Sephora

CHAPTER 37

A couple of months had passed, and the dust had settled. Sephora and Aries had all been busy with their respective projects, but they had finally found a weekend to spend together at Aries' sprawling palace.

The sun was shining, and the backyard was filled with the delicious smells of grilled food and laughter. Martha's son, Max, was running around with Aries' dogs, enjoying the freedom of the vast open space.

After their last conversation, she had personally spoken to the boy about the idea of joining his mother now that they would be based in  Sicily.

He had been more than excited, explaining to Sephora how his mother had already suggested it but he wanted school to be over before joining them.

Sephora and Ella were lounging by the pool, catching up on each other's lives, when Aries joined them with a tray of refreshing drinks. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon, filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Just as they were about to sit down to eat, a commotion broke out at the entrance with the armed security gripping Who they now recognized to be Sheila.  her face twisted in anger and obsession as she tried to push past the security guards and stormed into the backyard.

They were obviously just letting her in because she knew how tight security was in the compound but it was cute allowing her think she was waltzing in by her own strength.

       "Aries, you can't ignore me forever!" she shrieked, her eyes blazing with a fanatic intensity.

Aries' expression darkened, and he stood up, his body tense     
      "Sheila, what are you doing here? I thought I made it clear—"

      "You made it clear that you're a heartless bastard, that's what you made clear!" Sheila spat, her voice venomous. "You think you can just use me and discard me like trash? Well, I've got news for you, Aries. I'm not going anywhere!"

The atmosphere in the backyard had turned icy, causing Sephora and Ella to exchange worried glances. This was not what they had signed up for when they agreed to spend a relaxing weekend together...

Sheila's face turned red with rage when she saw Sephora making her point a shaking finger at Sephora. "And you! You're just a cheap, opportunistic tramp, trying to sink your claws into Aries! You think you're better than me? You're nothing but a gold-digger, a—"

Sephora's eyes flashed with anger, and she stood up, her movements swift and graceful. "That's enough, Sheila," she warned, her voice low and even.

But Sheila didn't stop, her venomous words spewing forth like a toxic fountain. "You're just a—"

Sephora's hand came up so fast Sheila didn't see it till  she was slapped  hard across the face, the sound echoing through the backyard. "Don't. Ever. Disrespect. Me. Again," she spat, her eyes blazing with fury.

Sheila's face went white, and she stumbled backward, her eyes wide with shock. Mama and Ella gasped in unison, their mouths agape.

"You'll regret this, Sephora!" Sheila shrieked, her voice trembling with rage. "My father will make sure you pay for this!"

Sephora stood tall, her eyes never leaving Sheila's face. "I'm shaking in my boots, Sheila. But let me make one thing clear: I won't be disrespected by a spoiled, entitled brat like you. Ever."

The air was electric with tension, Mattheo stepped forward, his eyes locked on Sheila. "I think it's time for you to leave, Sheila. Permanently."

Sheila, fueled by rage and humiliation, attempted to slap Sephora again. But Sephora was prepared. With lightning-fast reflexes, she caught Sheila's arm and twisted it in an awkward, painful angle. Sheila's screams pierced the air as Sephora held her in a firm grip.