---- Chapter 6 And just like that, it hit me-my earlier madness had been pointless. Not even worth the tears I shed. Hearing my flat tone, David let out a low, smug chuckle-infuriatingly seductive. "Aria, are you upset? Is it because I didn't come home last night, or because I drove two female friends back? " He paused, then added nonchalantly, "My car broke down on the highway. That's why I couldn't answer your calls-I was busy fixing it." He said it so casually. So smoothly. As if it were the truth. But I heard it-clearly. The soft, breathy moan of a she-wolf on the other end of the line. And then came a low groan from David himself. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe it wasn't. But it didn't matter anymore. ---- I pretended not to hear it. "When are you coming back?" David replied quickly, almost as if trying to escape the question. "Just rest. I'll be home later." And then-he hung up. Isat there in silence, the sharp beep of disconnection cutting straight through my chest. That she-wolf's voice-so sultry, so intimate. And his groan-so unmistakably real. No excuses could erase what I heard. No matter how cleverly he spins it, the truth is crystal clear: He spent the night with another she-wolf and never even thought of coming home. David didn't just hurt me-he threw my heart into the fire and watched it burn. ---- His so-called affection? Just a well-practiced performance. For outsiders. For the version of me that no longer exists. David never loved me. Not truly. He just arrogantly believed he could conquer anyone Even a broken mate like me, battling depression. But here's the thing- My heart? It's already a battlefield. Scarred, cracked, bleeding. One more wound won't break me. It will free me. This twisted little game between David and me-it starts now. Only this time, I'm no longer the one begging to stay. And once I walk away, there will be no coming back. Not for him. Not ever. ---- About two hours later, David finally returned. I remained where I was-sitting in silence on the balcony, staring blankly at nothing. "Aria, I'm back. Did you miss me?" He slipped his arms around me from behind, his tone light, almost playful. But all I could smell was the faint, lingering scent clinging to his skin. That scent. Thad always hated that scent. And for it to still be there after so long... it could only mean one thing- He'd been wrapped around someone else all night. Disgust twisted in my stomach. Icouldn't stop the cold sarcasm from spilling out of my mouth. "Nice fragrance," I said flatly. "Didn't know it was In the world of "Crimson Heiress" by CrushReel, business magnate Zelda falls victim to a treacherous plot orchestrated by her own brother and husband, unwittingly surrendering her empire to the cunning Yasmina. As Yasmina's sinister intentions unravel, Zelda meets a tragic fate. However, a twist of fate brings Zelda back to life, setting the stage for a riveting saga of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Exploring themes of deceit, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships, "Crimson Heiress" delves into the intertwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of a captivating blend of CEO dynamics, time travel elements, and mysterious reincarnations. The narrative unfolds within the opulent setting of a grand mansion, where secrets are as abundant as the characters' ambitions. As Zelda navigates through her journey of transformation and retribution, readers are drawn into a web of drama that promises unexpected twists at every turn. What sets "Crimson Heiress" apart is its seamless fusion of suspenseful storytelling with elements of glow-up narratives and intricate character developments. With its gripping plotline and immersive exploration of vengeance and second chances, this ongoing tale captivates audiences seeking a compelling blend of mystery and drama. Discover the allure of "Crimson Heiress" for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.