Chapter 5 How To Run From This Pain Marriage

The ride in the car was silent. Reynald held the steering wheel calmly, occasionally glancing at Abel who sat beside him. Abel, with a blank stare out the window, tried to process what had just happened. His mind was full of doubt, anger, and shame all mixed together.

"We're not going straight home," Reynald said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Abel looked over with furrowed brows. "What do you mean?"

Reynald remained focused on the road. "I want to make sure you don't go home in this state. With that dress, a taxi is not an option. I have acquaintances who can help."

Abel wanted to argue, but he was too tired to argue. Finally, he just nodded slowly.

Not long after, Reynald's car pulled up in front of a small boutique that was still brightly lit even though it was already midnight. Abel stared at the shop's signboard in confusion.

"Why are we here?" he asked.

Reynald got out of the car and opened the door for him. "Just come in. You need something more comfortable and safe to wear."

They were greeted by an elegant woman in her forties with a friendly smile. "Reynald! What brings you here at this hour?" she asked.

"I need your help, Lila," Reynald replied in a serious tone. He glanced at Abel. "Can you help dress my friend here? Something elegant but not flashy."

Lila looked Abel over from head to toe, her smile warm. "Of course. Come with me, dear."

Abel followed Lila into the dressing room, while Reynald waited in the front area. A few minutes later, Abel came out wearing a simple navy blue dress with an elegant yet unobtrusive cut. Her hair was neatly curled, and light make-up was applied to cover the fatigue on her face.

Reynald looked at her for a moment, then nodded in satisfaction. "That's perfect."

Abel felt a little more confident, though his heart was still filled with doubt. "Where do we go now?"

Reynald opened the car door for him again. "There's something you should see."

They arrived at a crowded nightclub even though it was already three in the morning. Music thumped loudly, colored lights flickered, and the smell of alcohol mixed with cigarette smoke filled the air. Abel felt awkward, but Reynald remained calm, like someone who was used to this kind of place.

"Why are we here?" Abel asked, trying to adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings.

Reynald didn't answer right away. He simply gestured for Abel to follow him. They passed through the crowd of people dancing on the dance floor, heading for the stairs that led to the upper floors.

They stopped at a VVIP area that was heavily guarded by two large men. Reynald spoke briefly with one of the guards, who then let them in.

When Abel stepped into the room, he froze. On a luxurious long sofa, Aaron sat casually. Around him, several scantily clad women laughed, thrusting their glasses at him. One of them sat very close, leaning her body against Aaron's arm in an all too familiar way.

Abel felt his entire body go cold. His heart skipped a beat, but not because of the loud thumping music. He looked at his husband, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the moment without a hint of guilt.

"This is why she left you," Reynald's voice was low but full of emotion.

Abel looked up at Reynald, his eyes filled with tears that he tried to hold back. "Why did you bring me here?"

"So that you could see for yourself who she really is," Reynald replied. "I don't want you to continue to be blinded by his lies."

Abel looked back at Aaron. It was like being slashed by a sharp knife to see the man who was supposed to love him, the man who had sworn to take care of him, sitting there surrounded by women who were clearly not business partners.

Just then, one of the women poured a drink into Aaron's glass, then she raised her glass with a loose laugh. "To a great night!" the woman exclaimed, to cheers from the others.

Aaron just smiled, then took a sip of his drink without a hint of guilt.

Abel felt his tears finally fall. He averted his eyes, unable to bear the sight any longer. Reynald took his arm gently. "Abel, I know this is hard. But you have to stop letting yourself be treated like this."

Abel pulled his arm away, his eyes flashing with anger and sadness. "You think I don't know who he is? You think I don't realize what he's doing? I know, Reynald! But what can I do? I'm trapped!"

Reynald was silent, staring at Abel who looked like he might break down at any moment. He wanted to say something, but no words felt sufficient.

"Let's go home," Abel said finally, his voice sounding weak.

Reynald nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll drive you."

They walked out of the club that night, leaving the music, the lights, and Aaron who remained lost in his own world. But in Abel's heart, he knew that night was a turning point. Something had to change. Something had to be done, before he completely lost himself.

