Thirty-SevenF L O R E N C E “What have I gotten myself into?” I asked my own reflection the same question that I have been asking ever since I started putting makeup on and dressing more provocatively for a man I did not even love. I took a deep breath in and exhaled while telling my own reflection, “You had no choice. It’s okay. It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.” I put on a vibrant red lipstick which matched my white skin.“Are you done?” Heath hollered loudly, feeling annoyed since he was never the type of person who was attending parties or dinners late with his so-called elite circle. “Yes, I am.” I rushed towards his side while he donned a beautiful dark green suit with his light brown leather shoes.When the clock struck five thirty, Heath and I headed to The Alchemist’s Secret Table. I wore this insanely beautiful emerald green strappy satin midi dress with a cowl neckline with a high slit which made my skin look whiter and paler, as if it was glimmering against the dress
Thirty-EightF L O R E N C E I locked eyes with him for a quick second as he signed again, “I am bored to my mind.” His gaze was gentle, and unwavering. A silent conversation passed between us, a connection that transcended without the use of our voices that only the both of us could understand. I could not really suppress a smile, a response to the unspoken understanding that had formed between us.“I feel the same,” I signed discreetly. He signed back, “It’s all pointless talk,” and took a sip of champagne.I stole a glance at him, and our eyes met. Flustered, I quickly averted my gaze. From the corner of my eye, I could see him smirking as he took a sip of champagne. A surge of heat rose to my cheeks as I realized the intensity of his gaze. It was as if he could read my thoughts, see the confusion and attraction swirling within me. He seemed amused by my reaction, a knowing glint in his eyes that sent a shiver down my spine.Esmeralda, with a saccharine smile and a tone laced wit
Thirty-NineF L O R E N C E “I’m a married woman,” I uttered, a feeble attempt to deter him. The words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the intensity in his eyes. I knew, deep down, that my marital status would hold little sway over him. He was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted, a man who defied convention and expectation. In that moment, I felt small, vulnerable, and utterly powerless.“Marriage, Florence,” Chaos began, his voice low and deliberate, “is merely a societal construct. It does not define your worth or limit your potential. True connections transcend such superficial bonds.” As he gently placed me in the car, his gaze held a knowing intensity, a silent promise of a future that defied convention. His words, though simple, carried a profound weight, challenging the very foundations of my understanding of love, commitment, and personal freedom.He slid into the seat beside me, his presence a stark contrast to the quiet luxury of the car’s interior. A pl
Forty F L O R E N C E Chaos lived up to his name, his presence as chaotic as his persona. His gaze, intense and unwavering, was fixed on me, drawing me into his orbit. His large, warm hands shielded my ears from the deafening music, creating a small, intimate space amidst the chaos. The VIP Group rooms on the second floor, while offering a degree of privacy, could not completely shield us from the noise emanating from the first floor. The rhythmic bass pulsed through the walls, a constant reminder of the raucous party taking place beyond our sanctuary.“Let’s head out?” Chaos mouthed to me and enunciated the words clearly.With my ears throbbing in pain, I could only nod in response to Chaos’ words. The incessant noise was unbearable, and I desperately needed relief. Without hesitation, I removed my hearing aid, hoping to alleviate the discomfort.Chaos, ever observant, seemed to understand my silent plea. His hand, warm and comforting, reached out and gently guided me away from th
Forty-One Breaking the tense silence, Florence inquired, “So, why are you hiding behind this facade?” She gazed at him, her eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of challenge.Chaos looked at me as he finished his burger and asked back, “I’m protecting myself, Florence.”Florence couldn’t help but laugh softly under her breath, “What’s a billionaire playboy have to protect?”A knowing smirk played on his lips as he averted his gaze towards the other cars in the parking lot. “We all have secrets, Florence,” he murmured, his voice low and enigmatic. “Dark secrets or stories that we bury deep within ourselves, fearing the consequences of their exposure.” His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the hidden depths of human nature.Florence nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “I suppose,” she replied, her thoughts drifting to her own hidden past.There were secrets she carried, buried deep within her heart, wounds that had yet to heal despite the years it had passed. She kne
Forty-TwoChaos’ eyes held a depth of emotion that surprised even him. He was drawn to Florence, captivated by her intelligence, her spirit, and her unwavering resolve.Florence was torn. Completely and absurdly for the first time in his life. Despite her reservations, she could not deny the undeniable attraction she felt towards Chaos. His charisma, his intelligence, and his intensity were intoxicating. Yet, she knew that he was a man of many conquests, a player who thrived on the thrill of the chase. She feared that she was merely another conquest of his, a fleeting infatuation to be discarded when his interest waned.Confused and unsettled, Florence asked, “What do you truly want from me, Chaos?” Her voice was soft, yet firm, as she sought clarity amidst the chaos of her emotions. She yearned for honesty, for a genuine connection, but she was wary of the darkness that lurked beneath his charming exterior.Chaos’ voice, usually so smooth and confident, now held a raw vulnerability.
