My Anniversary Revealed I Was His Mistress

Today marks our fourth wedding anniversary. My gaze lingered on the keys resting on the table the red Ferrari I had arranged for Sebastian. Hed talked about owning one for years, and I wanted to surprise him. My other hand drifted to my stomach, a soft smile forming on my lips.

Soon, we would have a baby.

Life felt complete. It felt safe. Perfect, even.

That illusion shattered when Logan walked into my room without knocking. He had done that all my life, ever since we were children, but today something in his expression made my chest tighten.

Isabella, he said, voice strained and rough. Sebastian already has a wife.

For a second, I just stared at him. Then I let out a small laugh, because the claim sounded too absurd to take seriously.

Thats your anniversary greeting? I teased lightly, turning back to the mirror to fix my earrings. Youre supposed to congratulate me, not start rumors. Is this about you thinking hes not right for me again? We settled this when I chose to marry him. Its been four years, Logan.

Im serious, he insisted, stepping closer. Hes legally married and its to his secretary, Candela. I checked everything. There are documents, registrations. Hes been lying about his identity from the start.

My heart faltered, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Enough, I said quietly, meeting his eyes. Not today. I dont want to hear this.

Im trying to protect you, he replied, frustration slipping into his tone.

And he saved my life once, I countered. He cares about me. Why would he lie? Weve been together for years

Exactly, Logan cut in. Four years, yet you dont know anything about his family. Where he came from. His background. You handed him your company, let him handle your finances and you dont see the problem?

Youre saying this, I murmured, because you still havent gotten over me.

His silence answered for him.

Logan, I softened, please dont ruin this. Dont destroy something good just because you cant move forward.

Isabella

I dont want to argue anymore. I grabbed my coat, stepping past him, ignoring the slight shake in my hands.

He reached for me, but I pulled away before he could touch me.

The wind at the pier was chilly, brushing against my skin, yet I barely noticed. The yacht floated gently, adorned with delicate lights and scattered roses. It looked peaceful romantic. I pushed Logans words aside. They couldnt be true.

Clutching the small gift box, I stepped forward. Happy anniversary, I murmured softly.

Then suddenly

A shove.

The world tilted, and icy water swallowed me.

I tried to kick upward, but my limbs felt heavy, unresponsive. Panic clawed at my chest. The memory of past trauma the drowning I had barely survived years ago resurfaced, dragging me deeper into fear. My lungs burned. The cold wrapped around me, pulling me into darkness.

My vision blurred. Everything faded.

Then I sensed movement above me. A splash. Someone had jumped in.

For a moment, it felt like history repeating itself. Four years ago, during a violent storm, someone had pulled me from the sea a stranger who became my husband. I remembered the warmth of his grip, the reassurance in his voice, the comfort that made me fall for him.

Now, strong arms circled me again.

My fading consciousness clung to that thought.

If he was saving me then Logan must be wrong. Sebastian cares about me.

Distant voices reached me, faint but clear enough.

Candela, have you lost your mind? You couldve killed her pushing her like that!

Candela.

Logans warning echoed in my mind.

I want her gone, Candela snapped angrily. Why wont you just finish it? Four years of pretending is enough. Im tired of waiting.

My heart froze.

I told you I cant yet, Sebastian replied, irritation lacing his voice. I still need her company her money. I have debts to clear. Once everything is under my name, Ill return to my family. Then my father will take me back.

Candela let out a bitter laugh. Or is it because youve grown attached?

Dont be ridiculous, he shot back. Ive never loved her. Youre the one I care about. Shes just a means to an end. So stop acting recklessly until this is over.

Candela sighed. Fine.

A door slammed.

Silence followed, and darkness claimed me completely.

The next thing I heard was a steady beeping sound. My eyes slowly opened, the blurry shapes forming into a hospital room.

Beside me sat Sebastian.

His face showed concern, worry etched perfectly the image of a devoted husband. Anyone wouldve believed him.

But not me.

Isabella, he murmured, reaching for my hand. Im sorry. I shouldnt have let you go ahead alone. Are you hurt?

