Chapter 6 CONDITIONS

Gloria's heart beat fast and hard. She looked at her phone, her mind full of fear. What was Victor doing? And why was he acting like a good dad all of a sudden, taking Annabel to the children's park for her birthday? Something he has never done before, no matter how much Gloria pleaded with him to spend time with Annabel. Panic filled her stomach-what is Victor up to?

Gloria remained quiet, still clutching the phone tightly to her ear. Her mother spoke up. "Gloria, darling, what's wrong? You sound upset."

Gloria wanted to say everything was fine, like always. But she had never told the truth about her sad life with Victor to anyone. Her family didn't know about his mean words or the many women he slept with. Now, she is leaving him. Maybe she should tell her mom a little. She needed help. And she hoped her mom would understand!

"Mom, Victor and I are getting-" she trailed off. Gloria knew she had to be careful of what she said. Her mom loves Victor a lot because he never fails to impress her with cash. He even bought her mother a house in one of the rich neighborhoods and also bought her a car. Her mother had been able to join the Elite women club because of Victor. But Gloria still hoped her mom would change after hearing the truth.

"Mom, what do you think of Victor?" Gloria asked.

"About Victor?" Her mother sounded surprised. "Is there a problem with you two?"

"Well, yes... I-" Gloria swallowed hard. She felt sick. "-I want a divorce."

"DIVORCE?!" Her mother almost dropped the phone. "Gloria! What's wrong with you?! How dare you say you want to divorce Victor after everything he has done for us?"

"Mom, by us, you mean you?" Gloria said calmly.

"Oh, stop it, Gloria. If it wasn't for Victor, we would still be rotting in poverty right now. He's too good for you. He's the perfect husband. In fact, you should thank him for marrying you!" Her mother kept yelling on the phone, not letting Gloria speak. "If you two had a fight, then go and apologize to him right now-you can even go on your knees if need be. That's how to be a good wife!" Do you want us to go back to poverty? I'm used to the good life just because of my wonderful and generous son-in-law; you better not spoil it for me.

Gloria's heart broke into pieces. It hurt so much. But it wasn't new. Her mom always took Victor's side, not even bothering to listen to her. Her mother was turning a blind eye on her daughter's pain for her own selfishness. Gloria decided not to say anything to her mother again until after the divorce.

"It's nothing, Mom. I will call you later. I still need to go and meet Victor and Annabel at the park," Gloria said, her voice shaking. She was on the verge of breaking down.

"Good! Don't think about divorce. I did not raise an ungrateful daughter!" Her mother yelled one more time and hung up.

Gloria stared at her phone and sighed deeply. She hated hiding things; she just wanted her mother to take her side once. But what could she do? She was her mother's cash cow. She squeezed the phone hard, her anger growing.

Bad thoughts filled her head. She feared Victor might hurt Annabel just to get back at her. She hated calling him right after leaving, but she didn't have a choice in this situation.

She called Victor, and he answered on the first ring.

"Yes, Mrs. Anderson?" Victor asked, like nothing was wrong, like their big fight didn't happen.

"Cut the crap, Victor. Where is my daughter?" Gloria asked, her voice sharp with fear and anger.

"You mean our sweet daughter?" Victor looked left and smiled in a mean way. "She's on the swing, and I'm pushing her."

"Give her the phone. NOW!" Gloria yelled.

"Okay." Victor gave the phone to Annabel.

"Hi, Mommy!" Annabel sounded so happy. "Where are you? Daddy said you are on your way."

"Ah, baby, are you okay?" Gloria asked, trying to sound normal.

"Yes! I'm with Daddy! Why aren't you here? I want to celebrate with both of you!"

"Ah-Uh... Mommy is stuck in traffic. Have fun with Dad. Buy what you want," Gloria lied. She knew her daughter loves to ask so many questions.

"Baby, give the phone back to Dad."

"Okay, Mommy! I love you!"

"I love you too, baby."

Annabel gave it back. Victor's happy voice made Gloria mad. He enjoys seeing her in so much pain. He had no heart. Even after she signed the divorce papers and showed her anger, he acted like nothing happened.

"So, what else?" Victor asked.

"What do you want, Victor?" Gloria asked, full of doubt.

"What do you mean? I missed Annabel's birthday because I was getting my dick sucked by my secretary. And as a good dad, I had to make it up," he said. "What? Just because you want a divorce, you think you can keep me from her?"

Victor went on. "I'm not dumb, Gloria. If we divorce, you will certainly stop me from seeing Annabel, unless I pay you. You're using our daughter to trick me, you stupid bitch. I know your plan! You are just after my money!"

"If you want to be a good mom and give Annabel the life she deserves, then you need me, Gloria. Without me, you are nothing. You are just a poor middle-aged woman."

Gloria closed her eyes, fighting her anger at his mean words. He always talked like that, looking down on everyone, especially her. She had put up with his nonsense for far too long.

"Victor, tell me which park you took Annabel. I will come and take Annabel," she said.

"To where? To your friend's shared apartment? You are not taking my daughter there. Stay there alone. Enjoy leaving our nice and comfortable home." Victor said.

"Any place is better than with you!" Gloria shouted back. "Tell me where you are. I'm coming for my daughter!"

"Well, if you must..." Victor leaned on the wall and smiled. He still hated her, couldn't look at her like before, but he didn't want to sign the papers. He still needed her to maintain his image as a perfect husband in the public eyes.

"If you want to see your daughter, come home now or meet us at my mom's banquet tomorrow. I will be there with Annabel."

"You!" Gloria hissed.

"Not my idea, but Mom invited you. You're her good daughter-in-law," Victor said, his voice full of hate.

"Oh, how wrong she is."

Gloria bit her lip hard. Victor had trapped her.

She couldn't go home. Or Victor might just lock her up in one of the rooms. So, the party was her only choice. She could take Annabel and slowly tell her they would live apart from Dad.

"So, bitch. Where do you want to meet Annabel? Home, or the party?" Victor asked. "That's it, or you don't see her at all, and be fast with your decisions. My daughter wants to play with me."