Rebirth Revenge Is Everything (Ariana) novel Chapter 486

Overseas.

A woman with long, wavy hair sat in the airport departure lounge. Her delicate features exuded a gentle beauty, especially her expressive eyes, lively and captivating, capable of lifting anyone's spirits at a glance.

Though no longer in the bloom of youth, her 29 years had bestowed upon her a grace and charm distinct from those in their early twenties. It was this very maturity that made her stand out effortlessly in a crowd.

After checking her watch, she gathered her luggage, preparing to board soon. Just then, her phone rang. A glance at the screen revealed the caller—Madelyn, her closest friend and former classmate. A faint smile touched her lips as she answered.

"Irene, when does your flight land? I’ll come pick you up," Madelyn’s voice chimed through the phone.

Irene’s tone softened with amusement. "Didn’t I send you my flight details yesterday?" The arrival time was right there on the ticket.

Madelyn let out an embarrassed laugh, followed by a playful smack to her own forehead. "Oh no, I totally forgot! Sorry, sorry—I’ve been swamped lately. But hey, Irene, please tell me you didn’t forget my stuff? I haven’t had time to visit M Country, so you *better* have brought it back for me!"

Irene chuckled. "Relax, I’ve got everything."

Only then did Madelyn exhale in relief. She hesitated for a moment before tentatively shifting the topic. "By the way… remember Angelo’s birthday party yesterday? You know, Angelo—the one whose dad used to be deputy mayor? He’s the actual mayor now."

Irene replied simply, "I remember."

Madelyn continued, "Then, at the banquet, I saw Lambert."

She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but the moment the name "Lambert" left her lips, Irene’s breath hitched—just for a fraction of a second, so fleeting that most would have missed it. But Madelyn wasn’t like most people. She not only noticed but felt it with crystal clarity.

Irene said nothing.

The silence stretched on and on before she finally spoke, her voice brittle as autumn leaves. "How… how is he now?"

Madelyn hesitated. "He’s married."

Irene’s hand stilled. Then, with a bitter laugh, she murmured, "Of course. By now, he really should be." People of their status rarely delayed marriage for long. Women, especially, often wed even earlier, though circumstances varied.

But Irene hadn’t been prepared for this. Lambert… had actually gone through with it.

The thought pierced her chest like a needle, sharp and sudden.

Madelyn quickly added, "But he only married three years ago. You realize how long he held out for you? And even then, his heart was still yours. So, Irene, don’t take it too hard."

That gave Irene pause.

Her brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

Madelyn leaned in. "His wife—she looks just like you. You can guess why, can’t you? Irene, you’re divorced now. It’s time to chase your own happiness. As for Lambert… I think he’s never stopped thinking about you all these years. Otherwise, why would he marry someone who resembles you so much?"

Irene’s heart trembled.

Fanny shot her a pitiful glance. "I’m exhausted," she whined. "I was dragged out of bed at dawn just to come here and try on dresses. Have you ever considered my suffering?"

Ariana remained unmoved. "No, because all I see is someone who kept delaying this until she had to be forcibly escorted here."

Outside, members of the Fernandes Family stood guard.

Fanny's parents were well aware of how difficult their daughter could be. To get her to cooperate with the wedding dress fitting, they had pulled out all the stops, exhausting every trick in the book.

When even her best friend refused to take her side, Fanny let out a dramatic wail.

Ariana ignored her theatrics. With a wave of her hand, she signaled the shop assistant to bring out Fanny’s wedding gown. Designed by a top-tier couturier, the dress was nothing short of breathtaking—even Fanny hesitated for a fleeting moment when she saw it. But the thought of wearing this exquisite gown to marry Damon, her potentially unfaithful fiancé, plunged her back into gloom.

Just then, Gwen stepped forward with impeccable timing. "Sister-in-law," she introduced herself politely, "I'm Gwen Castro."

As an illegitimate daughter married out of the Castro family, Gwen knew her place. She treated Fanny with utmost deference, hoping to make a favorable impression. After all, in wealthy families like theirs, a woman’s greatest leverage was her natal family’s support. Without it, life could be merciless.

Fanny had never met Gwen before, though Ariana had mentioned her in passing. She knew this was Ariana’s sister-in-law.

With a cheerful nod, Fanny replied, "Nice to meet you. Just call me Fanny—no need for 'sister-in-law.'"

Gwen laughed nervously, mistaking it for a joke. "Oh, I couldn’t possibly! If my elder brother found out, I’d be in serious trouble."