Chapter 16
Author's POV
[Six months after the surgery]
Marlie prepared herself to remove the bandage from her face. Comfortably sitting on the hospital bed, Mark stood by her side with a mirror in hand.
After waiting several minutes, all the bandages were finally cleared, and Marlie's tightly closed eyes awaited the doctor's instructions. As soon as he gave the signal, she slowly opened her and gazed upon Mark's smiling face.
Standing in front of Marlie, Mark handed her the mirror. "It's time to see your new face."
Slowly opening her eyes, Marlie beheld the face that now belonged to her. "You are now Charlie," Mark declared confidently.
Yes, she was now Charlie without a doubt, ready to avenge her elder sister's death. Examining her face in the mirror, Marlie declared, "Get ready for me, Chad. You and your family will pay!"
*****
{Another Six Months Later}
In Baristanas Mansion, preparations had been made for Audrey's engagement party.
Angelina, with her own wealth slightly below that of the Baristanas family, made sure to invite prominent people to grace the occasion.
She was not only Audrey's best friend but also the woman approved by Chad's family for him to marry. Their childhood friendship and Angelina's deeply rooted love for Chad were additional factors.
Truth be told, Angelina looked stunning in her black dress, accentuating her perfectly shaped body, with curves and a slim waist. Even though all the guests wore outfits of the same color, she managed to stand out among all of them.
Chad and his mother seemed to be the only ones missing from the party, apart from the princess, the guest of honor.
However, just moments after being asked about it, Chad's mother gracefully descended the stairs, exuding a regal presence akin to that of a queen. The guests showered her with praises and raised their glasses in a toast.
Clad in an exquisite black dress, one would easily mistake her for being in her thirties, despite her being 48 years old. She was truly a stunning sight to behold.
"Mrs. Baristanas, you truly embody the essence of this party and seem out of this world," remarked Mr. Sanchez, Angelina's father, as he raised his wine glass in a toast to Chad's mother, Silvia.
"Oh, come on Mr. Sanchez, you flatter me. I am well aware that wrinkles have started appearing on my face," Silvia joked.
"Don't say that, Auntie. You look even younger than a 24-year-old like me.," Angelina chimed in, joining her father in complimenting Silvia.
The woman burst into laughter at the kind words. "Oh my dear, you don't look bad yourself. Chad will be here soon, so don't worry. I know you must be searching for him by now," Silvia playfully teased Angelina, who blushed and clung to her father's hand like a spoiled child.
All the guests greeted them, sending congratulatory wishes to Audrey as she arrived.
"But Auntie, when will Chad join us?" Angelina anxiously inquired, her eyes darting around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
"Fear not, sister-in-law. My brother will be here very shortly," Audrey, the star of the evening, joined the conversation, wearing her elegant custom-made white gown.
She winked at her best friend, indicating the title she had just bestowed upon her.
Angelina blushed, while her father chuckled in recognition.
"My child, you shouldn't utter such things openly. Many might get the wrong impression that my daughter is a homewrecker. Let's not forget, your brother is still married," Mr. Sanchez spoke with a pretentious air, hoping to evoke a reaction from Silvia and Audrey.
His attempt proved successful, as Audrey and her mother's expressions changed dramatically at the mention of Charlie.
"Ha! Don't even remind me of my worst nightmare. I simply can't understand what goes on in my son's mind sometimes," Silvia stated indignantly.
"Auntie, please calm down. Don't stress yourself," Angelina pleaded, wearing a sympathetic expression as she left her father's side and went to comfort Sylvia.
"Thank you, my dear. As always, you understand me better than anyone. Not like that woman," Sylvia remarked while patting Angelina's back.
Audrey gently redirected the conversation, urging her companion to focus on the joyous occasion at hand.
"You make a valid point, my dear. It is best for us to refrain from discussing that worthless and pompous woman. After all, she has been away visiting her sister for several months now; I highly doubt she even remembers that she has a husband waiting for her here." Silvia spat.
"I fervently hope that she never returns," Audrey punctuated her remark with disdain.
Though the arrival of Silvia brought joy to Angelina and her father, who shared Audrey's sentiments about Charlie's absence, their sly plans seemed to go awry as a loud voice reverberated, capturing everyone's attention.
"Hello, everyone... The Original Mrs. Baristanas has arrived!" A female voice sounded sarcastically.
All eyes turned towards the room entrance.
And woe to them... there, Marlie stood with her luggage, sporting a subtle smile. Her red dress embraced her curvaceous figure, accentuating her slender legs. The elegant curls of her blonde hair framed her cheeks, and her enchanting smile warmed the hearts of onlookers, who marveled at her beauty.
Silvia, Audrey, Angelina, and Mr. Sanchez were taken aback by Charlie's unexpected return. They had hoped that she would never come back to disrupt their lives. Why did she appear now, on this momentous day? In their minds, they cursed her ill-timed return.
"Ah, it seems there's a celebration taking place here," Marlie commented, feigning nonchalance as she studied the room, trying her best not to rush toward the mother and daughter and kill them once and for all.
"Mother, sister-in-law... I had no idea you were so eager to welcome me back. Is this splendid gathering in my honor?" Charlie inquired, the falseness of her smile still lingering.
She clearly noticed the four accomplices glaring at her with contempt, but she remained unperturbed.
She discreetly surveyed the room, searching for her estranged husband, Chad.
"Where is my beloved husband? Marlie questioned, emphasizing the word "husband.
Audrey and the rest rolled their eyes at that.
"Why is he not present? I seem to be unable to locate him," Marlie continued her pretense.
Just as Audrey was about to respond, Chad, who had just arrived from the office, interrupted her.
"Charlie?" He called out.
The shock on his face was unmistakable, and his voice startled Marlie, causing a brief moment of vulnerability to flicker across her face.
Their first encounter after their sinful act left her shaken to her core upon hearing his voice.
With composed grace, Marlie turned to face Chad, their eyes locking as she observed his sheer astonishment.
Yet, his remarkable features remained unchanged.
Although his attire was a blank canvas from head to toe, Marlie couldn't help but notice the visible presence of his strong muscles beneath the coat.
His sinfully handsome face was enhanced by his silky hair. He still exuded a strong aura, with that icy stare so prominently displayed. His demeanor alone could make any girl yearn to be held by him.
The sight of him brought back memories of that sinful moment, the touch of his bare muscles, the visibility of his well-defined abs, and his kiss on her collarbone. The very thought sent shivers down her spine.
She stumbled momentarily, but the bag containing her belongings saved her from falling. Despite her racing heart, she tried her best to maintain control.
A whirlwind of emotions filled her, causing her to tightly clench her fist around the luggage. Pushing past her fears, she managed a smile and spoke to him in a pretentious tone...
"Hello, my love!" She spoke, before casting a glance over her shoulder and noting the anger festering within Audrey as well as Angelina to her surprise.
"Oh, so you are that mistress!" She thought.
These emotions were not lost on Marlie, who pondered inwardly, acknowledging their reaction.
"Alright then, let's start with you bitch!" Marlie thought and smirked inwardly.
Proceeding with regal poise, she ventured toward Chad's side, maintaining an identical tone as Charlie. She has indeed, practiced well and even lost a significant weight just be Charlie.
"Did you miss me darling?" she inquired pointedly, embracing Chad as he stood there, bothered by Angelina's reaction.
Unexpectedly Marlie shocked everyone, realizing the effect on Angelina, by slamming her lips to that of Chad.
She kissed him in front of everyone, adding salt to the wounds of anyone who was feeling jealous.
Smiling inwardly, she thought to herself... 'This is just the beginning, you wait!!!