I Said YES To An Open Marriage

RACHEL

"In this marriage, there shall be transparency and no form of cheating. Whatever I own is yours, and vice versa. If there's a misunderstanding, it must be cleared up before anyone goes to bed."

When my husband, Jeremy, said those words three years ago, I thought I had the perfect marriage. He was the one who condemned cheating. There was no way he would do it to me.

But alas, it was all a lie. The whole façade crumbled six months after our wedding when his new assistant started working with him. He started coming home late and giving excuses, like he didn't realize how late it had gotten while working.

Like a fool, I believed him. Oh yes, I did. You know, he couldn't be cheating since he was the one who made the rule. But nothing prepared me for the shock and heartbreak when I walked into his office and found him pounding his assistant on the table two years ago.

The music played softly, and everyone swayed slowly to its rhythm and lyrics. It was our college reunion, and most of our friends were gathered at the bar.

Everyone was smiling and chatting, but my eyes were fixed under the table-precisely on my husband, whose hands were roaming another woman's lap. They were laughing and talking while something else was going on beneath the table. I saw everything-and I couldn't move.

"Rachel, what are you looking at?" My college friend, Sarah, tried to follow my gaze, but I stopped her before she could see it.

"Nothing. Just thinking about how everyone has changed after seven years," I mumbled.

Sarah clutched my hand. "That's true, honestly." Her eyes lit up. "I've been looking at everyone, especially the boys, and I can't believe the glow-up. They're all so damn fine," she whisper-shouted, squeezing my hand.

I nodded, my eyes drifting under the table again. I still saw Jeremy's hand on her lap. This time, it was slowly moving closer to her core.

Sarah nudged me. "Rachel, I thought Clara was an art major." She gestured in my husband's direction with her head.

Clara. That was the name of the woman beside my husband. The new bitch he was cheating on me with.

"Yes," I responded, my brows creasing, unsure why Sarah was asking. I just hoped she hadn't noticed what was happening. That would be so embarrassing. Everyone thought my marriage was perfect. They thought Jeremy treated me right. I didn't want them to know it was all a façade. No. I didn't want anyone to see my reality. "Is there a problem?"

"Why did she come to our reunion party? She isn't even in the same major as us. And why is she so close to your husband?" Sarah asked, her tone laced with suspicion.

My breath hitched when she took a closer look at them. "Have they always been this close, or is this their first time together?" Her brows knitted.

"First time!" I replied quickly, forcing a chuckle while subtly blocking their view with my body. Call me a fool if you want-but covering them meant hiding my shame. My husband's humiliation was also mine.

"Let's join the others over there, Sarah. There are still a lot of people to catch up with," I muttered, standing and dragging her away.

Thirty minutes after chatting with others, I glanced at the table, and they were still there-my husband and Clara. From the way her eyes and body moved, I could tell things had gone further. My eyes stung with tears that lingered at my lids. It would have been better if he had at least respected me in public, but he didn't.

He wouldn't be the only subject of mockery if anyone caught them fooling around in public. I would also face the embarrassment of being seen as a foolish, understanding wife. The gossip would spread to our college alumni group and might even reach the school's news channel.

Anger coursed through me, and my vision blurred with jealousy and tears. My chest tightened. My fingers curled into fists. I couldn't take it anymore. I marched to the sound system, turned off the music, and picked up the microphone.

Silence filled the room.

"Hello, everyone!" My voice shook as my emotions overwhelmed my reasoning. "I'm sorry I stopped the fun so suddenly. I need everyone's help," I mumbled.

Then my eyes fell on my husband and Clara. Their attention wasn't even here despite the sudden silence. They were in their own world, having fun.

At that moment, my eyes reddened, and I clutched the microphone tighter. I didn't really have anything to say. I just needed something to distract them, but it seemed like it wasn't working. With my lips pursed, I brought the microphone closer to my mouth and said, "It's... " It's a prank, guys," I said, forcing a smile.

No one laughed. No one said anything. There wasn't a single reaction. Everyone exchanged confused glances. At that moment, I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole. The embarrassment was enough to weaken my knees and make me stumble.

Ashamed, I dropped the microphone and turned the music back on.

Standing there, I clenched my jaw and fists while staring at those two. I had had enough of this. All I had been running from was embarrassment-and I had already experienced it.

Without thinking, I dashed toward them.

"Clara!" I called. As soon as she turned to me, I met her halfway with a resounding slap. The music stopped immediately, and everyone's attention shifted to us.

"Rachel!" voices rang out as people moved closer. "What are you doing?" Sarah asked.

I chuckled. "Answer that, Clara. What are you doing?" I snapped. "Do you want to leave quietly, or do you want me to tell everyone what you've been doing with another woman's husband?" I asked.

Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.

