"Did you ever, even once, imagine yourself loving me?" Sarah inquired, her voice laced with hope as she gazed into Philip's unyielding countenance.
"Don't make me laugh, Sarah. Everything between us has been purely about pleasure and business."
With a heavy heart, she affixed her signature to the divorce papers, clinging to a glimmer of hope that one day, she would find a man who would adore and worship her worthiness.
***
Sarah
On a quiet night at Serenity Pines Estate, where I've made my home for three years, the door's 'click' announced my husband's arrival—Philip Cornell, who's competing for the presidency of Luminary Productions, an entertainment company.
Rising from the sofa, my customary perch, where I often waited for his return, I glanced at the wall clock; its hands whispered the lateness of the hour—already one in the morning.
The heavy wooden door swung open, revealing Philip's unsteady form. A waft of alcohol preceded him, mingling with the stillness of the night. His arm draped over the shoulder of his assistant, Alexander Davies.
"What happened to him?" was the question I managed to ask Alex.
"Madam, I'm truly sorry. Something happened. Boss Philip had drunk too much," he replied. He refrained from offering further details, as was often the case, despite my desire to express concerns about the increasing frequency of Philip's drunken returns in recent days.
"Please help me! Let's take him to the room."
Alex and I worked in tandem, helping Philip to the bedroom. With his considerably heavier body in contrast to my own, which was significantly smaller, I felt as though my bones might shatter and bruises would surely mark my skin.
Both Alex and I were panting heavily as we carefully laid his boss down on the bed.
"Th-thank you!"
With a simple smile, the assistant made his way toward the door, poised to leave Serenity Pines Estate. It was a rare moment of conversation between us, akin to those I share with my husband, Philip.
I gingerly removed Philip's shoes and socks, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Next came his polo, a task I could only accomplish in his unconscious state.
How long had I harbored these forbidden fantasies about him? My husband, so physically near yet emotionally distant, bound by the unspoken rule that we mustn't intrude upon each other's lives.
As I finally succeeded in stripping off his polo, he vomited violently, the acrid stench filling the air. My stomach churned in sympathy, threatening to betray me as well. With sheer willpower, I fought back the urge to vomit as my tears of frustration pooling in my eyes.
We do not employ household help, primarily because of my personal preference. However, maids from the Cornell household visit three times a week to assist with cleaning at Serenity Pines Estate.
I cleaned up the sour and nauseating mess he had expelled from his mouth beside the bed.
Three years ago, my mother-in-law asserted that our duty as women was to serve our husbands. I hoped that by fulfilling this duty, Philip would notice or perhaps view me as a woman who loves him deeply.
As I gathered cleaning supplies to tackle the mess, tears welled in my eyes, swept up by the overwhelming weight of the situation I found myself in.
How much longer must I endure this? How much longer will I tolerate waiting for the overflowing love I've poured into my husband to be reciprocated?
Yet, amidst this turmoil, there's Philip, whom I cherish deeply. I've already relinquished so much for him, will his mere sickly discharge be the breaking point for my resolve?
After meticulously scrubbing every inch of the floor and banishing any lingering odors from the room, I proceeded to the wardrobe in search of his pyjamas.
Within a cabinet, I noticed an unfamiliar, expensive-looking box. Curiosity piqued, I lifted the lid, revealing a stunning necklace adorned with a captivating blue sapphire encircled by delicate diamonds.
Tomorrow marks our third wedding anniversary, a fact that fills me with palpable excitement. Could this be Philip's surprise for me?
Our relationship is somewhat low-key. It's quiet mostly because I try not to complicate things for Philip as his wife. Moreover, despite the knowledge of a select few individuals about our relationship, I remain virtually unknown to the public in his life.
As I returned to bed, I found solace in gazing upon his innocent face, a privilege I only enjoy on nights such as these before drifting into slumber.
I awoke after several hours to the sensation of someone tenderly kissing my neck and gently squeezing my chest, igniting warmth that surged through every vein of my body.
Philip's tender affection never fails to stir excitement and happiness within me. Each touch is a symphony of pleasure, a delightful melody that resonates deep within. Yet, beyond our intimate moments, deciphering his thoughts is like navigating through a labyrinth in the dark.
The haunting memories of the previous night inundated my thoughts, their weight pressing heavily upon me. Yet, amidst this tumultuous sea of recollection, overshadowed by his sweet worship of me.
***
"Sarah!" my mother-in-law's voice echoed through the kitchen as I busied myself with cleaning. Philip had left early, and he was no longer beside me when I woke up.
