What Gary didn’t know is that I am the secret owner of Vanguard Global Holdings, an empire worth $5 billion.
I own shipping companies, hotels and technology companies across Asia.
Why did I hide it?
Because I wanted Gary to love me for who I really was, and not for my money.
When we first met, he was friendly. But as he moved up the hierarchical ladder (in a company that was secretly my subsidiary, without his knowledge), his ego grew. He became arrogant, quick-tempered and verbally aggressive.
Then came the evening of his promotion party.
He had just been promoted to vice president of sales.
I was about to put on my evening dress when Gary entered the room, a hanger in his hand.
“What are you doing, Isabella? “He asked coldly. “Why are you holding this dress? »
“I’m getting dressed for your party, honey,” I said with a smile.
He laughed mockingly, snatched the dress out of my hands and threw it on the floor.
“You’re not a guest,” Gary said in a firm tone. “Don’t behave like a First Lady. At this reception, I need service personnel. We are running out of servers. »
He shoved a hanger under my nose. Hanging from it was a black maid’s uniform, with a white apron and headband.
“Put this on,” he ordered. “You will serve the drinks. That’s all you know how to do anyway, right? To be a servant. And one last thing… above all, don’t tell the guests that you are my wife. You’re embarrassing. Just say that you are a part-time housekeeper. »
My heart broke.
I wanted to scream.
I wanted to tell him that I could buy his whole existence.
But I remained silent.
It was my ultimate test. I wanted to see how far his cruelty went.
“As you wish, Gary,” I whispered.
On the way down, I saw a woman sitting on the couch.
Tiffany. His secretary. Young, beautiful, very made up.
But what upset me the most was what she was wearing around her neck.
My grandmother’s emerald necklace.
The family jewel that had disappeared from my jewelry box that morning.
“Honey, is this okay with me? “Tiffany asked Gary, touching my necklace.
“Perfect,” Gary replied, kissing her. “It suits you better than it did that worn-out woman who owned it. You will be sitting next to me tonight at the presidential table. I will introduce you as my partner. »
Tears flowed as I adjusted my apron in the kitchen.
He trampled on my dignity.
And now he has bequeathed my family’s inheritance to his mistress.
AT THE PARTY…
The ballroom of the hotel sparkled with a thousand lights.
Executives, investors and VIPs filled the room.
Gary was the star of the evening. Dressed in a tuxedo, he held Tiffany’s hand, the stolen necklace shining on her neck. Sitting at the central table, they laughed and drank fine wine.
And me?
I stood aside, with my head down, carrying a heavy tray of champagne.
“Boy! More wine! “Gary shouted.
I approached. “Yes, sir. »
Gary deliberately humiliated me. As I was pouring the wine, he gave me an intentional nudge. Wine spilled on the table.
“IDIOT! “Gary yelled in front of everyone. “Such a simple job and you still can’t do it?! Clean it up! »
Tiffany and her friends laughed.
“Your housekeeper is horrible, Gary. Where did you find it, by the way? »
“On the street,” Gary replied in disgust. “I picked her up out of pity. »
I knelt down to wipe the table. I could feel his burning glances. The pain of his cruelty pierced my chest like a knife.
Then suddenly the music stopped.
The great doors opened.
The CEO of the Asia-Pacific region has arrived — Gary’s line manager.
Sir Arthur Sterling.
The most respected and feared man in the company.
Gary immediately got up, straightened his coat and pulled Tiffany closer to him.
“Mr. Sterling! “greeted Gary enthusiastically. “Welcome! Thanks for coming to my party! This is Tiffany, my… fiancee. »
Mr. Sterling did not shake Gary’s hand.
He just looked around the room, as if he was looking for someone.
“Guards, remove the garbage. »
The security guards dragged Gary outside as he screamed and begged. The guests who had laughed at me earlier were now silent, terrified.
I walked out of the ballroom with Mr. Sterling.
“Madam,” he asked, “would you like to change? There is a change of dress in the suite. »
I looked at the maid uniform I was still wearing.
“No, Arthur,” I smiled. “I want to go home wearing this. To remind myself that no matter what I wear — uniform or dress — my value is never defined by the fabric, but by who I am. »
