He looked so dangerously sexy.
But I just couldn't help the cackle that escaped my lips: "Are you being serious right now?
You promised her the world; you gave her attention.
Even though we're a supposed married couple, she still gets under your skin. You treasure her words over mine, and you've shared blood with her so many times that you can't just overlook that fact, Reiss. Don't lie to yourself; you still love her."
"And why do you care about my feelings all of a sudden? You said you could never love me; you hate me as much as I hate you, so why does this matter?" He bends down to meet me face-to-face.
"So you love her, then?"
"I don't," he retorts almost immediately.
"Then prove it, Reiss."
"What has gotten over you all of a sudden? I don't understand you today." He groans as he gets up while pulling on his hair.
"Well, I don't understand you either! We were supposed to act as an amazing, loved-up couple, but when we got here, you made me feel nothing but awful and angry.
And you didn't care when Aracelli looked down on me as well as these other guests who couldn't seem to get my name off their lips. Now you come in here acting like you care when you haven't even looked at me for a complete minute.
I have tried to be strong, okay, but I can't do it anymore. I just want to get out of here." I sighed as I looked at the edges of the sheets.
"Then what do you want me to do, huh?" What exactly do you want from me right now?" He bellowed
He continued, "Should I clip their mouths or should I chase Aracelli out of our table? What the hell do you want, woman?"
He looked so angry for a moment that I would've let out a whimper, but I had to answer the question. What did I want?
What did I truly want?
"Come home with me. Please, that's all I ask of you, Reiss. I don't care if I seem weak or if I can't handle your harsh treatment today, just... Look, you can punish me however you want... Let's go home," I sniffled, trying to hold back tears.
I know I don't love him, but right now I just desperately needed his arms around me to calm me down and to tell me everything would be okay.
I stood up as I eagerly waited for his response, and when he finally returned my gaze,
He says, "I can't. Not right now."
"Yeah, well, I should've known. You'll always be callous towards me," I sigh as I wipe a tear and walk out.
I'm all alone. Always have and always will be...
~~~
Monday…
"Bernice," I cried.
"Freya," she said as we ran into each other for a hug.
"Bernice," I beckoned.
"I know, I know; you're safe now."
I sniffled, "I feel so broken." I laughed.
"Come on, let's talk about all of it," she said. I missed her a lot. She was the only person who still loved me.
"Okay." I smiled
A few hours later...
"But you guys looked so cute on camera! Who would've thought his ex would arrive at the gala to steal your shine?" Bernice said this as we watched a TV station talk about the newest couples in town. That would be me and Reiss.
I called her that night when I got home; she was the one who comforted me over the phone as I went to bed.
Of course I couldn't tell her the main reason why I was crying; I just told her I got a bad tummy ache and that I bumped into Aracelli, who wasn't so nice to me.
I couldn't tell her the full details. If I did that, then I'd have to mention the contract I signed with Reiss, and I'm not supposed to do that, or the deal is off.
I just have to pretend he's a good husband and that I'm happy. Even if it means lying to my best friend, I'll soon be free from it all.
Hopefully…
"These damn people are comparing you and Aracelli, and most of the masses are picking Aracelli as the better fit for Reiss, if only they knew how bad of a person she was." Bernice said she was bringing me out of my thoughts.
"I don't care about any of that," I sighed as I looked at some files.
"But you have fans, though! Some say you look more cute and that your lifestyle fits Reiss so well."
"Why're you so into this?" I laughed as I turned off the TV.
"I'm happy that I'm a friend of a celebrity! And now your business can grow, and you're happily married! I can't believe you got so busy getting fucked you didn't even think to call me during your honeymoon." She smirked, and I just laughed.
Oh, if only she knew... "I apologise once again; we wanted to get to know each other better, and it turns out that we can actually make this work. But we're still in the process," I smiled.
"The process, huh, but y'all are still fucking every night." She plays with her brows, making me laugh.
"Stop saying it like that." I blush
"I'm so glad you're back. And you're happier. Just know that I'm here for you, okay?"
"Always." I smile as we hold hands.
"Ma'am!!!" I heard before she slammed my door and walked in.
"What is so urgent that you couldn't knock on the door, Abi?"
"Take a look at this," she said as she handed me an iPad.
As I glanced through the transactions, my mouth fell wide open.
"What is it? Come on, tell me." Ber beckoned
"Someone just transferred 50 million yen into our account!"
"What!!!" Bernice yelled in disbelief.
"Give it to me," she said as she took the iPad and looked through it.
"No way, Freya! No fucking way!!"
"You're a millionaire!"
"I know!!!" I screamed as we jumped for joy together.
"Who did this?" She asked
"That... I don't know," I sighed as I sat down.
A nameless account just wired me money. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not who I think it is, because if it is him,
Why would he hide his identity?
And I certainly didn't ask anyone for money, not even Papa.
So who then?
"Stop worrying about it. The transaction checks out, so it's legal. You can't be sued for it. Now didn't you say you wanted to host a fashion show to showcase your pearls if you had the money?" Bernice said
"I did, but"
"No buts. Luck is beginning to shine on you, baby! Maybe you've got a secret fan, and they're sending you money! You're famous now; this shouldn't be a surprise.
Take the bull by the horn and ride your way to success! Let's do this fashion show; it's going to be lit!" she exclaimed
"Okay. We'll do it!" I screamed
"You should start making fliers. We need models ASAP," Bernice said.
"Yes ma'am!"
Huh, she's already making plans like it's her fashion show.
That's how a friendship should be, I guess; my success is her success.
"Thanks so much, Ber." I smiled
Maybe things are starting to shape up for me.