Chapter 2

THE BETRAYAL

Lana’s POV

“Selfish!”

“A selfish ingrate!”

“That’s what you are!”

These were the words of the man whom I have dedicated all my life to. He had suddenly proven to me that indeed, only a change is constant in life.

If I was told that a day like this would ever come, trust me I would even go as far as locking up the speaker in jail for trying to ruin my happiness.

Today made it the third week he returned from the hospital and since then things moved from better to worse. He barely acknowledges me, if he does, that’s because he wants to call me names and curse me out for something out of my control.

Yes, he changed totally, like… overnight. I had tried to speak to him about it but each time I did he brushed it off with the same words; “This discussion is fruitless… just like you are.” And nothing hurts me so much more than that. It’s like he knew my weak point so well and now he uses it to his advantage.

The comment the doctor made in the background on the phone some time ago had constantly put me in a state I didn’t even recognize. I have been in a total state of confusion since then… I had constantly zoned out countless times while trying to wrap my head around it. Ultimately, I approached my dear husband to explain to me what the doctor meant by those words but guess what? He never gave me the chance but shockingly, the last time I attempted to ask again, he slapped the living daylight out of me and since then I’ve decided to let it slide.

This is the time I need my mom’s help but unfortunately, she died during my birth and now I am left with no one to talk to or anything.

“Lana!” Donovan’s voice boomed angrily

What is my offense again? I cried mentally, anxiety and fear taking over me.

He swung the door open, his face forming a frown as soon as he saw me. “You can’t be in bed by this time and on a day like this… can you?” He thundered

I was shocked. “Donovan, don’t speak to me like that, I am your wife!” I yelled, my eyes growing misty.

“I will speak to you however I want!” He yelled back, making me burst into tears uncontrollably.

We don’t used to be like this. I hate this so much.

“You should be out for chores in the house, it’s a cleaning day,” he said, turning his face away

I scoffed.

What was he getting at? What business do I have with the day being a cleaning day?

“I don’t understand you,” I said softly

“Get out of bed and have the house cleaned!” He said angrily

I was shocked. Clean? Me?

I don’t recall the last time I ever cleaned. I didn’t have to bother myself about cleaning when we hired a housekeeper. I cook for him on some occasions but clean? That was something I had never done plus I was always busy with work.

“You can’t be serious, Donovan,” he responded

“Oh, I am. Get going, Lana,” he ordered

“What happens to the housekeeper?” I queried

“She left. I granted her a break,” he bit his lip and added. “Three months,”

A short breath escaped my lungs, realizing things had actually become worse.

“Why are you doing this to me?” I cried heartily

He ignored my question and turned to walk away but suddenly halted in his tracks, turning to face me.

“And… oh, you also have to do the yard work and gardening as well as the home maintenance and repair,” he stated

A chill ran down my spine. “What? Why me?” I asked, trying to process what he was saying.

Donovan shrugged. “You're capable, and I don't have time for it anymore,”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. “But...but that's your job. You're the man of the house,” I stammered in tears.

Donovan's expression turned cold and cruel. “You're the man now, Lana. Since you can't even give me a child,”

I felt like I'd been slapped. More hot tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I tried to comprehend his words.

“How can you say that?” I whispered, my voice shaking.

Donovan turned and walked away, leaving me sitting there, feeling shattered and alone.

As soon as he was out of sight, I burst into tears. I felt like my heart was breaking into a million pieces. How could he say such a hurtful thing? Didn't he know how much I wanted to have a child?

I had always thought that Donovan loved and supported me, but now I wondered if he ever really had.

I had tried to get pregnant countless times but it all resulted in disappointments and failures.

And now, he blamed me for our infertility. Like I was somehow less of a woman because I couldn't give him a child… even though that is how I feel. How could he? How could he be so mean?

I got out of bed immediately and changed into something comfortable. I wasn’t about to stay home and wallow in sadness. I had heard everything Donovan said, and I would do exactly what he said but in my own time. I just need some time away from him and everything so I don’t have an outburst.

On my way out of the house, I met Donovan driving out of the house. He had gotten ready for work and had seen it unimportant to let me know he was leaving.

Life, they say, is a rollercoaster indeed.

I took a cab to the nearest bar, hoping to have at least some tranquility in my head as so many things were going on in it.

“Vodka, please,” I said to the bartender who gazed at me with an expression that decoded “It’s too early to drink” but then I didn’t care. It was just me who knew exactly what was happening.

A few minutes into my drink, a sophisticated-looking old man came to sit with me at my table. He had silver hair and piercing blue eyes that made me feel like he could see right through me. At first, I thought he had made a mistake in identifying the table he booked but surprisingly, he was right on track. He had come for me and I didn’t know why.

“How…may I help you?” I stammered, my words slurred. I was on my fourth shot and vodka has always been known as a drink that could get one high even with just a tip.

He smiled at me and I felt my heart skip a beat. He was wearing a nice suit and tie, and he looked really confident and put together. But at the same time, he seemed really kind and understanding.

We started talking and I felt really comfortable around him. He had a deep, smooth voice that was really soothing. He was charming and funny, and I found myself laughing and feeling really drawn to him.

Before I knew it, we had been talking for hours and the morning was slipping away. I felt a strong connection to him and I couldn't help but be attracted to him. We ended up spending the morning together in each other's arms, and it was really special.

So special that for a moment, I forgot I was married.

So special that I compared the strength of this older man with that of Donovan.

So special that…

Waking up, I found out he was gone… without a word. The memory of our time together came crashing upon me. I didn’t know how to feel. What have I done? I constantly asked myself but there was no response to that. I instantly thought about Donovan and how his cruel words pushed me to what had just happened… I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t my fault but it wasn’t working…

Just then I got a text from my team leader asking that I send him some files he had kept in my custody some time ago.

I sighed in relief.

Sometimes, work is a good distraction and I’m thankful to my team leader for always being available to be used in this context.

Arriving home, I went straight to my room to find the files. I searched nonstop in every bag I had as well as every corner I knew but I couldn’t find it then I suddenly thought of checking Donovan’s drawers. We did the same job and there could be a possibility that he took those files thinking it was his.

Ruffling through everything in his drawer, I found an opened small pack of condoms which had me wondering what he needed it for. We’ve been trying to have children thus, he had never used it while we were together.

I huffed, deciding to forget about it. Maybe I am overthinking, I whispered to myself.

After a few more searches, I found the files I needed but then something else caught my attention. Taking a glance at it, I figured out it was a file that had a series of test results from the hospital.

My eyes widened in shock as I found out that my husband is IMPOTENT!!!

My heart sank.

I was in pain!

I was heartbroken!

How could he? He knew his status all these while but watched me wallow in sadness and self-blame. He knew about his status from the onset but deceived me into marrying him. How could he?!

I grabbed my phone with my trembling hands to place a call on him but before I could the door swung open revealing another woman, smooching and kissing each other.

“Donovan!”