Chapter Three

Diana's Point of View

Date

As soon as I finished preparing lunch, I hurried down to the bathroom, eager for a long, relaxing shower. I wanted to feel fresh, beautiful, and most importantly, ready for him. 

Tonight, I planned to wear my favorite lingerie, the one that made me feel sexy, desired, and irresistible. I wanted him to look at me and remember why he chose me.

I couldn't help but think of him-David, my husband, the man who had taken my virginity so carefully, so tenderly. The memory still made my heart race. 

But lately, his touch had become rare, fleeting... almost nonexistent. I wondered if it was me. I sniffed lightly, almost embarrassed at the thought, but the aroma that greeted me was fine-clean, soft, comforting. No, the problem wasn't me.

For so long, I had been starving-for intimacy, for affection, for the simple warmth of his hand on mine. I had tried to reach him in every way I could imagine, but he was always consumed by business. Meetings, calls, deals... it never ended. 

On the rare days he was home, he claimed exhaustion, insisting he had no strength left for anything else. And I swallowed it all. I swallowed the disappointment, the loneliness, the growing ache in my chest. Because I wanted this marriage. I had prayed for a man like him for years, and I refused to throw it away.

What would society think if I divorced him after all these years of longing, waiting, and sacrificing? I had to be patient. I had to hope.

And yet, as I finished my shower and wrapped myself in a soft towel, a flicker of doubt crept in. Curiosity got the better of me. I pulled out my phone and decided to search for the woman who now handle my former empire. Eleanor.

Nothing. No social media accounts connected to his surname. No traces linking her to him at all. My heart sank a little. Perhaps she wasn't active online, or perhaps... the lie was bigger than I imagined.

I shook my head, dismissing the dark thought. I set the dinner table meticulously, lighting candles, arranging plates neatly, making the place inviting, warm, romantic. I wanted him to feel at home, to feel the love that still coursed through me despite the coldness that had crept into our marriage.

Minutes turned to hours. I checked the clock. Nothing. No sign of him. My phone lay beside me, silent. I dialed his number. Nothing. Not even a missed call notification. Not unusual-he always claimed he didn't answer calls during meetings.

I fidgeted, biting my lower lip. Why? Why now, of all days, would he ignore me? Why leave me waiting, hopeful, vulnerable? My chest ached, my heart shattered yet again into a million tiny pieces. 

I should have been used to disappointment by now, but I wasn't. Hope lingered stubbornly, whispering that one day, things would go back to the way they used to be-before distance, before neglect, before this constant ache of longing.

I checked the food again. The dinner had gone cold. I sighed, dished out a portion for myself, and sat down to eat, the silence of the mansion pressing in on me.

A knock on the door made me startle.

I turned to see my closest friend smiling at me, her presence like a warm ray of sunshine cutting through the shadows of my thoughts.

"Hey, girl," she said, stepping inside and wrapping me in a comforting hug.

"Hey," I replied, my voice low, moody.

"What's up?" she asked, concern lining her expression.

"Nothing," I muttered quickly, not wanting to bore her with my marital problems. I wasn't sure I could even put the heartbreak into words yet.

She didn't press at first, only leaned closer, holding me with gentle insistence. "You know you can talk to me, right?"

I hesitated. But then, the dam broke. "Fine," I whispered. "I don't know what to do. David has refused to make love to me... and I am not getting any younger."

Her eyes softened, and a hint of worry crossed her face. "Hmmm... this is serious," she murmured.

"Have you spoken to him about it?" she asked.

"Well... yes. I have tried. I have made up my mind to bring it up tonight," I said, trying to sound determined, though uncertainty gnawed at me.

Lindsay rolled her eyes, shaking her head slightly. She had advised me against marrying David, but I hadn't listened. And despite everything, she remained a pillar of support.

"You're only thirty-four, Diana," she said gently. "You're still vibrant, still full of life. Don't let this consume you. Breathe a little, honey."

I managed a small nod. "Okay... I'll try. But you know how I get sometimes-I worry too much."

She pulled me closer. "Just give him time. Once this deal is over, he'll have all your attention, like he promised."

I smiled faintly. "Thank you... you've been a good friend," I said, feeling the warmth of her presence settle in my chest.

"Now, let's eat before the food gets cold again," she said, moving to plate her own portion from the microwave.

