The Mafia's Unwanted Wife: Chapters 1–5

I stood up when I saw Lucas enter the door. It was already late at night and I patiently waited for him here at the sala.

He looked at me when I helped him take off the coat that he was wearing. My nose wrinkled after inhaling the smell of alcohol.

"Have you eaten?' I asked. 'I'm waiting for you so we can eat together,' I added when he didn't even bother to answer me.

I puffed out my cheeks and then bit my lower lip. I cooked your favorite dish. I know that when—'

"Can you shut the fuck your mouth?" he said. His eyes are screaming annoyance.

I swallowed and just bowed. When I saw that he had taken off his shoes, I picked them up and put them aside on the shoe rack.

I'm used to him being like that. I understand why he doesn't want to be nice to me, but what I will never understand is why he can't even treat me as his wife or even a normal person.

My eyes sparkled when he went straight to the kitchen. Thinking that he would eat because he was there in the chair and seemed to be waiting for food, I prepared the food but after I prepared it after I served it on the dining table, he just looked at it with his disgusted eyes before leaving me here alone. The glass almost broke when he aggressively put it on the table.

I just sat down and massaged my forehead. I looked at the clock on my wristwatch just to laugh. It's almost half past midnight.

I couldn't help but to looked at the food that I prepared. For sure, that will be my breakfast again. I mean, this is not something new to me. I just took a bite when my stomach rumbled. I've had an ulcer attack several times but I keep repeating it for the same reason. Why can't I just learn from it?

I just shook my head and finished eating so I could rest. I'm still early for my work tomorrow. I wanted to relax as soon as I entered my room, but I couldn't do it. Sleepiness has passed me and I am sure that no matter how I try, this sleepiness will not visit me.

I went out to the veranda and sat there. I looked up and looked at the shining stars.

"How many more years?" I talked to myself. "It's been seven years since we got married, but why does it seem like time is just moving forward–changing, and not the situation we're in? This is draining me too much. I'm exhausted."

I didn't want to marry Lucas either in the first place. I just woke up and y parents suddenly tell me that I'm... going to get married to someone that I didn't have a chance to know first.

It's been years and I still wonder why he didn't reject this marriage if he didn't want it. He has more power between the two of us and if I ever knew about it beforehand, I would have objected too. I don't like this marriage in the way that I only saw him once before the wedding happened between us and what's worse is that I wasn't even given time to socialize with him and get to know him well first.

I wiped the tears that fell from my eyes and then laughed. "But why is it possible for us to fall in love with someone who has never shown you any kindness since then?"

I let out a breath and went inside. I don't know what time I fell asleep because I was too lazy to get out of bed when I woke up. I was still feeling tired. I have no choice but to stand up and take care of myself if I don't want to be late.

I didn't even bother to look where Lucas was because I knew he had already left. In our seven years together, I can only count on my fingers the mornings that I saw him here at home before I went to work.

"Noah!" I greeted him when I arrived.

From rummaging through his things he turned to me. "Have you had your coffee?" he asked. "Let's have coffee. I think, I am having a morning headache because of that woman," he complained.

I just put down my things and went with him. I didn't even eat before leaving.

"If I were just the CEO, I would fire Miss Bernadette first. Does she think that she is the owner of the company to have her rights to make this workplace hell? I don't even know what wrongdoing I did for her to act like this. As far as I am aware, she is the one who kept dragging me!" I just shook my head. I can already figure out the reason why he was having a headache.

"But the things is, you are not the CEO nor the owner of our company," I jokingly replied to ease him.

He just snorted and continued ranting. He didn't stop until we were able to buy our coffee and return to the office.

We all noticed how Miss Bernadette treated Noah but no brave employee talked about it because, first of all, he might turn his anger toward us.

"Do you want me to give you a lift?" he asked after rolling down his car window.

I shook my head. "It's okay, I'll just grab a taxi. You can go now. It's getting late," I replied.

He didn't insist anymore and drove away. I was left there in front of the Trion Building. I don't want to go home yet and go back to that hellish house.

For how many years of enduring his ruthless attidtude towards me, I am used to it but... I'm also human. I have feelings and I also feel tired. Anyone who would be in my place would rather die or just vanished like a bubble and never come back. Yet, I don't have a choice.

The light was still unopened when I arrived, a sign that none of us had gone home yet.

