While I Bury Mom, He’s Livestreaming with His Mistress

I was at my mothers funeral. Out of nowhere, the housekeeper rushed up to me.

Miss Lucia, Mr. Grants mistress just gave birth!

Steven Grantmy fiancdidnt deny it. He just said calmly, You should focus on the funeral first.

The next day, he didnt show up to pay his respects. Instead, he called me, Ive been staying at the postnatal recovery center to help take care of Nel. I wont make it to the funeral.

When I didnt respond, he sighed. Look, it was just a mistake. Nel has no intention of coming between our familiesshe just wants to keep the baby. But Im the father. I cant pretend the child doesnt exist. After we get married, Ill spend Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at her place to help raise the baby. The rest of the week, Ill be home with you.

My hands curled into fists. I smiled through the sting in my eyes. Steven, its over. The engagement is off.

He scoffed. Your mom just died. Dont make a scene.

I hung up without a word. Then I walked straight up to Stevens biggest rival.

Marry me. Lets bring down the Grants. Are you in?

Jaxon looked stunned for a moment.

A rare blush crept across his usually stoic face. He hesitated. Theres a rule among the Browns, my family would only marry once. If you become my wife, youll be mine for life.

I thought he was rejecting me. So I left while feeling disappointed. But he grabbed my hand, his usual sharp gaze suddenly filled with quiet intensity.

Lucia, think your decision seriously. Theres no backing out of this marriage.

I smiled and nodded. Im sure of my decision. I wont back out.

Jaxon Brown was actually the man my mother had originally chosen for me. He came from a good family, had integrity and compassionate. If I hadnt fallen for Steven, I would have married him long ago.

The funeral was a whirlwind of arrangements and Jaxon was by my side every step of the way, helping with everything for over two exhausting weeks.

Meanwhile Steven, he didn't even call a single time.

For the past two weeks, every time I opened Instagram, there they wereSteven and Nellie. Smiling ear to ear, holding the baby, hands forming a heart.

Its caption read: [My whole world in one photo.]

I scoffed, bitterness tightening in my chest. Then, my phone rang.

Stevens lazy voice came through, The funerals over, right? Wanna come by the recovery center to see the baby?

I glanced at myself in the rearview mirrordark circles, red eyes. Steven, we broke up.

There was a pause on the other end. Then he just said, Yeah. Thats probably for the best. Nels been kinda depressed since the birth. Seeing you might upset her.

And just like that, two weeks worth of tears finally spilled over. I laughed through the ache in my throat. Did you not hear me? I said were done.

Another pausethen a low, mocking chuckle. Lucia, you were with me for five years. I used you up. You think anyone else would still want you?

I told you, the baby was a mistake. Why cant you just let it go?

I didnt respond.

Then I heard something crash on his end of the call.

Steven gave a sharp laugh. Fine. Go. Leave. Ill be here when you come crawling back.

He hung up.

When I got home, I found the door code had been changed.

I tried calling himstraight to voicemail. With nowhere else to go, I checked into a cheap hotel for the night.

The next morning, my feed lit up with a livestream suggestion.

It was from the postnatal recovery center. Nellie was hosting the stream, smiling, chatting with followers. Steven sat beside her, gazing at her like she hung the moon.

The same look I used to think was meant for me.

The livestream had been going for nearly five hours.

The chat flooded the screen:

So jealousshes staying in a $7,000-a-month postpartum recovery center and her husbands right there with her.

Living the dream.

Manifesting a husband like that!

Before Steven took over the Grant Family business, he served in the military. He hated being on camera. When I once asked for just a quick selfie, he shut me down cold with a look.

But here he was, smiling for the camera, streaming live with Nellie for all eyes to see.

Nellie beamed at the viewers. Hes just really sweet and thoughtful~

Thoughtful? A sharp ache stabbed at my chest as I wiped the corner of my eye, forcing a smile.

Steven was never that man with me.

I remember once begging him to go see a movie with me. It took ages to convince him. He finally said yes. But during that two-hour film? He slept through 90 minutes.

When he woke up, he rubbed his temples like Id caused him physical pain. Spending time with you feels like a waste of mine, he muttered.

Clearly now, he could be patient, even lovingjust not with me. With Nellie, he had all the time in the world.

