“Good morning, Miss Ellie!” our househelp, Vien, greeted me. It is really a good morning. I smiled widely, showing my full set of whites. “Vien, can you check if there’s still flour in the pantry?”
Vien soon came back. “There’s still some left, Miss. Are you making pancakes again for brunch?”
“Silly girl! It’s Hudson’s birthday and our 3rd wedding anniversary today, so-“ Vien cut me off.
Her eyes widened and bowed down a little. She acted like she committed a grave sin. “I’m sorry, Miss. I totally forgot Sir’s birthday and forgot to greet him this morning.”
“Perfect!” I shouted in sheer happiness.
Vien was weirdly looking at me but I ignored it. I have been planning a surprise party for my husband’s birthday since a few weeks ago. Sometimes, it looks like I’m the birthday celebrant because Hudson doesn’t really seem to like the concept of parties.
After an hour an a half of preparation, my hard work soon came to life. I received baking lessons together with Hudson’s mother so I’m better now. I even managed to write a simple “Happy Birthday” on top of the cake. I’m confident he’s really going to like this.
“Shall we go, Miss?” Apparently, Vien called Carter, our family driver.
I placed the cake inside the box before talking to them. “I’m going alone, Vien. No need to call Carter, but thanks anyways.”
Inside my car, I have been humming my favorite love song nonstop. If someone was with me inside this car, I probably would’ve damaged his or her eardrums since a while ago.
I used the entrance under the basement because it was nearer the parking area. I also used Hudson’s exclusive elevator so no one really saw me going to his office and carry a cake. His secretary was probably out for lunch because she wasn’t in her post. I checked my wristwatch and it was already past 12 noon.
Right! I haven’t eaten anything yet. I’ll just ask Hudson to eat with me for lunch. I couldn’t contain my smile as I continued walking.
As I was approaching his office, I heard muffled noises coming from the inside. My heart was beating so fast and my head started having weird and negative thoughts. I swiftly shook my head. Thoughts are just thoughts, Ellie! Get a grip!
“Happy birthday to my special man. I love you!” a woman said.
My breathing was already heavy and my hands started shaking. Please tell me this is just a dream. I gathered my courage to move my head closer to the door so I could peek inside. What I saw was not what I had ever expected.
Clothes were scattered everywhere. Hudson was sitting on his hair, topless. A naked woman was then straddling him.
I covered my mouth to stop creating any noise. When did Hudson ever make love to me or even share a room with me? Am I really his wife? I tightly held on to the cake I made for him and went back to my car. With nowhere to go, I spent an hour roaming around the busy streets. I managed not to break down in the middle of driving and safely go home.
Vien opened the door for me. Her eyes were fixed on the untouched cake that I was carrying. “Sir Hudson didn’t eat it, Ma’am?”
I faked a laugh. “He was busy with board meetings. I already troubled him for asking him to lunch,” I lied again. I treat Vien as a friend and I didn’t want her to worry about me.
“I may be educated for only a short time, Miss. But I know that a wife asking for quality time from a husband is never a trouble.”
With what Vien said, I really couldn’t stop my tears from falling. I gave her the cake and went to my room. As soon as the door closed, my body voluntarily dropped on the ground as if I didn’t have a life. Tears flowed down mg face like a river escaping a dam. Moans escaped my lips from the suppressed sound of hiccups.
I felt a piece of paper on my hand. “Life with you is much happier and sweeter than it was before you came into the picture,” it says. I smiled bitterly and started laughing humorlessly.
I have been fooling myself for the past 3 years. I’m not happy. I never was.
I woke up to the sun shining brightly on my face. I didn’t remember sleeping. Heck! How can I even sleep after seeing that? I guess I collapsed from hunger.
As I arrived in the dining room, Hudson was quietly aipping his coffee and reading files from his phone.
“Good morning!” I tried to be cheerful as possible.
I just received a cold stare from him. He stood up and glanced at me. “Hurry up and eat. Mama’s inviting us for lunch,” he said and left.
Vien helped me with my hair and dress. I splashed water to atleast reduce my puffy eyes. I was perfectly dolled up, like I was never in an emotional turmoil last night.
“The beautiful couple is finally here!” Hudson’s mother hugged me tight. Mama and Papa were also there and some family friends. They all wished us a happy marriage. I almost choked on my wine upon hearing it. If only they knew.
I’m pretty surprised my body looked calm compared to how tangled my mind was. Hudson’s mother teased us how we spent pur special day yesterday. I don’t think it was a special day, though.
“What happened yesterday...” I trailed off. I eyed Hudson but he only coldly stood by my side. “Was a secret between Hudson and I, Mom.”
“Oh, I was actually hoping for some of your sweet moments. You look better together as time passes by, you know,” Hudson’s mother flattered us.
I chose to stay silent despite the turmoil in my head it caused. In the end, I’m still stupidly in love with him. I just completely gave up. And I guess... I couldn’t see him labeled by his family as a worthless cheating bastard. I lied for him even though it scarred my precious heart.
