DUTY BOND: MY LIFE WITH A COMATOSE HUSBAND

Erika’s POV: It was finally two years of being together with my boyfriend. And just like every other year, I stationed myself in my art room, my fingers dancing on the canvas before me as I breathed life into the portrait I was painting. The anniversary gift I will be offering him this year is a sketch of a fictional wedding portrait, and I have been invested in this for a few hours now. As I painted, I couldn't help but think about our journey together. From our first meeting at the coffee shop to our first date at the art museum, every moment with him has been a masterpiece. I smiled to myself, thinking about how he always supported me, even when my art got a little too weird. I added a few more brushstrokes to the portrait, making sure to capture the sparkle in his eye. This gift was going to be my best work yet! “Felix will be so happy to see this,” I said to myself and smiled I put down my brush and stepped back to admire my work, I felt a sense of pride and excitement. The portrait was stunning, capturing the essence of our love story. I could almost see Felix's smile as he gazed at the canvas, his eyes shining with joy. I couldn't wait to see his reaction, to see the way his face would light up when he realized that this was his anniversary gift. My heart skipped a beat at the thought, and I felt grateful for this love we shared, this masterpiece of a relationship that we'd created together. * Getting out of my gallery room and I headed to my room to get dressed for the day I entered the bathroom to take a cold bath Immediately I stepped into the cool water, I felt a refreshing rush wash over me, helping to clear my mind and awaken my senses. I closed my eyes, letting the water envelop me, and began to relax, feeling the tension and excitement of the morning's creative burst slowly ebb away. The bath was my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the world and recharge. As I soaked, I felt my thoughts drifting back to Felix, and the joy I felt in creating something special for him. I smiled to myself, feeling grateful for the love we shared, and the inspiration it brought to my art. Getting out of the Bathroom I dried my wet body with my towel and rubbed my body with my skincare, I opened my wardrobe and picked out a yellow gown Slipped on the yellow gown, and I felt a surge of happiness and confidence. The bright color seemed to match my mood, and I couldn't help but twirl in front of the mirror, watching as the fabric flowed around me. I loved how the dress accentuated my curves and made my skin glow. I felt like a ray of sunshine, ready to take on the day and celebrate my anniversary with Felix. With a final flourish, I added a few swipes of mascara and a dash of lip gloss, and I was ready to face the day with a radiant smile. “I’m good to go. Felix wouldn’t think twice before proposing to me” I mumbled and smiled Checked the time and I gasped “Oh my, I’m late to the engagement party” I muttered and rushed out not without checking myself out again Hurried out the door, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. I had been looking forward to this moment for what felt like forever, and I couldn't wait to see Felix and celebrate our love. I quickened my pace, my heels clicking on the floor as I rushed to my car at the garage. As I reached my car, I fumbled through my purse for the keys, my hands shaking with excitement. I finally found them and unlocked the door, slipping into the driver's seat with a sigh of relief. I started the engine, put the car in gear, and pulled out of the garage, heading towards the venue. The GPS guided me through the streets, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and anticipation building up inside her. Turning on the music, I started singing along to my favorite love songs, feeling like she was on top of the world. * Arriving at the venue, I could see the buzz of excitement in the air. Cars were parked all around, and the sound of laughter and music drifted out from inside. I found a spot to park and stepped out of my car, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. I had always loved attending celebrations like this, and I was so excited to celebrate this special day with the happy couple. Smoothing out my yellow gown, I feel a sense of pride and joy in being a part of this momentous occasion. As I walked towards the entrance, I could feel the music getting louder and the laughter more contagious. I couldn't help but smile I took one last deep breath, and with a spring in my step, I made my way inside to join the festivities. Getting inside, I saw Felix’s mom having a conversation with a woman “What was she doing here” I asked myself but got no reply I wondered, my curiosity piqued. Felix's mom was beaming with a warm smile, and the woman she was talking to seemed familiar, yet I couldn't quite place her. I made a mental note to ask Felix about it later, but for now, I decided to focus on the celebration. Made my way over to the bar, where I spotted Felix himself, looking dashing in his suit and tie. He caught my eye and flashed me a charming smile, and I felt my heart skip a beat. I waved at him, and he excused himself from the conversation he was in, making his way towards me. "Hey, beautiful," he said, wrapping his arms around me. "You look stunning tonight." I blushed, feeling like the luckiest person in the world. “Hey babe..it’s time” Gloria, the bride said as she walked up to us, she held Felix's hand and I got confused “What’s going on here” I asked Felix's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked with a smile and peck her. I froze at that moment “Uhm Erika I’m sorry, I’ve wanted to inform you about my relationship with Gloria..” “What are you saying..is this a joke or, oh you’re trying to make a joke with me and then propose right” “This engagement is for us right” I said, tears already building up in my eyes Felix's expression turned from joyful to apologetic, and he reached out to me, but I took a step back, my heart racing with confusion and hurt. "Erika, please listen-" he started, but I cut him off, my voice shaking. "No, no, don't even try to explain. You're engaged to her? Gloria? How could you, Felix? How could you do this to me?" Tears began to stream down my face as I felt my world crashing down around me. The music, the laughter, and the celebration seemed to fade into the background as I stared at Felix, my eyes pleading for an explanation that wouldn't break my heart further. Felix took my hand and dragged me away from there, we entered a room and I couldn’t stop crying “Why did you do this...I thought you loved me” I questioned him “Listen, Erika..I love you and I still do but I have to do this for my business, I need to grow my connection” Felix said and I was shocked “You..you” I stammered "You're using marriage as a business transaction?" I asked, my voice laced with disbelief and hurt. "How could you, Felix? How could you use our love as a means to an end? I thought our relationship meant something more to you than just a way to advance your career." I pulled my hand away from his, feeling a sense of betrayal and anger. "You're willing to sacrifice our love, our relationship, for your business interests? That's not the Felix I thought I knew." I shook my head, trying to process the revelation, but it felt like a punch to the gut. “You know nothing..” Felix spat “I’ll make sure I inform Gloria about this..she needs to know the man she’s getting married to” I shouted and before I knew it, Felix slapped me, and the ring he wore left a bloody mark on my face I felt a stinging sensation on my cheek, and my eyes widened in shock. "How dare you!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with anger and disbelief. "You're resorting to physical violence now? That's the kind of man you are?" I took a step back, my eyes brimming with tears. "I can't believe I ever loved you. You're not the man I thought I knew. You're a monster." I turned to leave, but Felix grabbed my arm, his grip tight. "Let me go!" I shouted, trying to wriggle free. "You're going to regret this, Felix. You're going to regret hurting me like this." Felix's grip tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "You're not going anywhere until you listen to me," he growled. But I refused to back down, my anger and hurt fueling my resistance. Struggling harder, I finally managing to break free and rubbed my sore arm, my eyes blazing with tears and fury. "You'll regret this, Felix. You'll regret hurting me, using me, and lying to me. You're not the man I thought you were. You're a fraud, a user, and a monster." With that, I turned and ran out of the room, leaving Felix standing there, his face twisted in a mixture of anger and guilt. Stepping outside, I bump into a handsome stranger who notices my distress and inquires about my injury. I gave him a fleeting look but didn’t respond, hurrying away. I hastened my pace, and climbed into my car to gather myself, I picked up my phone and saw a missed call from the hospital lasting twenty minutes My father was critically ill. I sighed and rested my head on the steering...