1. The Trap of Fate
Heavy rain poured down the city streets that night. Amelia Carson stood in front of the house that once radiated warmth. In her hand was an envelope containing the decision that shattered her world.
“Amelia, I want us to part ways. " This is the best for both of us,” read the last message from Nathan, her husband of the past five years.
To hell with the best decision—Nathan was nothing more than a skilled liar disguised as a lawyer. His deep knowledge of legal loopholes allowed him to cover up his infidelity and craft vicious lies to convince the court to grant his divorce petition against Amelia.
“You’re cruel, Nathan!” Amelia murmured softly.
The weight in her chest felt like a blade cutting through her without blood. The man who once seemed sweet and earnest in loving her had now changed. Tears streamed down her face, blending with the rain falling on her cheeks. She clutched the envelope with trembling hands, her body unable to bear the heavy reality that struck her so suddenly. Nathan had left, providing no further explanation, taking with him memories that now felt like wounds.
Amelia stepped inside the house, which now felt so empty. The furniture was still in place, but the atmosphere had changed. The house was no longer a refuge; it was a prison of memories. She spent the night staring at the divorce papers, hoping it was all just a nightmare that would soon pass.
The next day, Amelia decided to meet her old friend, Claire. They hadn’t seen each other in years, but a few weeks ago, Claire had reached out and invited Amelia to have some fun.
Amelia wasn’t sure what she was thinking. She knew well that Claire was her carefree friend—unmarried and fond of nightlife. To Amelia, Claire seemed so happy. She thought maybe drinking and having fun would be an enjoyable escape, a way to forget her troubles.
Wearing a short skirt and dressing herself up, Amelia showcased all her charm. Her ex-husband, Nathan, had often commented that she looked shabby after their marriage, as if household chores had worn her down. The truth was, Amelia had been trying to save money by not hiring a housekeeper. But her sacrifices were repaid with Nathan’s betrayal.
“Who says I’m shabby? " I’m the most beautiful woman in Montfleur,” she said, flipping her hair confidently.
With the last of her savings, Amelia headed to a club Claire had recommended—the Crimson Veil. That night, she stepped into unfamiliar territory, a place she had never visited before. It was all because of Claire’s suggestion. Claire had assured her that the Crimson Veil was a fascinating place that could make Amelia forget her sorrow.
They met there, and Claire greeted her with a warm smile before promptly offering her a drink.
“You need this, Amelia. Stop thinking about Nathan. " He doesn’t deserve your tears,” Claire said, holding Amelia’s hand tightly.
Amelia looked around. Everyone in the club wore beautiful, elegant outfits. They danced and drank to escape their worldly problems and enjoy the night without care.
“Do you come here often?” Amelia asked.
“Yes, I feel limitless in this place. " Just enjoy the music and the drinks; don’t be too uptight,” Claire chuckled, noticing Amelia’s naive expression.
“Ah, you’re right. I'd never been to a club before. " I was always at home waiting for my husband to come back,” Amelia replied.
“And what did you get in return? He divorced you, didn’t he? You’re hopeless. Love is nonsense. " In this world, only power and money matter,” Claire retorted.
Amelia forced a weak smile. She didn’t entirely agree with Claire’s cynical view, but the reality was she was suffering because of love.
“Enough sulking. "Come on, let’s go inside. " There’s something fun you need to see!” Claire exclaimed.
“What is it?”
“The casino!” Claire whispered.
“Gambling?”
“Yes. " You brought money, didn’t you?”
“I did, but I don’t know how to play. " I might lose a lot,” Amelia replied hesitantly.
“I’ll teach you! "I’ve won a lot here. " Trust me,” Claire said, brimming with confidence.
“All right,” Amelia said, eyeing Claire with doubt. She was never the type to gamble, let alone in a place like this.
"Take it easy. "You just need to have some fun. "You need a change of scenery. " Come on, just this once," Claire coaxed.
Reluctantly, Amelia finally agreed. She followed Claire deeper into the Crimson Veil. From the outside, it looked like an ordinary club, but once inside, the atmosphere completely changed. Neon lights, the sound of laughter, and the ringing of slot machines greeted them.
Claire led Amelia to the roulette table. "Try it once. If you win, I'll treat you to dinner. If you lose, I'll take responsibility," she said, laughing.
Amelia hesitated, but Claire's encouragement eventually made her hand over some money to place a bet. At first, things went well. Amelia even won a few small rounds, which made Claire even more enthusiastic.
However, Amelia's luck soon turned. In the final round, she lost everything she had. Claire, who had been full of excitement, suddenly disappeared without a trace. Amelia wanted to look for her, but someone stopped her.
"Hey, you!" a deep voice halted her.
Amelia turned around and saw a large man in a sharp black suit standing before her. His face was stern, devoid of a smile. "You have a debt," he said curtly.
"A debt? What do you mean? " I was only playing for a short time," Amelia replied nervously.
"You've exceeded your credit limit," the man said. You need to settle it. Now."
Amelia froze. "I don't have any more money. " I was just playing briefly; there must have been some misunderstanding," she stammered.
"Trying to run away? "Dream on! " You have a massive debt now, and our boss doesn't make excuses." The man gestured to Amelia to follow him.
Several men in black suits shoved her forward. Helpless and terrified, Amelia had no choice but to comply. They led her to a room on the upper floor. The atmosphere there was entirely different—silent and oppressive. In the center of the room sat a man with an air of authority in a grand chair, dressed impeccably in a black suit. His sharp eyes observed Amelia like a predator sizing up its prey.