Guilty Pleasures

Arabella POV.....

"Beep" the sound of my phone vibrating on the kitchen counter broke my concentration on chores, with soap still on my hands, I washed my hands, before 

I grabbed the phone eagerly. It was a message from Joseph, my husband. 

In five years of our marriage, it was the first time he had reached out to me directly rather than delivering his message through Ruby or his mother, but now his direct message filled me with a mix of surprise and happiness, "Bella, meet me at the Blue Royal Hotel at 7 PM, let's celebrate my appointment as CEO."

I still couldn't believe whether it's a dream or real, for a moment, I allowed myself to believe that Joseph was finally recognizing my love and support, maybe tonight, he would publicly acknowledge me as his wife, maybe all my dreams might come true tonight, this is moment I've been waiting till now.

But my brief moment of happiness was shattered by the cold voice of my mother-in-law's cursing echoing from the living room, "Bella! You useless wench, when are you going to get the refreshments for my guests? Do you expect me to serve them myself?" 

"Coming mother" I quickly set the phone down and hurried to the fridge, grabbing juice and snacks to prepare a tray, as I balanced the tray, making my way to the living room without messing up with my clumsy actions, I couldn't ignore the disdainful glances and whispered insults from the guests.

One of them had the audacity to question my mother-in-law, "where did you find such an ugly and useless wife for your son?" My mother-in-law's cold glare only added to my humiliation, "isn't serving completed? Get lost from here." 

Before I could retreat to the kitchen, my sister-in-law, Ruby, appeared, scolding me, "hey trash! You are a useless fool, you didn’t iron my dress properly, I had an important meeting, and you ruined it, did you ever do a single job properly?" 

Her harsh words in front of everyone are hurtful, but I apologized softly hoping she would understand me, "I’m so sorry, Ruby, I’ll do it again right away," I took the crumpled dress and hurried to the ironing board, smoothing out the wrinkles carefully, so that Ruby will not be disappointed again.

As I finished ironing the dress and prepared to return it to Ruby, my mother-in-law's cold voice once again loud and clear, "Bella! You bitch, where are you?" 

I hurriedly went towards her, she sighed coldly, "go and bring coffee for Mrs. Carla" I nodded, and rushed to fulfill another demand from my mother-in-law, when I handed the dress to Ruby, her insults were never ending, "you're good for nothing, at least feeding a pig is better than feeding you" 

Without speaking back I retreated to the kitchen to prepare coffee for Mrs. Carla, one of the guests, gave it to her before going back to the kitchen once again.

By the time I finished cleaning, I felt totally drained. The entire day had been spent looking after my in-laws, leaving me feeling like a mere servant without any wages in my own home, despite five years of marriage to Joseph, I still felt like an outsider, clinging to the hope of being accepted into this family one day.

As evening approached, I completed all my work, and prepared for my long-awaited date with Joseph, it is my first time going out on a date, and I wanted to make a good impression. 

Standing before my wardrobe, I wished to have an elegant dress to wear, something that would make Joseph see me as beautiful.

While I was thinking about a dress, Ruby who was passing by approached me with a stunning green dress, "looks like you're dolling up yourself for a special occasion, here, you can wear this tonight, I no longer needed this, so I'll let you have it."

Her unexpected kindness touched me deeply, "thank you so much Ruby, I'm so grateful for your help" she just rolled her eyes before leaving the room.

I quickly changed into the dress, mesmerized in its softness and beauty. It is  the first time I had worn something so elegant and comfortable, and I felt a spark of excitement as I prepared myself with minimal makeup for the evening ahead, my thoughts are full of spending time with Joseph, I can't help but imagine a romantic dinner.

Heading downstairs, I realized I hadn't informed my mother-in-law about my plans earlier, nervously, I called out to her, "Mother!"

She looked at me top to bottom, her expression cold as usual, "What?" She snapped shifting her concentration towards the mobile.

"Umm mother, I'm going out for dinner wi" I began, but she cut me off before I even continued further, "Go wherever you want, just don't disturb me," she replied, being not bothered about me going out.

It was surprising, but I felt that maybe they were finally starting to understand me, perhaps Joseph had already informed her about our date, I didn't want to waste any more time, "okay mother, take care."

With that I left home, taking a cab, I arrived at the Blue Royal Hotel, my heart pounding with excitement and disbelief that Joseph had invited me to dinner at such a fancy place.

The staff greeted me warmly and led me to a beautifully set table. "Welcome, ma'am, your husband has booked this for you," the waiter informed me with a smile. The table was adorned with rare blue tulips and candlelight, creating a romantic atmosphere, I don't regret waiting all these years since Joseph is keeping efforts to recognise our bond.

As I settled into my seat, a waiter approached with a welcome drink. "Ma'am, it's a welcome drink," he explained pouring wine into my glass.

Thinking about it as a proper dining etiquette to accept a welcoming drink, I took the drink with a smile since I don't want to tarnish my husband's reputation with my foolish behaviour, as I savored, it is pleasant and refreshing flavor, it is something I had never tasted before, it is amazing as the taste still lingering on my lips. However, soon, I began to feel dizzy, and my vision blurred.

Struggling to keep my eyes open, I heard a voice offering help, "Ma'am, you seem to be uncomfortable, sir booked a room too, shall I take you there?" 

Nodding weakly, I allowed that person to guide me to the elevator but as we ascended, I couldn't even see which floor I was brought to, everything became even more blurry, I felt like I was being handed over to someone, the muscular body, husky voice and strong Cologne made me to understand it's a man, but I couldn't see the face of that person, all I was able to see was those blue eyes, "let me go, please."

Before I lost consciousness, I heard an unfamiliar husky voice whispering in my ear, unzipping my frock, "Enough with your hard to get drama, I don't have time for your silly games, let's get started."