Chapter Three
661 Words
The boutique was empty save for Vanessa, her assistant Sarah and her two trusted bodyguards. Herb her driver had chosen to wait in car. He was still recovering from the last shopping spree he'd joined. They went to twelve different stores in search of a single dress. They walked so much their feet ached for days, whereas she was back at it despite doing all that walking in heels.
"What do you guys think about this dress?" she steps out in a carton coloured dress and twirled.
It was not her colour at all. With her tan skin, she looked like a package. And not in a good way.
The guards were quick to offer hesitant compliments, not wanting to risk their jobs. But their eyes spoke volumes.
"Sarah?" she turns, rolling her eyes at the men. Sarah pushed up her glasses that were always sliding down her small nose with her perfectly manicured fingers and snorts in a very unladylike manner.
"You look like you were made in china " she says and the guards coughed.
Sarah is Chinese.
"Huh" Vanessa turns to look at herself in the mirror. She knew Sarah was right, she'd just done this to test her.
"What do you think about my husband and miss Olivia?" she asks, watching Sarah through the mirror.
Sarah shrugged
"They're both cheats. They deserve each other" She answers honestly
"And do I deserve what's happening to me?" Vanessa asks, her voice trembling a bit.
That night in which Tristan slapped her. She'd forgiven him entirely for everything. But just when things were getting heated, the phone rang. Olivia had caught a cold from staying out too late and needed him because she wouldn't take her medication.
Tristan had rushed to her side, barely uttering an apology as he dashed out. She'd moved the rest of her things out of their bedroom and into the guest room. They hadn't spoken since and it has been three weeks.
A few times over breakfast or dinner, Tristan tried to start up conversation. But his attempts were in vain as she never responded once. She barely even acknowledged his presence past moving out if his way when their paths crossed.
At first it was daunting, but she was starting to get used to it. It hurt less and less reading articles about him and Olivia and their thriving baby. She spent her time shopping, working out or hanging with the few friends that remained.
Anything to keep her mind off him.
"No" was her curt but sincere answer.
Vanessa laughed. Sarah was not one to mince with, nor was her mind easily manipulated. Despite being small, five feet three inches and petite. She had a powerful presence. Her tiny voice carried authority, like a Chinese grandma and she could care less about your feelings. She never kissed up to Vanessa and was always real.
It was why Vanessa chose her as her assistant.
"You don't have an ounce of sympathy, do you?" Vanessa joked and she rolled her eyes.
"What does sympathy get you aside lying on your back and having some man bounce on your body while grunting like a pig?"
She looked so disgusted with the idea despite it being hers. It made Vanessa laugh.
"True" she says turning to mirror. From it could could see the horrified look the guards were giving Sarah. They were flabbergasted at her boldness. Clearly not used to seeing their boss spoken down to. They were new.
They'd get used to it.
"Alright" Vanessa sighs "let's go back. I'm tired"
"Finally" Sarah groans, jumping happily to her feet. And begins heading for the check out while the guards gathered the bags. She turns to see Vanessa following her, still wearing the cardboard box dress.
"You're still in that?"
Vanessa looks down at the dress and nods.
"I'm taking it"
Sarah opens her mouth to speak but decides against it and just shakes her head.
"Whatever"
- Writer
