4 – MELISSA AND DEREK

THAT EVENING

Alex was furious. Throughout the day, he’s pondered over the recent happenings in his life and came to the conclusion that the Baron family had no right to treat him like trash.

He was their son-in-law after all. He and Melissa were legally married. At least, if they were going to dispose of him, they owed him a reasonable explanation.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, satisfied with his outfit.

Alex had always been a gorgeous man. With bright blue eyes, midnight dark hair and a jawline like an Adonis, he was every woman’s dream man… minus the cash in his bank account.

He sported a charcoal suit, pristine white shirt and shiny black shoes which he’d borrowed from a highschool friend.

His brain screamed at him not to go on with this plan but his mind was resolute. Tonight, the Barons were going to answer his questions whether they liked it or not.

Tonight, he will crash an engagement party.

***

Melissa and Derek’s engagement party was slated to begin by eight PM.

At exactly seven thirty PM, Alex had already arrived at the venue.

Security was not as tight as he’d expected. Within moments of his arrival, he’d successfully sneaked into the venue under the cover of a talkative couple.

Alex took one step into the Baron Mansion and froze, his eyes widening with shock. It was almost like stepping into a luxurious castle.

The sitting room and waiting room had been refurbished and decorated for the event. Expensive roses guided the path of guests to the ballroom where the engagement party was just starting to come to life.

Fancifully dressed waiters carted trays of expensive champagne and hors d'oeuvres while soft music played in the background.

Alex stared with hatred and jealousy at the various pictures of Melissa and Derek draped across the walls.

All too soon, it was time to reveal the special celebrants and exchange rings.

Mrs. Baron walked to the front, exquisitely dressed as usual in a white Versace dress, draped with hundreds of winking pearls.

Her smile was wide enough to be noticed from Mars.

“Hello, everyone. May I have your attention, please?”

As the hall gradually fell silent, Mr. Baron joined her, looking sharp in a navy blue suit.

“I must say that my husband and I are delighted to welcome every single one of you to this occasion.”

The guests clapped enthusiastically while the press took a thousand pictures.

“Thank you all for honouring our invitation. And now, without wasting any more of your time, I’d like to introduce the love birds and would-be couple, Melissa and Derek!”

The crowd erupted into hoots and cheerful screams while Alex’s blood boiled with rage.

Melissa and Derek appeared at the top of the grand stairs. Alex could swear that he felt his blood run cold as he watched them descend.

He was awestruck at how perfect they looked together. They resembled the usual New York wealthy, power couple.

Melissa, with her long blonde hair, striking grey eyes and model figure, and Derek with his all American good looks and power smile. They looked perfect for each other. And the thought sent a sliver of jealousy through Alex’s spine.

He couldn’t believe Melissa was the woman who’d fallen hopelessly in love with him years ago.

The blushing couple were ushered to the front of the ball room.

Alex was even more shocked when the Chairman of Hunter Technology, Mr. Hunter himself and his beautiful wife, Maidlyn Hunter, went to stand beside the couple to show their support.

Mrs. Baron raised her glass.

“Before they exchange rings, let’s raise a toast. To the establishment of a powerful and long lasting relationship between two of the most prominent families in New York.”

Everyone raised their glasses… including Alex.

Finally, the auspicious time arrived. It was time for the couple to exchange rings and seal their engagement once and for all.

Alex's blood boiled hotter and hotter as Melissa and Baron were given the rings. The entire hall fell silent. The only audible sound was the romantic music playing in the background.

Melissa was just about to fit the ring into Hunter’s finger when a loud, sharp sound of applause was heard from behind the slightly crowded hall.

Melissa paused while all the guests whispered amongst themselves, looking around and trying to figure out where the clap was coming from.

Alex did not wait to be identified. He slowly made his way past the throngs of people to the front, still clapping.

Everyone stared at him with a mixture of shock and curiosity, obviously marvelling at his boldness. Even members of the press struggled to get pictures of him.

“What’s going on back there?” Mrs. Baron asked, her brows creased in annoyance. “Who is clapping?”

The crowd paved the way and Alex finally arrived at the front.

One by one, he watched as the Hunters and Barons stared at him in shock and displeasure.

Melissa was the first person to break the silence.

“Alex. What the hell are you doing here? Who let you in?”

Alex balled his fingers into fists, not minding the number of eyes that were currently focused on him.

“Shouldn’t that be my line, Melissa? What the hell is going on here? What are all these people doing here? What are you doing with my boss?”

Mrs. Baron looked like she’d just suffered a stroke.

She stepped in front of Alex, her eyes burning with rage.

“You ungrateful bastard! Isn’t it enough that you’ve brought shame to this family with your thieving behaviour? Stop this nonsense and get out of here now!”

“No!” Alex bellowed, much to the surprise of everyone. “No, I’m not going anywhere until I get answers.”

He walked up to Derek and got in his face.

“You’re my boss, aren’t you?” He seethed. “When I applied for a job in your company, it was written on my profile that I am a married man. I am married to Melissa Baron, the woman standing in front of you.

What then are you doing here, boss?”

Not satisfied, Alex turned to the guests, looking crazed with fury.

“It is quite disgusting that every single one of you know about my marriage to Melissa, but you all accepted the invitation to this sham of an engagement party and are even cheering for the new couple. Aren’t you all ashamed of yourselves? Shame on all of you!”

“Alex?!” Melissa screeched.

Without warning, she stomped towards him and landed a hot, searing slap on his left cheek.

“That’s enough now. Stop making a fool of yourself!”

She took a deep breath.

“You want the truth, right? Well, here’s the truth. Derek and I have been dating for about a year now. I met him when I came to your office to look for you a year ago… and we fell in love. We later discovered that both our parents were acquaintances. Derek is the man for me, Alex. Not you.”

Alex could not believe his ears.

“You’ve been dating behind my back for a full year? You know I love you, Melissa. Why would you do this to me?”

Melissa glared at him.

“Love is not enough to keep a relationship, Alex. Stop acting like a fool. You’re just a poor, wretched human being. Derek is everything you’re not. He’s rich, he’s intelligent and he comes from a prestigious family. Unlike you. Our marriage was a mistake.”

Alex went still.

“What are you saying?” He whispered, his stomach already twisting with dread.

Melissa turned and collected a sheaf of papers from her mother which she thrust in Luke’s direction.

“Here. These are divorce papers. Sign them. Let’s end this pitiful excuse of a marriage once and for all.”