I couldn't believe it as I heard Michael beg someone over the phone not to leave him, that he would do anything to please them. Who was this person? My husband has never made any promise of such to me, nor has he begged me in such a manner. I was dumbstruck!
"Please, baby please, I'll get her to sign them, I promise. Just give me a little more time." Those were words coming out of the man who promised to love me till eternity, promised to be there for me, never to leave my side. I was beyond shocked. My whole body became numb, and I couldn't take an inch forward.
I stood still for what seemed like forever, as tears flowed down my face. For the umpteenth time, I asked myself what I did to deserve such treatment. If I knew this, at least I would be careful not to repeat the same mistake. That's if I ever choose to love again.
I gained a little strength after a while and proceeded to go downstairs. I didn't want to interrupt the call since I was trying not to give Michael the impression that I knew of his infidelity towards me. I strode into the kitchen as I got down and decided to cool my head with the fresh pineapple juice I had made earlier.
I gulped the juice hungrily as my mind traveled out of my environs. Just maybe it was true that Michael had not gone on a business trip after all. If so, then Sophia should know who this mystery woman is. But would she tell me? Would she have the balls to betray her cousin?
I remembered the dream I had had last night. What if it was truly Becky? No! Becky wouldn't dare. I would skin her alive if she was the one or, better still, expose their relationship since it was against the policy of Urban Holdings where they both worked. If Sophia was willing to help just like in the dream, I would appreciate it. There was only one way to find out.
I called Sophia's number immediately, but it was busy. I tried again but it was still busy. This person Sophia was talking to must be very important because the Sophia I know would end someone else's call just to take mine. We were that close. I decided to give it a little rest. I planned to see her later in the day after all. Her wedding present was still with me.
But I needed to talk to someone. I picked up my phone again and called the only person I was close to apart from Sophia. Tina. Tina picked up immediately, her voice still sounding bright. I poured out my heart to her, telling her about the new development concerning my marriage. Tina's voice was as soothing as ever. She felt deeply sorry for me.
"Just take a deep breath, bestie. Breathe, okay?" Tina consoled me before she went on to ask, " Are you still at home right now?" After I told her I was, she asked if I could drive myself so we could meet up. I wanted to leave the house as fast as I could, and so I agreed to meet her again, assuring her that I was in the right frame of mind to drive myself.
I looked around for my bag and located it. I checked to be sure I had my car keys in it. Once I was sure they were in my bag, I reached for the door, taking a look back at my home, a place that was once filled with love, sweet passions, and beautiful plans for the future. I fought back the tears that were beginning to form in my eyes again.
I got into my car and drove off. I was surprised Michael had not even come out of his room to know if I was back or not. Surely he must have heard me, driving in earlier, but it was obvious he cared less. Now he had another priority: his secret mistress. Someone who knew Michael and me from the get-go would be shocked to see that we've drifted apart so much that we're on the verge of separation.
I drove past Urban Holdings and was tempted to stop by to ask Becky some questions. Maybe she was truly the competition that my dream had earlier revealed. I remembered the last time I was there and how uncomfortable Becky seemed answering me. Could it be what I was thinking? My instincts weren't strong about this, so I decided to let it go.
I knew I was desperate, but accusing someone of sleeping with my husband was a low blow because if someone did that to me, I would be upset. I contemplated if asking Tina to tell me what she had wanted to tell me was a good idea. At least her son was okay now, and she was in a better mood.
"I would give it a try," I concluded in my heart. I would ask Tina to see if she's willing to open up to me. I knew from the way she had sounded, it was about my marriage, something that could either mend or mar what was left of my relationship with Michael. Either way, I wanted to know.
I got to Tina's place and announced my presence. Tina welcomed me with open arms. I stayed locked in her arms as I let my tears fall mercilessly. "Let it all out, girl. Let it all out," Tina said, rubbing my back. When I had cried enough, I released myself from her. I was grateful for her comfort.
"You're stronger than you know, bestie. Trust me, you will get over this soon. Michael or no Michael, I'll always be by your side, riding with you till the very end." Tina's words were perfect, just what I had wanted to hear, but my only fear was that I wanted my husband back. Painfully, Tina's soothing words couldn't give me that.
"I appreciate the kind words, my friend," I said in return. To snap me out of my moodiness, Tina decided to tell me about random things happening in her neighborhood, how a certain neighbor of hers had gotten drunk and smacked his mother's butt unknowingly. I didn't know when I started to laugh so hard that I almost forgot my worries.
