Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband (Lily and Ryan)

+8 Pearls

The fashion show was about to commence, and the venue buzzed with excitement. The seats were filled, and the front row was reserved for distinguished VIPs. Among them sat Ethan, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he waited eagerly for his beautiful wife, Lily, to grace the runway. Flanking him were Ivy and James, present to cheer for their sister-in-law.

Although Ethan's parents couldn't attend in person due to their overseas commitments, they had expressed their unwavering support for Lily through a heartfelt video call. Sitting beside Ethan was Parker, who had come to show solidarity for his future wife. Not far away were the Baldwins-Jeff, a rising star and the heartthrob of countless fans, accompanied by his mother, Jacky, a celebrated former actress.

Jeff, however, didn't share the enthusiasm of the others. He leaned back in his chair, stifling a yawn, visibly bored. He hadn't wanted to attend, but his mother had insisted, leaving him no choice. One stern glance from his father-a man who doted on his wife to the point of unquestionable loyalty was enough to compel Jeff to comply. Defying his mother was not an option.

"Ugh, when is this show going to start?" Jeff grumbled, rolling his eyes for what felt like the hundredth time. His impatience was palpable.

Suddenly, he noticed an ominous chill in the air. A shiver ran down his spine as he sensed piercing glares directed his way. Turning cautiously, he was met with four pairs of eyes-Ethan, Ivy, James, and Parker-all glaring at him with the intensity of a firing squad.

"What's with these people? Why are they staring at me like they want to bury me alive?" Jeff thought, now visibly uncomfortable. Unable to withstand the silence any longer, he let out a nervous chuckle and asked, "Heh... Why are you all glaring at me like that?"

"You're stupid," Ethan declared bluntly.

Ivy chimed in, "Brother Jeff, you really are being stupid this time."

James and Parker echoed the sentiment with synchronized nods. "You're stupid."

Jeff blinked, utterly flabbergasted. "What? All of you are ganging up on me! You're heartless!" he exclaimed, dramatically pointing at the group.

Ethan, James, and Parker collectively rolled their eyes at his theatrics. Meanwhile, Jeff turned to Ivy with a wounded expression. "Ivy, even you? How could you side with these black-hearted individuals and call me stupid?" he protested, his tone tinged with mock betrayal.

Ivy merely smiled, leaving Jeff to sulk, while the others stifled their laughter. The room's tension eased as the group's banter lightened the atmosphere, signaling that the much-anticipated show would begin any

moment now.

Shaking his head, Jeff muttered under his breath, "It's true what they say-bad company can spoil even the best of people."

Turning his attention to Ivy, he teased with a mischievous grin, "Ivy, why don't you come stay at the Baldwin's Mansion? It's got to be better than living with a certain block of ice." His words were a deliberate jab at Ethan.

With an exaggerated sigh, Jeff added, "Honestly, Ivy, how have you survived all these years? Isn't it like living in Antarctica every second of your life?"

Ivy chuckled unhothered by his remarks "Brother leff don't call my brother a block of ice. He's not like

09:14 Mon, 17 Mar

that."

*3.90%

+8 Pearls

Jeff feigned disbelief, raising an eyebrow. "Really? Have you looked at your brother's face lately? No emotion, no warmth, and if anyone tries to talk to him, they're met with the coldest response. He's practically frozen solid! I mean, Ivy, you're lively and adorable, Uncle Collins and Auntie are wonderful, so... what happened with him? Is he adopted or something?"

The others-Ivy, James, and Parker-burst into laughter, unable to hold back.

“Childish,” Ethan remarked calmly, shifting his focus back to the stage, his expression unchanged as he waited eagerly for his wife's entrance.

Jeff huffed, crossing his arms. Childish? he thought indignantly. You're just jealous of my good looks. Hmph! At least my little sister is safe from you, but I do pity the poor woman who had to marry such a block of ice.

Suddenly, Jeff furrowed his brows in confusion. "Wait, why did you all call me stupid earlier?" he asked, looking around expectantly.

When no one responded immediately, he turned to Ivy, his eyes pleading for an answer. She sighed softly before whispering, "My sister-in-law is the designer of this show."

"Ohhh... that's why," Jeff mumbled, nodding in realization. But his curiosity wasn't satisfied yet. Turning to James, he raised an eyebrow.

James smirked. "My girlfriend is the manager of this show," he explained.

Jeff's head bobbed in acknowledgment before his gaze shifted to Parker. The latter met his stare with a smug grin. "My future wife is part of this show," Parker said confidently.

Jeff blinked, momentarily speechless. Then, dramatically throwing up his hands, he exclaimed, "What? Parker, when did you leave the bachelors' gang to join the couples' team? Betrayer!"

Ivy perked up with curiosity. "Brother Parker, who is she? Tell us!"

Parker merely smiled, pressing a finger to his lips in a gesture of secrecy. "My lips are sealed," he said before turning his attention back to the stage.

While the group of friends bantered and teased, elsewhere in the audience sat a man with a much darker agenda. Pedro, the enigmatic CEO of Pedro Long Corporation, watched them with a predatory intensity, his eyes sharp and calculating like a hawk observing its prey. Despite the jovial atmosphere around him, his presence was cloaked in a quiet menace.noveldrama

Carefully, Pedro ensured he blended into the crowd, avoiding detection. None of them had ever seen him in his current guise, but he wasn't about to take unnecessary risks. His blood boiled as he observed their laughter and carefree demeanor. These were the same people who had destroyed his family, leaving him an orphan. Yet here they were, living blissfully, utterly devoid of guilt or shame.

Clenching his fists tightly, he swallowed his fury, reminding himself that tonight was not the time or place for revenge. He was here for one reason only: to watch

his queen shine and show his silent support. Revenge could wait; for now, his

focus was solely on her triumph.

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