The Morning After the Midnight Vow
The Phoenix Mansion was waking up to a soft, golden sunrise that filtered through the sheer silk curtains of the master suite. The air was still warm from the night before, smelling faintly of vanilla and expensive cologne. On the massive King bed, the ivory sheets were a tangled mess of comfort and intimacy.
Sunlight and Skin
Gabriella lay peacefully in the circle of Felix's arms, her head resting against his chest. They were both cocooned under the heavy velvet bedsheet, their faces inches apart. Felix was already awake, his dark eyes soft and focused on her. He traced the line of her eyebrow and the bridge of her nose with a feather-light touch, moving slowly down to the curve of her lips.
In her half-sleep, Gabriella let out a tiny sigh and clung closer to him. Her hand wandered across his bare skin, her fingers tracing the hard lines of his abs. Felix caught her hand in his, his grip gentle but firm.
She blinked her eyes open, meeting his gaze. He gave her a lazy, devastatingly handsome smile. "Is last night enough for you?" he whispered, his voice deep and raspy with sleep.
Gabriella's heart skipped a beat as he pulled the bedsheet higher, his naughty smirk telling her exactly what he was thinking. "If you want, shall we...?" he murmured, leaning in until his lips brushed against hers. Gabriella's eyes started to drift shut, her senses drowning in his warmth.
CLANG!
The sharp sound of a utensil hitting the floor echoed through the hallway. Gabriella jumped, her eyes snapping open. "Did you hear that?" she whispered.
Felix smirked, trying to pull her back down. "I can only hear and feel your heartbeat, Gabriella. Ignore it."
CRASH!
Another sound followed, louder this time. Felix narrowed his eyes, his protective instincts overriding the romance. He let out a frustrated huff, sat up, and threw on his black shirt, leaving the buttons open. Gabriella quickly scrambled to find her nightdress on the floor, wrapping herself in a silk robe to hide her flushed skin.
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The Kitchen Intruder
Minutes later, the two of them hurried down the grand marble staircase and into the kitchen. The morning light was bright here, reflecting off the white quartz island. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw a figure standing by the stove.
It was Nancy. She was wearing a fluffy oversized hoodie and leggings, looking completely out of place in the high-end kitchen. She turned around, a wide, innocent smile on her face.
"Oh! Good morning, you two!" she chirped. "Did I make too much noise?"
Just as she spoke, she tried to flip a pancake, but the spatula slipped, and another metal bowl clattered onto the floor. Nancy gave an awkward, sheepish smile, her face turning pink. "I was just trying to make a surprise breakfast for the newlyweds... but I think I'm better at eating than cooking."
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Secrets, Sweets, and a Silent Vow
The dining room of the Phoenix Mansion was bathed in the soft glow of a crystal chandelier. The long mahogany table was spread with a delicious spread of grilled chicken and creamy pasta. Gabriella sat across from Felix, looking effortlessly beautiful in a cream-colored knit sweater dress that felt soft against her skin.
The Uninvited Guest
Felix sat with his arms crossed, his black silk shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar. He glared at Nancy, who was humming happily as she piled food onto everyone's plate.
"You terrified us, Nancy," Felix grumbled, his voice deep and annoyed. "Couldn't you inform me before showing up at my house?"
Nancy popped a cherry tomato into her mouth and gave a mischievous grin. "Do I need a golden permit to visit my own brother's place? Is that the new rule?" She turned to Gabriella with a sweet wink. "Am I right, Gabby?"
Gabriella smiled, feeling a rare sense of warmth. "No permit needed, Nancy."
Nancy beamed and scooped an extra helping of pasta onto Gabriella's plate. "It's tasty, right?" Her eyes turned on Felix "Do you want me to feed you too, or help yourself" she teased.
Felix rolled his eyes so hard it almost hurt. "Serve yourself, Nancy."
"I came here to help you guys! And to surprise you!" Nancy insisted, ignoring her brother's grumpiness. "I didn't want to disturb your... private time."
Felix leaned in and whispered just loud enough for Gabriella to hear, "You already did."
"What was that?" Nancy asked, narrowing her eyes.
Before Felix could say something snarky, Gabriella reached under the table and stepped firmly on his foot.
"Ow!" Felix winced, his face twisting in pain.
"What happened?" Nancy asked, startled.
"Nothing," Felix hissed, shooting Gabriella a look that was half-irritated and half-amused.
"Anyway," Nancy announced, waving her fork, "I'm going shopping right after breakfast."
Felix raised an eyebrow. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I'm taking Gabriella with me!" Nancy chirped.
