Chapter 2

The next morning started like any other, and I rushed down to the kitchen, doing my usual chores. 

Trent’s coffee was out: two spoons of milk, two spoons of creamer, and one sugar cube. It was the way I had been making it for four years, and he had never complained. 

But I learnt something different last night, and placed a spoonful of vanilla. 

His footsteps came from the stairs, but I focused my attention on packing his meal. 

He came back home later, and while scrolling, I stumbled on Bella’s social media page. She had posted a new photo of them in the penthouse. 

In the past years, I would have cried about it, but now I don't care. 

“Camilla, I have an event tonight. I need to bring my wife.” Trent’s voice came from behind. 

I was confused. Why was he telling me? Did he plan to rub it in my face that he’d be taking Bella?

“Okay. I’d still prepare dinner; when you are back, you can heat it up.” I muttered, without turning back to him. 

“What are you talking about?” Trent replied, and I could hear the subtle irritation in his voice. 

After packing up his box, I turned to him, holding the lunch box out. “You’d be going with Bella, right? There’s no problem with me.” I refused to look at his face, and when he didn’t take the lunch box, I dropped it on the table and turned to leave. 

Trent grabbed my wrist, instantly pulling me back. “If you are joking with me, it’s not funny. I am not married to Bella.”

My eyes widened in surprise, and I instantly shook my head. “I can’t go with you, Trent. I have never been to such events before. I’d embarrass you; Bella is the best option.”

“I know.” His jaw ticked, and I swallowed my next words, feeling a jab of pain in my heart. 

“Then take her instead. I am not interested.” I pulled my hand away from his grip, but he held on to it even tighter. 

“Don’t be a baby, Camilla. You are already going with me as I have decided. Get ready.” He replied, taking up his box while releasing me. 

I rubbed my wrist and watched him walk away. Did my pain somehow give me a refreshing sort of pleasure? Why was he grabbing at every chance to ridicule me?

I gripped the hem of my dress. Just five months, Camilla, and then you can go and raise your beautiful baby alone.

“What’s the dress code?” I yelled out.

Trent paused in his tracks, and for a moment, I thought he was about to change his mind. 

“Royal blue.” His deep voice came, and I nodded, thinking about an attire I had worn during our wedding reception. 

“Camilla,” 

I was about to turn away when I heard him call out my name, “Yes.”

“I enjoyed the coffee today; please keep it up.” He said and walked out.

Time seemed to stop as I replayed his comment in my head, “Trent…” 

In our four years of marriage, this was the first time he had complimented me.

I smiled softly, but that was it. There was no excitement, like the one I had when he ate my food. 

There was no rush of joy. I sighed. I had fallen out of love, and right now, it would be okay and easier. 

After these five months, I would focus on my life and raise a better home for my children. 

Once I was done with preparing dinner, I walked to my laptop, and the first thing that greeted me was a response to my application letter.

Congratulations, you have been accepted for the post of personal house manager to the CEO. 

“Oh my goodness!” My hands flew to my mouth to hold back my scream. This was basically unbelievable. 

The salary was five thousand dollars monthly. It was enough to make a living on my own at least, once I had left this place. 

I inhaled. It was too good to be true, but the next thing I wondered about was how to hide this information from Trent. 

He had never complained about me staying at home; most of the time, he didn’t even care about my existence. 

“Should I tell him?” I asked, re-reading the letter over and over again. 

I had to go for a physical meeting the next morning. It was currently a dream come true. 

Covering it up with a doctor’s appointment would be my best choice. 

Evening arrived fast, and I had just finished preparing my makeup when I heard Trent’s voice. 

“I’m coming.” I reached out for my bag and walked out. I knew what an event of Trent’s calibre would be, and the nervousness reached the tips of my fingers. 

My eyes landed on Trent, and I don’t know if my vision was playing tricks on me, but I could swear I saw something change in his expression, but it went back to normal. 

He took my hands, and we walked out of the mansion and into the car.

“This is exactly how we would act over there. You will be by my side at every time.” He said as soon as we sat in the car. 

I nodded, turning my gaze outside the window, and silently wishing the night would end faster, so I could begin my new life tomorrow. 

To think sitting with someone I called my husband would be this suffocating. 

And in that moment, although it sounded like a whisper, I heard Kent’s voice. 

“You look good.”

And just like that morning, I gave no reaction but a single nod. I truly no longer had feelings for this man. 

Not after he threw my own child under the bus. There was nothing in my heart for him. 

I felt his gaze on me, but my gaze remained outside, refusing to give him the sense of satisfaction

 he wanted. 

But I knew deep down that this night was truly going to be one long night.