How can Michael disrespect me in such a manner, bringing his lover to our home? Was I now completely nothing to him? Everything made me weak day by day. Was this just about divorce or was there some sort of revenge Michael was taking out on me? I wasn't going to fold my arms and watch Michael drag me into the mud. I had had enough!
I moved to confront Michael, to let him know that I was aware of his escapades. I wasn't going to watch Michael bring whatever he had going outside, into our home. It was one thing to have a secret affair outside the home, but to bring it to a place we share as husband and wife was another thing.
I got downstairs and headed for the kitchen. I was already filled with rage. "I'd finally get to see this secret lover who is better off than me," I said to myself. I got to the kitchen and saw a woman leaning on my husband's lap. What?!
"What's going on here?" I asked Michael, who turned to look at me. I was completely surprised to see that the woman whom I had thought to be Michael's lover was Sophia! Damn! I couldn't believe I had been too blind to notice it was Sophia. Of course, I could tell Sophia from a distance, if she had her back against me or not.
The pain I had been feeling for the past few days had surely done a number on me that I couldn't tell it was Sophia. I had imagined the worst earlier. I was about to allow my dream to come to reality, where I would carry the so-called mistress up and land multiple punches on her face. I couldn't imagine behaving in such a manner because it would be very much unlike me.
"Hey, girl. You're back," Sophia exclaimed gleefully. "I am back, but your cousin doesn't care if I was or not," I said to myself.
"Yes, Sophie, I am. It's good to see you," I replied politely. It was surprising to see Sophia in my home. Most times, Sophia would come around when I was in. It was only when she had errands to run for Michael that she would come, not minding if I was around or not.
"I'm sure you would be wondering why I didn't reach out to you before coming, which is not like me." It was as if Sophia had read my mind because that was exactly what I had been thinking. "Oh no! It's fine, Sophie. Our home is yours as well, and you know it."
Sophia went ahead to apologize for not returning any of my calls. She had been caught up with work which I quite understood. Sometimes, work can get so overwhelming that you forget you have pending issues to attend to. Sophia was really happy to see me. It seemed like she had a lot to tell me. I was glad she was around, at least she would be my perfect distraction from all the worries her cousin had caused me.
Sophia stood where she was seated and followed me up to the room. She wanted to tell me how her birthday party went and I, in turn, wanted to ask her if she had noticed any woman with Michael. I wasn't sure if Sophia would betray her cousin by telling me anything about his mistress, but I was willing to try.
We got to the room and Sophia couldn't wait for me to shower. She was too excited to wait that long. She told me all about her rich friends who also came with their rich friends, the people who gifted her, and the type of gifts she got. She went on and on, and I could see how ecstatic she was, as though she had another party coming up, to continue the fun.
I quickly remembered I had gotten her a birthday present. I got up to get the gift from where I had placed it, revealing it to Sophia. She screamed her eyes out as she noticed I had gotten her a handbag, one that oozed sophistication. I knew she would like it, so I went for it. Sophia threw her arms around me and pulled me in for a tight hug, pecking me continuously on my cheeks.
Although I knew Sophia's taste and the fact that she would like her present, I was still glad to see the happiness that flooded her face. Sophia was super excited to announce that she had also gotten a car as one of her birthday gifts. Oh, right! I had seen the car parked in the garage on my way in. I was so happy for Sophia, she was a sweet soul and deserved everything good.
When asked, Sophia told me her boyfriend had gotten her the car. "Your boyfriend?" I was shocked. I didn't take Sophia to be a serious person. She always dallied around when it came to romantic relationships. It was as if she was not ready to ever settle down to marry. She wanted to enjoy life to the fullest before she got committed to a serious relationship.
I was genuinely happy for her, happy that she had chosen to approach life with purpose. I was curious to know who Sophia's boyfriend was. She told me that they had just started dating, and he lived in a different city, so they hardly spent quality time together. The way she spoke, it was obvious Sophia was in love. I watched as she blushed just by merely talking about him.
As much as my marriage was almost hitting rock bottom, I was happy that my two friends - Sophia and Tina, had something solid going on for them. That was a little consolation for me. Sophia would not stop talking about her birthday party and I had no choice but to stay listening. I wanted her to be done because I needed to tell her of my discovery, what I had found out about Michael, and to ask if she had seen anything during her party.
When she noticed I was beginning to lose interest in the conversation, she turned to ask if I was okay. Perfect! Just what I was waiting for. I started by telling her how hurt I had been feeling, and how I almost caught Michael with his lover, which led to my fainting. I had no one to talk to except Tina.
