Chapter 4 Award ceremony

Chapter Four

David's Point of View

Award ceremony

I came back from work and walked straight to our room. She was already asleep, snoring lightly.

I dropped my suitcase and headed to the bathroom. The hot water cleared the fatigue from my body. Once I was done, I dressed in clean night wear.

My mind was restless.

I woke her up.

She stirred and gave me a sharp look. My brow lifted. Audacity, I thought.

"Did you not hear me clearly, or should I repeat myself?" I asked, my voice edged with irritation.

Diana didn't move. She turned over, eyes closed, pretending to sleep.

I tapped her again.

"Are you even listening to me?"

She straightened, finally facing me. "Well... since you refused to keep your word, I suppose you've satisfied yourself elsewhere," she said, eyes glinting with defiance.

I paused, letting her words sink in. "Are you seriously telling me to quit my job over a romantic date?"

"You could have at least picked up your call," she shot back.

I moved closer, feeling the tension rise. She was testing me, challenging me. I needed to remind her who ruled this house.

"You've been acting... different lately," I said. "You no longer respect me as the man of this house."

Diana didn't respond. Then, she spoke words I hadn't expected:

"Then make sure you fulfill your obligation as well."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She stepped closer, disrobing in a clumsy attempt at seduction. But the sight of her sagging body, her skin lacking the vitality of Eleanor's youthful curves, irritated me.

I turned and walked away.

The next words she spoke were the last straw.

"Is there someone else, David? Who have you been seeing, after everything I did for you?"

Her voice rose. "Why won't you touch me? Turning me into a maid... I'm your wife!"

Before I could think twice, my hand shot out. The sharp slap echoed through the room.

"Next time, think before speaking to me. And for your information, you won't see me in this house again until I choose," I said coldly.

"You can marry yourself then," I muttered.

As I pack my stuff, I didn't miss the desperation in her voice as she sank to her knees, hands trembling as she reached for me.

"I'm sorry, David. I never meant to upset you. I need you in my life," she whispered.

I kicked her hands away. Did she think I cared?

I had tolerated her for long enough. Gratitude should have been her only response-but here she was, bargaining with me.

"You're an ingrate, Diana. After everything I did for you," I said. "Have you suddenly forgotten how I helped you?"

"I don't blame you, I shouldn't have married you", I yelled.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I didn't mean to annoy you. You know I love you... I can't bear to see you leave," she whispered.

"What about our trip?"

"Forget it," I said, my mind already elsewhere.

I ignored her pleas, packed my things, and left the mansion. The divorce would be easier this way.

In the garage, I picked a Rolls-Royce. Before driving off, I called Eleanor. She answered on the first ring. I sent her the address where I'd be staying. She was the only person who could distract me from the chaos.

It didn't take long for her to arrive. She slipped beside me, her body warm and supple beneath mine.

I leaned down, reclaiming the vigor and excitement I had lost. Eleanor's youth and energy were intoxicating.

"You know what to get ready for," I murmured, my lips brushing her ear. "Tomorrow, we're going to the awards ceremony."

Her eyes sparkled. "Thank you so much!" she said, pressing closer, hungry for my attention.

The night stretched long, each moment with Eleanor feeding the tension I had carried all day. She made it clear she belonged to me.

The next morning, Eleanor had already picked out a dress-ten thousand dollars, paid without hesitation. She was my princess, and anything she wanted, I would provide.

At the event, her hands entwined with mine as we walked down the stage. I didn't miss the stares. Everyone could see her as my chosen partner. Diana had been hidden all along, despite the ring she still wore.

I stepped to the podium to accept the award for Best Entrepreneur of the Year. The crowd erupted in applause as the presenter handed me the microphone.

"This award goes to my lovely and beautiful girl, the one I can't imagine life without: Eleanor Williams. I dedicate this to her-she was the sole inspiration for my success," I said, returning to my seat.

That's when I saw her. Diana, tears streaming, leaving the hall.

What was she doing here?

How did she even know about the awards?