I puffed my cheeks and cleaned myself before going down, heading to the kitchen. I just heated the kare-kare, the dish that I cooked last night, to serve as my dinner.

The ingredients were too pricey and I couldn't afford to waste money. After all, Lucas wasn't giving house money.

I was currently eating when Lucas entered the kitchen. I even stopped chewing when he passed behind me. I heard the refrigerator open behind me and the clinking of glasses. I didn't even bother to ask if he had eaten. It looks like he has already eaten his dinner.

I looked at the cell phone that he placed on the table. I was about to take a bite when it rang and the screen opened. I bit my bottom lip when I saw the look on Iris's face there.

Martyr.

I wanted to laugh when Lucas took it immediately.

"Kare-kare again?" he asked after placing his cell phone back on the table.

The corner of my lips rose and slightly twitched. "Do you see adobo?" I sarcastically asked. He was looking at it. What is the sense of asking when you are already looking at it? Nonsense.

"Well... Thankfully, I'm done with dinner. I won't gonna eat that fucking leftover," he said.

I blew out air. "That's great then," I agreed with him. "That's better so that I don't have to spend money on food and get tired of cooking just to feed someone like you," I added.

Rolling my eyes, I ate the last spoonful of rice on my plate and went straight to the sink to wash it.

"Wash that," I ordered when he put the glass next to the plate that I was washing.

He laughed a little. "Come on, it's your job as a wife," he stated.

I laughed at him. "Oh," I said, nodding. "And now you are suddenly considering me as your wife, huh? Very comic, Martin."

He just raised an eyebrow at me. "And you're answering now," he commented and pointed at my mouth, causing me to pat his hand away. It got a little stronger because his hand flew sideways.

"Why? Are you the only one who has the right to answer between the two of us?" I asked. "I've been holding my temper back for years and don't ever think that I won't return all of that evil-doing of yours. Who are you to oppress me? We are just both fucking human beings. We will both be crawling with worms underground when we die," I voiced.

He chuckled. "How sure are you? I will have my coffin made of metal," he said.

"Oh, I forgot, you're a billionaire." I sarcastically said. "Rich in money but poor in friends, I see."

I was satisfied when I saw his wrinkled face. "Of course, you won't have any. Who could even want to be friends with you? You're such a boring person and when someone approaches you, you immediately hand them money. You are so arrogant and have no love for other people, and I bet that's the reason why Iris must have left you and never came back—"

I was no longer able to continue what I was saying when I received a firm slap from him. My head tilted because of the force. I tasted the metal on the side of my lip, a sign that my lips were bleeding.

"Don't you fucking dare to drag Iris's name here! Who are you? As far as I know, your parents are fucking desperate to have my power and you are just a woman who happened to be as desperate as her parents to marry me. How desperate your family is."

"What?" I asked, laughing. "I just want to tell you that I will kill myself first before marrying you. How thick your face is? Where did you get that done?" I sarcastically said.

"My family is desperate? How come you forget who is more desperate between us?" I shot back and glared at him when he was about to extend his hand to me again.

"One more touch of your hand," I warningly said. I was shaking because of the anger I was holding.

He laughed. "What are you going to do, then?" he asked. Acting scared. "Oh, I am scared," he said and sarcastically covered himself.

"Damn.. you are scaring me," he nodded and pointed at me. "Do you see yourself? Let me fucking tell you that it is your family that I helped and you're still like this when you stand in front of me?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked and let a short laugh. "We never need the help of other people, especially a person like you. I'll rather go into the pit before asking for help from someone like you—'

"Should I notify my people to dig a coffin size in the backyard then?" he cut me off.

I feel like I'm turning red. His grin sounded as he turned his back on me. "Just let me know," he stated before completely leaving, carrying the coat he had been carrying when entering here.

"I'm sorry," I muttered to myself as I spilled hot coffee on my hand.

I let out a sigh and rinsed it off with tap water. Too early for mishaps like this.

"Idiot," I heard a voice from behind.

"And so you are" I retorted, turning off the faucet.

I couldn't figure out why he was here in the house at this hour. The sun was already up, yet he is still here.

He razzed, glancing at my hand and then chuckling.

"What? Do you find it funny?" I sarcastically asked. "No wonder your life is always bland," I added, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.