Jeremy glanced at me, shocked. His jaw tightened, veins rising in his neck. I could tell he was furious but holding himself back in public.

"I-"

"I mean it, Clara. Leave now, or I'll tell everyone what you've been doing."

Clutching her reddened cheek, she sprang to her feet. "I promise you, Rachel, you'll regret this," she swore before walking out of the gathering with forced composure. No one said a word. I knew they had already connected the dots, even without the full story.

Jeremy stood up, fire blazing in his eyes. He grabbed my hand and grunted, "Let's go home."

I snorted. "This isn't over."

RACHEL

He dragged me into the living room and shoved me forward. I stumbled, my foot slipping as I nearly hit the floor.

"What the hell was that at the reunion? Have you lost all respect for me?" he barked, closing the gap between us.

I stood my ground, hands planted on my hips. I had nothing left to give Jeremy or this marriage.

The only thing remaining was my brazenness, and I wouldn't tone it down to make him feel like a man. Never.

"What do you think it was, Jeremy? I wouldn't have done that if you had an iota of respect for me... your wife," I fired back with an unwavering gaze.

He was taken aback, but it took only a second before his expression returned to scorn.

"What did I do, Rachel? What was so bad about having fun?" he flared, throwing his hands in the air. "Marrying you shouldn't stop me from enjoying my life."

I burst into laughter at his statement. Tears streamed down my face as I laughed-sharp, broken laughter that hurt my chest. Despite everything, he didn't find anything wrong with what he did.

This motherfucker was still justifying his actions.

"Just having fun?" I scoffed. "Doing things that make you happy? Does that include disrespecting our vows? Our love? Our marriage?" My voice croaked. I struggled to push back the tears pooling in my eyes and surging within me.

Before today, I would cry, kneel, and beg him to stop tainting our marital vows-but not anymore. I'm exhausted. I just want to breathe without thinking of a husband whose eyes chase everything in a skirt.

He gave a light laugh, closed the distance between us, and gripped my shoulders firmly. "Things aren't as serious as they seem, Rachel. You're the one making everything look like a problem when it isn't," he deadpanned. "It's not disrespectful if I'm having fun outside. I didn't bring them into our home," he added with sheer nonchalance.

A scoff escaped my lips. My husband wasn't as smart as I thought he was. Maybe I was the one who placed too many expectations on him. I just couldn't believe the things he was saying.

"You are unbelievable, Jeremy," I spat, my voice shaking. I moved out of his grip and shook my head. "You are unbelievable, and you sound so dumb."

His brows creased. "Did you just call me dumb? Huh, Rachel?" he sputtered, appalled.

Instead of responding, I hissed and walked away. It was no use speaking with him when he was drunk. I bet he wouldn't even remember this whole issue by morning.

⸻

The next morning, I woke up before anyone else even though I didn't sleep early. I knew I had promised myself not to cry over him anymore, but I just couldn't stop the tears from falling. They kept coming even as I tried to hold them back.

My head was filled with thoughts of him. Before marriage, he was all over me. He promised to be faithful, to give me the kind of marriage I had always prayed for. So how did everything get to this stage? A stage where he had no respect for me and what we shared?

I went straight to the kitchen and made breakfast, hoping we could fix whatever was left of us and put the past behind us.

Two hours later, I heard the sound of his approaching footsteps, and I walked out of the kitchen.

"Good morning, hubby," I muttered with a smile.

He was fully dressed in a black suit, a gray-blue tie, and carrying a black bag. I couldn't help falling for him all over again when I set my eyes on him.

But he didn't respond. Instead, he sauntered to the shelf, picked up his car keys, and headed toward the door.

My brows knitted in surprise and confusion.

"Are you leaving for work already? Without breakfast?" I asked, following him.

"I didn't think you'd bother cooking for a 'dumb' husband," he replied.

Oh, fuck. He still remembered what happened last night. I thought he was drunk and would have forgotten most of our argument.

"You know I didn't mean that, Jeremy," I said, still walking behind him. Just as he reached for the door handle, I grabbed his arm and looked up at him pleadingly. "If I truly meant what I said, I wouldn't wake up early just to make your favorite meal," I added, my lips curling into a playful smile.

He sighed and looked at me for the first time since coming downstairs. "You take simple things too seriously, Rachel. That's one flaw you have, and you need to work on it," he began.

"Even if I mess around with other women, it doesn't mean I love them. I do not, Rachel. My heart is with you. I've got eyes for you alone, honey." He held my hands and locked his gaze with mine.

There it was-his usual manipulation. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't do something like that, but I was wrong. After every argument about his cheating, he resorted to manipulating me-just like he was doing now.

The anger I had suppressed before morning reignited, and I almost erupted like a bomb. Hissing, I jerked my hand away from his and stepped back.

