ARIANNA I stood from afar watching with teary eyes how my own husband danced away the night with another woman like I did not exist to him. One would even assumed he was married to her and not me. No matter how much I tried to keep my gazes at bay and away from him and his new lover I just could not. He seemed so happy, the happiest I have ever seen him since we got married.As the soft classical rhythmic music played, feeling the entire room and creating a serene ambience, Lucas danced with the woman with so much glee radiating off him. To stand next to me in public was like an abomination to this man and yet he was twirling this lady like she was the one his heart longed for. His hand was firmly snaked around her waist, his other hand interlocked with hers whilst their faces were in close proximity with each others. Any more closers would make their lips meet. I stopped myself from sobbing, pressing my lips tightly together.He was the least considerate about how I would feel

ARIANNA Oh no! This is bad. This is really really bad. I am done for. "Lucas wait" I called after him in tears but Lucas did not stop to even look back at me. He marched forwards and his steps were so quick, filled with so much pulsating anger."Urgh for the love of God" I heard Ian mutter with annoyance behind me. I quickly pivoted to see him. "I am really sorry Ian for..." my voice trailed off as I did not even know how to speak."No no it is fine. Go and talk to your husband ok. I totally get it" Ian apologetically cut me short with a hand massaging his forehead. I nodded and quickly ran after Lucas. He had walked out of the hall.I spotted him marching down the flights of stairs. "Lucas please hold on" I called to him but he still turned a deaf ear to my voice. But nevertheless, I did not give up. I ran after him till we had gotten outside the hall. "Lucas will you please hear me out? I did not do anything bad that you think I did. Please" I implored, choking on my sobs bu

I sat on one of the iron chairs provided in the hospital, the pungent smell of various drugs filling the air, making me wrinkle my nose in disgust. The hustle and bustle of patients, doctors, and visitors around me stirred up a feeling of uneasiness in my stomach.The truth is, I had come to the hospital because I was tired of being subjugated and trampled upon in my own home. I wondered if something was wrong with me since I was unable to conceive. Despite my hopes, nothing had changed even after being intimate with my husband Lucas.My heart rate increased as I pondered over the events that occurred in the mansion yesterday. It was Lucas who had committed the crime, but I was the one who got punished for it. Father had slapped me for no reason while Lucas, who should have been the one to receive punishment, got off scot-free.In public and before Mr. Ian Connor, Lucas belittled me and made a mockery of our marriage. Despite his behavior, I was the one who was labeled as the cheate

ARIANNA Admist the morning meal, a rattling silence pervaded the atmosphere as each person ate their food in the quietness which was punctuated solely by the chink and clatter of cutlery hitting the dishes. The atmosphere hung heavy wreaking of anxieties and my pain. This rendered it difficult to focus on the food before me. Despite my internal turmoil, I continuously persisted in my efforts to consume my breakfast. My attention kept on faltering as I ate, my eyes continuously roving all around the faces of the various family members that sat with me all the while endeavoring to maintain a stoic countenance.The previous days were perilous for me. I got insulted, humiliated and belittled like a total stranger both in public and behind closed doors.And Lucas went scot free like the hero that he never was. Adorned upon his face as he watched father humiliate me was a mischievous smile, a sardonic smirk. Life is a bitch.Just the mere thought got my heart tightening against its rib c

ARIANNAAs I meticulously counted the number of butters I had dropped into my grocery basket, a thought escaped my lips, "I believe we are in need of a greater quantity of these butters." You see, I could not bear to sit idle at home while Lucas was off to work.Therefore, I decided to embark on a personal errand. Now, do not get me wrong, our pantry was not exactly running low on groceries and dairy products, but I had a nagging feeling that it would only be a matter of time before we did. Instead of waiting for that chaotic rush hour at the stores, I figured it would be wise to stock up in advance.Running to the supermarket had become my one saving grace, a task that allowed me to clear my head and find some respite. Lately, I have been feeling restless, caught in a state of idleness. Lucas has taken to calling me a gold digger, mostly because he knows that I depend solely on him and his family for financial support.But I yearn to change that perception. I want to erase the sh