Unwanted Wife

Little by little

MORNING

Sapphire, determined to make an effort, wakes up early to prepare a hearty breakfast. The aroma of omelets, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee fills the air. She sets the table, hoping that Lucas will join her for breakfast.

SAPPHIRE (to herself) Maybe today he'll eat with me. Maybe today things will change.

She goes to Lucas's room and knocks gently.

SAPPHIRE (knocking) Lucas, are you there?

No response. She knocks again, her heart sinking with each unanswered call.

SAPPHIRE (softly) Lucas, please...

With no sign of him, Sapphire reluctantly goes downstairs and begins to eat breakfast alone. The loneliness weighs on her as she contemplates her solitary meal.

COLLEGE CORRIDOR

Sapphire, her heart heavy, walks through the college corridors with her best friend, Athena. Unbeknownst to Athena, Sapphire's world has been turned upside down by her secret marriage to Lucas, the campus president.

ATHENA (concerned) Sapphire, you seem gloomy today. Is something wrong?

Sapphire, her eyes welling up with tears, tries to mask her emotions.

SAPPHIRE (softly) No, Athena, it's nothing. Let's just go to our classroom.

They continue walking, but as they turn a corner, Sapphire spots Lucas in the distance, surrounded by his friends. A single tear escapes her eye as she watches him, feeling the distance between them.

ATHENA (noticing) Sapphire, why are you crying?

Sapphire quickly wipes away the tear and forces a smile.

SAPPHIRE (teary-eyed) Oh, it's nothing, Athena. I think something just got in my eye.

She hides her true feelings, not ready to reveal the complexities of her secret marriage and the pain it brings.

Sapphire and Athena settle into their seats as the morning class begins. Despite the emotional turmoil she's been through, Sapphire tries to focus on her studies.

As the class progresses, Sapphire's thoughts drift to the upcoming guitar practice with her band in the evening. The guitarist approached her discreetly.

GUITARIST (whispering) Sapphire, we have a practice session this evening for the upcoming gigs. Are you in?

Sapphire, looking for a distraction from her personal struggles, brightens at the opportunity.

SAPPHIRE (whispering back) Yes, I'll be there. It sounds like just what I need right now.

The guitarist nods in understanding, and Sapphire returns her attention to the lecture. The prospect of playing music and losing herself in the rhythm provides a glimmer of solace in the midst of her turbulent emotions.

Athena, sitting beside Sapphire, turns to her with a curious expression.

ATHENA (intrigued) Sapphire, I've noticed you spending a lot of time with Jade from the band. Do you have romantic feelings for him?

Sapphire, caught off guard by Athena's question, takes a moment to collect her thoughts.

SAPPHIRE (gently) Athena, Jade and I are just close friends and bandmates. There's nothing romantic between us.

Athena studies Sapphire's expression, sensing there might be more to the story.

ATHENA (concerned) Sapphire, you can always talk to me if something's bothering you. You don't have to keep everything to yourself.

Sapphire appreciates Athena's concern but isn't ready to reveal the complexities of her secret marriage just yet.

SAPPHIRE (smiling weakly) Thank you, Athena. I'll keep that in mind. Right now, I just need some time to sort things out.

Athena nods understandingly, respecting Sapphire's need for space. The two friends continue with their day, their unspoken concerns lingering beneath the surface.

The bell rings, signaling the end of the class. Students begin to gather their belongings and prepare to head to the cafeteria for lunch.

Sapphire and Athena join the flow of students, their earlier conversation still on their minds but momentarily set aside. As they make their way to the cafeteria, they look forward to a break from classes and the chance to share a meal.

Sapphire and Athena find an empty table and settle in, ready to enjoy their meal. The cafeteria buzzes with the chatter of students, creating a lively atmosphere.

Sapphire, in an effort to distract herself from her personal struggles, tries to engage in the conversation with Athena.

SAPPHIRE (trying to sound cheerful) So, Athena, what do you think about joining the band for the upcoming gigs? It might be fun!

ATHENA (excited) That sounds like a great idea, Sapphire! I've always wanted to learn to play an instrument, and this could be the perfect opportunity.

Their conversation shifts to lighter topics, at least for the moment, as they savor their lunch and look forward to the practice session later in the day.

As Sapphire and Athena enjoy their meal, Athena suddenly leans in with a smile, her eyes sparkling.

ATHENA (excited) Sapphire, I have to tell you something. I have a crush on someone.

Sapphire looks genuinely interested and supportive.

SAPPHIRE (encouraging) That's wonderful, Athena! Tell me more.

ATHENA (bashful) It's the Vice President of our school. I've admired him from afar for a while now.

Sapphire grins, happy for her friend.

SAPPHIRE (teasing) Oh, Athena, Young love! That's adorable.

ATHENA (smiling) I know it might sound silly, but he's so charming and kind.

Sapphire leans in closer, curious.

SAPPHIRE (excited) Have you talked to him about anything yet?

ATHENA (nods). Actually, I asked him if he'd like to come to one of our gigs. And he agreed! He's coming to watch your performance!

Sapphire's eyes lit up with excitement.

SAPPHIRE (pleased) That's fantastic, Athena! I'll make sure our gig is unforgettable.

Sapphire and Athena make their way to their classroom, ready for the afternoon classes to begin. They settle into their seats, but Sapphire's thoughts occasionally wander to the upcoming gig and Athena's crush on the Vice President.