"You are getting bolder with your words. Where did you learn that?"

"Maybe from you," I replied.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, still peering at my burnt hand.

It was turning red due to the heat of the water.

I turned away from him. "The bruises I get from you hurt more, don't worry," I said.

"Why are you like that? I'm asking you properly!"

I rolled my eyes and was about to leave when he pulled me back. "You have no rights to turn your back on me," he angrily stated.

I met his sharp gaze. "You also have no right to control me and dictate what I want do," I declared.

I've been letting him mistreated me for years and I can't afford to be in the same situation until now.

I looked up as he tugged at my hair. "I'm getting out of patience, Aurora. It's better if you fix your attitude and your choice of words when talking to me," he said.

Instead of showing hurt from his actions, I grinned. "You talk to me the same way. I don't complain either. What are you so worked up about?" I asked.

He tightened his grip on my hair. "We are not the same," he emphasized.

"What? You have rights again, and I don't?" I asked, there was a hint of amusement in my voice.

"Yes! Good to know that it's finally stamped in your little fucking head."

"Neither of us has the right to strip someone of their rights. Yes, we're married, but always remember it's only on paper. I have my own rights to do what I want, and so do you."

I forcefully removed his hand from my hair and walked away.

"I am not done talking, Aurora!" his voice thundered.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm done," I shouted back, already some distance away.

"Aurora!"

"Yes, I know. My name is lovely," I said.

I halted on my way up the stairs when I heard something shatter. I turned to witness him hurling another flower vase, this time toward a large picture of the two of us from our wedding, causing the frame to shatter.

"Are you angry?" he asked, glaring at me.

I controlled myself and looked at the shattered glass below.

"I told you I'm not done talking, but you pushed me to create this mess!"

I rolled my eyes and turned away again. I didn't want to engage in an argument now. I wasn't in the mood anymore, but just as I took a step upstairs, his slides were thrown in front of me.

"What's your problem?!" I snapped at him.

"You couldn't just turn your back on me!" he shouted.

I licked my lower lip and then picked up his slides that he had thrown earlier. I descended the stairs and stood there on the last step.

Without a word, I hurled them back at him. "What? Does it hurt? I've never experienced this with my parents in my whole life, and now you? A fucking Pontius Pilate, treating me like his slave. Why? Who do you think you are?" I questioned. "Are you my employer? Are you paying me? Just a reminder, I've been supporting myself since I came under your roof!"

I pointed at him. "I've been putting up with you for years! Just because you're the man doesn't mean you have more power between us! If I didn't love my parents, I would have left you a long time ago!"

"Then go! I don't need you here! You were giving nothing but a headache, after all!" he shouted back.

"Seven years and your attitude remains the same. What kind of person are you? I don't even know why Daddy agreed to marry me off to you. You're becoming more disgusting and worse than ever! Worthless and disrespectful to people. If your parents saw what you're doing now, they might disown you as their child!"

I took a step back as he approached me. His eyes darkened, but what caught my attention more was the broken glass and the blood stains left in his feet. There was no sign of pain on his face.

"Lucas..." I whispered his name as he strangled me.

"You don't know anything. Did you hear me? You don't fucking know anything about them, so you better keep your mouth shut or I'll kill you to death."

I slapped his arm, struggling to breathe. I coughed when he finally released me. I felt weak and sat down, gasping for breath.

"I dare you, Aurora. That's not the only thing I'm capable of," he sternly said before leaving me downstairs.

I clung to the floor, unable to find my voice. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't speak as I followed him with my gaze as he walked upstairs.

I struggled to catch my breath as I reached my room. I left the shattered glass below and grabbed my bag to left the house. I grip the steering wheel and drove aimlessly.

"File a divorce, Aurora. You have a reason, and that should be enough to guarantee your request," Noah suggested.

I shook my head. "It's not that simple, Noah. If you only knew how many times I've thought about it," I said, exhaling deeply.

"What's holding you back? Your love for your parents? Do they really love you? If they do, why did they marry you off to such a person? He done nothing but hurt you repeatedly," he stated.

I lay on the sofa and closed my eyes slowly. I needed a break now, but I couldn't do that as long as Lucas was around.

"Or if you don't want to... you could consider moving out. You have a condo, right? Stay there instead of enduring Lucas rudeness towards you," he suggested.

