“Fine but tired. I get tired, really fast.”
He takes me in his arms and kisses my forehead. “Let’s go home, then.”
Hailey
The week goes by quickly. I’m starting to decrease the painkillers, and I’m glad. I no longer feel nausea, and I begin to feel more energetic.
I talked to a psychologist. Unfortunately, according to her, I have to get a divorce, or things will get worse. The more possessive he becomes, the more dangerous he’ll be.
I’m starting to give in to the fact that I’ll never get a divorce. All the judges in the county are friends of Jeremy, so they’ll never sign the papers. I’m screwed!
It’s Saturday. Early in the morning, I start making desserts and preparing sauces to dress the meat.
“Hello, my love. In the afternoon, some work colleagues will be coming. I invited them to dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, no problem, at least as long as there’s no vanilla smell in the way.”
“I made her change her perfume.” He takes an apple and goes to his office.
I follow him.
“So, you still fuck her?” I ask incredulously.
The bracelet appears to heat up. What the hell?
“This isn’t your concern,” he says.
“What the fuck does that mean? I’m your wife! It concerns me all right! If you want to fuck another one, do it, but I’m asking for a divorce!”
The bracelet hurts me, but when Jeremy approaches me, I’m terrified of what I see in his eyes.
I back away in fear, but the wall prevents me from moving any farther.
He punches the wall near my head. Out of fear, I close my eyes.
“Don’t say that anymore. The sooner you understand it, the better. We’ll never get a divorce. Who I’m fucking isn’t your concern. In the evening, I return to you. You’re my wife! Mine forever! Do you understand? Don’t make me repeat it because you’re driving me to exhaustion. Now behave like a good wife and finish preparing. The guests will arrive in a few hours, and I want you rested.”
“Okay,” I answer, resigned.
He walks away, and I head back.
I try to breathe normally. Zoë feels my agitation and comes close to me. I hug her, and my eyes linger on the bracelet.
It can’t be a coincidence. Danny said it’s a protective bracelet.
As rational as I want to be, I truly believe Alice is protecting me.
I thank her mentally and try to finish the preparations.
The guests start arriving. I put on a white floral dress and go downstairs.
Jeremy and some colleagues talk. As soon as they see me, they come to hug me and congratulate me on the pregnancy. I glance around, looking for her. I don’t see her, and I feel calmer.
Andrew and Danny arrive shortly after with some excellent wine, which, unfortunately, I cannot drink.
“I’m sorry, Preciosa. I have these Swiss chocolates for you. I’m told they’re delicious.” Drew smiles.
“I accept the exchange. I love chocolate.”
