Chapter 4 Leave Him

Their first night together had finally arrived.

Alicia, filled with eager anticipation, was unaware that Erick had already thoughtfully purchased contraceptives for her.

Holding the small pill, Alicia felt her heart sink.

It was clear to her that she was the only one putting in the effort in this relationship.

Trying to hold back her tears, Alicia realized Erick was right about one thing. She was being somewhat ridiculous.

With a heavy heart, she decided on something she'd never thought she'd consider.

It was leaving Erick.

She knew it was better to let him go than to cling to him.

In her wardrobe, Alicia picked out a simple black mini skirt. A touch of red lipstick brightened her face, which had looked pale just moments ago.

Alicia's natural beauty was so striking that a little makeup was all it took to make her look captivating.

She reflected on how her life had been narrowly focused on Erick, leaving no space for her own needs. But things were changing now.

Without a second thought, she called her best friend, Brynn Simpson. "Hey Brynn, where are you? I'm coming to see you."

Alicia heard Brynn's surprised voice, mixed with blaring music, through the phone. "Alicia? Am I dreaming or drunk? You're coming to see me? Isn't today your third anniversary with Frigid Erick? Are you actually leaving him to hang out with us?"

In Alicia's circle of friends, Erick was known as Frigid Erick because of their loveless three-year marriage.

In the past, Alicia would scold her friends for their choices, always keen to set them straight. Now, she found their actions amusing and smirked. "I'm still young. Why waste my life on a frigid guy like him? Send me where you are. I'm on my way."

Loud cheers erupted from Brynn's side as Alicia hung up.

Alicia felt a touch of sadness, but mostly she was relieved. She didn't want to linger in the shadows anymore.

She had to stay active, visit the most vibrant spots, make up for everything she had lost in the past three years, and leave Erick in the past.

Just thinking about Erick with someone else, like his current fling Michelle, made her stomach turn.

She grabbed the keys to Erick's vibrant orange Ferrari and sped off to the bar where her friends were.

The night was dark, and the bar was buzzing with energy. Neon lights flickered and music blared.

Brynn, with her bright red lips, ran out to greet Alicia. "Alicia! What are you doing here? Did Frigid Erick upset you again?"

Alicia forced a smile, feeling both bitter and free. "He can't bother me anymore. I'm done with him, and I won't let him control me ever again."

Erick had the power to hurt her deeply and then simply walk away because she loved him so much.

She was capable of loving him fiercely, yet she could also withdraw that love.

Brynn, Alicia's closest friend since their college days, knew all about Alicia's profound love for Erick. For three years, Alicia had faced troubles in her marriage, but she never bad-mouthed Erick.

Erick often came home late, and sometimes didn't come home at all.

Alicia would just say, "He's tied up with work, striving to give us a better life. I admire how serious and committed he is to his job. It's really admirable."

Even when Erick was cold and distant, Alicia would overlook it, saying, "He's just naturally quiet. Love doesn't always need fancy words. I'm not into that."

Despite three years in a loveless marriage, she still respected him for not being driven by lust.

He was not one for public displays of affection, and Alicia would explain, "He likes to keep our private life separate from his work. He doesn't want me to be known only as Mrs. Ellis."

Alicia was totally head over heels for Erick.

But now, she was talking about leaving him?