Chapter 23

I fell to the ground. Julian, still reeling from my divorce announcement, was struck by Rita’s words.

Julian, darling, she’s unclean. Last night, she slept with eight men; one of them had AIDS. She’s filthy, rotten, a complete slut! Do you still want her?” Rita’s venomous words, fueled by jealousy and resentment, completely overshadowed the fact that her words exposed her crime–a crime punishable by imprisonment. She only wanted to humiliate me in front of Julian.

The

guests were stunned. Eight men in one night? One with AIDS? Was this true? But they immediately noticed a key detail: how did Rita know this? Seraphine seemed to realize something; her body swayed; her face went ashen.

I got to my feet, looking at Rita with utter disdain. I haven’t even gotten around to settling the score with you, and you’re already exposing yourself–stupid and wicked!” Turning to Seraphine, I added, “This is your prized daughter–in–law? A daughter–in–law who can join you in evil, crime, and prison?” Seraphine choked, speechless.

Julian’s eyes were dark and terrifying. The Crowes looked uneasy. The guests pieced it together: had Rita and Seraphine conspired against me? This explained the dramatic scene; my injured wrist, the signs of assault. Even the most promiscuous woman wouldn’t sleep with eight men in one night, one of them infected–even if she wanted to die, she wouldn’t self–harm so drastically. If Rita and Seraphine had done this, they were incredibly vicious.

“Why are you looking at me? Don’t listen to her! She’s promiscuous; she has AIDS! Stay away from her; you might get infected….“* Rita, still unaware of the gravity of the situation, shouted, smearing my reputation.

do to her? What did you do to her?!” He roared,

brothers reacted, prying Julian’s hands away and shielding

calm down. My sister might

Olivia, unable to resist temptation, went out and got caught, and Rita heard

darling, why would I do something like that? My best friend saw Olivia at the hotel, entering a room. And before Olivia went in, she saw several men entering, one of them a notorious womanizer

disgusted many. Especially the wives present; dealing with mistresses was their daily routine; they couldn’t relate to Rita and wanted to spit on her. How could someone be so shameless!

you vouch for what you

triumphantly. Hah, you have no proof; if you did, you wouldn’t be silent. Those men were unreachable;

some onlookers. Mrs. Crowe launched into a tirade, using every foul word she

< Chapter 23

I elegantly walked to the center of the ballroom, staring at Rita, reciting each word

phone; Rita’s voice

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