Chapter 2

Kylie’s POV

And there I was again, staring at Liam on the phone with her. He didn’t even care to check if his wife had woken up.

“Let’s go to Regent’s Park whenever you’re free,” Aurora said over the phone.

“I will meet you there in no time. I will pass work today.”

I could remember our second year of marriage. That was the same spot I asked him to meet me for our anniversary. I called and called, waited till dusk, only for me to see on social media that he flew out of the country to see Aurora.

And now he was ready to risk his work for her.

“Hey, where’s my breakfast?” he yelled.

“From now on, I no longer cook for you, Liam. You might as well go and make something for yourself.”

For once in my life, I felt good saying my mind to him.

“Now you listen to me, wom—”

Right there, a voice note from Aurora popped up on his phone before he could finish his sentence.

“Liam! I can’t wait to see you.”

“I’m on my way, just gotta change.”

Every text from her made his day, but mine was just tagged a disturbance.

“Let’s get a divorce.”

“What did you say?”

He was still on his phone, smiling, without noticing my presence.

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Sure.”

“Just… sign this.”

He took the paper so bluntly and signed with ease. Then it was back to Aurora after the signature.

“Liam, I will just be here for thirty days before everything is sealed.”

“Sure.”

Even after so many years, my words sounded like gibberish to him.

“Can’t you at least give me five minutes of your time? You spend almost the whole day speaking to Aurora. All I’m asking is five minutes, Liam… just five.”

“Kylie, is this about the donation to the orphans? You have my permission.”

It had even gotten worse that he made up things that I didn’t say.

“Liam…”

“Don’t you have a life?”

There I was, cut short again.

“This is why you don’t have a career. 

You’re always perching on people’s businesses.”

He walked out on me as usual. It was there that I knew Liam never loved me.

“Hello? It’s me, Kylie Hill. I have accepted your offer.”

(Over the phone) “It’s good to know that our star is back. We will commence in a month. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Absolutely not, sir.”

That was exactly my waiting period, and I’m out of his way.

What more could I do other than be a housewife? My phone rang. It was Miley, my longtime close friend. She would always call when something felt off.

(Over the phone) “Can I come over?”

“Sure, babe.”

She arrived faster than I thought.

“Spill.”

“Miley, well… if you must know, I’m finally going to work as the lead designer for the biggest company in London, aka Yamah’s Fashion House.”

“Ouuu, that’s my girl! I’m so happy, babes. You know, after all the years you stopped your career and gave in to Liam as a housewife and sex toy, you really deserve this. Come here.”

She gave me a warm hug, which I had never experienced as a wife.

Miley had already returned to her loving husband. At least one of us was happy.

I looked through the closet. All the gifts I got for Liam in five years were covered in dust. He was never curious enough to notice my efforts. Since I would be needing the money, I had no choice but to sell them at an auction. Liam would never let me use any of his cars, so I had to trek.

I had sold designers worth $2,000 for $2. Right before I could cross Oxford Street, I saw Liam and Aurora laughing together inside his car. This was something I had never experienced in a lifetime with him.

It was two hours after I was back from the auction, and he wasn’t back. I was ready to retire to bed when the door clicked open. It was Liam and Aurora, but this time his sister followed.

“And where do you think you are going to, you bitch?”

“Hey, don’t call her that. She’s my wife.”

I couldn’t control the tears.

“Oh, now it matters. Liam, now I’m your wife.”

Before he could make a move, Aurora pulled his face to hers, narrating how she got stung by a bee. And as usual, she was his priority. Everything in my mind felt so cloudy that I stepped on Terra by mistake. Before I could say a word, she fractured my palm.

“Kylie, are you okay?” Liam tried to show concern. Immediately, Aurora screamed.

“Liam, the bee!”

Why was I surprised? He paid more attention to her made-up bee sting than mine.

“Now listen, you freaking gold digger. My brother loves Aurora, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Get that?”

“Sure.”

I could barely make it to the room to treat myself when Liam called me.

“Can you prepare chicken soup for Aurora? She’s hungry, plus her bee sting hurts.”

“Liam, I literally have a broken palm.”

“I mean, you are used to it, aren’t you? Don’t starve our guest.”

“Well, I refuse to prepare shit for this pole right here.”

And yes, I was proud of speaking up for myself again.

Before I could reach the door, Liam smashed our wedding picture made of glass.

“Liam! Why?”

“Now will you prepare something for Aurora or not?”

My tears, my pain, my peace — they all meant nothing to him. It was always about her. Just a few days, and I’m out of this marriage.

“Liam, apologize to your wife. She didn’t deserve that,” Aurora said, but I knew she meant harm.

“Kylie, I’m sorry,” he said.

Wow. Always following her commands but never my suggestions.

“Anyways… Aurora, my brother is planning a big birthday dinner at Passyunk Avenue. They sell one of the best meals. Plus, mummy will be there, so dress in your best fit so that you can impress her.”

I could see how Terra’s eyes lit up anytime she spoke to Aurora.

“I mean, you could come too, you skunk.”

Mrs. Hill was the only one who cherished me

in their family, so I would go to pay my last homage to her.

“Sure.”

Even if it was the last thing I would do before leaving his life forever.