My feet hurt like hell. I had trekked all the way home from the event for hours. I still had a sense of dignity to know that I shouldn't wait for Jake to drive me home.
As I dragged myself towards the porch, I could only feel burning anger within me. It didn't help that a part of my heart still wanted to be with Jake. Well, that part was about to be killed.
I would wait for him patiently to get home. I needed a damned good explanation as to why he would throw away our five years to marriage like that.
Then, I would serve him the divorce papers I had gotten on my way home. I wouldn't endure this torture any longer.
Pulling myself up to our bedroom, the sight there left me stunned to silence. There was a new rack of clothes and shoes and a lot of designer bags on the bed. My heart raced. What was going on?
My closet had been cleaned out and there were new clothes there.
There was a note on the table that read: Do you remember when I first asked you to be mine?
My heart raced erratically. What games was Jake playing with me?
The anger within me dissipated into thin air and warmth crept into my chest. Of course today was the day he proposed to me five years ago!
Tears clouded my eyes as I grabbed the most beautiful dress off the rack and tried it on. The red velvet gown hugged my frame perfectly as a glove. Jake!
Was the whole scenario at the event just a prank?
I had not even gotten him anything in return for our proposal anniversary.
Excitement bubbled in my veins as I rushed into the kitchen and threw together the perfect dinner recipes I knew. Tonight was all about me and Jake. Tears of joy streamed down my face. I loved that man so dearly.
I had just finished setting the table romantically when I heard his car pull up into the house.
My heart raced and I hoped he would like my own surprise.
I stood at the door, wearing the biggest smile and there he was, looking even more dashing than ever.
"Surprise!" I called softly.
His eyes remained hooded for a moment as he took in the arrangements I had made.
"What is this, Eva?" His tone was neutral, almost guarded as he stared suspiciously at me.
Confusion threatened to set in but I shook it off. "I saw the surprise you made for me, babe. Today is the day you proposed to me."
For a split second, he looked confused. Then my dark fears were confirmed. His eyes grew dark in annoyance and frustration.
"Listen, Eva. I need to tell you something."
My heart raced. "What is it, Jake?"
"Hey, baby. I'm sorry I took time to come in. I had to make sure I was ready enough to see the surprise," the voice of the woman I detested chirped from the door. My heart broke as Tiffany strutted in, looking ever as pretty.
My eyes darted from Jake, who avoided my gaze to Tiffany whose eyes are dark with jealousy.
"Babe, why is she wearing the dress we picked out for our date?" She scowled.
My gut took another hard punch again. This time, I did not let the tears fall even though they were at the brim of my eyes.
My heart grew constricted as I forced the words out of my mouth, "Why, Jake?"
"Listen, Eva, I was going to tell you. This thing between us... It isn't working anymore. I love Tiffany. I appreciate everything you've done for me but this is where we call it a wrap. I'll pay you for all your sacrifices and everything."
My head shook violently on their own accord as I glared at him. I forced the pain in my heart away as I raised my finger to silence him.
"Five years, Jake. I-I loved you. I left my family for you. I-I—" I broke off, forcing myself to remain calm.
Within me, a tornado brewed. How could he apologise to me for giving my heart to him? How could he? I wanted his heart not his damned money!
"You embarrassed me, Jake," I mumbled, heading over to the dining table. "You know what? My father was right. You are a selfish bastard and you would only ruin me!"
With a loud scream, I pulled the table cloth, destroying the hours of hard work I had put into preparing the meals.
"You are a bastard Jake and I swear to you I regret the day I ever met you. You can keep your stupid money!"
He remained stoic, not saying anything. He brought out some documents and carelessly handed them to me.
"It's good we've settled that. Sign the papers, Eva."
I stared at the divorce papers with mixed feelings. He had also gotten divorce papers. Part of me wanted to sign it. Another part of me felt like I was nothing without him. But this marriage was long dead.
My heart quaked as I grabbed the pen and held it to the paper. I stole a glance up. Jake looked like he couldn't wait to get this over with and Tiffany had that sly smirk on her face.
I wiped the straying tear away from my cheek fiercely. They didn't deserve my tears. Jake didn't deserve me.
With a deep breath, I signed the papers and flung them in his face.
"Have a nice life running your business with your below minimum IQ!"
With that, I walked out with the single bag I had come back from the ceremony with, ignoring my bags which Jake had packed and left at the door.
I needed something strong to keep me from breaking down into a pathetic mess.
Determination fuelled me as I got into my car and drove to the nearest den of flashy light and reckless abandon.
The music pounded in my veins as I stepped into the flash club and headed straight for the bar. Nothing like a strong drink to drown away one's misery.
I downed shot glass after shot glass until the thoughts of Jake and Tiffany that kept taunting me faded.
Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me, a figure that smelled of cedar and whiskey. "Rough night?" a deep voice drawled.
My eyes were hazy but curious as I glanced up at him. I could barely make out his figure but those enchanting eyes held me spellbound. He was also tall and ruggedly handsome, and a shadow of mischief played in his smirk.
"Rough life," I muttered, downing another shot.
He chuckled. "Don't you think you've had enough drinks for one night?"
I looked at him again, properly this time. At that moment, I didn't care. I didn't care about Jake, about Tiffany, about the ruins of my life. I just needed to forget.
"Not unless I find something else to make me forget," I shot back, a boldness fueled by the liquor. My fingers trailed his crisp white shirt.
Minutes later, we were out of the club, his hand firmly wrapped around mine as if he already knew I wouldn't change my mind.
The city lights blurred past as we stumbled into an exquisite car and drove to a hotel. I barely even registered the hotel's name before we stumbled into the elevator, his mouth on mine — fierce, desperate, a collision of two people seeking escape.
The room door clicked shut, and my mind shut down with it. There was no Jake, no Tiffany, no betrayal — just a stranger whose name I barely knew but whose presence felt like temporary salvation.