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
Forty-FiveDays turned into weeks, and Florence remained haunted by Heath's sinister plan but with her distance from the busy Chaos who was out of the country for months now, . She was torn between her loyalty to Heath since she owed him money, and her growing affection for Chaos was also making it more difficult. Chaos, with his kindness and respect, had awakened a part of her that she thought was long gone, a sense of caring and compassion towards another human. When her family died, she lost her ability to care for another person. She was conflicted, caught between duty as a trophy wife who needed to seduce another man.Chaos glanced up from his laptop, his gaze drawn towards her. A flicker of concern crossed his face as he noticed the melancholy in her eyes. She was engrossed in her own work, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. A sense of empathy washed over him as he observed her, a silent understanding of the weight she carried.“Am I boring you?” He asked Florence.Her f
Forty-SixFlorence hesitated, torn between her desire and her fear. She wanted to spend time with Chaos, to explore the connection they had formed. However, she was wary of the potential consequences. She knew that her involvement with Chaos could jeopardize her fragile peace, and could expose her to danger. The thought of Chaos discovering the truth about her marriage, about Heath’s sinister plan, filled her with dread. She didn't want him to see her as a deceitful, manipulative woman. She wanted him to see her for who she truly was, a woman caught in a web of lies and deceit, desperate to break free.Florence gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes drawn to the elegant little black dress that clung perfectly to her curves which had puffed off-shoulders. The minimalist jewelry and sleek heels complemented the outfit perfectly. Her light gray eyes and honey blonde hair provided a striking contrast to the dark ensemble, creating a captivating image. As she admired her reflect
Forty-SevenThe man’s gaze, filled with disdain, swept and glued over Florence. He knew cheap when he saw one, and Florence, to him, was unworldly cheap. His eyes lingered on her simple dress and modest jewelry, a silent judgment of her social status. He saw her as a complete outsider, an intruder in their exclusive world.The man’s gaze, filled with contempt, swept over Florence. “What are you doing here?” he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “What’s a lost deaf woman like you doing here?” He snickered while shaking his head and found Florence looking out of place. “Looking for a nightclub? Well, you have come to the wrong place, dear.” His tone was condescending, his words a clear indication of his superiority.Florence felt a familiar sting of humiliation. She had faced similar insults before, her disability often used as a weapon to wound her self-esteem. The world, with its cruel indifference, had taught her to endure such awful treatment. Yet, the pain still cut deep, a
Forty-EightThe restaurant manager, Saul, visibly shaken, approached Chaos along with two waiters who were ready to head to Chao’s commands. “Mr. Battenkurt,” he stammered, his voice filled with apology and fear knowing Chaos’ status. The Spencers and the Battenkurts were longtime patrons of the restaurant, a family of immense wealth and influence. Saul knew that the couple’s rude behavior had crossed a line, and he was prepared to face the consequences. Chaos, a man of discerning tastes, had rarely frequented such opulent establishments. His arrival at the restaurant was a significant event, a testament to the host’s prestige. Saul, the meticulous manager, had personally overseen the preparations, ensuring that every detail was perfect. However, the incident with the rude couple had marred the evening's beginning, casting a shadow over the otherwise flawless setting.Saul had been informed by Ralph with what happened earlier at the entrance. Saul, himself, had witnessed the confron
Forty-NineFlorence’s heart fluttered as she felt the warmth of his touch. His words, simple yet profound, sent a shiver down her spine. She had missed him too, more than she had realized. In that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight and the gentle hum of conversation, she felt a sense of peace and contentment that she had not experienced in a long time.“Is it wrong?” He asked as he gently squeezed her hand. “Hmm?”She smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she glanced at his hand holding hers. “It’s not wrong at all,” she replied softly. Chaos smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “Isn’t it?” he teased, gently taking her hand in his. He traced the lines of her palm teasingly, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. As their fingers intertwined, a spark ignited between them. The intimacy of the moment, the quietude of the restaurant, created a perfect storm of emotion. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin, and gently kissed his fingertips one by one. Th
FiftyFlorence’s mind raced, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. She often forgot to wear her wedding ring, especially during casual outings or quiet moments at home. It had become a habit, a subconscious act of defiance against the constraints of her marriage. She only wore her wedding ring when she would head out with Heath on special occasions especially when they would meet his fake rich circle of friends. After all, the wedding rings were just a mere prop. Florence felt Chaos’ gaze intense and probing. His eyes pierced through her as if they were demanding an answer, to see the truth hidden beneath her facade. She felt a shiver run down her spine, a mixture of fear and anticipation. She knew she had to be careful, to choose her words wisely so he would never find out about her fake marriage. She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. The complexity of her situation, the web of lies and deceit she was entangled in, was too much to revel. So, she chose a half-tr
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