Sophia wore a worried look on her face, and I was sure she was wondering if I knew what I was saying this time around. Before she could ask, I told Sophia that I was as sure as ever. I knew it was Michael I saw, but I wasn't able to take a good look at the woman.
"Oh dear! I wish you had a good look at that bitch's face. I would love to give her a real good beating!" I knew if I had ten Sophias then I would not worry about life because friends like Sophia are ready to fight the battles of their loved ones.
I told Sophia how much I had missed her and wished she had been around. Sophia was sorry she wasn't there for me but was grateful I had Tina, although she didn't like Tina. For some reason, Sophia couldn't say what it was about Tina that made her not particularly fond of her. She had always advised that I distance myself from Tina and not trust her completely. But I couldn't do that. Tina was my best friend and would always be.
To ease the tension that rose between us, I told Sophia about the dream I had last night. She couldn't help but laugh at the role I played in it, knowing that I did not have the liver to hurt a fly! "Funny right?" I asked Sophia. "Yes Mabel, very funny. That is one hell of a dream that wouldn't come to pass, I bet."
Seeing that our moods were lighter, I decided to take advantage of it to ask Sophia the question that had plunged my heart for a while now. After mustering enough courage, I asked Sophia if she had seen Michael with another woman. Sophia burst into laughter. I did not know if she laughed at my question or my predicament.
When she had had enough, she apologized upon seeing the flush of embarrassment on my face. She told me that Michael was with his friends and her friends. There was no mystery woman. "Michael knows I wouldn't approve of it, so he would not try a thing like that," she assured me. I was at peace with myself again. Maybe there was hope after all.
It was time for Sophia to go and Michael and I escorted her to the door. I was gradually getting used to my husband's silent treatment, so I wasn't surprised when he left me and headed to the guest room which had become his private space. I respected that, maybe giving him some time to think everything through. I was still madly in with him, and I was sure I wouldn't mind putting the past behind us should he come begging for forgiveness.
The night was going to be a long one again. Getting used to sleeping alone wasn't as easy as one would have imagined. I wondered if Michael found it as hard as I did. I wanted to go to his room to know if he was having a hard time getting some sleep as I was, but each time the thought came, I would rebuff it and brush it over my shoulders.
I woke up the next morning feeling happy for reasons I couldn't fathom yet. I was glad to have had some sleep after several times tossing on the bed. I got downstairs and realized Michael had gone to work. I should have made him breakfast at least. If there was one thing Michael couldn't do without, it was food.
I decided I was going to surprise him at work with a well-packed lunch. I went up to my room to have my mouth washed, then fixed my breakfast. After I had finished my food, I put together a grilled chicken sandwich with barbecue sauce. It was Michael's favorite. I packed the food neatly in an insulated lunch box and added some fresh fruit to serve as dessert.
I got to my room, freshened up, and got dressed. I grabbed the lunch pack, checked for my car keys in my bag, and headed out. I was glad I was going to surprise Michael at work. I couldn't wait to see the expression on his face. Maybe he would consider my efforts and realize that our marriage could still work.
I got to Urban Holdings quickly and took a deep breath before stepping in. As I entered, a quick wave of shame washed over me. The thought of Michael's colleagues having an idea of his infidelity tampered with my usual confidence. I would usually walk into Urban Holdings gushing over the fact that I was the one and only wife to Michael Adams, the feared and highly respected CEO, but this time, it was different.
I mustered courage despite the prying eyes on me and walked over to Becky's desk to ask if Michael was in. Becky was not at her table, so I moved to the elevator to get to my husband's office. I was approached by a not-so-familiar face. I quickly remembered she was my husband's secretary, the young lady who had tried to stop me from seeing my husband the last time I came by his office.
"Hi," I greeted her, wanting to seek permission to see Michael, which was the usual protocol. I didn't want to repeat what had happened the last time, the way I had barged into Michael's office without considering her position. I felt it was rude of me.
"Do you have an appointment to see Mr. Adams?" she asked politely.
"I don't but…" Before I could continue, the young lady spoke again, cutting me short.
"I'm sorry, but you need to book an appointment to see Mr. Adams. Besides, he is not in at the moment," the secretary concluded.
Where must Michael have gone by this time of the day? "If you don't mind, do you have any idea where he might have gone to and when he will be returning? I asked.
"I'm sorry, I cannot disclose that ma'am," the secretary replied. I wasn't surprised because she was only doing her job. I went on to tell her I was Michael's wife, but she looked at me surprised, like I did not know what I was saying.
"I'm sorry ma'am, I don't quite get you. Mr. Adams left the office a few minutes ago with his wife and son. How can you say you are his wife?