chapter 2

JOANNA

I felt a stinging sensation in my heart. What the heck was Asher doing! Is he being a jerk to this extent? I was still his wife! I couldn't believe my eyes. He was publicly displaying affection with his secret lover. I couldn't help but let out a slow dry laugh, my heart tightening.

Asher let go of her and rubbed her hair but then I squinted my eyes, Cassandra??

I bit my lips gently, a wave of relief washing through me. Cassandra was his sister. Why did she come visiting in the night though? I shifted from the window and stood still, waiting for them to step in.

The door creaked open and Cassandra jumped in.

“Joanna!” She exclaimed, rushing to hug me. We were all best friends when we were little including Asher’s best friend, Luther martins.

She giggled, her voice cheerful.. “How have you been?”

“Great,” I responded.

“You look so breathtaking…” I told her.

“Oh don't flatter me…” She shrugged it off and I lifted my gaze to see Asher moving two luggages in. I wrinkled my brows, what the heck was going on? It is my house yet I have no idea what plans they made.

“What’s going on, Asher? Who is moving in?” I asked, gently waiting for an explanation.

“Oh.. Cassandra is moving in. She is pregnant and she needs me to take care of her. Got a problem with that?” He questioned as if it was nothing. He could have told me before now. But it's cool anyway, I'm relieved it wasn't his mistress he brought home.

“Of course not.” I managed to answer. Asher’s demeanor remained cold as he turned away and fixed his gaze on Cassandra.

“Let's go Cass. I will show you to your room..” He muttered and pulled her luggage along while heading upstairs. I sighed, my heart clenching. He didn't think it was necessary to tell me Cass was moving in to stay with us?

“Sure…” Cass smiled and tagged along. He made me feel so small in his sister's presence.. is he showcasing the fact that our marriage isn't a lovely marriage? He doesn't have to rub it on my face each time. I wished I could get pregnant then maybe I would receive even a bit of his care and love.

I followed him upstairs and he didn't go to the guest room, he went to the next room close to ours.. I tagged along but once he got to the door, Asher paused and turned to me,

“ You can go over to the room, Joanna. You had a stressful day…” He said to me and my legs went numb to go further.

“But I could help Joanna unpack…”

“I will help her out..” He said in a dismissive tone, his voice straight. My mind went blank and I couldn't form any sentences.

“Okay sure. ..” I answered and walked back into the room, my eyes never leaving them.

But after stepping into the room, I heard a shrill of laughter from both Asher and Cass coming from the room. I couldn't grasp whatever it was that they were saying that made me laugh so loudly.

I laid down on the bed after letting out a deep sigh. Something in me wished Asher would laugh with me that way too. I stared into nothingness for as long as I can remember and Asher didn't return to the room either. I kept wondering why it took him so long to help her unpack or perhaps they were getting along with eachother.

The next time I felt a bit conscious, my first instinct was to reach out and feel for Asher's presence beside me. My hand swept across the empty space, and my heart sank when I realized he wasn't there.

Groggily, I sat up and squinted my eyes at the clock. The time read 2:07 AM.

Did Asher stay in the room with Cass or did he sleep off there?

I gently stood up from the bed, feeling empty. It's normal for Asher to enjoy his sister's company more than mine but it's our anniversary and usually that's the only time Asher pays a bit of attention to me because of his parents. We go out and fake a happy marriage. Even though it was fake for him, I still anticipated it. He already bought a set of jewellery not because he wanted to give them to me but because he wanted to use it as an evidence that he treated me well.

I just wanted to take a look at Asher.. seeing him was enough for me. But then, stepping closer to the next room, the door was slightly opened and Asher was massaging Cass’s shoulders.

I froze for a minute, why would he be doing that by this time? As if Asher felt my presence, he turned to see me staring and I let out a slow hiccup. Asher instantly stood up and moved towards the door.

“Why are you standing there when you should be sleeping?” He asked, his voice firm.

“I…I … was…” my voice cracked and I couldn't be stable with my words.

“You should sleep. I will be staying in Cass’s room. She has insomnia. I have to stay with her till morning” he muttered and I couldn't say anything but nod.

Asher slammed the door to my face that moment and it made me flinch. I felt disappointed. He doesn't seem to remember our anniversary either.

But would he be staying with her each night? What about me? I know he has to take care of her because they are siblings. I just wished he would give me that kind of attention too. He definitely wouldn't care if I told him I had insomnia.

I sighed and retired back to sleep in the empty room, all alone.

I forced myself to sleep and was later jolted awake by the jeering sounds of laughter downstairs..

“You are a liar… you hated it so much!” Cass laughed, her voice echoing in giggles.

I groggily sat up and checked the clock once more, it was past 8 am. Asher was meant to have left for work.

“That is not true, Cass .. stop teasing me” he replied, laughing back. His voice seemed so playful and cheerful.

