001

Aubrey POV

A glance at my image in the mirror can reveal how much suffering I have endured over the past few years. My once glowing skin has depleted.

This is what loving a man has turned me into. I stood up from the cold floor of the store room, ready for the day. I had to wake up very early before anybody in the house in order to do the house chores and cook for the whole house. I have become a maid in my husband's house. I am married to the scion of the Fowlers' family. One of the rising families in London. But does it look like it? They don't treat me as the hostess of the family at all.

You might be asking, "Why go through all this stress for a man whose family members treat you as shit?"

I love him; that's the answer. He is my first love, whom I have loved since college. He was my senior, but I didn't care.When I saw the opportunity to marry him, I jumped at it without thinking it over. And I also don't care how harsh his family members treat me, as long as I get to be by his side, and I get to see him at every chance I get, I will endure hell!

In the midst of my self-pity, a familiar voice echoed through the air.

"Bella! Bella!"

I could identify that voice even in my sleep. It snapped me out of my thoughts.What is she doing up so early? I hastened to the living room to meet my mother-in-law.

Smack!

Without warning, a resounding smack landed on my cheek. It echoed through the living room, leaving my cheek throbbing with immediate pain. A metallic taste seeped into my mouth as I struggled to regain composure.

'What have I done wrong this time?' I fought back the tears that threatened to drop.

"You good-for-nothing daughter of a pauper! she bellowed, the harsh words cutting through my soul. Why did you wake up so late? My son is returning today from his trip, everything should be perfect before his arrival! Now get to work immediately!"

With a forceful shove, she passed by me, striding purposefully towards the kitchen. In the wake of her departure, I promptly set about attending to my chores.

How I hate this woman! She brings me nothing but pain. Making me know that I am not welcomed in her son's house just because I am not from a prominent family.

Anticipation gripped me as I prepared for my husband's return. He's been gone for four months now on a business trip to close a deal for the company.

Not long after, a limited edition limousine pulled into the Fowler's mansion. As we all went out to the compound to welcome the scion of the family.

An extremely dashing billionaire emerged, his poise and gait are beyond description, perfectly clad in a suit that accentuated his allure.

An unexpected nervousness enveloped me, and my hands ached to run through his raven black hair.

As the butler approached to collect his suitcase, as his wife, I also reached out to hold his hand, but his mother's harsh push sent me sprawling to the floor, a moment of embarrassing humiliation.

Oblivious, he proceeded inside with his family, leaving me behind. Disheartened, I picked myself up and hurried after them.

"Welcome sweetheart. How was your flight?" His mother asked. She hugged him tightly. Her face brimmed with smiles.

"It was great mom." He freed himself from her tight hug.

His voice is still as soothing as ever.

I stood there staring at him like a fool, admiring every part of him. I have missed him so badly. I was snapped out of my trance by a sudden jab from Alissa, the matriarch of the family.

"Will you help him with his suit and not just stand there looking like a wasted being that you are!" She shouted at me, looking like a hungry lion ready to devour.

I ran after Dario, who had taken a turn to his room.

I followed after him gently, daring not to make any sound with my feet.

How could he treat me so badly? He hasn't even looked at me since he got back. Does he not miss me?

I furrowed my brows behind him. I was angry at him, but I dare not show it. He entered his room, and landed on the bed looking tired.

"Welcome." I managed to say, since he has refused to talk.

"Hmm. He replied. He waved me out of the room. Shut the door as you leave." What!

I managed to calm the rising anger in me. This is not his first time, I told myself.

"Can you just take a shower and come downstairs to eat? I prepared your favorite meal." I said, forcing a smile on my face.

"Go to hell with your food! I am not interested. Now leave!" His eyes were bloodshot as he threw those daggers of words at me.

I got really mad and slammed the door forcefully as I left his room.

Tears forced their way down my cheek as I closed my eyes and leaned on the door.

Is this what I get after three years of enduring a loveless marriage of pain and maltreatment? I was really heartbroken.

I opened my eyes as I heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

I quickly cleaned my tears because I don't want Emma to see me in this state. Lest she makes fun of me and reminds me that I don't belong in the family.

"Awwn, cry baby. Emma said as she approached me. Leave the door, and let me see my son!. She shoved me away from the door. You might have married into the family, but you will never be accepted. I will make sure of that!." She said with an evil grin, sending a shiver down my spine.

The breakfast was delayed because Dario was too tired to eat.

Alissa walked into the kitchen."Pour the food into the bin and prepare dinner instead. We've also invited guests from prominent families in the country. So prepare a large meal. Dario is too tired to eat now. And he doesn't eat cold meals, you should know that." She said nonchalantly.

My facial expression changed as I frowned my face in discontent. How do I prepare such a large meal by myself? But I dare not speak.

"Huh! You want to complain? Don't tell me you are not satisfied with the order I gave. You are just a poor countryside girl. We will never accept you in this family. Now get to work you piece of garbage!" She spat on my face and walked briskly out of the kitchen, trying to be commanding as usual.

I got to work immediately. There has never been a day of rest for me. I was made to always do the hard job, even when they have other workers in the house.

The man I am enduring all this for has never even treated me as his wife. He only uses me to satisfy his sexual lusts.

Evening came, and the guests started arriving in expensive cars, dressed to the nines. The rich will always find any opportunity to display their wealth.

I shook my head at their hypocrisy.

In the dining hall, I set the table with all kinds of dishes, you name it. I love cooking anyways. It's my forte.

I decided to wear one of the dresses Dario got for me. It made me look beautiful, I must commend.

Laughter and whisperings echoed in the dining hall as the guests feasted on their meal. Few minutes into dinner, Dario stood up from the table and he signaled me to follow him. We went into his room.

I stood at the edge of the bed, watching him. He opened a drawer and brought out a brown envelope.

He threw some pieces of paper at me.

"Sign it," he said, looking down at me with his hands in his pocket.

"Sign what?" I asked, fearing the worst.

"I want a divorce." He stated, devoid of any discernible emotions.

"What!"