Episode 6

When Susan emerged from the bathroom, she came face to face with the helpless figure of Arthur sitting on the couch, typing something on his cell phone with a look of annoyance. As Susan walked past him, Arthur didn't even glance at her. Seizing the opportunity, Susan slipped into bed, knowing all too well that escaping from the man was practically impossible.

"Tomorrow we have a business meeting, and unfortunately, you must accompany me," Arthur expressed, much to the young woman's dismay, considering that those dinners bored her to begin with, and they were sophisticated events she knew she lacked a presentable dress for.

"I—" Susan was close to uttering some words, but her husband's voice cut her off once again.

"A vehicle will be sent for you at 8 in the evening, and I expect punctuality," Arthur sentenced as he left the room. At this point, Susan was grateful for his departure. Susan immediately fell asleep; her body was tired after all, having lost her virginity and engaged in intimacy with Arthur more than once.

The next morning, precisely at 7 o'clock, Susan opened her eyes. The first thing she noticed that caught her attention were three boxes placed on top of the couch. This caused the young woman with green eyes to furrow her brow. Slowly, she removed the blanket and approached the couch. Opening the first box, Susan was astonished to find a dress. Fearfully, she took out the garment, simply to feel the soft texture. It was a design by the most renowned designer in England, in a burgundy color. When she opened the other two boxes, she realized they also contained dresses, one in beige and the other in green.

"Where did these dresses come from?" she whispered. As if her question had been a magnet for a response, her cellphone rang, and of course, she answered it. In fact, she didn't even know who was calling; she wasn't very sociable, and only Daniela and her relatives had her number.

"Have you received the replacement dress?" Arturo's harsh and demanding voice reached her ears. "I'm not usually charitable, but I remember ruining several poor-quality garments, so it is my duty to compensate for what I destroyed. The others are gifts for the delightful moans you bestowed upon me," Arturo finished speaking and ended the call, leaving Susan quite furious at his words.

"Damn Arturo," Susan muttered, biting her lip. She couldn't deny that the dresses were beautiful, but using the Morgan family's money was not on her list. She was someone who enjoyed saving, and perhaps in seven more lifetimes, she wouldn't be able to afford such expensive dresses.

The day passed quickly. Susan exercised, and Andrea Lacronte didn't cross her path. The day was normal, like all the ones that had passed in the last three months. When night fell, a notification arrived on Susan's phone, and the only person who took the trouble to message her was Daniela.

"Are you ready? Punctuality will be your middle name with me," to Susan's surprise, it was Arthur Lacronte, her husband, who sent her a text message. Of course, she chose to ignore him, but she did send Daniela a text, which her friend responded to with a video call.

"Take the burgundy one with you, tie your hair up, put on a bit of makeup, and look at yourself! I didn't think we would end up at a business dinner. Maybe I'll find a sugar daddy and become even wealthier because I'm already rich," Daniela said, making Susan smile at her friend's statement.

"I won't steal any more of your precious time. See you tonight," Daniela ended the call.

30 minutes later Susan stood in front of the mirror, her figure perfectly fitting the dress as if it had been designed specifically for her, emphasizing her small waist. The earrings and necklace, a gift from Daniela, also added a touch of elegance to her appearance. Susan took a deep breath, gathering the courage to descend the stairs. Despite feeling nervous, she had made up her mind. To her surprise, Arturo's car was already waiting for her, and once inside, it began to move.

As they arrived at the Business Hall of the prestigious English company, FoxPro, renowned for being Fontaine's main competitor, Susan bit her lip but decided to carry herself confidently. She wasn't sure how she ended up there, but when she thought of Arturo, she knew there was no way she could refuse him.

"What are you doing here?" Andrea Fontaine grabbed Susan's arm forcefully, causing her to wince.

"I—" Susan hesitated to mention that Arturo had told her to come "Daniela invited me to join her."

"I want you away from my son, and tomorrow you will come with me to initiate divorce proceedings. Your sister will also be coming tonight, so don't embarrass my son. You remember that you are just a substitute who took advantage of the situation to show your hidden claws."

"I haven't done that, ma'am," Susan refused to tolerate her mother-in-law's treatment. "You also know the true reasons behind the forced marriage with your son." As Susan Fontaine spoke, Andrea Lacronte's grip tightened, causing her some pain.