chapter 3

JOANNA.

After Asher left, Cass went over to the refrigerator, taking some handful of Doritos. She ignored my presence and walked towards the couch, comfortably taking her seat while she turned on the TV.

I walked to the kitchen and resumed cleaning. I couldn't believe she wanted to tag along on our anniversary. She even mentioned I was boring and wouldn't be able to keep Asher company. This wasn't funny..

I finished up fast and retired upstairs to find a suitable dress for the date. It was still my anniversary with Asher and today was usually the day he pretends as if everything was alright so I wouldn't want to miss out because his sister was coming with us.

I ransacked my wardrobe in search of a dress but none seemed like they were okay. I wanted to look perfect, I didn't want to show anyone that our marriage wasn't so great..

I laid down on the bed for a minute, staring into nothingness. Time seemed to pass by so quickly with different thoughts overcrowding my mind, I could barely concentrate on anything. Asher didn't care that I couldn't conceive. He was just sending mixed signals. I could barely tell what he wanted. I hadn't gotten over that news. It still felt like my world had been shattered.

A knock suddenly came to my door, interrupting my thoughts. I wondered who would be knocking if not Cassandra. We were the only ones in this house..

I opened the door to my utmost surprise, Cassandra was dressed in such a beautiful black strapless dress adorned with fine diamonds. The dress was nothing but perfect.

She giggled vibrantly, staring at me.

“How do I look??” She squirmed and I marvelled at how gorgeous she looked with her slender waist and hourglass figure fitting the dress perfectly. I don't know how long Cass might have been pregnant but her stomach didn't increase much.

“You look perfect….” I responded, nodding in approval. Cassandra had perfect skin, her features were just too good. I wondered which man was bold enough to get her pregnant but who was I to pry into her life?

“I know right? Can you help me zip? Asher got it for me for the anniversary date tonight. I can't believe he would send a dress so soon..” Cassandra squealed, spinning around in order to get help as requested. I furrowed my brows in slight confusion. Asher sent her a dress for the anniversary?? I have never been so confused. I was his wife, he didn't think it was necessary to send me a dress but he sent a dress to the sister that was tagging along? Maybe he wanted her to look nice, I concluded, shrugging the thoughts off.

Cassandra turned to me once I helped her out and smiled. “Thank you.” She muttered and with that she walked off.

*

I was finally able to pick a suitable dress for the anniversary date. I had anticipated this day so much that I wouldn't let anything ruin it.

I took my shower and wore a luxurious strapless silk ruby red dress. I put on makeup and wore my heels, tying my hair into a ponytail.

While admiring my final look in the mirror, I heard giggles coming from downstairs and I furrowed my brows slightly. I could hear Asher's voice. Did he come to pick me? Usually, the driver would take me to the restaurant. I picked my purse and quickly headed downstairs..

“You look so stunning, Cassandra. The dress looks perfect on you..” Asher's voice bubbled with excitement as I gently approached them.

“Thank you..” Cassandra blushed from ear to ear and I swallowed hard, clearing my throat. Asher didn't even recognize my presence.

Asher's gaze met mine and he looked away that minute without words. He complimented his sister, couldn't he do the same for me? It wasn't such a big deal and I put effort into looking this flawless tonight.

“Let's go..” He uttered and began walking out of the door as my heart sank. He would never see me the same again.

Cassandra turned to me and shook her head as she quickly caught up with Asher.

“Wait for me, Asher!” She exclaimed,linking arms with him once she caught up to him. They diligently walked out and I trailed behind like a third party..

Cassandra didn't hesitate to relax in the front seat of the car. Shit, I'm supposed to sit there! But I didn't want to make a fuss and spoil Asher's mood. I didn't want him to get mad, it was no big deal.

The drive was silent for sometime until Cassandra uttered a word..

“How did you enjoy my pasta, Asher? I made it exactly the way you used to like it back then at home”

Asher's face lit up with a huge smile. He hadn't smiled like that with me for so long.

“It was fantastic, Cass. I enjoyed every bit of it, you know. It was the most amazing thing I had ever tasted. It's good you are staying with us. At least you would be making my lunch. I hate to stress you even though you are pregnant.” He answered, a hint of sadness in his tone.

“Maybe I should hire a chef to help ..”

“C’mon, Asher, stop.." She playfully swatted at his arm, her giggles bubbling over. "You're making me blush.."

