"Wimland road, please; I will tell you where to stop," Zoe said to the taxi man.
"Okay miss."
Zoe settled into the taxi's backseat, closing her eyes as she began to process what happened at Bernard's house.
The memory of their lovemaking left her breathless and yearning for more. Her mind lingered on the sensation of his lips on her skin, the thrill of their bodies entwined.
'He's adorable in bed, so gentle and loving.' Zoe sighed. 'He knows just how to make me feel loved, and his touch is pure magic.' She took a deep breath.
'I haven't experienced such passionate love with Stanley. Our lovemaking has become a chore, something to be endured rather than enjoyed. I have all the reasons to leave him and he has made it easier for me. My next step is to divorce him, I'm done with Stanley Martins.' Zoe muttered to herself.
While contemplating on her next step to take with Stanley, Zoe realized with a pang of regret that she had forgotten to exchange her phone number with the charming stranger, Bernard.
In the rush of saying goodbye, exchanging phone numbers has slipped their minds.
'Perhaps, our paths will cross again.' Zoe thought to herself. Their meeting had sparked something special and left an indelible mark on Zoe as she wondered if they'd meet again.
'Come to think of it…I know his house. I can visit him if I want to. Hell no…I can't be that cheap. Maybe he didn't just want to ask for my number so that I would come looking for him.' Zoe thought to herself.
'Oh, no! I forgot to contact the estate agent for an apartment.' Zoe dipped her hand into her handbag, searching for her phone. She switched her phone back on, after switching it off last night because of Stanley's frequent calls.
Her thumb glided across the screen, scrolling through contacts before settling on the desired name.
She called the estate agent, politely asking about the rental price and amenities of a 2-bedroom apartment.
"Good morning, Agent Jackson. Do you have any reserved apartments coming available soon?" Zoe asked, hoping he would say yes.
Agent Jackson was the one who got the apartment that Zoe and Stanley had lived in for years; with his expertise, he found a perfect home for them.
"Oh okay, is it possible that I move in today? Oh, this is good. I'm on my way to your office; thank you, Agent Jackson." Zoe hung up the phone, ending the conversation.
She leaned forward, instructing the taxi driver, "Take a left up ahead, then head to the main street."
"Right away, miss."
"Over here please." She points her finger to the entrance of the agent's office. The driver pulled over and she got out.
"Please, I will be back in two minutes," Zoe said to the taxi driver as she quickly made her way to Agent Jackson's office.
The agent presented a glossy pamphlet filled with vibrant images of the apartments. Zoe asked questions and the agent responded with additional photos and information.
The agent's visual aids helped Zoe imagine herself living in the apartment; she was impressed by Agent Jackson's thorough presentation.
Luckily for Zoe, the landlord of the apartment she chose was close by; Zoe reviewed the lease agreement, verifying the payment terms.
She logged into her banking app, transferred the funds to the landlord's account. The landlord signed the receipt, confirming the payment of the rent and she received the keys to her new home.
Zoe shook hands with the landlord and agent sealing the deal. Zoe's handshake was professional, reflecting her appreciation for the smooth transaction.
Zoe got back to the taxi and continued to her destination and she felt relieved.
Zoe got to her and Stanley's apartment; her heart skipped a beat. She expected to see Stanley and Jenna kissing and fucking themselves like a dog on the sofa as soon as she entered. But to her surprise, she only met Jenna and Stanley was nowhere to be seen in their apartment.
All she saw was Jenna sitting on the sofa, putting on Zoe's red night gown Stanley had bought for her when their marriage was in a symphony of laughter, love, and understanding.
Jenna was so focused on watching Netflix that she confidently crossed her legs, showcasing her curves.
Jenna turned her head to look at the door when she heard it open and their eyes met.
"Hey, sis, you are finally back; Stanley went out to get some groceries. Jenna didn't bother about where her sister slept last night, she didn't even show any remorse about what she did to Zoe."
Zoe gritted her teeth and wanted to pounce on Jenna for putting on her red night gown. She reminded herself that she was done with them and she only came to pack her things and leave.
Zoe ignored her and went straight to the master bedroom. She felt grimy, desperate for a refreshing shower. But she changed her mind immediately when she heard Stanley's voice.
It didn't take up to five minutes Zoe arrived at their apartment. Stanley also walked in.
"Zoe's is back. And she's in the bedroom," Jenna told Stanley.
Stanley quickly dropped the groceries he had gone to buy on the kitchen table and made his way to the bedroom.
He leaned against the door frame and watched as Zoe was busy packing her things inside her big luggage.
He watched as she packed her cosmetics and jewelry inside the handbag. She also put her good shoes and dress into the luggage. The only dress that was left untouched was her wedding dress.
Stanley's conscience had been preparing him for the day Zoe would walk out, a conscience of his betrayal. But he wasn't bothered because he had made his choice to be with Zoe's sister, Jenna. He believed that Jenna was the right one to give him a child. Stanley had already drafted the divorce paper a week ago, anticipating the inevitable.