Episode 1. The Final Straw

 Baby, I'm so happy you are out of that hospital and at home. It's so good to see you smiling this morning. It's been a while since I've seen you this way. You know what? We ought to throw a party. No, I'll throw a party just for you."

"Oh honey, how sweet. But I don't know if I'm ready for a party. How about you take me out to dinner."

"No way! My wife deserves to be celebrated! How about next weekend?"

"I don't know."

"I'm going to plan a fabulous party just for you. So don't worry; you won't have to lift a finger. Would you like that?"

I didn't answer.

"You suppose to answer and say yes, or no?"

I knew my husband. But lately, he has been a different man since last month. So maybe he finally believes me and knows how much I want our marriage to work.

"Say Thank you, Devon. You are the best husband ever! That would be nice coming from you."

Devon stood over me as I lay in bed. "I'm waiting."

"I moistened my lips and finally gave in. "Thank you, Devon, my handsome husband," I whispered.

~~~~

Two years ago, Zari Jones met one of the most prestigious southern families in North Carolina, the Hightowers.  Like most wealthy families, they desire their children to marry for status and wealth, especially their sons. But Devon Hightower, from a young boy, has always been spoiled to a fault. He’s self-centered, unyielding, and unwilling to follow anyone's plans other than his own.

In the business world, he is known as Ruthless. Meticulous. Arrogant. He thrives on control, both personally and professionally.

When he laid eyes on Zari Jones one night at a company dinner, at first glance, he knew he had to have her. When Zari felt the attraction to Devon so strongly, she had to figure out why. So, she immediately researched his name and the information on the Internet about the Hightower family. Zari sighed heavily. She had a lot to think about. After everything she had read, she knew she would be taking a big risk if she was to accept Mr. Devon Hightower's marriage proposal. It would be as if she was offered a delicious tropical drink laced with poison.

 But then she knew how much her mother had sacrificed for her to come here. Her mother’s only dream for her daughter was for Zari to come to America, meet a handsome, wealthy man, fall in love, and marry. After meeting Devon, she knew that was doable.  But for Zari, dating wasn't at the forefront of her brain.  Zari had come to this country with one goal: to work hard, finish her education, and get a well-paying job. But Devon was so good-looking, charming, and persistent. That he swept her clean off her feet, he painted such a glorious picture of their lives together. And he promised Zari he would be good to her. And in the beginning, his promises didn’t fail.  But everything changed that second year of their marriage, and it's been progressively worse.

Since her first few weeks home from the hospital, Zari thought things were finally turning around and getting back on track. She proclaimed in her head and heart. “My husband is back! He’s mine again!” Devon had been so sweet and good to her.  Everything was on the mend, and she thought their trust, love, and appreciation for one another had returned. Everything was great; he was kind, sweet, and attentive, and as her health improved, they couldn't keep their hands off one another. Their marriage had done a one-eighty! It once again felt like the first few months of their three-year marriage. Now Zari is ready for that party! She went shopping in preparation for it. She was planning to knock her husband off his feet! 

~~~~~~

Zari (POV)

Olivia, my friend from college, waited for me to come out of the dressing room.  We looked in the mirror together. “I think this is the one,” she said, grinning.  I wanted to look good for my husband. I knew I didn't have a traditional look. My in-laws, the Hightowers, were accustomed to their son dating girls from families of their status in looks and wealth. But Devon has always told me I was pretty and had a figure that looked terrific. “So if he was pleased, that should be all that matters, right?

 Well, not exactly. I explain to Olivia and the sales lady, “I must make sure it’s suitable for my husband and in-laws.”

The sales lady and Olivia had helped me select the perfect after-five dress to accent my body type. This is a very sexy dress. My mother-in-law isn't going to like it. She complains I'm too thick and hippy and needs to be on a strict diet every time she sees me.  Of course, Devon liked that I had meat on my bones. But to keep everyone happy, I had to please them all. Nothing can be out of place tonight. It must always be perfect!

That evening when I was at home and had gotten dressed for the party. I left the bedroom, picked up my clutch, and walked to the living room. Devon was in a deep conversation with somebody on the phone. By the time I reached the sofa, I had started feeling overwhelmed, like I was about to have another one of those anxiety attacks I had been experiencing lately.

When he turned around, I almost knocked him off his feet! 

"Wow, Zari!  You're so breathtaking!" Ending the call abruptly, he walks over to me, takes my hand, and slowly spins me around."

"Do you like it?" I said timidly, smiling.

"Like it........ I love it! You're beautiful! That dress is stunning and sexy on you!"

"Do you think it's up to mother-in-law's standards?"

"You're gorgeous!"

"Thank you so much, Devon." 

"Let's go! You are the guest of honor. We shouldn't be late."

The night of the Party:

It was glorious to see the two families: the Hightowers and the Jones, and over 200 guests were all having a fantastic evening. It was a night full of laughter and love. Devon dedicated a dance to his wife. You could feel the love in the air as the night promised so much for our future. For once, we all felt like one big happy family! People are mingling and talking, enjoying themselves. I was pleased to see my in-laws finally accept me as their daughter-in-law.

