Open Marriage, Broken Promises: When Love Turns to Ashes novel Chapter 71

"Lukas!" I called out to him. "Are you planning to leave me here all alone?"

Lukas Clark's movement paused for a moment.

He looked at me, his eyes filled with hesitation and inner conflict.

"Urja, Farah's in danger right now. As her superior, I can't just stand by and do nothing."

"Just her superior?"

I gazed at him quietly. "Have you ever thought about where that leaves me, if you leave right now?"

Lukas bit his lip, seemingly wanting to explain, but in the end, all he said was, "Urja, I've already called the driver. He'll take you home."

Without another word, he turned and hurried off, not even glancing back.

I stood there, watching his figure fade into the night, a strange mix of emotions rising within me.

This was the man I once loved.

Willing to abandon me without a second thought for another woman.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.

I knew now wasn't the time to feel sad or upset. There were more important things to do.

Taking out my phone, I dialed a number.

"It's me. There's a task I need you to take care of."

After hanging up, I told the driver Lukas had sent not to come, and drove myself home.

Not long after, my phone vibrated.

I knew the task was probably already handled.

Sure enough, when I opened my phone, I saw a video.

In a convenience store on the outskirts of the city, Farah White stood in a gown, sparkling jewelry adorning her, looking like a fallen princess.

And from the taxi, Lukas Clark rushed toward her, like a prince descending from the heavens.

As soon as Farah saw Lukas, she threw herself into his arms.

Tears streamed down her face, and even I was moved seeing it.

Lukas, looking pained, frowned as he held her and gently comforted her.

As they spoke, Farah even stood on her tiptoes, leaning up to kiss Lukas.

Lukas didn't hesitate for a second. He pulled her closer.

The two of them, entwined so intimately, looked like the lead couple in a romance drama.

Remembering Lukas's earlier explanation, I felt an even stronger sense of irony.

Late that night, Lukas sent me a message:

"Sweetheart, something came up at work, and I'll be staying late tonight."

"I'll pick up breakfast for you in the morning. Love you, baby."

His affectionate words were no different from usual.

But from the location my subordinate had sent me three minutes ago, Lukas was clearly at the Hilton presidential suite.

How long had he been wearing this mask?

I let out a cold laugh.

I replied, "Sweetheart, make sure to take care of yourself. Don't overwork."

I don't want you to strain yourself and leave me to clean up your mess.

After sending the message, I didn't bother with his sweet words, simply applying a face mask before going to bed for my beauty sleep.

After all, tomorrow I had a battle to fight.

Since Lukas and I started the company, he had always handled the daily operations, while I focused on connecting with clients and expanding our business.

On regular workdays, unless there was an important meeting, I rarely went to the office in the mornings.