“But I'm serious…” Asher laughed back..

“You are lying.. You look like a joker. What about the food that Joanna used to make? Is mine better?” Cassandra asked and a heavy silence hung over the air. I twitched my lips, tears slightly forming in my eyes. I had never felt so terrible. I was a terrible wife I would say. Asher doesn't even laugh or play with me like this. A searing pain pierced my chest, my feelings getting the best out of me.

“Joanna doesn't cook for me. I don't have to eat her food.” He answered in a straight tone.

“Too bad..” Cassandra murmured.

I tried not to let my emotions get the best of me. It would be useless.

The rest of the drive was silent and it didn't take long for us to arrive at the restaurant. Asher climbed down and opened the car door for Cassandra while I had to open mine.

I had sighted the paparazzi Asher hired each year to secretly take pictures of us and send to our families to prove that everything was okay. Asher whispered a few words to Cassandra and signalled the paparazzi as he came to link arms with me..

Asher's gaze towards me was so distant and cold but I still loved the fact that he looked at me.

“You should put on a good show like we always do, Joanna but you know you would never have my heart…” His words dripped with malice, piercing my heart like a dagger. He lifted his face and forced a fake smile to be captured on camera and I bit my lips, forcing a smile as well. We gently began walking into the restaurant. Despite his cold words, I found my heart racing just by linking arms with him. He scented so well, I loved his cologne, everything about him was fantastic.

We walked in and Asher stopped in the middle of the restaurant, he turned to me in front of everyone and caressed my cheeks, smiling so sweetly. My heart skipped again and again even though it was nothing but a show. Asher leaned in and kissed my forehead and a wave of shiver ran down my spine. Some individuals in the restaurant made sweet remarks and I deeply wished it was all real.

Asher leaned away and turned to the paparazzi who nodded at him. His eyes turned so chilly immediately and he stepped away from me. The paparazzi had probably captured the sweet moments. I stood alone in the middle of the restaurant, not knowing what to do. Cassandra quickly caught up with Asher and linked arms with him.

“Asher, you seriously can't keep on putting on these shows every year. I will help you give her a divorce..” Cassandra proposed.

I let out a slow scoff, my heart tightening so bad. I would never divorce him! I must make everything right! We used to be best friends. I would get him back, no doubt. I turned and followed them and Asher got to the table and sat down, so did Cassandra.

I sluggishly walked towards the table and sat down as well.

Cassandra glared at me. “You know you didn't have to put on so much makeup for something that was fake.” She spat and I parted my lips in slight surprise. I was mute, unable to articulate my thoughts.

Asher didn't say anything and signalled the waitress who came over..

“I made reservations here.” He told her..

“Okay sir.. Name? I would like to confirm your reservation and I will be back in a jiffy with your orders.”

“Asher Clifford.”

“Okay.”

“Hurry up. She is pregnant and she needs to eat dinner.” Asher demanded, pointing at Cass and the waiter nodded..

Cassandra giggled and grabbed his hands. “You are so sweet and caring, Asher..” She said and I clutched my hands on my dress under the table. It didn't even feel like I was in existence. It was my anniversary date but everything felt so off. He doesn't give a fuck about me. My heart dropped. I felt suffocated.. I wanted to breathe. I wanted to be away even for a moment. If I stay, I might end up tearing up which wasn't so good.

“I need to use the restroom. Excuse me…” I said that instant and stood up, heading to the restroom. While I walked away, tears gently slipped through.

I got to the restroom and a tear finally dropped, I stared at myself in the mirror and told myself that everything would be fine. I gently wiped the slight tear that had ruined my makeup and washed my hands. I did a little retouch on my face and headed back to the table but I squinted my eyes since I couldn't find Asher and Cassandra. Where could they have gone?

I gazed around searching for them but they were nowhere to be seen. I saw the waitress pass by.

“Excuse me, have you seen my husband, Asher?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Is he your husband? I thought he was to the other lady?” She responded and I shook my head.

“Of course not. They are siblings” I answered.

“Oh. I saw them stepping outside…” she said and I thanked her. I headed outside, wondering if something went wrong.

But nothing could have prepared me for the sight that greeted me. Asher and Cassandra stood inches apart, their faces so close it seemed like they were sharing a secret... or a kiss. My heart stuttered, and I felt a surge of adrenaline as I narrowed my eyes. It can't be right. Why would Asher be kissing Cass!! They were siblings!