"What if my parents might visit me at Lucas's house and find out I'm not there," I replied.

He chuckled. "Tell them your husband is hurting you, and that's why you left," he said. "As simple as that."

"And then what?" I asked. "Lucas might twist the story around? I've told you what he's capable of doing to me."

"Your dad would probably understand if you told him you're being hurt. Just try," he persisted.

"I'm going to bed," I answered, trying to end the conversation there.

I turned my back on him, hugging the pillow. Although I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep, I still tried. My headache even more heightened when I thought about what had happened earlier.

"Hi," I greeted him as he sat down. "Alone?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I'm with someone. They're in the restroom, they might be coming back soon," I replied.

"Can we join you—"

"Husband... My husband is with me," I cut him off.

He nodded and they excused themselves, leaving me alone. I forced a small smile and rested my head on the sofa's armrest. It was going to be an early morning tomorrow. I already felt tired.

It felt like just a while ago I wanted to grow up quickly, and now I wished I could go back to being a child, coloring in coloring books at home.

As the alcohol started to take effect, I decided to head home. I would be driving my car. As much I do not want to return home yet, I had no other choice. Plus, my uniforms were there. I hadn't brought any clothes with me.

I looked at the house in front of me. The lights were on, and the place was bustling with life. It was late at night, so I wouldn't be surprised if he was already inside.

I let out a sigh and walked in. I almost stumbled, thrown off balance. Thankfully, I managed to grab the stair railing to steady myself. I stressfully pressed my forehead and closed my eyes. The alcohol seemed to be hitting me quite hard.

My forehead wrinkled as I heard laughter from upstairs. I climbed a few more steps up the staircase. It felt as though there was glue on my feet, making it difficult to lift them.

They were laughing together as if they were in their own happy world.

"I love you. I can't wait to marry you," Iris said.

It was hard for me to leave my spot, almost as if I was rooted there, as their lips met. Even if I averted my gaze, I couldn't escape the sight.

"You don't know how I am eager to marry you now, Iris. But you are aware of my situation. Please be patient with me, I'll fix this," Lucas replied after pulling away from her.

I felt like the ground had given way beneath me. Not even two days had passed since I left, and this was already happening? There were still more painful memories buried there.

I shifted my gaze as they caught sight of me on the stairs. I ended up feeling embarrassed, as if I had no right to be upset. I was the one feeling ashamed that I might be intruding on them.

"Hi, Aurora!" Iris greeted.

I tried to smile, but I couldn't manage it. I dared to look at Lucas, hoping he would feel some shame for what he had done, especially inside our own home, but I found no remorse in his eyes—only irritation.

I nodded at Iris. "I'm going upstairs," I said, not waiting for her response.

I hurried away and closed the door behind me.

I bit my lower lip and let out a sigh. The sides of my eyes started to heat up. A lump formed in my throat.

What did I do in my past life? Is my sin so great that I must endure this? Will I be plagued with headaches every day?

I fought back tears, questioning whether I deserved everything that was happening to me. Did I deserve the trials and tribulations? Did I deserve all this suffering?

"Stop, Aurora. Let him be. Remember how you wanted this? Let him be the one insisting on a divorce, so you won't have to struggle to explain to your parents why you separated," I spoke to myself.

"Do you still not want this? After seven years, you'll finally be free. Your headaches will lessen. The bruises you get will diminish. You won't have to be a slave to someone who never respected you. Don't you want that, Aurora?" I asked myself.

I wiped away the tears that streamed down my face, carrying a mix of pain, anger, frustration, and emotions I couldn't even put into words.

I sat behind the door for minutes before moving to the bed. Sleep wasn't visiting me tonight. I wasn't hit with tiredness as I had been a while ago. I checked the time on the wall. It was getting late. I wondered how I would manage to work tomorrow. I just hoped I wouldn't make a mess and get scolded again.

I wanted to drink water, but my water dispenser was empty. I had my tumbler with me, so I went downstairs to refill it. The surroundings were quiet now, and it seemed like Lucas had fallen asleep. I wasn't sure if Iris was still here or if she had left.

The only sound was the water being poured into my tumbler. I purposely didn't turn on the lights. Fortunately, the inside of the tumbler was stainless steel, so it helped keep the water cool.