***

The car drove slowly on the deserted road, passing the fading lights of the city. Inside the cabin, it was so quiet that the sound of the vehicle's engine could be heard clearly. Reynald glanced at Abel who was sitting next to him, his body rigid like a statue.

Abel stared straight ahead, his eyes glazed over. He bit his lower lip, trying hard to hold back the tears that were already welling up. His hands were clenched tightly in his lap, as if if if he loosened them, all his emotions would just spill out.

Reynald wanted to speak, wanted to say something that could ease the pain in her heart. However, he didn't know where to start. The wounds on Abel's face were too obvious to ignore, but words felt so hollow amidst the thick silence.

"Abel," Reynald finally opened his voice, soft yet cautious.

Abel didn't respond, didn't even turn his head. He kept staring ahead with eyes that were beginning to turn red.

"Abel, I know this is hard," Reynald continued. "But you don't have to keep everything to yourself. You can talk to me."

His tone was sincere, caring. However, it only made Abel feel weaker. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to control the tremors in his chest.

"There's nothing to talk about," Abel finally said, his voice almost a whisper.

Reynald let out a long breath. He knew it was Abel's shield, the woman's way of protecting herself from deeper hurt. But Reynald didn't want to give up so easily.

"Abel, I know what you saw earlier must have been painful," he said softly, trying to be careful. "But you shouldn't blame yourself for what Aaron did."

Abel finally turned his head, looking at Reynald with eyes that were now full of tears. "You don't understand," he said, his voice trembling.

"Then make me understand," Reynald replied softly, but firmly. "Tell me what's on your mind."

Abel chuckled, a laugh that sounded more like a sob. "What's the point? Nothing will change. She'll still be like that, and I... I have no choice."

Reynald frowned, feeling frustrated at those words. "You always have a choice, Abel. You just have to have the courage to take it."

Abel shook his head, tears finally rolling down his cheeks. "You don't know anything, Reynald. You don't know what I face every day. I... I'm not strong."

Reynald pulled the car over to the side of the road, stopping the vehicle in the shade of a dim street lamp. He turned his body to face Abel, looking at him intensely.

"Listen to me, Abel," he said in a serious yet gentle tone. "You're stronger than you think. You've survived this far, even when she kept hurting you. That's strength. But that strength will be wasted if you continue to let yourself be treated like this."

Abel looked down, tears continuing to fall without him being able to stop them. Reynald's words pierced his heart, but he knew there was truth behind them.

"What should I do?" he asked finally, his voice sounding broken.

Reynald took a deep breath, then answered with conviction. "Detach yourself from her. You don't have to live like this, Abel. I know it's not easy, but you're not alone. I'm right here. I will help you."

Abel looked up, staring at Reynald with wet eyes. "Why do you care?"

Reynald was silent for a moment, then answered honestly, "Because I care about you, Abel. I can't stand by and watch you continue to be hurt like this."

Silence fell over them again, but this time it felt different. Reynald's words began to sink into Abel's heart, though he was still filled with doubt and fear.

After a while, Reynald returned to driving the car, letting Abel have time to think.

Throughout the journey, Abel remained silent, but his crying slowly subsided. He didn't know if he was brave enough to take such a big step as Reynald said. However, for the first time, there was a small glimmer of hope in his heart, even though it was still faint and fragile.

When they finally arrived in front of his house, Reynald turned off the engine and looked at Abel. "You don't need to decide now. But remember, you're not alone. If you need me, I'll always be there."

Abel nodded slowly, his eyes still puffy. "Thank you, Reynald."

Reynald smiled a little, though his heart was still full of worry. "Take care, Abel."

Abel got out of the car and stepped towards the door of his house. As his hand touched the doorknob, he paused for a moment, looking back to see Reynald who was still waiting for him from inside the car.

There was something in Reynald's gaze that made her feel a little stronger, if only a little. She took a deep breath, then entered the house, bringing with her a mixed feeling of fear and hope.