Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: A Plan

My declaration hangs in the air; I watch Hudson's reaction like a hawk, searching for any emotion, any reaction. But he remains infuriatingly composed, his face a mask of indifference as he taps away on his tablet.

He does not even look up at me.

I refuse to let him dismiss me so easily. Standing up, my voice steady despite the storm raging within me. "You can't just brush this aside, Hudson. We need to talk about this."

He looks up, his gaze meeting mine with a cold detachment that sends a shiver down my spine. "There's nothing left to discuss, Aza," he dismissively replies. "I am finished. We are finished."

"All I was was a temporary distraction until Coco decided to grace us with her presence again?" My tears that threaten to fall are no longer tears of hurt but tears of outrage. 

Hudson's jaw tightens, his facade slipping for just a moment to reveal a tinge of aggravation. "Don't be melodramatic, Aza. You knew what you were getting into when we got married."

The bitterness of his words sting, fueling a determination I never knew I possessed. "Maybe I did," I confess, my voice trembling. "But I refuse to let you treat me like some disposable toy."

For a moment, silence hangs between us, thick with tension. Then, with a sigh, Hudson rises from the chair, his expression unreadable as he stands before me. 

The smell of his cologne fills the air. Baccarat Sauvage, I buy him a new bottle every Christmas. I cannot help but take a deep breath and allow the familiar scent to wash over me.

"Fine," he says, his body nearly touching mine. "If you want to have this conversation, let's have it."

I brace myself for what's to come, "What do you think happens from here?"

His response is immediate, cutting through the air. "I don't owe you any explanations, Aza," he quips in an icy tone. "But for the record, I do not plan to leave you for her yet. But I will not stop seeing her."

His words leave me reeling. "You what?" I echo, struggling to comprehend his meaning.

Hudson's expression softens and he grasps my chin with his hand. Forcing my eyes to meet his, he whispers, "You know as well as I do that our marriage was never built on love." 

His gaze does not stray from mine as he persists, "It was a business arrangement, nothing more."

The truth of his words lands with a sickening thud, and I move my hand to his. I knew our parents had a hand in our engagement, but I always believed Hudson loved me. I always trusted that he would never break his vows. Now, he is shattering the illusion of the life I thought we shared. "I can't believe you're saying this," I whisper, my voice barely audible above the pounding of my heart.

Now, I let the tears flow freely. Hudson's gaze stabs my heart, and suddenly, I am overwhelmed with a need to feel him. I rise on my tip toes and let my lips find his, desperate to close the distance between us. Hudson does not resist; instead, his mouth quickly opens and devours my tongue.

I feel his hands move from my chin to the back of my neck, his powerful grip entangling my hair. He tugs my hair, pulling me away. Again our eyes lock- he still wants me, I think. I still have some power. 

I can feel the pull of his hand on my hair growing tighter, the warmth between us mounting. His mouth is back on my lips, his tongue dancing in circles with mine. He moves his mouth to my chin, his tongue tracing the edge of my jawline.

He pulls my body to him, and I press against him. Desperate to feel his hands on my body, I kiss his neck. Out of the corner of my eye, I see his tablet on the table.

The screen lights up with a notification: Coco.

Abruptly, I am reminded of reality. I pull away from Hudson and retreat a few steps away. "No." 

Hudson reaches out, his hand hovering in the space between. "I'm sorry, Aza," he murmurs. "I truly never meant to hurt you."

But his words ring hollow, offering no comfort. "I trusted you, Hudson," I choke out. "I believed in us- in our life. And now it is ruined for what? For her?"

"I'm leaving," he announces, his voice emotionless. "I'll send for my things tomorrow."

"Where are you going?" I ask, but he only answers with a slight smirk.

Hudson turns on his heel and strides out of the kitchen, leaving me alone.

I listen to his footsteps echo through the penthouse. I hear our door open, and his footsteps fade into silence.

I swing open the terrace door, the cool April breeze sweeping in to greet me, carrying away the remnants of his scotch and the bitter taste of betrayal that lingers on my lips. 

The night air wraps around me, drying the tears that still cling stubbornly to my cheeks. With each inhale, I draw in renewed strength, my determination to rebuild burning bright within me.

In the darkness, illuminated only by the glow of city lights below, I cast a glance at my watch. It's not too late, I realize—there's still time to catch Laney before she disappears into her evening at her newly opened restaurant.

I quickly navigate my phone's contacts, my fingers moving with purpose as I dial Laney's number. With each ring, my plan begins to take shape.

Hudson may think he's in control, but I refuse to let him dictate the course of my life any longer. It's time to take back control, to forge my own path forward, free from the suffocating grip of his lies and manipulation. 

As the call connects, I read myself for the conversation to come.

"Laney, I need your help."