"Mrs. Cornell?" I sighed inwardly, accustomed to her impromptu visits to Serenity Pines Estate, always ensuring I adequately tended to her son's needs. She often invited friends along, as Philip's father maintained strict control over visitors to the Cornell mansion.
Mr. Cornell is a commanding figure both at home and in his marriage, while Mrs. Cornell prefers to keep the nature of their relationship discreet. Therefore, she consistently disrupts my peace whenever she extends invitations to her friends, encroaching upon the sanctity of my own home.
Surrounded by five other ladies at the round table, they were deeply engrossed in gossiping and playing cards, and despite this being my home, shared with Philip, the weight of unspoken thoughts pressed upon my mind, shackling my voice in silent submission.
"Hello, ladies!" I greeted them with forced cheerfulness, though part of me longed to request they not visit, as their presence only added to my workload and noise levels.
"Hello, Sarah!" one of the ladies responded, while the others seemed to ignore my existence entirely.
"Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and prepare tea and snacks for us!" Mrs. Cornell's reprimand cut through the air.
As a dutiful daughter-in-law, I quickly went to the kitchen to fulfill her requests. Once the preparations were complete, I rejoined the group of ladies, placing tea cups, cookies, and wrapped biscuits on the table before returning to attend to some household chores. However, as I busied myself, I couldn't help but overhear their conversation.
"Oh, did you hear? Megan's back," Mrs. Wilson mentioned casually.
My grip faltered, and a delicate vase slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor.
"What on earth, Sarah? Are you intent on destroying every precious belonging of my son in this house?! My goodness! Do you even realize that the vase was imported from Japan? I highly doubt you could even afford to replace it!" Mrs. Cornell scolded, her voice laced with anger.
"I-I'm terribly sorry! I'll clean it up right away," I stammered.
I could sense her seething rage as if she wanted to slap me or yank my hair, but she held back, mindful of her guests' presence.
'Megan... Megan...' The name reverberated in my mind as I carefully tidied up the shattered remnants of the vase. The sharp sting of a glass shard pierced my finger, causing a jolt of pain to shoot through me. Despite the tiny bead of blood, I brushed aside the discomfort, too engrossed in my thoughts to pay it much attention.
Anxiety gnawed at me. Megan is Philip's ex-fiancée.
I couldn't shake off the unsettling thought of Philip's recent drunken escapades. Could Megan's sudden reappearance be the cause?
Sarah To calm down, I avoid dwelling too much on what I just heard—about Megan's return. After I attempted to refocus on the housework, a couple of hours later, Mrs. Thompson's daughter passed by, accompanied by three children who dashed across the tiled floor, leaving traces of dirt on the couch. After a brief snack, they all departed. A glance at the clock revealed it was already two o'clock. The ladies concluded their game, leaving behind a trail of orange peels, biscuit wrappers, and used cups—a mess they appeared unbothered by leaving behind. Exiting Serenity Pines Estate one by one, my mother-in-law turned to me, leaving a reminder, "Oh, by the way, Philip asked me to remind you about tonight's dinner at the Heritage Harvest Hotel. Don't forget!" With that final message, she turned away and approached the waiting black Mercedes-Benz S-Class, where a driver stood by. A spark of excitement ignited within me. Today marks my anniversary with Philip, and I couldn't shake
Philip "I handed you the job! We poured millions into this movie, only to discover the audience isn't pleased with the story's flow. And now there's negative feedback because the lead actress is embroiled in scandals!" My father's voice echoed in his expansive office. "Do something!" he bellowed, hurling papers at me that had been neatly arranged on his broad desk moments before. Clenching my fist, I exited his office. Crisis after crisis plagued Luminary Productions, and yet, as CEO, my father dumped it all on me. This was the norm in the office between me and my father. Despite orchestrating the issues himself, he still pointed the finger at me, the designated heir apparent as president of production. According to him, it was my responsibility to foresee these challenges! But when would he finally confer the position upon me? I had been his protégé for two years now, and there seemed no end in sight. I practically lived at work, bending over backwards to cater to his every whi
Sarah Philip's grasp on my arms was ferocious, each finger a vice, as if he were a stranger lost in the depths of his own darkness. It was as though he couldn't recognize me anymore. Under the weight of his anger, my bones felt fragile, on the brink of breaking, and I couldn't fathom what thoughts raced through his mind—a familiar uncertainty that haunted our interactions. With each step down the broad staircase, his chest heaved with fury. "Philip, please, calm down! I-I didn't do anything!" I pleaded, tears streaming down my cheeks, matching the torrential rain outside that also mirrored his rage. As he escorted me out of Serenity Pines Estate, the cold enveloped me, matching the chill in his demeanor. Every drop of rain felt like it seeped into my very being, amplifying my distress. I struggled to comprehend what was happening, still reeling from whatever substance the abductors had forced upon me. My eyes felt as clouded as my mind. "No, Philip!" I begged desperately, cling
