CHAPTER 2: The Unseen Cost

Sarah  

To calm down, I avoid dwelling too much on what I just heard—about Megan's return.  

After I attempted to refocus on the housework, a couple of hours later, Mrs. Thompson's daughter passed by, accompanied by three children who dashed across the tiled floor, leaving traces of dirt on the couch. After a brief snack, they all departed. 

A glance at the clock revealed it was already two o'clock. The ladies concluded their game, leaving behind a trail of orange peels, biscuit wrappers, and used cups—a mess they appeared unbothered by leaving behind. 

Exiting Serenity Pines Estate one by one, my mother-in-law turned to me, leaving a reminder, "Oh, by the way, Philip asked me to remind you about tonight's dinner at the Heritage Harvest Hotel. Don't forget!" With that final message, she turned away and approached the waiting black Mercedes-Benz S-Class, where a driver stood by. 

A spark of excitement ignited within me. Today marks my anniversary with Philip, and I couldn't shake the thought that a surprise celebration might await us at the hotel. 

As the car drove away, I smiled and waved, observing the gradual departure of people from the driveway. Then, I spotted two trucks loaded with equipment not far off. Someone was moving into the villa adjacent to ours. Although I didn't linger on the sight, I mentally noted it before heading indoors. 

The blast of hot air escaped my lips as I confronted the mess awaiting my attention. There was no avoiding it; I had to tidy up before heading to the Heritage Harvest Hotel, as Philip was adamant about maintaining order. 

*** 

My pace quickened as I approached the hotel restaurant, my heart pounding with nervous anticipation. Thirty minutes behind schedule, I had rushed to ensure Philip wouldn't discover the stain left on the couch by a kid guest. 

"Excuse me, where is the hotel restaurant?" I inquired of a passing staff member, a sense of urgency coloring my tone. 

"Just turn right there, ma'am!" she promptly directed. 

Following her instructions, I barely stepped into the hallway before spotting Philip and Megan outside the restaurant. Instinctively, I retreated behind a nearby wall, concealing myself from their view. 

Their conversation seemed intense, Philip's demeanor stoic as he presented the box I had glimpsed the night before. A mix of surprise and delight adorned Megan's features as she accepted the necklace from Philip's hands, allowing him to clasp it around her neck. 

A surge of panic seized me, my hand instinctively lurching towards my chest, fingers coiling tightly around my pounding heart. Waves of tremors convulsed through my body as the stark truth pierced my consciousness like a dagger in the dark. 

The necklace wasn't meant for me. 

Nor was this gathering. 

It was all for Megan's return. 

Unseen tears cascaded down my cheeks, silent witnesses to the crushing weight of understanding that engulfed me. With a heavy, defeated exhale, I turned away, feeling like I had lost a gamble of the heart. 

'Sarah, what more could you possibly be hoping for? You've known all along that Philip and Megan are meant to be together.' 

My chest constricted painfully, making it difficult to draw in a breath. Sarah's presence loomed large, casting a shadow over our marriage. 

My acquaintance with Philip began when I was just eighteen. I was introduced to him through his half-sister Jane, who was my college classmate and closest friend. Jane, the product of Mr. Cornell's extramarital affairs, had tragically lost her mother at a young age. 

Jane and I attended Crestwood University together, frequently utilizing their mansion as a study spot and, admittedly, sneaking glances at Philip whenever I could. 

The crushing blow came when I was nineteen, learning that Philip was set to marry Megan. However, fate intervened cruelly on their wedding day when Megan eloped with another man abroad, leaving Philip at the altar. 

"This is your fault! Your actions led to Megan leaving today! What are we going to do now? It's embarrassing to have investors and Luminary Productions supporters waiting outside!" Mr. Cornell's voice echoed down the hallway as he reprimanded Philip. 

"We need to find a replacement bride immediately! I can't face my business partners empty-handed! Take action!" his father demanded once more. 

After a brief moment of hesitation, I knocked on the door gently despite it being slightly open. Gathering my courage, I boldly decided to offer myself to Philip as his bride. 

His attraction to me was intense during my youthful naivety. I was so enamored with Philip that I would sacrifice my youth for him. Becoming his wife felt like a fair trade-off, a substitute for Megan in his life. 

For an excruciating three years, I clung to the hope that Philip would finally reciprocate the boundless love swelling within me, growing more fervent with each passing day! Does he know the sacrifices I've endured throughout these three years of marriage? 

