MasukI vaguely remember Darius dressing up to leave, but what happened after?-- I guess exhaustion caught up with me.It was 6:49pm. I just woke up from the nap I never planned on taking.With my sleep-deprived eyes, I made a ride request back home.Without delay, the ride notification popped up on my phone, and I grabbed my bag, made my way out of the building, and slid into the back seat of the car.With a tired face, I responded to his greetings, gave him my address and we were off.My eyelids grew heavy and before I knew it, we were at my building.I wished the ride lasted a little longer."Oh, that was fast", I said, and handed over the fareThe driver smiled, "Thank you, ma'am.I stepped out of the car and an annoying gust of wind welcomed me. "Hmmm, feels like home ", I said, disgustingly Finally, I was at the gate, with a new face welcoming me. Whatever.I planned my night as I made my way in — shower, food, pajamas, and face-plant in my pillow.I walked into my room, and the
I exited the hospital and ordered a ride to take me back since I couldn't wait for James.It was a gorgeous and sunny afternoon my ride was about ten minutes away. So, I decided to settle in the restaurant that was literally around the corner.Given that I hadn't eaten all day, I ordered a massive burger the moment I sat down. And because of my ride that was on its way, I requested a full meal take-out.I didn't know if James ' newest staff would whip up to meet my cravings, so I had to get more food.To my surprise, the orders were ready ahead of schedule. I was happy I wouldn't have to delay the ride."Here's your bill, ma ", the waiter said, handing over a paper.With a soft nod, I held out my card to settle the bills.I wasn't even paying attention because one of my favorite songs was blaring out of the speakers until the waiter handed me the card."It's declining, ma. Wrong password," he said."Can I have the machine, pls?", I asked I pressed the password again twice but it didn
Indeed, troubles come in threes. I quickly cleaned myself with the tissue on the table, adjusted my dress, and my hair.Luckily, I had my body mist in my purse. So, I hastily grabbed it and gave myself a quick spritz while the doctor adjusted his clothes, too.We did a final double check, and I composed myself to look like I was waiting for the doctor before I gestured for him to open up.From the doctor's expression, I could tell that he was rehearsing the words he'd use to explain the situation to my husband.You don't have to bother, I thought.He took a deep breath, with the hospital air filling his lungs, before reaching out to grasp the door handle and slowly turning it.Then, A nurse walked in and handed the doctor a clipboard, her voice low and professional as she began to read out a list of vitals and medications.My gaze rested on her; her bright smile and youthful appearance made me think that she was more suited to be handing out flowers than administering medications.Oh
The night went by really fast as it felt like I had only been asleep for fifteen minutes.I wish I could take back the night, but the morning chaos was already knocking on my door.The sound of my phone woke me up, and the name 'Mother' appeared on the screen.That woman has a sixth sense for timing."Hi, Mom", I said "Hi, baby", she replied.Aww, I miss her soft voice.She doesn't just call, she calls with a purpose.We talked about everything-- family, life, latest drama until she finally asked about my husband, and the conversation took a more serious turn."Uhmm, he's good", I said" Miriam, he's good but things are not good. I can tell", she said Then, she launched into a familiar lecture about perseverance and commitment in marriage.Same words---same thoughts.Then she ended it with " Don't make him call me again. Is that ok?".Who?James?"Mom, did he call you?. What did he say?, I asked "Never mind, baby. Just be careful ", she replied I could almost hear the half-truths
James strolled over to my window as if pulled to a stop. "Hey", he saidNo questions--not now, I thought. So, I stepped out of the car and walked into the house without a word.I hadn't even made it to the stairs before I heard the door shut behind me, and then his voice."Stop, Miriam", he ordered."What now?", I turned to himA wicked smile crept across his face, like a cat with a secret."What was that with Adrian?" he asked.My voice laced with fake confusion, " Sorry, dear, I'm lost"."Cut the act, Miriam", he said, his voice firm"I'm tired, I need to go inside, I said, hoping that he would back off.He held me in place. " You are not going anywhere until you talk to me. I've had enough of your lies."You're hurting me", I said, struggling against his hold.He loosened his grip ."Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to, he said, then he smiled awkwardly ."You're not going anywhere until you understand that I'm in control"The way he looked at me was suffocating, like he owned me"I do
"Yes, yes", I shouted.I threw off the covers and leaped out of bed.I did it.I actually did.The night before, I had spent hours applying for jobs and updating my Job profile. I was so nervous but it paid off.I had to double-check on the laptop screen, and I couldn't be happier. The job details, the interview date, everything—it was real.As if grinning from ear to ear as I replayed the events from hours ago wasn't enough, the universe decided to hit me with a job offer."Hey, Bestie. We did it, thanks for having my back" I said, kissing the journal I dropped on the bed.My feet barely touched the ground as I danced over to the closet, to get ready to take on the day.I reached for the doorknob, ready to head downstairs but just as I was about to step out, James walked into my room, fuming.What now?It was past 9am, and he was still lounging around the house."I did a check-in around midnight, and your room was empty, he said, his tone casual but curious.What?Is he that paranoid
I wanted things to work between James and I. I wanted so badly for him to see me as more than just a woman he married, more than just a possession he could bring out, decorate, fuck, and tuck away when he was done. Maybe if he ever looked at me like I mattered, like I had desires too, I wouldn't h
I stared at the text. “Don’t be late.”I knew I didn’t want to find out what my lateness would cost, so I got dressed and left without the driver. I boarded a cab and went there.I was scared and uncertain, but I still went. I got there and walked into the apartment in this lonely off-town place. A
I hurriedly got up, but the person had already left. I was wondering who could have seen me. Nobody should ever see me like this. I went to bed and eventually managed to sleep.The next day, I saw Jessica, and I kept looking at her face, hoping to see something. Anything. Who was in the house with
“Shame is a collar they give you young. I didn’t know how good it would feel to take it off.”I remember the first time I had sex.I didn’t want it.And James didn’t care.He moaned in pleasure while I cried beneath him.I also remember my mother’s words about sex:“It’s not for you to enjoy,” she







