Chapter 1: The Broken Dream
Betty’s POV
I inhaled deeply as I smoothed down the silky material of my dress. The dining area was immaculate. Everything was perfect, including Justin's favourite dishes, the thoughtfully placed flowers, and the flickering lavender candles. It had to be a special night. After all, it was our anniversary. I wanted to remind him of how much we used to love each other.
But my enthusiasm waned as I looked at the time. An hour ago, Justin ought to have been at home. My hands were fidgeting with my dress's hem.
He's simply running late," I reminded myself. "He has been swamped lately."
Still, a persistent concern began to creep into my thoughts. Months have passed since Justin last grinned at me. He hadn't held me the way he used to for months. However, I was resolved to improve the situation tonight.
My heart leapt when I heard the front door unlock. I hurried to greet him, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor. When Justin walked in, I froze. His tie was loosened, his countenance fatigued, and he didn’t even glance at me.
“You’re home!” I said, forcing a smile. “Happy anniversary, Justin.”
He paused briefly, his eyes flashing toward me. “Oh. Right. Anniversary.”
The indifference in his voice wounded me, but I attempted to brush it aside. “I made your favourite. Roast lamb and mashed potatoes. Come, sit.”
With a heavy sigh, he took out his phone. “I’ve already eaten. Had a late meeting with several clients.”
I felt sick to my stomach. “Oh. But I thought…”
"You were mistaken," he remarked in a tight voice. "Betty, I'm worn out. Now is not the time to do this.
My throat constricted. "Justin, what are you going to do? All I wanted was for us to celebrate. To spend time with one another.
His eyes were chilly as he stared at me. "You're not getting it. I'm now taking care of some crucial stuff. Later, we will discuss.
He passed me on his way to the stairs without saying anything else. The candles flickered feebly in the solitude as I gazed at the unfinished dinner.
I sat in the living room that evening, gazing at the table that was still arranged for two. Even though I couldn't bring myself to clear the meal, it had gone cold. I kept thinking about Justin's remarks and his contemptuous tone.
I heard his muffled voice upstairs. With my heart racing, I cautiously went to the study out of curiosity. I hadn't seen that side of him in months, yet his tone was gentle and even loving.
He laughed and remarked, "I'll see you tomorrow." "Don't be concerned. Everything is in order. All that matters to me is you.
My throat tightened with each breath. "Is that all that matters? I said to myself in a whisper. To whom was he speaking?
I retreated, my thoughts racing. Is it another female? No, I had to stop myself from thinking that. Justin had a lot on his plate. Perhaps it was just a friend or coworker.
However, suspicion was already beginning to grow. I clenched my fists and forced myself to remain composed. I whispered, "I need to try harder." "I have to keep this marriage intact."
As I cleaned the living room the following morning, sunlight poured in through the windows. Justin's briefcase was by the couch, and he had already left for work. Something fell out as I was putting it away.
My curiosity overcame me. I grabbed the papers by reaching down. The huge words at the top, DIVORCE AGREEMENT, made my palms shake.
"No," I said in a tremulous murmur. “This can’t be right.”
My eyes scanned the lines, each word cutting deeper than the last. Irreconcilable differences? Was this how he perceived our marriage?
Then another document drew my attention. It was a contract, implicating me in a financial scandal involving Justin’s company. My knees become weak as I knew what that meant. This wasn’t just about ending our marriage. I was being used as a scapegoat by him.
Tears clouded my vision, but I made myself remain calm. Justin's footsteps reverberated along the corridor. With my heart pounding, I hastily stuffed the documents back into the briefcase.
I was barely able to look him in the eyes when he entered the room. Was this man I’d given everything to about to destroy me?
