Valeria didn't want to believe what the stranger had said. How dare that person taunt with her emotions like that!
She replied the mystery messanger with anger coursing through her blood, telling whoever it was that she was not going to believe a single word, unless they had proof. She'd sent the message since that night.
The next day and Valaria was still waiting for a reply. In her mind she thought the person had only been messing with her, because where was the proof now?!
But she couldn't help but wonder if it was true.
James strode down and walked past her without saying a word. She had prepared breakfast and was about to wake the kids.
"Wait," James said at last.
Valeria flashed cold eyes at him, but really she was just suspicious of her husband now.
"I'm sorry, okay. About everything." He walked over to her and wrapped his hands around her hips to pull her closer. "About last night. It won't happen again."
Valeria managed a smile. Why are you suspicious of your husband goddammit! He's not cheating on you, he loves you.
She heaved in a deep sigh, leaned forward and kissed him slowly, her arms wrapped around his neck. "I'm sorry too."
"Will you go get the outfit for the kids today?" He asked.
The kids were having a end of the session party very soon.
"That's true. I'll head to the store today."
"Okay then."
"That's two parties in one month!" James' company was hosting an end of the year party too, because they calculated the end of their calendar year to be in June.
James said nothing but his face hinted of an awkward smile. He didn't want Valeria to come. He never invited her to any party hosted at work.
"But what about one time your company said they'd host an award party? You still deserve an award as the best worker, remember?" Valeria asked.
"No award anymore. Just the end of the year party, and they don't allow us to come with our family, I would have loved for you to tag along, you know."
Valeria always thought it awkward that they couldn't bring their family members to company parties, but who was she to say anything.
"Alright then."
"You know what? This year's party is actually canceled. I forgot to tell you." James said out of the blue.
"Canceled! How's that possible!"
"They said we didn't generate enough money, blah blah blah."
"That's so sad actually. Well I'll host us one of this weekends where we'll have a grand feast to celebrate you!"
"Thank you, my one and only Val." James kissed her like he would never see her again, "I love you so much."
"You know I love you too."
***
"I don't know why you wanted me to tag along." Valeria was saying to her sister. "You're an expert at this, but you still had to drag me out."
"They're your kids, sister! Besides, you need to be leaving the house every once in a while." Mylene replied.
They were strolling at the mall, checking clothes for Jose and his big sister.
A man in his late or mid thirties walked over to them. Valeria knew that much because she had been watching the man ever since she stepped foot into the mall.
He was tall with fair and healthy skin, coming with a well defined and handsome physique. He was on a pair of brown glittering shoe, a dark pants and a leather coat with a pair of tinted sunglass.
"Hello ladies," he said, his voice firm and bold but also charming. "Don't argue, just pick five outfits of any design as well as two pairs of shoes. It will be on the house."
Mylene was already glinting with excitement but Valeria stepped in front. "Is that for charity? You've looked us in the eyes and determined we won't be able to afford what we've got?"
Mylene was pushing her back but she didn't listen. She had it at the back of her mind that he resembled a proud man. And he just showed himself acting all like a god! She didn't even know why she was furious at the time.
Was it because of the mystery messanger? Everybody was goddamn suspicious now!
The man leaned forward, pair of grey eyes staring as if to intimidate her. "Charity? Hmm." He tilted his head a little, observing her.
Valeria was not too tall so she was petite beside this man.
"Your entire outfit reeks of cheap, and here I am trying to save your life and you're rejecting my offer? Just one of my cufflinks would pay for everything on you if you decide to purchase the same outfit for the next five years and you'd still be left with more than half the money!"
Valeria rolled her eyes. How dare him! She was about to give him the befitting reply when Mylene pulled her away.
"Thank you so much sir. Please, green card sir? We are honored to be your customer."
"What the fuck are you saying!" Valeria yelled. "I'm not sorry!"
"Two green cards, one for the pretty lady, you." The stranger said, handling one green card to Mylene who collected it like it was gold. "The other one for..." He looked at her from head to toe then finally spoke, "short queen."
Valeria gasped out loud. "Short queen? How dare you!"
The stranger just walked away, smiling.
"You're the short queen!" Valeria yelled, not minding people staring at her.
"Look at your shirt." Mylene said, forcing Valeria to stare down.
On her top, it read: Queen.
"And I mean, you're not that tall. Especially beside him." Mylene teased. "Can you relax now, angry bird. He's the CEO of this mall and gives green tickets to random customers. And rumors have it that he never forgets a face! I just can't believe I met him in person and not just that, got a green ticket from him! So, let's go shopping."
***
Deep down, Valeria was grateful to this stranger whom Mylene had called JT. Thanks to him, she now owned two expensive designer heels, two lovely dresses, one knee length pencil mouth skirt and two fancy blouses!
Mylene had gotten lovely attires too, all free because of the green card.
She was in a good happy mood. Until...
"Finally," she muttered under her breath as she gets a notification from her one and only stranger friend.
But surprisingly, she'd actually gotten a picture! She tried to load it, but it was taking a while to do so.
As it was loading however, Valeria felt like she was waging out war on herself. What if he was cheating? What could even possibly be in that photo that would hurt her? She didn't know anyone that James could possibly be cheating with.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Finally, the picture loaded, and Valeria couldn't believe her eyes.
As it seemed, whoever was in that photo wasn't even that important to her.
Why she was wearing a wedding dress next to James was the problem!
Valeria has been James' wife from the very beginning, and he should have only one wife.
Not two!