TWO

Juliet

I looked at the woman I call my mother incredulously.

“And you know that I cannot afford to take care of the both of us”.

In other words, I would be a burden to her.

“And Julian…” she gasped, eyes widening. “Oh my god what will happen to your brother? Declan might not be forgiving enough to continue letting him work in his company. He might lose his job and career”.

“I can't believe you're saying this to me”, I shook my head in disappointment. I thought that she would at least show empathy and support me.

Mum schooled her dramatic expression. “Well forgive me for being blunt! I was just telling you the truth”, she scoffed.

“Right”, I nodded. What did I expect? Mum had never taken my side always thinking Declan could do no wrong. But I had expected something different.

“Look at the life you have now, Juliet. A powerful, handsome husband. Luxury at your fingertips. People envy you for goodness sake! And you want to just throw it all away for one silly mistake he made?”

It hurt to hear, but she was right. I had everything. Why was I still complaining? Why did I feel so empty most of the time?

“Nobody is perfect. I know Declan is a good man. You haven't given him a child in four years and he hasn't complained about it”, she said lowly.

It wasn't like it was my fault. I had gone to multiple doctors and fertility clinics. Every single one told me there was nothing physically wrong with me. It was exhausting.

“But it hurts”, my voice broke. “What if he does it again? I don't… I don't think I can take it”.

Mum sighed. “I understand dear, I've been there. But, you can still save your marriage”.

I looked at her hopefully.

“Dress up more, get your hair and nails done, stop looking like a hippie. You're a millionaire’s wife. Look like one. Visit the gym, watch your diet and you’ll get the perfect figure in no time. I see the potential. Also, I can tell you've been boring Declan out in bed. I have a friend who runs a special sex ed class…”

“Mum!” I snapped. She closed her mouth. “Stop”, I added softly, my chest burning. Maybe I should take her advice. But I couldn't bear to sit and listen to her.

“Fine”, she grumbled. “Your choice. But before you make any decision, think wisely. Remember that this does not affect only you”.

I held back a scoff. Of course. How would she be able to afford her parties and luxurious lifestyle without Declan's benevolent cheques?

I paused, standing by the bathroom door when I noticed Declan's familiar back. He turned around, shoulders dropping when he saw me. He had taken off his suit jacket and tie.

The first thing that came to my head was the image of him in his office that morning, with that red head woman.

A sick feeling rose in my stomach, and I had to look away.

“Juliet”, he started. I could hear him moving towards me.

“Please don't walk away from me”, he said softly, when I tried to move away.

I was soon enveloped by the scent of his cologne. I swallowed the lump in my throat, trying to hold back my emotions from taking over. I had cried enough.

Declan held my shoulder over my robe.

“Look at me, please”, he coaxed.

I let out a shaky breath. Unable to resist, I raised my gaze to him. Something squeezed painfully at my heart.

“I don't know what came over me today. I have been… frustrated. And she was there. I'm sorry”.

I stared into his blue eyes wordlessly. After I left Mum’s place, I had thought about it and had made the difficult decision to stay. I couldn't imagine giving up on our marriage, pathetic as that made me.

“What's the point of saying sorry if you are only going to do it again?” I asked.

His eyes shifted. “I won't”, he said with conviction. “It was a lapse of judgement, it won't happen again. And I’m… sorry for the things I said afterwards. I panicked and blamed you”.

Maybe I should trust him. Afterall, people make mistakes. It was fine as long as he won't do it again. Right?

“Do you forgive me?” He asked softly, slowly rubbing my shoulders.

“That vase on the auction list. I noticed you were looking at it last week”.

My brows drew together. “Are you trying to bribe me Declan?”

Declan knew I had an obsession with collecting things, beneficial or not. He always chastised me for it.

“If that's how you see it. I heard there are only three of them in the world”, he said with a smile, kissing my neck.

I gulped, cringing at the kisses. Declan's promise of a gift did nothing for me. But it was something.

“Not tonight, Declan. Please”, I said, pushing softly at him when I felt his hand untying my robe. Though I had forgiven him, it did not mean I was over what he did.

“Please don't deny me this. I need to feel you”, he pleaded.

I gulped, closing my eyes when he took off my robe.

When last did you touch me because you wanted to?

He was right. I shouldn't deny him. Our marriage needed it.

I stirred, opening my eyes to the empty side of the bed. After sex, Declan had rolled towards his side of the bed and instantly fell asleep.

He wasn't the cuddling after sex type, and usually I would be the one to reach out and he would just cave in. But last night, I didn't feel the need to.

I turned when the door of the bathroom opened. Declan stepped out in a towel, water dripping down his chiseled body.

“Good morning”, I said, sitting up.

“Morning”, he answered.

Silently, I watched him move around and get ready for work. Not a single word of what happened yesterday. It was over and done with. And maybe I should stop thinking about it and move on.

Suddenly it clicked in my head what day it was.

“I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow”, I announced.

“Okay”, he said, fixing his tie in front of the mirror.

I played with the edges of the blanket, watching Declan.

“The doctor… em… she asked me to come with you”.

Declan paused. And then he turned around.

I quickly added, “I forgot to mention it. It kind of slipped my mind, I’m sorry”.

Declan sighed, pursing his lips.

It had not slipped my mind. Declan had never followed me to an appointment. He had always insisted he was fine, and did not like it when I pushed.

“I thought we talked about this, Juliet”.

“I know”, I agreed. “I told her that but he had insisted. She even threatened not to see me anymore if I did not bring you with me”.

“Then you need to get another one. She's clearly incompetent and unprofessional”, he dismissed, walking towards the nightstand beside me to grab his watch.

Getting another doctor would mean starting over again. I could feel a headache creeping in at the thought of it.

“But…”

“Juliet”, he cut off my protest. “There is no need to follow you anywhere. Besides, my doctor told me I was doing just fine”, he insisted.

So did mine! I thought with frustration.

“Give me some time, I’ll find you another one. Don't bring this up again”, Declan said sternly.

I held back the urge to yell at him. Why was he being so difficult about it?

“But it's just one appointment”.

“That’s enough!” He yelled.

I flinched.