Chapter Sixty One

"Mom!"

Ronald's voice echoed from behind, sending an unsettling chill down my spine. The lines of fear that I had temporarily subdued crept back into my thoughts. Why is she here? How did she find me? The sight of her taking the first step into my space shattered my brief euphoria into a thousand fragments. As usual, an unbearable wave of tension surrounded us. Every ounce of recklessness weighed me down from all directions.

"What? Are you not happy? My goodness, you're hiding here." Ronald grabbed her and left without sparing me a glance. Once again, I was left standing alone, drowning in the depths of my own insecurities.

Don't worry. He will come back, and we will rejoice. My fingers trembled as the pearls from my necklace scattered across the floor, rolling away and hiding beneath tables. Sitting on my knees, I began collecting each jewel as though I were trying to gather the remnants of my shattered happiness. She came here on purpose. I understood her intentions, but why did Ronald not stay with me?

After carefully placing the pearls back in the box, I sat on the couch, awaiting his return. Hours passed, and he still remained with her. Don't worry. He will come. I convinced myself, but the tightening pain in my chest told me otherwise. With unwavering determination, I made my way to where they were conversing, only to find Ronald comfortably seated with her, enjoying a drink. Has he forgotten me already?

With an aching heart, I turned around and walked away, each step heavier than the last. I entered his room, left the box of pearls on the dresser, and locked myself in my own room. Curling up on the floor, I buried my face in my knees, letting the draperies shield me from the world outside. Silent tears streamed down my face, and my heart soon grew too heavy to express itself any further. The night fell darker than usual, and I felt the thickness of loneliness pressing upon me.

I didn't realize when I drifted into a restless sleep until a knock resounded from the door.

"Rose, I'm sorry." His voice was slurred. He was drunk.

I clenched my fists, knowing he had already forgotten our plans, our promises, and my existence in the presence of his mother. Tomorrow marks our last formal day as husband and wife, and he had already replaced me in his heart. Did he ever acknowledge my worth? Did he ever see the depth of my love for him?

"Open the... doo..."

"What are you doing, Ronald? She's sleeping; come sleep in your room."

I could hear her voice from the other side of the door. My gaze remained fixed on the door, hoping for him to respond. But silence answered me instead. My heart shattered further. Anger, hurt, and betrayal consumed me. The rain outside felt like the tears I could no longer shed. And yet, my husband did not come to comfort me.

The following morning, I forced myself into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. My head throbbed from all the crying, and my heart ached from the unbearable silence. As I poured juice into a glass, Theo entered and greeted me.

"Good morning, Mrs. Rose."

The glass slipped from my hand, shattering upon the counter. My mood was at its worst.

"Don't call her that, Theo," a familiar bitter voice cut through the silence. "She's content with her useless life."

I turned to see her. My blood boiled, but I held myself together. Her piercing words struck me like a blade, and I gritted my teeth.

"She's nothing but a useless wife."

"Stop calling him my husband," I snapped, my voice cracking with restrained rage. "Our relationship isn't yours to discuss."

"Oh, isn't it? Then why don't you ask yourself why he spent the night with me?"

I lost my composure. "Why can't you leave me alone?" I roared, my voice echoing through the kitchen.

"Rose! Why are you shouting at my mom?"

My stomach dropped as Ronald appeared. His gaze held nothing but disappointment towards me.

"Ronald, I... I didn't mean—"

"Look at her! I only came to check if she was fine, and she's acting like a madwoman."

My heart clenched. How could he blindly believe her over me?

"Apologize to my mother, Rose."

I froze. What? My own husband was asking me to apologize to a woman who deliberately broke us apart?

"I will not apologize. Do whatever you want." I met his gaze, my voice no longer timid but fueled by defiance.

"Rose, I'm serious—"

"What? I said I will not apologize." Without hesitation, I stormed off to my room, slamming the door behind me. Moments later, his heavy footsteps followed.

"Don't you dare shut me out!" He barged in, his hands gripping my arms tightly.

"You know how incredibly sexy you look when you're angry." His tone was low, dangerous.

"Ronald, stop it! I'm not in the mood." But he didn't listen. His mouth crashed onto mine, his grip overpowering me. My body resisted, but my heart melted.

"Kiss me back."

"No!"

"Dammit, Rose!" He devoured my lips, igniting a desire I couldn't fight. My hands pushed him away, but my resolve shattered when his tongue claimed mine.

"Do it. Stop holding back." His hands trailed down my waist, his touch ruthless and hungry.

"Ronald..." My body gave in, my hands slipping into his pants. His thrusts were relentless, his voice feral.

"Give me a baby. Fucking let me claim you."

My body trembled beneath him as he devoured me whole. Each thrust brought a new wave of passion, and my anger melted into yearning.

"Promise me," he growled, "whenever we fight, you'll let me claim you like this."

I couldn't answer—only moans and gasps filled the room as we lost ourselves in our emotions.

"Ronald, I'm coming!"

"Come for me, baby."

Our climax hit like a tidal wave, leaving both of us breathless and exposed. But deep down, the questions still lingered.

By afternoon, the storm inside me worsened. I sat alone, clutching the ring I had found in his room. The same ring she wore with pride. Tears blurred my vision.

"Hey, baby."

I quickly hid the ring under the pillow. "Hey."

"What are you doing here alone?" He approached, his touch no longer comforting.

"Do you love your mother more than me?"

"Rose, what kind of question is this?"

"Answer it."

Silence.

I scoffed bitterly. "There's no answer, is there?"

"Stop it, Rose. I..."

"Don't lie to me. Please, just tell me the truth." My voice broke.

"There's nothing to tell."

I laughed, bitter and broken. My heart knew the answer he refused to speak.

Hours later, I packed my belongings. Standing outside, Theo looked concerned.

"Miss Rose?"

"Arrange a ride for me to New York. Tonight. Without telling him."

His eyes widened, but he nodded. "Yes, Miss Rose. I'll have them ready."

It was time to leave. And this time, I wouldn't turn back.