Something inside me fractured quietly, yet I kept my expression calm.

We still have the investment signing tomorrow, he continued carefully. Youll be able to attend, wont you? Its important.

It may need to be postponed, I replied softly.

Thats difficult, he said quickly. If youre not well enough, I can sign for you. Just authorize me temporarily.

And why should I? I asked evenly.

He blinked, surprised. Because Im your husband. Everythings going to be shared ownership anyway.

I forced a faint smile. Id like to rest first.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead. Of course. Dont worry. Ill take care of everything.

Once he left and the door closed, my composure cracked. My fingers trembled as I grabbed my phone.

I dialed Logans number.

When he answered, my voice was quiet but steady.

Logan tell me everything youve found about Sebastian.

Logan didnt speak when he stepped into my hospital room. His face looked drained of color, his expression tight, like he was carrying something too heavy to say out loud.

Without a word, he placed a thick envelope on my lap.

Go through it, he murmured.

My hands shook as I opened it. Papers spilled outphotocopied files, scanned records, a passport copy, old news clippings, bank statements, photographs. There were too many. Every page I picked up felt like a blade cutting deeper than the last.

Logan let out a slow, shaky breath. Isabella Sebastian isnt the man you think he is.

My chest tightened painfully. Logan dont.

Hes the son of a powerful industrialist from Asteria, Logan continued quietly, his voice steady despite the cruelty of his words. He left home because of gambling debts. Not small onesmassive, dangerous debts. The kind that involve organized crime. His father gave him one condition: clear everything, then he could return.

A dull ringing filled my ears.

He needed money, Logan said. A lot of it. And thats when he chose you.

I went still. What do you mean chose me? My voice trembled. Four years ago when the yacht I was on sank are you telling me that wasnt accidental?

Logan didnt hesitate. He arranged it. Paid someone to tamper with the yacht. He stayed nearby so he could jump in and rescue you. He wanted you to trust him. He wanted you to fall in love with him. And when you married him

No My breath caught. Logan, thats thats impossible

he began siphoning money from your company. Logan slid another stack of documents toward me. And this Candelas employment record. He told her to apply. You unknowingly hired his wife as your personal secretary.

The room spun. My stomach lurched violently.

Isabella Logan moved forward quickly.

But I was already off the bed, stumbling toward the bathroom. The nausea hit hard, and I barely made it before I started vomiting. My body shook as wave after wave tore through me until there was nothing left but dry heaves and tears.

I gripped the sink, trembling.

He planned everything. Every moment. Even the day I fell in love with him it was all calculated.

Yet my mind dragged me back to memories I once cherished.

Ill always look after you, he once whispered, brushing my hair aside while we sat on the beach. The moonlight softened his features, making him look gentle, sincere.

From what? I teased.

From anything that tries to hurt you, he replied, pressing a kiss to my forehead. Youll never face it alone.

The mornings he woke early to cook breakfast. The nights he held me when sleep wouldnt come. The quiet promises about building a family together.

Every memory felt poisoned now.

Because suddenly, things I ignored before made sense.

Candelas perfume clinging to his coathe said she cried and leaned on him.

The faint lipstick stain on his collarhe laughed it off, saying she tripped and he caught her.

Late-night callshe told me business emergencies couldnt wait.

And I believed him.

I thought those breakfasts were love.

I thought tucking me in meant care.

I thought when he said, Youre my future, he meant it.

But it was all a lie.

When I finally steadied myself, I looked at Logan, my chest hollow.

Theres no need for a divorce right? My voice sounded distant. Our marriage it isnt even valid.

Logan nodded slowly. Thats correct.

I shut my eyes. My mother had barely passed when I married Sebastian. The company she builther lifes workwas the last thing she entrusted to me. I handed it over to a stranger disguised as my savior. My father warned me, argued with me then eventually cut ties with me for my decision.

Then I just need to review the company, I murmured. See what damage has been done.

Logan stayed silent. He didnt need to say anything.

Two days later, I walked into the office expecting clarity.

