The Unveiling

(Camilla's POV) The air in The Grand Auberge, the most popular five-star restaurant in the City, was a mixture of both elegance and sophistication. I wanted to thank myself for choosing the perfect dress. Everyone in this place looks rich and fancy with every single guest minding their own expensive business. It may not have done a good job fitting in on the conference meeting earlier but it made me stand out at least. I seductively smiled at the dashing man sitting across from me. Who would have thought that a day would come where I’d share a table with my ex-husband again? I already expected that my drastic transformation would catch his attention immediately, but I didn't expect him to be so excited about it. He didn't even hesitate in inviting me for dinner. I wonder how thick his skin is for being able to face the woman he betrayed. Must be thicker than elephant skin, yes? The classic music of the orchestra band in the corner filled our silent table. Should I speak first? In Lester’s hand is a crystal goblet of ruby red wine that he’s sophisticatedly swirling as if to make his drink punger, fresher, and fruitier. He’s not really a big fan of “normal”. “Thank you…” I softly said once he was done pouring me a drink. I glanced at the ruby red wine in my glass. “That's cute. It matches my lipstick,” I said and chuckled sexily. Lester leaned in closer on the table, his eyes twinkling in adoration. “This Châteauneuf-du-Pape,” he began, swirling the wine, “is a classic example of the Rhône Valley’s finest. The Grenache grapes, you see, give it that rich, full-bodied flavor.” My red lips carved into a smirk. Here he goes again with his narcissistic boasting skills. He never fails to amaze me with his talent to embarrass himself without me having to do anything. I would have parted my lips in astonishment if I were the old Camilla who didn't have knowledge about wines before. Hearing him arrogantly boast about his incorrect knowledge about wines makes me want to laugh hysterically. He’s so pathetic. I smiled wryly at him. “Actually, Lester,” I corrected gently, “it’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The Grenache provides the fruitiness, the Syrah the spice, and the Mourvèdre the structure.” I tried my best to hide the disdain in my eyes but it seemed like even if I corrected him in the most gentle way possible, it wouldn't hide the fact that he embarrassed himself in front of his ex-wife. I find it funny how he was able to get me when he’s as stupid as this. All he knows is to fish girls in the ocean. Lester chuckled, a touch of chagrin in his eyes. “Ah, you’re right, of course. My apologies. You always did have a keen eye for detail.” “And a love for wine,” I added, raising my own glass. “Though I must confess, I prefer a good Pinot Noir.” The amazement on his face didn't escape from my eyes. He used to shame me for not being able to keep up with his lavish lifestyle in the past. He called me embarrassing for not being able to appreciate designer bags and clothes. But look at me now… a walking Aether. I secretly smirked when I caught his eyes looking down on my cleavage. I was wearing a blazer on our way here but I knew I had to put it down on the chair for a moment to give him some view. He has to see his prize to join my game completely. “You know,” he said, his voice softer now. “You’ve changed. You're more beautiful than I remember.” Oh, yeah? Why do I find his words amusing? He makes it sound like he found me beautiful before but I still remember it loud and clear on how he called me an “ugly wife” that day I discovered his infidelity in his office. He’s so full of shit. But I’m relieved to know that he’s seen the changes I have painstakingly made for myself the moment I chose to live to get back to them. Don't worry, Lester. I’ll make sure to use my beauty to destroy you. I smiled sweetly at him. “Aww! It’s in the past now. A lot has changed. Things didn't work out for us then, did they?” “No,” Lester admitted. “But maybe this time…” He trailed off, his eyes searching mine. My smile faltered. Isn't it just amazing how he still has the balls to flirt with me despite knowing the fact that he destroyed our marriage. Does he even have a conscience? Well, the mere fact he invited me for dinner already says a lot about him. Silence filled our table. My eyes landed on his hand that had made its way to my resting hand on the table. I immediately felt the surge of mixed disgust and anger as soon as our skins touched. Should I just stab his hand with a