Then my phone rang. Steven mustve recognized my WeLiveID on the stream.

You have 30 minutes, he said. Come pick up your moms things from the postnatal recovery center.

By the time I arrived, the livestream had ended.

Nellie greeted me with a bright, fake smile. Lucia! You came to see me?

I ignored her. Walked straight to Steven and held out my hand. Give me the box.

The easy smile faded from his face, jaw tightening. Nellie spoke to you. Are you deaf now?

I gave him a thin smile, then turned to Nellie.

Congrats, Ms. Owen. You bagged my fianc, had his babywhats next? Climbing the ladder with a baby in your arms?

Crash!

Steven slammed his teacup onto the floor, shards flying. If youve got nothing decent to say, shut up.

Suddenly, Nellie clutched her stomach, tears hitting the floor.

Steven tensed immediately. Nel? Whats wrong? Where does it hurt?

She bit her lip, eyes turning red as she cried while looking at me. Lucia I never meant to come between you and Mr. Grant, she said.

Its justthe doctors told me this might be my only chance to be a mother. I swear, once my recoverys over, Ill leave. I wont cling to him, I promise. Then she turned toward the bassinet and stared at the sleeping baby.

Im sorry, sweetheart I brought you into this world without a real family. Youll never have a father around. But Mommy didnt do this on purpose Please forgive me She broke down in sobs, shaking, like she was shattered to her core.

Steven turned to me, his eyes dark with furylike I had personally crushed something fragile.

You happy now? You made her cry. That make you feel good?

I laughed bitterly. Are you seriously buying this performance? That was pathetic. The only thing shes good at is crying on cue.

My words lit a fire in him. Without a word, Steven ripped off the pocket watch my mother had left me. My heart dropped.

Nodont! Please!

But Steven didnt stop. He threw it across the room with full force. The watch hit the ground, shattering into pieces.

I stumbled backward in shock, tripping on the sharp corner of the table. Pain exploded through my hip as I hit the floor, gasping in agony.

Steven let out a scoff, Thats what you get for running your mouth. Get out. And dont pull this stunt againno ones buying your victim act.

Nellie rushed to play the saint, glancing at me with faux concern. Lucia, come on Mr. Grant might really think you faked that fall

I gritted my teeth and glared at her coldly.

Steven saw me glaring at Nellie and yanked me up off the floor.

Nellies milk came in. Shes gone through a pile of dirty clothes. Youre going to wash them. By hand. Then you can leave.

I jerked my arm free. Why would I do that?

He replied, Because you just bullied her. You owe her an apology.

I forced myself upright despite the searing pain in my foot. Keep dreaming.

His eyes iced over. Without another word, he shoved me into the bathroom.

Bang!

The door slammed behind meand locked.

Steven! Are you kidding me?! This is illegalyou're actually locking me in! I twisted the handle, yanking it hard. Let me out! Open the door!

I slammed my palms against the wood. Silence outside. My hand stung from the impact. My foot throbbed with pain.

The room reekedsour breast milk, dirty laundry and vomit. It was suffocating. I eventually slid to the floor, knees giving out, completely drained.

Then came Nellies voicesoft, sugary and fakemuffled through the door.

Mr. Grant are you sure this is okay? What if Lucia gets mad at you for this?

Steven let out a cold laugh. So what if she does? Ill sweet-talk her later.

Honestly? This is her own fault. If she doesnt drop that spoiled princess attitude, she wont last a day married into the Grants.

Our family has served in the military for generations. If I werent the only heir to the Grant Enterprises, my mother never wouldve let me marry some pampered rich girl with no skills but spending money.

Nellies voice was dripping with fake concern. Mr. Grant if you talk about Lucia like that, arent you afraid shell break off the engagement?

A pause. Then Stevens voice came slightly arrogant, She wont. Shes got no inheritance, no power, no better options. The Grants are the best she can do.

He added, Besides she loves me like crazy. I bet if I told her to die for me, shed actually do it.

I clutched my chest tightly. Never had I imagine Steven would blurt out such words.

The Harts have been in business for generationswhich means weve always had a target on our backs.

Six years ago, Mom and I were traveling abroad when we were ambushed. A group of armed men grabbed her, pressed a gun to her temple.

I screamed myself hoarse, thinking I was about to watch my mother die.

