Chapter 16
Sadie was publicly humiliated at a store after being banned by the owner, Leon, at the request of her ex-husband’s wife, Annika. She arrived at her car in tears, with her friend Agatha in tow, and later drove to Jeffrey’s office to confront him about her ordeal. Jeffrey was taken aback by her reaction and tried to calm her down, but Sadie was still fuming from the embarrassment.
As Sadie explained the situation to Jeffrey, she revealed that Annika was present at the store, and that Leon introduced her as “someone important.” Sadie speculated that Annika and Leon might be having an affair, which would explain their connection. Jeffrey was shocked and struggled to process the information, his mind racing with the possibility that his wife might be cheating on him.
Chapter 17
It had been two weeks since Leon’s confrontation with Sadie at the mall, and things had been relatively quiet on her front. However, Annika and Leon have been working non-stop with Counselor Malloy and Jorge to gather evidence and plan their revenge against Jeff and Sadie. They’ve been monitoring their phone calls, which have revealed Jeff’s continued involvement with Sadie and his refusal to meet her parents. Meanwhile, Annika has become increasingly distant and hostile towards Leon, struggling to come to terms with Jeff’s infidelity and their own complicated history.
At their latest meeting with Malloy, Annika’s frustration and frustration boiled over as she processed the evidence and her own emotions. Malloy reassured her that Jeff’s affair and evidence tampering had already sealed his fate, and that they just needed to catch him admitting to it. However, Annika knows Jeff well enough to doubt his stupidity, and the tension between her and Leon continues to grow. Despite their shared goal, Annika’s growing resentment towards Leon and her own pain have created a rift between them, leaving Leon worried about their future together.
Chapter 18
Annika’s world was turned upside down when she learned that her husband, Jeffrey, had been plotting to have her murdered by his mistress, Sadie. Annika’s tears of anger and pain streamed down her face as she confronted Hunter and Leon, cursing Sadie and vowing to take revenge. Hunter and Leon watched in awe as Annika’s distress turned to resignation, and she accepted that her marriage was over and that she had to take drastic measures to protect herself.
Chapter 19
Annika and Leon’s emotional bond grew stronger as they shared a passionate kiss, but Annika struggled to resist her attraction to him, reminding herself of her impending divorce and the danger their situation poses. Leon’s confession of his feelings for her only intensified the situation, as he warned her that he won’t give up on their relationship once they’ve completed their revenge plot. Annika accepted Leon’s offer of protection, but was still shaken by his methods and felt pressured into accepting his help.
Chapter 20
Annika woke up with a severe hangover after a night of overindulging in alcohol. She was unable to practice medicine and called in sick to work. Her best friend Kenzie was aware of the situation and made arrangements to reschedule appointments. Meanwhile, Hunter was trying to reach out to Annika, but she didn’t respond. He suspected something was wrong and asked Leon to check on her.
Leon was surprised to find out that Annika had a hangover and that she was not doing well. Annika revealed to Leon that she was dealing with the aftermath of being slapped by her husband Jeff and the emotional trauma that came with it. Leon expressed his concern for her well-being and offered words of encouragement, reassuring her that she was strong and that the emotional pain would eventually fade. Annika agreed, but was still consumed by anger and a desire for revenge against Jeff. Leon suggested that she reach out to Hunter to discuss the situation and plan their course of action.
Chapter 21
As I began to recover from my ordeal with Jeff, I was grateful to Leon for helping me see that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. With newfound determination, I started putting my plans into motion to take down Jeff and his mistress. I received an appointment with Judge Hunter’s great uncle, and after delivering the news to Leon, I was excited to start phase two of my plan: destroying Jeff’s public image. I was determined to expose him for what he really was – a lying, scheming district attorney who thought he was above the law.
As I worked on my plan, I started to think about how I could use my job as a doctor to help further my vendetta. One patient in particular caught my attention – Mr. Galloway, who happened to be the father of Jeff’s mistress. While taking his physical, I discovered that I had an opportunity to use his phobia of needles against him. As I navigated the challenge of extracting blood from him, I made sure to keep him calm and distracted, eventually putting his fears at ease. However, I also took the opportunity to educate him on the importance of being patient during medical procedures and warned him that any further outbursts would result in him being dismissed as my patient. Despite his initial reaction, he apologized for his behavior and acknowledged that I was right.