Tina tried to cheer me up, but it did not last. A situation such as mine wasn't one to forget in a hurry. I was bent on asking Tina about what she knew that I did not. "Can I ask you a question?" I started. "Sure babe, go ahead," Tina replied hurriedly, not knowing what was coming next. "If it's not so much trouble, can you tell me what it was you were going to tell me the other day?"
Seeing the expression on Tina's face, it was obvious that she wasn't expecting the question. She should not have expected that I would forget the pending conversation, she knew me well enough. Anyone in my shoes would want to know, especially when they are positive about getting a possible solution from it.
Tina's awkwardness aroused my suspicions. She knew something I didn't. I was sure of that now. "Tina," I called. "You're not saying anything girl." "Mabel, I know I should have told you sooner, but I didn't think it was anything until you mentioned that your husband was asking for a divorce," Tina uttered.
"Okay?" I was growing impatient. "Go on, please," I said almost in a whisper. I felt my heart in my mouth, not knowing what to expect next. "Mabel, you have to forgive me for not telling you this sooner," Tina pleaded.
"Tell me what, Tina. Please say what it is you have to say, my heart is racing, and I'm not sure that I can hold on any longer," I told Tina, relaying my fears to her.
Tina began, "A few weeks ago, I thought I saw Michael just outside Urban Holdings, holding the car door for someone. At first, I thought it was you, but when the person stepped out, I discovered it was another woman. I didn't make much sense of it because I knew Michael and how much he loved you."
My fears were confirmed. I started to shake as Tina looked at me, wondering if she should continue or not. Michael had to rub his infidelity in the faces of his colleagues at work! The same place I always held my head high, whenever I stepped in as the wife of the CEO. I never knew I had been an object of mockery all this while, a complete laughingstock!
"Later that day, towards evening," Tina continued, " I saw him with the same woman. Although I did not get a good look at her face, I could tell it was the same woman because she was wearing the same clothes as she had worn earlier. I spotted them in Midtown, chatting and laughing like two lovebirds."
"Please forgive me, Mabel. I would not hurt you deliberately. I couldn't bring myself to tell you this," Tina begged. I was disappointed. I couldn't believe Tina had an inkling that Michael was being unfaithful but chose not to say anything. I was heartbroken a second time.
Tina was one of the people I felt safe with. If for anything, she should have picked a better side. But she chose Michael's side, hiding under the facade of not wanting to hurt me. I loved Tina like the sister I never had, and I would choose her a million times over anyone else. I couldn't bear the hurt, so I dashed for the door, but Tina held me back.
"I would not let you go anywhere, bestie. You can hit me, punch me if you like, but you will go nowhere until you've forgiven me," Tina expressed, feeling remorseful. She went on to explain that she saw the happiness on my face whenever I was with Michael, how he teased me, made me laugh, and even kissed me, not minding if we had company or not. Tina was genuinely happy for me and she would be the last person to wreck such.
Putting emotions aside, I understood Tina and the fact that she meant well. I forgave her. After all, she wasn't Michael who cheated. What could be worse than that? Tina tried to calm me down, but there was not much that she could do. My heart was completely shattered. It was as if my only option was to give Michael what he wanted. But what about my baby, our baby? That was what I feared the most.
It was getting late, and I needed to rest my head. It had been a long day already. I checked my phone to see if Michael had called but saw nothing. It was becoming my new normal even though it was heartbreaking. I got up to leave and bade Tina goodbye.
The drive back home was the longest I've had in a while. It was quiet and peaceful, but inwardly, I struggled to get peace. Even as I fought back the tears that struggled to gain freedom, they found a way to let go of my grip, as they poured out of my eyes, causing my vision to blur.
I parked my car for a while, letting go of the pain I felt. I cursed the day I met Michael, wishing that he would meet a woman who would serve him the same dish he gave to me. It was hard to let go of the sour love that was once beautiful.
After drowning myself enough in my tears, I hit the road again. I got home a few minutes later and noticed that a new car was parked in the garage. Was it a surprise gift for me? Has my Michael come back to me? I was beginning to get high hopes but quickly brushed the thought aside, remembering that I had been disappointed several times.
I stepped into my home and just wanted to put everything aside, get into a hot bath, and rest for the day. I was halfway along the stairs when I heard little whispers coming from the kitchen area. This time around, it wasn't a phone call.
Michael had brought his mystery lover home!