The Betrayal

A satisfying grin spread over Max’s lips as the neon light of the bar cast a glow on the beautiful piece of five-carat diamond ring cradled in his hands, causing it to reflect the diverse colors.

“Aria and I have been married for three years, and I haven’t given her any precious gifts. This would be a perfect gift for our anniversary.” He mumbled to himself when a firm hand suddenly jabbed his shoulder, startling him into dropping the ring which landed with a soft thud on the bar counter.

“What do we have here, Max?” muttered the snarky middle-aged, obese looking man, “Planning to pawn off some fake jewelry to pay your bills again?”

Max always hated Manager Hollis because of his rude and demeaning way of speaking to him, so he wasn't surprised at his statement at all. Rather, he was ready to defend himself.

“No sir, this is actually a real five-carat diamond ring.” He defended. “Something you’d never be able to afford.” He mumbled.

“What did you just say?” Hollis scoffed in disbelief, “Do you think you can buy such an expensive gem?” he asked him angrily, but Max ignored him as he picked up the ring and placed it back in its case before shoving it into his apron wrapped around his work trousers.

Even though he hated him, Hollis has always been intimidated by Max’s broad shoulders and sturdy chest and dared not raise his hand at him but was good at using his mouth to insult Max where it hurts the most, “At least, I don’t mooch off my in-laws. How shameless!” he scoffed.

This always gets to Max because he was right. Even after three years of marriage, Max lived every day facing humiliation from the extended members of her wife’s family as he lived with them in their mansion.

The manager looked down at Max in disdain as he commanded, “Take this cart to Club Room 012.” and then walked away.

Max slowly released his clenched fist and tense body as he pushed the cart of Chateau Lafite Rothschild wine and wine glasses toward the assigned room, he let out a deep breath, reassuring himself, “Just endure this for the last time. Get through tonight, and your nightmare will be over.”

He forced a smile as he pushed the door of the room open, the dimly lit room welcomed him with a haze of cigarette smoke, whispers mixed with the soft jazz music playing in the background and the sound of clinking glasses and laughter.

Amidst the chaos, a familiar giggle echoed in his ear. Even though there were several other voices, he could easily make out that special voice at any time.

“Aria?” He mumbled partially in disbelief as his wife wasn’t supposed to be anywhere around here.

He brushed the thought and started to walk in, accustomed to the usual air of decadence and debauchery that filled the room until a manly voice asked, “Love, I heard this is where that loser husband of yours works, are you not afraid of getting caught?”

“I’ve always wanted to divorce him for a long time. How can an incompetent man like him compare to you?” The familiar feminine voice came again, and this time, Max was certain it was Aria as he could make out her face from the group of well-dressed individuals huddled together having flirtatious banters.

“At least I can finally enjoy the good life my sisters and friends enjoy from their men. Something Max will never be able to provide.” She added, her voice filled with scorn and disgust.

Max’s heart sank as he laid his eyes on his wife, draped over the lap of a well-known business tycoon, their bodies entwined in a way that made it clear they were more than just acquaint

Shock and disbelief coursed through him as he took in the scene before him - a secret party where people were willing to sell their bodies for business opportunities.

Max’s voice caught in his throat as he asked, “Aria…what are you doing here?”

Aria's friend, Emma, was in the arms of another business tycoon sneered in disgust at the sight of him, saying, “Huh, the loser is here.”

Aria stood up, a veneer of sophistication masking the turmoil within her, “Max, I was going to tell you tonight, but since you’re here…let’s get a divorce.” She blurted out, her mere words shattering Max’s heart into a million pieces.

“Aria…you don’t mean it…I–we…” he swallowed the lump in his throat as Aria strode towards him, holding a document she had removed from her bag.

She waved her hand, flashing a diamond ring to his face, “This is a 3-carat cushion diamond ring Tate used to propose to me. Even your salary for five years won’t be enough to buy this.” She bragged. “Just sign this and get lost!” She snapped, slapping his face with the document.

Max was still in disbelief despite seeing and hearing everything firsthand, but seeing Tate’s hands groping his wife’s ass, he was triggered.

While keeping his identity as the sole heir of the multi-trillion dollar oil and gas company in Wessexia City on the low, Maximilian Stratford pretended to be a regular 9-5 white-collar staff at one of the branches of his company.

At that time, he showered her with expensive gifts since he received a generous amount as a salary from the company he claimed to work for.

Shortly after Aria revealed he was carrying his child, he proposed to her and immediately planned their wedding, but his grandpa, Mr. Stratford Senior challenged him, saying, “Go and experience the other side of ‘Real Life’. Become dirt poor and live with your in-laws for three years, then I will let you have the company even if you still want to cut ties with me as you've always wished.”

The offer tempted Maxmillian because he has always had a terrible relationship with his grandfather long before his parents passed.

On their wedding night, Max revealed to his wife that he had been fired from his high-paying job and lost all his savings to an internet scam.

Ultimately, they had to move into Aria’s family home, where they lived for the next three years as per the challenge.

“Aria, I bought you a better diamond ring. Five-carat!” He replied as he tried to pull her away from Tate, but she pushed his hand away.

“You lowlife! We’re not talking about stones here, dude! Even the measly $1,000 ring you bought for Aria’s engagement was later sold after you went broke.” Emma scolded angrily.

Max shoved her away, scolding, “Emma, stay away from them. You've always been a slut and you'd stop at nothing to make my wife one.”

Max tried to reach Aria again but she pushed his hand away and sent a hot slap across his cheek.

“How dare you call my friend a slut? Don't you dare touch me with that wretched hand!” Aria yelled furiously at him.

Tate stood up and patted Aria’s hair lovingly in an attempt to calm her down.

Max’s brown eyes sparkled with tears as she stared at them. Not able to take it, he charged towards them and grabbed her once again.

Before he knew it, Tate grabbed the bottle of wine from his cart and smashed it on his head.

As the bottle of wine struck him, he felt the sharp pain radiate through his skull, his vision dimmed. The room grew hazy and the sounds around him faded into an eerie silence.

His eyes grew heavy as he struggled to stay conscious, but with a final, faint gasp, his eyelids fluttered shut and darkness enveloped him. The last thing he felt was the cold touch of the ground beneath him, a stark reminder of his mortality.

And then, there was nothing.