Part 07

Thania gathered her belongings as it was already the end of her shift. Tonight, she had another job at a bakery, as per her schedule.

"Thania."

"Mr. Andre."

"Are you heading home?"

"Yes, sir. Is there anything else I need to do?"

"Oh no, nothing at all. Are you going home alone?"

"Yes."

"Would you like me to give you a ride? I'm heading home too."

Before Thania could respond, the door suddenly swung open. Gibran walked in, stopping the conversation between Thania and Andre. His eyes immediately locked onto Andre, who was alone with Thania.

"Andre, you're still here?" Gibran asked, looking surprised. Earlier, Andre had mentioned he was leaving, yet here he was, trying to get close to Thania.

"Yeah, I was about to give Thania a ride home," Andre replied, glancing at her.

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Andre. I can go home by myself. But thank you for the offer," Thania quickly declined.

"Why not?"

"It's fine. I'll be going now."

Without waiting for another word, Thania hurried out of the room, wanting to avoid an uncomfortable situation with both Andre and Gibran. She especially didn't want to accept a ride from Andre in front of Gibran—her own husband. No matter how indifferent Gibran was toward their marriage, she still held onto her dignity as a married woman.

Andre sighed in frustration. "This is your fault, Gibran."

"My fault?"

"Yeah! She refused my offer because of you!"

Gibran smirked. "Not my problem. She just doesn't want to go with you."

Gibran's POV

I parked my car in the garage and stepped into the house. Today had been exhausting. A hot bath sounded like the perfect way to unwind.

After preparing everything, I stripped off my clothes and sank into the warm, foamy water. My mind drifted back to the incident earlier—Andre seemed genuinely interested in Thania. But what if he found out she was my wife? Would he back off?

Wait a second… Thania left work before I did. Why isn't she home yet? Where could she be? I had noticed that she always came home late, even though the office didn't stay open that long.

I don't love her, but I try to respect her as my wife. Yet, deep inside, there's a lingering frustration.

With a sigh, I finished my bath, changed into my pajamas, and lay on the bed, closing my eyes.

11:00 PM

I woke up suddenly and glanced at the clock. Almost midnight.

I sat up, rubbing my face. Thania wasn't on the sofa either.

Where is she? Has she not come home yet?

Just then, I heard the door creak open. Quickly, I lay back down, pretending to be asleep. Soft footsteps approached, and a gentle hand pulled the blanket over me. Then, the sound of retreating footsteps.

She's just getting home now? Why so late?

Author's POV

Early in the morning, Gibran was already getting ready for work. Thania, as always, was up before everyone else, finishing the household chores.

At breakfast, the family sat around the dining table. Silence filled the room, with only the clinking of utensils breaking it.

Once done, Thania helped the housekeeper clear the table.

"Thania," Rose called.

"Yes, Mom?"

"Don't go to work today."

Thania frowned. "Why?"

"My friends are coming over, and I need you to help with the food preparation. It wouldn't be fair to leave everything to the housekeeper."

"Mom, don't burden Thania like that. Let her go to work," Daniel interjected.

"Why do you always think the worst of me? I'm just being considerate," Rose huffed.

"It's okay, Dad. Mom's right."

Gibran stood up. "I'm heading out now."

"Drive safely, sweetheart. And don't speed!" Rose reminded him.

"Take care, Gibran," Daniel added.

Gibran nodded and left.

"Mom, I want to help too!" Gabrielle exclaimed excitedly.

"You can't, sweetheart. You have school," Rose replied.

"But Mom—"

"Gabi, your dad and I agree on this. You can help cook on weekends."

Gabrielle pouted. "Fine."

"Now hurry up and join your brother. He's waiting for you," Rose urged.

Gabrielle sighed dramatically but ran off to catch up with Givan.

"Thania, make sure you clean everything up in the kitchen," Dania ordered.

9:00 AM

The doorbell rang.

"Could you get that? My guests must be here," Rose instructed.

The housekeeper opened the door and led the visitors inside before returning to the back.

"Hello, everyone!" Rose greeted.

"Oh my gosh, Rose! You look even more beautiful!" one of the ladies exclaimed.

Rose chuckled. "You're too sweet! But thank you for coming. It's been a while since we last got together."

"Yes, almost a month!"

"By the way, how's your daughter-in-law?"

"She's doing fine. What would you all like to drink? Could you prepare the drinks, please?" Rose requested.

A few minutes later, Thania arrived with a tray of beverages. As she carefully placed each glass in front of the guests, her foot accidentally hit the table, causing a drink to spill onto one of the women's legs.

"Oh my God! What is wrong with you?!" the woman shrieked.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"

Panic filled the room. Rose's face turned red with embarrassment.

"Thania! Don't just stand there!" she snapped.

"What should I do, Mom?" Thania stammered, clearly shaken.

"Clean it up!"

"O-of course."

Thania crouched down, grabbing a tissue box. She wiped the floor and the woman's leg, her hands trembling.

But instead of appreciating her effort, the woman shoved her, causing Thania to fall onto the floor. Then, she picked up another glass and poured water over Thania's head.

Gasps filled the room.

"That's what you deserve!" the woman sneered.

"Oh my goodness!" Rose gasped.

"Rose, I can't stay any longer. I'm leaving," the woman said haughtily, striding out, followed by the rest of the guests.

Rose clenched her fists in anger. How humiliating!

"Thania! Clean this up right now!"

"Yes, Mom…"

Meanwhile, at the office, Gibran entered Andre's room. His friend was staring out the window, holding a cup of coffee.

"Andre," Gibran called, tapping his shoulder.

"Gibran? When did you get here?"

"Just now."

"Oh. I haven't seen Thania today. Where is she?"

"No idea. You seem really interested in her. Do you like her?"

Andre scoffed. "That's none of your business."

Gibran smirked. "I was just asking. She's my employee, and you're my friend. I care about both of you."

"Let it go, Gibran. Just trust me—I won't cause you any trouble."