"He's finally here!" My heart jumped for joy when I heard a car's engine outside. I was only expecting my husband, whom I knew would arrive that exact night.
It had been nearly a week since he left for a business trip. I immediately rushed outside out of too much excitement and longing for the few days we hadn't seen each other.I waited for him right at the foot of the grand staircase, barefoot and in a silky black robe to hide a surprise underneath it."Honey!" I exclaimed right after I saw him. He was looking down while walking and only raised his head the moment I called him.I ran like a child to greet him with a tight hug, but when our eyes met, I was surprised to see his reaction—there was no reaction at all.I tried to ignore that and continued to hug him tightly to let him know that I missed him so much; however, I could not stop noticing that it seemed like I was hugging a stump. The stiffness of his body was too much.Maybe he was just surprised by what I did, so I let the thought go again.I raised my head while my arm was wrapped around his body. I caught him looking at me, and it put a smile back on my face. I tiptoed to reach his lips, but I stopped when I didn't get a response to what I did.I moved away to look at his face."I-is there something wrong? The business trip did not go well?" I instantly thought the reason was this—that maybe his father scolded him for it."I'm too tired to talk, Elyana," he answered, avoiding my eyes.My eyebrows met in shock, but the reason was the way he called me because he commonly called me by my nickname or any sweet made-up name.He walked away and left me standing in the same spot. I wanted to chase him to ask him, but I changed my mind.I turned around and watched him climb the stairs. He was loosening his necktie while walking, and based on his body movement, he seemed tired.I decided to follow him, and when I was inside our room, I didn't see him. I heard the strong rush of water coming from our bathroom. He left the door open, but I fought myself not to go in and disturb him. That was why I laid down on the bed first and waited for him to finish.At the time, the door was pulled wide open. I let out a sly smile and jumped out of bed. Lucas loved those moments when I was the one initiating on times like those.I jumped out of bed to show him what I needed. I buried my face on the side of his neck; however, the moment I tried to plant kisses on it, he slightly pushed me away."I-I already told you I'm tired." He walked away right after pushing me. He went to the walk-in closet and stayed there for a few minutes.My mood fell to the floor—he instantly killed it. I had no choice but to give up, let out a heavy sigh, and go back to bed.Lucas went out shirtless, not only wearing boxer shorts with his typical sleeping wear, but he was in pajama pants that night. I found it weird, but I was too embarrassed to give too much attention to it.I lay on my side while waiting for him to lie down. I waited for him to pull me close, to wrap me around his arms, and to apologize for what he did, but I didn't get any of these until the sun went up the next day.He was ready when I woke up."Where are you going so early?" I asked with a yawn, but Lucas didn't seem to hear me because he was in a rush."How about we have breakfast together first before you leave?" I suggested, hoping he would finally hear me."I'm leaving now. I have an important meeting," he said without even looking at me.He continued putting on his necktie by himself when, mostly, I was the one fixing it for him every day, but I couldn't remember the day when he started doing it for himself."But you just came—" I was about to object, but then I changed my mind. That could only lead to one thing, and that was an argument."O-okay," I answered sluggishly, even though deep inside it felt like something was squeezing my heart.He left the room without even kissing me or saying goodbye, like before. I felt rejected twice in a row.He was gone when I noticed he had left other things he usually brings to business meetings. I had so many maybes and what-ifs, yet I let my blind mind choose the good.'But how if it felt too much already?'I peered at his moving car from the window of our room and stayed there until I could no longer see it.I had been married for five years to the only man who made me believe in love and, at the same time—fairy tales.His family had been known throughout England for having one of the largest real estate companies, with branches in different parts of the globe. My parents are the same, but they are well-known in Turkey in the fields of hotels and tours.Our only issue was that we were having a hard time conceiving. Having a baby in their family was a big deal because Lucas was an only child, just like me.There was pressure from both sides, but his father exerted most of the pressure because he wanted an heir as soon as possible.Because of that reason, I thought Lucas was serious about trying some methods for us to conceive, but later on, he had so many excuses that convinced me to agree with his idea of just staying patient while doing things the natural way.I could do whatever he thought was best and comfortable for him. I love him immensely, and whatever he liked, I would instantly agree.I knew what kept my husband busy—only his job—their business, and he spent most of his time away from home meeting with clients and occasionally traveling all alone."What is that scent?" I asked, sniffing the strong scent Lucas left.I didn't often mingle with what he does and where he goes, but that