I got to the Villa hoping to see him there.
I walked past the small garden in front of the villa's gate and headed upstairs to get few of my stuffs that were still here.
I couldn't wait to get out of all this and leave behind all the memories of my troubled past.
But just as i made my way downstairs, a stunning woman was in the hall, staring at me.
I lifted my head and my mouth went agape.
It was Natasha, dressed in a beautiful dress.
"Gwen, long time no see."
I was surprised. I never thought i would see Natasha there.
Arthur must have given her the key to the villa right after we got divorced, i thought.
It was evident that he was smitten by me.
I felt a wave of disgust but kept a smile on my face as i walked elegantly down the stairs.
“It's only been a few years since I last saw you, but you're becoming more elegant by the day, like a true Mrs. Winthrop” she remarked but was quickly replaced with a shock expression.
“Wait, scratch that." She covered her mouth and smiled awkwardly.
"I forgot that he divorced you. You're no longer his wife."
I remained unmoved despite knowing that Natasha words were intended to provoke me.
"I'm back now and you don’t expect to still have a place in his heart nor in the Winthrop family”
She paused and rubbed her temples. Then she continued,
“You may have married Arthur, but he and I grew up together. Did you really think you could replace me? Know your place and crawl back to the street where you came from. That's where you belong.
I'm sure you know how much he loves me. Even if he uttered in his sleep, I assure you that it will be my name he calls out. Do you understand, Gwen? To Arthur, you had only be my substitute." She said and I balled my fist.
Her substitute... ?
I was slowly getting angry but I quickly replaced it with a broad smile
“I was the woman his grandfather chose to be his wife! I was no one's substitute” I said.
I watched her scoffed.
"Well…… I don't want him anymore, so I dumped him. He's all yours now. But don't rush into marrying him too quickly, or people might see you as the other woman who ruined our marriage."
Her face immediately turned cold and fierce.
"Arthur and I love each other deeply. If it weren't for you, we would have been together long ago. You're the other woman in our relationship who deserves to be hated!"
I cast a scornful look at her. "Guess we'll just wait and see."
With that, i started walking away, but my wrist was suddenly grabbed.
I turned and saw Natasha wearing a pitiful expression, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Gwen, I'm sorry. You've always been a good friend to me, and I just wanted to check up on you this time. I meant well, and I had no idea you were divorced. I didn't mean to offend you. Please don't be angry at me, okay?"
She said and I frowned deeply.
"Are you feigning innocence here?"
I snorted and was about to free myself from her grasp. But she unexpectedly fell to the floor and let out a scream.
From behind, one would think that i had shoved her to the floor.
Interesting.
“What’s this woman up to” I thought.
If my intuition was correct, Arthur could be somewhere close by.
As expected, a masculine frantic voice came from behind me
"Gwen, what's wrong with you?"
Arthur hurried over to help Natasha up.
Then he turned to me, disappointed.
"I thought you'd have more self-control after the divorce. I never expected you to still be so cruel and heartless. I was going to give you this Villa as well and doubled the money since you have no where to do, but it doesn't seem like you deserve it."
"Don't blame her, Arthur. It was my fault. I must have said something that made her angry and she pushed me. I'm sure she didn't mean it," Natasha said, leaning into Arthur’s arms, sobbing and looking pitiful. But she secretly shot me a smug look.
Arthur face hardened. "Apologize to her right now," he ordered, staring at me.
I groaned out
He wanted me to apologize?
I was livid.
I looked at the two lovebirds and a smile appeared on my face. Then i gently pulled Natasha away from Arthur’s embrace.
Pak! A loud smack echoed through the air.
"Ah!"
Natasha yelled even louder than earlier, clutching her swollen cheek as she crumpled to the floor in pain.
I had hit her so hard that her palm was now a little numb from the impact.
Surprisingly, i was still smiling, as if nothing had happened.
I stared down at Natasha on the floor and said softly, "You accused me of bullying you, so I might as well confirm your accusations."
Tears streamed down Natasha face as she sat on the floor and sobbed.
I could see Arthur so shocked.
He never expected me to hit his lower in my present.
He was too stunned to even react.
His face darkened as he glared at me.
"Not only did you not apologize, but you even slap her? Are you trying to push me to the wall?"
My expression didn't waver as i replied coolly, "Of course not, Mr. Winthrop."
I waved my hands and smiled widely.
"We used to be a couple after all, so this is my parting gift for you before I go!"
“You……..”
But before he could even complete his statement, i grabbed my other suitcase and gave one last look to the man i used to love.
"Don't forget, i finally agreed to walked away from you and that’s because, I no longer want you, and frankly, you don't deserve me!" With that, i left.