THE SHADOW BETWEEN US
1334 Words
Vivian stepped out of the bathroom, a soft white towel wrapped snugly around her glistening skin, the scent of lavender shampoo trailing behind her like a whisper.
Her wet hair clung to her shoulders in soft waves, giving her the delicate, innocent look of someone just stirred from a dream. But that innocence was fleeting.
The moment her eyes landed on Victor...fully dressed, groomed, and reaching for his wristwatch....her expression shifted. Her brows knitted slightly, and her lips parted with a subtle tension.
"What's up with you this morning?" she asked, tilting her head, eyes narrowing as they scanned him from head to toe.
Victor looked up, momentarily startled, as if caught in the act.
Vivian’s voice was calm, but her mind raced. She hadn’t noticed when he’d left the bed. She'd woken up and reached out, only to find cold sheets. And now, here he was, dressed in a designer outfit from one of the most exclusive brands in the country. She knew those clothes. She'd once window-shopped them for him but never actually bought any...at least not to her recollection.
"Where are you going this early? It’s not even seven yet,” she said, folding her arms. “And dressed like this?"
She tried to sound casual, but suspicion laced her tone. Her heart thudded, knowing full well he had all her money in his bank account...something she hadn’t checked in a while. A sudden chill passed over her. Was he spending her money?
She opened her mouth, ready to ask the question outright, but stopped herself. No. That would ignite an argument. Victor had a way of turning things around, making her feel paranoid for simply seeking clarity. She sighed and shook her head slightly, as though clearing away the thoughts clouding her judgment.
"Where are you going?” she repeated, more softly this time. “You didn’t even tell me you had plans today."
Victor flashed a grin....one of those practiced, charming smiles he often wore when trying to disarm her.
"Owwwww, baby,” he said, kissing her forehead and cupping her cheeks in his hands. “I know you care about me, and I love that. But I'm a grown man, remember?"
His voice was smooth, reassuring. He looked into her eyes with deliberate intensity, searching for any sign of doubt. All he saw was love. Blind, loyal love.
"I'm just going out with Elvis,” he added. “Might not be back tonight.....we got....."
"Wait,” Vivian cut in sharply, eyes narrowing. “But you told me yesterday that Elvis left for Italy. Something about his grandfather’s birthday, remember?"
Victor froze.
His smile faltered, only for a second, but she caught it.
His feet felt heavy suddenly, like he'd stepped into cement. Think fast, his mind screamed.
“Oh, come on, babe. I don’t have only one Elvis in my life,” he said with a forced chuckle. “This is another Elvis...my childhood friend. You’ve not met him.”
He pulled her into a hug, hoping physical closeness would silence the rising tide of doubt in her. She nodded slowly, but her mind wasn’t settled. Her gut churned. She wanted to believe him. But the signs...the secret calls, the unexplained absences, the unfamiliar colognes, the ‘allergic reactions’ he claimed were responsible for suspicious marks on his neck...all of it played like a movie reel in her head.
Still, she inhaled deeply, holding on to whatever little trust remained between them.
“I have something to tell you,” she said suddenly, trying to ground the conversation again. “It’s important. I won’t take much of your time.”
Victor glanced at his watch, visibly impatient. “Okay, babe,” he replied. “Please be quick.”
As he said that, his phone lit up with a message. Bianca.
Vivian didn’t notice. Her focus was on delivering her message.
“I think this apartment is too expensive. Three thousand dollars a month is insane. I mean, it’s beautiful here, sure, but… it’s not worth it. I think we should start looking for a place we can call our own. Maybe buy a house....somewhere cozy and peaceful.”
Victor nodded with the ease of a practiced liar. “Baby, I really understand you. I’ve been thinking the same. Trust me....we don’t have to be in a hurry to do anything. Be patient. I will know what to do.”
He hugged her again.
She smiled, momentarily relieved. “Okay, baby.”
Victor grabbed his keys. “Now I really have to go.”
She followed him to the window, watching him descend the building with practiced confidence, exuding an elegance that both captivated and confused her. He climbed into the Range Rover...one she had gifted him back in university...and drove off.
She sighed. Her hair had dried completely, yet she hadn’t moved from the spot. Time had slipped through her fingers. With a shake of her head, she turned and walked toward the walk-in closet.
---
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Cecilia stood in her office, surrounded by the soft scent of vanilla candles and freshly pressed fabrics. She was carefully packaging clothes, cosmetics, and a few custom accessories from her brand into a sleek gift box, her fingers trembling slightly with emotion.
This was supposed to be a celebration. Her dream had finally taken flight...her fashion and beauty line was now officially launched. And Vivian, her best friend, had been her number one cheerleader. But now… silence. Distance. All because of Victor.
The sadness was overwhelming.
She tucked in the last item.....a small audio recorder. She'd recorded a personal message for Vivian earlier that morning. Maybe it would get through to her. Maybe she would finally hear what she needed to.
Cecilia sealed the box, added the shipping label to Victor’s apartment.....the only address she had....and handed it to the delivery guy.
As he walked out, a tear slipped down her cheek. Her chest ached at the thought of all Vivian had lost: her voice, her independence, her bond with her parents.....and their unshakable friendship. All of it slowly poisoned by a man who only took and never gave.
---
Victor finally arrived at Bianca’s apartment, nearly an hour late. But the moment he stepped in, his mood lifted.
A soft jazz melody played from invisible speakers. The hallway was dimly lit, strewn with rose petals and subtle lighting. A trail of note cards lay on the floor, guiding him down the corridor.
He smirked. “Bianca, where are you? What’s with all the drama?”
The first card read: A.
The second: NEW.
The third: LIFE.
He chuckled, confused but amused. “A new life? Bianca, what is this? Are you proposing we start over or something?”
As he walked to the bedroom, another message greeted him on the door: DADDY.
His smirk turned into a grin. “Oh, hell no. Bianca, are we being freaky tonight? Yes, call me Daddy.”
He pushed open the door.
There she was...Bianca....glowing like a goddess in soft lighting, a small wrapped gift in her hands. Her skin shimmered; her eyes sparkled with excitement, nerves, and something deeper.
"Bianca, my love,” he said, pulling her in for a quick kiss before accepting the gift. He plopped onto the edge of the bed and began unwrapping.
The first item: baby shoes.
He blinked.
The second: a tiny baby dress.
He forced a laugh. “Bianca, you’re really doing too much. What am I supposed to do with baby stuff?”
She said nothing, only smiled more softly now.
He reached for the last item. It was wrapped in delicate pink paper. He smiled thinking... Bianca was playing her games again but.....
He peeled it open slowly....and there it was.
A pregnancy test kit. Positive.
An ultrasound photo.
His hand trembled.
He looked up at her, the smile wiped clean off his face.
In the quietest voice he could manage, he asked: “Are you… pregnant?”
- Writer
