THE FALL OF THE TROPHY WIFE

“Yes honey! I'll be down with it in a moment!" Andrea called from her husband's bedroom. Deep down, she wanted him to get back in bed with her. Besides, he was the boss so he worked for nobody. “Baby, why don't you stay back for today? Like just this once", she asked, reluctant to hand him his briefcase. David Strafford turned to face her, his blue eyes piercing into hers remorselessly. He had told her severally to do away with this mindset of hers that didn't support the success of his business. She was a housewife anyway and he footed all her bills, so in his way, he was free to call her his greatest liability. “Why are you so clingy? Don't you get it? I have to be at the office to make sure everything runs smoothly." He shot with blazing eyes. Andrea edged back, noting his agitated disposition. She didn't like being a burden. “Is anything the matter? Why do I annoy you so easily these days? Did I do something wrong?" David’s eyes softened. Maybe he shouldn't have taken it out on her, but she had to know. They had been married three years and were still very much like newly weds in every way. “There's nothing wrong, Andrea. Can't you understand? Do I have to spell everything out for you?" “Yes, especially if I've done something wrong to you. You can't be giving me the silent treatment." David huffed and straightened his tie. He grabbed his suitcase from her and gave her a hurried kiss on her cheek. "I don't hate you. I hope you understand. Do take care of yourself.” "Bye.” As he walked out the door, she went up the foyer and passed by the wing where the bedrooms where. There were three bedrooms: one for her, one for him and the master bedroom; but she had become so used to sleeping on her own. They last shared a bed about half a year ago. And his agitation. Maybe she could get him a gift and show up at his office by surprise. He loved gifts but she wasn't too sure anymore. She remembered watching a podcast where some women had shared secrets on how they kept their marriages steamy when it was past the honeymoon stage. She had tried the sexy lingerie, the aphrodisiac and the romantic dinner date. It was just one option left: the baby way. Perhaps if she gave him a child, they'd be more together. But how could they make babies if they didn't make love? She walked by the master bedroom and rapped softly on the door panel. She'd make this room steam tonight. She got into the shower and soaked in a warm bubble bath for a few minutes, then she got out and toweled herself dry. She got into her favorite bathrobe and went downstairs. The domestic staff were good at what they were being paid for. It seems only she underworked. “Thank you, Ms Russell." “Ah…not to worry, Andrea. It's my job. I made you some turkey and cheese omelette. I hope you like it.” Andrea pulled the plate to herself, scanning the appetizing contents and shrugging. "Doesn't look bad after all.” "Try it. Go on.” Andrea grabbed the fork and picked a small bit of the omelette. Her eyes lit up with satisfaction and she began to stuff her mouth with more and more of it till she had cleared the plate. "Thank you so much, Ms Russell. You did this better than The Belvedere.” "Oh you flatter me, Ms Strafford.” Andrea gulped down the glass of red wine and went back upstairs to her room. Since it was still office hours, she had to dress a little bit corporate. She picked out her pencil skirt and the white long sleeve lace blouse. Beige was a good color any time of the day. She put on her double breasted jacket and picked a matching pair of pumps. "Alright, Ms Russell. I'll be paying my husband a surprise visit at his office with some gifts. I hope this works out well.” Ms Russell took Andrea's right hand and cupped it in hers, giving it a little pump. "Don't put yourself under so much pressure. Children will come when the time is right.” "I wish I could, Ms Russell”, Andrea replied wistfully, her expression darkening. " But I'm hoping for the best.” She tried to sound as cheerful as she had. "Alright, my dear.” Andrea stood out on the porch and called the driver to come pick her up. She got into the car with mixed feelings. “Good morning, Mrs Strafford." “Good morning, Dexter. We're going to stop over at the mall a bit. I'll be getting a new tie and some cufflinks to match it. He uses them very often. What color do you suggest?" The driver looked up into the rearview mirror. “He's mostly in black. He rarely switches to gray or navy blue. So I think black should be perfect.” "Okay. So that means I'll sort out the design and the texture all by myself. That's fine.” She exhaled. "It's just that I'm so nervous.” "You may have to breathe more often, Mrs Strafford.” "This is the second time in two years I'm showing up at his office - and unannounced at that - I don't know what to expect. I can barely stand being stared at.” The driver chuckled. "You'll be fine, ma'am.” "I hope.” Soon he pulled up into a parking lot at The Grove. Andrea heaved a low sigh. She was finally here, and she knew what she was going for - Michael Kors. She also hoped that she could get him a custom tie one day. She went in and purchased the tie and cufflinks and had them wrapped in a gift box before returning to the car. “That was pretty quick." Dexter remarked. “Thanks to the nice sales personnel." She replied as she set the box down on the seat beside her. “Let's get to the office." “Alright ma'am."