"No," Felix said instantly, his protective streak flaring up. "We have a party to attend later this evening."
"It's just for a few hours, Felix! We'll be back way before then," Nancy countered. She looked at Gabriella, who gave a small, encouraging smile. Felix sighed, knowing he had already lost this battle.
"Fine," he muttered.
Nancy's expression softened as she looked at both of them. "I have to head back abroad soon... right after we celebrate your birthday tomorrow."
Gabriella froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. "His birthday? Tomorrow?"
Nancy gasped. "He didn't tell you? Typical Felix!"
Felix leaned in close to Gabriella's ear, his breath warm against her cheek. "So, wifey... what gift are you going to give me?" he whispered playfully.
Gabriella looked him right in the eye, her voice low and teasing. "I won't give you anything."
Felix looked mockingly shocked. "What? Not even a kiss?"
As they bickered in low voices that only they could hear, Gabriella's gaze drifted down to Felix's wrist. He was wearing an old, scratched-up watch. It was outdated, the leather strap was worn, and it looked completely out of place against his expensive clothes. She realized then that he never took it off.
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The Grand Central Plaza was a neon-lit paradise of high-end boutiques and the scent of expensive perfume. Teenagers flocked to the marble walkways, but Gabriella stood out in her ebony leather jacket and distressed skinny jeans. Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek, high ponytail, giving her a sharp, "don't-mess-with-me" vibe that perfectly hid the swirling emotions in her chest.
The Secret Purchase
Inside a dimly lit, high-tech boutique, Gabriella stood before a glass display. Her eyes were fixed on a Limited Edition Stealth-Black Smart Watch. It was sleek, with a sapphire glass face and a titanium band that looked more like a piece of armor than a timepiece. She thought of the old, outdated watch on Felix's wrist—the one she now knew held a dark secret.
She paid for the watch in cash, her fingers trembling slightly as she tucked the small, velvet-lined box deep into her shopping bag.
A few minutes later, she stepped out into the bustling atrium. Nancy was waiting by a fountain, looking like a fashion icon in a bright red trench coat. She was surrounded by at least a dozen shopping bags filled with the latest trends.
"Finally!" Nancy chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What did you buy? Let me see!"
Gabriella gave a mysterious, tight-lipped smile. "It's a surprise, Nancy. You'll have to wait until tomorrow."
Nancy laughed, adjusting the heavy bags in her hands. "Fine, keep your secrets! But seriously, Gabby, you have incredible fashion sense. I absolutely love the selections you picked out for me. From now on, you are officially my permanent shopping partner."
Gabriella felt a rare spark of genuine warmth. Amidst a life built on revenge and lies, Nancy's bubbly energy was the only thing that felt real. "Of course," Gabriella replied, her voice soft. "I actually enjoyed today too."
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The Masquerade of the Phoenix
The Grand Sapphire Hotel was a towering monument of glass and gold. Tonight, the ballroom was bathed in a warm, amber glow. The air smelled of expensive cologne and vintage champagne. It was the night of the Phoenix Group Gala—the official debut of Felix's bride to the elite world of business tycoons and boardroom sharks.
The Prelude in the Dark
Outside the hotel, a sleek black limousine pulled up to the red carpet. Inside the hushed, leather-scented car, Gabriella looked breathtaking. She was draped in a floor-length, midnight-black gown encrusted with tiny crystals that shimmered like a star-filled sky. The slit up the side revealed her silver stilettos, making her look like a lethal queen.
She leaned over to adjust Felix's silk tie, her fingers steady despite the revenge racing through her veins. Felix, looking dangerously handsome in a tailored three-piece tuxedo, leaned in, his dark eyes fixed on her lips.
"Don't even think about it," Gabriella whispered, placing a hand on his chest. "You'll ruin my lipstick. No kisses until after the party."
Felix didn't listen. Taking advantage of the moment she was off guard, he leaned in and captured her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss.
Gabriella stunned, her heart doing a frantic dance. When he tried to come closer again, she pushed him back with a playful glare. "You...!"
Felix only smirked, his eyes glowing with pride. He stepped out of the car and offered his hand. Gabriella placed her gloved hand in his, and together, they stepped into the lion's den.
As they entered the ballroom, every head turned. The elite Board of Directors, the business tycoons, and Felix's high-profile friends fell silent. Gabriella kept a poised, elegant smile on her face, even as she felt the weight of a thousand judging eyes.
After moving through the crowd of tycoons, they joined a smaller group of Felix's close associates. Suddenly, one friend—who had clearly been away too long—beamed at Gabriella.
