Party Night

Her cheeks flush a crimson hue as she stands by the grill, tirelessly serving guests who treat her like a servant amidst the revelry of alcohol, food, and loud music. The vibrant garden lights suffocate her, and each thump of the music feels like a chokehold on her throat.

Despite it all, her gaze occasionally drifts to her husband reveling with his girlfriend and friends. He proudly introduces his girlfriend while ignoring her, the one tirelessly manning the grill for hours.

Exhaling heavily, she heads towards the mushroom basket near the couch where they luxuriate.

"Darling, I'm ecstatic," Arusha leans into his shoulder, clinking wine glasses.

"Your happiness means everything," Derek smiles...

Gwen derides herself, walking away as if they're invisible to her. Although each of the scenes is hurting her badly. A bitter smile appears on her face after all, she is staying for nothing but the man who is enjoying his girlfriend's company.

Clutching the mushroom basket, she heads back to the grilling area, where others join in to help with the serving. Yet, her body flinches as arms coil around her waist, nearly dragging her closer.

"Hey, gorgeous. Any lobster tails left for me?" The breathy voice near her ear causes her to whirl around, striking the person with the ladle she'd just picked up. Disgust floods her as she faces a friend of Derek, wearing a lecherous grin with lustful eyes.

"What's wrong with you? You creep!" she snaps, shoving him to the ground, her eyes blazing with pent-up rage.

"I didn't realize there was such a hot servant here. Come on, be with me tonight. I'll pay you double what you make grilling meat all night. Don't fight it. Every servant in this household has been on my list. You'll be special," he leans, rising and gripping her wrist tightly.

"Nonsense! Let me go!!!" she shouts, her eyes fixed on him in utter repulsion.

Amidst her outcry, it draws the attention of multiple people, including Derek, who is conversing with guests alongside Anusha.

"What's happening here?" Derek's voice cuts in coldly, his gaze flicking to her wrist clasped by his friend.

"Hey, Derek! Where did you find this bold and attractive girl? How about lending her to me for a month? She's quite intriguing. I like her!" his friend remarks.

At his words, Derek's focus shifts to her, a hint of intrigue surfacing as he, for the first time, really looks at her. Despite her humble attire, her striking appearance refuses to be ignored.

"Why are you here when I specifically told you to stay in your room?" his voice carries offence.

"She's shameless, Derek. We didn't invite her, yet here she is, trying to entice your friends to tarnish your reputation!" Anusha chimes in, smirking at her maliciously.

"GO TO YOUR ROOM, GWEN!!! CAN'T YOU HEAR ME? I SAID, STAY IN YOUR ROOM!"

Gwen's body shakes violently when Derek roars, clearly sending her an alert that he doesn't want her present to ruin his valuable night party.

Derek! Why the shouting? I've made it clear I want this woman and -" His friend's words are abruptly halted by the arrival of Mrs. Carter.

"What's happening? Has she made a mistake?" Mrs. Carter inquires.

"Mom! I told you not to let her come here. Why is she here?" Derek's frustration is palpable.

Mrs. Carter's expression falters as she realizes her mistake. "I... I thought she could assist..."

"How disappointing!" A whisper interjects...

All eyes turn to Gwen as she speaks and removes her kitchen apron and meets her mother-in-law's gaze. "I'll never forgive you for this. Remember that," she states firmly.

"Hey! What do you—" As Mrs. Carter reaches out angrily, Gwen snatches her apron. "To hell with all of you."

Casting a final glance at Derek, she walks away, her cheeks flushed. Despite everything, she had hoped to be a good wife to her husband; she still believed this was her family.

However, today she's come to the stark realization that her previous beliefs were nothing but unreciprocated hopes. There's no longer any rationale to maintain the facade of a dutiful housewife.

Even if she ends up in poverty, preserving her self-respect outweighs everything.

"Gwen! Stop right there! You insolent brat!"

As she strides forward, Gwen halts as Mrs. Carter enters with fury in her eyes.

"Do you have anything to say, Ms. Carter?" Gwen retorts sharply.

"How dare you disgrace us like that? Who do you think you are?" Mrs. Carter seethes.

"Me? Someone who could ruin you at this very moment!"

Mrs. Carter's eyebrows arch with a sly grin before her hand subtly moves with a hot spatula concealed behind her back. "Don't forget, I've been providing for you despite everything. You owe for everything, you insolent brat! Do you really think you can challenge me?"

Before Gwen comprehends the situation, Mrs. Carter presses the searing spatula against her, causing a blistering sizzle that forces Gwen to scream. However, her eyes remain vacant, her heart too numbed to produce a sound.

"If you utter another word, I'll scar that pretty face of yours. My son only needs Anusha to propel him higher. She's the granddaughter of the wealthiest family in this city. My son's on the verge of greatness. He's honest in business, but I won't let this opportunity slip away! So, shut up until you sign the divorce papers!"

With a forceful throw to the floor, Mrs. Carter storms out. Gwen's gaze fixates on the red mark on her arm as the room echoes with her laughter, her tears flowing freely.

"Sorry, Bitch. I no longer care about your dream. I am going to play with your reputation now."

A smirk dances across her lips as she exits, displaying the wound prominently, and seizes the mic from the DJ. Her eyes are full of determination, after all,

She wasn't a woman to endure nonsense in the first place if she didn't desire to have a family.

"May I have the esteemed attention of our beloved guests?"