Chapter 22
Annika Silverton could not shake off the feeling that she had graduated medical school in less time than the day of Sadie’s birthday dinner had arrived. As she prepared for the lavish affair, she found herself torn between plotting against Sadie and exposing her and her boyfriend Jeffrey’s deceitful ways. Kenzie, her friend, urged her to own the night and prove to the world what Jeffrey and Sadie had been doing behind everyone’s backs. Annika, however, wanted to expose them without becoming the center of attention.
As they got ready, Kenzie convinced Annika to wear a stunning royal blue evening gown and Jimmy Choo heels. The dress was a gift, but Annika didn’t know who sent it or why. The note included with the gift mentioned appreciation and affection for Annika, leaving her feeling surprised and internally conflicted. Despite her reservations, she was forced into the dress and shoes by Kenzie and Hunter, and the three of them headed to the penthouse for the birthday dinner.
Chapter 23
The situation at the Galloway residence had devolved quickly as the guests tried to wrap their heads around the shocking revelation. The sound of a vinyl record reversing signaled impending disaster, and indeed, it was. Jeff’s ill-fated attempt to clear his name only ended in disaster as Annika revealed she had secretly recorded their compromising moment and exposed his infidelity. The video displayed Jeff’s willingness to abandon his wife for Sadie, his mistress.
As the events unfolded, Sadie’s world came crashing down, and her father joined the fray, unaware of his daughter’s infidelity. Kenzie, Annika’s friend and OB/GYN, revealed that she had dismissed Sadie as a patient several weeks prior, making her immune to doctor-patient confidentiality. Leon Von Doren, a man Annika had previously been married to, showed up and accused Sadie of cheating on him during their marriage. With evidence mounting against her, Sadie’s lies were exposed, and her reputation was left in shambles.
Chapter 24
Jeffrey and Sadie found themselves in a world of trouble after being accused of crimes. Mrs. Galloway was released with a warning, but Sadie was arrested and taken to the police station. She was eventually joined by Jeffrey, who was accused of fraud and evidence tampering. The New York County District Attorney’s Office fired Jeffrey on the spot, and his reputation was tarnished. The scandal quickly spread on social media, with millions of shares and severe backlash from the public.
In separate interrogation rooms, Detective Corey questioned Jeffrey and Sadie. Jeffrey was represented by a public defender, who was inexperienced and unprepared for the case. Jeffrey decided to take matters into his own hands and decided to represent himself in court. Meanwhile, Sadie’s lawyer instructed her not to say anything, which only antagonized Detective Corey. The detective revealed that the evidence against Sadie was substantial, including a recorded conversation between her and Jeffrey discussing how to generate fake evidence against her ex-husband and extort millions of dollars from him.
Chapter 25
Annika was struggling to come to terms with the consequences of exposing her husband Jeffrey’s infidelity at a public birthday party. She had orchestrated the downfall of her despicable husband and his mistress, but the uninvited attention from the media and her family was overwhelming. Her phone rang nonstop, and she hesitated to answer, but ultimately decided to face the music.
Her first call was from her oldest brother, Huxley, followed by her sister Micky and her grandmother, Mee-Maw Ginger. Each conversation was a mix of shock, anger, and concern for Annika’s well-being. Her grandmother urged her to come back to Rhode Island, fearing for her safety, but Annika insisted on staying in New York, determined to uphold her independence and make her own decisions. Through the chaos, Annika realized that her family, despite their initial reactions, would ultimately support her and advocate for her well-being.
Chapter 26
Annika was relieved to have a brief respite from the chaos that had been swirling around her since the failed wedding. She had barely slept, overwhelmed by phone calls and text messages from extended family members and friends who wanted to offer their unsolicited advice and criticism. Determined to enjoy her moment of peace, she burrowed under a mountain of pillows and prepared to face the impending storm.
Just as she was drifting off to sleep, Leon von Doren called, offering words of comfort and support. Annika was taken aback by his sincerity and felt a spark of attraction that she hadn’t expected. However, their conversation was interrupted by her doorbell, signaling the arrival of her family and their army of lawyers. Annika’s plans for a quiet morning were quickly shattered as her mother and father descended upon her, accompanied by a dozen of their lawyers. The Silverton family’s presence was like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over Annika’s fragile state of mind.