This was what I always brought to work, although it was quite noisy when dropped or bumped, thanks to the stainless steel.

I puffed my cheeks upon seeing the cupcake in the fridge. I wasn't able to touch it, of course. It wasn't mine. Ultimately, I went back upstairs.

My eyebrows furrowed when I heard noises from Lucas's room. I was cautious as I approached the door, I pressed my left ear against it, trying to hear better. I was curious about what was going on inside.

I could hear what sounded like conversation. It seemed they were watching something on TV and had forgotten to turn it off. I was about to ignore it, but then I thought that Lucas might not get a peaceful sleep if it was left on.

I quietly opened the door, and the TV was indeed on. I didn't bother turning on the light in my annoyance, fearing that Lucas might wake up. What caught me off guard, however, was seeing Lucas and Iris in a compromising position on his bed.

"Lucas..." it's Iris. "Faster..." she moaned.

I quickly covered my mouth to stifle any noise, but in an unfortunate mishap, the tumbler I was holding slipped from my hand and made a loud sound as it fell.

"What the fuck!" Lucas shouted.

Fear coursed through me as Lucas's gaze immediately turned in my direction. I swallowed hard and hurriedly left the scene. I didn't bother picking up my tumbler, as it had rolled away and I had no idea where it ended up.

My heart was pounding so hard that it felt like it would burst out of my chest as I locked the door to my own room. I know that he wouldn't be able to enter here since I held the key to my room. He had no interest in my room, so he didn't have a spare key either.

I left the house early. Even before the sun rose, I was already out. I didn't really want to go to work today, but I had no other choice but to leave the house.

I didn't know what that man would do to me again. It's not unlikely that he'll hurt me once more. I looked at the Trion Building in front of me and yawned. I haven't even slept yet, damn it.

Without a second thought, I grabbed my cell phone and typed a message to Noah. I won't be coming in today. I turned the car to head towards my condo. I'll rest and sleep there for a bit.

What kind of life do I even have? I was lucky with my upbringing and parents, but unlucky with the man I married. Is this how the balance in life should be?

I didn't even choose that man! I just woke up one day and I'm already getting married. What the hell is that? I trusted my parents to arrange a decent marriage for me, but why did it turn out to be the complete opposite?

They didn't even give justice to the dream family I wanted. If I had fought my parents then, would there be a chance that I wouldn't have ended up marrying that Lucas?

Where else can you find a husband who would bring his mistress to your home, where you're a married couple? He didn't even treat me like a person, let alone a wife, but of course, even though I say I'm used to it, it still hurts.

I can't help but question myself about what I did to deserve all of this. If I had known that marriage would be like this, it's likely that everything was planned from the beginning.

I rubbed my eyes and stopped crocheting. I wasn't even halfway through, but my hands were already numb. I put it down and grabbed my cell phone. Since last night, I hadn't turned it on because the battery was low, so I powered it off.

As expected, no one reached out. There was only a chat from Noah and an unknown number.

Noah:

Are you okay?

That was his only message after I told him I wouldn't be coming in. I hesitated to reply because it was already late. I just shrugged and left it at that.

I was about to place it on the night table when another message came in.

Lucas:

Where are you?

I chuckled while reading it. What's next? He's probably preparing some form of punishment for me.

Lucas:

Don't leave my message on read.

I turned off my cell phone and got out of bed. I ordered food since I had nothing to cook in the condo. It's a good thing the food here is delicious.

The next day, I didn't go to work again. I stayed quiet inside the condo and bought some yarn to knit a cardigan.

I was dawdling about going back to Trion. I was considering whether I should return or just hand in my resignation letter.

I adjusted my eyes and finished dressing up. I realized that it was just right for me to at least have time for myself. The sun was starting to set, and it seemed like the right time to start a new chapter. I grabbed my resignation letter and made my way to Trion Building. I knew that heads would turn and eyes would be on me, especially when Miss Bernadette found out that I am finally here in our building.

I glanced at Noah, who looked surprised, but he couldn't escape the gaze of Miss Bernadette, who was standing in front of me. I look at him once more and then finally entered Miss's office.

"What's this? A resignation letter. You've been out of touch for a few days and now you're hitting us with this?" she pointed at the sealed envelope I handed over. "But that's fine. It will be easier for me to explain that you've been inactive for the past few days. That's enough reason for this to be approved. I'll take care of this. Start packing up your things outside. I'm making sure that you're out today," she grumbled.

