Chapter 3

Carolina,

We walked in, and Bia ordered two drinks from the bartender right away. Gin and energy drink with a massive ice cube in a tall glass. We paid and headed for the dance floor.

"Forget you're married. Just enjoy the music. You don't have to flirt with anyone — just have fun." I nodded, and we started dancing together.

The song changed and the alcohol really started to hit. I loosened up, dancing freely, as if Henrique didn't exist. But just as I was about to take another sip, a large hand grabbed me and pulled me off the dance floor.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Henrique? I... I..."

"You're a married woman. You should be at home."

"And so should you. You should be home with your wife, fucking her, not leaving her alone. If you don't give attention, you open the door to competition, Henrique."

"Oh, so you're not the little saint my mother thought you were. You manipulated her into making me marry you, and now here you are dressed like this, talking about competition?"

"Go to hell, you piece of shit. I didn't manipulate anyone into anything." I shoved him hard, sending him stumbling back. "You know what? I'm done. I want a divorce."

Henrique burst out laughing. He grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the exit. I tried to pull my hand free, but his grip was like iron. When we got to his car, Bia appeared, trying to be my lawyer.

"Let her go, Henrique. If you don't want her, someone else will."

"Mind your own business!" He shouted at her and practically threw me into the car. He slammed my door shut and walked around to the driver's side. I looked back at Bia through the window, and she smiled, giving me a wink. "You're going to stay home and do what you've always done — your job as a wife."

"I'm not. I'm not going to be your wife anymore — actually, I never was. So why are you demanding this now?" He went silent, and that infuriated me. "Stop the car. I want to get out." He ignored me and pressed the accelerator harder.

A few minutes later, we pulled into the driveway and I got out first. I looked at him, still gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles had gone white.

"And you're still wearing an outfit like that. Are you really so desperate to fuck that you'd do it with just anyone?"

"Yes, I would. You think only men have needs? I've been saving myself for you until now, but even if it's not tonight, I'm going to lose my virginity to a stranger." He punched the steering wheel and threw his door open. I ran inside and went straight to my room, locking the door behind me.

I waited for him to come after me, but he didn't. I didn't even hear his footsteps in the hallway. I walked out to the balcony and saw him getting back into the car and driving off. Asshole. Idiot. Only you get to go out, right? Let's see what you do tomorrow when I leave.

I went to the bathroom, took off my clothes, and put on my pajamas. This was the last time I'd wear them. Starting tomorrow, nightgowns only. If he wanted me to act like a wife, then that's exactly what I'd do.

***

The next morning, I woke up early and went straight to freshen up. When I opened my wardrobe, I really saw what Bia had been talking about. Everything I owned was frumpy and conservative — it genuinely made me look older.

I pulled everything out and laid it on the bed, looking for something I could wear to go shopping. I left the house right as Henrique was coming home, and to make things worse, he looked like he'd been drinking all night.

"Don't piss me off!" he said, getting out of the car and slamming the door.

I got in my car, swallowing my anger, because I wasn't going to confront him anymore. That way, he couldn't confront me either. I was done. I'd hit my limit with everything, and if he wanted a marriage that was just for show, then so be it.

I started the engine, and he stood there watching me. I checked the rearview mirror as I pulled out through the gate — he was still standing there like a lamppost. I drove to a well-known store in Morumbi and went on a massive shopping spree, completely reinventing my style — going back to who I was before I met Henrique. When I got to the register to pay, I heard two women behind me talking.

"You really hit the jackpot. Better than winning the lottery, because that money's never running out."

"What can I say? He loves me, he's crazy about me. Too bad his mother forced him to marry that doormat, because I should be the one with all of Henrique's money." When I heard his name, I glanced back and found myself staring at the blonde from the photo. I turned forward again. It was like my entire world had collapsed.

He was bankrolling her. Giving her everything she wanted, just for the pleasure of having her by his side, even as his mistress. I closed my eyes and fought back the tears, because no matter how much this hurt, I couldn't let it show.

I swiped the credit card he'd given me at our engagement — the first time I'd ever used it — grabbed my bags, and carried them to the car. And there, inside, with no one watching, I let myself cry. I let all the pain I was feeling pour out through my eyes.

I just couldn't understand why he'd agreed to marry me when he loved another woman. Even with his mother pressuring him, he was a grown man. He could have said no. Seeing her in the photo had hurt, but seeing her in person and hearing everything she'd said hurt a thousand times more. I wiped my face, started the car, and drove home.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***