Once My Wife, Now the Woman I Watch on Forbes

EUNICE’S POV

I was genuinely surprised when David told me to meet him at the restaurant. I wasn’t told it was a group dinner or rather, a family show. And definitely not one where I’d be the outsider.

He didn’t say much in the message. Just the name of the place, time, and “See you there.”

No “Hey babe,” no “Looking forward to seeing you.” Still, I came. Maybe because I was still holding onto the idea that I was his wife… or maybe I just didn’t want to admit I felt forgotten.

As I walked into the restaurant, I immediately spotted them. David. His mother, Glenda. And of all people… Lizzy, his secretary. The three of them were already seated, laughing like old friends, glasses raised, plates half-touched. I hesitated for a second, feeling like I had just walked into someone else’s celebration.

David looked up and nodded casually. “Oh… Eunice, you’re here.”

I gave a small smile and joined the table, slipping into the empty seat beside Glenda. She didn’t greet me. Not even a nod.

“You’re one of the prettiest ladies I’ve ever met,” Glenda said to Lizzy with a warm smile. Her voice was full of admiration.

“Aw, thank you, ma,” Lizzy responded, clearly flattered.

“You’re very right,” David added, sipping his drink. “I’ve been lucky to meet a wonderful soul like her.”

My heart sank a little. Was he talking about his secretary? Right in front of me?

Lizzy smiled shyly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, obviously enjoying the attention. Glenda reached over and fondly played with Lizzy’s hair, laughing softly. Lizzy blushed like a schoolgirl. They were all so comfortable with each other like I was the outsider on their own private island.

David was also lost in their conversation, eyes twinkling at Lizzy’s every word. The way he looked at her… it wasn’t just work.

I sat quietly, trying to blend into the background while they enjoyed their meal. No one asked how my day went. No one noticed I hadn’t said a word.

The waiter returned, offering a bottle of expensive wine. Everyone took a glass. I declined.

“None for me,” I said quietly. “I’ll have hot coffee, please.”

David raised a brow but didn’t say anything. Lizzy gave a small snort under her breath.

Their laughter bubbled over again as Glenda started telling stories from a recent charity gala they attended. Apparently, Lizzy had been there too. Funny, I didn’t even know they went.

“It was such a beautiful event,” Lizzy said. “David looked so handsome in that navy suit. I think everyone’s head turned when he walked in.”

“Of course,” Glenda beamed. “He gets it from his father.”

They all laughed.

I sat there, numb, my fingers resting on the edge of my plate. I wasn’t in their picture, not even in the frame. I tried my best not to let the bitterness rise. I had promised myself I wouldn’t break down not in front of them.

I placed a hand on my stomach. The food sat untouched.

Does anyone even notice? Do they care that I’m not drinking, not laughing, not present?

I excused myself politely. “I’ll be using the restroom.”

No one said a word. Just silent glances, like they were relieved I was leaving the table. Lizzy adjusted her napkin and turned back to David like I hadn’t even spoken.

I walked down the corridor, my steps slow. My chest felt tight, and my knees were slightly trembling. My mind was racing. Why am I even here? Why did he bring me? Was it to humiliate me?

A sharp pain ran through my knees as I stumbled slightly on the marble floor, catching myself on the wall.

“Get it together, Eunice,” I muttered. “Don’t let them break you.”

My mind flashed back to the hospital a few days ago. The ultrasound, the doctor’s calm face turning to surprise.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Eunice. You’re three weeks pregnant,” he had said with a warm smile.

I sat there, frozen.

“You don’t seem happy,” he’d added gently.

“I… I don’t know if I should keep it.”

He took off his glasses and stared at me like I was a ghost.

“Why?” he asked quietly.

“I don’t know how my husband will react. I don’t think he wants anything to do with me anymore.”

“You have to let him know, Eunice. You never know he might surprise you.”

But I knew better. David didn’t have room for me in his life anymore.

Memories rushed in. Moments where David used to look at me like I mattered. When Glenda used to call to check on me. When Lizzy was just a secretary and not the center of every conversation. Now, everything had shifted, and I was the one fading out.

I washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were tired. My lips were tight. I breathed in deeply and walked back to the table.

The coffee had arrived.

I took a seat quietly, preparing to take a sip.

Just then, Lizzy stood, holding her wine glass a bit too close. In the blink of an eye, the contents spilled right onto my white blouse.

I gasped.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” she said, covering her mouth.

I grabbed my handkerchief and started dabbing at the stain. “What is wrong with you, Lizzy?” I asked, my voice edged with anger.

Before I could finish the sentence, Lizzy gasped dramatically and stumbled backward, falling to the floor.

“I didn’t mean to fall… she—she pushed me,” she whimpered.

David immediately rushed to her side, helping her up. “Lizzy! Are you okay?”

I stood frozen. “Are you serious right now? I didn’t even touch her!”

“What the hell, Eunice?” David snapped. “Why are you always so ill-mannered?”

I looked at him, fury rising in my bones. “She spilled wine on me first. She’s pretending.”

Glenda stood too. “Apologize to her. Now.”

I turned to her, stunned. “Apologize? Are you joking?”

“Right now, Eunice. Or leave.” Glenda, David Mother said angrily

I looked around. No one defended me. Not one person asked what really happened. I was on my own.

“Nothing in this world,” I said slowly, my voice calm but steady, “would make me do such.”