Today was the day everything would change. For better or for worse, I was about to find out.
The expansive hall dripped with luxury and class. Soft classic music hummed in the background as the elegantly dressed guests paraded the hall greeting friends and networking.
It was the biggest award ceremony of the year. My husband and boss, Jake was nominated for the award of the latest most successful businessman in the country.
Our years of sacrifice were finally paying off. My giving up my dreams to help him chase his. It had paid off.
No one here knew the full extent of the sacrifice I had made for Jake. To the world, I was just his personal assistant — the efficient, dedicated woman who handled his affairs, scheduled his meetings, and ensured his success.
Jake insisted it had to be that way to protect his reputation, to maintain a strategic image. He loved me and that was all that mattered.
I had convinced myself it was a price worth paying, that someday he would acknowledge me not just as his assistant but as his wife. Today was that day.
A huge smile remained plastered on my cheeks as people came around to offer greetings to Jake on the high table where we were seated. My insides were mushy with emotions as I let myself be happy.
Perhaps this would change things between us for the better. The cold gap between us would finally be closed and the harsh silence from Jake would change. Things would finally return to how they used to be. He would stop being so distracted.
"Now, the award for the latest most successful businessman goes to…" The host trailed off, leaving every guest with bated breaths. My heart paused as I clenched my palms into fists nervously. "Mr. Jake Donovan!"
A piercing shriek of excitement turned the attention of everyone to me. I couldn't have been happier.
As I flung myself into Jake's arms, I felt a sting in my heart as he barely brushed me off, walking towards the podium. There it was again. The silent dismissal. I masked my disappointment with a fake smile. Maybe he was just too shocked to react.
"Mr. Donovan, what would you like to tell the guests?" The host asked.
I locked eyes with Jake, my disappointment quickly evaporating as hope took over. The sacrifice of my life for him was about to be commemorated and celebrated openly.
I felt my insides tingle as he cleared his throat into the microphone. That deep, creamy voice always made me melt.
"Good evening, New York," he called into the mic with a small smirk. He kept his eyes trained on me as he spoke.
Something dark lurked in his eyes as he stared intently at me but I brushed it off. Now was not the time for any negativity.
"I don't know what to say but I know this one thing for sure. Sacrifice truly pays off. I worked my butt off to get to where I am right now, but I didn't think I'll ever be rewarded like this. Hard work pays, guys..."
I swallowed nervously, shifting on my feet as I waited for him to mention my name as well. He trailed off and cleared his throat before continuing. "Also, no man is an island. I would never have been able to get to where I am right now without her ever constant support of one strong woman."
My heart skipped a long beat. Mist enveloped my eyes as I placed my hand to my chest. My smile was wide as a Cheshire cat's. This would confirm everything. Jake still loved me. Things would be alright. I adjusted my dress, waiting to be called upon to wave in recognition.
I had never been more wrong in my life.
"That woman is Tiffany Campbell, the love of my life and mother of my unborn child."
The world seemed to come to a complete halt at that moment. My heart sunk as the realisation hit me like thunderbolt. What?
From another corner of the hall, a glamorous lady in a dress that revealed slender legs and her makeup touched to perfection rose and headed to the podium. I recognised her. Tiffany. The woman who had first stolen Jake's heart only to leave it crushed by disappearing.
Was this a dream? This couldn't be real. I stumbled to my feet, chuckling nervously. My heart thumped so loudly I could hear it in my ears.
"Jake, honey, what's going on?" The words were out of my mouth and louder than intended as I walked to the podium.
Every eye was glued to me but I didn't care. To me, it was just me and Jake in this world, not even Tiffany who stood with a pompous smirk on her face.
Jake's eyes were dark and enigmatic as he mouthed to me, "Just go to your seat, Eva. I'll explain everything to you later."
The betrayal stabbed so deep I quivered. My hands trembled as I walked over to him, shaking my head.
"You're making a mistake, Jake. I helped you. I was the one who spent sleepless nights to help you succeed."
There was no iota of remorse in his eyes as he glared at me. If anything, he looked disgusted with me. Was I that embarrassing?
"Go to your seat, Eva. Stop creating a scene!" He gritted out.
My blood boiled over like larva and the emotions I had been trying so hard to restrain bubbles over. I didn't mind that there were cameras all flashing in our direction and that the guests were now whispering loudly.
"No way would I sit back and watch a gold-digger take my place in your life. I am your wife, Jake. I love you with every fibre in my body. I gave up my dream, my family, everything to help you. Tiffany didn't do that. I DID!"
Jake's eyes grew even colder as he took Tiffany's hands. "You must be delusional, Ms Eva. You are just my PA. Don't ever think you'll be anything more. Now go to your seat and stop creating a scene or I'll have no choice but to fire you!"
I stood in the center of the hall, shivering like a chicken drenched in the rain as Jake took Tiffany's hands and walked back to his seat.
Tiffany paused by my side and mumbled to my hearing, "He was always mine, Eva. You were just his stepping stone. Thanks for nothing."
The murmurs of the guests were anything but silent.
"Such a shameless lady."
"It's a pity many PAs think they can be anything more."
"She probably just wants him because of his money."
Pain numbed me and tears rolled down my cheeks, ruining my makeup. The betrayal ate me up more than the embarrassment.
I barely jumped as two strong arms wrapped around me as two burly guards dragged me out.
My dignity, my life—everything I held dear had been snatched from me. It was birthing something within me. Something dark, hard and unyielding.
Snatching my hands from the grips of the guards, I strutted away from the hall to their shock. I did not look back.
If this was how it ended, I'd make sure it ended on my own terms.