Chapter 3Her Husband Cheated, and She Tore Down the Wealthy Family for a Triumphant Revenge!

I stepped into the apartment—the same place Gabriel and I had shared for three years.

The warm, inviting home I had painstakingly decorated now felt like nothing more than an illusion.

The walls, once filled with laughter and love, now mocked me with their silence.

I had designed this place to be a home—for both of us. But in the end, I had just built a gilded cage for myself.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion pulling me under.

* * *

When I woke up, the apartment was still empty.

Gabriel hadn't come home.

Not even a text.

What was I expecting?

I let out a sharp breath, shaking off the weight in my chest.

After making myself a simple breakfast, I decided to head to the office.

But the moment I stepped out of the building, I froze.

Gabriel was standing there—with Harper.

I met his gaze, my expression unreadable. "Gabriel, have you sunk so low that you're actually bringing your mistress home now?"

Gabriel sighed, looking bored. "Harper has nowhere to stay. What kind of man would I be if I left her on the streets?"

Harper clutched his arm, her eyes welling up with crocodile tears. "Maybe… maybe I should find somewhere else to live. I don’t want to cause problems between you two."

Her trembling voice was laced with just the right amount of pity.

Gabriel's expression softened instantly. "No, you’re staying with us. Julia has no right to refuse."

I arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in my eyes.

"No right to refuse?" I repeated, crossing my arms. "Gabriel, do you need a reminder? This apartment was bought with my money. You don’t get to decide who lives here."

His jaw tensed, and before I could react, he lifted his hand.

As if he was actually going to slap me.

I didn't even flinch.

I met his gaze, unshaken. "Go ahead. Hit me. I dare you."

Gabriel hesitated.

But before anything else could happen, Harper grabbed my hand, her delicate fingers trembling.

"Julia, please don’t fight with Gabriel because of me," she whimpered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I’ll leave. I’ll go somewhere else."

And then, suddenly—

She collapsed.

Right there, at my feet.

Her hand flew to her chest, her breathing ragged. "Gabriel… my heart… it hurts…"

Gabriel’s face drained of color, panic flashing in his eyes. He turned on me instantly.

"Julia, if anything happens to Harper, I’ll never forgive you."

I stilled.

And then—

Harper looked up at me, a smile curving at the edges of her lips.

A smile meant only for me to see.

Slowly, my fingers curled into fists, my nails biting into my palms.

But I felt nothing.

Not pain. Not anger.

Just emptiness.

This was the man I had loved for five years.

The man I had shared a bed with.

And now, I was just someone to blame.

A sharp pain bloomed in my chest, but I swallowed it down, forcing myself to stand tall.

I watched as Gabriel scooped Harper into his arms, his concern never once faltering.

He didn’t spare me a second glance.

I didn't move.

I just stood there, watching them walk away—

My eyes as still and lifeless as a stagnant pool of water.

* * *

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