"What if Isabelle really retaliates against us?" Jenny pretends to be scared, seeking sympathy from Zac.
"And what did she earlier? She'll surprise us again. Isabelle has changed since she found out about our affair. The kind, gentle, and helpful Isabelle is gone. Now, she's harsh," Jenny says while in Zac's embrace.
"Jenny, she slapped you because you insulted he for being barren. Of course, she'd be angry," Zac explains.
"But the truth is, she IS barren, too. We've been married for two years and still don't have children. I, on the other hand, can give you a child," Jenny says, leaving Zac in a dilemma, torn between his deep love for his wife and his desire for offspring.
"What are we going to do now? I've quit my job, and you 're no longer employed at Isabelle's company," Jenny says while still in Zac's embrace.
"Don't worry, I have some savings that Isabelle doesn't know about. We can start a small business," Zac assures her.
"When are we going to get married? My belly will soon grow bigger," Jenny asks with hope in her eyes.
"As soon as possible. I'll marry you, and I'll go to your parents' house to ask for their blessings," Zac replies.
"I hate Isabelle. I despise her so much. Because of her, we're living like this," Jenny says angrily.
Zac is feeling confused, especially since his family's lifestyle has improved significantly. He wonders what he should tell his mother, considering that Isabelle is likely to file for divorce.
**********
"My love, can't we talk this out? I don't want to divorce you, and I can't leave Jenny because she's pregnant with my child. I'll be seen as an irresponsible man. Can't we just stay together? Let me marry Jenny, and I'll be fair to both of you. Please, my love, I still love you deeply."
- Zac
Zac's message is read by Isabelle, who has no intention of responding. He's a selfish man who wants two wives while still living off his legal wife.
Isabelle rubs her temples, but suddenly, she receives a message, not from Zac from her money-minded mother in law.
"My dear daughter in law, can you please send me some money? I'm in urgent need, not much, just a thousand of dollars," Isabelle says.
"Nathan... ah!" Isabelle calls out Nathan.
"Yes, miss," Nathan replies, out of breath from rushing to Isabelle's side as she sits in her grand chair.
"Nathan, find out if my mother in law is involved in my husband's betrayal. I want everyone here at my office desk tomorrow," Isabelle says.
"Understood, miss. Is there anything else I should do?" Nathan asks.
"Nothing."
"In that case, I'll return to my office, miss," Nathan says before leaving Isabelle's office.
"Oh God, I'm really overwhelmed thinking about my shattered marriage," Isabelle thinks to herself.
**********
Isabelle spent the rest of the day buried in her work at the office. She knew she needed to focus on her business affairs and unravel the complexities of her personal life separately. Despite the emotional turmoil within her, she managed to maintain her professional composure in front of her employees. She was determined not to let her crumbling marriage affect her work.
As the day wore on, Isabelle received several messages from Zac, filled with apologies and pleas for reconciliation. Each message tried to tug at her heartstrings, reminding her of their shared history and the love they had once shared. However, Isabelle remained resolute in her decision to seek a divorce.
In the midst of her busy day, Isabelle also received an update from Nathan, her loyal assitant. He had conducted some preliminary research into Zac's mother's involvement in the betrayal. It seemed that Zac's mother was aware of her son's extramarital affair.
By late afternoon, Isabelle's emotional exhaustion began to take a toll on her. She decided to leave the office early and head home to gather her thoughts and plan her next steps. She knew that the path ahead would be difficult, filled with legal proceedings and emotional challenges, but she was determined to rebuild her life and find happiness once more.
When Isabelle arrived home, she found a quiet and empty house. Zac and Jenny were nowhere to be seen. Part of her wished for a confrontation, to let her husband and his mistress know that she wouldn't stand for their betrayal. Yet, another part of her longed for peace and solitude, a moment to reflect on her life and future.
Isabelle decided to make herself a cup of tea and retreated to her favorite spot on the balcony, where she often found solace. The evening sky was painted with shades of orange and pink as the sun began to set. Isabelle took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within her.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Isabelle closed her eyes, hoping for a peaceful night's rest, ready to face the challenges of a new day with unwavering determination.