Once My Wife, Now the Woman I Watch on Forbes

EUNICE'S POV

I was genuinely surprised when David told me to meet him at the restaurant. I wasn't told it was a group dinner or rather, a family show. And definitely not one where I'd be the outsider.

He didn't say much in the message. Just the name of the place, time, and "See you there."

No "Hey babe," no "Looking forward to seeing you." Still, I came. Maybe because I was still holding onto the idea that I was his wife... or maybe I just didn't want to admit I felt forgotten.

As I walked into the restaurant, I immediately spotted them. David. His mother, Glenda. And of all people... Lizzy, his secretary. The three of them were already seated, laughing like old friends, glasses raised, plates half-touched. I hesitated for a second, feeling like I had just walked into someone else's celebration.

David looked up and nodded casually. "Oh... Eunice, you're here."

I gave a small smile and joined the table, slipping into the empty seat beside Glenda. She didn't greet me. Not even a nod.

"You're one of the prettiest ladies I've ever met," Glenda said to Lizzy with a warm smile. Her voice was full of admiration.

"Aw, thank you, ma," Lizzy responded, clearly flattered.

"You're very right," David added, sipping his drink. "I've been lucky to meet a wonderful soul like her."

My heart sank a little. Was he talking about his secretary? Right in front of me?

Lizzy smiled shyly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, obviously enjoying the attention. Glenda reached over and fondly played with Lizzy's hair, laughing softly. Lizzy blushed like a schoolgirl. They were all so comfortable with each other like I was the outsider on their own private island.

David was also lost in their conversation, eyes twinkling at Lizzy's every word. The way he looked at her... it wasn't just work.

I sat quietly, trying to blend into the background while they enjoyed their meal. No one asked how my day went. No one noticed I hadn't said a word.

The waiter returned, offering a bottle of expensive wine. Everyone took a glass. I declined.

"None for me," I said quietly. "I'll have hot coffee, please."

David raised a brow but didn't say anything. Lizzy gave a small snort under her breath.

Their laughter bubbled over again as Glenda started telling stories from a recent charity gala they attended. Apparently, Lizzy had been there too. Funny, I didn't even know they went.

"It was such a beautiful event," Lizzy said. "David looked so handsome in that navy suit. I think everyone's head turned when he walked in."

"Of course," Glenda beamed. "He gets it from his father."

They all laughed.

I sat there, numb, my fingers resting on the edge of my plate. I wasn't in their picture, not even in the frame. I tried my best not to let the bitterness rise. I had promised myself I wouldn't break down not in front of them.

I placed a hand on my stomach. The food sat untouched.

Does anyone even notice? Do they care that I'm not drinking, not laughing, not present?

I excused myself politely. "I'll be using the restroom."

No one said a word. Just silent glances, like they were relieved I was leaving the table. Lizzy adjusted her napkin and turned back to David like I hadn't even spoken.

I walked down the corridor, my steps slow. My chest felt tight, and my knees were slightly trembling. My mind was racing. Why am I even here? Why did he bring me? Was it to humiliate me?

A sharp pain ran through my knees as I stumbled slightly on the marble floor, catching myself on the wall.

"Get it together, Eunice," I muttered. "Don't let them break you."

My mind flashed back to the hospital a few days ago. The ultrasound, the doctor's calm face turning to surprise.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Eunice. You're three weeks pregnant," he had said with a warm smile.

I sat there, frozen.

"You don't seem happy," he'd added gently.

"I... I don't know if I should keep it."

He took off his glasses and stared at me like I was a ghost.

"Why?" he asked quietly.

"I don't know how my husband will react. I don't think he wants anything to do with me anymore."

"You have to let him know, Eunice. You never know he might surprise you."

But I knew better. David didn't have room for me in his life anymore.

Memories rushed in. Moments where David used to look at me like I mattered. When Glenda used to call to check on me. When Lizzy was just a secretary and not the center of every conversation. Now, everything had shifted, and I was the one fading out.

I washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were tired. My lips were tight. I breathed in deeply and walked back to the table.

The coffee had arrived.

I took a seat quietly, preparing to take a sip.

Just then, Lizzy stood, holding her wine glass a bit too close. In the blink of an eye, the contents spilled right onto my white blouse.

I gasped.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" she said, covering her mouth.

I grabbed my handkerchief and started dabbing at the stain. "What is wrong with you, Lizzy?" I asked, my voice edged with anger.

Before I could finish the sentence, Lizzy gasped dramatically and stumbled backward, falling to the floor.

"I didn't mean to fall... she-she pushed me," she whimpered.

David immediately rushed to her side, helping her up. "Lizzy! Are you okay?"

I stood frozen. "Are you serious right now? I didn't even touch her!"

"What the hell, Eunice?" David snapped. "Why are you always so ill-mannered?"

I looked at him, fury rising in my bones. "She spilled wine on me first. She's pretending."

Glenda stood too. "Apologize to her. Now."

I turned to her, stunned. "Apologize? Are you joking?"

"Right now, Eunice. Or leave." Glenda, David Mother said angrily

I looked around. No one defended me. Not one person asked what really happened. I was on my own.

"Nothing in this world," I said slowly, my voice calm but steady, "would make me do such."

"Leave here!" David's mother screamed at me in the middle of the restaurant.

I froze for a moment, looking at her, then at David... and then quietly turned around and walked out. I didn't want to create a scene. The shame was enough already.

As I walked away, I could hear a bit of commotion behind me. People were gathering. I turned my head slightly and saw David and his mother rushing toward Lucy. Yes, Lucy checking on her as if she'd had a brutal fall.

I shook my head. That fall wasn't even that serious. She tripped and sat down. How dramatic could they get?

Was all that concern real? Or just another act to make me feel less than I already did?

David didn't even notice my bruised leg. Not a glance. Not a word. Nothing.

It hurt. It really did.

He always listened to side talks of others, he never believed me or gave me time to explain myself, He is always a commanding person.

We don't have time to spend with each other

I kept walking, lost in my thoughts, and then... bam! I bumped into someone.

"Oh! I'm so sorry," I said quickly.

"It's alright. No problem at all," the man replied kindly.

He looked at me and smiled. "You must be David's wife, right?"

My heart skipped. Another member of David's family? Oh God, not another round of hatred and cold stares.

I looked up carefully, trying to recognize him. He looked older than David, had full curly hair, and a beard that suited his face.

"You must be David's uncle," I said, my voice cautious.

"Oh yes, I am. You're quite smart," he replied with a friendly smile.

I managed a faint smile. "Thank you."

There was an odd silence between us. The atmosphere felt a little tense but not in a bad way.

His voice was calm; so unlike David's mother's shrill tone. He seemed... different. Softer.

I remembered David once mentioned an uncle who stayed mostly away, busy with businesses and helping manage the family investments. This must be him: Uncle Benard.

"Hello?" he waved gently at me, noticing I'd zoned out.

"I have to go now," I said quickly. "I need to get home." I turned and walked toward the road, hoping to get a cab.

The wind was biting cold. I shivered so hard it felt like someone had poured a bucket of ice water on me. I hugged myself tightly. The weather really wasn't helping today.

"Eunice!!"

I heard someone call my name and turned around, surprised.

David?

No... it was Uncle Benard.

He jogged over to me, holding something in his hand. "You look really cold. Here, have this," he said, draping his jacket over my shoulders.

"You don't need to run from me," he added with a kind smile. "I don't bite."

I blinked in surprise. Someone in David's family actually being... kind?

There was a strange flutter in my stomach. His voice was warm. Gentle. He placed the jacket on me with so much care. For the first time, I felt seen. I felt like someone in this family cared.

"Where are you headed?" he asked.

