"Then there''s Haynes," Rachel drawled, her voice as smooth as silk but with a bite that could cut ss. "Whenever I call, no matter what he''s doing-whether he''s at work or, you know, otherwise engaged he drops everything andes running. Even if..."


    Rachel''s smile was like a snake, poised and ready to strike, venom dripping from the corners of her lips.


    "Even if you two are having sex, he''ll leave you high and dry to answer my call."


    Ste''s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms, though she felt no pain. The sting of Rachel''s words cut deeper.


    Yes, that was true. More than once, Haynes had left her during their intimate moments to rush to Rachel''s side.


    She had pleaded with him not to go. But Haynes would just shoot her a look and say, "Stop being childish," before calmly walking out the door, leaving behind the warmth they''d shared as if it were nothing but a mirage, leaving her alone and humiliated.


    Ste forced a smile as she met Rachel''s gaze. "So, after he ditched me, did he jump into bed with you?"


    Rachel''s expression faltered for a second before she regained herposure. "Haynes and I... it''s not how you think."


    Rachel could lie about many things, but not this. Despite being Haynes'' first love, who lingered in his memory like a haunting melody, she had no legitimate im, not while Ste was still his wife.


    Besides, she knew well enough what the inte would say about her: a homewrecker, a bitch without morals.


    "Not how I think?" Ste echoed, her voice calm and steady. "If there''s nothing between you, what are you proud of? Proud that you''re just friends, haven''t given him a family, or never got to marry him?"


    Rachel''s smile vanished, reced by a flicker of pain that shed across her face. "So, what if I didn''t marry him or have his children? If I wanted the moon, Haynes would find a way to bring it down for me."


    Rachel''s smile returned as if she had remembered something that pleased her. "Oh, and by the way, that wedding you had with Haynes? It was supposed to be mine. The gown? Exactly my style. After all these years, Haynes still remembers what I like..."


    Ste raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "A mock wedding is enough to make you so gleeful, Ms. Pearce? If you''re so capable, why not have Haynes divorce me and marry you?"


    Her gaze was steady, her words deliberate. "Or is it that you don''t want that?"


    A sh of bitterness crossed Rachel''s eyes. Her smile turned icy. "No wonder Haynes'' family can''t stand you. His friends dislike you. And even Haynes and your son keep their distance. Ms. Cameron, maybe it''s time you did some soul- searching."


    Ste chuckled softly. "Ms. Pearce, I can''tpare to your charm. Haynes'' sister adores you. His friends are smitten. And even Haynes and Keen can''t resist you. Heck, even God seems to favor your type. Ms. Pearce, should I congratte you on being so... well-loved?"


    Rachel caught the sarcasm dripping from Ste''s words. Ste was mocking her, hinting at her impending downfall.


    Both women were skilled at striking where it hurt most.


    Ste might have held her tongue before, but now, she understood. Why should


    she suffer in silence while her adversary enjoyed the upper hand?


    She''d fight fire with fire. Why exhaust herself trying to keep the peace when others had no qualms about disturbing it?