The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 12

That night, the newlywed couple seemed to be locked in a cold war. Both of them were irritated due to their respective egos. Velyn was upset and angry due to a misunderstanding, while Richard was irritated too, as his wife refused to listen to his explanations.

For the first time, Velyn slept alone without her husband, without the gentle massage that lulled her to sleep, without anyone to tidy the room or prepare her clothes.

The next morning, there was no greeting exchanged even though they met at the dining table. Only the clinking of spoons echoed, or occasionally the voice of Debora dominating the breakfast. Both Richard and Velyn remained utterly silent.

"I'll be going first, Mom, Dad!" Velyn got up while slinging a large shoulder bag over her right shoulder.

Without a word to her husband, Velyn passed by. She cast a look of disgust as well as annoyance at the man. She decided to leave alone, without her husband chauffeuring her as he usually would.

Not long after, Richard too finished his breakfast. He got up, leaving the messy table behind.

"Hey, Richard! Where do you think you're going?" Sabrina yelled, stopping Richard in his tracks.

"I've got important matters to attend to, Mom," he replied without looking back. His steps resumed, moving forward until he exited the house.

"Your work isn't finished, Richard! Running away from responsibility?"

"My matter is more important!" Richard continued walking, ignoring his mother-in-law's exasperation.

Richard visited the mobile phone counter to get his phone serviced. Hoping this thin device could still be repaired, considering the many important data within. His aggravated annoyance caused him to act rashly without clear thinking. However, a sly smile appeared as an idea flitted across his mind.

...====ooo====...

Velyn strode languidly to her office. Stevy immediately got up to greet the boss while informing her about a matter.

"Miss, good morning. There is Mr. Gerald waiting inside," said Stevy.

"Gerald?" Velyn furrowed her thin brows upon hearing that her ex-lover had come. Immediately her heart pounded strongly. She couldn't deny that the feelings were still there. She was still in love with her ex-lover.

Velyn straightened her already impeccable appearance. Her mind couldn't fathom what Gerald would do. After so long, he finally agreed to meet with her again.

"Ehm!" The lady cleared her throat, holding back a smile as she slid the door of her office open.

Her eyes immediately met Gerald's, seated on the sofa. Velyn's body went limp. But as much as possible, those tall legs supported her own weight.

"Hi? Have you been waiting long?" Velyn asked, feeling awkward. Especially since Gerald's gaze had been fixed on her from the start.

"Not really. Maybe about 30 minutes," Gerald replied emotionlessly.

Velyn drew closer, surprised when the man stood up. His body language seemed to reject Velyn's presence.

"I've come here just to deliver this. You have to come and be a witness at my wedding!" Gerald announced, extending a wedding invitation.

THUD!

"W...what?" she stammered, voice trembling.

Her hands couldn't even muster the strength to take the item. Her eyes started to well up with tears, ready to cascade down her cheeks.

"Gerald, have you forgotten about me so quickly?" Velyn's voice trembled.

Gerald cast a scornful look. Crossing his arms, he leaned slightly forward to be on the same level as her. "Why should I keep remembering a traitor like you? The cheapest woman I've known so far!"

Gerald's voice was soft but pierced right through her heart that very instant. Her chest tightened, as if running out of oxygen around her.

"God saved me, revealed your disgusting behavior before we married. Otherwise, I would have been trapped marrying a harlot like you!" Gerald snapped near Velyn's ear.

Velyn's eyes closed, tears burst forth in torrents. Her heart shattered formlessly.

"Pssh! Pretending to cry for what? So that I'll soften and forgive you?" Gerald sneered, "That's not going to happen!" he added.

Gerald patted Velyn's shoulder while saying, "I'll expect your presence!" The man strode out just like that. Leaving Velyn clutching the man's wedding card.

After Gerald left, Velyn's body collapsed to the floor. She cried her heart out. The man who once made her a queen, who was once part of her life, was now ruthlessly destroying her without a trace. Velyn screamed, her cries echoing through every corner of her office. Her heart grew to hate Richard even more. Because it all started with the man who was her husband.

Trembling, Velyn grasped the paper in her hand. She dared to unfold the invitation. She was curious to see who had managed to replace her beside Gerald.

It was as if something exploded in her chest when she read the line of names. She couldn't believe it was Sonia—her friend, the woman she had caught with Richard. Her footing felt like it collapsed at that very moment. Her weeping broke through anew.

She got up, then swept everything off her desk. Velyn raged as she screamed her lungs out. Her flood of tears was unstoppable.

Stevy rushed into the boss's room. "Miss! Are you alright? Good heavens, Miss!" he exclaimed, running toward Velyn who sat slumped on the floor.

"Why is the world so cruel to me, Stev? Why?!" cried Velyn.

Stevy hugged her, allowing the boss to release all of her burdens. He stayed silent, providing time for Velyn to finish her crying.

"I'll cancel some meetings today, Miss. So you can calm yourself down," Stevy said, helping Velyn to stand, and seated her on the sofa. He also handed a glass of water to his boss.

"Thank you, Stev," Velyn replied with an empty gaze. She had no desire to do anything. Just to sit, to bemoan her fate.

====ooo====

Velyn returned home in the late afternoon as usual. Although she had done nothing all day except cry, reflect, and daydream. Upon her arrival at home, Velyn hurried to her bedroom. Shedding her blazer, flinging her shoes, bag in any direction until their contents scattered. Velyn continued her weeping on the bed.

Richard arrived before his wife. As he was about to open the guest room door, he saw Velyn entering with hurried steps. Her eyes also appeared swollen and she occasionally dabbed at them. Curious, Richard followed her to the bedroom.

Richard was surprised to see the room in disarray. Velyn was fastidious about cleanliness. He frowned lightly at the sight of his wife sobbing on the bed.

"What's the matter, Vel? Missing me?" joked Richard as he picked up Velyn's belongings one by one. His action halted when he found Gerald and Sonia's wedding invitation.