Yet, amidst my role as a wife, I didn't give up on my studies completely. I secretly took online classes, which Crestwood University kindly offered to me. I focused on Advanced Programming, keeping it a secret because I didn't want any trouble from Mrs. Cornell. She believed I should only concentrate on taking care of Philip. That's also why I decided not to hire a maid. 

Lost in thought, the wind's chill seeping into my skin as I walked along the road. 

My phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. I thought it might be Philip asking where I was, but it was Jane calling. She is currently in London for training, while I remain in Highland Hills City to fulfill my role as Philip's wife. Without Jane, I lack someone to confide in about my struggles. 

I hurriedly wiped away my tears before answering with a forced, cheerful tone. 

"Bestie!"  

"Happy wedding anniversary!" she cheerfully greeted me over the phone. 

"Thank you," I managed, but tears welled up once more. 

I am writhing in pain. My best friend remembered my anniversary with her brother, yet Philip seemed oblivious to my absence at the restaurant. I fought back tears, questioning if he even noticed. 

"I miss you so much!" Jane's enthusiasm on the other end intensified the ache in my chest. 

"I-I miss you too! I wish you were here so I could hug you tightly," I said, my voice trembling with suppressed sadness. 

"Aw… How are you?" Jane's concern offered solace. 

How am I, really? I am not okay!  

But I don't want to burden my friend abroad. I need to overcome this challenge on my own, without worrying her about my marital struggles, even if she is Philip's sister. 

"I'm… fine," I replied to Jane. 

"I'll go home after the exam! We'll see each other soon! I have to go! I'm feeling sleepy. Enjoy your night with Philip!" Jane bid me goodbye. 

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision as I ended the call. My cheeks were drenched with the weight of profound sadness. With a trembling hand, I composed myself, fighting back the overwhelming tide of tears threatening to engulf me. The ominous sky above seemed to echo my turmoil, threatening to release its torrent of tears. I knew I had to get home, bracing myself against the impending storm both outside and within. 

Just as I wiped my damp cheeks, a van stopped before me, its door sliding open. I couldn't react fast enough as two men swiftly grabbed me by both arms. 

"Ahhh!" I desperately looked around at passing vehicles, hoping for help.  

Another man pressed a wet cloth against my mouth. A potent smell invaded my nostrils, and my strength waned instantly. Slowly, my vision dimmed, and I lost all ability to move. 

Confused and disoriented, I found myself in the bed I shared with Philip beside a stranger whose face was unfamiliar. 

"Ahhh!" I screamed involuntarily and recoiled. Fear and self-assessment coursed through my veins. 

My eyes widened in shock as the door violently swung open, revealing Philip, still clad in the three-piece suit from the hotel where I had witnessed him presenting Megan with the necklace. 

"What the fvck is going on?!" His voice thundered, intensifying the dizziness already clouding my mind.  

With swift determination, he seized the man by his collar and unleashed a forceful punch. I screamed in terror as the man hastily recoiled as if suddenly exposed in the act of cheating. 

I could feel Philip's hands clenched with the desire to hurt me, but he restrained himself, his gaze darkening with suspicion. 

"Philip, please, you have to believe me! I was kidnapped! I don't know what's going on!" I pleaded desperately. 

My mother-in-law suddenly appeared, her presence adding to the chaos. "I knew it! I've been telling you, Philip! That's why I've been coming to Serenity Pines Estate, to keep an eye on that wench! I knew she was up to something!" 

"N-no, that's not true!" I interjected, my voice trembling with defiance. 

With a sneer, Mrs. Cornell pulled out some photos from her bag and tossed them onto the bed. 

I spotted myself in the photos, seated across from Jakob, my classmate from Advanced Programming, engaged in conversation. He was his usual self, sporting his trademark hoodie jacket, while I wore a radiant smile in those snapshots. In another image, I embraced him beside his motorcycle, yet this time, his hoodie boasted a different hue. 

Suddenly, a startling realization dawned on me as I recalled that the man I had been with was also clad in a hoodie! 

"You're meeting your lover in different restaurants! And now, you've even brought them to your own room?" Mrs. Cornell accused, her tone sharp and accusatory. 

No, no! With a vehement shake of my head, I battled against the torrent of baseless accusations crashing upon me like waves against a rocky shore. Desperately, I fought against the suffocating weight of unjust suspicion that threatened to consume me.