I went upstairs to start packing my bags, driven by the absolute certainty that I wouldn't spend another night in this house. I intended to leave before they even realized I was gone. Entering my room, I pulled out my luggage and began folding the few clothes I owned. It was pathetic, really; I couldn't remember the last time Adrian had bought me a single piece of clothing. He never gave me anything. My life here was nothing but labor. He didn't touch me, he did nothing for me, and half the time he didn't even bother coming home. In my previous life, I used to wait up for him, literally begging for his affection, which he only granted when he was intoxicated. Thinking about it now made me sick—never again.
I recalled from my past life that when I went to take out the trash, the laughter in the mansion only grew louder, signifying that something significant was happening while I was out of sight. To catch them, I carefully set up a hidden camera in the corner of the room. I headed downstairs, making sure to hide my packed bags first.
"Where are you going?" Adrian asked.
"I just came to confirm if you are done with the cake so I can help you trash out the dirty," I responded.
"Oh, now I see that you've come back to your senses," he remarked with a smug look.
Victoria chimed in, "You know you don't really have to do that. I prepared the cake, so I should be the one to trash out."
"Oh no, that's not how to treat an in-law. Besides, you just reUnited with your brother, so go upstairs and enjoy," I insisted, pushing the "cousin" narrative to keep them comfortable.
"Oh come on, Harriet, it's your anniversary. You're supposed to spend time with your husband, not the other way round," Victoria added, her voice dripping with fake concern.
"We have all the time in the world to do so. Why don't you guys just be together in my stead, go with your brother so you guys can have more conversation? And If you need anything, let me know," I replied. I was practically pushing them into each other's arms. I needed that evidence. If I was going to walk out of this place tomorrow, I needed proof that they were scammers being paid to ruin me.
I walked out to throw the trash away. By the time I returned, I could hear their laughter echoing from upstairs. Then, a sudden silence fell, followed by the unmistakable sounds of them making love. I felt my heart rip. Even though I knew what they were, the pain of their betrayal stung. In my past life, I had been so blind, never suspecting a thing. Now, I felt a grim sense of relief. I had the evidence to show I wasn't the reason for our separation. I wasn't doing this for a court since our relationship wasn't even registered, I could leave easily, but I wanted that proof for my future, a shield against their lies.
I spent the night in the guest room. The following morning, I emerged ready for my new life. I had dressed in something sexy, a style I hadn't worn since my early twenties. I was twenty-five now, but the outfit I'd kept since I was twenty-one fit perfectly, hugging every curve. Adrian came out of the bedroom and stopped dead in his tracks, looking surprised.
"What are you doing since when did you start all these?" Adrian asked.
I didn't respond, focusing entirely on my exercise routine. He moved to the dining table, looking for his usual service, but found nothing.
"Harriet, where is breakfast?" he demanded.
Just then, Victoria walked in, yawning. "Good morning, what is the noise for this early morning, is this how you always fight?" she asked.
"Oh, you wanted breakfast? I thought you didn't like my cooking, that's why I didn't bother to do anything," I said, my voice calm but sharp I acted as if I didn't hear her greet or say anything.
Adrian's face reddened. "You are a house wife, you don't have a job, you don't do anything, and the only thing you assist with you couldn't do it this morning. Yeah, your food is bad, but that's your job to do, so get out of there and go prepare breakfast."
I stopped my workout and walked directly toward him, looking him in the eye. "I am a housewife, so treat me like one. I am not your slave. I repeat: I am not your slave. You asked me out, you asked me to marry you. They never bought me. I was not for free, so don't you ever speak to me that way. Besides, you like food that tastes nice,why not tell your cousin to cook for you?"
"What the hell? I kept quiet last night and you think you can do the same thing this morning? How dare you ask my cousin to do your job? My cousin is my cousin and you are my wife. If you are not going to do your job, get out of this house!" Adrian screamed at me.
Victoria stepped in, faking a gentle tone. "Don't say that, don't do that. She's your wife and not your slave. Since it's already late, why don't we go to the restaurant and eat there before heading to work?"
"Just thank your stars that my cousin is with me else, I would have deal with you since you've got gut now" he said to me but I ignored as if no one was speaking to me, I am not the same person anymore, if I were to ever be in that position I would make sure I kill you first,
She held Adrian's arm, shooting a fake, triumphant smile my way. I smiled back, knowing this was exactly what I needed. As soon as they left, I ran upstairs, retrieved the hidden camera, and viewed the footage. It was all there, the ultimate betrayal. I copied the files to my laptop, left the phone on the counter, grabbed my luggage, and walked out of Adrian's mansion for the last time. I looked back once, bidding my past, broken self farewell. In my father's house I am a queen, and I will make sure I do not become a punchy bag to no man ever again, I threw away my life before, I will never make the same mistake twice.
★★★
A taxi arrived, and after confirming I had my passport, I headed for the airport. I was leaving this country to return to my father's land.
"Yes father, I am back," I whispered as the plane touched down.
As I exited the terminal, I scanned the crowd for a familiar face. I expected one of my father's workers to be there, but instead, I received a text message from my father which read: "I'm not coming to pick you, but your husband will come to pick you."
"What? What?" I screamed. I thought I was going home first to see my parents before meeting the "contracted monster"—the ugly, old tycoon I'd heard about. Still, I figured being with a rich monster was better than staying with Adrian, who would have eventually killed me.
With my sunglasses on, I noticed a group of men in black suits approaching. They looked like high-level security. In the center was a man so incredibly handsome he looked like a mafia boss from a movie. I wished he was the one there for me, but assuming my luck was bad, I looked past him. I saw an old man with a large stomach holding a cardboard sign. That must be him, I thought.
I approached the older man. "Sir, are you here for me?"
He looked at me, confused. "Who are you?"
I smiled, trying to be polite. "Are you asking me who I am when I was told that you'll be the one to pick me?" The man stared at me like I was crazy. I scoffed, "Mr. Walter sent you, right? So why are you not doing your job? Are you not my husband?"
Suddenly, a woman lunged at me. "Who the hell are you? How is my husband your husband? Explain yourself!" She grabbed my shirt, and I realized I had made a massive mistake.
"Ma, I'm sorry, I mistake your husband for someone else," I stammered, but she wouldn't let go.
Just then, the group of handsome men in black surrounded us. A strong hand reached out, grabbing my arm and turning me around to face the stunning man I had noticed earlier.
"Here you are, Harriet Walter," he said, his voice deep and commanding.
I was stunned. Why was this model-like man speaking to me? "Who are you, please?" I asked.
He smirked. "Do you want to know?"
"Of course, or you leave me alone. I don't want to get into another trouble, so who the hell are you?"
"Oh, I see. I waited for you for two good years. Is this the way you greet your husband?"
My jaw dropped. My father had told me my husband was a monster, but the man standing before me looked like he had just walked off a magazine cover. He was breathtaking. For a moment, I forgot about Adrian and my past life entirely; I just wanted to beg this man to take me right there, at that moment I just wanted to pull my panties and open my leg widely screaming "please fuck me" . My life as Harriet was certainly starting with a bang and my sister Haley won't see me coming.