But still, divorce? That's too far.
I had a pen in my hand and a sheet of paper on my lap, pretending to work, but my mind was miles away. My eyes stayed stuck on the first line. I didn't move, didn't write, didn't blink. Just stuck there.
I could still hear her voice in that restaurant sharp, loud, angry.
"You don't see me anymore, David. I'm invisible next to Lizzy, right?"
I blinked, stunned. The clatter of a dropped spoon somewhere behind us barely registered. A couple at the next table paused mid-bite. The waiter froze.
"Eunice, can we not do this here?" I whispered, leaning forward.
"Why not?" she fired back. "You didn't care who was watching when you laughed with Lizzy at your office party, did you?"
My throat tightened. "That's not fair "
"Fair?" She laughed, bitter. "You know what's not fair? Watching my husband emotionally leave me and pretend it's work!"
Her voice cracked on that last word. That's when I saw it beneath the anger, there was pain. Real pain.
But all I could do was sit there. Silent. Powerless. Partly guilty.
People turned. Eyes stared. She didn't care. She let it all out like we were home, like no one else existed. I just sat there. Embarrassed? A little. Shocked? Completely.
I rubbed my temples.
She thinks Lizzy is the problem?
Lizzy is just my secretary. Just someone who helps with work. Okay, yes, we talk a lot. Yes, we laugh. But that's all. Nothing more.
I recently found out she was a childhood friend. Funny how life works. She was the little girl who screamed for help the day I almost drowned at the beach. She ran, found help, and saved me. I didn't even remember until I found out. We were both shocked.
So yeah, maybe I started seeing her differently, more like a connection to my past. But that's not love. That's just history.
Or is it?
The thought crept in, uninvited. I shoved it away. But it clung.
Lizzy listened when I talked about dreams Eunice no longer asked about. She laughed at my jokes that only drew eye-rolls at home.
Maybe that's why I found comfort in those chats. Maybe I wasn't as innocent as I pretended to be.
But love? No.
I'm a married man. I made vows. And I've kept them. Even if my heart has been wandering through silent deserts lately.
As for Eunice... I've done everything for her. Told her to quit her job, promised to cater for all her needs, and I meant it. Whatever she asked, I provided. Still, it's not enough?
I shook my head.
Maybe she just needs some attention. I'll ft fuck her tonight. That usually calms her down. She'll forget all about this divorce madness.
But the clock kept ticking. 10pm. 11. Still no knock, no footsteps. Just silence.
I stared at the door again.
Nothing.
I pulled the blanket over myself. Cold side of the bed stayed untouched.
"Fine. Sleep alone, then," I muttered
Next Morning
I yawned as I stepped out of the room, rubbing sleep from my eyes. Just as I reached the hallway, I caught sight of Uncle Benard walking briskly out of the House. Very briskly.
Strange.
"Uncle Benard?" I called out, confused. "Where are you going? I thought you just came in?
He almost jumped at the sound of my voice, then forced a smile.
"David! Oh... uh... I have an appointment. Very urgent. Must be going now," he said quickly, already heading toward the door.
I raised a brow. "You know you're always welcome here, right? Mom would want you to stay longer."
"You don't have to remind me," he replied, adjusting his jacket. "But I really must go now. We'll talk later."
Before I could respond, he was out the door. Gone.
I stood there, staring at the spot where he just stood.
What was that about?
Something didn't feel right. The way he rushed out... and the look on his face. Guilt? Panic? I couldn't tell.
Then I remembered yesterday before I went upstairs, I had seen him and Eunice talking. The way she smiled at him...
My stomach tightened.
That smile.
That was my smile. The one she used to give me back when we were dating. When life was simple, sweet.
I hadn't seen her smile like that at me in years.
And now it's for him?
I clenched my jaw.
Uncle Benard the rich, charming drink mogul. Everyone knows him. Owner of Casro Drinks. Flashy cars. Fat bank accounts. Always helping people out.
He's helped me a few times too. Always kind. Always generous.
But now...
No. No way. He wouldn't.
Or would he?
I laughed bitterly.
Of course. Eunice sees me growing in business, and suddenly now she wants a divorce. She thinks she can get a big chunk of my company and walk away.
Smart move, if that's her game.
And maybe... just maybe... Uncle Benard is part of the plan.
I heard Mom's voice in my head. "That girl... be careful. She may not be who you think she is."
I always defended Eunice.
"She's sweet. She's loyal. You don't know her like I do."
But now... I'm not so sure.
I walked back into my room, shut the door gently, and sat on the bed.
"She wants a divorce?" I whispered.
"Fine. Then let's play."
If she wants out, she'll go by my terms. And when everything crashes down on her, she'll come crawling back just like before.
Begging.
Crying.
But this time, it won't be that easy.
This time...
I'll make sure she regrets every single step.
I smiled to myself. A cold one.
Let's see who wins this game.
But deep inside...
a question refused to leave my mind.
Why did Uncle Benard leave the house so hurriedly?