The Return of the Neglected Wife

The invitation had arrived wrapped in a pristine black envelope with gold lettering. It was Selene's signature touch—elegant, bold, and with a hint of theatricality that screamed she wanted attention. Nixus didn't usually bother with frivolities like parties, but the message inside had intrigued him:

"Let's talk about the future. I have something special planned for you tonight."

The words were cryptic, and Selene had a way of making her offers irresistible, especially when she dangled the bait of intrigue. Despite his better judgment—or maybe because he didn't care to resist—Nixus found himself dressing for the occasion.

Selene had promised discretion, yet her parties were never truly private. The guest list would inevitably include the city's elite: CEOs, celebrities, and anyone with enough money to feel untouchable. And knowing Selene, there was always an ulterior motive.

As he straightened his tie in front of the mirror, he caught his reflection and frowned. His mind wasn't on Selene, or even the potential business proposal she'd hinted at. It was on Malia. The way her cutting words from their last encounter had lingered in his mind, sharp as glass shards.

"You lost that right the moment you chose her over me."

Malia's transformation had been a slap in the face, not just to his pride but to his control. For years, he had thought of her as predictable, someone who would bend to his will no matter how much he pushed. Now, she was an entirely different force—a storm he couldn't contain.

And she wasn't just a thorn in his side. She was a threat to his carefully constructed world.

The party was being held at one of Selene's favorite venues, a rooftop bar that overlooked the glittering city skyline. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Guests dressed in designer gowns and tailored suits sipped champagne and mingled, their laughter rising above the soft hum of classical music.

When Nixus arrived, Selene was waiting for him by the bar, a vision in a flowing crimson dress that clung to her curves. Her dark hair was swept over one shoulder, and her lips were painted the same shade as her dress, drawing immediate attention.

"Nixus," she purred, turning as he approached. "You're finally here."

"Your invitation was... persuasive," he said, his voice even.

Selene's smile widened. "I have a way with words, don't I?"

He didn't respond, his gaze briefly scanning the room. The usual crowd, as expected. But something about the energy felt... calculated. Selene had orchestrated this evening with a purpose.

"You're tense," she said, stepping closer. "This is a party, Nixus. Relax a little."

He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "You didn't bring me here just for drinks and small talk. What do you want?"

She laughed, a soft, sultry sound that was as much a weapon as a charm. "Always so direct. But fine, let's get to the point. I wanted to remind you of what we had, Nixus. What we could still have."

Her hand brushed against his arm, a subtle touch that lingered longer than necessary.

"We don't have anything, Selene," he said, his voice cold.

Her smile didn't falter. If anything, it grew sharper. "I think you're forgetting how good we were together. How perfect we could be again."

Before he could respond, the crowd parted slightly, and Nixus froze. Across the room, standing near the grand staircase, was Malia.

Malia hadn't planned on attending the party. It wasn't her usual scene, and she knew better than to walk into a space that practically screamed Selene's domain. But one of her business partners had insisted it would be good for networking, and she wasn't about to let anyone accuse her of avoiding a challenge.

Still, she wasn't prepared for the sight of Nixus standing beside Selene, the two of them looking like a picture-perfect couple. Her stomach twisted, but she kept her face neutral, her posture poised. She had mastered the art of masking her emotions, and tonight would be no different.

She moved through the crowd with practiced ease, exchanging pleasantries and handshakes, all the while keeping Nixus and Selene in her peripheral vision. Every laugh Selene gave, every subtle touch she directed at him, felt like a deliberate taunt.

Malia, you're better than this. Don't let her get to you.

But the moment Selene leaned in closer to whisper something in Nixus' ear, Malia felt the familiar sting of jealousy.

She hated that Selene could still get under her skin. Hated that Nixus' proximity to her still mattered.

"Malia," a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Julian, his warm smile a welcome distraction.

"Julian," she said, grateful for his presence. "I didn't know you were coming tonight."

"I could say the same about you," he said, handing her a glass of champagne. "You look stunning, by the way."

She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you."

Julian followed her gaze, his expression darkening slightly. "Ah, I see. The ex and... her."

Malia sighed, hating how transparent her emotions felt. "It doesn't matter."

But it did. It mattered far more than she wanted to admit.

From across the room, Nixus saw her. He saw the way she glided through the crowd, effortlessly commanding attention without even trying. Her black gown was simple yet elegant, the deep neckline highlighting the smooth curve of her shoulders. Her hair was styled loosely, framing her face in a way that made her look both powerful and approachable.

But it wasn't just her appearance that struck him. It was the confidence radiating from her, the way she moved like she owned the space.

And then there was the man beside her.

Nixus' jaw tightened as he watched Julian lean in to whisper something in Malia's ear, making her laugh softly. The sound sent a pang of jealousy through him, sharp and undeniable.

"She looks good, doesn't she?" Selene's voice was like poison, dripping with malice.

He turned to her, his expression dark. "What are you playing at?"

Selene feigned innocence. "What do you mean? I didn't know she'd be here. But now that she is..." She stepped closer, her hand resting on his chest. "Why don't we give her a little show?"

He frowned, his instincts screaming at him to walk away. But before he could make a decision, Selene closed the distance between them, her lips brushing against his.

Malia felt it before she saw it—a shift in the atmosphere, the way the crowd's energy seemed to ripple like a current. She turned just in time to see Selene pull Nixus into a kiss, the angle of their bodies perfectly positioned for maximum visibility.

Her heart clenched, the pain sharp and immediate. But years of practice had taught her to hide her emotions, to bury them deep where no one could see.

So she froze, her expression carefully blank, as if the scene in front of her meant nothing.

But inside, she was breaking all over again.

Julian, sensing the shift in her demeanor, placed a gentle hand on her arm. "Malia?"

She blinked, forcing herself to meet his concerned gaze. "I'm fine," she said, her voice steady.

But she wasn't.

And as she stood there, watching the man she had once loved kiss the woman who had always been his first choice, she realized something.

Selene might have won this round.

But the game wasn't over.