Ayra's POV
Our class ended, so it's time to go home. Nicol, Jean, and I are walking together in the hallway. We're not talking about anything, just walking silently until I asked.
"Where's Kim, by the way?"
Kim is one of our friends. She's a cheerful person, so when the three of us are feeling down, we look for her. She's talkative, always telling stories. We need her when we're feeling low.
"Let's go, let's find her," Jean gently suggested.
"She's here," Nicol pointed to Kim coming towards us.
Why is she showing up just now?
"Oh, why did you skip class?" I asked her with one raised eyebrow.
"I woke up late," she replied, seeming absent-minded.
"You're already in the dorm, and you're still late," Jean countered.
It seems like she prefers to point out but I don't understand.
"You're out of breath, Kim. What happened?" Nicol commented on Kim's condition.
They notice things with their serious faces. I wonder what's on their minds.
"You know, I cleaned the dorm," she replied without enthusiasm.
It's like she doesn't want to see us or she's just not in the mood. I want to ask, but I didn't get the chance.
"You're hardworking," was my unenthusiastic response.
I walked ahead. I lost my appetite. My friend's mood is contagious.
"I'll go ahead, I still have something to do," she said without waiting for us to say anything. She left immediately.
I guess that's how it is when you're just waking up. Maybe she's avoiding us for no reason. I want to know what's on her mind.
Again, it's just the three of us together.
"Let's go to the mall first!" Nicol exclaimed with excitement in her voice.
Since we're not allowed to leave the dorm, they're excited whenever they're with me on weekends.
"We can't go out. What are you thinking?" the other one objected.
"Ayra is with us, girl," she rolled her eyes and looked at me. "Right, Ayra?"
"Tsk," I sighed and changed our topic. "I'm just wondering, why did Kim come with us only once?"
"Forget about it! Let's just have fun!"
I didn't do anything until we reached the school gate. When my friends drag me, I have no escape. Sigh.
I told the guard that my two friends are with me. Luckily, he didn't ask any more questions and let us out. We got in the car. Jean in the backseat, and Nicol in the passenger seat. I started the car and drove to the nearby mall.
"We're here, get off."
They got off, and we entered the mall. There were only a few people, so it wasn't too crowded even though the mall is big. Crowds are inevitable sometimes when there are many people.
"You know what, Ayra? Just color your hair! Try a different hair color! Duh!" Nicol interfered with my hair. Yes, she's meddling.
"I agree!" Jean shouted. "Let's just go to the salon! Color! Color! Polish! Polish!"
Argh! These two are annoying!
"You just colored your hair because of Bryx, didn't you?" one of them indirectly asked. "Gosh, Ayra! Wake up! Stop making a cheater your inspiration in life!"
"Hays," I'm annoyed. "Just shut up, okay? People have been staring at us since earlier."
They looked around and got embarrassed when they saw many eyes on us. I rolled my eyes. We entered the restaurant, and luckily there was a vacant table, so we sat down. I stayed silent.
"Menu, please," Nicol asked, and the staff quickly brought one to her. "What do you want to eat, girls?"
"Anything," I replied.
"That's Ace, isn't it?"
Nicol's eyes are really sharp. She's looking at the menu, but she still noticed Ace. She's something.
"You must have eyes at the back of your head, Nicol," Jean teased, and she got an eye roll in return.
I looked to where she was pointing, and yes, it's Ace. He's with a girl, probably his girlfriend. But why is he here? Did he leave the school? How?
A little while later, they chose their food and ordered quickly. It arrived promptly, so we started eating.
I couldn't help but think. I've been thinking about this for a while now. I'm really curious about Bryx's mysterious affair. It's secretive.
"Girl!" Nicol called me. "You're deep in thought. Are you checking out your husband's abs?"
A few seconds passed before I answered. "No, but I'm thinking about Bryx. He has a mistress, and whenever I see them together, he covers her face."
They frowned in confusion. They are also wondering.
"Divorce your husband first!" Nicol shouted.
Nicol tapped the spoon against the glass as if cheering me on, but I could sense the annoyance in her voice.
"Such a stubborn girl!" Jean
said.
Who else always contradicts Nicol?
Whenever Bryxwell is the topic of our conversation, their advice is always conflicting. Their opinions create chaos, but in the end, I know I should be the one to decide for myself.
"Let's just eat. What time is it?" I changed the topic. I didn't want a long conversation about my husband.
"It's already eight o'clock, girl!"
