CHAPTER TWO

It wasn't until late at night that Richard entered the room, reeking of alcohol. He threw his clothes across the room before collapsing on the bed. Isabella sat in the dimly lighted room and silently picked up the scattered clothes.

As she folded them, she saw a lipstick stain on Richard's shirt collar. Her hands trembled as she turned towards him. "Richard, what's this stain on your shirt?"

Richard grumbled and barely lifted his head. "I don’t know, Isabella. I was busy networking all night." Isabella's heart sank.

Richard shot her a sharp look. "You know, I was left to socialize alone while you vanished. Where did you go? Did you return without me for some reason you don’t want me to know about?"

Isabella's eyes filled with tears. "I stayed at the party for as long as I could but you were nowhere to be seen.”

Richard sat up, glaring at her. "You could have at least tried to find me. Instead, you made it seem like you were up to something."

Isabella took a shaky breath, her voice quivering. "I wasn’t up to anything. I was worried about you."

Richard’s frustration was palpable. "Well, next time, make sure you don’t leave me to handle things alone. And stop making a fuss over something that’s obviously not important."

Isabella drew a long breath, bracing herself. "Richard, I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Richard grumbled, scratching his temples. "Can't it wait? I'm exhausted."

"It's about...about us having children," Isabella said softly. "I've gone to see Dr Jameson. He's a renowned fertility specialist."

Richard's eyes narrowed. "Another doctor? Isabella, how many times do we have to go through this?"

"But he says there's nothing wrong with me," Isabella pressed on. "He has a special method that could increase our chances of-"

"Enough!" Richard snapped. "I'm tired of all these doctors and their 'special methods.' I've told you I'm not the problem here."

Isabella's voice trembled. "But Richard, if you could just get tested-"

"Tested?" Richard scoffed. "I'm not subjecting myself to that humiliation. There is nothing wrong with me."

"How can you be sure if-"

"I said enough!" Richard cut her off. "I'm tired, Isabella. Can't this wait until tomorrow?"

Richard rudely turned away, looking like he was about to fall asleep immediately.

Isabella fell silent, her hopes crumbling. She turned away, blinking back tears. "I...I made dinner. It's on the table if you're hungry."

Just then, Richard's phone rang. He answered immediately. "Hello? Yes... I see...Alright, I'll be right there."

He hung up and stood. "There's an urgent matter at the office. I have to go."

As he grabbed his coat, he added, "Oh, and prepare the clothes I'll need for tomorrow. Have them sent to the office before 8 am."

"But Richard, it's late. Can't you-"

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Isabella alone in the silence of their home.

Soon, the sound of the car engine started, and Richard drove away in the family car. He didn't care at all about how his wife would get to his company without a car and being alone.

******

Isabella arrived at Richard's office building early in the morning, carrying a bag with his clothes. As she approached his office, Jennifer, Richard's secretary stopped her

"Good morning, Mrs Stone," She greeted courteously. "How can I help you?"

"Hello, Jennifer," Isabella replied. "I've brought Richard's clothes for today. Is he in?" Jennifer shook her head. "Mr Stone is in a meeting and can't be disturbed. I can take those for you."

Isabella hesitated. "I'd prefer to give them to him myself. Could I wait?"

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Jennifer said firmly. "His schedule is packed today. It's best if you leave them with me."

Reluctantly, Isabella handed over the bag. "Alright. Could you please tell him I dropped by?”

"Of course, Mrs Stone," Jennifer replied, already turning away. "Have a good day."

Isabella walked out of the office building but she couldn't help but wonder if Richard was truly in a meeting, or if he was just avoiding having the conversation they'd left unfinished the night before.

The heavy feeling spread from her legs to her entire body, leaving her overwhelmed and desperate to find someone to confide in, so she picked up the phone. Is there anyone she can confide in? Friends? No, ever since she married Richard and became a full-time housewife, she’s drifted away from them. Her brother? No, he never believes women should complain about their husbands, especially not Richard, whom he admires. Her parents? Absolutely not! Their relationship has always been strained, and since she went to college, they’ve claimed they have no daughter. Now they only meet occasionally—when they need money. Every time they see her, they grab the cash and leave immediately as if speaking to their daughter for a moment would turn them into salt pillars.

So she dialled the one person who always listened to her - her cousin Eliza, a nurse who was aware of her situation. The phone rang for a while before Eliza picked up

“Eliza, it’s me. I’ve been having a tough time lately, and I really need to talk. Do you have a moment?” Isabella said, her voice trembling.

“Isa, what’s wrong?” Eliza replied, sounding genuinely concerned.

“It’s Richard. He’s so nonchalant about our childlessness and I don’t think he finds me attractive anymore.” Isabella confided, tears welling up in her eyes.

Eliza sighed, “Isa, men like stylish and beautiful women. Maybe you should try to dress up more, make yourself more appealing. It’s not just about the physical, it’s about the effort.”

“Darling, don’t you agree with me?” She addressed someone in the background.

Isabella’s heart sank. She could hear what seemed like a male voice grumbling in agreement.

Embarrassed, she grumbled, "Oh, Eliza, forgive me. I didn’t realize you were with someone. I shouldn’t have interrupted.”

Eliza’s voice was smooth, almost too smooth. “It’s fine, Isa. Really. We were just talking. Don’t worry about it, carry on. What were you saying?”

Isabella’s voice trembled, her frustration and sadness evident. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke again. “It’s like he’s given up on us, Eliza. On me.”

“Oh, Isa, don’t say that, maybe you should try spicing things up, you know dress nice and sexy for him, It is going to be okay,” Eliza said through the phone confidently, her voice quivering with conviction.

Their conversation was about to end when Isabella's phone pinged with a message from

Richard: “I know things haven’t been okay with us lately, but I promise to fix it. Starting from tonight, wear something sexy for daddy.”

“Isa! Isa! Are you still there?” Eliza’s question echoed from the other end of the line.

“Yes, I’m here. Just got a text from Richard. I think things are looking up! He’s coming home soon, so I need to get ready.” Isa said, smiling widely.

Eliza sounded slightly flustered. “Oh, okay. We’ll talk later, don’t forget to dress up, wear a robe for easy access.”

Isabella smiled shyly, though Eliza couldn’t see it. “Thank you, Eliza. I’ll try what you suggested and thanks a ton for listening.”

That evening, Richard came back home early, he was affectionate. They had just wrapped up their lunch and were holding hands by the fireplace, laughing together. He moved in close and whispered into her ear, "I've missed you."

Isabella's breath froze in her throat. She turned to face Richard, searching his eyes.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she saw desire there. Richard cupped her face in his hands, drawing her in for a kiss.

Their lips met, and the world seemed to fade away. The softness of his kiss, the warmth of his embrace, it all felt like a dream she never wanted to end. She felt a rush of happiness as his hands moved over her, and a wave of warmth spread through her body, making her feel more alive than ever. Every touch, every brush of skin sent sparks through her, a reminder that she was here

Without breaking the kiss, Richard scooped Isabella into his arms. She let out a surprised giggle as he carried her to their bedroom, laying her gently on the bed.

Richard smiled at her as she licked her lips.

He then lay down beside her, kissing her. As they continued kissing, Richard began to slide his fingers up her pussy while sucking her nipples, then bit down on the nipple he was busy sucking, causing her to moan loudly with pleasure from the simultaneous attention.

He couldn't wait any longer as he began taking off all of his clothes.

"Get on all fours, Eliza."

The world stopped. Isabella's eyes flew open, staring at Richard in disbelief. She pushed him away, scrambling to sit up.