Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 73

Chapter 5

Everyone’s eyes darted between me and Silas, disbelief rippling through the crowd like a sudden gust of wind. Whispers erupted all around, a mixture of shock and confusion coloring their voices.

“Wasn’t Silas practically worshipping Dr. Martin, like she was the center of his universe? So why is he marrying Rebecca now?” someone muttered, incredulous.

“Are you blind? He saw right through her! Who in their right mind would marry a selfish, controlling woman like that?” another voice shot back.

“Exactly! Didn’t you notice how tightly she had him wrapped around her finger before? He wasn’t even allowed to have a female fly buzzing near him,” a third added, shaking their head in disbelief.

Suddenly, a heavyset woman lunged forward with surprising speed. Her hands grabbed a handful of my hair, yanking my head down hard. Before I could react, she struck the back of my skull twice with sharp, brutal punches.

“You venomous witch!” she spat, her eyes blazing with fury. “So my niece and the scientist were truly in love! It was you—out of jealousy—who sent her away and ruined her innocence!”

The other women from the village quickly closed in, forming a tight circle around me. Their fists and feet rained down without mercy.

“Don’t think you can just bully our Rebecca because she’s an orphan! We’re her family, and today, we’re going to make you pay for what you did!” one shouted fiercely.

Pain exploded across my body as fists and palms struck me relentlessly. A sharp kick to my stomach knocked the wind out of me, and I crumpled to the ground.

Someone straddled me, yanking my hair and slapping my face over and over. Another pair of hands began tearing at my clothes.

“You had men violate Rebecca, didn’t you? Today, we’ll strip you naked and let you feel the shame you caused her!” a voice hissed.

With a loud rip, my dress was torn apart, sending a cold shiver crawling over my exposed skin. Countless hands groped and pinched mercilessly. One tried to pull off my underwear.

I curled my legs tightly, screaming in desperation. “I didn’t hire anyone! It wasn’t me!”

“Silas, help me!” I cried out, my voice trembling with fear.

Finally, the institute director arrived with security guards, dispersing the crowd. I lay motionless on the cold ground, my body numb and my eyes staring blankly at the ceiling above.

Then, my phone buzzed with a message from Silas. It was a photo of a signed divorce agreement.

“Charlotte, I promised Rebecca I would marry her, and a man must keep his word,” the message read.

“The papers are signed. I hope in time you’ll learn not to be so impulsive. If you change your attitude, you can still remain my assistant and continue living in the house.”

I forced myself to my feet, staggering as a hysterical laugh escaped my lips. So he believed a man must keep his word? What about all the promises he’d made to me? Were they nothing but empty lies?

Suddenly, my phone rang again, the screen flashing urgently. It was the private investigator. His voice was frantic, almost breathless.

“Ms. Martin, during the investigation, we uncovered a shocking truth—Rebecca Brown is a calculated fraud.”