Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 1

The upper-level lounge at Neo-Arcadia radiated extravagance-every surface gleamed, every corner hummed with the scent of money. It was the city's most notorious den of indulgence.

Effie Bagnold paused outside a private suite, her slender hand poised on the polished brass handle. Just as she was about to enter, a familiar voice drifted through the door.

"Effie Bagnold? Already bored of her," Mitchell Lloyd drawled, lighting a cigarette and exhaling a thin plume of smoke. His tone was tinged with careless arrogance.

A chorus of laughter rose from inside. "Can't blame you," someone chimed in. "Even the prettiest face gets old after a while."

"But, Mitchell, can you really let her go? You chased her for years-three years together, that's not nothing."

"And Effie's stunning. She could outshine any Hollywood star," another voice added.

Mitchell gave a dismissive chuckle, his blue eyes glinting dangerously, a hint of red at their corners betraying too much alcohol. "Why would I care? I'd rather have a girl who's soft and sweet, like Suzan. She's gentle as a summer breeze. I've had enough of this on-and-off thing with Effie. It's just... dull."

Someone whistled. "Wait-Suzan Bagnold? Isn't she Effie's stepsister? You're really taking the whole family tour, huh?"

"Suzan's adorable. She calls me 'Mitch,' and I just

man. Women-they're just toys,

"But she's still-"

bouncing off the velvet walls. Outside, Effie's grip tightened

straight through her, cold and sharp as

imagined Mitchell would stoop so low as

in a steadying breath, Effie pushed the door

room stiffened, glancing at

always the peacemaker, jumped up with a forced smile. “Effie! Glad

her voice icy. "Mitchell,

response, she grabbed a glass of red wine off the table and flung

wine from his eyes, his voice cold with anger.

himself-after all, he'd always held

company. Effie had always turned a blind eye. They'd broken up and gotten back

this was just