His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 33: Deception

Chapter 33: Deception

[ At Athena’s Penthouse... ]

After sending the children back to Lanny’s condo unit, Athena and Lanny visited the newly bought penthouse of Athena.

"A penny for your thought," Lanny softly mumbled, tapping Athena’s shoulder. Her friend seemed like she was troubled by something. She had been quiet after leaving the Happy Store.

In response, Athena smiled at her faintly. "It’s nothing."

Lanny cocked her eyebrow, not buying her words. "Hmm. Don’t tell me you are still affected by your sudden encounter with Dominique today in that store?"

Athena didn’t want to admit it but witnessing Dominique shed a tear for the first time shocked her to the core. Furthermore, she couldn’t comprehend why he became the owner of the store.

She wanted to know his reason, however, she couldn’t ask Amanda directly. She needed to be more careful because one mistake could compromise their plan and give away her true identity.

"Lanny, why do I feel like Dominique is starting to get suspicious of my identity after seeing me in that store? Am I just overthinking?"

"Hey, don’t be anxious. Your disguise is flawless. Oh! By the way... don’t get offended." Lanny smiled awkwardly, scratching the tip of her nose. "Honestly, I don’t know why you fell in love with him. I think your scumbag ex-husband is easy to get. He seems to enjoy kissing beautiful women. Such an unfaithful jerk! A cheater will always be a cheater!" Lanny voiced her thoughts, mocking Dominique.

"He cheated on you. And now, there is also a high possibility he will cheat on his current wife. But I’m not complaining because our plan is progressing smoothly. Dominique is falling into our trap effortlessly. I even thought he would give you a hard time seducing him, but it seems I was wrong. He appears to be drawn to you... attracted by your beauty." Lanny giggled gleefully.

Athena bobbed her head in agreement. "I feel the same way. At first, I thought I had to imitate Sasha and surpass her seduction skills in order to get Dominique’s attention. But things are unexpectedly progressing according to our plan." Athena was also skeptical about Dominique’s strange behavior towards her.

*Ding! Dong!*

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.

"Eh? Do you have a visitor already?" Lanny mumbled in surprise.

Athena just shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea."

She traced her steps toward the door, checking the security monitor first before opening the gate. Athena’s eyes lit up when she saw a familiar face. Her unexpected visitor was none other than Gael, her best friend.

"Gael is here!" Athena informed Lanny. She excitedly exited the door, dashing to the gate as she welcomed Gael.

"I brought your favorite cup cakes!" Gael raised the paper bag he was holding, greeting Athena with his warm smile.

"Oh, thank you! Why didn’t you tell me that you were going to drop by today?" She asked, accepting the paper bag from Gael.

He let out a soft chuckle and said, "Because I want to surprise you."

"Alright. Come in." Athena led him to the house.

"Do you like it?" Gael asked Athena. He was the one who recommended this place to her.

"Yes, of course! You always know my taste. I like the place... it’s very nice and refreshing. I love the garden the most."

Athena continued pulling Gael’s hand as she guided him to the living room.

"Hi, Mr. Tan!" Lanny greeted him.

"Hello, Lanny. Nice to see you here as well. Perfect timing. I have great news for you, Ladies!" Gael grinned from ear to ear as he pulled out his phone from his pocket.

"What is it?" Athena asked him expectantly.

"Melody didn’t fail my expectations. Watch this!" Gael handed his phone over to Athena.

Lanny came closer to watch the video clips on Gael’s phone. They saw the video recording wherein Sasha confronted Melody in her office. Sasha and Melody argued about Dominique. And they also witnessed how Melody informed Sasha about the bidding.

"Oh my gosh! Two bitches fighting over a jerk! Losers. Hahaha! This is so satisfying! How did you get this video?" Lanny burst into laughter after viewing the video.

"From the spy I planted on Melody’s side. My spy befriended her, infiltrating her social circles and earning her trust. She’s been monitoring Melody for two years and reporting everything back to me," Gael explained to them.

Athena’s expression softened when she heard that. "You’ve done so much for me, Gael. How can I repay you?" She was so touched by Gael’s support.

"Hey, stop it. I’m not asking for any return or reward. I’m just happy to be of help. After all, I’m your best friend!"

However, deep inside, Gael had only one wish– He yearned for the day when Athena would choose him and perceive him as a man... a lover, not just as her best friend.

"Cough! Cough!" Lanny cleared her throat, letting them know of her presence. The two of them seemed to forget that she was there.

"By the way, guys... do you think something is wrong with Sasha? Melody has a point. I wonder why in four years of their marriage, she hasn’t conceived a child yet. Is she infertile? Well... I’m certain Dominique doesn’t have any issues, considering he impregnated you," Lanny shared her thoughts, shifting her gaze back to Athena.

Gael and Athena exchanged glances with one another, thinking about Lanny’s remarks.

From her past experience, Athena was aware of Dominique’s appetite in sex. If the married couple often engaged in sexual intercourse every day and every night, it would be unusual for them not to conceive a child.

"I believe... This is their punishment or karma for betraying my best friend. They don’t deserve to have a happy and complete family." Gael clenched his fists, his hatred visible on his eyes.

Meanwhile, Athena’s expression darkened, pursing her lips with eyes brimming with resentment. She could still vividly remember the moment Sasha instructed her to abort her child as per Dominique’s command.

"They wanted to kill my innocent child, asking me to abort it. I’m so happy that they don’t have children because I know they will never be good parents. I’ll never forget it. This is the reason why I don’t want Aaron to meet him. He will never be a father to my son. He doesn’t have rights to Aaron."

But little did she know, Dominique was clueless about her pregnancy. He would never ask her to abort their child! He was not that heartless to do that to an innocent child... especially if it was his own flesh and blood. Sasha deceived them both.