January in Xosa had a bite to it, a chill that could cut through layers. Mikayla Salvatore breezed out of the mall, her white woolen coat bundled tight, leaving only her radiant face on display. She clutched her latest finds and slid into a private car. Settling into the warmth, her gaze fell on the shopping bags beside her, a joyful smile spreading across her face.
“Ms. Salvatore, Mr. Lindstrom is truly lucky to marry you!” Alfred, the driver, remarked with a warm smile.
“Oh, knock it off, Alfred,” Mikayla chided, her face blushing slightly.
Her slender fingers lightly traced the texture of the black sweater in one of the bags, and an indescribable happiness filled her heart. The big day was almost upon them; in just three days, she and Jaxon Lindstrom would be exchanging vows.
With the countdown on, shopping had become her second occupation, always with her bestie in tow. Yet, she hadn’t grabbed a thing for herself—it was all about what he would like.
Lost in thought, Mikayla barely noticed that Alfred pulled up in front of a small mansion and swung open her door. Carrying her purchases, Mikayla walked forward briskly. As she reached the door of the room, she blew on her hands for warmth and pushed the door open without a second thought.
She walked in on a shocking scene that stopped her dead in her tracks—two figures entangled on the bed, their passionate moans filling the room.
Suddenly aware of the door swinging open, their fervent activity came to a halt. Jaxon, the adoring and flawless fiancé in Mikayla’s, looked up at her, his face flushed with desire, as if he couldn’t quite grasp what was happening.
Yet, it was clear his yearning wasn’t for Mikayla. Beneath him was a beautiful woman, clearly wanting more, pulling him closer with soft whimpers. When she spotted Mikayla, she grabbed a blanket in a panic to cover herself. “Mikayla,” she said in a weak voice, so different from the moans just a moment ago.
“Mikayla…” Jaxon hastily grabbed some clothes to cover his lower body. He stepped toward her and reached out, but she dodged away.
Years of good upbringing kicked in, and Mikayla fought to steady the storm inside her—no outbursts, no tears. She held on to the shopping bag, as if seeking some kind of anchor, backing up into the living room.
Five minutes later, the once-bare couple sat fully dressed, squirming across from Mikayla.
“Mikayla, I will end things with Jaxon!” declared Winona Salvatore, Mikayla’s cousin, barely a month younger than her.
Mikayla skipped right past Winona, her eyes drilling into Jaxon, who hung his head in silence, etched with shame.
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