8. A twist in the tale

I was grimacing throughout my ride back home. Kelly offered to drive me back, but she didn’t say a word since we got in. Her eyes were fixed on the road but I couldn’t guess where her mind was. She was perhaps judging me like everyone else had in the past, wondering why I did such a thing. There was no excuse or defense in my favor, so I refrained from saying anything as well.

When it was time to get down, I turned in my seat and asked, “Are you disappointed in me?”

Her face remained stoic, “Yes.” She said, “That was a stupid move, Cassie. You had to suffer for the past three years because of it. Of course I’m upset.”

I didn’t know if it was the look on her face that I never saw before or perhaps it was the grim circumstance I suddenly found myself in, but before I could control myself, I felt hot tears sliding down my cheek. Soon, I was holding back unsuppressable sobs.

“Cassie, come on.” Kelly said, putting an arm around me. “Why are you crying?”

“I don't know. I’m so scared.” I said.

“Don't be. Your problem is now my problem okay? I’m going to fix this.”

I nodded, “Thanks, Kelly.”

With that said, I got out of the car and headed towards my house. I looked at the huge mansion by the street with large gates guarding its entry. The large iron bars opened as I walked towards it, making me wonder how long I’d be allowed to stay here.

The guards were smiling at me in pity. The news of my separation with their master had probably reached them, yet his orders of keeping me out of the house haven’t. It gave me a small hope that there was still time until I had to figure things out between Calvin and I.

Jen and Fiona were nowhere to be found when I went into the house. It was still early in the evening for them to go to bed, so I guessed they were out. I made my way to our room. As I opened the door, I was surprised to find three large suitcases resting beside the foot of the bed.

At the desk, Calvin was working on his laptop, and he only turned around when he heard me walking inside.

“What’s all this?” I demanded, gesturing my hand toward the suitcases.

“That’s your stuff, I got them packed for you.”

“Why?”

He gave me an irritated frown, “Are you dumb? Didn’t I tell you I’m kicking you out?”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“What? You’ve got to be kidding me!” I said, utterly shocked, “Where will I go now?”

“I don't care.” He said, “Just get out of my sight, Cassie.”

Fisting my palms on my sides, I took a confident step forward, "Why should I have to move out so soon when we're not divorced yet?"

Calvin laughed incredulously, "Why?” He repeated bitterly. “Because of what you did to Becky three years ago!”

I took a step back instinctively. I had no clue what was going on. Why was he bringing it up now? And what about it? I know that the premise in which I chose to ask him to marry me was not appropriate, but apart from that I did nothing wrong. If anything, I saved Becky’s life. “What I did?” I repeated,“I saved her life.”

“After you failed to kill her completely.” He said.

My eyes widened in surprise at his words. What the hell was he talking about? Was he drunk? Or was I imagining things? Did he seriously say that I tried to kill her? What was wrong with him!

“Becky told me today that you were the one driving the car that night.” He continued, “You purposely crashed her side of the car so she would die and you could marry me. How unfortunate for you that she is still standing in your way, right?”

My mind was in a mess after hearing his words. Why would Becky lie and accuse me of something like this? I didn’t drive the car that day!

“Don't even try to deny it, Cassie. I know Becky won't lie to me.” He said, giving me a cheap look, “I always knew you were obsessed with me. But this is insanity. How the hell could you want to kill your own friend? She is innocent in all this!”

I was completely lost. How the hell was I supposed to defend myself? I knew he was talking nonsense. It wasn’t true. Feeling desperate and confused, I walked up to him. I grabbed his hands and looked into his eyes, hoping he could see the truth in mine.

“Calvin, I swear to God, I never did such a thing. Becky was the one driving that night. She was drunk and she lost control-“

“Enough with your lies, Cassie! I’ve heard enough of them.” He said, pushing my hands off of him. And then, he grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back. “Get out of my house right now, if you still have any decency left in you.”

I stumbled backward, losing my balance and falling to the ground. A sharp pain shot up my arm, making me flinch. I looked up at my husband, shocked by his almost animalistic behavior. From his eyes, I could feel his disgust, or rather, his hatred toward me. I could tell how much he despised me.

I had always been used to his indifferent look, but this time—this time it was different. I had never seen him look at me like this. I had never seen him hate me so much, or treat me like I was nothing. In that moment, I knew I had completely lost him.

But there was only one thought I couldn’t shake.

Who made him change like this? There was only one person who could have, and that was Becky. Why did she have to lie and slander me?!

My blood was boiling. In that moment, all I wanted was to see her face and ask her why she did this.

“Now I realize just how shameless you are. You hurt Becky and ruined my life!”

With a clenched jaw, he glared at me with a clenched jaw, "Get out of my house and sign the divorce papers! Otherwise, I’ll report you to the police. I mean it."