[Camari]As the weekend passed, we went about our usual activities. Otis and I started the day with exercise. He swam while I practiced martial arts with Jasper. Things had been better since Nicole woke up, and Bella was in custody.I found it hard to concentrate since I was out of danger. I didn't know what was wrong with me. The day went by so fast, but it also felt so slow. I wasn't excited about the day either, even though I forced myself to smile so no one would suspect anything.Otis and Jasper entered the office, so I sat in my chair. My new bodyguard stood guard not far from me. I kept my distance from her to avoid getting emotionally involved. The events that happened to Nicole had left me devastated, and I didn't want to go through it again.I didn't know why the people closest to me kept getting hurt. I just wanted it to be over. Farrell was gone. Eleanor and Bella were behind bars. Hopefully, no more disasters would befall me or my family."Good morning, ma'am," a security
Otis and I went to separate places after work. He met Carlos to discuss business, while I saw my psychologist. I cried my heart out in that room, telling her everything I'd been through over the past week.I felt so relieved after pouring out my feelings. Jennifer didn't suggest anything. She just congratulated me on successfully ending my hatred for the two people who had done me harm.Otis was still talking to Carlos, so I went home with my bodyguard. Looking at the numbers on the elevator, I thought of someone. I pressed the number to my old apartment and smiled. She must be in her apartment.Sure enough. Deborah greeted me with a smile and the aroma of delicious cooking from inside her unit. She offered me her appetizing lasagna. We enjoyed it while chatting in the dining room."I'm sorry about what happened to your family," she said with concern.I liked the word she chose. Family. She didn't mention Farrell as my ex-husband. "Thank you. What an unexpected turn of events. He was
[Camari]'I'm on my way home.'I smiled as I read the message from my husband. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My blonde hair was neatly combed, and my face was clean without makeup. I wore a transparent nightgown, leaving nothing to the imagination. I couldn't afford to waste my chance tonight.I sprayed his favorite perfume on my neck and wrists. The delicate scent of red roses entered my nostrils. My cheeks flushed at the thought of our activities tonight. I chuckled, embarrassed by my wild imagination.I walked out of the walk-in closet to the bedroom and smiled at the red rose petals decorating the bed. My heart beat with happiness. Finally, after three years together, we had the chance to make out like husband and wife.Farrell had been very busy with his family company since we got married. Business trips had become his habit. Moreover, I also worked for another company that demanded attention and time. But he wouldn't be that busy anymore. So, it was the perfect time f
It was suddenly quiet on the other side, but I knew he was there and listening to me. We were still together. How dare he flaunt their relationship in front of so many people. I saw them, so I was sure others might have witnessed the incident, too."Good, you know everything. Things will be easier now. Yes. Bella and I are getting married soon," he declared arrogantly. "We've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. So stop ruining my plans. Sign the divorce papers and come to the court tomorrow.""Ruining your plans? Have you gone mad? You've ruined our marriage by cheating on my best friend!" I protested.He laughed. "Bella and I knew each other before we met, Camari. She was my first love, the woman I wanted to marry. Listen. I never loved you."His words pierced my heart like a sharp sword. The pain made me unable to speak for a while. I even had to lean against the wall, realizing my legs failed to support my body."Y-your first love?" I stammered. "Th-then what am I?""
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to brace myself. "Okay, Mom. I'll be there soon," I consoled."What do you mean, the distance between where you live and our city... are you on your way here?" she asked once she understood what I meant."Yes, Mom." Thankfully, I did the right thing by visiting them.Arriving at the hospital, I headed for the emergency room. Seeing that Mom wasn't there, I looked at my phone and found a new message from her. Dad was taken to the ICU. I rushed to meet her there. I was worried for my dad, causing my heart to beat rapidly."Camari!" called Mom frantically.I approached her and let her hug me tightly. "What happened, Mom?""The doctor said your dad had a heart attack. They've managed to help, but the critical period hasn't passed. He needs surgery immediately." She released her embrace and then looked at me with wet eyes. "Camari, the cost is huge.""What about insurance? Don't you have one?" I asked."Not with this type of surgery. I called the agent.
[Otis]On the second day after Farrell's appointment as CEO of Haworth Incorporation, the media was all over it. Relentless praise was heaped on the thirty-two-year-old man. Finally, Father could retire in peace.The big celebration was held on the third anniversary of his marriage to Camari. Father didn't hesitate to dig deep into his pockets to invite and entertain thousands of guests at a luxury hotel. I was the only one not invited.I turned off the television and walked to my bedroom. After bathing in the shower room, I headed for the sink. I climbed the small ladder provided to brush my teeth and shave. After getting dressed, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. If only I could choose the shape of my body.I looked away, unable to bear staring at myself for too long. After breakfast, I walked out of the apartment. Jasper was waiting and walked with me to the elevator. He was my driver, bodyguard, friend, and informant."Farrell and Bella have started their act, sir," Jasper r
That weekend, I asked Jasper to take me somewhere. Work had consumed my attention for the past few months. So I hadn't had time to visit. Fortunately, all business matters were in full swing. I could relax a bit.Arriving at my destination, I marveled at the scenery around me. The place was beautiful because of various flowering plants. The cemetery was clean, and no wild plants were around the grass. I approached the cross-shaped tombstone with an angel statue on its side. Catherine Haworth was engraved on the stone.Mother died fourteen years ago after years of battling breast cancer. My life drastically changed when she passed away because a part of me died with her. I lost the only family that loved me for who I was."You shouldn't go there, sir," Jasper said as I stared at another headstone closer to my mother's grave. "That man doesn't deserve your respect.""He was my brother." I glanced at Mother's tomb for a moment, then walked over to Arnold's grave.Despite our poor relation
[Camari]I gathered all the expensive jewelry, clothes, bags, and shoes Farrell had given me over the three years we'd been married into one pile. I stored the gifts from Grandpa in another box. I didn't need all that fancy stuff anymore.The servants carried them to the rented pickup truck waiting in the front yard. I looked around me one last time. I tried to remember, but there wasn't a single intimate memory of me with Farrell in this bedroom.We lay in the same bed but never made out or discussed anything before bed or when we woke up. We used the same bathroom and closet, unfortunately, never at the same time. Why did I realize that then?"Goodbye, ma'am. Don't forget us," said the servant in charge of meeting my needs as mistress."I won't. We can meet again when you're on leave. I won't change my number. Just give me a call. We can have lunch or coffee together." I smiled at her and her partners.They looked sad to see me off. At least some people felt my presence while living