He's a cheat

– WHITE PETALS ESTATE… 6:40pm –

On the other side of the city…

Sounds of water splashing ceased in the bathroom. A few minutes after, Draven walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. The water from his hair dripped down his chiseled body.

"Sir, the event starts in thirty minutes. You should be on the carpet before then." Evan, his assistant, spoke from the other side of the door, but he was totally ignored by his boss.

The man started to get dressed. He leaned down to pick cufflinks from his drawers, but instead, but instead of the box of cufflinks, he picked a small of hair pins instead. Seeing the hair pins, a small smile found its way up his cold face.

"I'll see you tonight, my fierce tigress." His voice was hard to make out before he turned to leave the room, draping his coat over his shoulders.

"How many awards was she nominated for?" He asked his assistant as they got into the car taking him to the venue.

"About ten, sir."

****

"Phoenix, there you are." A feminine voice came from an angle, this made Phoenix look around as they stepped into the large hall.

"Ohh, Natalie." Phoenix flashed her a bright smile as she pulled her into a hug. "It is so good to see new actresses being nominated at the Grand Gala."

"Oh my goodness, you're so sweet, Phoenix. It's all thanks to you. I am so glad to have a mentor like you." Natalie chuckled gently as her eyes settled on Ryan who had his eyes fixed on her also. "So sad we weren't given the same table. Oh well, I'll see you around."

"Get yourself to our table this instant." Ryan ordered her as he pushed her waist underneath the scarf covering her back.

Everyone sat at their tables as soon as the event started. Phoenix looked so glad as she stared at the nomination list on her table. She had worked so hard to get to this A-list actress rank and she was not letting anything get in her way again.

"We would like to welcome you all to this wonderful event. It is so good to have our favorite couple here in the house." The hostess complimented with a smile as the spotlight fell on Ryan and Phoenix who waved gently.

Draven's gaze wandered down to the location she was seated in and seeing her brought a smile to his face. "Tigress."

****

"Master Anderson, we would like to invite you to present our next set of awards." The hostess drew his attention back to her. He was so engrossed in staring at his tigress that he totally forgot about his task. He cleared his throat and walked up the stage.

Meanwhile, Phoenix turned her head to look up at him with a small smile on her face. She had never seen Master Draven Anderson more than once in person, despite the fact that he was a huge investor in her movies. He was also the CEO of the fragrance company that she is the spokesperson for.

He had a dominating physique that complimented his jet black hair and blue eyes. Or so she thought they were blue.

"Thank you sir." The hostess said as she gave him the stage.

"The fan's choice. The most loved female celebrity goes to," Draven opened the envelope containing the results, and he smiled. "Phoenix Brown."

The whole hall burst into loud applause.

"My very first award as an A-list actress." Phoenix's voice escaped in a breathless whisper. She was so shocked that it took her a while to realize she had to go up the stage. Her eyes met Draven's and somehow, she felt encouraged and happy. She felt a strange connection to him.

As he handed her the award, he looked into her eyes and she could swear she saw his eyes flash red. "Congratulations." He said to her and his voice was strangely soothing. She felt the urge to make him speak again.

His eyes darkened as his eyes caught sight of a bruise on her shoulder. It seemed that Phoenix was unaware that her shawl had slipped enough to reveal it, as she was so overcome with emotions. Draven's sharp eyes looked all over her more carefully. He had a feeling there were more bruises littering her body.

"Thank you." She replied before returning to her seat but weirdly, Ryan wasn't seated anymore. "Olivia, where is Ryan?" She asked Olivia. "Oh, and can you help me get my pair of flats from the dressing room? My feet hurt."

"He should be there." Olivia replied, her tone frazzled. "Sorry Phoenix, but I'm really busy here."

"Ohh, I need my flats. These heels hurt a lot." Phoenix replied to her. "I'll go get them myself, no need to worry yourself."

"Be back soon, the next award is in five minutes." Olivia said.

Phoenix stood from her seat and headed out of the hall hurriedly to get to the dressing room where her things were. "I should have just taken them with me. Ryan shouldn't get there before I do."

She slowly approached the dressing room as she tried searching for something in her purse but she stopped as if hearing something. Strangely, she could feel goosebumps as she walked to the door, peeking in through the slightly open door which was wide enough for her to see what was going on inside.

Phoenix stood frozen behind the slightly open door her heart pounding harshly in her chest. The scene of Ryan in a heated intercourse with a blonde haired lady shattered her heart into a million pieces.

Sounds of flesh slapping against each other and her satisfied moan along with her husband's satisfied groans caused a lump to form in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes. She had expected everything else from Ryan but cheating on her wasn't really one of them.

"Goodness… Natalie. You are so much… better than that good for nothing… Phoenix. Damn." He groaned. Phoenix covered her mouth in shock at the level of betrayal. How could he do this to her? With Natalie of all people.

Her hand slowly extended to push open the door open but a strong hand suddenly clasped around hers. The touch was warm and soothing alongside the other hand which slowly was wrapped around her waist.

"He doesn't deserve you, Phoenix."