Chapter 1 Turning point

(Bella)

It's my two years anniversary this coming weekend and I've been ecstatic about it. My marriage to Dean has been blissful, peaceful and above all our love grew each passing day.

The doorbell rings, pulling me out of my thoughts, I smile knowing Ashley, my best friend is here, I applied my lipstick and take a quick glance at the mirror before hurrying downstairs.

Dean's out on an important business trip and Ashley's inviting me for a girl's night out.

Honestly, I'm in no mood for alcohol, I haven't been feeling too good but Ashley's insisting, and thinking about it now, she's right, it's been long we stepped out. So yeah.

"Hi, darling," I say with a wide smile, giving Ashley a quick kiss on the cheeks. "How do I look?" I spread my arms, expecting her praises.

Her eyes darts on me for a while and then a smile forms. "You look -stunning, as always." She says, her smile spreading across her face.

"Thank you, boo. You look as stunning yourself," I reply and then I tilted my head. "Where are we going?" I ask.

"It's a surprise, but a good time is assured," she says, her smile still in place.

"Alright, but Ash I'm not drinking too much tonight, haven't been feeling too good lately," I say just in case. "Plus you know I'm not good with alcohol,"

"Roger that, now after you," she winks as we exit my penthouse.

******

My eyes slowly opens, adjusting to the light in the room, I'm in bed, and in a strange room.

I straightened up quickly and turned to see Ashley sleeping beside me, and only then did I breath out in relief.

God, last night was--- I can barely even remember a thing, the only thing that I can remember was entering the club with Ashley, laughing and talking through the loud music and then me slowly sipping my first drink.

Everything goes blank afterwards, like it's been erased from my memory or something. I guess I had too much of that amber liquid.

My head hurts, my body feels like it's been hit by a freight train, I'm staying off alcohol for a long time.

Ashley stirs beside me and slowly opens her eyes. "You're awake," she says with a yawn.

I nod but then I ask. "How did I end up here?" I raise my brows, skeptical.

Ashley shrug it off. "We both had much to drink, couldn't drive in that state, so I figured we should crash here,"

I nod again, not remembering anything isn't even helpful at all but I'm grateful Ashley has us sorted out.

"Thanks, Ash. We should wash up and leave, I need to pickup Dean's anniversary gift," a smile finds it's way to my face as I say this.

Ashley gives me a tiny smile. "Right, we should."

********

(Dean)

I could barely even wait to get home to my wife, I've been gone for a week and it feels like pure torture staying away.

Our anniversary is today, and I already have a perfect gift. I smile comes to my face.

I had come back in time for our anniversary dinner, but then I ask Raymond to drive me to the office to pickup a file, I'll be taking a day off from work to spend time with my woman tomorrow.

As I shuffle between the documents on my desk, a knock comes to my door and in walks Humphrey.

"Welcome back sir," he says with a warm smile and then he extends his hand. "This parcel came in for you this morning, was hoping to have them over but since you're here,"

My brows rose. "A parcel, for me?" I ask with a hint of skepticism. But with Humphrey's nod, I take it, dismissing him at once.

I want to keep it and check what that is later but my curiosity won't let me.

Sitting back down in my armchair, I tore the parcel open and nothing prepares me for what I saw.

My jaw drops in an instant, my stomach tightens, my head spinning.

I stared at 4 pictures of Bella with different men in a compromising position.

My breath hitched as I try to process it all. But then my eyes lands at the note at the bottom of the bag. I pick it up.

"She's been playing you all along, she has never loved you, being moving with different men, that is a proof, don't be fooled. If you don't believe me, then check your bedroom drawer for birth control pills,"

I run a hand through my hair, my chest feels so heavy, like it's been rippled apart.

How could -- how could Bella do this?

My eyes darts to the photos again and my heart broke.

I could barely catch my breath, each inhale shaper than the last.

"So all of this has been a lie?" I say to myself. "She's been fooling me, deceived me into believing she left that life behind?"

But then, the truth stares at me.

The harsh reality feels like a cold slap to my face.

I've been a fool, a fool for love.