Forty-ThreeFlorence, her face stinging from the slap, felt a surge of anger and humiliation. She had been reduced to a mere possession, a pawn in Heath’s twisted game but she was after all paid as a trophy wife. The anger that surged within her was quickly suppressed, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve. She knew her place, she understood the terms of the contract. For now, she would endure the first time abuse, biding her time until she could break free from the gilded cage.Florence, her voice steady, replied, “I do not know what you are talking about, Heath.” She tried to maintain her composure, her mind racing as she searched for a way to defuse the situation. While she had spent time with Chaos, their interactions had been platonic, devoid of any physical intimacy. They held hands but that was because he pulled her out of the club which was hurting her ears. She had crossed no lines, no boundaries. All she did was just talk with Chaos. Yet, she knew that Heath would never
Forty-FourFlorence was shocked and appalled by Heath’s sinister plan. She could not believe that the man she had married contractually was capable of such cruelty. She knew very well from the start that Heath was a man obsessed with his reputation. He was willing to sacrifice her happiness and well-being to satisfy his own ego. She realized that she had underestimated the depths of his depravity. His obsession with power and control had clouded his judgment, turning him into a dangerous and manipulative force. Florence knew she had to be careful, to play her cards right. She could not let Heath’s twisted plan consume her life.Florence’s voice trembled as she struggled to comprehend Heath’s sinister plan because she did not want to do it at all. “What are you saying?” she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief. She couldn’t believe that the man she had married was capable of such a cruel and manipulative scheme.“For God’s sake Florence,” Heath exclaimed, his voice laced with frustrat
One Hundred FiveThe afternoon sun streamed through the window inside Florence’s room, casting a warm glow on the worn leather armchair where Florence sat. Her eyes, though clouded by the fog of Alzheimer’s, still held a spark of recognition when Chaos entered the room.“Hello, my love,” he greeted her, his voice soft and gentle, despite his weakened knees and how his doctors had been telling him to stop walking distances for long hours since it has been bad for his health.Florence smiled, a fragile, fleeting smile that touched Chaos deeply. “Hello, I do not remember you, but I think you were the old guy who kept reading me about stories.” she replied, her voice a mere whisper.“I am.” He settled into the armchair beside her, taking her hand in his. “Shall I read to you?” he asked, his voice filled with a tenderness that never ceased to amaze her.Florence nodded, her eyes fluttering closed. Chaos picked up the worn leather-bound book from the side table. It was a collection of short
One Hundred Four“Mama? Dada?” Rhys called out sleepily from the doorway of the kitchen, his eyes barely opened as he stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he yawned sleepily. “Look who just woken up.” Chaos called out as they smiled, staring at their sleepy looking son.Chaos pulled back slightly, his gaze lingering on Florence. The sound of their son’s voice, sleepy and sweet, filled the kitchen. Both parents turned towards the doorway, their hearts melting at the sight of their little boy, his eyes still heavy with sleep, rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Florence cooed, scooping him up in her arms. Chaos smiled as he walked towards Rhys and the little boy immediately snuggled into her neck, burying his face as he was sleepy while yawning which made Florence smile.Chaos chuckled, his eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and affection. “Looks like someone’s ready for breakfast,” he said, his voice soft.He walked over to
One Hundred ThreeThe Sunday morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, painting stripes of light across the gleaming hardwood floor. Florence, with a smile on her pretty face, hummed happily as she stirred the pancake batter, the scent of cinnamon and butter filling the air. Her eyes, filled with a quiet contentment, glanced at the delicate band glimmering on her left ring finger. It was a symbol of the years they had spent together, a testament to their resilience and their unwavering love. Three years of marriage had been a challenging journey, a tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, and the unwavering support they offered each other as they navigated life's ups and downs.Chaos, ever the early riser, was already outside, tending to the vegetable garden he had painstakingly cultivated in their backyard. Despite his status, he wanted to do the normal things with her. Cultivating their backyard garden had given him some sense of peace and calm.She glanced out the windo
One Hundred Two “I am losing my mind!” Kamille yelled in frustration and anger, as she threw the letters towards Chaos’ office floor which caused shock from him and his secretary. These were letters that he had not known before. Letters that Theresa had never mentioned before. Letters that Kamille had never mentioned ever before. Kamille cried, as if she was having emotional breakdown, but she was calming herself down, “My mind, my guilt, every fucking thing is killing my mind! And you have no idea about the pain and… and the struggle that I had been through!” She shook her head as she stomped and left angrily as if she had been knowing something that she had been hiding for years.Kamille’s composure shattered. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she cried out, “My mind… my guilt, everything is killing me! You have no idea the pain, the struggle I have endured!”She shook her head violently, the words tumbling out in a torrent of raw emotion. It was as if a dam had broken, releasing y