After finishing our meal, we decided to go back to the university. They left their dorm, and they can't stay at my house.
"Well, your birthday is coming up," Nicol reminded me.
She still remembers my birthday. It hasn't crossed my mind, though.
"No need to celebrate, nothing will change," I answered coldly while keeping my eyes on the road.
"Celebrate for yourself," she said. "How about with your parents?"
"I don't want to show them."
"What a waste," Jean interjected. "Your anniversary is also approaching. Any plans?"
"Let's drop the topic about that guy," I answered simply.
It's not even on my mind, but they still remember. Are they the ones in the relationship with Bryxwell? How persistent.
"Do you really love him?" Nicol asked, confused with my responses. She always has questions.
"Of course," I confidently replied. "My birthday and our anniversary aren't important to me, okay?"
It's evident that I don't want to discuss that matter, so they didn't bring it up again.
"I feel like a broken record telling you to divorce him," Nicol softly said, looking out the window.
"It's easy to say but hard to do," I responded. "He already said that, and I can't do it."
I recalled what he said earlier and felt a tear rolling down my cheeks. Why are they asking? Remembering hurts. Am I being too emotional? Come on, Ayra, stop that.
We remained silent until we reached the university. We got off the car. I escorted them to the gate, and the guard greeted me.
"There's nothing good in the evening," I said. "Goodnight!" I bid my friends farewell.
"Bye!" they said.
Once they were out of sight, I returned to the parking lot, but before getting into my car, I saw Ace and Dave still outside, despite the late hour.
"Hi, Ayra. Good evening," Dave greeted me with a warm smile. He seems genuinely happy to see me now.
"It's already late," Ace said coolly.
"Shouldn't I be the one asking that?"
"I know, do I look like I can't see the darkness?" I whispered, unheard by them.
"Bryx?" Dave asked.
I fake-laughed at his question. I answered before getting into the car. "You should ask his mistress, not me."
"Ayra, do you really know what a breakup is?" He laughed loudly at his question.
"Is that supposed to be funny?" I asked irritably.
Nicol is gone, and now he's been replaced.
"Advance happy birthday."
Instead of saying thanks, I started the car. I didn't respond to that. I was busy driving when my cellphone rang.
Bryxwell is the caller.
He called multiple times, but I ignored him until he got tired. It's his problem if he's disturbed. I continued driving.
When I got home, our guard opened the gate. I went straight to the garage. I got out of the car and was supposed to go inside, but I saw Bryx with a woman.
I couldn't see the woman's face because she had her back turned to me. She's the mysterious mistress. My chest tightened as I watched them. Tears accompanied me as my chest constricted. Who is she?
I wiped away my tears and tried to be strong to face them. I walked over to them, and Bryx spotted me quickly. His eyes widened, and he hid his mistress. He didn't want to show the face of that woman. Should I not interfere?
"What are you doing here?" he asked stupidly.
He placed the woman behind him. He didn't want to show the face of that fucking woman.
I just glanced at his mistress as she left the house. Her body looked familiar. Where have I seen her before? I wanted to pull her, but my body wouldn't move.
I faced Bryx and grinned. "What am I doing here? Where should I go? To my man?"
"It's late."
"Who is that woman?" My voice tingled. "Is that woman itchy or good in bed?"
"Your mouth!" he yelled at me angrily.
So he's defending that woman? How funny. I think that woman is very lucky.
"Defending her?" I sarcastically asked, finding it hard to believe.
"Tsk."
"Maybe your mistress is beautiful. Can I meet her?"
"I don't care about this, you know? Don't drag it out."
"When did you ever care about this?"
A sarcastic question.
It took a few seconds before he spoke again.
"Are you jealous?"
"Of course. Are you dumb?"
He laughed. "We don't love each other, so you can find others, too. Flirt everywhere. Kiss anyone."
"I've wanted to do that for a long time, Falcon. Remember Falcon, when I can't take it anymore, I won't hesitate to break up with you," I stopped and stared into his eyes. "Isn't that what you want? Think of things that will hurt me so that I give up. Your wish will come true."
"Oh?" he replied. "Thanks for the idea."
I walked inside the house while speaking. "I will be the first to sign the annulment paper."
He didn't respond to what I said. He suddenly asked, "Why now?"
"What does it matter to you, huh? We don't care about each other anymore. Stop pretending," I rolled my eyes at him, pretending like he cares.
I noticed he was trying to hold back his anger. "No one has cooked yet! I'm hungry. That's your job!"
