001: Appeared on TV

Elena

“Hubby, aren’t you done yet? I hope you haven’t forgotten about our plans.” 

This should be my fourth message to Ronan in the last thirty minutes. I’ve been texting him all night, but no reply.

Today is our third wedding anniversary, and he was never free to celebrate the first or the second anniversary. My heart swelled with so much joy after persuading hubby non-stop, and he finally agreed. 

The decoration I made could make anyone a hopeless romantic. I just can’t wait for hubby to get here. The white lace tablecloth, scented candles, and scattered rose petals looked so beautiful, but everything looked out of place since I was the only one at the table. 

It’s already 10 o'clock , and the cream on the cake was almost melted completely. Even the candles were nearly burned out. “Hubby, where are you?” 

[Ring!]

[Ring!!]

[Ring!!!]

Is that Ronan? 

“Hello, Auntie?"

“Elena, dear, happy third anniversary! Time flies so fast, doesn’t it? You’ve been married for three years already, and Auntie is so happy for you.” The joy in my mother-in-law’s voice has caused all the alarm bells to start ringing in my head. When was the last time she talked this nicely to me?

“Is Ronan with you?” That question hit me hard because my husband should be with me at this moment. He already promised. I could only reply to her awkwardly, blinking fast to prevent myself from crying. “No, Auntie. Ronan is on his way.”

“It’s about time we heard the cries of a child, don’t you think so?” I knew this was coming. She has been this way since she convinced herself that I was barren. 

“Auntie…” I had no retort for her words. I also wish I could carry my child in my arms.

“If you can’t give me an heir, get out of my family and stop pulling my son down with you.”

This was all my mother-in-law had to tell me on my third anniversary. I couldn’t even blame her, could I? After all, how was I supposed to get pregnant when her son rarely touched me?

“Madam, it’s getting late. Please don’t sit alone in the darkness. Can I turn on the TV for you?” 

Had I really been sitting in the dark that long? I didn’t even notice the candles were out.

It’s already 10:45 p.m. “Okay. You can do that.” I can watch TV while I wait for my husband. “Thank you, Benson.” 

“Don’t mention, madam.” 

Benson changed the channel to a live entertainment broadcast and quickly left. I couldn’t help wondering about what could be so important that it needed to be broadcast live at this time of the night. Entertainment news like this usually comes with big scoops that sweep the internet by storm.

Suddenly, on the screen, was my husband, Ronan. As the camera shifted, it focused on his first love, Darcy Taylor. 

“The CEO of Simpson Group just bought the one-of-a-kind Eternity and Beyond jewelry for Darcy. Could this be Mr. Simpson’s way of confessing his love for her?” 

“Hold on, people. Does anyone else think that the Simpson Group is holding this high-end charity gala purposely for Darcy? Don’t mind my wild imagination, but I still think this event is mainly to welcome Ms. Taylor back to Lockwood? After all, they are an old couple that I remember from three years ago. If this is what love feels like, I want my own Ronan Simpson.”

Huh? Which Ronan Simpson? My husband? 

My eyes remained glued to the television screen as I kept reminding myself that Ronan wouldn’t do that to me.

But… It’s Darcy Taylor we’re talking about here. She is his first love.

___

I don’t know how I got to the bedroom.

I just couldn’t get the image of Ronan and Ursula out of my mind. My husband was watching another woman with the same fondness that used to be reserved for me.

...

“Elena Jones is suspected of plagiarism. The work she provided was surprisingly similar to Darcy's—both in design concept and creative details.” 

“Elena, our college can’t accept students like you who don’t uphold professional ethics. We’re discussing your expulsion.”

“This is shameful, Elena. There's no place for you here!” 

I couldn’t stand up for myself because no one would believe me. To make matters worse, I had no evidence to prove my case.

“Ahh! I didn’t do it! I'm not a thief!” I dreamed of that night again—the plagiarism incident was my darkest nightmare.

[Click!]

The light turned on, flooding the room with a harsh brightness.

I woke up with a start. Cold sweat filled my whole body, soaking the bed and pillow. 

I groaned, shielding my eyes, as I struggled to sit up.

Ronan stood in the doorway.

He was still wearing the same black suit from the gala. It was well-tailored, made of a matte fabric, elegant yet understated, emphasizing his tall frame and noble presence.

“You’re back,” My voice was hoarse, and I felt so exhausted. Looking at my husband, I didn’t even know what to feel anymore. 

“It’s been three years, Elena. Now it’s time to end this marriage.”

No freaking way!

“I wasn’t captured buying jewelry for my ex, Ronan.” I didn’t even know why I said it, but deep down, I hoped he would tell me it meant nothing. Maybe Eternity and Beyond was his way of finally saying goodbye to Darcy. 

But why was he laughing? Did I say something funny? 

“Three years ago, if it weren’t for my parents pressuring me, using the company to force my hand, I wouldn’t have married you, Elena. Now that I’m in full control, it’s time to end this charade.” 

Ronan’s voice was cold and final, and he just stood at the door, exuding that form of masculinity that always caused my knees to turn jelly. Gosh! I love this man and everything he represents, but it felt like he was speaking to a total stranger and not his wife. 

“Is it because Darcy is back?” Again, I’m not sure why I asked, but there was nothing left for me to ask anyway, and the silence was stifling. 

He only lifted his gaze slightly but didn’t answer me.

“My lawyer's already prepared the divorce papers. Sign them, and we’ll be officially divorced in a week. I’ll leave the house to you, along with 50 million dollars. You sure have nothing to lose, Elena. The sooner you sign, the better for all of us!”

“But, Ronan, why are you doing this? We’ve been happily married for three years…” I cannot lose Ronan. No. I would not survive without him. He is like my oxygen, so how could I let him run into the arms of another woman?

“Enough! Stop selfishly trapping me in this marriage, Elena. I never loved you, and I never will.” 

R… Ronan… How could he say that?

“Why the heck did you sleep with me if you never loved me, Ronan? Why raise my hopes, only to crush them? Do I mean nothing to you? Answer me!”  I didn’t need anyone to tell me I was hysterical, but I just couldn't see myself living without my husband.

I watched as Ronan walked out of the room without sparing me another glance. 

It hurt so much. I could feel my heart twisting from all the pain and frustration. 

“He never told me he loved me.” 

It was all in my head.