I managed to show a tight smile and bid my farewell, leaving the room to organize my belongings.

It was almost like they wanted to attack me, especially when Miss Bernadette left. Poor Noah would be stuck in his cubicle, while I faced the music head-on.

I tidied up my things without a word. I welcomed their gazes and didn't shy away. I even found it amusing how jealous they looked. They all wanted to leave but had no choice.

I straightened up and smiled to myself.

"You deserve a break, Aurora. You deserve everything," I told myself.

I bit my lower lip as Lucas crossed my mind. I would go home and grab some clothes and belongings from my room to transfer to the condo.

At the condo, I thought. I would age prematurely if I stayed with Lucas. I'll let him have his fun, and when he decides to file for a divorce, then I'll be happier.

I arrived home around two o'clock. I felt relatively safe since I knew Lucas wasn't here. There was no one around, especially at this time.

I didn't bother to bring my things inside, opting instead to head straight indoors. I neatly arranged the important items, and once I had everything, I headed downstairs.

I looked around the house. I was almost certain that this would be my last visit here, if not then maybe second to the last. I almost dropped my laptop when I noticed Lucas leaning against the doorframe. He raised an eyebrow at me. "Uh-huh. So you know how to go home now? I thought you got lost and didn't remember the way back here or got eaten by a monster and suddenly you disappeared after that night," he said with a chuckle. "Scared?" he added, amused.

I raised an eyebrow. Why should I be scared? Scared that he might hurt me again? Wasn't I used to that already, to the point where I'm no longer afraid of whatever he might do next?

I remained silent as he approached. He reached for the shoulder bag I was holding, as if he intended to take it away from me.

"After a few days of not coming home, you suddenly show up carrying this... What's inside of it? Your trash things?" he insulted.

"Yes, so don't touch it. The moment you touch it, you become trash as well," I retorted.

"Don't you ever talk back to me. I still vividly remembered how you interrupted me and Iris," he said.

I chuckled. "Look at that. The wife gets scolded after her husband has sex with another woman. Impressive," I said sarcastically. "You're really something, Mr. Martin."

"Why don't you just file for a divorce?" I asked. "It's been seven years, and... you're about to marry Iris. Wow..." I marveled, looking at him. "The martyr wins the battle," I continued. "It turns out the power of sex is truly remarkable. Iris got you through it, huh."

"What did you say?" he demanded.

"Which one? The martyr or the fact that you got Iris back through sex?" I repeated the last statement.

I tasted the familiar metallic taste of blood on my lips. I chuckled lightly. "I thought you loved Iris, so why did you choose her to be your mistress?" I continued.

"Don't try me, Aurora. You know what I am capable of," he threatened.

"Uh-oh!" I exclaimed, hugging the laptop I was holding. "I'm so scared," I said sarcastically. I acted as if I was pleading to him. "Please don't hurt me!" I screamed in mock desperation.

I raised an eyebrow when I saw his face turn red. Due to his lack of an upper garment, I could see the reddening of his chest as well.

I poked him. "This is a suggestion from your only wife. Listen carefully," I whispered, signaling him to bend his ear so I could whisper.

I wanted to laugh, but even though he had an angry expression, he still followed my request. "File for a divorce. I don't care if you twist the story. You're good at that anyway. Say that I am an abusive wife who has harmed you during our seven years. That's reason enough for it to be approved. After that, marry Iris. Have some shame and stop making her your mistress," I advised, smiling at him before turning away.

"Call me when there's a hearing. I know you have my number, you even messaged me," I said as I walked away.

I placed my things in the back of the car, along with the bag I was carrying.

I furrowed my eyebrows when I saw that he was still following me. I shrugged it off and got into the driver's seat, but I hadn't even closed the door when he blocked it.

"What now?" I asked.

"Maybe you left something in your room. Just take everything with you. I won't fucking hold your things and drive you to the ends of the earth to your little dwelling," he said. "I mean, it's less hassle for the both of us. I can file a divorce as soon as possible."

I rolled my eyes at his arrogance. Of course, he would use his power again.

"I'll deal with that stuff later and make sure you're not in the house. It's not just you who's annoyed every time we meet," I said.

I tried to close the door, but he didn't let go. I took a step back as he leaned closer.

