– PoV: Robert –
I woke up early as usual and checked my bed only to see that the other side was unoccupied as it has been for over a decade ever since Lucille decided to sleep in another room.
I’ve been anxious about our relationship for a long while now, but since she still didn’t divorce me I’m starting to become hopeful. If I keep being a kind husband, maybe she will change her mind. The fact that our Mavena is still unmarried and relies on us to provide for her is also another factor that works in my favor.
Once I thought it over, I nodded to myself with much hope in my heart and stood from the bed, ready to begin the day in earnest. I usually start my days by stretching for a few minutes before going to the morning market where I would get fresh pastries for Lucille and Mavena.
I did just that this morning as well, but when I stepped out of my bedroom door that led to the private lounge room that connects our three separate bedrooms I froze in my tracks and had to blink numerous times just to make sure that what my eyes were showing me was truly real and not a dream.
Our lounge was decorated by two comfortable sofas where we used to sit and chat with each other back during happier times. Now, however, Lucille was there, sitting with another man next to her. I recognized him instantly, the man who humiliated me recently by intimidating me to a degree I would rather not talk about.
“Dear, what is the meaning of this?” I asked with a voice that was more pleading than firm.
She looked up at me and gestured towards the sofa that was facing theirs. “Please, have a seat. I want to talk with you.”
I do as told with lifeless movements. “What is he doing here? You know that guests aren’t allowed here.” I muttered in an uncertain tone.
I glanced at the man for a second. He was observing me with a nonchalant attitude and an expressionless face. I snapped my head away from him because I couldn’t deal with the pressure he was emitting towards me even in such a calm state of his.
“He is more than a guest now.” Lucille revealed wryly. Now that I took a better glance, they were sitting way too close to each other for my liking, as their arms were basically brushing against each other.
“W-what does that mean? I know his two servants are helping us out, but that doesn’t equate to him not having to pay to stay! We are teaching the twins more about housekeeping than they are actually helping us.” I reasoned, though I unconsciously made myself appear smaller as I slid further away from the man who I know is called Quinlan.
“… That’s not what I meant, Robert. What I want to say is-” she was abruptly interrupted when the man next to her raised his arm and wrapped it behind her neck to clutch at her shoulder that was farther away from him, then pulled her into his half-embrace slightly. “I’m going to be taking Lucille as my woman.”
Huh? My heart begins beating rapidly like never before as my mind races for an explanation. “T-that can’t be right… Lucille? Dear, tell me that I’m hearing things wrong!” I shouted as my throat dried up and tears began to form in my eyes.
She looked at me with a mix of pity and guilt. “Robert, you know that what we have is only a marriage on paper, right? Any flame that might’ve existed between us has long since died.” ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
“No… this can’t be! Please, just give me one more chance!” I begged desperately. I couldn’t afford to lose the love of my life like this.
“I can’t do that, Robert. Or, to be more accurate, I don’t want to. Although I haven’t known Quinlan for long, he has changed my mundane life to one of excitement and joy. I love him with all my heart and wish to spend my life with him by my side.”
Each word that my wife spewed out of her mouth hurt more than the last. One look at her eyes, or just listening to her determined tone was enough to make me understand that she had set her mind to go through with it. She truly wants to separate this time.
My heart is about to break apart. No, I have to do everything to make her give me another chance! “What about Mavena? She is still so young! She needs her mother. You know how much she will cry when she learns of this…”
Hearing what I said had a profound effect on Lucille as her lips trembled and eyes lost some of their shine. She knew I was right and even if she had no love for me, she wanted the best for our daughter. ‘Maybe this can work…’ I thought inwardly.
However, Quinlan’s grip tightened on her shoulder as he growled at me. I nearly pissed myself hearing his low, guttural tone that was drenched in boiling fury. “Are you trying to guilt trip this awesome woman who gave you twenty years of her life? To such a pathetic worm like you?
Count your lucky stars that you are still in speaking condition because I would’ve absolutely ruined you for what you just said if not for Lucille. She wants a peaceful divorce and a normal, healthy separation. Do you agree to sign the papers?”
How dare this man blame me?! Suddenly I get some bravery in my veins. “You do know that what you are doing is adultery, correct? You, scumbag, are stealing my wife, and you, Lucille, are cheating on your legally recognized husband. We are not divorced as of this moment, so I’m right.
If I went to the authorities both of you would be enslaved for life, because the last time I checked that was the punishment for your crimes in our duchy.”
By the end of my threat I even stood up and started shouting with confidence. It felt good to stand up for myself once.