Claudine's POV
I was on my room's balcony. I was drinking a beer that I got from the mini fridge that I have in this guest room. The redecoration of the master's bedroom had started today.
I look at the nothingness. "What a bitter end for me. I will die without getting any affection from my beloved husband. What a twisted fate you have, Claudine," I whimpered to myself.
I'm really pitiful and stupid at the same time. I sip my beer and take a long and deep breath. "If you only try to know me, Elijah… If you only try to like me even for a bit. Maybe my love story will be a bit better before I die."
A bitter and painful smile slowly appears on my lips. I know I look hideous at this moment, but my tears started to run on my cheeks.
I can't hold back the pain and bitterness that filled my heart and mind. I raise my feet on the edge of my chair and embrace my knees.
I nestled my face and started crying in silence. I can finally free my true feelings now that I'm all alone. I'm not ready to die yet. I don't want to die at this young age. I still wished to make things right.
I want my husband to love me. I want him to see me as a woman, but why now? I haven't started anything yet, but I'll be dying soon? Damn it!
"What a pity. You're really a pitiful soul, Claudine," I mocked to myself. I drank all the wine in my glass and stayed for a couple of minutes.
I went to my office and decided to continue the papers I needed to review. I have to be prepared as soon as I work in the field.
My first appearance in public will happen on the anniversary party of Sartoni Aviation this Friday. I grab the folders and my laptop.
"I better double my efforts, or else my plans will fail completely," I mumbled.
I keep on reviewing the past accounts, purchases, and sales under the two groups. My head was still aching, but I can get used to this pain.
I have to. I was flipping the pen in my hand while reading certain papers when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," I simply answer. I know the only people who will come would be Jin-ah and the maids. "What is it? Did you forget to tell me something, Jin-ah?" I murmured.
I didn't raise my head to see if it's really her. She didn't say anything. "Jin-ah, what is it?" I ask, raising my head.
My eyes dilated when I saw that it was my husband who was here. I take off my glasses and look at him. "What are you doing here, Elijah? Look." I halt.
I massage my head between my eyebrows. I look at him again. "I have no time to argue with you. Can I have some peace for a moment, please? Will you give me that? Don't complain about your mistress. I won't listen to you," I sneered. I grab my glasses and put them on. I start reviewing the document in my hand.
After a few minutes, he's still standing there. I put down the folder and darted my glare on him. "Just speak. Damn it!"
"You still have the energy, huh?" Elijah mocks. I scoff, leaning my back on the chair and crossing my arms.
"Why? Does it disappoint you that I didn't die when Jin-ah sent me to the hospital? Oh please! Don't be too excited, honey."
Elijah's brow rose, and a laugh left his lips. He takes a seat and crosses his legs. "I indeed wished that you should've died that day, but—phew!"
He whistles and looks at me from my head and downward. "You're still alive and were eager to drag me down. I must say you're quite something," he mocks.
If he only knew the truth. If he only knew how painful his words were for me, but… he wouldn't know until the day I die.
"That's it? You are just here to mock me? Oh please, we're not kids anymore, Elijah. I'll never cry whenever you bully me with your words or actions," I said.
I tried to read his eyes, but all I can see is nothing. It's like a void. The only emotions he will show me are coldness, mockery, disgust, hatred, and wrath.
They are too much for me, but I can endure it. I only have two months left. If I die, at least I get the chance to be with him even if we're both living in this miserable marriage.
"By the way, make sure that you won't come in that party with that woman. We will go there together. If I showed up while a bitch was clinging on you, Riego and Sartoni Group will suffer," I reminded.
"Why would I listen to you?" Elijah asks. I scoff and shake my head, controlling my anger because my head is aching again.
"Just listen to me and—agh!" I groan.
I whispered the last word as low as possible. I take a deep breath and act like nothing is happening.
"If you want to ruin your family's name and dignity, then so be it. But not me, Elijah. I valued the name of my parents-in-law. If you can threaten and scare my family, not me. I'll never disrespect yours whether I hate you or not," I explained.
I opened the drawer and threw the invitation card. "I manage everything myself. Make sure to be presentable morally, or else I'll let the people laugh at your mistress. Don't try to irritate me more, Elijah. I will do as I say," I warned.
If I have to do that in order to have him as my escort, I'll do that. Let me spoil myself even for a bit.
"No problem. It's your request, then I'll do it," he says. My husband stood up. I frowned. I wasn't expecting that reply.
I stood up and went on the other side, then grabbed his wrist. I stopped Elijah from leaving. "What did you say?" I ask.
He looks back and stares at my hand that was holding his. I didn't let go of his hand. "I just said YES. What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you've become deaf now?" he says.
I let go of his hand. "Leave," I said, pointing to the door.
He didn't say anything and left. I start walking back and forth and become nervous about something. I feel like Elijah was acting weirdly.
"He should've been throwing tantrums after I demanded such a thing. But now?" I murmur, looking at my palm that I used in making gestures.
I sighed after a few minutes of standing. I can't find the right answer, and I have no choice but to go back on my chair and work instead.
I have no time to think. I'll see the truth by Friday anyway. It's either he will do as I say or betray me. It's either the two.
Two days had passed; I managed to dissect the evidence from all the papers that were given to me by Jin-ah. She became my secretary.
I learned the current situation of the companies under the two groups, and it's alarming. I have to work hard and stop the problem before it gets worse.