5#05

5

I inclined my head in agreement, feeling my determination strengthen.

"Very well, I'll set things up. Give me your location and I'll come get you in three days' time."

With a new opportunity ahead, I flagged down a taxi and made my way home to collect my belongings.

As I pushed the bedroom door open, I was immediately confronted by the sight of Priscilla sprawled unclothed on the bed, with Maxton's fingers exploring her skin.

She looked up at Maxton with a coy expression and said, "Maxton, please quickly explain to Solana. I have an allergy to liquor. The hives appeared all over my skin. You were simply applying the medication; don't let her misinterpret the situation."

Maxton didn't even glance my way, his tone oozing disregard, "Explain? Is she worthy of that?"

I stumbled numbly into the living area, collapsing onto the sofa, their giggles resonating from the bedroom.

My chest felt like it was being torn to pieces, crushed, the agony shaking me to my very core.

After what seemed like forever, Maxton finally emerged, looking pleased, wiping his hands with a moist towelette. He tossed a casual order over his shoulder.

"Priscilla isn't holding onto any resentment about the hospital incident. She's famished. Go prepare some soup for her."

I gawked at him in shock. "You want me to cook soup for her? Have you lost your mind, or have I?"

His expression clouded over like an approaching storm and he lit a cigarette, readying himself to berate me as usual.

But this time, I mustered the strength to confront him.

"You want me to make soup and now you're making excuses? Solana, do you think you're somebody important? You couldn't carry the child to term, you lost your position and now you're entirely reliant on me. You don't obey anything I say anymore."

The cigarette glowed as he exhaled smoke into my face.

I doubled over, coughing violently, the searing in my lungs sharp and excruciating. He was aware of my asthma, but he did it intentionally, wanting to demean me.

When my coughing finally subsided, I met his gaze, my voice unwavering despite the pain in my chest.

"Who caused me to lose the baby? Who made me lose my job, Maxton? Don't you remember? When we got married, what did you promise? You said you'd look after me."

"Absurd. Do you honestly believe anyone would care for a worthless person who can't accomplish anything?" Maxton scoffed, his earlier tenderness completely replaced by icy disdain.

Priscilla, clad in a translucent nightgown, sauntered out of the bedroom. She draped her arms around Maxton's neck, her voice syrupy sweet.

"Maxton, don't be cross with Solana. I don't absolutely require the soup, but you used to bring it to me every morning. Now, I'm yearning for it."

She flashed me a provocative look as she spoke, her eyes daring me to respond.

Suddenly, everything fell into place. No wonder Maxton had been subtly insisting I make soup for the past half-year.

It wasn't about me; Priscilla had been desiring it all along. I had been foolishly deluding myself, thinking Maxton appreciated my culinary skills and that he was genuinely interested in learning the recipes alongside me.

Priscilla, noticing my silence, took a step closer, her expression dripping with false courtesy.

"Solana, thank you for the soup. It's so well-balanced and nourishing. After consuming it, I feel like I've grown all over again. Even Maxton noticed and complimented my figure for improving."

She thrust her chest out as she spoke, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth as she looked down at me with contempt.

When I remained quiet, she persisted.

"Today's incident was my fault. I wasn't aware you were unwell, Solana. Don't blame Maxton. If I've caused any discord between you two, I'll truly regret it."

"Priscilla, I know exactly what kind of person you are. You don't need to feign innocence in front of me. I'm not falling for your charade."

I retorted, my words cutting and her carefully rehearsed tears fell instantly.

With a dramatic thump, she dropped to her knees before me.

"Solana, you can direct all your anger at me. There's no need to take it out on Maxton. You can strike me, berate me, whatever brings you satisfaction. I'll accept it all."