Chapter 2

(2020, New York) Beautiful...did not do justice to the object within the line of her sight, crafted with every detail in line with the corresponding part, 24-carat diamond laid in a small red box held by him. "Martha, do me the honor of becoming my wife again...the past years we have spent together is merely a shadow compared to what the future holds.” A  smile broke out on her lips; her eyes, however, held so much unspoken words of pain...hate him?...No Martha did not hate this man she has known almost all her life even that emotion was too good for him. Tall, lean with a killer smile, brown eyes that seemed to read her down to her soul, and words made of honey that could sway the hardest of hearts. To the people gathered together for their 10th anniversary, this was a marriage made in heaven, a doting husband,  with millions of dollars to his name, of course, thanks to her. If only they knew that the devil also appears like an angel of light. The cheers and applauding of the crowd brought her back to reality. "Martha honey, take the ring...why keep Ben waiting on his knees for so long?” Shivers ran through her, cold disgust at the voice she just heard...Lillian. The one that birthed the vile creature still smiling expectantly at her. Suppose she could not just make him kneel but also bury him alive. "Thank you, darling. You embarrass me with your sweetness,” Martha responded instead. Venom dripping through each word. The cheers from the crowd grew louder as Ben stood up, slipping the ring on her fingers before reaching forward to place a kiss on her lips which she evaded turning her cheek instead. A quick look of hurt passed through his eyes which he expertly masked, but Martha quickly caught it. Ha...hurt? Does he have a right to be hurt?? She stiffened as he wrapped his arm around her waist, creating a perfect picture. The guest present trooped towards the couple to offer their congratulations. Men and women of high standing looked beautiful but none as perfectly poised as a couple of the night Mr/Mrs. Collins. Leading investors in New York, various multi-billion companies erupted from their powerful family line. Martha herself was a renowned artist. Her paintings sold at least 4 million dollars. Being the orphaned daughter and only there to the Bernards, she didn’t disappoint. Ten years ago, after rejecting various suitors in the cruelest ways and causing scandals to which it seemed there was no end, there was shock palpable in the city when she announced she would get married to struggling entrepreneur Ben Collins. A man who had nothing but trails of failures and debts to his name. The Ice queen, as she was popularly called, finally fell for someone. Many were against the marriage, saying he was far beneath her; now Martha sees how right they were. Perhaps this is karma. Punishment for her years of wickedness to others, not being mindful of people’s feelings, self-entitlement, and just plain arrogance. Martha watched him engage effortlessly with the guest.  His charisma could not be denied. She smirked at the yearning looks cast his way. They could have him if they wanted. By tonight this ###Chapter of her life will be terminated. Feeling a familiar presence, she tilted her head with practiced grace towards the witch Lilian; what an abomination the old lady was. Undeniably at the age of forty-six, she looked good. Her fake red hair cascaded in waves down to her waist, long, firm legs on display, indicating her gym membership. Surgical procedures undoubtedly have contributed to her voluptuous chest and almost wrinkle-free face; however, the plastic surgeon had the hand of God to have gotten such great results. "Martha darling,” she called out, reaching for her arms. Martha had to clench her fist to prevent herself from throwing up. "come, I have something to show you, love.” "Lilian, I do have to say goodbye to the guests; it would be so rude of me to leave.” "Don’t worry, honey, I have got that all covered; Ben will take care of it. You, however, are in for a surprise, my dear” Lilian pulled her along wearing the widest smile on her face. Then Martha should have known. The witch has never given her a sincere smile; why would she give her one now?.