ManyWriters

As the holiday season neared, my usual beauty salon was fully booked. The staff inquired if I'd be willing to share a room, and I agreed, thinking it wouldn't be an issue.
My roommate turned out to be a young woman who seemed vaguely familiar.
At checkout, the woman's card was declined. "Honey, my beauty card is empty," she cooed into her phone.
"Sweetheart, hold on. I'll send you some money now. Is 20,000 enough?" A doting male voice responded, sounding eerily like my spouse, Dexter Keaton.
I laughed internally, believing I was being paranoid, when my phone alerted me: [20,000 withdrawn from my account.] Suddenly, I felt as if I'd plunged into a frozen lake, chilled to the bone.

Married for a Decade, Betrayed in a Beauty Salon

When I made the choice to end my marriage, I knew I needed to find a replacement for Dexter's position. Earlier that day, I had gone to fetch Baron from the airport.


The conference room fell completely quiet. Everyone looked at each other, their faces showing surprise and confusion. Within moments, hushed conversations broke out.


Everyone present was aware of my connection to Dexter. My announcement was like publicly humiliating him.


Dexter's face changed quickly. He put on a fake smile and said, "Darling, that's not a funny joke."


I shrugged, looking straight at him, "Darling, I'm not joking. Dexter, you're dismissed."


Dexter, who had been at ease, suddenly tensed up. His hands balled into fists and his calm facade disappeared. His expression turned dark and menacing, his eyes glinting with a chilling intensity.


I had never seen Dexter look so intimidating before.


7#07