Then, a sharp crack cut through the air. One clean shot. The man dropped dead on the spot.

Thats when I saw himStevengun still warm in his hand, uniform crisp, broad-shouldered and all sharp lines, moving with lethal precision. He didnt just save us. He stole my heart that day.

Later, in the back of a military SUV, I saw his face clearlyangular jaw, high-bridged nose, impossibly handsome. I fell in love at first sight.

I chased him for a year before he finally gave in and agreed to date me.

We were together for five years. I hung on his every word. But all of my sincerity was met with betrayal.

Its almost laughable.

The bathroom door creaked open.

Steven stepped in, saw me crouched on the floorpale, trembling. His face twisted in annoyance. Its just laundry, Lucia. Stop acting pathetic. Who are you trying to guilt-trip?

The sour burn of bile rose in my throat. I forced it down, swallowing the nausea. I wasnt going to give him the satisfaction.

I started searching the floorlooking for the one thing that still mattered. My mother's pocket watch. It was torn to pieces. I picked them up, one by one.

Behind me, Stevens voice cut through the silence. When Nel finishes her recovery, were getting married. Shell move in with us.

Nellie turned to me, casting me her grateful look. Lucia, thank you for accepting me and the baby. Ill never forget your kindness

I cut her off, not even sparing her a glance. I turned to Steven, voice cold.

No. Were not living together. Im taking my mothers things. Text me the door codeIll have movers pick up the rest.

Steven pressed a string of numbers on the lockpad while looking at me with disdain. Youre making a big scene. But in the end, youll come crawling back.

Nellie tugged gently on his sleeve and said in a meek voice, Mr. Grant the bedroom

His gaze flickered. Then, without asking, he took her hand and led her into my car.

He then told me, Im coming with you. Just to make sure you dont take anything you shouldnt.

I didnt realize until we got home why he was so insistent on coming back with me.

The second I stepped inside, it hit me. Adult toys scattered across the living room sofa. Candles on the dining tableclearly not the scented kind. Then, in the bedroom, I saw handcuffs bolted to both the headboard and footboard.

The whole place reeked of sex and cheap perfume.

While I was out handling my mothers funeral, Steven and Nellie were playing house in every corner of my home.

I stepped into the walk-in closet and the shock kept coming. My jewelry was tossed across the floor. Several of my Herms bags were just gone.

Nellie trailed behind me, lips curled in a smug little smile. Lucia, missing anything?

She wanted a reaction.

Too bad. I simply smiled.

Mistresses will be mistresses. Petty theft and playing victimclassic moves.

Her eyes flashed. You!

She suddenly gasped, clutched her stomach and collapsed onto the floor. Lucia I havent even fully healed from giving birth Why are you hitting me?!

Steven stormed in and rushed to her side. He was clearly furious and so he slapped me without warning.

Lucia! I've spoiled you for too long. You think the world owes you everything?!

My cheek lit up with pain, swelling almost instantly. Blood rushed to my head. My temples throbbed. I was shaking.

I didnt touch her! I shouted.

Steven didnt believe me. He grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out of the closet, pushing me to the floor.

Get out. Go home and cry to your family. You can come back once youve learned some humility.

The humiliation burned hotter in me. I couldn't let Nellie got what she wanted. In sudden move, I got up and marched straight over to Nellie and returned the favor.

Smack!

Steven raised his hand again, eyes blazing with rage.

I stood my ground, jaw clenched, staring him down. That slap? That one was mine.

Then I soon turned, walking away. My pride in pieces, my eyes burning with tears I didnt want to cry out.

Outside, the rain was pouring heavily. It pelted down on me as I sank to the ground, sobbing so hard I couldnt breathe.

I dont know how long I sat there. But eventually, I noticed the rain wasnt hitting me anymore.

I looked up.

Jaxon was standing there, holding an umbrella over me, face drawn with concern. He didnt say anything at first, just extending a hand where he held an umbrella.

Lucia. Come on. Let me take you home.

Back at the Browns estate, everything felt achingly familiar. The courtyard, the smell of the garden after the rain Even the housekeeper, whod been there since we were kids.

I couldnt help but think of the past.

Jaxons mother and mine had been best friends since they were young; The kind who swore they'd be in-laws someday.

