Chapter 2: Suspensions
911 Words
“What a waste,” Danielle hissed.
“I’m sorry,” Alex said as he stood up to clean the mess he had made.
“Don’t even think about getting more food; you wasted yours. You either eat it or go to bed hungry,” Danielle shot back, pouring her frustration on him.
“I don’t know what’s so special about him. What was Robin thinking when he gave his daughter to him?” Danielle thought, casting a sideways glance at her husband, who maintained a calm demeanor. She chewed her food more aggressively.
“It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes. You can take another portion,” Robin said with a smile.
“Never mind, Father, I wasn’t that hungry anyway. I’ll excuse you guys,” Alex said as he left the dining table.
In the house, the only person who treated him with kindness was Robin. While others regarded him with scorn and disdain, Robin had always been gentle.
As Alex entered the small room he shared with Rachel, he noticed she had taken her phone with her.
He set up a small mattress on the floor for himself.
He couldn’t help but dwell on the possibility that Rachel was cheating on him. Deciding to shower and wash off the sweat, he hurried to the bathroom to change.
Soon, Rachel walked in and made her way to the bed. Alex pretended to be asleep but kept a wary eye on her.
She smiled broadly while texting, making Alex suspicious that she was chatting with someone else.
“Since the office was mentioned, he must be a colleague. I’ll catch them in the act tomorrow,” Alex thought as he forced himself to sleep.
Rachel frequently glanced at him to check if he was really asleep.
“I’ll meet you at work tomorrow, so let me sleep now,” Rachel said into her phone.
“Okay, goodnight kiss,” she added, blowing a kiss to the screen.
“I want to sleep now,” Rachel said as she hung up.
Alex’s heart twisted with anger. He struggled to keep himself calm.
********The Next Day********
Rachel dressed for work in a black shirt and skirt.
Alex went to the market to buy groceries, taking his time because he needed a good reason to visit her office; otherwise, he wouldn’t be allowed in.
Cooking a nice meal would provide that excuse.
Using some of his saved money, he bought everything he needed and returned home.
His wife’s parents had already left, leaving him alone in the house.
He prepared the meal, packed it in a small lunch box, and headed out to Rachel’s workplace.
She had recently been promoted to manager at a respected company. As he got out of the cab and walked inside, the two security guards at the door recognized him but remained professional.
“Stop there,” one said to Alex.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” Alex replied with a gentle smile.
“What do you want?” the guard asked again.
“I came to bring my wife a homemade lunch,” Alex said, holding out the decorated lunch box.
“Okay, we’ll inform her,” the guard said, instructing the other man.
“Oh, don’t bother. Today is our anniversary, and I thought I’d surprise her. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you told her,” Alex added.
“Fine, but be quick,” the guard replied, allowing him to enter.
Alex paused at the door, imagining how he might react if he caught her cheating. With a sudden rush of determination, he threw open the door.
His heart sank as he took in the scene before him.
There stood Rachel, who usually wore a sweet expression, panting heavily as a handsome, half-naked man stood over her.
They shot each other shocked looks before hastily pulling on their clothes.
“What are you doing here?” Rachel asked, her tone angry.
“Hey, you ruined the fun! Who the hell are you?” the man spat as he buttoned his shirt.
Alex stood frozen, his eyes locked on Rachel.
“Michael, I’m sorry for the interruption,” Rachel said to the man, who glared at Alex.
“Do you know him?” Michael asked, pointing a finger at Alex.
“Yes, he’s my husband,” Rachel admitted, embarrassment flooding her face.
“Oh, the good-for-nothing you told me about,” Michael scoffed.
“Look, man, you caught us. I can see you're struggling financially. I’ll give you some cash to keep your mouth shut,” Michael said, leaving Alex speechless.
“You're so generous, Michael,” Rachel said, looking at him with a seductive smile.
“Hey, you should quickly get on your knees and thank him,” Rachel told Alex.
“Thank him for what?” Alex squeezed out through clenched teeth, his anger boiling over.
Rachel was momentarily taken aback; she had never seen this fierce side of him before. Usually, he was gentle and allowed her to humiliate him.
“Are you deaf?” Rachel snapped, shaking off her surprise. She walked up to him and slapped his face.
Alex caught her hand, halting her mid-swing.
“You want to slap me because of him?” he asked, pointing at Michael, who casually sank into a chair to enjoy the scene.
“Yes,” Rachel replied, yanking her hand back.
“You chose him over me?” Alex asked again, his heart racing with emotions.
- Writer
