My mouth falls open as I watch the video play out. I stare until it’s over. And then I replay it.
Again.
And again.
And again,until the image is seared into my mind. I want to see it playing, even when I close my eyes.
I don’t want to believe it. I think of every conceivable explanation that could explain what I’m witnessing. For a bit, I even lie to myself.
No, this isn’t right.It’s a joke,a prankthat my husband is pulling on me because he found out I’ve been spying on him.That’s the only logical explanation. Because if what I’m seeing is true, then I’m going to be fucking sick.
It’s my husband… My loving, tender,faithfulhusband.
And he’s fucking another woma-
NO.
He’s fucking a motherfucking teenager!
“Oh my God.” I laugh,no, I fucking cackle. Screaming on the floor of my closet, I howl at the top of my lungs, losing my mind to this insanity.
Oh, baby, you fucked up. But that’s okay. Theodore is my husband, and I won’t let him ruin himself.
That’s for me to do.
But this bitch?
She doesn’t know who she fucking messed with.
Scarlett Dane
CHAPTER XXVIII
After speeding for my life away from Theodore’s, I returned home, hoping I didn’t smell of sex and his come, when my mother pulled me in for a hug.
I bonded with her for a bit, watched some television, and ate a late breakfast before heading up to my room for some much-needed sleep.
Theodore fucked me within an inch of my life last night. Physically, he wore me out, but mentally? I couldn’t stop replaying the moment. It made sleep impossible, and then, after that rude awakening, I was desperate for some shuteye.
I was asleep for almost four hours when I got a text from Theodore.
What’s the code for your loft? I have something I want to leave for you.Still half asleep, I smile and respond with the access code. He already knew where my spare keys were since he was the one who bought me that special plant pot with a hidden compartment underneath.
That was two hours ago. I’m dying to see what he left behind, but I promised my parents dinner and a movie. I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve spent any time with my father, and though it’s killing me to be apart from Theodore, I need this time with family.
As we enjoy the delicious meal my mom made, my dad goes on about his current case. Apparently, a girl from a high-class family went missing a few days ago. She was on a senior field trip with her class when she suddenly went missing. No one has seen her since.
I can see it weighing on his shoulders, and with every glance he passes my way, I know he’s picturing me in that girl's position. He’s racking his mind with all the possible horrific situations she’s enduring. I need him to stop, or he’ll never let me out of his sight until she’s found.
“My final art project is almost finished, and if I may be honest… it’s perfect!”
A round of applause rings out around the table. I soak in their praise while giving out my thanks. I really am proud of it. It’s so much better than anything I’ve ever created, full of passion and pain: love and hate.
My sins and virtues.
I would love to say that it’s all me, but I know none of this would have happened if Theodore hadn’t come into my life. He freed something inside me, and some may disapprove, but I’ve never felt more alive.
“Would it be okay if I went to the studio later on? After the movie? I haven’t worked on it in a couple of days, and I’m itching to get back to it.”
