Chapter Two
1085 Words
Cara stood on the sidewalk, watching as cars passed by quickly, their rear lights vanishing into the darkness. Her thoughts drifted to everything that had occurred just moments ago.
'Did I make a mistake by showing Derrick that video? Maybe I should've just tried to talk to him instead…?’ She thought to herself, fresh tears welling up in her eyes.
Relief washed over her as she saw Emily's car pull up in front of the Graves villa's gate.
Emily stepped out of the car, her face a mask of concern as she hurried to Cara's side.
"Cara, are you okay? What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. Looking down, she noticed the luggage by her side. “And what are you doing out here with your stuff?”
Cara forced a weak smile, the facade crumbling under the weight of her grief. "I'll tell you on the way," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The hum of the car’s engine was the only sound Cara could hear as it moved, while Emily drove in silence, her eyes filled with concern.
“Did something happen between you and Derrick?”
“I don’t even know where to start, Emily.” Cara's voice trembled uncontrollably as she tried so hard not to sob. “Tonight was... it was like a nightmare. Derrick… he accused me of the worst things.”
Emily gazed worriedly at her from the rear-view mirror. “What did he say, Cara?”
“He said I forced him into a loveless marriage. That I only married him for his money. Can you believe that? After everything we've been through? He accused me of such a thing when he's been cheating on me!”
“No, Cara. That doesn’t sound like you at all. How could he say something so hurtful?”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I've been trying so hard, Emily. I’ve been willing to fight for our marriage, to make it work no matter what. But he… he just looked at me with such cold indifference. Like I was nothing to him…”
Emily sadly looked back for a moment and reached back to gently squeeze her tightly clenched hands reassuringly.
“I’m so sorry, Cara. You don’t deserve this. You’ve always been so committed, so loving. I think you've had enough. It's probably best if you both parted ways. The moment I caught Derrick in the hotel I knew he would have cheated on you countless times. It annoyed me, Cara and I wish I could've done something…”
Cara thought hard for a moment. Despite everything, she didn't want them to separate.
“I never expected this. I…I thought we could work through anything. I was ready to go to counseling, to do whatever it took because I loved him. But he… he's already given up. And now, he wants a divorce.”
“He doesn't deserve you. I think you've been faithful enough. You deserve someone who appreciates you, and who values you. Derrick doesn’t see what he has.”
Cara slowly wiped her tears, nodding. Emily's car just pulled up into her garage. She lived alone in a beautiful bungalow somewhere in the quiet and peaceful part of town.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe it's time I start thinking about myself for once. I’ve spent so long trying to make him happy, I forgot what it feels like to be happy myself.”
Emily brought the car to a stop and turned to face her with a smile.
“That’s the spirit. You deserve happiness, Cara. And if Derrick can’t see that, then he doesn’t deserve you at all. In the meantime, you can stay at my place for as long as you like until you're back on your feet. There's plenty of room. Just feel free.
Cara took a deep breath, a warm smile spreading across her face.
“Thanks, Emily. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
The duo got out of the car, with Emily leading Cara into her home.
“What would you like to have for dinner, by the way? We can order take-outs if you'd like…”
***
Later that night, Derrick settled in his lounge, a glass of wine half-finished on the glass table as he looked down at his phone. His finger hovered over a contact name for a moment before he pressed the call button.
The phone rang twice before Valerie’s voice pierced the silence, her tone a mix of excitement and impatience.
"Hey, babe! Tell me you have good news."
Derrick couldn't help but smirk.
"Hey, baby. I do. Cara finally signed the divorce papers." His husky voice resounded.
There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the line before Valerie's voice burst with triumph.
"Are you serious? Derrick, that's amazing!"
"Yeah, it's finally done. We're officially over," Derrick said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “I didn't think it would be so easy.”
Valerie's laughter was sharp and victorious.
"About time! I was starting to think that h*e would never let go. Ugh…she's so pathetic."
"Tell me about it," Derrick agreed, rolling his eyes. "But it's over now. We can finally move on."
Valerie's voice softened, a touch of affection and seduction seeping through.
"I'm so glad, Derrick. You deserve to be free of her, and finally with someone who will make you very happy.”
"Thanks, Val. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders," Derrick admitted with a deep chuckle, momentarily lifting his glass.
"And now we can finally be together without any of her drama hanging over us," Valerie said, her voice brimming with anticipation.
"Exactly. And I was thinking... maybe you could come over tomorrow. I want to introduce you to my grandfather," Derrick said, his tone turning serious.
Valerie paused, her excitement mingling with a hint of surprise. "Really? You want me to meet your grandfather?"
"Yeah, I do. You've been a huge part of my life, and I think it's time you two met," Derrick said sincerely.
Valerie's voice held a blend of excitement and a touch of nervousness.
"I'd love to meet him, Derrick. What time should I come over?"
"How about noon on friday? We can have lunch together,"
“That sounds perfect. I'll be there, baby." Valerie blew a kiss, her voice filled with warmth.
"Great. I'll see you then," Derrick smirked, a wide smile playing on his lips.
- Writer