"You don't need to eat the breakfast I made, Jeremy, and you also don't need to justify your multiple sex escapades. Just leave," I said, my voice turning cold on the last word.

"You-" he started.

"You heard me, Jeremy," I cut him off. "Leave," I snarled.

He didn't say another word. Instead, he opened the door and left the house.

Placing my hands on my hips, I leaned my head back and blinked away the tears gathering in my eyes. When would Jeremy change? When would he stop causing me heartache? When would all this trouble end?

When I heard his car drive off, I went back to the dining table, ate breakfast, and then got ready for work. We worked at the same company-our company-but we rarely went together. He wouldn't even allow it.

I had just finished dressing when my phone rang. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was my best friend, Lena.

My lips curved into a smile as I answered the call.

"Hey, darling," I said.

"Hey, my beautiful married friend," she teased from the other end. I could swear she rolled her eyes when she said "married." Lena hated that I was married-or rather, she hated the person I was married to. She had told me my situation gave her more reason never to settle for any man.

"How are you, darling?" she added.

"I'm fine," I breathed out.

"Are you sure, Rachel? You don't sound fine to me," she said, her tone laced with worry.

I should have known my fake excitement wouldn't fool Lena. She always knew when something was wrong.

"Talk to me, baby girl. Or do you want me to come over?" she blurted. "I'm not busy right now. I can be on my way if you want."

"Hell no, Lena. It isn't that serious," I said, shaking my head as if she could see me.

"That means it's serious," she asserted. "Now start talking. What's wrong? Is it your husband again?"

I nodded even though she couldn't see me. "Hmm... There's... another woman," I revealed.

An awkward silence followed.

That was unusual. The Lena I knew would have shouted and rained curses on Jeremy and the woman.

My mouth parted to ask what was wrong, but before I could speak, she exhaled heavily.

"What would it take for you to leave these shackles in the name of marriage, Rachel?" she asked, her voice low and sharp. "You can't keep living like this, Rachel. What if he gets infected out there and passes it to you?" Her tone carried concern and frustration. "It could be deadly. You could die, love."

Closing my eyes, I pinched the bridge of my nose before opening them again. "I know, Lena."

"Then leave," she snapped. "If you know, then walk away. Or does your life mean nothing to you? Will you leave only when he completely ruins you?"

Lena's words were unusually intense today. In the past, she would curse him and then make me laugh, but today was different. Something about it made my heart ache and drop. It made tears well up in my eyes.

"He was my first, Lena. My first in everything. My virginity... he was the one I lost it to," my voice croaked.

"Does it matter? No. Being your first doesn't mean he should be your last. This guy isn't worth it, girl. Leave," she muttered.

I shut my eyes and exhaled deeply. Everything Lena said was right. Jeremy wasn't worth it, yet I couldn't leave because I felt no one else would want me since I had already lost my virginity to him. That was the mindset I grew up with in an extremely religious family.

"Are you listening to me?"

Her voice cut through my thoughts.

Opening my eyes, I nodded. "Y-yes, Lena. I'm listening. I just... I just..." I trailed off, searching for words. "You know what? I'll think about everything you said. I know you're just trying to look out for me, and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much, my girl," I said with a small smile.

She chuckled. "Don't thank me yet, idiot. I want to see your actions, not just your words."

"You just watch, girl. I'll show you how serious I am," I said, and we both laughed.

"I need to go now. I don't want to be late for work," I added, picking up my bag and heading toward the door.

"You talk as if anyone is going to punish you for being late," she teased. "It's your husband's company, for God's sake."

"I know, Lena. But policy is policy. The company's rules apply to everyone, no matter who you are," I explained.

"Alright... I'll let you go now. Talk to you later," she said, blew me a kiss, and hung up.

I shook my head and got into the car as soon as the call ended. Lena is troublesome, and she's also the only reason I haven't completely fallen apart.

RACHEL

It took Jeremy days to warm up to me again-days where he barely ate and said nothing to me. He left the house every morning before I woke up and returned very late at night.

At work, he ignored me and only spoke to me about business. At some point, I got exhausted and became eager to settle the rift between us.

But things were different this morning; he didn't leave the house before I woke up. Instead, he came to wake me and asked me to prepare breakfast for him. For the first time in days, it felt like I could breathe again.

I was excited. After days of silent treatment, I thought I would die. I thought I wouldn't survive it.

Instantly, I got up and went into the kitchen to make pancakes, scrambled eggs, and tea.

My hands trembled slightly as I set the table. While I was setting the table, he came over and took a seat. I joined him afterward, and we ate in silence. I sneaked peeks at him with each bite. It had been four years, yet my heart still wouldn't stop beating fast around him.

"Let's talk about us, Rachel." The silence at the table broke. I froze before slowly turning to face him. He took several sips of tea and put the mug down. "We can't keep fighting over the same topic every time. I'm exhausted already."

