Behind Their Veneers

In the heart of New York City, the most exclusive restaurant, The Regency, gleamed with opulence. The grand hall was filled with men and women dressed in suits and evening gowns, a mix of couples, business partners, and the solitary elite drowning their sorrows in fine wine.

At the center of the restaurant stood a small elevated stage where a band played melodious tunes.

Seated at a table on the west side, a beautiful woman in a scarlet gown raised her champagne flute with grace towards the man before her, "Cheers."

Her skin was porcelain, and her features delicate. While not the most stunning in a city known for its beautiful women, she possessed a unique and striking aura.

The man, a middle-aged suit-wearing gentleman with a beer belly, looked at her with almost greedy eyes as he raised his glass, "Ms. Summers, after dinner, shall we go to the Skyline Hotel to discuss life and dreams?"

His tone was laced with suggestion and temptation.

The woman, known as Ms. Summers, lightly touched her red lips with her slender fingers, "Life and dreams? Certainly, as long as Mr. King is willing, we can take our time. However... I am particular, and without discussing the price, I am not inclined to casually visit a hotel."

Mr. Kings eyes flashed with intense desire as he grasped her hand, "Name your price. I am willing to make you my mistress."

Batting her eyes innocently, Ms. Summers asked, "Really?"

With a sly smile and a glint of triumph in her crescent-shaped eyes, she feigned difficulty, "But you already have a wife. I cannot disrupt your family."

"I havent touched my wife in a long time. I truly care for you, Ms. Summers. Besides the title of wife, I can give you everything," Mr. King declared.

"Yet... it doesnt seem fair to your wife," she hesitated.

Mr. King dismissed her concern, "Theres no fairness in this. Ive been merciful by providing for her. In todays society, every successful man has a beautiful mistress."

Ms. Summers inwardly scoffed at his statement but raised a corner of her mouth in a mysterious arc, "But I dont like you. What should I do?"

Mr. King was taken aback, "Youre toying with me?"

With, she finished the last sip of red wine in her glass, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes cold, "Yes."

As she stood up, Mr. King reached for her, but a familiar roar pierced the air, "King! You unfaithful wretch, our three-year marriage means nothing compared to your three days of fake affection with another woman? You bastard, I knew you had someone on the side, but you never admitted it! Now Ive caught you red-handed, divorce!"

"What? Divorce?" Mr. King turned to see his wife, furious and charging towards him.

"Ill make sure you leave with nothing, and well see who wants you when youre a penniless man!"

King had not "abandoned" his wife, not wanting to split his assets in a divorce. But she had dared to ambush him?

"I was just having a bit of fun with a woman, whats the big deal," he retorted.

"Having a bit of fun? Ill make sure you never have fun with any woman again!"

...

The woman in red curved her lips, gracefully leaving The Regency before the conflict spread to her.

Unbeknownst to her, a pair of deep, observing eyes had been watching her the entire time.