We ate together, talking and laughing, sharing stories of recent admirers, business ventures, family pressures. Lindsay never missed a beat, offering advice, teasing me, keeping me grounded even when my heart threatened to spiral.

When she finally left, the mansion fell silent again, the echoes of her laughter lingering in the air like a ghost. I sank into the chair, the emptiness of the house pressing against me.

Chapter Four 

David's Point of View

Award ceremony 

I came back from work and walked straight to our room. She was already asleep, snoring lightly.

I dropped my suitcase and headed to the bathroom. The hot water cleared the fatigue from my body. Once I was done, I dressed in clean night wear. 

My mind was restless.

I woke her up. 

She stirred and gave me a sharp look. My brow lifted. Audacity, I thought.

"Did you not hear me clearly, or should I repeat myself?" I asked, my voice edged with irritation.

Diana didn't move. She turned over, eyes closed, pretending to sleep.

I tapped her again.

"Are you even listening to me?"

She straightened, finally facing me. "Well... since you refused to keep your word, I suppose you've satisfied yourself elsewhere," she said, eyes glinting with defiance.

I paused, letting her words sink in. "Are you seriously telling me to quit my job over a romantic date?"

"You could have at least picked up your call," she shot back.

I moved closer, feeling the tension rise. She was testing me, challenging me. I needed to remind her who ruled this house.

"You've been acting... different lately," I said. "You no longer respect me as the man of this house."

Diana didn't respond. Then, she spoke words I hadn't expected:

"Then make sure you fulfill your obligation as well."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She stepped closer, disrobing in a clumsy attempt at seduction. But the sight of her sagging body, her skin lacking the vitality of Eleanor's youthful curves, irritated me.

I turned and walked away.

The next words she spoke were the last straw.

"Is there someone else, David? Who have you been seeing, after everything I did for you?"

Her voice rose. "Why won't you touch me? Turning me into a maid... I'm your wife!"

Before I could think twice, my hand shot out. The sharp slap echoed through the room.

"Next time, think before speaking to me. And for your information, you won't see me in this house again until I choose," I said coldly.

"You can marry yourself then," I muttered.

As I pack my stuff, I didn't miss the desperation in her voice as she sank to her knees, hands trembling as she reached for me.

"I'm sorry, David. I never meant to upset you. I need you in my life," she whispered.

I kicked her hands away. Did she think I cared?

I had tolerated her for long enough. Gratitude should have been her only response-but here she was, bargaining with me.

"You're an ingrate, Diana. After everything I did for you," I said. "Have you suddenly forgotten how I helped you?"

"I don't blame you, I shouldn't have married you", I yelled. 

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I didn't mean to annoy you. You know I love you... I can't bear to see you leave," she whispered.

"What about our trip?"

"Forget it," I said, my mind already elsewhere.

I ignored her pleas, packed my things, and left the mansion. The divorce would be easier this way.

In the garage, I picked a Rolls-Royce. Before driving off, I called Eleanor. She answered on the first ring. I sent her the address where I'd be staying. She was the only person who could distract me from the chaos.

It didn't take long for her to arrive. She slipped beside me, her body warm and supple beneath mine.

I leaned down, reclaiming the vigor and excitement I had lost. Eleanor's youth and energy were intoxicating.

"You know what to get ready for," I murmured, my lips brushing her ear. "Tomorrow, we're going to the awards ceremony."

Her eyes sparkled. "Thank you so much!" she said, pressing closer, hungry for my attention.

The night stretched long, each moment with Eleanor feeding the tension I had carried all day. She made it clear she belonged to me.

The next morning, Eleanor had already picked out a dress-ten thousand dollars, paid without hesitation. She was my princess, and anything she wanted, I would provide.

At the event, her hands entwined with mine as we walked down the stage. I didn't miss the stares. Everyone could see her as my chosen partner. Diana had been hidden all along, despite the ring she still wore.

I stepped to the podium to accept the award for Best Entrepreneur of the Year. The crowd erupted in applause as the presenter handed me the microphone.

"This award goes to my lovely and beautiful girl, the one I can't imagine life without: Eleanor Williams. I dedicate this to her-she was the sole inspiration for my success," I said, returning to my seat.

That's when I saw her. Diana, tears streaming, leaving the hall.

What was she doing here?

How did she even know about the awards?

