Chapter six
956 Words
**Anna**
Reflecting on what happened between Adrian and me makes me feel battered and sad. I refuse to accept why a man can be so ruthless and heartless. He pretended to be a good man while flirting with another woman—was this because of our so-called contract marriage? I won’t accept that excuse.
As I stared at the curtains, I realized I hadn’t eaten and my stomach was growling. I acknowledged its emptiness. I’ve run through enough thoughts, suffered countless nightmares, and cried more than I should. I won’t call this a contract marriage anymore; it feels more like a bad captive marriage, and I’ve had enough of feeling downcast.
I headed to the kitchen and was shocked to find it completely empty. I had assumed there would be food, but Adrian devoured everything and left nothing for me. I felt a wave of sadness and embarrassment wash over me.
I opened a drawer and found a pack of noodles. I cooked it and ate it immediately—what choice did I have?
Moments later, a message popped up on my phone. I sat on the couch to see who it was.
**Adrian**: I want to let you know that I have gone on a business trip. Please take care of the house for me. I’m sorry I didn’t leave any food for you; I figured you could cook for yourself.
My phone nearly slipped from my hands—how could he be so inconsiderate? The screen cracked upon impact.
Why is Adrian off on a business trip? Why can’t he stay home and take care of his wife? I know he must be with Isabelle; his lies are too transparent to ignore.
I picked up my phone and decided to respond to his message.
"Hello Adrian, keep flying around on your useless business trips. I know you’re lying to me; you’re with your concubine Isabelle. Send my regards to her."
After hitting send, I felt a wave of sadness, but I’m determined to get a new phone.
“Oh, this lovely phone screen is broken,” I vented, but my frustration wouldn’t hold me back.
I decided to check f*******: and encountered the biggest news of my life:
"Miss Anna is not the real wife of billionaire Adrian; they're in a contract marriage that ends after a year. Anna is a w***e who forced herself on Adrian; he doesn’t like her."
I know exactly who spread this malicious news, and I won’t stand for it. How dare they label me a w***e? What crimes have I committed?
I dropped my phone on the table in frustration and began to express my anger by banging on it. I won’t let this ruin me. I started to weep, thinking about who was behind those lies, and their intent to destroy my reputation with their absurd stories.
I picked up my phone again and saw an avalanche of comments on the post, which made its way into a newspaper.
"Ouch! How can billionaire Adrian be involved with a w***e, a prostitute?" One lady commented, and I was disgusted by such filth.
Is it possible that Adrian is the one fueling these rumors? How does the public even know about our supposed contract marriage? I believed it was a secret between us.
Frustrated, I smacked my phone against my chest, and tears began to fall. I checked my blue polo shirt and found it stained with tears.
Adrian has brought me not just sorrow but also shame and disgrace, and I refuse to let that stand. I dropped my phone on the table and made the decision to take my mind off all of it by watching television.
I picked up the remote control and switched to a channel that seemed interesting.
To my shock, I found another ridiculous story unfolding. Two women were discussing the recent gossip. I tuned in, knowing I could gain some insight.
The women were dressed in pink off-shoulder blouses and white trousers, sporting flamboyant makeup and perfectly manicured nails.
"Did you hear? People are saying billionaire Adrian is involved with a terrible prostitute, and she’s trying to ruin him," one of the young ladies said mockingly.
I was taken aback by their audacity, nearly dropping the remote onto the floor.
"Who is behind this nonsense? How can anyone spread such outrageous lies?" I couldn’t help but exclaim.
I focused intently on their discussions, refusing to let this continue unchallenged.
"Do you know how many women would throw themselves at him? He has countless admirers, but I can't understand how he ended up with that w***e," the second lady chimed in.
I turned off the television, refusing to subject myself to more of this nonsense, when suddenly, I heard a knock at the door. I went to see who it was.
I took the parcel from him with joy, although I couldn't shake the worry on my face.
He greeted me briefly before leaving.
As I opened the parcel, I was astounded by what I found inside.
It contained stunningly arranged flowers and a letter.
With anticipation, I opened the letter to discover who had sent it.
"I love you, pretty lady. I am the one who sent the flowers. I know you're facing challenges, but I want you to stay strong. You will overcome any trials that come your way.
From Sebastian.
I love you, Anna."
I was taken aback to discover that Sebastian sent me those beautiful flowers. His gesture brought me unexpected joy.
I held the flowers close to my chest, relishing the happiness they brought me.
Then, I decided to check my phone and stumbled upon the most shocking photo of my life, which left me feeling completely unmoored.
- Writer
