The Vengeful Masquerade

Severed Ties

Rita walked in and noticed the look on his face, she laughed and walked past him. “ Is this what you really want?” Stephan said, looking at her from behind. “ Yes, I don't want a man who cannot be strong and be there for me. It is high time we went our separate ways,” she said with a smirk.

“ And you are leaving me for Maxwell? Do you even know,he is after the company and doesn't even love you?” Stephan tried to make Rita realize that Maxwell was just a cheat, as she was too.

“ Really? Do you think I didn't know?” Rita said, taking a seat on the couch and faced Stephan. “ You knew?” Stephan asked, taking back the fact that she knew what Maxwell wanted all along. “ Of course I knew, I am not as dumb as you think I am. I knew he wanted a share of the company or, should I say, wanted the paper work of the company.”

“ Then why?” Stephan felt pained by the fact that he was still ridiculed by someone like Maxwell.

“ Well, I needed him to get what I wanted, and I have gotten it.” Rita smiled mischievously. “ And what do you want? In case you haven't noticed, you have everything. The house, fancy cars and not to mention the fact that your father's the second-richest man in town.” Stephan said, folding his hands.

“ You didn't mention the crucial part. Yes, I have everything, but I won't be second to anyone. I would rather be the first and for that to happen, I need to get married to the Madison's.” Rita said, looking at her polished black fingernails.

Stephan looked at her and knew why she had to keep Maxwell closer. He was a friend to James Madison. He connected the dot and knew she had been double timing all along.

Rita’s phone rang and she picked it up. “ Oh honey. I will be there in a jiffy.” She replied.

She looked at Stephan and with a cold gaze, “ You need to sign the contract and be gone before I am back at home. I don't want you anymore. I am getting married to James in nothing less than two weeks and I can't let him know I am married to you. Besides, the wedding isn't even official and now that we are done you had better be gone before I get back home.”

Rita walked back into her room to get dressed for the gala event that was coming up in New York. Most of the elites were going to be there and, of course, James Madison was coming. She had made sure Maxwell told her of his coming, and it was a night she was not going to miss anything in the world. She was going to dress to kill and make sure everyone at the gala event noticed her. She had earlier bought one of the most expensive clothes and a designer handbag and shoes to go along with her dress. She was soon done with her make-up and she was out of the room.

“ Where are you going?” Stephan asked, feeling they needed to finish their conversation. “ And why do you need to know that? In case you don't know, you will cease to be my husband from today henceforth, so I don't see any reason why I need to tell you where I am going.” Rita replied

“ And what if I don't want to leave? I have done everything as a man to please you and your family but you have always spat in my face and now you want me gone? Where do you want me to go?” Stephan asked trying to fight back the tears he was holding in

“ Really? Are you asking me that? You think I didn't know you have been meeting with your lawyer friend to get a slice of everything. What about the money you have been stewing right under my nose? Do you think I dnt know that too?” Rita shouted at Stephan who was standing looking at her dazed. She had calculated everything all along and was smart about it.

“ Give me a chance Rita, we can work this out.” Stephan pleaded placing his hands on her backside but Rita gave him a slap across the face in anger. “ You are a shameless fool, begging a woman not to throw you out. You are going to leave or I will have you kicked out. You had better pack your things and get the hell out of my house before I am back or else!” Rita said with anger slamming the door behind her.

At the annual gala hosted by the city's elite, the ballroom shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers. Lavish gowns and tailored suits swirled across the dance floor, as the powerful and influential mingled with calculated charm. Rita stood near the edge of the room, her black gown hugging her figure, a wine glass held elegantly in her hand. She exuded confidence, her eyes scanning the room, looking for opportunities. Maxwell stood beside her, oblivious to the calculations running through her mind.

“You look stunning tonight,” Maxwell said, his arm resting on the small of her back. He had been her way into the inner circles of wealth, charm, and business influence, but Rita had already begun to outgrow him. He was too narrow in his ambitions, too focused on small victories when she had set her sights on bigger things.

“Of course I do,” Rita replied coolly, her eyes briefly locking with his before returning to the crowd. “It’s a night to impress.”

As they chatted, Maxwell turned toward a tall man in an impeccably tailored suit, his dark hair slicked back, his posture commanding the attention of anyone nearby. James Madison. Maxwell’s eyes lit up, and he motioned for James to approach them.

“Rita,” Maxwell began, his tone shifting with excitement, “I want you to meet someone. James Madison—he’s someone I’ve been hoping to bring into the fold.”