Instead, I found ruin.

Miss Isabella, my finance manager stuttered as soon as I entered. I Im sorry, but were bleeding money. Mr. Royce approved multiple transfers without authorization. And several investors he introduced theyre not real.

My knees gave out.

Logan caught me before I collapsed completely. My chest tightened, and breathing felt impossible.

The company my mother built with her youth and sacrifice was being emptied from the inside.

By the man I loved.

No. The man I thought I loved.

Call the board, I managed, my voice unsteady.

When everyone gathered, I forced myself to stand tall.

Effective immediately, I announced, my tone cold, Candela Marquez is terminated. All contracts, investments, and agreements handled by Sebastian are to be suspended until further review.

Shock flickered across their faces.

Still, they followed my orders.

For the first time in years I felt control returning.

Until the door slammed open with a violent crash.

What is going on here? Sebastian stormed inside, fury written all over his face, his usual calm gone. Why was Candela fired? And why am I suddenly excluded from every meeting?

What exactly is going on here?!

Sebastians voice sliced through the conference room, harsh and sudden, breaking the silence like glass shattering. He strode in without waiting for permission, Candela right behind him. She clung to his arm as if she were frightened, her eyes glossy with unshed tears, shoulders trembling like shed been wronged.

I remained seated, unmoved.

Im talking to you, he continued, slamming his palm onto the polished mahogany table. The sound echoed across the room. Why was Candela dismissed? And why am I suddenly excluded from every meeting?

I stood slowly, straightening my back, folding my hands calmly in front of me.

I terminated her employment, I replied evenly, because shes inefficient, unnecessary, and only joined this company because you pressured me to hire her. As for the meetings I tilted my head slightly. Ive decided I dont want to hand over everything to you anymore.

Sebastian froze for a brief second, surprise flashing across his face before anger quickly replaced it.

So youre making decisions like this without even consulting me? he demanded.

I dont need to consult you, I answered calmly. This company belongs to me. I make the decisions.

His jaw tightened, a muscle twitching visibly. That doesnt give you the right to

Youve already handled more than enough, I cut in, stepping forward. And you havent handled it well.

Candela sniffled softly behind him. Maam if I made a mistake, please give me a chance to explain

Dont speak, I snapped sharply.

She flinched, lips quivering.

Sebastian moved closer, his presence suddenly intimidating. Isabella, youre acting unreasonable. You cant just fire someone because youre upset.

Upset? A cold laugh escaped me. You think this is about emotions? After everything thats happened?

His expression darkened. This is ridiculous. Im your husband.

My tone hardened. Whats ridiculous is that you still believe being my husband means you get to control me.

For a split second, something flickered in his eyes unease. Because he realized I wasnt backing down.

You are not firing her, he barked. I wont allow it!

I already did, I replied coolly. Its effective immediately.

His hand slammed against the wall beside my head, close enough that I felt the air shift.

Youre testing my patience, Isabella, he warned.

I held his gaze steadily. Maybe I am.

His breath faltered slightly. He saw it then the change in me. Something he couldnt manipulate anymore.

After a moment, he stepped back, forcing his expression to soften.

Alright, he muttered, running a hand through his hair. If thats what you want well go with your decision. For now.

Candela lowered her head, wiping at imaginary tears. Maam Ill pack my things. Thank you for the opportunity. Im sorry if I did anything that upset you.

I didnt respond.

Sebastian gently placed his hand on my shoulder, his voice suddenly calm, almost coaxing. Lets not argue anymore. Well talk about this later, okay? For now I accept your choice.

But the way he agreed so quickly unsettled me more than his anger had.

An hour later, I stepped out of my office only to stop when I heard voices coming from around the corner.

I moved quietly, staying out of sight.

Candelas voice was sharp, no longer trembling. So thats it? I lost my job and you just let her have her way? Why didnt you fight harder?

Sebastian exhaled heavily. Relax. I cant push too hard when I still dont have full control of the company. I need to stay on her good side. Well just go along with whatever she wants until everything is secured. You understand that.