My chest tightened as his words sank in. An ominous feeling settled in my chest. He was either about to ask for a divorce or promise to change for good-but I knew the latter wasn't an option. Change wasn't a part of Jeremy.

I didn't say a word. I silently finished my meal, cleared the table, and returned to my seat.

"What is it you want to talk about, Jeremy?" I asked, intertwining my hands to stop them from shaking.

"Uhm... a lot has been going on in our marriage," he began.

I nodded in agreement, pursing my lips. "A lot... yeah," I muttered.

"You aren't allowing me to explore, Rachel. This marriage feels tight and uncomfortable," he said, looking serious and defensive. "I feel suffocated. Restricted. Locked," he added, emphasizing each word. "This isn't what marriage should feel like. I should be free, not bound. I should be comfortable, not choked."

My lashes fluttered, and I scoffed in disbelief. Lowering my head, I forced a smile to keep my emotions from overwhelming me. I didn't trust my voice enough to speak.

Raising my head, I replied, "So, are you saying I've been suffocating you?" I tried to keep my voice from shaking.

"No, Rachel. That's not the point. I'm just saying you are too strict with some rules, and it's really causing problems between us," he defended, and I let out a few short bursts of sad laughter.

I hated that he was beating around the bush when he could just be direct with me. The anxiety and nervousness building inside me could make me pass out if he didn't say what he wanted soon.

"I think I know where this is going, Jeremy," I said, nibbling on my lower lip and digging my nails into my lap to stop myself from breaking down. "You don't need to keep going back and forth. You're a man. Talk to me. What do you want? What's the solution to all the problems you think we have?" My breath caught in my throat.

"Let's have an open marriage, Rachel," he said plainly, his eyes devoid of emotion. He was just there-neutral and expressionless, as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb.

I didn't react for a few seconds because I was still trying to make sure I hadn't misheard him.

"Did I hear that correctly?" My face tightened.

"You heard correctly, Rachel," he confirmed. "Listen to me... this decision is for the best. You will stop worrying about my affairs, and I will stop worrying about hurting you. It works for both of us," he added.

I snorted. This had to be the funniest joke of the century. A multitude of emotions swirled in my stomach. I didn't know how to react. Should I shout? Cry? Or even slap him for the disrespect?

The most annoying part was Jeremy's nonchalance. He didn't seem to realize how ridiculous his suggestion was.

"Are you listening to me?" His voice drifted into my ears, breaking my train of thought.

When I looked at him, uncontrollable laughter rose from my chest, and I burst out laughing without restraint. He was damn serious. He had to be. Open marriage? What the hell was that?

"You're joking, right?" I muttered through my laughter, covering my mouth with my palm. "No, Jeremy. You have to be joking."

His expressionless face shifted into confusion, then a smile. "No, Rachel. I'm damn serious. An open marriage will work best for us."

I shook my head. "No. No. No," I said, my tone filled with disbelief. "You have to be joking. You can't be serious. I'm not believing this."

"You should stop this, Rachel. Your denial isn't-"

I cut him off.

"And what if I object?" My voice was firm and steady, just like my gaze.

"You have no right to. I've been thinking about this for days before bringing it up. Trust me, there's no way on earth I'm going to do anything that will hurt you," he explained.

A few short laughs escaped my lips. "You wouldn't do anything that would hurt me, huh? What do you think you're doing to me right now, Jeremy? Helping me?" I paused and swallowed the lump in my throat. "Answer me. Are you doing me a favor right now?" I snarled, hitting the table.

He tilted his head slightly. "Well, if you ask me... I'd say yes."

My brows furrowed. "What!" My hands went cold.

Just then, his phone lit up and began to ring.

His lips spread into an excited smile when he glanced at the caller ID.

At that moment, it felt like my heart was being crushed. It was easy to guess that one of the women was calling. Tears rushed to my eyes, burning as they gathered. My blood boiled. My body shook, but I held myself back.

"Excuse me, honey. I need to pick someone up outside." He stood and headed out without waiting for my response.

Gritting my teeth, I clenched my fists and placed them on the table. I was afraid my outburst might ruin everything this morning. No wonder he came to my bedroom and acted so perfectly earlier-he was preparing me for something worse.

A moment later, footsteps echoed through the house. The door opened, revealing a familiar yet unfamiliar face, followed by my husband, who dragged in two pieces of luggage.

I sprang up from my seat the moment I recognized her. "What is she doing here? Why is she in our home?" I rushed out, leaving the dining area and dashing into the living room.

"Calm down, Rachel," Jeremy muttered. Then, holding out his hand with a smile, he said, "Meet Clara."He paused. "My girlfriend. She'll be staying with us from now on."

"What!" I blurted out. My world tilted.