I Became the Other Woman

As soon as I got home, I started packing my luggage. The wedding ring, jewelry and clothes Lucas had given me were all listed on secondhand platforms for sale.

On Saturday, I attended the city's charity gala. As the host read the opening remarks, I spotted Lucas, who had not come home the night before. He was now holding Vivian close, and the expensive watch on his wrist had been replaced with a bracelet she had made him.

I had once lovingly knitted a watch band for Lucas, only to have him reject it for being "childish" and "too girly". However, he was now proudly showing off that crooked woven piece to others, his face radiating pride.

Vivian was nestled contentedly in his arms, carrying herself like the lady of the house.

Someone nearby remarked, "Mrs. Richardson's haute couture dress is stunning. I couldn't get an appointment even a month in advance. He must have traveled to several countries to get that for her."

My friend glanced at me strangely. "Netty, isn't that your husband?"

At charity galas, companions were typically assumed to be family members or spouses. Everyone naturally took Vivian and Lucas for a married couple.

I took a deep breath and forced a liberated smile. "We've been divorced for a long time."

"What!" The person who had just spoken turned around in shock. The commotion attracted several people's attention.

"Nanette?"

Seeing me, Lucas' face flashed with panic. However, before he could say anything, Vivian interjected, "Nanette, it's been so long. What are you planning to donate for tonight's charity auction?"

She pulled out an exquisite jewelry box from her purse and slowly opened it. "I'm planning to donate this piece of jewelry that Ms. Jensen gave me. After all, she always loved charity work when she was alive.

"Now that she's gone, she'd surely want her belongings to continue making a difference in the world, right?"

Her tone was matter-of-fact, as if she were my mother's biological daughter.

Seeing the familiar ring in Vivian's hands, something that had been tightly wound in my mind finally snapped. That ring was part of my mother's dowry for me.

She had hoped that I would keep this ring safe after her death and nurture a happy marriage. It seemed I had failed at both.

"How do you have my mother's belongings?" I reached out to grab it, but a strong hand stopped me.

I looked up, and upon seeing Lucas' face clearly, my eyes immediately reddened. "Did you give it to her? You were the only one who helped me sort through her things! Say something!"

Lucas loosened his grip slightly. "Nanette, stop making a scene. I'll explain everything when we get home."

He reached out, seemingly wanting to wipe away my tears. At precisely that moment, Vivian timidly peeked out from behind Lucas, speaking as if she had my mother's best interests at heart.

"Nanette, surely you don't want to go against her will?"

Just as I was about to explode, Vivian's friends rushed over. Seeing my raised hand, they immediately shielded Vivian.

"Mr. Richardson adores Vivian the most. No matter how much you throw yourself at him, it's useless! If you dare hit her today, believe me, Mr. Richardson will make sure you can't survive in this city!"

Seeing their stance, I understood everything perfectly.

I laughed coldly and shook my head. "Thanks for the warning. Those two disgusting cheaters aren't worth dirtying my hands over."

Hearing my sarcastic words, Lucas' expression changed. He pulled me away from the scene, looking at me urgently.

"Nanette, you've misunderstood..."

Before he could finish, his phone suddenly rang. Seeing "Vivian" displayed on the screen, he hung up repeatedly, but she kept calling back. Finally, he gave me an apologetic look and answered the call.

"Lucas, save me!"

Vivian's terrified crying came through the phone. "Someone took me away! They're taking off my clothes!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lucas' expression changed dramatically. His previously guilty expression vanished completely as he gripped my hand so tightly it felt like he would crush my bones.

"You actually tried to get someone to assault Vivian?"