4: The viral video

In the quiet, spacious room, tucked in the comfort of warm blankets, Alex sleeps peacefully under the effect of medicines. My fingers thread through his hair, soft and slow as guilt swallows me whole.

“Mommy loves you, baby,” I whisper, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead before I quietly leave the bed and put pillows by the edge of the bed.

Turning off the lights, I walk out of the room and head downstairs to the kitchen. My stomach growls softly but I can't bring myself to eat anything. Not after what happened with Alex and the noise I heard on the phone.

Alex's scolding isn't what hurts me. The noise in the background and the instant end of the call did. Everything points to one conclusion. Something I can't bring myself to believe in.

Asher has a woman behind my back.

I inhale sharply and open the fridge; the light from inside falls on my face softly. My eyes skim over the bottles of beer and wine. I gulp, carelessly reaching for it but the moment my mind swirls back to Alex, I stop and put it back.

Instead I grab a box of dessert.

I walk out, into the dark living room and sit down. The first bite of chocolate cake consumes my taste buds. I hum in delight, momentarily forgetting about all the stress.

My phone vibrates softly in my pants pocket. I fetch it out, expecting Asher but the screen lights up with ‘Rosa babe’

She must have gotten a clue about my case.

I answer quickly.

“Hey Rosa,”

“Hey babe… what's up?” She asks, her voice lacks the usual enthusiasm which raises suspicion instantly.

“Just put Alex to bed,” I answer, waiting for her to get to the point if there's any.

“Hmm, have you taken a look at social media recently?” She asks carefully.

“Not really. I had a rough day dealing with Alex's small accident–

“Oh God, what accident? Is he okay?” She asks, panicking.

“He fell off the slide's deck. Nothing major, just a small forearm fracture,” I sigh, putting the box down on the table.

“It wouldn't have happened had I paid attention. God, I'm so careless,” I mutter, tired as I lean back into the couch.

“Oh, poor thing. It's not your fault. Toddlers are always falling like it's set in their system by default. Besides, they have soft tissues and heal very fast,” she states.

“It doesn't mean I shouldn't be careful” I say, wiping the corner of my eyes as they fill with tears again.

“What I'm trying to say is don't be so hard on yourself,” She says softly.

I hum into the phone.

“Why did you call though? Did you get any clue on who was behind my kidnapping?” I ask.

“Not yet and it doesn't help that there is no CCTV in the Bloodrose club. We checked the CCTV around the streets near that warehouse but I'm yet to figure out which vehicle could've been the kidnappers. Anyways, don't stress about it too much. Take care of yourself and Alex. Goodnight”

She hangs up.

I stare at the phone screen for a brief moment.

Why did she want me to check social media?

I press on one of the social apps, before it can open, Rosa calls me again.

“Blue, I'm so sorry. I can't keep it to myself. Check the trends on tw**er. Just know that I'm here for you,” She says and I frown, ending the call before checking the trending section.

“Scandal in the Limelight: Asher Vorozi Spotted in Intimate Moment with Business Partner’s Wife.

‘Z&K Enterprises CEO Asher Vorozi turns heads at a rock-pop concert in Las Vegas, being cozy with Ariel Viscot, wife of his longtime business partner, Dale Viscot.

Below is a few-second clip from the concert. Asher is lounging on a chair while Ariel is in his lap. His hand on her thighs and she smiles so wide before the camera pans away.

Shock settles over me. For a moment, I remain still, eyes stuck on the screen as the clip replays over and over again.

Asher…

My Asher…

I stand up, close the app and dial his number. My calls go unanswered. My pulse throbs heavily, light pain surges through my head but I dial his Personal assistant's number.

“Hello?” He says groggily, probably disturbed from sleep.

“Hello, this is Blue Vorozi, Asher's wife”

“G-Good morning, ma'am. What is it I can do for you?” he asks in a rush.

“It's still night. Sorry to disturb but what's Asher's schedule for the next few days?”

“Sir cleared his schedule for three days for family vacation”

His answer spikes my anger.

“Do one thing. Book a flight ticket to Las Vegas,” I order. I will see for myself how much further he has gone to break my trust and scar this relationship.

..

Asher's assistant has already told me which hotel he has booked in the name of a family vacation.

I bite my tongue too hard it bleeds but the turmoil in my head is far worse that I want to claw my brain out.

I tap my feet impatiently as the car drives through the streets of Las Vegas. The city doesn't feel enchanting nor does the rainy weather excite me. The dark clouds are similar to the darkness in my chest. Any moment, it'll erupt.

The car pulls through the driveway of the Hotel, the gleaming lights from the building cascade down on the pathway as I walk inside, heels clicking against the marble floor.

I stop by the reception, fetch Asher's room number and head to the elevator.

The soft mechanical ding wafts through the closed space and the door opens. I step out, walking through the black and grey corridor, glancing at the number plate on each door until I see the one I'm looking for.

I stop by the door, the knot in my throat comes back as I wrap my palm around the doorknob.

Hesitation lingers on me for a moment but I turn the knob and push it open.

My nightmare wrapped with heartbreak welcomes me.

The bare back of a woman and blonde hair is what I see first, on top of my husband who lies in the bed, bare and glistening with sweat.

The sigh stabs me in the chest, waves of pain surge through me and my knees tremble under the pressure of this harsh truth.

The woman halts abruptly, turning to look over her shoulder and the face makes everything much worse.

Ariel Viscot.

She smirks, moving her hair out of her face and clutching onto Asher's hands that are holding her hips.

I tear my eyes off her and stare at my husband for answers. He just stares, not a single attempt to explain himself.

“Get out Blue, he doesn't want you! Or be my guest and watch” Ariel exclaims, turning to continue her movements.

Asher moans and I pull the door shut.

Disgust. Betrayal. Pain. Anger.

I feel it altogether.

Tears blur my vision and the urge to cry threatens to consume me. With trembling legs, I force my feet to walk away.

Why did he do this to me? What was it that took him away from me? I love him like he is my everything.

God, he knows he is my everything, then why?

Outside under the open sky, the heavy rain pours firmly on my skin. It doesn't help, only worsens everything. My thoughts are scrambled, his promises, laughter, and voice make my head throb.

What do I do now?

Unable to handle the heartbreak anymore, my knees give up and a cry tears from my chest.

“Why! Why Asher! Why”