Chapter 7- The slapped

I stepped out of my office and saw Mrs. Eve Hills holding Clara’s hand behind her, yelling at her son.

"Why do you have to embarrass her right in her presence if you are a low-class secretary? You humiliated Clara, and that is not fair enough to someone who flew down here to check on how you are doing. You need to do better, Zane Hills."

I stood there, not too surprised; this wasn’t the first time Mrs. Eve Hills yelled at her son for not doing what she wanted. Zane raised his head and looked in my direction. Immediately, his mom and Clara turned to me, hatred flashing in their eyes.

I felt a little insecure and used my finger to adjust my hair behind my ear.

"Is that a diamond ring?" Clara said as she noticed my ring finger. Mrs. Eve Hills rushed toward me, grabbed my hand, and examined the ring.

"Oh my goodness! You can’t afford this, Skyler. Are you stealing money from my son?"

"Zane, she has been stealing money from you, and you didn’t even notice!"

"I didn’t steal from him, and I have not been stealing from this company. I work, and I get paid."

"Liar!" Clara yelled, walking up to me. "You liar," she repeated. Before I could blink, her hand struck my cheek, leaving it red.

I held my face in disbelief. Did Clara Scott just slap me?

I felt the urge to slap her back but couldn’t. Zane stood there like nothing had happened.

"Give me that ring; you don’t deserve to wear it!" Mrs. Eve forcefully pulled my wedding ring off and held it tightly.

"That is enough; you two should leave my secretary alone. She just got married, and her husband gave her the ring."

"What do you mean married? Who could possibly marry a low-life, classless lady like Skyler?"

Anger boiled inside me.

"Do you know who could marry a low-life, classless lady like me? It is your”

"Just give her back her ring, Mom; she didn’t steal from me. I have my records, and they’re intact," Zane interrupted before I could finish. My eyes were teary and red from the pain.

"Zane, are you sure you really can trust a lady with a lot of debt to pay?"

"Clara, that’s enough. Mom, give her back her wedding ring."

Mrs. Eve hesitated before finally handing the ring back.

"I’ve got my eyes on you, Skyler," she said angrily and left. Of course, Clara Scott followed her.

Zane looked at me oddly and walked away, leaving me standing there, clutching my wedding ring in one hand and touching my sore cheek with the other.

Later, in my office, I couldn’t believe Clara Scott had slapped me. I was fuming, not just at Clara but at Zane for standing by and doing nothing. I was his wife. How could he watch them treat me like that? He only cared about the ring. Tears fill my eyes as I thought about the trouble I had brought upon myself by marrying Zane Hill.

At home, drained from work and the dramatic scene, I sat on my couch, scrolling through my phone to order pizza for dinner. I noticed an unfamiliar envelope on the table, one I didn’t recall leaving there. I picked it up and unwrapped the note inside.

"Get dressed and meet me for dinner at my favorite restaurant by 8 p.m.,don’t be late."

I felt a mix of emotions. Was this Zane trying to make up for earlier? Why couldn’t he pick me up instead of leaving such a note?

Suddenly, an unknown number called, but I ignored it. Moments later, as I ate my pizza, the number called again, and I decided to answer.

"Hey, you can’t keep a gentleman waiting just to eat your pizza."

I froze, rushing to the window to see if someone was watching me.

"Is that you, Zane?"

"Are you expecting anyone else’s call?"

"I don’t understand; you sound different."

"Get dressed and stop keeping me waiting," he said, hanging up.

For two minutes, I stood there, debating whether to go. Eventually, I got ready, putting on my best outfit. Outside, Zane’s car was parked with him holding a bouquet.

"Hey! You look good," he said, smiling slightly.

He held my hand and noticed something.

"Where is your ring, Skyler?"

"It’s in my bag, inside the house."

"Don’t forget we’re on a contract, and you must always wear your ring to avoid giving the wrong impression."

"Get in; let me give you a proper dinner, my wife."

I got in, unable to suppress the flicker of joy within me.