Bella's POV***
The evening was warm, and the garden lights twinkled like tiny stars. Laughter and music filled the air as guests mingled, glasses clinking in celebration. Tonight was supposed to be special…Kelvin and I were celebrating our ten-year wedding anniversary.
I stood near the dance floor, watching as people danced and enjoyed themselves. My heart swelled with happiness.
Across the room, Simon and Mimi walked in, holding hands and smiling at each other. They looked so in love. Mimi, in her sleek red dress, held a glass of wine, laughing softly at something Simon whispered in her ear. She was beautiful, confident, and… dangerous.
I searched for Kelvin, my husband. He should have been beside me, celebrating our life together. But when I spotted him, my stomach dropped. He wasn't with me. He was with her.
Kelvin followed Mimi as she moved toward the back of the house. She glanced over her shoulder, her lips curling into a knowing smile. He hesitated for a second, then followed. My heart pounded in my chest. Something told me to go after them, but I wasn't sure if I was ready for what I might see.
Still, my feet moved on their own, silently following them through the dimly lit hallway. My breath caught in my throat when I found them.
Kelvin had his hands on Mimi's waist. She tilted her head, whispering something to him. Then, he kissed her.
Not just a small kiss. A deep, passionate one.
My world shattered.
I wanted to scream, to rush in and tear them apart, but my body refused to move. My fingers clenched into fists as I forced myself to breathe.
Then, Mimi's eyes flicked toward me.
She saw me.
For a second, our eyes locked. But she didn't flinch, didn't look guilty. She simply smirked, then turned away. Without a word, she strolled back to the party, leaving Kelvin behind.
Tears burned my eyes.
A moment later, Kelvin walked back too, fixing his suit as if nothing had happened. My hands trembled, my whole body shaking, but I didn't move.
A microphone crackled, bringing my attention back to the party. Kelvin stood on stage, smiling at our guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice warm and full of charm, "thank you for being here tonight. Ten years of marriage… It's been the best time of my life."
Lies.
I clenched my fists, feeling sick.
Kelvin continued, "Bella, my love, I promise to love you for the rest of my life." He looked right at me, as if he truly meant it. "And tonight, I am ready to grant you a few of your most cherished wishes."
I swallowed hard as someone handed me the microphone. My fingers tightened around it.
Should I tell everyone? Should I expose the truth right here?
My lips parted, but before I could say a word, a sharp scent filled the air.
Gasoline.
Then, a bright flame burst from the wedding cake.
People screamed. Gasps echoed through the air. The beautiful cake, meant to symbolize our love, was now burning.
Mimi stood nearby, watching the flames with a satisfied smirk. The empty bottle in her hand told me everything. She had set it on fire.
Rage exploded inside me. I stormed toward her.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I shouted.
She turned to me, completely calm. "I just wanted to add some excitement to your little party."
I glared at her. "Why? What do you want from me?"
Mimi stepped closer, her red lips curling into a cruel smile. "To destroy you, Bella." Her voice was cold, sharp. "I want your happiness to burn, just like that cake."
My heart pounded. "Why?"
"Because," she whispered, "I can."
The words cut deeper than a knife.
Before I could respond, she turned on her heel and walked away, disappearing into the stunned crowd.
Simon, her devoted boyfriend, stood frozen nearby. His eyes flicked between the burning cake and Mimi, realization dawning on his face.
"Mimi…" His voice cracked. "What have you done?"
She faced him, her expression unreadable. Then, with no hesitation, she said, "I've never been faithful to you."
Silence.
Simon's face paled.
He took a step back, shaking his head. "You're joking."
She tilted her head, her smirk growing. "I'm not."
I watched as Simon's heart shattered, just like mine had moments ago.
Pain twisted inside me. My hands trembled. My chest felt too tight.
I couldn't take it anymore.
Tears blurred my vision as I ran. The party, the guests, the burning cake—all of it faded as I reached the edge of the dock. The water was dark, cold, inviting.
Maybe it was better this way. Maybe I could escape the pain.
One step.
Two steps.
I closed my eyes and let myself fall.
The cold water swallowed me whole.
But just as the world turned silent around me, another splash echoed beside me.
Someone else had fallen in.
Mimi.
Someone had pushed her.