Freya Leaves Her Cheater

Isla Gibson's smile was subtle, her eyes daring. I averted my gaze and reached for the first aid kit.

"Freya, why are you giving me the cold shoulder? Am I not welcome here?" Her voice oozed with false innocence, her expression anything but.

The saccharine tone in her voice made me frown. Just as I was about to reply, Nikolai Lawrence hurried over. He grabbed my arm, pulling me to face Isla.

"Freya Carlson, Isla's talking to you. Are you ignoring her?"

Earlier, he had pushed me, causing me to hit my lower back against the coffee table. Now, being jerked like this made the pain flare up, and I broke out in a cold sweat. My voice was sharp with anger. "Nikolai Lawrence, let go!"

During the three years we were together, I never raised my voice. I always acquiesced, going along with his wishes. To Nikolai, I was the perfect partner, always agreeable. But this sudden outburst from me seemed to catch him off guard. For a moment, he was stunned, frozen, yet his grip on my arm only tightened, the tension between us palpable.

Just as he was about to lash out again, Isla linked her arm with his, gently tugging. "Nikolai, I made a spiced honey cake for you two. Can you help me bring it over from my place?"

Her soft voice defused his anger instantly. He agreed, giving me a dismissive shove before heading out. I looked down, a small, bitter smile on my lips.

Once Nikolai left, Isla dropped the act. She circled me, smirking. "Freya, did you hurt your back just now? What a shame."

I eyed her warily. "Isla Gibson, what do you really want?"

I knew better than to think she cared about my well-being. Sure enough, she laughed, feigning sympathy. "Oh, nothing. Just expressing my regret.

"Yesterday, I got a little burn from hot water on my finger, and Nikolai was so worried he rushed me to the hospital. He's so attentive to me, his neighbor. Why is he indifferent to you, his official girlfriend?"

Her words provoked me, each one carefully chosen to rile me up. Even knowing her intentions and that Nikolai's heart was with her, my own heart ached with deep, bitter pain. Suppressing it, I answered stiffly, "I don't need your fake concern. I can handle myself."

Feigning surprise, Isla said, "Freya, you really are... strong. No wonder Nikolai says you're not very feminine."

I looked up at her, her eyes dancing with amusement, and my chest ached sharply. I had never realized this was Nikolai's view of me. So, he had reserved all the care meant for me for this woman, had he?

I had known Isla's name for half a year now, knew she was the one Nikolai had always idealized, who had just returned from abroad. Once she was back, Nikolai began coming home later, every time dismissing my questions with work excuses, his assistant playing along.

In reality, he was spending his time with Isla, captivated by her charm. I had put up with it all. I convinced myself that as long as Nikolai still came home, I could eventually win back his attention and heart.

But reality is always harsh. To ensure Isla could be in our lives legitimately, Nikolai went so far as to buy the neighboring villa. Knowing this, my hope of reconciliation was completely shattered.

I'm truly exhausted, and I've decided to let go.