Chapter 2: He Chose Her, Again

Next Day…

A lady tapped her heels on the marbled floor as she glanced at her wristwatch for the umpteenth time, her brows creasing deeper.

Just then Elara barged in, breathing heavily.

“You’re late. Again,” the lady muttered.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. My car got bad along the way so I—”

“You know what? Save that story for yourself. You’re lucky this client specifically wanted you to do her make-up, otherwise you would have been packing your things out by now,” the lady said, heading to the exit.

“Repeat this again and you’re fired,” she spat before leaving the room.

The two other makeup artists in the room exchanged looks and smiled.

“Sounds like someone is in trouble again,” one murmured, styling their customer’s hair.

“No wonder she hasn’t gotten a single promotion for all the years she’s been working here.” The other giggled.

Elara paid them no attention as she began setting up her table. The door opened and the sound of heels clacking against the marbled floor was heard.

“I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting, ma’am. Thank you for—” Elara’s words caught in her throat when her eyes locked with Lyra’s.

“It’s Lyra Flynn! I can’t believe I’m seeing her in person.”

“She’s currently the highest-paid model in our industry. Oh my God! She’s so gorgeous!”

The two other make-up artists marveled.

Lyra smiled before sitting down.

“I have 15 minutes to get my makeup ready. I’d appreciate it if you make it fast, please,” she muttered.

Elara’s gaze lingered for a few seconds before she started working, several questions running in her head.

What was she doing here? Why did she ask her in particular to do her make-up?

As she applied the primer, she couldn’t help but notice how smooth and flawless her skin was. It made her wonder if she could ever rival her beauty.

“I’ve always wanted to meet you in person. Without Vance. When I heard I had an impromptu shooting to do today, I thought this was the perfect opportunity.”

“Here.” Lyra placed a ring on the table. “He forgot it in my apartment last night. You can help me give it to him.”

Elara’s heart ached as she looked at the ring. Vance’s matrimonial ring. She could just imagine what had transpired at her apartment.

Elara just nodded and resumed her work with shaky hands.

Lyra smiled as she stared at Elara.

____

Night…

Elara stood in front of her workplace, looking left and right. She glanced at her phone for the umpteenth time—it was almost 10 PM.

Tonight was a special night for her and Vance. It was their fourth wedding anniversary and they had planned to have dinner together but Vance was nowhere to be found.

She dialed his number for the third time and finally, he picked. She could hear loud music playing in the background with people talking and laughing.

“Darling, where are you?” she muttered, shivering as the cold breeze blew.

“I have an important meeting to attend right now. Go home without me,” he muttered.

“But—”

The call ended immediately.

Elara stared at her phone and bit her lips before leaving, heading to the nearest bus stop. Just when it couldn’t get worse, the sky grumbled and rain began pouring.

“Fuck,” she muttered as she covered her eyes and ran in search of shelter.

Luckily she saw one, in front of an abandoned building, but her clothes were already drenched completely.

She brought out her phone to call Vance again but her battery had already died. With a long sigh, she put the phone back and brought out the ring Lyra gave her earlier, her thoughts drifting to last night’s event.

Was she that unlovable?

“Stop… Please…”

Elara immediately looked up when she heard faint sounds coming from the house. Was she hallucinating?

Just to be sure, she decided to glance inside and her eyes widened at the sight before her.

A girl lay helplessly on the ground as three men forcefully had their way with her. Her heart raced immediately.

“What do I do?” she screamed inwardly.

She brought out her phone to call the cops but it occurred to her that her phone was off. She turned with the aim of looking for help but in the process she mistakenly hit her leg loudly on the pillar.

The men’s eyes immediately fell on her.

Elara’s eyes widened and she immediately ran off into the rain but not long after, she heard footsteps behind her as they chased her.

Her eyes frantically looked around, praying for someone to come help her. Anyone.

The rain poured heavily making her vision a bit blurry. Relief washed through her when she heard the footsteps die down.

Just as she turned around to make sure she escaped them, she stumbled and fell on the ground.

She swept her wet hair to the back and her eyes widened when she saw a car speeding towards her. She momentarily froze and before she knew it, the car hit her with so much force she tumbled over the car, before landing on the floor.

The car lost balance and crashed against a tree.

Elara’s eyes were wide as she stared at the rainy sky. Blood pooled under her body as she coughed out blood, gasping for air.

Her head turned towards the car when she heard the car door open.

Vance and Lyra stood there with wide eyes.

“What did you do! I told you to slow down!” Lyra shouted in panic.

“I swear—I didn’t mean to—she just jumped out of nowhere and—” Vance stuttered.

Elara coughed out more blood. “V-Vance… Help me,” she muttered, stretching weakly.

“Elara…” Vance made to go to her but Lyra held his wrist.

“No. Let’s go,” Lyra said.

“What! That’s my wife! I—”

“Will you face the consequences of your action then?” Lyra snapped, pushing his chest. “If we don't get out of here, not only will we be charged with drunk driving, but of murder too!”

Vance looked at her then at Elara. He folded his trembling hands, “I’m sorry, Elara,” he whispered before entering the car. Lyra got in immediately and they both sped off.

Elara’s hand stilled midway. She smiled as tears escaped her eyes. He chose Lyra over her. Again.

At that moment, she felt nothing but regret. Regret. What if she never fell for Vance. What if she never got married to him. What if she lived her life without always putting him first.

Would things have turned out that way for her?

Guess she would never know.

Her hand dropped to the ground as she slumped down, her eyes void of color as she lay there motionless, the rain pouring on her.