3 Cyberbullying

Wanting to avoid relying on Ethan's wealth, she planned to save up for the future. Checking out of her hotel, she headed to Isabella's house with her suitcase. When she arrived, Isabella was still asleep and seemed grumpy when she answered the door. "What?" Isabella asked. "Can I stay here with you tonight?" Madison asked, pouting. "Please don't wake me up before noon," Isabella had said before walking back to her room, leaving the door wide open. Madison entered with a grin, finding Isabella's messy house scattered with beer bottles—a clear sign of Isabella enjoying her bachelorette life to the fullest. Despite the chaos, Madison was grateful for the temporary roof over her head. She hadn't asked to stay, but Isabella was kind enough to let her. Rolling her suitcases to the spare room, Madison returned to the living room, reaching for a can of beer from the fridge. It had been ages since Madison had consumed alcohol. Ever since Olivia expressed her desire for grandkids, Madison had quit drinking to boost her chances of getting pregnant. She chuckled bitterly, thinking about Ethan's lack of interest in intimacy, making the chances of pregnancy seem slim. Remembering the good old days when she and Isabella used to go out and have fun, Madison felt a pang of loneliness. They used to be drinking buddies, frequenting every bar in the city together before Madison tied the knot. Feeling isolated, Madison sought comfort and slipped into Isabella's bed, where they lay together in the dim room for a while. "What's going on? You're drinking again? I thought you were trying to have a baby?" Isabella inquired, breaking the silence. "Trying for a baby, my foot. I'm heading for a divorce soon, so I'm going to live life on my own terms. That jerk can go start a family with someone else," Madison scoffed, revealing her imminent divorce plans and her disdain for her husband. Isabella, a bit disturbed by Madison's statement, opened her eyes and gazed at her friend. Knowing Madison's deep love for Ethan, she sensed something serious must have happened for her to consider divorce. "What happened? Are you alright?" she asked, concerned. "Maya's back. They're back together," Madison replied, keeping her eyes shut. "I was naive, Bella. I thought he'd eventually love me." Tears trickled down Madison's cheeks, causing Isabella to sit up in shock. "What? Maya? The one who dumped Ethan two years ago?" "Yeah, that's her." Isabella was livid upon hearing this news. "She disappeared into thin air two years ago, and now she's back stealing your man? That's awful. Are there no other men in the world for her to go after?" "Well, I was the one who took the man from her in the first place. If anything, I had her leftovers. But now even this man is leaving me. Am I really that unappealing?" Madison murmured, lost in thought, staring at the ceiling. Turning towards Madison, who appeared lost, Isabella reassured her, "You're a stunning woman, Madison. Ethan didn't deserve your love, and he'll regret cheating on you with that worthless person." Madison burst into laughter. "Worthless person. That's a good one, Isabella. Thank you for cheering me up." "You know she doesn't hold a candle to you, Maddie," Isabella reassured Madison. But despite the reassurance, Madison couldn't shake the thought: Yet she still managed to get my man. "I wish we could expose them for what they did. How they were having an affair even while Ethan was still married to you. Ruin their public reputation," Isabella expressed, seeking retribution for her friend's pain. Seeing Isabella's determined expression, Madison tried to calm and dissuade her. "The truth is, I've gained a lot from this marriage. Ethan never limited my spending, as you well know. I've lived a life I couldn't have imagined, and many women would envy that." Isabella believed it wouldn't be hard for Madison to find another man. She described Madison's beauty: her delicate features, sparkling eyes, rosy lips, and a slender yet curvy figure. She also recalled how professors in college praised Madison's potential in the film industry. After Madison graduated with a film degree, she received numerous offers from famous record labels, opportunities that could have launched her into stardom. However, she chose Ethan, who offered her little beyond wealth—a value diminished by its lack of connection to her hard work. "What's your plan now?" Isabella inquired. "I'm returning to voice acting. There's a movie set to release soon, and the director offered me the chance to voice the main character." Voice acting was one of the few pursuits Madison continued after marrying Ethan. It allowed her to hide behind a screen without revealing her identity. "I think you should explore something that brings you more recognition. You're talented and beautiful; I believe you'd excel as an actress. I could manage you. I'm confident I'd be a great manager," Isabella suggested with assurance. Madison had a film degree, but her exceptional looks gave her an edge to easily transition into acting. "I haven't been in front of a camera for two years," Madison admitted, sounding disheartened. "Don't let that discourage you. You have immense potential. The movies you've voiced over these past two years have been successful. Critics are even searching for you. The only reason you're staying behind the scenes is because of Ethan. Look at Maya, she's an actress, but she's nowhere near your league. All she does in her movies is blink and say a few lines. If she can get famous doing that, I'm sure you can surpass her," Isabella encouraged. "I know my potential, Bella, and I believe I can do it, but it's not the right time now. Plus, I find a lot of fulfillments in voice acting, so just have some faith in me, okay?" Madison replied. The two spent the day together, wrapped up in each other's company, watching old movies, snacking, and enjoying beer. As night fell, they fell asleep in each other's arms, reminiscent of their younger days. At 6 a.m., Madison's phone rang, and in a sleepy daze, she hurriedly answered, trying not to disturb Isabella. "Hello, who is it?" Madison murmured into the phone. "Madam, do you know where Mr. Ethan put his blue watch?" Evelyn's voice came through the line. "Isn't it in the glass cabinet where he keeps all his watches?" Madison suggested. There was a brief pause. Then Evelyn spoke again, "Madam, all the watches are there except for this particular one." "Tell him not to wear it, then. He can choose another watch. It's too early for this. Did you really wake me up just for this?" Madison raised her voice, then abruptly hung up the phone. Back at home, Ethan observed as Evelyn dropped her phone after Madison's call ended. "Sir, Madam says you should pick another watch," Evelyn said hesitantly. "I heard her. I'm not deaf, you know. But I need that watch. It's the only one that matches the blue suit she got for me," Ethan explained. "Should I call her again?" Evelyn asked reluctantly, aware that another call to Madison might not go well. "What do you think?" Ethan snapped in frustration. Suddenly, Ethan's phone rang. Thinking it might be Madison, he swiftly answered the call. "Mr. Ethan, something terrible happened to Ms. Maya!" Maya was shopping when a fire broke out on Maple Street, resulting in her being one of the nineteen people injured at the scene. Luckily, her injuries were minor. Her foot got stepped on as chaos erupted and people rushed to escape from the building. Regrettably, someone captured her being assisted into the ambulance, and a video of her circulated on the internet, attracting a wave of mean comments that kept growing by the minute. Ms. Maya had become a victim of cyberbullying.