Chapter 2

Brittney

I got dressed, smoothing the fabric on my hips as I stood before the mirror. The dress was simple but elegant, a deep navy blue colour that complimented my skin tone. I tilted my head, observing myself.

I look good, right?

I felt pretty, in some kind of way, but when I remember the downgrading compliments I’d receive from this dinner, insecurity creeps in.

-“-“-“

We walked into the dinning room, with Tony’s arm wrapped around my slender waist, sending shivers down my spine.

All heads turned to us, each look filled with disdain. Lorriane—my supposedly mother in law—sat at the head of the table, her perfectly styled hair and crisp white blouse making her look like the queen of some kingdom I didn’t belong to. Margaret, Tony’s sister, sat beside her, sipping a glass of wine and eyeing me like I was an intruder.

“Brittney, how lovely of you to join us.” Lorriane said, her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

The way she said it made my stomach twist. Lovely? No, what she really meant was, it’s about time you showed up to pretend you belong here.

“Hi mom,” Tony walked to her and planted a kiss on her powdered face. Her face lit up like he just handed her a crown, but when they shifted to me, they dimmed Instantly.

“Brittney,” Lorraine said again, drawing out the syllables like she was testing their worth. “You look….. presentable.”

Presentable. The word stung. I clutched the edge on my clutch tighter, trying to keep my face neutral.

Margret snorted into her wine glass. “That dress looks familiar. Didn’t I donate one just like it to goodwill last month?”

Tony’s arms dropped from my waist as he laughed softly, like this was some lighthearted joke. I swallowed my anger, my gaze dropping to the table, my appetite already dwindling.

“It’s probably the same one,” Margret continued, her smirk widening. “You should’ve asked, Brittney—I would’ve sent it straight to you, no need to go digging.”

“Margret,” Lorriane scolded lightly, although there was no real scorn in her voice. “You’ll embarrass her.”

Margret’s grin turned sharp. “Oh, I'm sure she’s used to it by now.”

I felt Tony’s hand on my back, a small nudge towards the table. “Let’s sit down,” he murmured, steering me into the seat like I was a wayward child.

Lorriane’s gaze swept over me, once more. “Your hair looks disheveled,” she said, as though she just noticed. “Tony, didn’t you tell her the importance of presentation? She represents you now after all.”

My cheeks burned, and I opened my mouth to retort, but Tony cut me off.

“Mom it’s fine,” he said, sounding more bored than defensive. “ We don't need to nitpick everything.

Lorriane pursed her lips, “ I’m only saying it for her benefit, people judge, and I’d hate for anyone to assume she wasn’t properly cared for.”

Margret leaned in closer, her wine glass dangling between her fingers. “And speaking of care, Brittney, Jane you been eating? You look thinner than usual. I mean I guess some people like that look, but don’t you think it’s a little—what’s the word—sickly?”

Lorriane hummed in agreement, nodding like Margret had just delivered a sermon.

Tony said nothing, not a word, not a glance. He picked up his water glass, and sipped it, making their comments roll past him like it was nothing.

Dinner was served moments later, and their conversation flowed, all of it centered around Moore's accomplishment. Lorraine detailed her recent charity gala, highlighting the influential guests she entertained. Margret bragged about her latest promotion, slipping in a jab about how some women earned their place, rather than stumbling into it.

While they chatter about important events going on in their lives, I felt like the odd one out. I have no life outside this marriage. Ever since I got married to Tony, I had been a housewife, always at home, dressing the bed, making his meal, and dressing him for work.

I have never had an opportunity to invest in myself. It’s gotten to the point where no one recognizes me as his wife, I feel like an outsider in my own home.

“Brittney dear, don’t you agree?”

“Agree with what?” I asked, my voice more sharp than I intended.

Lorriane raised a single perfectly arched brow. “I was saying how a wife’s duty is to uplift her husband. Tony has so much on his plate—it’s up to you to support him, to maintain his focus. Don’t you agree that a woman’s duty is to sacrifice for her husband's happiness?”

The table fell silent, all eyes on me. Margret’s lips twitch in amusement, like she’s waiting for me to embarrass myself.

I set my fork down and looked directly at Lorriane. “I used to agree,” I said, my voice calm, though my hands were trembling beneath the table.

“I used to think that sacrificing everything—my time, my dreams, my self respect—was part of being a good wife. But now?” I paused, locking eyes with her. “Now I think it’s a waste.”

Lorriane blinked, taken aback at my words and Margret choked on her wine, coughing as she hastily set her glass down.

Tony’s head whipped towards me, his brows furrowed in confusion. “Brittney, what are you doing?”

I’m being honest, Tony,” I said. “Something this family seems to have a hard time with.”

“You’re overreacting,” Tony snapped, “we don’t need to air personal matters here.”

“Why not?” I shot back, meeting his glare, “this family has never had a problem picking me apart in public. So why can’t I be honest for once?”

Lorriane cleared her throat, giving me a cold stare. “Dear, I don’t think this is the place or time to….”

“No, Lorriane, it is,” I interrupted, turning my attention back to Tony.

“I’ve spent three years giving everything I have to this marriage. Three years trying to prove myself to you, to your family, to everyone. And for what? To sit here and be told I’m not good enough? To be humiliated while my husband says nothing?”

“Brittney,” Tony growled. But I wasn’t done speaking.

“I’m done being your maid, your arm candy, your punching bag,” I said, my voice steady, despite the tremor in my chest. “You want to know what I texted you last night Tony? I told you I want a divorce and I meant it!”

The silence that followed was Deafening, Lorriane’s face lacked any form of emotion and Margaret stared at me, wide eyed, before a slow smile spread across her lips, like she couldn’t believe I had the audacity to say it.

Tony’s face darkened, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might shatter. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Am I?” I countered. “You didn’t even come home last night, on our anniversary. And I know exactly where you were, so tell me, who’s really being ridiculous here?”

“This is not appropriate for a dinner conversation, if you have issues with your marriage, Brittney, they should be discussed privately, or aired out like dirty laundry.” Lorriane said, her voice cold.

“Why not?” I asked, meeting her gaze. “You’ve never had a problem criticizing me in front of everyone. Why should I play nice when no one here does?”

Tony’s hand slammed against the table. “Enough,” he barked. “We’ll talk about this later.

“No!” I argued, standing from my chair. “We’ll talk about it now! I want a divorce, and nothing your mother says is going to change my mind”.

Lorriane smirked. “I couldn’t care less, Leave if you want to, you are nothing without us.”

“I’d rather be nothing,” I muttered within my breath and turned to leave, Tony didn’t spare me a glance, he let me leave. The fact that he didn’t try to stop me, made my heart ache. But I didn’t let it stop me, instead, I went as far as my legs took me.