Philip Finding myself enveloped in darkness, I was at a loss upon hearing the news of Sarah's hospitalization, especially alongside the last person I would have expected. My knowledge of Amir Benner stems from my engagement within the racing community; he presently holds the position of president at TerraTraxx Automotive, situated in Dubai. "As per my investigation," Alex began, "Mr. Benner arrived in Highland Hills for business purposes. He's also collaborated with Luminary Productions to promote their latest car model." I barely registered his words. I don't give a f[u]ck about Mr. Benner's affairs. What consumed me was understanding his connection to my wife. Seeming to sense my agitation, Alex added, "Boss, Mr. Benner just arrived recently. I doubt he's acquainted with Madam Sarah." No matter how desperately I craved solace, his words were mere whispers against the tempest raging within me. Just moments ago, I had discovered Sarah in the company of another man. Gripped by
Sarah My senses are enveloped in a fog, leaving me feeling disconnected from my being. I am only aware of Philip's familiar touch and the warmth of his kisses upon my lips and neck. Yet, I find myself lacking the strength to respond, delve deeper, and confront reality. Darkness gripped me fiercely, dragging me into the depths of a distant realm within my dream. Gently, my eyelids fluttered open, pulling me from a deep sleep. As awareness seeped in, I struggled to piece together recent events, finding myself in the familiar confines of the bedroom I shared with Philip. The memories flood back, the last clear one being outside the villa, rain pelting down as Philip dragged me away, leaving me until I succumb to unconsciousness. Unwanted tears traced down my cheeks, a bitter reminder of how fate has toyed with me. A sudden knock on the door startles me out of my reverie, breaking the heavy silence of the room. "Sarah?" a voice called from beyond the door. I hastily wiped awa
Sarah I was caught off guard when Amir's voice echoed through the phone. The cliché of being shocked barely captures the depth of my surprise. For a brief moment, my thoughts faltered as a wave of disbelief swept over me. Amir's resentment towards me stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding his girlfriend, an accusation I vehemently denied. Despite my attempts to explain, he stopped all communication for three long years. "Brother?" I interjected, attempting to cloak my uncertainty with a hint of reassurance. "Yes, that's right!" His confirmation echoed hollowly, a stark reminder of the chasm between us. The ache of longing for my brother pierced through me like a dagger. Yet, the cruel reality remained—he had already severed our ties. In the pregnant pause that followed, I believed he sensed the tumult of emotions raging within me, wordlessly echoing the void between us. "Listen, I understand there's been tension for three years, but blood runs deep between us. We've always le
Sarah My excitement bubbled uncontrollably, an unstoppable force urging me to share the impending news with Philip. I couldn't shake the feeling that this revelation might redefine our entire dynamic. Yet, amidst the tumult of emotions swirling within me, I couldn't ignore the gnawing sensation that Amir's reaction wouldn't match my euphoria. "You're pregnant, and yet that jerk left you stranded outside your villa, soaked in the rain, and caused you to faint? I'll have a word with him, Sarah! He needs to face the consequences!" Amir seethed with anger. "Please don't! They don't know about my background as a Benner," I pleaded. "What?" Amir felt taken aback. "When I enrolled in university, I used Grandpa's last name, Mitchell. To everyone else, I'm Sarah Mitchell, an orphan," I explained to my brother. "So, that's why he didn't know we're related." "Please, leave Philip alone!" I redirected my plea to Amir. I expected Philip to react differently upon learning the truth rather
Sarah Philip's arms folded tightly across his chest, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. The enigmatic gleam in his eyes hinted at depths of emotion I couldn't fathom. Yet, it was clear that my words had struck a nerve, and his reaction spelled trouble. "What's all this about?" he queried, a touch of amusement lacing his tone. Though not yet consumed by anger, his incredulity suggested he found my words utterly ridiculous. A wave of realization washed over me, accompanied by the relentless ache of the past two days. It spurred me to assert my desires. "I understand you want to end things, Philip. So, I'm granting you the freedom to pursue whomever you please." Be it Megan, his audacious secretary, or any other temptress lurking in the shadows, I refused to be the pitiful pawn left waiting at home! His reaction was immediate, fury igniting in his eyes as he seized my arms, drawing us together with an intensity that bordered on violence. "Why? So that you can be with th