My heart sank, Asher has never been so playful around me. I mean he was but it ended after we got married. Asher used to be such a playful person. I missed that part of him..

I stood up and began heading downstairs to see what was going on. I was at the stairs when I saw Cass next to Asher with a slice of toast close to his mouth.

The dining table was filled with different breakfast meals, toasts, oatmeal, pancakes and fresh fruits.. Asher was already in his suit. I can't even say when he showered.

Asher opened his mouth and took a bite from the toast. I clenched my hands on my night dress, a wave of envy coursing through my veins. I couldn't help but envy Cass, I just wished Asher would be like that with me too. Was it too much to ask for? He had never eaten my breakfast since we got married but here he was, allowing Cass feed him while they joked..

Cass’s eyes suddenly on mine. “Joanna! Come join us..” She squirmed, and Asher turned to gaze at me but equally took off his eyes, I sighed. The atmosphere became a bit foggy. I clusmily walked towards the table and sat at the opposite side.

“Good morning Cass, you made breakfast..” I greeted, forcing a smile.

“I had to. Asher needed to eat before going to work… You were still asleep” She answered, her voice vibrant. Asher's demeanor had changed. My presence seems to irritate him.

There was a bit of silence for a minute before I picked one of the toast slices..

“ How is your marriage, Joanna? It seems you and Asher aren't getting along. I could remember how down Asher was when he realized he was marrying you.. He seemed to have lost himself…” Cass muttered and I felt a knot form in my stomach as I froze, my hands hovering over the toast slice. Asher put his hand on Cass's arm, signaling her to stop.

Cass looked at me, her expression unapologetic. "It's true," she said.

“Being forced into a marriage is no joke. Our parents must think we are good for some business strategies. You aren't happy, Asher and I know…” She continued and I had lost my appetite. Asher's hate for me grew when he realised we were to get married, our relationship went sour.. But I'm only protecting him. i don't regret it.

I gently dropped the toast. I couldn't describe the way I felt. I guess everyone knows we are in an unhappy marriage.

The air was thick was tension for a little while before Cass turned to Asher again with the remaining slice of toast in her hand.

“Asher you need to eat up so you can go to work…” She muttered with concern.

Asher opened his mouth to take the remaining bites. I stared at them, my lips numb. But I thought Asher didn't like toast. He was allergic to it.

“Asher doesn't like toasts, Cass. He is going to throw up.” I said, remembering the time he threw up after eating toasts.. That was when we were best friends..

Cass directed her gaze to mine like I was blabbing rubbish. She suddenly burst out laughing while Asher munched the toast.

I narrowed my eyes, wondering what was funny. “Asher like toasts. He just doesn't eat the ones with cheese… you really don't know your husband, Joanna. You can do better” She hissed.. I really can't say why Cass seems to be coming from a place of hate. She seemed quite cool when she came yesterday, now, she seems to have a grudge against me. I sighed deeply, she was right though, regardless of being best friends with Asher, I don't think I know him too well. They grew up together while I visited occasionally because of my father, Cass would definitely know him well.. I didn't know he loved toast..

“I should get going..” Asher announced, standing from the chair. My eyes widened a bit, Asher really did forget today, he never used to..

“Alright. I would bring the lunch over to your office.” Cass told him..

“Joanna, Cass is pregnant. She doesn't need stress. You might want to do the dishes..” He demanded and I nodded in approval. Asher began walking out as my heart pounded, will I just let him walk away? I have anticipated this day so much..

“Asher…” I blurted and he halted his steps, his icy eyes peering into mine without words. I gulped, feeling intimidated to say anything.

I zoned out for a moment. “joanaa?” He called out and I snapped out of my daze.

“It .. it's… our anniversary today… You seem to have forgotten..” I said, my voice breaking..

“Oh ..shit ..” He cursed under his breath.

“I will make a reservation at the hotel. Do well to dress nice.. You know how it is” He instructed and I bit my lips in anxiety. I do.. it's a time where we put on a show that we are living fine when we are not, otherwise his parents might question him or throw tantrums or worse, threaten to take him out of the company. Everyone believes it's a happy marriage including my father. But we are only faking it when we are out on events or anniversary.

“An anniversary date!!! Wow that's great, I can tag along…” Cass’s words tumbled out in a spirited tone and I squinted my eyes. It's not a hangout, what does she mean?

“It's our anniversary, Cass.” I tried to remind her in case she had forgotten.

“So? It's nothing special. I can't stay in this big house all myself while you guys are out..” She remained resolute.

“But ..”

“Oh Joanna please.. there's nothing so special about anniversary.. I'm sure Asher would be bored around you.. I can keep him company…” She spat and I parted my lips, letting out a surprised scoff. I wanted to spend this time alone with Asher! He would do anything just to please the crowd, so why does Cass want to tag along. Asher better say no to this!

Asher cleared his throat and began walking out. What the fuck? Does that mean he agreed?