fork? At that moment, my peripheral vision caught an unexpected woman entering the entrance of the restaurant, her face a mixture of anger and a desperate need for confirmation. She scanned the people in the restaurant with hawk-eye intensity, her eyes searching for a familiar figure inside. It was no other than my ex-best friend, Cindy, wearing a loose big shirt and pajamas. Now that is not something you wear in a five-star restaurant. I have to say that, Cindy, finding out about my ex-husband’s reunion with me isn't a coincidence. Of course, I wouldn't waste my time with Lester. I told Butler Jin to hire someone and deliberately inform her about our plan to have dinner together. She has to see this. I smirked mischievously as soon as her eyes spotted us in the center of the restaurant. I intentionally intertwined my hand with Lester’s for her to see. The soft lights of the restaurant weren't able to do anything to mask the fire in her gaze. “Lester, what a surprise!” she drawled, her voice dripping with venom. “So, you're finally back to your old tricks, are you? Flirting with other women again? Who is this time? Another client?” Her eyes haven't seen me yet. It looks like my best friend didn't recognize me at all. Embarrassed, Lester stood from his seat to grip his wife’s arm. He sharply looked at her with a jutted jaw. “What the hell are you doing here?! Aren't you supposed to be on bed rest?!” he snapped. Looks like history repeats itself for her. Cindy is now the one suffering from my ex-husband and ex-mother-in-law’s delusions that she needs bed rest. It’s funny how they use it to her like they didn't use it to me. Don't they have any other excuses? “I am not disabled. I AM PREGNANT!” she snapped back. I leaned back to relax on my chair while I watched them argue in front of me. They are starting to attract attention. I must look good before they start sticking out their phones to record. I’m going to be a part of it anytime soon so I must be pretty. It didn't take long before Cindy finally diverted her attention to me. “And you bitch! Do you know that he already has a wife?!” she scandalously exclaimed. I playfully shrugged my shoulders with an intention to fuel her anger. My composure didn't even falter one bit. I like the fact that she’s acting the exact way I wanted her to act. She’s so fucking predictable. “Don't you know that I can sue you for fucking with my husband?!” “You're mistaken, Cindy. Lester and I are just catching up.” The crease on her forehead disappeared for a moment upon recognizing my voice. Her pupils turned into a dot and her face turned chalk-white. I guess the news about me being dead got her, too? Well, surprise, I’m not. I am fucking alive. “I know more than anyone else that Lester had a wife. What I didn't know though was it was you?” I scoffed, my arms crossed in a relaxed manner. “But anyway, like what I said, my ex-husband and I were just catching up after both of you betrayed me.” Lester consciously glanced at the people who are taking videos of us right now. I heard he wants to join politics. This is a good start to destroy his credibility. “W—What the hell are you talking about?! We didn't betray you. Lester didn't cheat on you! He loves me and he never loved you! You're supposed to be dead! I will not let you break our marriage!” she hysterically responded. Oh, I love that. She’s voluntarily spreading the juice with me barely intimidating her. Cindy has always been scared of her own ghost. The restaurant fell silent, all eyes focused on the escalating drama. “Cindy, you must have forgotten that you're the one who broke our marriage. You betrayed me with Lester.” Cindy’s face flushed crimson. “You’re desperate, Camilla. You’re just trying to steal him back.” My laughter rang out, sharp and brittle. “Steal him back? Why would I? I don't pick what I have thrown away already,” I taunted, a merciless smirk playing on my lips. “"But seeing you go crazy does make me happy." "You **!" Cindy raised her arm and tried to hit me, but Lester grabbed her. It's ironic, isn't it? A year ago he had his dick in Cindy's vagina and told me to die. Now he's pissing Cindy off for me. This man is so vile, I'm so stupid to die for him. My goal has been achieved, and one more look at them will only make me throw up dinner tonight. Just then, a figure strode into the restaurant, his gaze sweeping the room until it landed on me. "Camilla," he called out, his voice warm and familiar.It was like the warm, magnetic voice I heard when I was rescued from the shore a year ago.