Chapter 2 The Party

Chapter 2

The Penthouse company's 28th anniversary was a grand celebration held at one of the biggest hotels in Dallas, Texas. The venue was adorned with bright lights, so vivid that even a blind person could feel their warmth. Tables were lavishly decorated with an array of wines, red roses, gigantic candles, and pink roses artfully arranged around the table.

Everyone was having a great time, including Diego, who was especially delighted as his favorite drink, Scotch, was served. The music was loud enough to be heard from miles away. People danced energetically, eventually tiring from the sheer exuberance of the festivities. As the jubilation continued, the music was lowered, and Miss Joy, the company's founder, took the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, "I can't express how much this night means to me. When I first laid the foundation of this company, I faced countless challenges. There were times when I was kidnapped, and I battled severe illness. But by the grace of God, I am here, alive and healthy."

Her speech was met with thunderous applause. She handed the microphone back to the DJ, who immediately resumed the lively music. Everyone continued to dance, enjoying the night with plenty of schnapps in their glasses. They danced until dawn.

As morning approached, some of the executives were mumbling incoherently, intoxicated from the night's revelry. Diego, however, had limited himself to just two bottles of Scotch and was relatively sober. Gaining clarity, he headed straight to the garage, got into his car, and drove home.

Vivian was overjoyed to see her husband return, but her excitement was short-lived. Diego, instead of greeting her warmly, covered his nose in disgust. Her heart sank, feeling pathetic and weak under his cold gaze. Diego didn't care about her feelings. Instead, he lashed out, punching her several times and pushing her head against the wall.

"What did you cook for me?" he yelled, his voice filled with contempt. The bruise on Vivian's face from the previous night still throbbed, but Diego was oblivious to her pain. All he cared about was his meal.

Vivian was lost in thought, pondering her misery. "Men are demons," she thought. "They are heartless." She didn't realize Diego had been staring at her for almost an hour, growing angrier by the minute at her lack of response. He finally threw a plate at her, snapping her back to reality. She quickly retreated to the kitchen to prepare his favorite dish.

Despite the abuse, Vivian's love for Diego remained unshaken. She served him the meal with trembling hands. Diego ate with satisfaction, and soon after, he fell into a deep sleep, snoring loudly. It was as if he had been given a sleeping pill.

Vivian looked at her husband, feeling a mix of love and despair. Two years of marriage had brought her nothing but heartache. Diego never looked her in the eyes with kindness; he only beat her or treated her like a servant. She hadn't had a good meal in years, and her appearance had suffered as a result. She looked worn out, like a broomstick, and her smell was unpleasant.

Despite everything, Vivian clung to the hope that things would get better. She believed in the vows she had taken, even though Diego showed no signs of changing. Her life was a daily struggle, filled with love for a man who saw her as nothing more than a slave.

Vivian decided to take a moment for herself. She went into the bathroom, cleaned herself up, and changed into a fresh set of clothes. She needed to look presentable, if only for herself. As she looked in the mirror, she saw a hope of the woman she used to be before Diego's abuse had taken its toll.

That afternoon, while Diego slept, Vivian sat in the living room and thought about Ethan's visit. Maybe, just maybe, she could find the strength to leave Diego and start a new life. She knew it would be hard, but staying with him was destroying her.

Vivian began to hatch a plan. She would need to gather some money and find a place to stay. She could reach out to Ethan; perhaps he could help her. The thought of leaving Diego terrified her, but she knew she couldn't endure much more.

When Diego finally woke up, he was in a better mood. The celebration had left him feeling triumphant, and for a moment, he treated Vivian with a semblance of decency. "Get me a drink," he ordered, but his tone was less harsh than usual.

Vivian brought him a glass of water, watching him carefully. She needed to be cautious, not to provoke his anger. "Diego, can we talk?" she asked softly.

"What now?" he grumbled.

"About us," she said. "About how you've been treating me."

Diego looked at her, his eyes narrowing. "What about it?"

"I can't live like this anymore," Vivian said, her voice shaking. "You treat me like I'm nothing. You hurt me. I love you, Diego, but I can't go on like this."

Diego's face twisted with anger. "You think you can leave me?" he shouted. "You're nothing without me!"

Vivian felt a surge of fear but also a hurting feeling.

."I deserve better," she said quietly. "I deserve to be happy."

Diego stood up, towering over her. "You'll never leave me," he hissed. "You're mine."

Vivian took a step back, her heart skipped a bit. She knew this was her moment. If she didn't act now, she might never get another chance. "I'm leaving, Diego," she said, her voice firmer. "I'm leaving you."

Diego lunged at her, but Vivian was ready. She dodged his grasp and ran to the bedroom, where she had hidden a brief case for her to escape.