The Unwanted Wife

Chapter 7

CASSANDRA:

The days passed, and I grew weaker and more listless with every moment, burdened by the knowledge that Althea was carrying Cole’s child. Yet, they don't even mind about what I was going through. They were perfectly happy together. Whenever Cole was here at the villa, he doted on Althea endlessly, attending to her every need. He was extremely careful with her, saying her pregnancy was delicate and required extra care.

"How do you endure all this, Ma'am Cassy? You are Sir Cole’s legal wife. You are the one who should be cherished and treated as the lady of this house--not his mistress," said Ange, the maid sent over by Mrs. Harris from their main mansion.

I shook my head and smiled bitterly. We were in the kitchen right then, preparing dinner, while Cole and Althea were in the living room. We could clearly hear them laughing and playfully teasing each other from where we stood.

"Let it be, Ange. I have already accepted that Cole will never truly treat me as his wife. He is happy with Althea now. They are going to have a child together. Truth be told, I am the one who should leave this villa. I have no place here anymore. . . especially not in Cole’s heart," I replied, forcing a weak smile.

Ever since Ange arrived here a few days ago, I finally had someone to be with. I was so grateful she didn’t try to favor with Althea. Instead, she stood by my side and even shared quarters with me. At least now, I finally had someone in this house to lean on.

"But this is all wrong, Ma'am Cassy. Do you want me to report this to Madame Harris? I'm pretty sure my employers would never tolerate Sir Cole’s behavior, or the way he treats you here. They don’t even know that his mistress is living under this roof--and worse, that he actually got her pregnant," she whispered, clearly frustrated and disgusted with Althea.

I smiled and patted her shoulder gently. "I am truly fine, Ange. Please, don’t worry yourself over this. I have long been used to this kind of treatment, and I have accepted the fact that Cole will never love me. I know how much you need this job, so please, do not say a word to his parents. Now that Cole is fully managing their company, we have no power against him. With just one snap of his fingers, he can make our lives miserable and leave us with nothing," I explained, letting out a heavy sigh.

I could see the pity and sympathy shining clearly in her eyes.

"Whenever you feel tired and can’t take it anymore, ma'am. . . just tell me. I will help you leave this place," she agreed softly, holding my hand tightly.

"Thank you, Ange. Ever since you came into my life. . . at least now, I finally have someone I can lean on."

****

AFTER we finished preparing dinner, Ange went to call Cole and Althea to eat. Meanwhile, I went straight back to our quarters and took a shower. Ange and I always ate together, but only after Cole and Althea had finished their meal.

I washed up and changed into my nightclothes. Ange stayed behind at the main house to attend to the couple in case they needed anything or gave her more orders. As time went by, I was slowly getting used to the pain of reality--the harsh truth that in this house, and especially in Cole’s heart, I could never compete with Althea.

I let out a long, heavy sigh, smiling bitterly as I felt pity for myself while standing in front of the mirror. I stared at my own reflection. Of course. . . no man would ever fall for someone as fat as me.

I took off my round glasses and ran my hand over my chubby cheeks--puffed up just like a steamed bun. I shook my head and looked down at my body. Honestly, my frame was twice the size of Althea’s. I couldn't even see my own feet anymore because of my big belly. I couldn't run, and it was hard for me to walk fast or take quick steps.

"If only losing weight was easier. . ." I whispered, shaking my head as I put my glasses back on.

I sat on the edge of the bed and leaned back against the headboard. I thought I actually had nice features. I was pretty in my own way. But I was just too fat, and I never bothered to dress up or fix myself up, so no one could see my natural beauty. Only Ange and Cole’s parents ever told me I was pretty, even with my weight.

"Let's eat, ma'am. I brought our food here so you don't have to go out."

I turned toward the door when I heard Ange’s voice. I smiled, got off the bed, and followed her as she carried a tray filled with food into our small kitchen area.

"Thank you. I really don't feel like going back there. Good thing you brought everything here," I replied, and get our plates and glasses.

"It’s nothing, ma'am. Don’t worry about anything over there anymore. I’ll wash all the dishes there later. You just rest," she said, making me smile softly.

"Thank you so much, Ange. My body is so tired, and all I want to do now is sleep. I’m really glad you’re here. At least now I have company. . . and someone to help me serve those two." I said and she nodded.

"Let’s eat now, ma'am. Sorry, the food isn't hot anymore," she said. I nodded in response and we both started eating.

Even though my situation was difficult and painful, I still preferred going to sleep with a full stomach rather than an empty one. There were times when I lost my appetite thinking about the reality of my life here at the villa, but I knew I had to eat to keep going.

*****

After we finished our meal, I insisted on washing our dishes myself. Ange went back to the main house to take care of the chores we had left there.

On Ange’s very first day here at the villa, Cole had pulled her aside and strictly warned her never to report anything to his parents. He threatened that if Mrs. and Mr. Harris ever found out the truth, he wouldn’t just fire Ange from her job--he would also cut off all financial support for her sick child’s medical care.

That's why, even though Ange had suggested to me a several times that we tell Mrs. Harris everything, I always refused. If it were only me involved, I would have done it long ago. I had my own money and savings. I had a condo I bought for myself, and a big art studio managed by my assistant that I could always go to.

But I couldn't risk Ange and her child. I knew for sure that the moment we spoke up, Cole would cruelly stop paying for her child’s treatments, and I couldn't let that happen to them.

"Let's talk, Cassy."

I turned toward the door the moment I heard Cole’s deep, baritone voice. I was surprised to see him standing there.

"What do you need?" I replied, staying exactly where I was.

He remained standing right at the doorway. He was already in his sleepwear, fresh from a shower.

"Tomorrow, there’s a party being held at our hotel. Mom and dad expect me to bring you along. You need to make an excuse and tell mom you can’t go--so that Althea can take your place instead. Althea wants to be just the two of us attending the Gala, so I’m taking her with me. Besides, you don’t have any decent dress to wear to an event like that anyway. I’d just end up embarrassed if I brought you along. So. . . you understand our situation, right?" he said flatly, completely void of emotion, not caring at all how his words would hurt me.

I swallowed hard and clenched my fists tightly. It felt as if thousands of needles were pricking and piercing my heart as I stared into his cold, empty eyes.

"O-of course, Cole. You and Althea can go together. Don’t worry. . . I’ll call Mrs. Harris and tell her I won’t be able to accompany you. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone there anyway. I don’t want people laughing at you for having someone like me as your wife," I answered, forcing a stiff, painful smile on my face.

"Good to see you finally understand your place and know how to behave, Cassy. You’re much easier to deal with now than you used to be," he replied coldly, then turned his back on me and walked away.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched him leave, until he completely disappeared from my sight.

"He’s right, Cassy. You did the right thing. Cole would only be ashamed all over again if he brought you to parties like that. People would just laugh and mock both of you," I whispered to myself, wiping my tears away.