CHAPTER THREE

Penelope's POV

The soft sound of jazz music and the scent of old paper wrapped around me like a warm embrace as I settled into my usual corner of Rita's bookshop. This place was my sanctuary, a quiet escape from the chaos in my life. I traced my fingers over the worn wooden table, my gaze flickering to the small cup of coffee Rita had left for me earlier.

I sighed, unlocking my phone. I shouldn't have done it, but my curiosity—or maybe my self-destruction—got the better of me. I pulled up the news article.

"Madison Laurent and Billionaire Husband Celebrate Anniversary in Pure Elegance!"

My stomach twisted as I scrolled through the pictures. Madison glowed in a red silk dress, her smile dazzling, her hand wrapped around Julien's arm as if she belonged there. The comments below gushed over them.

"They're perfect together."

"Goals! True love exists!"

"She's so lucky. Julien Laurent is the definition of power and wealth."

I exhaled sharply, my fingers tightening around the phone. Perfect. Lucky. True love. The words stung me like open wounds.

Just as I was about to put my phone away, a notification popped up at the top of my screen again.

Madison Laurent posted a video.

My breath hitched.

I hesitated for only a second before clicking on it. The screen filled with a grand banquet hall, golden chandeliers casting warm light on the elegantly dressed guests. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the background.

And there they were—Madison and Julien, standing at the center, champagne flutes in hand.

Julien has an oval-shaped face with defined cheekbones and a straight nose. His eyes are a light brown or hazel, and his mouth is average-sized. He has short, dark brown hair, styled in a slightly messy manner. His skin tone is light to medium. He has a visible tattoo on his neck. He has a slender but athletic build.

"To my beautiful wife," Julien said, his deep voice carrying over the crowd. "Happy anniversary, my love. And an early birthday surprise."

Madison's eyes sparkled. "What surprise?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

Julien smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I've prepared a little something for you," he said, his voice low and husky. "A token of my appreciation, a symbol of my love."

Madison's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" she pressed, her eyes locked on Julien's.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying the suspense. "A ten-billion-dollar safe, just for you," he revealed, his words dripping with drama. "To be opened on your birthday, my love."

Madison's eyes widened in stunned silence, her mind reeling with the implications. 

Julien's smirk grew wider, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "I want you to have everything you've ever dreamed of, Madison," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "And this is just the beginning."

The crowd gasped. A collective murmur of admiration swept through the guests.

Madison let out a squeal, wrapping her arms around him. "You're unbelievable," she breathed before sealing the moment with a slow, intimate kiss.

My chest tightened.

Ten billion dollars.

My mind spun with the weight of that number. Ten billion dollars would change everything. It would erase every moment of suffering I had endured, every tear, every night of hunger, every bitter fight with Evan. It would give me a fresh start. A new life. A chance to breathe.

I swallowed hard.

How different would my life have been if I had been the one standing beside Julien instead? If fate had chosen me instead of Madison?

A shadow suddenly fell across the table.

I looked up from my thoughts. Rita stood beside me with a warm smile and a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. The aroma dived into the air, enticing me with its rich scent.

Her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint, she said, "I figured you could use another one," she said, her voice low and soothing.

I forced a small smile, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. Rita had a way of knowing exactly when I needed a pick-me-up, and her timing was impeccable.

"You know me too well," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I took the cup from her, feeling the warmth spread through my hands as I wrapped my fingers around it.

Rita's smile deepened. "That's what friends are for," she said, her voice filled with a quiet understanding.

We stood there for a moment, the only sound the quiet sound of the coffee machine in the background. Then, Rita sat down across from me, leaning her elbows on the table. "Rough night?"

I let out a dry laugh. "You could say that."

She studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in my expression. "You always come here when something's on your mind," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "And from the way you're staring at that phone, I'd say it's something big."

I sighed, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. I had been trying to avoid talking about it, but Rita knew me too well. She could always tell when something was bothering me.

I set my phone down on the table, trying to appear nonchalant. "It's nothing," I said, attempting to brush it off.

But Rita wasn't buying it. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with skepticism. "Don't try to fool me," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "I've known you long enough to recognize the signs. You're worried about something, and I want to know what it is."

I hesitated, feeling a sense of unease. I wasn't sure if I was ready to talk about it, but Rita's concerned expression made me feel like I owed her an explanation.

"It's really nothing. Believe me." I tried again.

Rita arched a brow. "Liar."

I shook my head, but the warmth in her voice comforted me.

She was right. I did always come here when I needed to escape. Rita had owned this bookshop for as long as I could remember. It was small, tucked between a bakery and a florist, but it felt more like home than anywhere else.

"If you ever need anything," Rita said gently, "you know where to find me."

Something in my chest tightened at her kindness. "Thanks, Rita."

She gave me a small pat on the hand before heading back to her counter.

I leaned back in my chair, exhaustion settling into me. My thoughts drifted, the soft atmosphere of the bookshop drifting me into sleep.

Before I knew it, I fell into a deep slumber...

The buzz sound of my phone jolted me awake.

I blinked, my heart hammering. The bookshop was darker now, the sun having slipped lower in the sky.

I glanced at the screen.

Unknown Number.

My stomach twisted.

Something in my gut told me to ignore it. But my fingers moved on their own, swiping to answer.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then—

"Penelope."

I froze.

The voice was unmistakable.

Madison.