Married to my Wife’s Alter Ego

Chapter Three: The decision

Three months later

Camille passed by the dining area as she prepared to make breakfast. She was so damn hungry and skipping dinner did not help matters. She’s also yet to take her medication. The past three months had passed by in a blur and from what she sees, she’s unhappy in this marriage. Nothing out of the ordinary has taken place ever since the warning at her wedding.

Theo’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “There’s an evening event to attend by 7:00pm, don’t be late.”

“Understood.” She replied curtly as she made a beeline to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for both of them.

Someone knocked on the door about halfway to the kitchen. Camille wasn't expecting anyone this morning but Theo most likely is. She sighed and retraced her steps. She swung the door open and was momentarily confused looking at the blond blue eyed pretty lady standing before her.

“Hi,I'm Elena.” She smiled and said with an air of superiority and brushed past her like a breeze towards Theo.

“Theooooo.” she whined and hugged his back.

“What are you doing here?”

Ignoring his question, she settled comfortable on his thighs. Her arms wrapped around his neck. “You missed me right.?” She grinned slyly, ignoring Camille who stood dumbstruck like a statue watching the scene unfold before her. It's like they were two love birds and she was the unwanted third wheel.

She finally returned her gaze to Camille and scrutinized her head to toe. Camille felt exposed and naked to her gaze.

“Your maid is pretty and far too young. Are you sure you're not cheating on me with her ever since i travelled?

Camille on hearing what she has been referred to scoffed Internally expecting Theo to defend her and claim her as his wife but said nothing. He just shrugged it off, seeming undisturbed. Upon seeing Theo’s indifference, hot tears stung her eyes but she shoved it down forcefully. Scenes like this are common in marriage, especially a marriage of convenience for business. Her father gave her a specific set of instructions for this marriage.

Elena waved her hand at Camille dismissively “Maid, go make me breakfast.”

Camille’s ears pricked as swallowed the bitterness that rose inside her. Her hands fisted tightly by her sides to keep her from doing something she would regret. Calming herself with deep breaths, she replied, “Of course.”

Marching towards the kitchen with a calmness that she never knew she had in her till today. Elena was speaking when she overheard her. “You will look charming in your tuxedo. I'm your date for the event right?”

Wait a minute. It can't be. Camille thought angrily to herself. She never consented she's open to all manner of surprises this early morning. A storm is really in her house. Camille laughed bitterly. A sudden thought occurred to her. She has seen that face somewhere but where? Her stomach growled loudly. If this has happened in front of Theo, it would be embarrassing. Ignoring her thoughts, she focused on making breakfast.

She placed their breakfast on the table- pancake, egg, bacon with tea. The aroma was everything one could ask for. She glanced at Theo as she placed his breakfast but he gave no reaction at all which further infuriated Camille but had a poker face.

“Thanks” Elena said and rubbed his thighs gently. “Babe eat.”

Babe? Camille glanced at Theo, which did not go unnoticed. She had the mental image of her throttling Elena on what she said. Wow Elena brings out the worst in her.

She chose peace of mind over violence by eating her breakfast in the kitchen to avoid further interrogation for fear of saying something she shouldn’t say. Elena too was grating on her nerves each time she opened her mouth.

It’s just a two-year marriage. She repeated the mantra over and over again in her head. When all this is over she absolutely wants nothing to do with him. She rubbed her temple absentmindedly as she contemplated sleeping. This morning has been chaotic. Done eating, she trudged upstairs while ignoring the lady being sweet to Theo. She laid her face down on her bed and entered a peaceful bliss.

Camille woke up to feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She glanced at the wall clock. There’s still time for the event. She dragged herself to soak in the bathtub and prepared. Done with her routine, she chose a square neck satin gown that showed a bit of her cleavage. She adorned herself with her accessories and did a bit of makeup making her look elegant. She’s not a huge fan of lipstick but tonight is an exception. She gasped, taking in her good looks at her reflection on the mirror. Now she’s ready.

Theo held her waist as they stepped into the event premises. Reporters everywhere flashing cameras and trying to capture good shots. As soon as they walked past them, he released her and kept on walking without uttering a word. It didn’t bother her one bit of course she’s used to it.

An hour into the event, everything is still going well. She gave a small smile to everyone that came their way to greet. Not used to this level of interaction but Theo was cold and distant. Acting So formal and stiff with her. Women kept glancing her way and whispering to each other. Some casted jealous stares in her direction. Theo left her as he went to discuss business with influential men. From the corner of her eyes, she sees Elena by his side, he looked comfortable and not stiff. Ok this is really getting to her and upsetting.

Trying not to feel alone and uncomfortable, she grabbed a glass of sparkling red wine and helped herself to it. Feeling the rich smooth wine go down her throat, it was the best feeling.

Trouble arose when two ladies walked boldly to Camille smiling devilishly.

“So you’re the daughter of the mad man who tried to take his own life recently.”

Camille shocked at their words looked around to be sure it wasn’t directed at her “I beg your pardon?”

“Oh don’t play coy about it.” The brunette lady chirped in while the Second Lady ogled Theo unashamed where he stood with Elena. “Everyone knows about it.” She paused holding her chin. “You being the substitute wife and the two year contract marriage to save the company. What a family of disgrace.” They both laughed heartily, relishing in her discomfort.

Momentarily her mind went blank doubting her own ears. The first thought was to check up on her family if it’s true and she hoped not. She was at a loss for words. Insults can be thrown at her and it’s fine by her but not her family. She will make them pay.

Theo arrived at the table and she was grateful thinking he came to her aid. Smiling, she looked over to Theo to help her out but he shrugged nonchalantly while talking on the phone, being indifferent about it. To him it was not worth his time and it looked more like childish squabbles between women. Camille looked around and noticed a lot of stares being directed at her.

Seeing how no one came to her aid, with the little dignity and pride she had left, she stood up, grabbed her black purse and walked away calmly. What pained her more was Theo did not bother to come after her. This marriage to her is over and she’s dead to it.

When she got home, her lips quivered and tears began to pool in her eyes and this time with no one around, for the first time, she let the pent up tears run free. She cried her heart out. Suddenly an image flashed before her eyes and she had this piercing headche that made her dizzy but she ignored it. The one that she calls her husband never loved her and he proved it to her today. This is it. She’s done with this farce of a marriage.

She walked into her room and began packing her stuff, booked her flight for the next day.

The following day, Camille woke up early. Made some calls with her parents without telling them she’s leaving. Yes people can call her cruel for running away but her mind is made up. Luckily Theo isn’t yet back. Probably still with Elena so it made the whole process much easier. She took her luggage and went to the airport.