"Home. I was going to take a cab."

"Let me give you a ride," he offered.

I hesitated. I knew he came for the family dinner, but of course, no one had told me about it. Classic David.

"But" I started to say.

"Don't worry. I insist. Let's go."

We walked to his car, and I appreciated that he didn't force any conversation. He could read my body language. He just turned on soft music and let it play while driving.

After a while, he asked in a calm voice, "Do you want to flip through the newspaper? There are some interesting stories."

"Sure," I said, a bit surprised.

He handed it to me, and I flipped through quietly, trying to take my mind off everything.

I couldn't help but compare. If it were David, he would've already started arguing with me for being silent. He rarely respected my emotions.

When we got to the house, Ruth, our maid, came out and gasped a little when she saw Benard.

"Good evening, Mr. Benard! You're welcome. I didn't know you'd be here this early," she said, clearly surprised but cheerful.

"Good evening, dear," he replied warmly. "You're looking well. You've really grown."

She smiled shyly.

Then he turned to her. "Please get some bandages and help Eunice treat her leg."

I looked at him in shock. How did he know I was injured?

Did he have some superpower or something?

He laughed softly, as if reading my thoughts.

"How did you know?" I asked, still in awe.

"Let's leave questions for later," he said with a wink.

I went to my room, took a bath, and changed into something more comfortable.

As I soaked in the warm water, my mind replayed the events of the evening like a broken film reel. I had become so used to being invisible in that house, so used to walking on eggshells.

But Benard's kindness... it caught me off guard. Was it just simple courtesy, or did he actually see my pain? I didn't know. But for the first time in a long while, I didn't feel completely alone.

Ruth came in with the first aid box and gently dressed my leg. It stung, but she was careful.

Afterward, I headed to the living room. Benard was already eating rice and chicken, probably Ruth's handiwork. She always cooked well.

I had barely sat down when David walked in.

"Wow, Uncle Benard! When did you get here? Why didn't you join us at the restaurant?" he asked, surprised.

Before Benard could answer, I replied coldly, "He drove me home."

David looked slightly annoyed, like he wasn't pleased with that answer. "Mother wants to see you," he told Benard

Uncle Bernard stepped away briefly to meet with David's mother.

Then, surprisingly, David turned to me and noticed the bandage on my leg.

"What happened to your leg?" he asked, a bit concerned.

I was stunned. So... he could care?

Even if it was just a little, it still meant something.

Maybe... just maybe... when I tell him about the pregnancy, his love for me will come back.

I thought David cared. I really did. After everything we had built together, the dreams we whispered in the dark, the nights we stayed up talking about the future, the promises sealed with kisses. I believed he would always be on my side.

I thought I had married a partner, a friend, someone who would defend me even when I was wrong and protect me when I was hurting.

But I was wrong. Completely wrong.

Lately, it felt like I was sharing a house with a stranger. His eyes no longer lingered on me.

His voice, once soft with affection, had become clipped, impatient. And when I needed him most... tonight, broken and bleeding, trembling from what I had just discovered he looked at me like I was nothing but a disruption in his schedule.

Like I was wasting time he could have spent with her.

I saw it in his eyes. Not even a flicker of concern. Just... cold indifference.

How did we get here? How did the man who used to write love notes on sticky paper now walk past me like a wall?

"I tripped outside... and I " I tried to explain.

David looked at me like I was wasting his time. No concern. No warmth.

"Do you know what? Just go inside and apologize to Mom and Lizzy," he said sharply, cutting me off.

Just like that.

He didn't even let me finish. And I had been about to tell him something important. Something life-changing.

But no... he started his usual attitude. Cold. Bossy. Not listening. Again.

I remembered the first time he ignored my feelings on several occasions, there was a day I spilled juice on his shirt by accident. Instead of laughing it off like I expected, he scolded me in front of the waiter.

