//Ch 6//

[Isabella Hayes]

I panicked for several minutes. My manicured nails dug into the ground, almost breaking from the force of the rough surface. The driver hopped out of the car and came around to check on me.

There are so many things a husband shouldn’t do in a city like this. He shouldn’t be walking out on his wife, ignoring her calls, oh, and most importantly, he shouldn’t be ditching her to spend time with the ex he barely talked about.

The worrying look from the driver was just as humiliating. I needed to compose myself, but I was hyperaware of so many things. From my harsh breathing to the sound of my heart drumming up a beat.

I kept thinking about everyone in our circle who must have seen the gossip queen’s post. Were we getting a divorce? Is this what Adrian wants?

Then why not just say it to my face? Why do this?

The thoughts were piling on, and on, and it wasn’t getting any better. No matter what I did, all I could think about was how no one would forget this scandal. Two scandals in less than a week, featuring the same couple, are a hot topic. A topic people will still be talking about weeks from now.

The thought of attending events where people would be asking me about my marriage, asking whether I knew this supermodel my husband was seen with.

“Ma’am, do you need to see a doctor?” The driver’s voice broke through my wall of panic. 

Forcing myself to move, I shook my head and attempted to stand. It was harder than I’d anticipated; I almost fell back down, but he helped me find my footing. I glanced around, and thankfully no one had stopped to witness the performance I’d just put on. That would have added to my mounting problems.

“I’m fine. Let’s… just take me home.”

I got back into the car, feeling my whole body shaking. I hadn’t panicked in such a strong way since… It’s so far off that I don’t even remember the last time clearly. I know it was sometime between my father’s death and my stepsister’s first baby.

The leather seats felt uncomfortable against my body, and I wanted nothing more than to lie down somewhere. Somewhere cold. Perhaps a bathtub.

But I just needed to make it home. I can freak out safely. Knowing no one would record it and post about it the very next morning.

The driver was kind. Paulo was his name. He kept the divider down and wouldn't stop shooting glances at me through the rearview mirror. Checking in to see if I was going to have another panic attack. My face was inflamed. This is not how I thought my night would go.

My fingers pressed together, and I started picking at my nails to distract myself from everything. There was dirt under my nails; I’d need to wash them as soon as I got home.

The whole drive gave me time to practice my breathing. I grabbed my phone from where I’d dropped it and didn’t look at it again. I didn’t want to be tempted to see the image of Olivia and Adrian smiling without a care in the world.

Paulo announced the arrival while I was still distracted, and I stared out of the window to see Adrian’s car pulling in at the same time. Something close to rage vibrated through my skin.

Now I was shaking for an entirely different reason. When the car stopped, I opened the door as slowly as I could to avoid giving in to the intense emotions I was feeling.

A maid ran up to me once I fully stepped out. She collected my bag and looked at my hands with fear. Her eyes flickered between my face and palms.

I scratched them against the gravelled road. Some parts were bleeding, but it wasn’t that bad.

“My love.” Adrian started, slamming the door to his car loudly.

The maid flinched but maintained eye contact with me. “I will bring you some hot water and a first aid kit.”

I politely nodded and started walking toward the main entrance without sparing Adrian a second glance. I didn’t want to yell in front of all these nice workers.

Adrian’s footsteps hurried after me. My phone was the only thing I was holding, and as I turned it to face me, I realized it was still open to the post.

“Isabella, I’m sorry I missed dinner with your family. My love, talk to me. I swear I have a good reason. I’ll make it up to them. I’ll send some gifts. Don’t be upset.”

I paused, then turned around, unsure if I’d heard him clearly.

The look on his face told me he truly believed I was upset over him missing dinner with my family.

“You have a good reason?” I heard myself say. Though the voice sounded distant, and unlike me.

His head bobbed, and he swallowed. I was looking at the man I loved more than I loved myself. Trying to understand what had changed.

I’ve done everything to fit into his world. I straightened my hair, and I wear dresses to every single event. I got used to wearing heels because flat shoes were seen as poor people's behavior. I go out of my way to be kind to his business partners to keep them from thinking he’s a snobby prick who doesn’t know anything about them.

I’ve stayed up for several nights going over documents with him, bringing him food, and ensuring he lives through the worst moments of running his business without giving up.

I did so much to avoid being seen as an embarrassment, and this man… this man I thought knew me, this man I thought the world of, didn’t really understand me at all.

The many sacrifices, the insults I endure from his family… I never thought Adrian would make me feel so worthless. Like everything had been in vain.

I shoved my phone at his face, and he stumbled back, trying to catch the phone as it bounced off his nose.

“I hope your lunch and dinner with her were worth my humiliation.”

I stormed off, walking past the workers fighting to hide their surprise, and into the house. I was so angry, I could feel the tears pushing against my eyelids, threatening to fall and embarrass me.

And while I couldn’t stop them, I refused to cry in front of him.