I faced him. "Aren't you satisfied yet after eating your mistress? Or the justification you tasted—"
I didn't finish what I was about to say when he suddenly slapped me. I winced as my head tilted to the side. He slapped me because of that woman? Who is that woman?
"Is that how vulgar your mouth can be?!"
That woman must be important to him! He hurt me!
I straightened up in front of him. "Why? Is it a big deal? You've been doing that for a long time, Falcon, so don't act all innocent. Your room is the evidence."
"Haha, woman," he looked me up and down. "I can't learn to love you because of your behavior. No one wants your personality. Dave is right. It's just a smile, but you're difficult to handle. Are you even human?"
Oh, really?
I was bored with him. "I don't like everyone interfering with my behavior. And me? I don't know how to smile? Ever since I entered this hell, I don't like this house! I don't like this color! I don't like this atmosphere! I don't like my situation! I don't like everyone! Is it based on a smile?! On emotion?! Why? Is it amusing when someone hurts you?! Now, tell me, Falcon?! Are you messing with me again?!"
He paused but quickly regained his composure. "Is that how you see it? Who would want to marry on paper, isn't it you?"
"Shameless of you. I loved you and became foolish for you, but I didn't become desperate. Is that how highly you think of yourself?" I asked sternly, causing him to be taken aback. "It's almost over, Bryx. It's almost over."
I went to the kitchen.
Bryxwell's POV
I was left speechless by what she said. Why am I even engaging with her? Yes, I slapped her. Her tongue is sharp. She doesn't know that woman well to judge her. Ayra goes overboard with her behavior.
"I'll just sleep in the dorm to avoid this."
She's really annoying, huh?
"Who said?" I immediately questioned.
"I am."
"Then try to sleep there," I challenged. "We were the owner then. I'll find a way so that they won't accept you there."
She frowned at me. "Still cares about me."
"Assume then."
"You care about me because I'm a woman."
"Probably."
She grinned. "Oh, about Ace?"
Why does she always mention Ace's name? Is she trying to play with me now? Is she trying to annoy me even more? What's her game?
"We are talking seriously, and then you mention someone else who is still my friend."
"Why, Falcon? Is there a problem there?"
She's really getting on my nerves now. I don't want her mentioning my friends' names. She seems to be enjoying my reactions.
"You're arrogant," I replied, losing patience.
She faced me while taking a sip of water. "Why are you reacting like that? Is there a problem?"
"No—"
Her phone suddenly rang. I got more annoyed when I saw that it was Ace calling. What's the reason for him to call my wife?
I took her phone and turned it off. Annoyed, I faced her again. She knows Ace's number. She even gave it to him. What is she up to?
"Why did you hang up?" anger was evident in her voice.
"Why? We were talking. He''s rude."
She took her phone back. "He's your friend, Falcon."
"Are you stupid? You were the one he called, right?"
Her forehead furrowed even more. She sighed and lazily looked at me.
"I'm going to sleep, Falcon. If you're hungry, just look in the kitchen. Let's continue our argument tomorrow."
"I'm not done yet," I said annoyed.
Is that how it's going to be? It's over? She didn't even answer my call earlier.
"What is it?"
"Why aren't you answering my calls?"
"Damn, aren't you done yet?" she said, losing her patience too. "Because I don't want to. The answer is simple, but it doesn't seem to register in your head that it's not just women who occupy my thoughts."
A tear involuntarily escaped my eyes as I looked at her. "Argh!" I punched the wall out of frustration. In our argument, I feel like I'm losing now. "I'm mad at you because we broke up with my ex-girlfriend because of that fucking wedding! You didn't do anything! Fuck it!"
Stupid, Bryxwell! Think!
Ayra's POV
I entered my room, crying silently. My tears are easily shed. It's a good thing I can still gather the courage when facing him. Thankfully, my tears didn't fall while we were arguing earlier.
I closed the door and stood against it. I allowed myself to feel what I truly feel. I'm always the loser whenever he's my opponent. Why is he like this?!
"Why..." I whispered softly. I clenched my fists before screaming, "Why didn't you fight for me during that wedding, Ace?! Why?!" My tears kept flowing. I wanted to disappear.
I'm getting tired of this. I let my true feelings out, sitting on the floor without even realizing it.
Bryxwell's POV
"Argh!" I shouted. I threw away what I was holding.
My life is a mess because of you.
"Fuck that marriage..."
Fuck it!
"I love you, but my anger towards you comes first..."
Continue...