It was small, but something in me cracked that day. I convinced myself it was stress. That things would change. That love could cover it. But now I wasn't so sure anymore. Maybe love wasn't enough.

My chest felt tight. This wasn't what I wanted. I couldn't raise a child in this kind of home. Constant fights. Always feeling alone.

I looked at the floor, then up at David.

"I want a divorce," I said quietly.

The words felt like glass in my throat. I didn't want this no woman to end her marriage.

But I also didn't want to lose myself trying to keep a man who barely saw me anymore. I had cried enough nights alone in our bed, talking to a sleeping man who never really listened, even when awake.

He froze. Like the words hit him in the chest.

Silence filled the room. I could hear the ticking clock behind me.

Finally, he spoke.

"You must be joking. You've started this mood again," he said, shaking his head.

I stood up slowly and faced him squarely. I needed him to hear me. Really hear me.

"David, I said I want a divorce."

This time, his eyes widened. He was shocked. More than I expected.

He rubbed his head, trying to process my words. "Stop saying that, Eunice. I don't want to hear it again."

"I'm serious," I said firmly. "I'm not changing my mind."

He sighed. "Don't act like a child. This has always been your problem,this childish behavior."

I laughed, bitterly. "Of course. I'm always the immature one, right? And you're the perfect CEO. Mr. Always Right."

Just then, his phone rang.

He picked up immediately. "Hello dear... okay, I'll be there right away."

I stared at him.

It was Lizzy.

Seriously?

Again?

He turned to me. "Eunice, I have to go. There's a big contract to sign. Jonathan Thomas and Bill Henry. It's huge. Millions in profit. We'll talk later. Please get some rest."

I watched him walk away.

No apology. No attempt to fix things.

Just business.

Just Lizzy.

Again.

I didn't stop him. I had heard about the contract at the dinner table. I knew how much it meant to the company. And even though I was hurting, I didn't want to ruin it for him. Maybe I was foolish... or maybe just tired.

When the door closed behind him, I sighed.

Then I turned to Ruth, one of our maids, and said quietly, "Please give me the key to one of the guest rooms."

Ruth had worked with us for over two years. She had seen the tension in our home before we admitted it to ourselves.

The way David no longer looked at me during meals. How I stopped laughing at his jokes.

Ruth was discreet, but her eyes always spoke louder than her lips. Tonight, she gave me the key with the kind of quiet sympathy that made me want to cry.

She looked confused but didn't ask questions. I didn't want to sleep in our room. Not tonight.

"Sex won't fix this," I whispered to myself. "Not this time."

I packed a few things and went into the guest room. It was quiet, cold. Just like I felt inside.

I sat on the bed, staring at the wall. My phone was silent and there were no calls. No messages.

Later that evening, I heard footsteps in the hallway. Then a voice.

"Where's Eunice?" someone asked from the living room.I knew that voice. Firm. Familiar. And angry.

David.

He was the one who walked in.

Not Benard. Not Ruth. David.

His footsteps echoed, sharp, deliberate, like someone walking into battle.

I stayed in the guest room, wrapped in silence. There was no music. Just me, my thoughts, and the sound of the ceiling fan spinning above. My hand touched my belly again.

That tiny life growing inside me had no idea what kind of chaos it had been born into. A sudden fear gripped me, what if this child grew up feeling the same cold distance I now felt from David? Would I let history repeat itself?

He didn't call my name at first. He just stood there, taking in the stillness of the house

Then, his voice broke the silence.

"Where's Eunice?"

He opened the bedroom door. Slowly. Carefully.

And stopped.

Empty.

The bedsheets are still smooth. Pillows untouched. No sign I had been there at all.

His eyes narrowed. He looked around, confused.

Then louder, more urgent this time:

"Ruth! Where is she?!"

No response.

He stormed out of the room, frustration written all over his face.

He was searching. For me.

But he was already too late.

Because I had made my decision.

And this time, I wasn't going back.

Not tonight.

Maybe not ever.