THE WIFE YOU LEFT

Chapter 5- No where else to go

The night was a void, swallowing everything but the weight of the suitcase pulling at my shoulder. I stood on the sidewalk, scanning the empty streets, my mind racing through a mental map of places to crash.

“Maybe a 24-hour spa?” I whispered to myself, the cold air catching my breath. I pulled out my phone to check the time, but the glow was weak. “Forget it. Most of them shut their doors an hour ago. Now what? My phone is about to die, and I’m officially stranded.”

As if on cue, the device vibrated in my palm. Rina flashed across the screen. Rina wasn't just a friend; she’d been the steady anchor for both Zeus and me since the day we said "I do." She was family in every way that mattered.

Since I’d moved away from everything I knew—my childhood home, my career, my comfort zone—she had remained my only true confidant.

I took a sharp breath, trying to steady my voice before tapping the green icon. “Hey, Tina, what’s go—”

“Drop the act, Sarah,” she barked, cutting me off instantly. “Just tell me exactly where you are right now.”

What do you mean?" I asked.

"Your husband called me," She said. "He told me to hurry up and find out exactly where you are."

I stomped my foot in frustration. Why was Zeus calling Rina? The last thing I wanted to do was drag my friend into my mess or invade her privacy.

But I didn't have much of a choice. I knew Rina wouldn’t let it go, so I told her where I was and waited for her to pick me up.

As I sat on the bus stop bench, I tried to clear my head, but I couldn't. My mind kept drifting back to Zeus and his mistress at the house—and those photos I saw on her phone.

It was obvious now. They had been together since the day we got married, maybe even longer. I realized I couldn't trust anything anymore.

I wasn't just mad; I was beyond words. I was furious with myself for letting a guy like him use me for so long.

A bright crimson vehicle appeared nearby. I stood up, grabbed my luggage, and signaled for the driver to stop.

The woman parked and assisted with my bags before we left the area together.

"Apologies that he made you pick me up," I muttered, quickly fixing my mistake after almost calling him my spouse.

"Was there a big argument?" she questioned.

I looked at her. "What makes you say that? Did he call you?"

"I don't need a phone call to know the truth, Sarah.You stopped using his title and switched to his first name instantly. I can tell something is wrong."

I exhaled deeply and leaned back. "It is a small issue."

"A small issue that forced you out of the house?" she asked. "Please, just explain what happened."

“Perhaps later. You seem exhausted, and I only wish to nap now. It was a difficult twelve hours."

"Of course, go ahead. Actually, I realized it is your first wedding milestone. May I offer my best wishes for that?"

"Stop!" I shouted suddenly. I spoke so quickly I didn't realize I was being mean.

I pressed my palms to my face and groaned. "Oh, Rina, I apologize for that tone. The truth is... we are ending our marriage. I cannot handle discussing it at this moment."

She appeared stunned by the revelation, but she tried to hide her surprise. "I hear you. Say no more."

"I appreciate it," I replied, before closing her eyes .