Redress (gxg)

Chapter 13 "Scandal"

Lauren

Picking up the dancing diamond pendant necklace on the table, I slowly hooked it around my neck, feeling the slight parky sensation on my skin. As it rested in the middle of my chest, I slowly traced the pendant with my fingers, while staring absentmindedly at my reflection on the mirror. My face was marred with a sorrowful expression which was the total reflection of my current emotion, sadness.

To think that back then, I was okay with everything, having an engagement party, and marrying Ethan, but as days passed by, things had started to change...and so was my feelings for Alex. I could admit now, I liked Alex. I had came to terms with that when she was still in the hospital, and I was visiting her, and taking care of her. I liked her more than just a friend, and up until now, it still surprised me as I didn't expect to feel such thing for her. She had awakened that side of me that I had buried when I took over the company, and started dating Ethan. I thought I wouldn't like a woman ever again, until she came along, and proved that I was wrong.

About Ethan, I never really loved him. Yes, I cared about him, but I didn't love him like that. The only reason I dated and said yes to him, was because of my father. Dad always knew I liked women, and it angered him to no end, he couldn't accept what I was, so, he introduced me to Ethan, and that started everything. I, on the other hand, forced myself to do what he wanted, because I loved him, even if he was hard on me, I let him control my life...until now. I was getting tired of everything, of doing things that I didn't want to do. I wanted to stand up for myself. I didn't know what suddenly changed in me, or what caused the change, but I definitely had enough of the Coldwells, and my dad.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up, walking out of my room, and strode to the living room. Grabbing the bottle of red wine on the center table, I poured some on the empty glass, and immediately chugged down the content. I already had three glasses, but still, I didn't think it would be enough to get me through the night.

Sighing, I was about to sit down when I heard sudden knocks on the door. Frowning, I strode towards its direction, and slowly swung it open to see a chambermaid smiling at me.

"Yes?" I asked curiously.

"Hello ma'am, I was about to clean the other room when I noticed this small box just sitting here outside your room. I believe this is yours," she explained as she raised the small rectangular black box.

I frowned, "Did you see who left it?"

She shook her head, "No ma'am."  

"Okay," I mumbled as I reluctantly took the box, "Thank you."

"You're welcome ma'am," she replied, smiling, before walking away. Closing the door behind me, I looked at the box as I slowly walked to the sofa, and sat down, putting the box on the table. Honestly, I was feeling anxious, and reluctant to open it. I had no idea what was inside, or who sent it as only my name was written cursively on the small piece of paper attached to it.

"To hell with this," I mumbled after staring at it for a moment, and lifted the cover off. I eventually let out a shaky breath seeing what was inside, and slowly picked up, and examined the pictures of Ethan, kissing three different girls. Snorting bitterly, I immediately thought this was what he was doing those past few days. To think he mentioned he was helping the authorities in the investigation, was a total lie. 

Such a man whore.

As I took all the pictures from the box, gritting my teeth in annoyance, I noticed a black flash drive remained inside. Slowly picking it up, I examined it briefly, before standing up, and went to my bedroom to get my laptop. When I found it on my bedside table, I eventually grabbed it, and strode back to the living room.