Imperfect Couple

Episode 2

Ricky skidded off the bed, turned briefly to look at the woman on the bed. "Will be right back." He walked in long strides towards Audrey, grabbed her wrist, and said to her, "Now, you come with me!" He zoomed out of the room, dragging her with him even though she struggled with him. 

Downstairs, he finally let go of her wrist, spun around to glare at her. "What was that for?"

Audrey sniffed, staring into Ricky's eyes with obvious pain. "For seven years, Ricky. Seven good years, I've loved you like a fool. I allowed you to push me around, use me like you wanted, but no, I'm not going to go on like this, Ricky. No." Audrey shook her head, allowing her chestnut curly hair cascade around her neck.

Ricky watched her, shocked at her outburst. He couldn't believe Audrey could talk this loud and quick. It shocked him to the bone, but then, he wouldn't let her see how much she affected him. "You must be insane. Why are you like this? Is it because of Claire?" 

Audrey nodded, comprehension dawning on her. "I thought she looked really familiar, now I know why. It's Claire Davis from the Queen's department. The girl you dated in school. You got back together?" 

"We're only married on paper, Audrey. Why does this affect you?"

"Because I love you! That's why!" She screamed, and her voice cracked at the end. "I've stupidly loved you, damn it!" 

Ricky raised an eyebrow, almost laughing. He'd never believe Audrey could curse. "Calm down right this minute. You won't speak to me like that."

"Yes. Exactly. And that's why we need to terminate this contract." 

"You signed a three years contract, Audrey. You signed you would bear my last name for three years. Until those years are completed, you can't back out." 

"Is this about the money? Is this about the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars you gave to me two years ago after signing the contract? Well, I will give it back! I will sell my soul to the devil himself if that's what it takes to raise the money and give it back to you." Audrey replied, breathing fire. 

Ricky shrugged. "Well, if the money is going to be returned, I think it's fine by me. You can sell off the jewelries I got you, or the shoes. The dresses. The makeup kits. This contract won't be terminated until every penny is returned." 

Audrey scoffed, disbelief spreading all over her face. "I can't believe how cold and heartless you can be. I should complain about paying back all the money after spending two years in this marriage, but because I didn't do this for money, I will return every penny just as you've instructed." 

Ricky folded his arms, stared down for sometime before glaring back into Audrey's wet eyes. "As long as I can remember, I never treated you bad. I got you whatever you wanted since you don't work. I made sure you had everything you wanted." 

Audrey nodded. "You got me everything I wanted, yes, but what about my inner needs? What about the attention and care? You don't even know that...!" She stopped, biting her lower lip. 

Ricky shot her a daring look. "Know what?" 

"Nothing. I think it's best I stay somewhere else tonight... since you have her around." 

"Good decision." Claire replied from the top of the stairs as she descended. She wore Ricky's white robe, her feet were bare, and her hair was a mess. 

Ricky glanced up, and cursed under his breath. "I told you to wait for me upstairs."

"I came to rescue you from her, darling. Come on." Claire replied. She held Ricky's hand as she got closer to him, and dragged a lazy look at Audrey. "I'm sure you need to rest too. Don't you?" 

Audrey glared at her, and the memories of school days came rushing back. She wouldn't forget in a hurry how Claire had tormented her after Ricky had asked her out. As she looked at her now, Audrey could see Claire hadn't changed a bit. 

"Excuse me." She mumbled, and brushed past them, hurrying up the stairs. 

Claire smiled as she stared after Audrey, shook her head and adjusted her bangs. "Unbelievable." She rolled her eyes, fixed them sexily on Ricky. 

She wrapped her arms around him, and let her mouth grease his neck. "Why didn't you tell me about this? Never knew you were married, and to Audrey of all people."

"We're married on paper. I was desperate. I paid her for it." Ricky replied. He moved away from Claire, feeling strange. He ran his palm over his unruly hair, and licked his lips. "That tramp." He mumbled under his breath. He still couldn't believe she was backing out. 

All his life, he'd been the dumper. The heartbreaker.

Claire walked back to him, hugged him from behind. She smiled happily at the thought of claiming the billionaire. This time, she would be staying for real. 

**

Meanwhile, Audrey got into her room, flung her closet open and walked in. She stopped at the entrance, her hands on her hips. Everything in there were Ricky's. Everything came from him, and he rubbed it in her face. 

Before their secret wedding, she'd been nothing but a mere waitress at Salazar's. She was educated though, and connection was all she needed. 

Blinded by the fresh tears that moistened her eyes, Audrey moved forward, found two big luggages and walked out with them. She placed them on the bed, and unzipped them. She turned, just in time to see Ricky walking into the room, looking devilishly furious. 

"What are you doing?" Audrey rasped, taking few steps back as he moved heavily towards her. 

Ricky snarled, and with muscles clenched, he grabbed Audrey by her tiny waist, backed her against the wall. "What are you doing!" He breathed the words hotly into her face.

"Leaving your house." Audrey replied, moving slightly in a bid to free herself.

"No. You aren't leaving this house until you return every part of the money I gave to you." He snapped irritably.