"Go and tell your parents that this annulment was your whole decision. I don't owe any explanations from you and from them. You got it, Aurora?" he said firmly.

The sun had already set when I arrived at our house with Lucas to collect the belongings I left behind. Just as he wanted, I was going to retrieve all my things and leave nothing behind.

The lights were off, so I took it upon myself to turn them on. It's a good thing we both have keys to the house, so it wasn't a hassle if either of us was away and the other would come home.

I sighed, my cheeks puffed out, as I looked around the entire house. I had been here for seven years, but no matter where I looked, there wasn't a single happy memory. All I could see were painful experiences.

The house was quiet, and it felt like you could hear crickets chirping outside. It was always like this. The house was huge, yet it felt like no one lived in it. It was incredibly lonely.

Instead of lingering, I went to my room and started packing my things. Maybe this was the right decision. Perhaps seven years of suffering were enough for me.

When you think about it, there are so many men in the world, and I won't run out of options. We can choose whether to settle for less but for me... I want to stay single for a while after the annulment. I want to experience the freedom that I've barely had.

I sighed as I packed my things into the suitcase. Some of my stuff didn't fit, so I took them and placed them in the back of the car.

With my belongings in hand, I exited my room. I furrowed my brow when I saw Lucas almost stumbling as he walked toward his room. Was he drunk?

I shrugged it off and headed downstairs to leave. He might get angry if he saw me again.

I made sure he had entered his room before I went upstairs. I even caught that his door was still open, not bothering to close it. I shook my head and couldn't resist peeking inside, especially when I heard a series of coughs. What if he ends up dying, and my conscience doesn't let me be at peace? I had agreed to let them believe I was the one abusing him. This might become a reason for me to end up in jail.

I knocked before finally entering. I didn't wait for him to allow me in because I knew he would never let me in. I didn't bother turning on the lights, and I approached his bed from a short distance.

There he was, lying down, covering his eyes with his right arm.

I observed his condition. He hadn't even bothered to take off his shoes!

"Hey," I said and slapped him.

"What the fuck!" he exclaimed, his eyes were already screaming angry as he removed his arm from his eyes. "What are you doing here again? Go pack your things then leave."

"It seems you're doing fine. You can still get angry. I almost forgot, bad weeds never die," I muttered to myself with a shrug.

I didn't say goodbye and turned to leave. I'd continue packing my things to finally leave. However, as I closed the door, he started coughing continuously and it looked like he was about to vomit.

I let out a sigh, reopening the door. I turned on the lights as well, not caring if he got angry.

"Turn off the lights!" he ordered.

"Turn off the lights," I mocked as I approached him.

"You even drank a lot. Go and drink more, it's good for your health," I said sarcastically.

He furrowed his brow. "What are you saying?" he asked. He even had the energy to roll his eyes!

"Look at yourself! You're so drunk that you can't even take care of yourself properly. You're drinking so much alcohol!"

"You're spitting nonsense. Go back to your room," he ordered.

I glared at him, and he almost threw the pillow he was holding at me. A grown man, yet such a sadist. He didn't seem drunk at all.

He pulled back when I was about to place the back of my hand on his forehead. I tugged at him, making him look at me irritably. "Come closer. Don't be so dramatic; I'm the one helping you, after all," I said. "And why would I do that?" he retorted.

Instead of answering, I climbed onto his bed and slapped him back when he tried to hit my hand. "I just want to see if you have a fever!" I snapped.

His eyes were watery and he seemed weak. This was how he acted whenever he had a fever. After years of being together, I knew him well, especially when he was feverish – his face looked like he was being persecuted.

He continued hitting my hand, so I hit his hand even harder and pressed it against the mattress. "One," I counted.

He raised an eyebrow when I placed the back of my palm on his forehead. I wasn't surprised to feel the warmth.

"Done?" he asked and withdrew his hand weakly.

"Since when have you had a fever? Why didn't you tell me you were already sick?"

He raised an eyebrow at me. "And why would I tell you?" he replied irritably.

"Why? Is there someone else taking care of you besides me?" I asked.

"I called Iris. She's on her way here."

I looked away. Right, there's someone else to take care of him besides me.

Silence lingered, prompting me to get off his bed. "What time is she coming?" I asked.

"And why would you like to know?"

