The Rich Life

18

The truth sets you free. I felt better after telling Adam and Tony my true life story. I felt lighter and happier. They didn't say any stupid words of reassurment, which I would've hated. Instead, they were simply just there for me. Maybe Tony more so than Adam. After that night I had told him, he became distant again. Working late, barely trying anymore. It's fine. There was some huge project going with Zajmi industries and I was the main lawyer for this case. So I sympathised with him and thought nothing of this sudden change in behaviour. The only time I felt close to him was before sex, when he showered me with so much love. Then he returned back to being cold and cruel.

I thought I was home alone one day. I entered the dark hallway myself. None of the housekeepers were here. Huh. That was weird. I heard faint muttering coming from the library. I took off my heels as quietly as I could and crept along the marble floor. They sounded vaguely familiar. I made my way to the library, armed with nothing but an umbrella. The figure was pacing around, arguing with themself, as I switched on the lights.

The slender figure of Maribelle Priest turned to face me.

"Oh look! It's my guest of honour! Amara, sweetheart, take a seat," Maribelle offered a seat to me. Her southern accent was shrill and I was sure as hell that I wasn't going to take orders from a psycho with a gun.

"I'll pass," I swallowed my fear, "Why are you here? And where are the staff?"

"Sweetie, I heard about your engagement and I thought I'd give my congratulations in person. Seeing as I wasn't invited to your little party. And the staff still listen to me. I was with Adam for 16 years. You've been with him for 9 months,"

"You weren't invited because the both of you turned psycho after being dumped," I gulped, watching Maribelle wave the gun, "He loves me if you haven't noticed?"

"And he loved me. For 16 years. Look how quickly he turned on me. I was loyal even though he was fucking whores all night. What makes you think he'll do the same to you. What makes you think he's loyal to you," Her voice became an octave higher.

I remembered she had a long history of bad mental health issues. She was clearly going through an episode.

"Maribelle. You're unwell. I'll get you some help," I edged slowly towards the door, "There are people who can help you-"

"DON'T GO ANYWHERE!" She screamed, firing a shot. The bang scared me. I stood frozen to my spot, "Adam made me lose my child. When I was going to tell him about my pregnancy, I saw him with another girl and I screamed so loudly that the blood came. And it happened again. And again. Until I couldn't have children anymore. The eldest would be 10 right now. You took everything from me, without trying-"

"No I didn't! I promise and if I did I'm sorry about your baby-"

"DON'T INTERRUPT ME! Halima LOVES you. Tony LOVES you. You stole him from me. And he loves you. I love him. You love him. What do you have that I don't" She sobbed.

It was all rather petty if you think about it. Adam's infidelity and Maribelle's gold-digging habits broke them apart. I rejected all of his advances in Dubai because I didn't want to be the cause of any dirty business. For one moment, I felt sorry for this crying mess, and I slowly reached out to comfort her. That snapped her back to her senses. She hit me in my jaw with the gun.

"NO! Get away from me you pig,"

I cried out in pain.

"You see, if he wasn't cheating, he would be here, right now with you. But he's not. Sweetie, he's in his grand high palace of Zajmi towers, getting his dick sucked. Don't believe me? Next time, just go to his office at this time and you'll see it,"