"Nice to meet you, Jane!" he exclaimed loudly. "I honestly didn't expect you lovers to finally get married. Congratulations!"
The air in the circle turned to ice. Felix bit his lip, his expression darkening instantly. Gabriella's smile faltered, her heart dropping into her stomach.Jane?
Another friend leaned in, whispering frantically, "That's not Jane, man. That's Gabriella!"
The first friend turned pale. "Oh... I was abroad for so long, I just thought... I'm so sorry."
Felix didn't pull away. Instead, he placed a firm, protective hand on Gabriella's shoulder, pulling her flush against his side. He looked the man straight in the eye, his voice loud and steady.
"You're right," Felix said, a sharp but calm smile crossing his face. "She isn't my 'lover.' She is my wife. The woman that no one can replace—not even a person from the past."
Gabriella felt a surge of pride. She looked up at him, her eyes softening as she took the wine glass he offered her. She felt like she had finally won a piece of his heart.
Across the room, leaning against a marble pillar, a young, mysterious business man watched Gabriella with an intense, predatory gaze. He wasn't looking at her dress or her jewels; he was looking at her like he knew exactly what she was hiding.
He took a slow sip of his whiskey, a playful, wicked smirk spreading across his face.
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The Shadow of the Past
The Grand Sapphire Hotel was a labyrinth of luxury, but even its golden hallways felt suffocating. Gabriella, dressed in her midnight-black crystal gown, felt the heavy weight of the elite crowd. Her dress clung to her perfectly, the high slit making her look like a dangerous siren. After a long talk with the tycoons, she leaned into Felix.
"I need to go to the washroom," she whispered, her voice like velvet. Felix nodded, his eyes following her as she disappeared down the corridor.
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The Predator in the Hall
Gabriella emerged from the washroom to find the hallway eerily empty. Suddenly, a hand clamped onto her wrist. It was that creepy young businessman from the party. He was dressed in a flashy designer suit, but his eyes were filled with something cheap and dark.
"Hi," he smiled, his gaze traveling up and down her figure. "You have a really good body."
"Idiot," Gabriella hissed, shoving his hand away. She tried to walk back toward the crowded hall, but he was faster. He grabbed her again, his grip tight and disrespectful.
"Don't act innocent," he mocked, pulling a room key card from his pocket. "Aren't you wearing a hot dress like this just to catch a man's attention? Why not mine?"
Gabriella's fury boiled over. "Do you want a slap that'll make you never look at a woman again?" she snapped, her hand already rising.
But before her palm could connect, another hand slapped him. Felix.
Felix stood there, looking like a dark god of vengeance in his tuxedo. His face was a mask of cold rage. "The bad intention is in your eyes," Felix said, his voice a low, lethal growl. "Not in her dress. My woman has the right to wear whatever she wants without being bothered by someone like you."
Gabriella stared at Felix, her heart swelling with deep emotion and respect. In a world of sharks, he was the only one truly standing in front of her. The creep looked around, realized he was outmatched, and hissed, "You'll pay for this!" before storming away in a fury.
Felix turned to her, his touch softening as he grazed her cheek. "Are you okay?"
Gabriella nodded, unable to speak. Felix's phone buzzed—a high-priority call. "Wait for me here. I have to attend to this," he said, giving her one last protective look before walking toward the lobby.
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The Glowing Secret
Gabriella walked out onto the open fountain balcony. The air was cool, the water dancing under the moonlight. She was smiling to herself, thinking of how Felix had defended her.
Suddenly, her wrist felt warm. She looked down and gasped. The silver bracelet she was wearing—the one she had won with her ex-lover in an amusement park couple's game—was blinking with a bright white light.
She raised her head, her breath hitching. Standing across the fountain was Jake. His wrist was glowing with the exact same intensity. The bracelets, designed to light up when the "lovers" were near each other, were screaming the truth to the night sky.
They stood frozen, the white light reflecting in their eyes, a haunting reminder of a love that was supposed to be dead.
"Couple bracelets..."
The voice was like a whip. Gabriella and Jake both spun around. Felix was standing at the balcony entrance, his phone forgotten in his hand. His gaze dropped from Gabriella's glowing wrist to Jake's, and then back to her face.
His expression wasn't angry—it was stunned, the look of a man who had just realized his wife's heart was still tethered to his greatest rival.
Did Felix follow her to surprise her with a gift, and will this glowing betrayal turn his protective love into a cold, calculated revenge?
What will Felix do when he realizes the "wife no one can replace" is still wearing the mark of another man?
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To be Continued....
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