I rolled my eyes. As if I'm interested in whether Iris is coming or not. "In case you die here, I might end up in jail because I was the last person seen with you in the house," I justified.

He chuckled lightly. "You're such an idiot," he almost whispered.

"You're an idiot too. The weather is so nice, yet you are here still got sick."

"Take off your shoes. I'll cook something with soup so you can take your medicine," I ordered.

"No. Pack your things then leave. Iris will cook for me," he said.

I laughed. If he ends up dying, Iris might still be his concern. "Fine," I agreed and left the room.

I quietly threw myself onto my bed. I had no intention of leaving this house until Iris arrived. It's difficult to just leave Lucas like this. It's been my duty and I need to take care of him when he's having fever.

I massaged my head as I opened my eyes. I hadn't realized I had fallen asleep.

I looked around my room, which was a bit messy from earlier when I was gathering my things.

I felt thirsty, so I decided to go down to the kitchen. My stomach even growled because I hadn't eaten earlier.

I bit my lower lip while looking at the clock. It was already three o'clock. The cup noodles in the kitchen were untouched, so I decided to cook them to fill my stomach a bit.

As I cooked them with hot water, I decided to bring them back to my room to eat. I was about to pass by Lucas' room when I noticed that the door was closed.

I pressed my left ear against the door as if I could somehow hear if Iris was there.

I pursed my lips and couldn't resist opening the door. Only a lamp provided light inside the room.

I glanced around his room, but I couldn't see any sign of Iris. I sighed and approached the edge of his bed.

I noticed he was shivering from the cold, so I grabbed the remote and lowered the air conditioning. I also pulled the blanket up to his chest. He seemed warmer now compared to earlier.

I put down my cup noodles and went to his bathroom to get a damp towel, but it was a bit of a struggle to keep going back and forth because there was no basin upstairs. So, I ended up grabbing one from downstairs.

I paused as I wiped his forehead when he grabbed my arm.

His eyes were watery and slightly red when he opened them. "It's cold," he said, contrary to my expectation that he would yell at me.

I withdrew my arm from his grip and placed the towel back in the basin. He closed his eyes again, seeming ready to go back to sleep.

"You didn't take your medicine earlier," I said, but he didn't respond anymore. "Iris didn't come to see you?" I asked.

"If you're here to scold me, it's better for you to leave. I don't have the strength to argue with you," he said weakly.

"Sit up," I ordered.

"I'm not a dog," he said.

"Sit. Eat these noodles so you have something in your stomach, and take your medicine," I said.

"Stop being bossy. I am the boss here," he argued. I thought he said he didn't have any strength.

"I'm not stealing your title. All I'm saying is, eat and at least alleviate your hunger when you're already sick," I said.

I removed the lid from my cup noodles and mixed them. Luckily, they were cooked just right.

He glanced at me when I turned to look at him. I acted like I was about to help him sit up, but he pushed my arm away.

"Bring it with you. I don't need it. I don't need your help. I can do it by myself. I don't need you," he said.

I looked at him annoyedly and sighed. I closed my eyes to calm myself down. I thought he was fine now and would be somewhat nice to me, even if just for today.

"What now?"

"Why can't you just hate me?" he asked.

I laughed softly. Where is this conversation going? Are we just going to argue until we part ways?

"Do you want to know?" I asked.

I waited for his response, but he just avoided eye contact.

I tried to make him sit up, even though he really didn't want to. He resisted, so I got annoyed. "Behave yourself!"

"I told you to leave my fucking room. I don't need you and your noodles. Should I repeat it again and again?" he said, glaring at me.

"I won't leave here until you take your medicine," I resisted.

He seemed to think that his way of looking at me would drive me away. I guess he didn't expect that he would end up looking more desperate than angry.

He reluctantly sat down and snatched the cup noodles from me. The hot broth spilled onto my hand, and I quickly wiped it on my shorts.

"Eat that," I said, guiding his hand to hold the cup properly. Luckily, the cup had handles, so he could hold it without burning his fingers.

He looked away as he sipped the noodles, and I held the cup for him to make sure he will not scald his hand.

He avoided my gaze when he finished and turned away. I was taken aback when I caught him glancing at my hand that had gotten burnt.

"I'll just get your medicine and water. Finish that," I said before leaving him alone in the room.