Lucinda's POV
I slumped into the chair, my gaze fixed on the candle flame dancing, the dim room mirrored the darkness within me. My heart felt heavy, with tears dropping freely on my cheeks. He didn't come. I foolishly thought he would honor this day. Why was I stupid to spend my lifetime savings just to celebrate our wedding anniversary, when my husband doesn't regard me or this marriage?
Why did I think my stupid ass could rekindle the love we had in the past? Why am I still hoping to get the Michael I had abandoned my family four years ago just to be with him? Why am I looking forward to the dream life we had both projected for ourselves whereas he has long abandoned that dream?
My Micheal is gone. Why can't my heart accept it?
The sound of my phone ringing brought me out of my trance. I glanced at the caller ID, my heart twisted with emotions seeing Micheal’s name flashed on the screen.
A bitter smile spread across my face, knowing he was calling to give a flimsy excuse for his absence. I kept looking at the screen for seconds, unsure if I was ready to hear his lies.
I let out a deep sigh and picked up the call, but instead of Micheal’s familiar voice, a feminine voice pierced my ear.
“Golden hotel, now.” That was all she said, and she ended the call, leaving me confused. What was she doing with Micheal’s phone? And what was the connection between Michael and the hotel? Or does Micheal have a surprise party for me there?
A spark of hope ignited inside me and a bright smile spread across my face. Maybe I misunderstood his intentions all this while, Perhaps my Micheal hadn't changed after all. He has realized how much he has hurt me these past few years and wants to amend his ways.
I hurriedly ran upstairs to wash my face and applied light makeup to hide my puffy eyes. I dashed out of the house and drove to the hotel, parking swiftly in the garage; I took in a deep breath as I stepped out of my car; the atmosphere felt calm. I looked at the hotel façade with a bold, expectant smile; there is no doubt that this hotel now holds the promise of redemption. I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to take a good turn.
I walked into the hotel and went to the lady sitting at the reception desk. Before I could say anything, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder, making me turn swiftly.
“Room 401.” A petite lady said, handing me the keys with a smirk on her face. There was something about her expression that didn't sit right with me, but I brushed off whatever negative feelings I had and walked upstairs, my gaze scanning the room numbers.
Finally, I found the room; I held my breath, trying to control the excitement threatening to burst inside me as I inserted the key; I turned the handle slowly and pushed open the door. The sight I saw blew me off my feet, my body began to tremble. Instantly the happiness I felt was immediately replaced with sorrow and betrayal.
A woman was on top of my own, Michael, their bodies entwined, and her moans filled the air. I know four years together hasn't been perfect but I never for once thought he would betray me this way. Does he even remember today is our anniversary when he is busy thrusting and pounding another woman the way I have always begged him, but all he does is push me away? Is that how much I irritate him that he chooses to please himself outside than to be with his legal wife?
They were oblivious to my presence, and I couldn't stand watching them having fun at the expense of my happiness; with every last ounce of strength, I unleashed a blood-curdling scream. They jolted, turning toward me. That's when I saw her.
My mind reeled in shock, unable to form words. “Daisy?” echoed silently. I blinked twice and she was still there. For a moment, I wished it was a dream.
My husband and my best friend. f**k my life is doomed forever. What more heartbreak does my husband have in store for me? It can be any woman, why my best childhood friend? The betrayal was immediately replaced with anger; seeing Daisy’s relaxed face like this was normal, and I was overreacting.
My legs moved of their accord, carrying me closer to the bed. With a swift motion, I slapped her across the face, and she let out a loud gasp.
“Why did you do this to me?” I screamed. Just as I raised my hand to strike again, Michael grasped my wrist, his grip tightening. In a shocking reversal, he slapped me hard, his eyes flashing with anger.
“Don't you dare touch her again,” he snarled, “or I'll divorce you, make your life miserable, and ensure you beg in the street, you wombless runt!!” A man who sounds and looks like my husband said, but this is not my husband. Never, Micheal isn't a monster. He will never refer to me as such. My gaze landed on Daisy and she gave me a treacherous smile, shattering my heart further.
Daisy wasn't just any friend—she was my best friend, my confidante, my partner in every sense. We'd shared a lifetime of experiences, navigating life's ups and downs together since childhood.
I was the calm, reserved one, often avoiding conflict and emotional turmoil. Daisy, on the other hand, was a force of nature: fiery, passionate, and always ready to defend me against anyone who dared cross my path.
Maybe this wouldn't hurt that deep if Micheal had chosen another woman.
“If you are done staring, get out, let me get the treatment I deserve. Or do you want to learn how to treat a man properly?” He asked as he began to bite Daisy’s boobs softly, and she let out a moan.
Right now, I want to scream, cry, strangle someone, but I can't; nothing makes sense to me.
I moved backward slowly, tears flowing freely down my cheeks. I couldn't watch the man I had loved and spent my years loving him betray me, so I turned and ran as fast as I could. Images of Daisy and my husband taunted me.
I got in my car and started the engine. How did Micheal forget the vows we took four years ago at the altar? Perhaps I took the vow of standing beside him for “better, for worse,” too seriously. A loud horn jolted me from my thoughts, I turned and saw a car at speed driving towards me. It was too late for me to change lanes.
In the blink of an eye, everything went blank.