed proudly. "Your dad will be delighted."
Esme's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to her mother's warm words. She felt a pang of regret for not calling her parents sooner.
Scarlet continued, oblivious to Esme's distress. "I have something to tell you, dear."
Esme's heart skipped a beat as she anticipated her mother's next words. She thought her mother might bring up the subject of her and Julian's marriage. Her heart was heavy. She couldn't tell them that they had broken up already. Maybe she would gather her courage in a few days and reveal the truth. Or maybe, just maybe, Julian would realize his mistakes and return to her.
'Forget about Julian,' Esme whispered to herself, her mind in turmoil.
She forced a smile and asked, "What is it, Mommy?" She pretended to be excited.
Esme's phone buzzed incessantly with incoming messages, distracting her momentarily. She glanced at the screen to check who was texting her, which was when she heard her mother saying something. She ignored the messages and pressed the phone back to her ears.
"Your father has spoken to one of his clients about you," Scarlet announced, her voice brimming with excitement. "And guess what? That client is willing to offer you a job in his firm."
"Oh, I see." Esme's initial enthusiasm quickly gave way to apprehension. She hadn't expected this twist, and her mind raced as she tried to process the implications.
She wasn't ready to return to her hometown just yet. Her mission to confront Julian and expose Ruby was still incomplete. If she left now, it wouldn't serve her purpose; Julian's perception wouldn't change, and Ruby wouldn't face the consequences she deserved.
"What? Are you not interested?" Scarlet asked, sensing her hesitation.
"I am excited," Esme replied. "And I appreciate that Dad wants to help me in my career. But I need some time to think about it," Esme responded hesitantly, struggling to conceal her true motives.
"Are you considering staying near Julian?" Scarlet playfully prodded, sensing her daughter's intention.
Esme managed a weak chuckle; the ache in her heart was overwhelming. "Yes, I want to focus on my career in the city for now. If things don't work out, I'll consider coming home."
"As you wish, darling. I'll support you no matter what," Scarlet assured her lovingly.
Esme's phone continued to vibrate with another incoming message. Curiosity got the better of her. She wondered who had been sending her so many messages.
"I know, Mommy. And thank you for everything. I'll call you later. Bye."
Esme ended the call and checked the messages, only to see it was the same mysterious number that had informed her earlier about Julian's secret affairs with Ruby. Her heart leaped with anxiety as she was eager to find out what this person had sent her this time. An unsettling feeling settled within her, unsure of what awaited her.
The screen revealed Julian lounging on a balcony, casually sipping coffee. His hair was messy, and his torso was bare. It seemed that he had just woken up. This photo brought a mix of emotions to Esme. Her eyes narrowed as she swiped to the next photo, revealing Julian asleep on a bed, Ruby nestled against his bare chest, a smug smile directed at the camera.
Esme's stomach flipped as she stared at the images, each one a stab to her wounded heart, ripping open old wounds and dousing them in salt. Trembling hands scrolled down to read the accompanying text, which struck her like a physical blow:
'You see, Julian has chosen me at last. No matter what you do, he will return to me. Esme, you're a failure. You believed the rumors about us had ceased. The detective you hired betrayed you. I bribed him, and he started working for me. I never thought it would be so easy to fool the smart and talented Esme Shaw. Admit defeat and get out of Julian's life. Don't attempt to win him back.'
The words dripped with malice and triumph, taunting her.
The realization hit Esme like a shock wave. It was all Ruby's doing—every bit of it. All the information about Julian's infidelity had been fed to her by Ruby, purposely creating tension and chaos between Esme and Julian.