Tides Of Betrayal

“Do you like it?”

I looked at Yvonne who was looking at me expectantly. I looked back at my reflection in the mirror and turned so I could see the dress from other angle. It was beautiful, simple and yet exquisite.

“Yes, I do. The fabric is heavenly,” I said and she clapped happily.

“I designed it just for you!” My friend squealed as she got up to her feet and approached me. I was glad she was happy. And appreciated that she designed this dress for me.

“Just wait till you see your wedding dress. I’m not done with that yet though,” she said with a small chuckle and walked around me slowly.

I was wearing a cream colored full length gown that had a beautiful corset-like design that accentuated my bust and waist. I was smaller in the chest size but this really did well for me.

I liked the long balloon sleeves and the way the skirt hugged my hips. All in all, I looked beautiful. I was right to give a Yvonne the job to make my engagement dress.

Perks of having a friend that’s a designer.

“When Berlin sees you, he won’t be able to breathe properly!” Yvonne proclaimed as the attendants helped me out of the dress. I rolled my eyes at her words, a small smirk formed on my face as I went to sit beside her.

“He doesn’t deserve to see you in the dress though,” she grumbled as she poured out wine into the glasses on the table. I shook my head at her. She never liked Berlin.

Me too. But when my parents told me I had no choice in this marriage, I realized the sooner I accepted it, the better. Berlin and I had gotten a better relationship over the past few months so I felt convenient in getting married to him.

He wasn’t that bad and I could tolerate him.

“This is your sign to look for love,” I said to Yvonne as we clinked our glasses. She scoffed and took a sip, letting out a satisfied sigh.

“I will enjoy my life until I’m ready. Till then, love can sit in the backseat,” she waved the air and I had to swallow a laugh.

“You’re unbelievable,” I stated and she grinned proudly.

We spent the next few minutes talking about other random things before I decided I needed to leave.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go out with me? For the last time before you get tied down?” Yvonne pouted as she handed me the packaged dress and a box that contained a napkin and tie with the same material of my dress. I was to give it to Berlin.

“No, Yvonne. You know how things go whenever I go clubs, especially on weekdays. My engagement party is on Saturday,” I told her with an eye roll. She sighed in defeat.

“Fine, fine. Be safe on your way home,” she waved and I thanked her before walking out of her office building. I got in my silver Mercedes and drove my way to Berlin’s house.

“Good evening, Ms. Maslow ,” the house keeper, Helena greeted me when I stepped into the living room. She was surprised to see me.

“Good evening, Helena. I came to give Berlin his napkin and tie,” I said to her as I made my way to the stairs.

“I can call him for you,” she rushed to my side. I shook my head, waving her off.

“It’s fine,” I said, a bit confused by her before but I continued walking up the stairs. I got to Berlin’s bedroom and readjusted the box in my hand before opening the door and walking in.

“Ber-”

His name got stuck in my throat and I nearly choked as my smile faltered. My brain was quick to process what was going on, but yet it looked like everything was in slow motion.

Berlin pushed off the lady on top of him and sat up straight. “Vera, it’s not what you think,” he said as he wrapped the blanket around himself and stood up.

I took a step back, hurt filled my chest as I finally registered what was going on.

“So cliché!” I spat in disgust and glared at the lady on the bed who cowered away from my sight.

“Vera, calm down” Berlin approached me but I moved away and ran down the stairs. “Fuck, Vera!” he yelled after me.

I found Helena in the living room. Her eyes were wide with fear. I pointed at her as I approached her. She moved away in fear. “You knew, didn’t you?” I could hear the hurt in my own voice.

“Don’t harass my maid!” I heard Berlin command from behind me. I turned to face him and Helena ran away from me.

“You’re a fucking dick!” I yelled at him. Anger filled my veins to the point that I couldn’t breathe properly.

He scoffed, “Let’s settle this, Vera.” I ran my hand through my hair as I tried to calm myself down. This man was crazy.

“What the fuck are you saying?”

“Stay quiet and I’ll get you whatever you want,” he said and I laughed sarcastically.

“Like the fuck I will!” I threw the box I was still holding at him. “Fuck you!” my voice shook as I yelled at him and stormed out of the house.

“Veronica!”

I ignored him as I got into my car and drove out of the gates. My chest hurt as I drove. My eyes were blurry with tears that I was fighting back. I was choking on my own tears.

I parked in front of my apartment building and buried my face in the steering wheel. “How could he?” my voice was barely audible as I sniffled and looked at the passenger seat where my dress lay.

I couldn’t marry him. Why would I marry a cheater? How many times has he even done this?

We were fucking engaged for crying out loud!

I pulled at my hair as I tried to think of a way forward.

I grabbed the dress and my other things before stepping out of the car and walking into the building.

As I walked, it felt like I was heavier than usual.

If I get married to him, I’ll never be happy. Not when I found about his infidelity.

Cruel bastard!

He didn’t even show any sign of remorse. He was just guilty because he got caught.

“Yvonne was right,” I grumbled as I stormed into the elevator. I continued to rant to myself about gibberish in attempts to calm myself down. The last thing I needed was to cry again.

I huffed and turned around, stopping in my tracks when I saw the person with me in the elevator.

“Go on,” he said, looking at me a face void of any emotions. “Why was Yvonne right?”

Crap!