morning my mind was bugging while smelling the strong perfume.He'd already taken a bath, and his perfume had spread throughout our room. He smelled like he'd used the entire bottle on his body that morning, and it wasn't pleasant at all.I went straight to the bathroom to take a shower and get ready to go to the office that day. I was working for the same real estate company his family owns as a peer, his father's wish, before we got married.We were in the same field. We're both civil engineers; that's why we got along easily the first day we met. But our interests were so alike; everything was perfect for us, and that pushed me to love him so much.I tried to forget my suspicions while letting the lukewarm water from the shower drip down my body. I kept repeating in my head that Lucas was not someone who would do something behind my back, but my heart and mind disagreed with each other at that time.When I couldn't bear it any longer, I immediately called his secretary, even though I was also going to the same place that day. I checked the time, and he surely reached the office that hour.I just wanted to confirm something, but before that, I just had to bribe his secretary to get the information I needed."Hello, Lucy! Good morning! Can you please order me a coffee? Order yourself too, my treat!""Sure, ma'am!" she answered enthusiastically from the other line. I was hoping she wouldn't doubt that because I have my secretary to ask for the same favor."Thank you! By the way, can you please check my husband's schedule today? He just came back home. I'm planning to prepare an early dinner for us both, but I'm not sure if it would be possible with his hectic schedule lately," I hurriedly said in a low tone, hoping I could win her sympathy to give me that information."About that, ma'am, Sir Lucas canceled all his engagements today, so your plans could be possible," his secretary politely answered."Are you sure? I don't want my plans to go to waste. Can you please check if there's something he changed?" I pleaded."A moment, ma'am." I waited just like she said."His schedule is clean, ma'am."A grin was already forming on my lips right after hearing what my husband did that day. something he stopped doing for me for a long time now, but he told me he had some important meetings that day."That would be great then! Thanks, Lucy! Is he there?""Sir Lucas hasn't arrived yet, ma'am," she answered quickly, and my lips parted because the company was not far away from where we lived."O-okay, Lucy. Thanks again!""No worries, ma'am," she said, and I ended the call.My heart started pounding. My intuition was telling me something.A month ago, a trusted person gave me a number as a joke in case I needed a private investigator. I was hesitant at that time, but I decided to keep the number in my phonebook just in case, and I didn’t expect I would call at that moment for help.I dialed the number. The owner immediately answered, giving him all the necessary information he needed."It seems my husband is going somewhere today. I want you to follow him. He's alone and using a black car," I informed him without hesitation, and I gave him the exact plate number of the vehicle."Right away, ma'am," the guy from the other line answered immediately, without leaving any questions. I was not sure how he was going to find my husband at that time with the information he got from me, but I wanted to trust his ability.After talking to him, I checked the time on my cellphone. It was just around seven in the morning. I planned to go to the office, but I was having second thoughts about it.I took a seat for a while to think. I sat there, staring blankly at the king-size bed that I fixed earlier that day. I was slowly tapping one of my fingers on the armrest while waiting for an update, and as a few minutes passed, I heard the message tone on my phone and immediately checked from whom it came.It was from the person I hired. According to him, my husband was in a coffee shop with a woman.I sent a reply right away. I asked him to send me some pictures because I wanted to identify the woman. Later on, I received pictures. He sent five pictures from different angles. All the pictures were vivid enough for me to recognize her.I knew who he was with. His so-called friendI didn't want to give malice to the way she was looking, giggling, and touching my husband's arm, but there was something off inside me that told me there was something more between them.My blood was boiling, and my hands were shaking. I told the agent to follow them if they ever decided to leave. I remained sitting. The day felt frustrating already, even though nothing was already happening before my eyes, but not until a few more minutes had come to pass.Huddled and restless, like my instinct was telling me, there was something absurd going on already—and there it was. Another message came, and it was only a single picture.I wasn't prepared. My world was shaken in an instant as my knees trembled like jelly. Lucas and Diane were too close in that picture—not just close. They were kissing, and they were still in the parking lot of the famous coffee shop where the agent caught them.If anyone sees them, the first thing that will come to their mind is that they look like long-lost lovers who missed each other so much.They were making out in public without fear! They seemed like hungry animals who couldn't wait to relieve the longing they were feeling for each other at that time.In case you're looking for a story that would wreak your heart, you're on the right place, my dear.