One Hundred OneA year had passed since that fateful day at the cemetery. Florence and Chaos, through open communication and unwavering support, had nurtured their relationship, allowing it to blossom into something truly beautiful. Florence had met his parents, their initial apprehension quickly melting away as they witnessed the profound love and respect that existed between their son and the woman who had captured his heart. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Florence had seamlessly integrated into their lives, her warmth and kindness winning them over completely.The aroma of roasted chicken and Caroline’s famous apple pie filled the air as Florence settled into the worn-in armchair opposite Chaos’ parents. Edward, a man of few words but a kind heart and Chaos’ father, beamed at her from across the table. Caroline, however, was effusive in her praise.“You know, Florence,” Caroline began, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Chaos has not stopped talking about you since th
Hundred“I am so sorry.” Florence’s voice was soft, as if he could hear the hurt in her voice. She reached out and gently took his hand, offering him comfort. “But you could not have known,” she told him very softly, her voice filled with empathy. “These things… they happen. They happened because… because it was what she wanted.” “She did not even ask me what I wanted.” He answered and his words hurt her.“Guilt and self-blame can be incredibly powerful, especially when you are struggling.” She told him sincerely.She knew he blamed himself, but she also knew that blaming himself would not bring Theresa back. He needed to forgive himself, to find a way to move forward.“Hey,” She caressed his cheeks with her hands, “Let us not dwell on the past,” she said softly. “Let us focus on healing, on honoring her memory.”She looked at him, her eyes filled with a gentle understanding. “You can do this, Chaos,” she said, her voice filled with a quiet strength. “No one blamed you. And I do not
Ninety-NineThe sun cast long shadows across the cemetery, the air thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and damp earth. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient oak trees, creating a soothing, almost melancholic soundtrack.Florence and Chaos sat on the cool grass in front of Theresa’s headstone, a comfortable silence settling between them. Florence, her gaze fixed on the inscription, felt a strange sense of peace. The initial shock of the revelation had subsided, replaced by a quiet understanding, a profound sense of connection to the young woman whose heart now beat within her own chest.Chaos, sensing her quiet contemplation, reached out and gently took her hand. His touch was a silent affirmation of their shared grief, an unspoken acknowledgment of the profound connection they now shared.“What was she like?” Florence asked softly with curiosity.“Theresa… she was a whirlwind,” Chaos began, his voice thick with emotion. “She was a dancer. Ballet.”Florence nodded he
Ninety-Eight“I have been thinking lately about everything that has been happening between you and me.” Florence continued to speak as she was staring at her feet while they were walking.Chaos nodded his head gently, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and dread. He waited, holding his breath, for her to continue. Florence continued, her voice barely a whisper, “Thinking about everything that is happening between us.”Chaos nodded again, his eyes fixed on her face, searching for any sign of emotion.Florence took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. “And I realized… I realized that I have been selfish too.”Chaos shook his head, “No, do not say that. I was the one being selfish.”“No,” she said, her voice breaking. Tears were welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “I was being selfish too. You have been through so much, Chaos. Just the same as me, you went through something too. And I… I was letting my anger and jealousy consume me.”She took a deep breath,
Ninety-SevenAs Florence stepped out of the school, she spotted Chaos standing by his car. His shoulders slumped, and a look of weariness etched his face. He missed her, desperately. Florence’s heart ached as she saw him. She missed him too, the silence between them stretching on like an endless desert. They both knew that the longer they remained apart, the deeper the longing and the more painful the separation would become.He exhaled as soon as he saw her emerge from the school, her shoulders slumped slightly, and his heart ached. He wanted to reach for her, to pull her close and hold her until the pain subsided. He wanted to hug her and just feel her warmth once again after days of being away from each other.But he knew better. He had hurt her, deeply, and he had to earn back her trust, one small step at a time.He watched as she approached slowly and almost unsurely, her gaze fixed on the pavement, her footsteps heavy with unspoken emotions. He wanted to call out to her, to apol