Candela sounded frustrated. And how long do we keep pretending?

As long as it takes, he replied, his tone turning cold and calculating. She thinks firing you gives her control, so let her believe that. Well follow her lead for now.

There was a brief pause.

Because on her birthday, he continued quietly, venom lacing his words, we finish this. No more fake investors. No more acting. That night, her life ends and everything she owns becomes ours.

Candela sucked in a quiet breath. Are you serious?

Especially now that youre carrying our child, Sebastian answered without hesitation. I wont let her threaten you or the baby.

My lungs locked. For a moment, it felt like I had stepped outside my own body, watching everything collapse from a distance, piece by piece.

He wasnt just deceiving me.

He wasnt only having an affair.

He was planning my death on my birthday.

I stepped back silently, forcing down the scream rising in my throat. My hands trembled so badly I pressed them against my chest, trying to steady my breathing.

Not now.

Not here.

I need to survive. I need to pretend. I need to beat them at their own game.

That evening, when I returned to my suite, Sebastian was already there, seated on the couch. His expression softened the moment he saw me, almost warm, almost loving.

I nearly laughed at the performance.

There you are, he said, releasing a breath like hed been waiting anxiously. He rose to his feet. We should talk.

I stayed where I was. About what?

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking hesitant. About Candela since you let her go, I was thinking.

I braced myself.

Then he smiled gentle, patient, supportive. The same smile that once made me fall for him.

The same smile he wore every time he lied to me.

we could hire her as a housemaid, he suggested.

My heart stuttered.

As what? I asked quietly.

She needs a source of income, he explained casually, like this was a harmless idea. And since you dont trust her as much anymore, at least if she works here, youll know what shes doing. I can still help her too. It works out for everyone. You know shes alone no family to rely on. I cant just leave her with nothing.

Works out for everyone.

For him and his mistress.

No, I said immediately, my voice sharp. I already dismissed her. Shes not coming back here.

His expression faltered slightly. Isabella

I said no. I turned away before my anger slipped into something more revealing. Im exhausted, Sebastian. I dont want to discuss this.

Dont be like that, he called gently, following me toward the bedroom. You dont have to react so strongly

Goodnight, I cut him off, closing the door before my composure cracked before he noticed how much I already knew.

I leaned back against the door, breathing unevenly.

They planned to kill me on my birthday and now he wanted his lover inside my home.

Not happening.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, pulling me slowly from sleep. But before I even opened my eyes, something felt off.

Someone else was in the room.

I sat up abruptly and froze.

Candela was kneeling beside my dresser, wiping its surface with a cloth, humming softly as though she belonged there. She wore a plain apron, her hair tied neatly back.

She looked up, offering a timid smile. Good morning, Maam.

My stomach dropped. What are you doing here?

Oh! She quickly stood, lowering her head respectfully. Sir Sebastian told me you changed your mind that you agreed to let me stay as the maid.

Ice spread through my veins. Thats not true. I never agreed to anything.

She twisted her hands together, eyes glistening with what looked like tears. Maam, please I really need this job. I can handle everything. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, ironing even sewing. I dont mind sleeping in the storage room if necessary. I just need somewhere to stay.

I clenched my jaw. Every trembling word felt rehearsed.

Leave, I said coldly. Before I lose my patience.

She flinched. Please just give me one chance. Ill prove myself.

Before I could respond, she hurried forward, grabbing a spray bottle and cloth. See? Im very thorough. Look how clean I can make everything.

She wiped the table too forcefully, movements rushed and desperate. Then she turned toward the shelf where my mothers porcelain urn rested a delicate piece, white with gold accents, the most precious thing I owned.

My chest tightened. Dont touch that

Ill clean everything properly, she insisted, dusting around it. Im careful, Maam. I promise

Her elbow knocked against it.

The urn wobbled.

Time seemed to slow.

Candela, stop!

Too late.

The urn tipped.

It fell.

Porcelain shattered against the marble floor.

Pieces scattered in every direction.

And my mothers ashes spread across the floor like drifting gray snow.