Theyd arranged a childhood engagement between us. But back then, I fought with my mom constantly. And because of that, I pushed away everyone close to herincluding little Jaxon and Paula, his mother.

By middle school, I had left for Milan to study art.

Jaxon was sent to the UK for business school.

We went our separate ways. And the next time I saw him?

It was at my mothers funeral.

I was lost in thought when Paula appeared, holding a steaming cup of ginger tea.

Without a word, she pulled me into a tight embrace, That boyJaxon! He let you get soaked like this, huh? Let Mom give him a piece of my mind.

Mom? I blinked, confused.

Jaxon coughed awkwardly, turning his head away. Ill go find you something dry to wear.

As he slipped out of the room, Paula chuckled and handed me the tea.

Jaxon already told ussaid the two of you are getting married soon. So yes, sweetheart, you'd better start calling me Mom.

Oh, Ive been waiting for this day for so long, Paula commented. Lets keep the date your mother chose, okay? No changes.

The date she meant was next month. It was supposed to be the day I married Steven.

The ginger tea in my hands slowly warmed me from the inside out. My chest tightened. My eyes stung.

The next day, Jaxon brought over everything we needed for the wedding. I thought with the date so close, wed be scrambling. That wed have to recycle the old plan Id worked on for months with Steven.

But no. Jaxon had handled it all, so I don't need to worry about it at all. It was clear how serious he was.

Meanwhile, Steven

Even after five years together, he still wouldn't have proposed if I hadnt pushed him. What's more, I planned every detail of the wedding myself.

Love and indifferenceits not hard to tell the difference when you stop making excuses. As I thought of it, I called the old wedding planner and canceled everything.

Not even a minute later, my phone rang again.

It was Stevens mother.

Lucia, have you completely lost your mind? You think you can just cancel a wedding like that? What did Steven do this time? Cant you stop being so dramatic for once? Honestlyonly someone like my Steven would even consider marrying a girl like you.

The Grants had never really accepted me.

I used to think Stevens mother was just tough on the outside, soft on the inside. That maybe, deep down, she did like me. But after what I overheard at the postnatal recovery center, I stopped fooling myself.

I answered calmly, Steven and I have broken up, Mrs. Grant. Isn't calling the weddings off the right to do?

Broken up? What is it this timedid you upset him again? Then apologize! You're a woman, aren't you? You should know how to keep your man happy. No one else"

I hung up. I was done being talked down to like that.

The next morning, Jaxon took me to try on wedding dresses. Midway through, he stepped outside for a work call and told me to go ahead without him.

I slipped into the gown he had specially flown in from Italy and turned towards the mirror.

When I heard movement behind me, I turned out of reflex and smiled, What do you think? Do I look good?

For a split second, I saw something like awe flash through Stevens eyes. But then I also noticed Nellie stepping out from another fitting room.

Stevens expression darkened immediately. He strode over and yanked the veil from my head.

Oh, I see how it is, he sneered. Youre the one who called off the wedding and now here you are trying on dresses in secret? Playing hard to get, is that it? You think this is all some fun little game?

His hand moved fast. The veil was torn off in a single jerk. The pins dug into my skinone of them grazed my cheek. Blood welled up instantly, staining the couture dress I was wearing.

I winced, crying out from the sharp pain. Steven, I didnt come here for you!

Nellie stepped in, her eyes already glistening with tears. I swear, Lucia, I didnt mean anything by it. I just wanted to try on a dress and take a photo. A little memory, thats all. Im not trying to marry Mr. Grant.

Steven let out a bitter laugh. Why bother explaining to someone like her? Lucia, I used to think you were just a little dramatic. I let things slide because I loved you. But this? He gestured wildly. This is you ruining our wedding like a selfish brat.

Fine, he snapped. Forget it. No wedding.

Then he grabbed at the dress, trying to rip it off me, trying to push me out of the boutique like I didnt belong there.

I struggled, trying to keep the gown from slipping. Just as he pressed down on my waist and tried to strip the dress from me in front of everyone, Jaxon arrived.

He kicked Steven hard, sending him crashing backward. Then he caught me by the waist, steadying me with one arm.

My wife is trying on wedding dresses, he said coldly. Youre just the ex who shouldve stayed buried underground. Why am I surprised you're the type to make a scene?