Chapter 2

TARA'S POV

“Let's get a divorce,” I said the moment Daniel stepped into the living room later that night.

Daniel froze for a while, dropped his phone on the table and looked at me.

His expression remained calm, almost like he hadn't heard what I said or he pretended not to.

My hands slowly reached for my dress but it was fitted, there was nothing to grab.

“I can't continue with this marriage. I think it's best we go separate ways,” I said, louder this time but my voice cracked.

I never thought it would get to this. The point where I'd have to end my marriage.

A sharp, crisp laughter tore through the air and my body chilled.

Daniel.

He walked out calmly to the dining area, sat on the chair, and crossed his legs.

He laughed so hard that his veins bulged out, his eyes turned red.

Was that all he could do? Not even ask why I wanted a divorce? I just stood there watching him.

“You ..” he said, still laughing. He couldn't say another word and merely patted his legs, his shoulders shaking from the laughter.

Slowly, the laugh vanished, totally replaced by a cold, distant look.

“Divorce?” He asked, as if trying to understand what it meant.

My nails dug into my palm, my face turning red as I felt the confidence and courage I had built earlier smashed to the floor.

“You should never think of that, Tara. You. Are. Mine,” he said, his eyes holding no emotion.

My throat tightened as I couldn't swallow. It felt bitter, the words, the look on his face.

He stood up, walked towards me like a predator walked towards its prey.

I wanted to back away but I was rooted to the ground, unable to move. He circled me then slid his hand into my hair, slowly, I felt a cold shiver run down my spine.

He forcefully pulled my hair.

“You can do whatever you want … but leaving me? That's impossible,” he said with clenched teeth and then sniffed my hair.

He leaned away, sat back down and smirked.

“Modern marriages are based on hypocrisy, you know.” He removed his wristwatch and loosened his tie.

“I think we should have an open marriage,” he said casually, and my heart sank.

An Open marriage? That went against everything I believed in.

“You want to leave the person that made…”

“.….did you ever love me?” I interrupted, the words slipping from my lips.

He paused, stared at me like I had spoken a language he didn't understand. Then he dropped the bombshell.

“I only needed you,” he said and I froze.

My lips parted then closed again. His words pierced my heart. Tears stung behind my eyes, threatening to fall. I looked up and blinked rapidly.

How bad could things get? He stood there, legs crossed. No emotion..nothing!

“You were perfect. You had the perfect brains, perfect words, the right passion, just enough not to ruin my reputation.”

My lips quivered as I listened while he carefully broke me into very tiny pieces. My eyes still fixed on the chandelier. I had been stupid!

“I hate you.” I finally found my voice. I took a step closer, cleaned the tear on my lashes. “You… you can't stop me from leaving.”

He let out a low mocking laughter, stood up and grabbed my chin, pressing my lower jaw aggressively.

“You are right. Leave…..and watch me ruin your family.”

I clenched my teeth. I hadn't thought of that. My family. How dare he?

“I gave you everything Tara, and I could take it all back. Every single thing.”

Unlike Daniel, I wasn't born into wealth and during our college days, he helped my family and I in trying times.

I worked my way up the ladder of success but my husband's influence was my assist.

I glanced up at him, my vision blurry but I only saw the satisfaction on his face. Satisfaction from the fact that he knew just how to crush me.

I tightened my grip, my knuckles turning white.

He turned around, back straight as he walked away.

Open marriage?

So he never loved me?

So this is what it has come to. After almost half a decade of giving nothing other than true love.

Bitterness pooled inside my mouth and my entire body went numb. I couldn't cry, I couldn't speak.

I dragged my feet out of the house and into the parking lot. I couldn't stand staying in the same space with that monster, let alone breathe the same air.

I got into my car and jammed the lock before the driver could approach me, I zoomed off.

Destination, unknown.

Anywhere other than his house would do. When I was sure I had gone far from home, I parked along the road.

I stared blankly into space. Then it all came crashing on me. Half a decade of marriage, and I lived a lie.

My breath quickened. How was I blinded by a one sided love.

I screamed at the top of my lungs. Then came the tears, gushing uncontrollably. I sobbed loudly, my body shook.

Slowly my tears disappeared, but the memories didn't.

I replayed the times we tried for a child, how he held my hand when I had period cramps, and all this was because I was the perfect prey.

The blue light and loud noise from across the street caught my attention and my subconscious urged me to go in. It's time I stopped playing perfect.

This wasn't me, but I couldn't recognise myself anymore.

I cleaned my eyes, fixed my makeup and walked in boldly. Before I knew it, two bottles of strong vodka were already empty beside me.

A notification bar popped up on my phone. “Women can relieve stress too.” it read and I tapped on it. It took me to a chat, and I figured what it was.

My hands wrapped around my phone as I contemplated whether to carry on with this or not.

Ultimately I decided.

“Blue deck bar, downtown,” I typed in, then dropped my phone.

Two can play this game, Daniel.

My mind kept trailing back to everything Daniel had told me and each time I recalled, I let out a bitter laugh.

My life was already a mess, I could as well drink to forget everything just this once.

I emptied the third bottle and the world tilted. Then my neck snapped towards the stairs and I froze for a second.

A man….

He leaned against the wall, standing on the stairs, his arms crossed.

He had dark hair that fell in thick strands with shoulders so broad they looked unreal. My gaze locked on his and my heart skipped a beat.

He was staring at me.

I didn't know if it was alcohol or foolishness but I stumbled forward, a light smile on my face, he must be the callboy, I booked through the app.

He arrived quickly.

“You…” I trailed and hooked my arms around his neck.

“Be good. I will pay well” I said, voice low.

He raised an eyebrow, but didn't pull away.