Chapter 3 Shattered Illusion

Henry thought of himself as foolish for hoping that things would change after that one night of sex. His eyes became teary but he quickly wiped the tears as the door of their bedroom creaked open and Isabella came in.

"Michelle is getting married to a CEO meanwhile I'm married to a housekeeper" She said, her voice full of sarcasm.

Henry ignored her and went to bed.

"I can't imagine you are unperturbed. I know you're wretched but do you not even have shame? Are you proud of being without dignity?" Her voice was rising and Henry was determined not to reply her. He had not recovered from the hurt he suffered few minutes back. He wished he could get a divorce and save himself all the troubles.

"I see you've decided to be deaf. See me in my office tomorrow. Let's see if I can get you a suitable position even with your unsophisticated resume" She hissed. "Also, I think it's best that we sleep in separate bedrooms. There are a lot of rooms in the house so move out as soon as possible."

Henry didn't respond and he drifted off to sleep.

Isabella's company looked the same way it did few years ago when he used to come visit her. He walked to her secretary who confirmed that Isabella was waiting for him. Henry thought the secretary was not aware that they were not even a proper couple because the young girl was so eager to please him. He imagined her grovelling under the sound of Isabella's harsh voice. He pitied her.

"You should have come earlier. Just take a look at the time." Isabella said immediately he got into the office. She was sitting behind her large mahogany desk. Eyes squinted on a file.

"What?"

"You heard me. I'm super busy now. Maybe you can help me get some photocopies" She replied and threw some papers at him. Henry was dumbfounded.

"I only took an hour off work" He said limply

"Well, that's the point. You're an employee. You still have time so get the photocopies quickly"

Henry couldn't believe that he had taken a cab all the way from Golden Star Hotel to get photocopies for his wife. He felt like flinging the papers back to her but he dare not.

He took the papers to the secretary. "Make photocopies for your boss"

"Yes sir" The secretary promptly responded and he left.

He was aware that Isabella would be mad at him but he didn't care. He was tired of being a pauper answerable to the Micheals and so that night, he went to Jimmy's house. They had not seen each other since the divorce issue.

"Really Bro, she doesn't want a divorce?" Jimmy sounded shocked.

"I tell you. She's concerned our divorce will affect her damn company meanwhile, we are worse than exes" He let out a frustrated sigh.

"Don't you think you're allowing this girl use your head?"

"What can I do?"

"Fuck!" Jimmy banged the table. He was utterly concerned about his friend.

"Man, I've got to accept my fate. You know, carry my cross" He shrugged

"You can't continue this way. How about you file for a divorce? Go to court or something" Jimmy proposed

"A lawsuit against Isabella Micheal?" He laughed. A laugh that sent a thousand message about how he's hurting to his friend.

"We can always try, you know?" Jimmy replied.

"Jimmy, filling a lawsuit against her is like trying to destroy myself. There's no victory in sight. Her family knows all the right people in the right places"

"But at least you can bring down the mighty Isabella. Destroy her company."

"I don't think I want to do that. I used to live Isabella and I still love her. I only wish I can become better, step up the social ladder so I can be worthy of her love" Tears were streaking down his smooth face now. Jimmy patted his back gently.

He loved Isabella and regardless of how he was treated, he still wanted the best for her and wished they could go back to what they were - a loving couple worth envying.

"I understand." Jimmy said.

Jimmy encouraged him and they both came to the conclusion that it will be a good idea to strive for a better life and climb the social ladder to be on the same level with Isabella. Henry was determined to revive his love and happiness with his wife

He was full of hope when he got home that night. Isabella was not yet home so he decided to make her favourite dessert, red velvet brownies.

"What are you doing in the kitchen?" Michelle walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water. "Give us some privacy" She directed to the help who was helping Henry with the brownies. She hurried out.

"Why do we need privacy?" Henry asked. He dropped the whisk in his hand and focused on her slow movement.

"Well, I noticed you've been trying to get on Isabella's good side. You're even making a dessert for her" She was peering into the bowl of mixture.

"She's my wife and our relationship is non of your business" He replied and continued

"That's what you think but as for me, it is my ultimate goal to have you thrown out if this house brother in law" She moved towards him and pulled his beards. "But you know there's something you can do to save yourself the troubles, right?" She took his hands and placed it on her waist. Their bodies lightly touching. In a flash, he pushed her away such that she almost tumbled over.

Before she could retaliate, Isabella's voice was heard asking the help where Henry was.

"He's in the kitchen Ma'am" Lilian,the help replied.

Isabella walked into the kitchen furiously. Michelle had moved to the fridge, pretending to get water. She said a brisk Hi to Isabella who replied with a nod. Before Henry could demonstrate the special greeting he had planned, He felt a slap across his face. The initial smile turned to horror. Michelle was equally dismayed. "Holy fuck!" She squealed.