Signed Without Truth
1072 Words
Cassandra’s POV
Everything was driving me nuts. I needed some fresh air so I sat outside.
Something from afar caught my attention; a jewelry box thrown aside.
I hadn't thrown anything, so curiosity got the better of me.
I picked up the box, and inside—I found a necklace.
The very one I'd mentioned to Damian that I wanted.
A note accompanied the gift: ‘Happy anniversary, Cassie. I love you.’
As I stared at the necklace, turmoil churned within me.
Damian was so complicated! And I couldn't help but wonder, what had driven him to accuse me of cheating.
If only he'd talk to me, if only he'd tell me what he saw.
I wasn't about to let our marriage end like this.
Everything we've built together, couldn't crumble over a misunderstanding.
As I walked up the stairs—my head began to ache, and I felt a wave of fatigue wash over me.
I needed rest. But my thoughts were interrupted when I saw Damian standing, the divorce papers in his hand.
“Sign the papers Cassie.” He said, his voice detached.
“The lawyers—”
I didn’t respond. I just pushed past him, my stomach churning.
Suddenly. I felt a wave of nausea, and I rushed to the bathroom.
I vomited, my body weak and trembling.
As I sat on the floor, dizziness washed over me.
Just then, I remembered Damian's words—but he hadn't even bothered to check if I was okay!
The reality hit me like a ton of bricks
Did he really want to end our marriage?
The thought felt surreal, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that this wasn't the end.
I spent a few minutes in the bathroom.
I picked myself up, searching every room for Damian, but he was nowhere to be found.
I tried calling him, but he didn't answer.
Unaware of my own tears, I sobbed uncontrollably.
“This is insane!” I muttered, throwing myself onto the bed with a dramatic thud.
I laid there, crying some more.
The bed felt damp—that was probably from all the crying.
"My head…..” I groaned, getting out of bed.
I needed water. It was so late, I went into the kitchen, got the water, then headed back upstairs.
I heard a voice—I was so scared.
Damian had certainly left before I went to sleep, so who could it possibly be.
It was Damian! And he seemed to be talking to someone, on the phone precisely.
“I'm telling you, she really had an affair.” He said with so much certitude.
“I've placed the pieces and it all seemed to match.”
Who on earth was he talking to, and what pieces did he match?
I was eager to hear, so I stood by the door—eavesdropping.
“She kept lying about her movements. She kept making calls, late at night.”
“Yes! Cassie did all that. She'd smile and laugh, when nothing was funny.”
Wait— Damian thought I was having an affair this whole time, there I was planning a surprise for the anniversary.
Pathetic! I walked off.
The next morning, I blocked the door when Damian was about to leave for work.
“What is this about? Leave the way!” He commanded, his voice fierce.
“Haven't you realized that this is all a misunderstanding?”
I could feel my feet aching as I stood, my breathing heavy.
“You don't even want to hear my side of the story, do you?” I added.
He shook his head as he replied, “You have nothing to say.”
“And what if I say I do?”
“Then go on, let's hear you.” He responded coldly.
My head was spinning. Wanting to say the truth, but the words wouldn't come out.
I just prayed I wouldn't collapse.
“I… I'm not making excuses, I didn't two-time.” I muttered, but I could hear Damian scoff.
“Don't you still get it, Cassie?”
“Everything happening now is because I can't trust you anymore—and you shouldn't trust me either.”
I replied with tears in my eyes.
“Listen to me! I'm trying to fix us, and here you are talking about failed trust.”
“Why would you just assume that I’m cheating on you without giving me the benefit of the doubt?”
“I don't need emotional appeals, let's stick to what happened.”
“There is no us!” He claimed.
“Trying to fix? There's nothing to fix Cassie. The sooner you realize it, the better!”
The headache only got worse and out of balance, I fell.
As I fell. Damian's expression flickered and he reached out—like he was going to catch me, but he pulled back. Then walked off.
Honestly, I wasn't even sure if I really saw him try to help—or if I just wanted to think that.
“Crap… this is messed up.”
I stared into space, forgetting the time.
Forgetting if I'd eaten or not—I just couldn't get Damian out of my mind.
Just then, the door clicked open.
Damian burst in, he went straight to our closet.
He picked out a pillow; bedsheets; and some things I didn't quite catch.
“Hey… I'm feeling dizzy.” My voice came out, barely a whisper.
I stared at the ceiling, too weak to get up.
‘Maybe, I should just sign the papers. Maybe it's better if I leave the picture, maybe Damian really doesn't love me anymore.’
‘Maybe— Just maybe.’
I don't know…, all this isn't worth fighting for.
I don't think I can do this anymore.”
And there it was again, that feeling of nausea. I hurried to the bathroom, and I was vomiting again.
“So I'm really sick. How bad are things going to get?” I mumbled as I washed my face in the bathroom sink.
Later that day, I decided to leave.
With a heavy heart, I signed the papers.
I had no choice but to give up on the marriage because Damian was being unreasonable. It seemed like nothing I said or did would change his mind.
The best option was to give up.
Maybe I needed a fresh start. In a different country.
- Writer
