Chapter 1: The Anniversary Night That Ended it all.

Camille's POV 

I garnished the basmati rice carefully, sprinkling fried carrots and onions just the way Leonard liked them. 

The chicken was golden, crusty at the surface and juicy inside, still sizzling faintly as I pulled it from the oven. I plated everything neatly, adding fresh salad, fresh tomatoes and cucumber on the side.

I traced my finger over the table arrangement, nudging a rose into place.

“I love you, Leonard,” I whispered to the empty house.

Upstairs, I scattered red rose petals across the bed, shaping them carefully into words against the white sheets.

I LOVE YOU.

I freshened up, my heart racing as I slipped into the white lingerie I had bought weeks ago. Soft lace. Delicate straps. 

God help me—I was so horny.

I sat on the bed, staring at the ceiling, imagining his hands, his body on mine, his voice saying my name like it still meant something.

Then I heard a knock.

Right timing because I was dripping wet and horny.

I glanced at the clock.

9:00 p.m.

A smile then anxiety.

Wow. Leonard decided to come home early.

The thought alone made my heart flutter.

I adjusted my lingerie to reveal my shiny breast and hurried to the door, already rehearsing my smile, already imagining his face when he saw me.

But when I opened it, it wasn’t Leonard.

It was a delivery man holding a small white box.

“Wow! Good evening ma,” he said cheerfully. “C cake delivery. He handed me the box, almost drooling as he stared at my boobs.

“Oh.” The disappointment slipped out before I could stop it and quickly tried covering up.

“Bye” I whispered and banged the door.

I placed the cake gently on the dining table beside the food, adjusted the candles, then moved to the wine stand. 

After a moment’s thought, I selected a bottle of Château Margaux, it was the same wine Leonard ordered on our first date. 

Maybe 

Just Maybe it will remind Leo of the love he had for me.

After almost an hour, I called his phone but switched off.

I kept calling but still switched off.

I became more anxious.

Please let my efforts not go to waste.

By the time the clock read 11:30 p.m., 

exhaustion had nearly dragged me into sleep.

I heard the door knob twisting.

I sprang up instantly.

My heart thundered as I adjusted the lingerie, lifting my breasts slightly, trying to look fuller, more desirable. I dabbed perfume along my neck and wrists and hurried downstairs.

I was at the last step on the staircase when I saw Leonard walk in, but not alone.

With Zoe Kennedy.

She clung to his arm, laughing, her lips already curved in quiet victory.

“Wow! Happy anniversary, Leo,” she said sweetly as she glanced over the dining table.

Leonard scoffed. “What is happy about such anniversary?”

He turned to me, irritation flashing in his eyes. “And why are you still awake? 

“It's our 5th anniversary Leo” I said as calm as I can be.

“And what do you have to show for it?

Nothing Camille, Five wasted years he added.

“Please excuse me. I have work to do.”

“Leonard,” I said softly, my voice trembling, “can you leave work at work—just for today?”

Zoe laughed. “Wow. Just wow. Your wife is getting bolder.”

Her gaze slid over me slowly. “Beautiful lingerie. Nice boobs.”

“Don’t mind this lazy fool,” Leonard snapped. “What does she even know about work?”

Zoe wandered toward the table, eyeing the food. “You’re actually a good chef,” she said. “Such a shame—we already had dinner.”

My throat tightened. And what the hell is your colleague doing here at this ungodly hour.

“Zoe,” Leonard said smoothly, “go upstairs and wait for me.”

“What?” I asked, my voice barely audible. “Upstairs? Why?”

He looked at me like I was an inconvenience. “Obviously, I can’t work here with all the mess you made.”

He gestured vaguely around the room. 

“Clean this up. Don’t disturb us. Take your time—I don’t want to see anything when I wake up in the morning.”

Then he walked upstairs.

With her.

My legs gave out.

I collapsed onto the floor, sobbing.

5 years since dad died in that hit and run accident.

5 years since Leonard walked into my life and saved me from debts and made me his wife yet I have nothing to offer him. Not even a child.

Few minutes later, I heard a funny sound.

Someone was moaning. Zoe's voice.

“Mmm… oooch! Fuck me harder, Leon.” 

“Yes, baby… you’re so sweet.”

Then the moans came louder, followed by the slow, merciless creaking of the bed.

Our bed.

What the hell?

In my matrimonial home.

On our anniversary.

How could they?

How could my husband be upstairs having sex with that corporate slut right under my nose?

This is the height of it all

A broken laugh escaped me before I covered my mouth, tears spilling freely.

I had always known Leonard was cheating but I never imagined he would bring it home.

I ran upstairs twisted the knob but the door was locked then I heard her voice.

“Leonard, we should have just gone to the hotel.” 

“What hotel? I wanted to test what it feels like to fuck a real woman on my bed and in my room. And guess what? It's heavenly.”  

“But, your wi.. I mean Camille…

“Shhhhh, there's nothing she can do. She's just as powerless as an ant. 

They both laughed and the bed continued creaking.

You're wrong Leonard, the ant isn't powerless, wait till you feel it's sting.

But for me there's truly nothing I can do.

I can't leave Leonard, I don't have any family out there. I have no one and no where to run.

Which is why I'm trying my best to make things work out.

The thought was bitter enough to choke me as I walked downstairs.

Another loud moan echoed through the house.

This time, it was Leonard’s voice.

Something snapped in my brain.

I grabbed the wine bottle and drank straight from it. The burn down my throat matched the fire raging in my veins.

Laughter erupted upstairs again.

I felt like throwing up.

I felt breaking the door and ripping their throats out.

But instead

I stood up and ran.

Out the door. Out of the compound. Out of the estate. Down the dark street, barefoot, shaking, broken.

I finally collapsed against a parked car in a quiet corner, sobbing so hard my chest hurt.

“Daddy,” I cried. “Where are you? Why did you leave me with this monster, why didn't you take me with you?”

It was as if the universe heard my plea.

The car door opened slowly.

A tall, intimidating man stepped out and started walking towards me 

Fear replaced the anger and pain I felt earlier.

This must be why Leonard warned me about going out. Since they were yet to catch dad's killer.

What if he's the one?

What if he's been waiting to send me to where he sent dad?

I stumbled backward, tripped, and fell hard on the ground.

I shut my eyes, waiting for the end.