Then the guest heard someone clinking against the glassware. 

"May I have everyone's attention?" Devon says as he stands center of the floor. My man was dressed in a perfectly fitted gray tailored suit.  He makes eye contact with me as I speak with guests, and I suddenly notice the sheer cruelty in his demeanor tonight.

“Especially you, sweetheart. Can you come and take a seat." Devon called my name with a hint of sarcasm,

“My beautiful Zari. Please, can you come front and center?"  

Once everyone was seated, he held a tensed smile. My stomach sank as he began making this speech.

"Family and friends, everyone knows we have been through a lot. This marriage has not been easy. I have endured a lot. We have endured so much. After thinking about my wife and our life together." Then he looks at me and clears his throat, and flat-outstate.

"I think we should get a divorce."  

The tension in the room crackled. The air was laced with harmonious sighs and shocked expressions. But it didn't faze Devon as he continued.

"Mom and Dad, you were right. Zari is not the right girl for me. I can't go another year in a loveless marriage. Trust me. It’s not a happy union." 

I stumbled over my words, unable to keep my voice steady. My usual mask of indifference fails me tonight, and I shamefully lower my head.  Instantly, I felt like I was going to pass out! But Devon stood there cold and emotionless. But I knew he had to see the stress lines across my forehead. When I finally looked up at him with devastated eyes! The room had fallen silent.

Then I glanced at my mother, who looked like she would faint. On more than one occasion, my mother had convinced me to stay with Devon.  She was possibly the glue and my love for Devon that held this marriage together.

"Zari! What have you done?" My mother asked hysterically. 

"Mom, please, this is not the time. I will speak with you later." 

"Zari! Fix whatever you have done. Fix it now! He's the perfect husband for you! " 

"Yes, Mom, please sit down before you fall!" I said, looking at her, visibly shaken. Then glaring at Devon as he smirked, enjoying the scene he had caused tonight as I got attacked in front of family and friends. I was trying to keep my dignity in front of the guest. I calmly walked over to Devon's side of the table. I was digging deep within myself to keep my composure.

"Honey, why are you doing this? Can we talk privately about whatever is going on?" I asked, standing in the ballroom with everyone's peering at us. 

Devon stood, looking at the captivated audience of family members and close friends. 

"Zari, you know why I'm doing this? You didn't think I would forget. You didn't have a problem humiliating me before my family and colleagues last month. So, why shouldn't you experience a dose of your own medicine!" 

I felt weak in the knees as I had to sit down. I asked. "What are you talking about, honey? But whatever it is, let's talk about this at home and not here. I'm not doing this here, Devon. I'm leaving!" I HEADED TOWARD THE EXIT before I realized what I was doing, feeling completely humiliated! 

~~~~~

'I was halfway through the hall, my head whirling. I kept walking, needing fresh air. My heart twisted painfully. I pushed the door open. Then, finally, I could breathe." It was so chilly, but I didn't even feel it. 

Then a few minutes later, I felt a warm jacket wrap around my shoulders. I turned around and saw it was Devon.

"When can we end this charade of a marriage?" he asked, sending a sharp pain to my already devastated heart.

"What? Why are you so vindictive? You are trying to make me look like the villain! But it won't work! You are doing this so you can get with Susie! I'm not stupid! You want a divorce! Then let's file for it!"

"Zari, you were the one dancing with another man only last month! When I was announced at my party as the new CEO! Don't I have the right to feel some kind of way about my wife in the arms of another man!"

"Don't change the subject! Michael is both of our friends, and you know that! But Susie! What is Susie to you? No, don't answer that! I don't want to know, and nor do I care! Whatever she is, you can have her! When and where do I sign the divorce papers, Devon!" I yelled in his face.

"Zari, I told you Susie means nothing to me! But what about Michael? If you are not making love with me for weeks and months at a time! You must be giving it up to him!" 

"You are trying to turn this on me! Ever since that girl set foot in North Carolina! I have been nothing but stressed, in and out of the hospital, feeling like I'm going crazy worrying about you! But after this stunt, you pulled tonight! Get out of my way, Devon! Some nerve you got! How can the pot call the kettle black? Last month at your party, you waltzed in front of everybody with Susie on your arm! How do you think that made me feel? I’m your wife, not her!" I yelled, walking away in my high heels. I look back and see him.

"Why are you following me?" I glanced around as he took long strides behind me. I flagged down a taxi. Devon continued to follow me and tried to help me down the steps.

"Get away from me! I can't stand you! You are so EVIL!"

Devon put up his hands. "Alright, alright! And you are so stubborn!"

"Ooh! You tell Susie she's the one stubborn!" I replied angrily.

I got inside the taxi and slammed the door, barely able to breathe.

"Where to miss?"

I had the taxi take me to the house to pack my bags. I was furious! I slumped against the cab's rear seat and closed my eyes to keep the hot tears from falling. I was tired of crying and feeling emotionally exhausted.

"The nerve of him to accuse me of cheating!"

I had no idea this night would turn out like this, but I should have known. Devon has no problem humiliating me! Ooh! He's so Cruel and Vindictive! I'm done! Tonight was the last straw!" 

But was it?