Chapter 27
The tension in Annika’s penthouse escalated as her soon-to-be former mother-in-law, Ruth, and her husband, Jack, arrived with Jeffrey’s younger brother, Joey, and another woman Annika recognized from family photos. Annika’s authoritative presence and measured steps towards her visitors only fueled the drama, and the standoff commenced in a fraction of a second. Ruth hurled insults, and Jack challenged Annika, but before things escalated further, Annika revealed a shocking truth: she had a family – parents, Beau and Madalena, and three brothers, Huxley, Royce, and another, along with a sister-in-law, McKenna.
As the Hollands family reeled in shock, Annika introduced her family’s army of attorneys and laid bare the secrets and lies that had been hidden for years. She revealed that Jeffrey had been cheating on her with Sadie Galloway, who was also pregnant with his child, and that he had prioritized money over their love. The truth sent the Hollands family into shame, and Annika’s revelations left them stunned and speechless. In the end, Annika’s family stood tall, united against Jeffrey and his family, and ready to take action to rectify the situation.
Chapter 28
The penthouse dinner had turned chaotic as the anonymous woman’s presence continued to cast a long shadow. Annika’s family, including her parents and siblings, were arguing over Jorge’s surveillance on the woman, while Annika herself was feeling overwhelmed and disassociating from the debate. Just as it seemed like the tension was about to reach a boiling point, someone’s phone rang, breaking the silence.
Annika’s phone continued to ring, and when Kenzie answered it, she revealed that it was Detective Corey calling to inform Annika that Sadie’s attorney wanted to meet with her to discuss a possible deal. The news sparked a heated discussion, with Royce vehemently opposing the idea and Kenzie and Madalena advising against it. Annika, however, surprised everyone by deciding to hear out Sadie’s attorney, prompting Hunter to accompany her to the meeting. As the family contemplated Annika’s decision, Beau Silverton advised against intervening, trusting Annika’s judgment as a grown woman.
Chapter 29
Sadie Galloway, a pregnant woman, was detained at the police station and was furious at the delay in her case being resolved. She repeatedly complained to her attorney, who was growing tired of her antics. Just then, their long-awaited guests, Annika and Leon, arrived, accompanied by their attorneys. Annika, unfazed by Sadie’s outburst, calmly asked to address the situation with everyone simultaneously. Sadie’s attorney suggested a deal with both Annika and Leon, but Annika was unimpressed, pointing out that money didn’t equal power and that Sadie’s offer was nothing but a desperate attempt to buy her silence.
The tense situation escalated as Sadie made a series of disparaging remarks about Annika, insinuating that she was only desirable due to her physical appearance and was unable to please her husband, Jeff, in bed. Annika, however, shot back with a scathing rebuke, pointing out that wealth and power weren’t the same as worth. She skillfully dismantled Sadie’s attempts to buy her off, revealing that she was far more powerful and influential than Sadie could ever hope to be. The room fell silent as Annika’s words hung in the air, leaving Sadie and her attorney stunned and humbled.
Chapter 30
Annika has been feeling the weight of her recent confrontation with Sadie at the police station, and it’s affecting her sleep. She’s grappling with her intrusive thoughts and feelings of inadequacy, her mind consumed by harsh words Sadie flung at her. Annika’s emotions are bubbling to the surface, and she’s forced to confront the crumpling walls she’s built around her heart and mind. Her inner monologue is filled with negativity, questioning why her love wasn’t enough for Jeffrey, why he chose Sadie over her, and whether she made a mistake marrying him.
Kenzie calls Annika, sensing her distress, and delivers a stern but supportive pep talk. Kenzie reminds Annika that she’s a diamond and not cubic zirconia like Sadie, and that the pressure to become a doctor and a successful wife is what she’s accomplished. Kenzie also reminds Annika that Jeff’s behavior was textbook gaslighting, and that Annika was a fantastic wife who did everything for him. Kenzie urges Annika not to take Sadie’s words to heart and to focus on her own worth, reminding her that Jeff walked away from her because he was selfish and narcissistic, not because she was a bad wife.