Chapter Five

Diana's Point of View

Divorce 

I couldn't believe what had just happened. After our fight last night, everything felt like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

I had made enquiries at his office, piecing together fragments of his day, until I found my way to the award ceremony. And there she was-the woman he had claimed I had nothing to worry about, the one he had been hiding from me all along. My blood ran cold.

How could he do this after everything I had done for him?

My heart shattered into a million pieces, each shard stabbing me from the inside. I had poured myself into him, sacrificed so much, trusted him completely... and yet here I was, seeing the truth laid bare, cruel and merciless.

I had to leave the hall. I needed air, privacy, solitude. I found my way to the restroom and let myself break, letting the tears come, letting the sobs rack my body. My hands trembled as they gripped the cold porcelain sink.

What did he take me for? A fool? A puppet to toy with at his convenience?

Why did he promise me the world if he couldn't give me even a fraction of it?

What did I do to deserve this betrayal, this humiliation?

I couldn't stop myself. I left the hall and somehow found my way back home, my mind spinning, my chest tight with anger and despair.

I hadn't even sat down when the familiar roar of his car broke the silence. I felt a flicker of relief. Maybe he would explain. Maybe he would tell me that none of what I had seen mattered. Maybe he would deny it all, and I could breathe again.

But the moment he walked through the door, my vision became blurred. She was with him holding on to him tightly like a child. And in his other hand, another paper.

He dropped it on the table. 

Confusion swirled inside me, anger following close behind but I couldn't stop myself as my heart still care. 

I stepped closer, my voice tentative. "Have you eaten?"

He ignored me. His eyes didn't meet mine.

"Open it," he said, pointing to the paper.

I obeyed, trembling. My hands shook as I lifted it, my heart hammering against my ribs.

And then I saw it.

"No... no," I whispered, tears brimming and spilling down my cheeks. "You can't divorce me... please."

"I already did," he said simply. "You can see that I've signed it. Now I need you to sign it with immediate effect."

My knees threatened to buckle.

"This lady here is going to be my wife," he added, his tone flat, void of any hesitation. 

"Wife?! Are you... already married behind my back?" My voice cracked.

"Oh... no," the woman interjected softly. "Once you're out of the picture, I'll step in," she said, lifting her hand to reveal a gold ring gleaming against her finger.

I took a deep, shuddering breath. It felt unreal, like I had been plunged into a nightmare that refused to end. My body trembled, every inch of me screaming in frustration and disbelief.

The man I had trusted with everything-my heart, my dreams, my life-had stabbed me without a second thought.

"No... David, we can settle our misunderstanding, babe," I pleaded, my voice desperate.

He didn't even look at me. His expression was distant, unyielding.

"There is nothing to settle. I am tired of this loveless marriage," he said firmly.

"Sign it and let me go," he continued, cold and detached. "You can keep this mansion, and one of the BMWs is yours."

I rolled my eyes. Did he think he was doing me a favor by tossing material possessions at me?

"No," I said, my voice shaking with barely contained fury. "I don't want it. What I want is my company back-the fashion empire you gave to this woman."

He flinched, though he didn't show it.

"I can't believe you lied to me all these years," I said, tears blinding me. "You deceived me, you made me believe you loved me."

"That's why you wouldn't allow me to bear your child. You forced me through series of abortions for your convenience," I continued, every word a dagger.

Tears streaked my face as I thought of all the sacrifices I had made for him.

"I endured three abortions because you weren't ready for a child. And now, when you no longer want me, you think a piece of paper can erase me?"

"You are wrong, David. I am not going anywhere until you give me back everything you took from me-everything I sacrificed for you."

"My company. My children that never lived. My loyalty. My dignity. All of it."

I watched him carefully. His gaze was sharp, calculating, but I didn't flinch. I wasn't afraid anymore.

"And if I refuse? What will you do? You have no one to fight for you. I am practically your only family," he said, trying to intimidate me.

I shook my head slowly, realizing that his plan was relentless. 

"You don't want the whole world to know the truth about you," I said softly, seeing him falter ever so slightly.

He believed I was helpless, that I was naive. But I had him right where I wanted him, even if he didn't realize it yet. I would make him feel betrayal the way he had made me.

"This war isn't over," I said, fury burning like wildfire. "And I am the one who calls the shots here, not you, David."