Return Of The Abandoned Wife

Three

The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity. My thoughts raced, each one heavier than the last. Why had Vivian thrown herself down the stairs? Why had she grabbed my hand so tightly before letting go? And why was she blaming me?

Jaxon’s hurtful words replayed in my mind, his accusations cutting deeper with each repetition. “I saw you with my own eyes!” he had said. But how could he have seen something that hadn’t happened? I hadn’t pushed her. I couldn’t have pushed her.

Yet, he believed her. The man I loved more than anything in the world believed I was capable of such a heinous act.

He was just confused, I told myself, clutching onto the shred of hope that once I explained everything, he would listen. He had to listen. He would realize that Vivian was lying, that she was trying to frame me for reasons I couldn’t yet comprehend.

But the doubt lingered. Had I missed something? Had I done something, even accidentally, that could have been misconstrued as a push?

I shook my head, dispelling the thought. No. I knew the truth. And so did Vivian.

After calling Jaxon’s driver to find out where they had taken Vivian, I instructed him to meet me outside. He had followed the ambulance to the hospital, and when I arrived, he was waiting by the entrance.

“They’re in the emergency room,” he said, his tone cautious as he looked at me.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice shaky.

The hospital was bright and sterile, the fluorescent lights casting harsh reflections on the polished floors. The smell of antiseptic hung in the air, sharp and clinical, and the low murmur of voices mixed with the occasional sound of a beeping monitor.

I walked toward the emergency room, my heart pounding in my chest. As I turned the corner, I saw Jaxon standing in the hallway outside one of the rooms. His shoulders were tense, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“Jaxon,” I called out softly, taking a tentative step forward.

He turned, and the look in his eyes stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just anger,it was hatred. Pure, unfiltered hatred.

“What are you doing here?” he snapped, his voice low but venomous.

“I came to see if she’s okay,” I said, my words tumbling out in a rush. “I just want to talk to you. Please, Jaxon, let me explain..”

Before I could finish, he closed the distance between us in three long strides. His hand shot out, grabbing my arm with a force that made me gasp.

“You have no right to be here,” he said through gritted teeth, his fingers digging into my biceps. “After what you’ve done, how dare you show your face here?”

“Jaxon, you’re hurting me,” I said, wincing as his grip tightened.

He didn’t let go, his gaze boring into mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

“I don't want to see you here,” he said coldly. “Get out. Now.”

“Please,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “You have to believe me. I didn’t push her. I would never—”

“Shut up!” he shouted, his voice echoing down the hallway.

The sound drew the attention of the hospital staff, and Jaxon’s driver quickly stepped in, prying his hand off my arm.

“Sir, that’s enough,” the driver said firmly, placing himself between us.

Jaxon stepped back, his chest heaving as he glared at me. “If you don’t leave right now, I’ll have you thrown out,” he said, his voice dripping with contempt.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. Not in front of him.

“Fine,” I said quietly, my voice trembling. “I’ll go.”

I turned and walked away, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I reached the exit, I glanced back over my shoulder, hoping, praying ,that he would call out to me.

He didn’t.

The moment I got into the car, the tears came. Silent at first, then violent, racking sobs that shook my entire body.

I pressed my hands to my face, trying to muffle the sound, but it was no use. The weight of everything, Jaxon’s accusations, Vivian’s betrayal, the humiliation of being thrown out, was too much to bear.

The driver glanced at me in the rearview mirror, his expression sympathetic but hesitant. “Madam…” he began, but I shook my head.

“Don’t,” I said, my voice raw.

He nodded, remaining silent for the rest of the drive.

When we pulled up to the house, I hesitated, my hand hovering over the door handle. The thought of going inside, of facing the empty halls and the memories of Jaxon’s harsh words, was almost too much.

But I had nowhere else to go.

I stepped out of the car and walked to the front door, my legs feeling like lead. The house was dark and quiet, the staff having retired for the night.

I sank onto the sofa in the living room, staring blankly at the flickering light of the fireplace. The warmth of the flames did little to chase away the cold that had settled in my chest.

My mind raced with questions, each one more painful than the last.

Why had Vivian done this? Was it jealousy? Spite? Or was it something more sinister?

And Jaxon… How could he think so little of me? After everything I had done for him, how could he believe I was capable of hurting Vivian?

I had stood by him through everything, through his public affair with Vivian, through the humiliation of being the wife he refused to acknowledge. I had taken care of Vivian, invited her into my home, and even promised to love her child as my own.

And this was my reward.

As the hours passed, my tears dried, replaced by a simmering anger. Not at Jaxon, but at the situation.

I had spent years sacrificing everything for him,my dignity, my happiness, my very sense of self. And for what? To be cast aside like a villain in a story I had no control over?

No. I wouldn’t let this be the end.

I stood, my legs shaky but determined. If Jaxon wouldn’t listen to me, then I would find someone who would. I needed answers, and I wouldn’t rest until I had them.

Vivian had thrown herself down the stairs, of that I was certain. The look in her eyes before she let go of my hand was burned into my memory. She had been scared, not of me, but of something else.

I didn’t know what she was hiding, but I intended to find out.

And when I did, Jaxon would have no choice but to see the truth.