Isabella: Every Lover's Deception

CHAPTER 1: FAINTED

I watched Diego from across the room, my heart heavy and filled with a mixture of frustration and doubt. Could this man, sitting so casually on the couch, really be my husband?

I called out for his help once more, just like I had several times before. But again, he barely moved, his eyes fixed on the television as if the noise of our lives didn’t matter.

"I’ve worked all week, Isabella. I need rest," he muttered. It was always the same excuse, whether it was work, fatigue, or the constant need for his own space.

I stood there, feeling tired and in disbelief. Couldn’t he see how much I needed him? "Diego," I said, my voice soft yet edged with hurt, "can’t you just be kind? Just this once?"

The argument erupted like a sudden storm. Words flew between us. There were accusations, justifications, and reasons that seemed to pile up but solved nothing.

"Why don’t we get a maid?" I asked. "You’re one of the richest people in town."

Diego didn’t answer, and for a moment, it looked like the room seemed to hold its breath. I stood there, watching Diego as he shrugged off my suggestion with an air of finality. He didn’t want to hear a word about getting a maid. It wasn’t the first time he’d dismissed the idea, but each time it stung a little more.

How had I, a woman who studied and graduated with a law degree and earned a diploma in business strategy, ended up here, juggling endless tasks while my husband refused even the simplest solutions? Is this what they call LOVE? I thought bitterly. It has reduced all that was once me to nothing.

I was exhausted, but there was no escaping the errands. The groceries wouldn’t buy themselves. I glanced at Diego, too tired to argue any further. "I’m going to the store," I said flatly, hoping he would get the hint that I didn’t need his company.

To my surprise, Diego offered to help. But I knew better. His offer, like so many before, was half-hearted. I shook my head. "No, it’s fine," I told him. "I’ll manage." I knew I would end up driving, pushing the cart, and doing everything myself. He would be there, but only in body, not in spirit.

When we got to the store, my suspicions were confirmed. I pushed the heavy shopping cart down the aisles, and Diego trailed behind me. He was always on his phone without offering any assistance, nor did he speak any words.

I could feel his presence, shamelessly following me as I did everything. Each item I grabbed felt heavier than it should have, not because of its weight, but because of the growing resentment in my heart.

I glanced over my shoulder, watching him walk a few steps behind, and wondered how we had gotten here. I was tired. I was tired of always being the one who carried the load, both literally and figuratively.

As we wandered through the store, I spotted Lucas approaching us from the end of the aisle. His face lit up with a warm smile as he recognized Diego, and my heart sank, knowing what was likely coming. Diego’s business partner was always quick with praise, especially when it came to my husband.

"Diego! Good to see you," Lucas said, clapping him on the shoulder. He turned to me, his grin widening. "Isabella, you’re lucky to have this man. He’s one of the hardest-working people I know. Always dedicated, always pushing himself."

I forced a smile, nodding politely as the familiar bitterness welled up inside me. Lucky? The words echoed in my mind. I glanced over at Diego, who stood tall, basking in the compliment. Lucas only saw 'the Diego' at work, the man who closed deals, made connections and commanded respect in the boardroom.

But the Diego I knew? The one who couldn’t even be bothered to help me with the simplest tasks at home? The man who treated me like a maid while I carried the weight of our household alone? I smiled at Lucas, but inside I was screaming.

"Yes," I replied, my voice light but my heart heavy, "I’m lucky."

Lucas chuckled, oblivious to the turmoil swirling inside me, and I exchanged a quick glance with Diego. He didn’t notice the forced smile on my lips, the silent frustration in my eyes. He never noticed.

As Lucas walked away, I pushed the cart forward, my thoughts louder than ever. How could someone so hardworking for the world fail so completely when it came to his own home? I wasn’t lucky, I was tired, carrying burdens he refused to see.

I was exhausted, every step feeling heavier than the last. As I pushed the cart through the store, my vision started to blur, and everything around me became hazy. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to dim, and the aisles stretched endlessly before me.

I blinked a couple of times, trying to clear my head, but it only made things worse. My legs felt weak like they were about to give way. I turned to Diego, barely able to hold myself up.

"Diego, I don’t feel well. Everything’s getting cloudy," I muttered, hoping he’d take me seriously for once.

He barely glanced at me, his response cold and dismissive. "You’re just being lazy, Isabella. You never want to do anything."

His words stung, but I was too tired to argue. I kept walking, my body running on just willpower alone. But before I could even reach the counter, the dizziness overtook me. The world spun violently, and then everything went black. I fainted.

When I opened my eyes, I was disoriented. The blinding lights from the store were gone, replaced by the soft light of concern in someone’s eyes. I blinked, trying to focus, and my heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t in Diego’s arms.

It was Tony!

Tony, my crush from college, the man who once made my heart race just by walking into the room. He was holding me gently, his strong arms cradling me as if I weighed nothing. For a moment, I thought I was still dreaming. His face, so close to mine, made everything feel surreal.

I stared up at him, my mind spinning. Was this real? Was I dreaming? My heart pounded, and before I could stop myself, I found myself leaning in, almost kissing him. It felt like a dream, a sweet, impossible dream where everything I’d buried deep down had surfaced.