My desire to follow my husband grew stronger when the person I hired gave an update. I wanted to find out where they were going right in the instant. I wanted to be the one to startle them both. To see the fear in both of their eyes once, I suddenly appeared in front of them. Lucas has much to lose compared to me, and I won’t let him get away with this. "Don't lose sight of them. Follow them wherever they go," I angrily ordered the investigator and ended the call. I will pay him threefold if he follows my husband and that woman. Money is worthless if my husband will just cheats on me like this. After I gave the order, I left the room and went down the elegant stairs. A maid rushed to say that breakfast was ready. "I will not eat, thank you," I told her. I couldn't hide my irritation that morning and that maid was the one who first witnessed it. I went straight to the door and my driver quickly opened the car door for me. He always parks the car in front early so I don't have to w
I felt I was in a safe haven after I fell asleep with my head on my mom's lap. We slept on a huge bed in the VIP room of a five-star hotel where I checked in after I left my shameless husband's house. I woke up and Dad was nowhere to be found. Mom had just come out of the bathroom when I opened my eyes. Dad left, she said, and Mom told me she didn't know where he would be heading so early. Our breakfast came and even though I didn't feel like eating, I ate a lot because there was a dragon watching and ready to attack if I didn't obey her. It would be good if Dad were there. He would let me eat a little, but with Mom—she's like a monster when she's mad, so I tried to avoid making her angry. She's not my mortal enemy, not my best friend, either. She's still my mother, so I love her and that's just how Mom shows her care and love. Unlike my Dad who is showy and sweet all the time. While we ate, Mom kept telling stories about my childhood and how picky I was when I was young. Until now
"She's fine. There's nothing to worry about her. Just give her time to rest and she will feel better in no time." These were the last words I heard from the doctor to my worried parents as I lay in the hospital bed. They immediately put me inside a private room in the nearest hospital from the restaurant, where we were supposed to have dinner to avoid attention from people who walk in and out of the hospital. Mom said the doctor also told them there was nothing we should be concerned about after a few tests they gave me, apart from the fact that I was a little dehydrated and the blood pressure was unstable. I knew my blood pressure had been low because I often feel dizzy and I look pale without makeup on. The doctor advised me to eat healthily and get a proper rest to get back in shape. According to mom, Lucas followed us into the hospital, but dad told him to leave. He obeyed immediately in fear of making a scene and after that—he didn't come back. It seemed he was afraid of gettin
Two days had passed and there was still no word on whether Lucas had signed the papers. It seemed the other party didn't want to make it easy for us. My lawyer advised me to use the precise reason I want to end my relationship with him, which was adultery, and we took the issue to court to help us with the process. They appealed and made a statement that I was the one creating stories because I only want money, but for Pete's sake! They were trying to turn the story to make him look like he was the victim. I even wanted to believe the chance he was asking for was genuine, even though his voice lacked sincerity that day. But now — how could I believe him? And during those two days of me waiting, I never heard from him. Just today, I received a message from an employee in their company the other day that Diane had been visiting Lucas in his office. I couldn't believe that she had such an audacity to show her face in a place that was once my territory. They were not scared to show to
It was the most tiring and longest week of my life. Lucas didn't stop bothering me, even though I already made myself clear I would continue the divorce I filed. I was not crazy to just forget what he did to me, not like his poor mom who had been cheated on several times, but still hadn't divorced her unfaithful husband. Lucas didn't deserve a second chance, and I didn't feel his sincerity whenever he tried to ask for forgiveness. I was sure his dad was the only one who motivated him to negotiate with me for their reputation and the assets they might lose. That manipulative man thought he could use me as one of his puppets. As for his son, who couldn't refuse his order — even after getting married, he continued interfering with his son's life's decisions — with our lives. 'I would be glad once Lucas and I are finally divorced. He is no longer my in-law.' I thought. It wouldn't come to that if Lucas's relationship was new maybe — just maybe I still could still forgive him, but hello
After getting the divorce papers, the next thing I did was start selling my assets. I also moved to a different hotel and made sure Lucas couldn't follow me anymore. He no longer had a reason to look for me because everything between us was done and resolved, but I just wanted to make sure, and yes, I received a vast amount after they combined both of our assets. I knew he was having a lot of regrets because he lost a lot. The first thing I sold was the resthouse, don't ask me why. Honestly, if I didn't think it would be a waste, I might have just bulldozed it or set it on fire, but if I had put it on fire, someone else could have been affected because it was in the middle of the forest. 'I'm not that heartless.' It wasn't that hard to find a buyer. The resthouse was the most important and memorable place to me before, but because of the two shameless fellas, it turned into the thing I hate the most. I had an acquaintance that handled everything, the same as with other properties
It was a scorching morning when I woke up the next day—still surprised by the new atmosphere and weather. I still thought about the delicious dinner I had that night that I first thought was just a dream. I ate a lot, though. I even forgot the proper table etiquette because I ate giant oysters and lobsters with my bare hands. Filipino food has a unique taste. Even some kinds of seafood I missed the taste. I hope Mom's newly hired maids wouldn't spread the word about what happened last night because it was embarrassing. For sure, they had been thinking I looked like I didn't eat for days. It was 10:00 am when I woke up, that was why it was already hot. I didn't turn on the air conditioner when I went to bed because I was already tired. My whole body was dripping with sweat with the humidity. I was awake, but my spirit was still asleep. I stayed lying down even though I was already sweating, but when I suddenly remembered my plan for the day, I got up. I almost forgot where I planned
Since we sat down, we hadn't started eating yet. I kept answering everything Lea was asking. More about the things I did for the past five years I was gone in England. Although we kept in touch while I was away, face-to-face conversations aren't similar to texts and phone calls; those only happened when there were special occasions. The time had always been limited, so I couldn't tell them all the details. "Mama is such a killjoy," Lea murmured while pouting her lips when Auntie Eugene told her to let me eat first. "You know, if you're the only one who will be hungry, I'll let you carry on with an empty stomach. My grandson wouldn't have milk to drink when he wakes up," Aunt preached to her daughter just to make her stop talking, and because of that, she stopped. Lea just gave birth to her second baby. A healthy baby boy who's already six weeks old. Thinking about that made me feel sad for myself. Lea was only a few years older than me, but she had already given birth twice. The