Ex Lovers

Unforgettable Memories

Disclaimer: Sexual Abuse. Read at your own risk. 

 I stared at myself in the mirror, trying to determine whether my outfit was appropriate. I had on an off-the-shoulder, long, red dress with a slit down the left leg. No matter how long I stared at myself though, I didn't feel attractive in the dress. But then again, I didn't feel attractive in the two others I tried on. Instead, I felt like someone trying to force themselves into a lifestyle they didn't belong in. 

"This one's perfect. You look absolutely stunning," Olivia's voice brought me back to reality. I turned away from the mirror and faced her, giving her a questionable look. 

"Really? I feel like I'm trying too hard and this dress...it feels weird." I faced the mirror again, staring at myself in the dress. Nothing I wear would impress Hayden or lessen his disgust towards me. I used to love dressing up, wearing clothes that made me feel incredibly beautiful and I only felt that way because Hayden wouldn't stop with sweet compliments that never failed to make me blush. But now, no matter what I wear, how I look or what I do, he doesn't give a sh*t about me. However, this wasn't the case with other women. Anywhere we go, I can't help but notice his eyes wandering towards women, staring at them with lust and taking in their beauty. And I put things together when Hayden doesn't come home those nights because I know he's taking them to hotels to sleep with them. 

Olivia sighed and walked towards me, and began to zip up my dress. I guess this is what I was wearing. 

"You're going to a gala. Everyone there is dressed this way. You want everyone to believe you're Hayden's wife out of love, you gotta dress the part sweetheart." Olivia, very accurately stated. I nodded my head as she brought over heels and purses for me to try on. I tried to put myself in the correct mindset. Olivia was right. This was our opportunity to publicly display our ongoing and strong marriage. To ensure my parents knew my relationship with Hayden was serious. Serious enough to consider a partnership with Hayden's company, bringing us one step closer to our goal.

Once I was all dressed, Olivia and I walked downstairs to wait for Hayden to come down. 

"You think my parents will think believe us?" I asked Olivia, seeking some sort of validation to lessen my nervousness whilst we waited in the living room. 

Olivia had to really think about it before answering and even when she did, the unsureness in her voice was obviously apparent. 

"I don't know Elle. Your parents know what happened with Kate and Jake so proving that Hayden still loves you is hard. Even though they don't care for you, they'll care about the validity of your marriage when it comes to their company." 

I hated that she was right.

"For the past 8 months, we've been trying to get them to believe us. I don't know how long I can do this Olivia," I said in a voice filled with sorrow that I barely recognised. Saying this made me remember every painful event during that time period. Olivia's eyes filled with pity and sadness but before she could reply, I saw Hayden coming down from my peripheral vision. He was wearing a black tux which made him that much more handsome. 

"Let's go," Hayden demanded as he walked past where Olivia and I were sitting and towards the door. 

I said goodbye to Olivia and followed Hayden out the door and into the car. We both sat in the passenger's seat whilst the driver headed towards the destination. We drove in silence for the first few minutes before Hayden spoke.

"We have one goal tonight. We show them that our marriage is real and strong. I want you by my side at every minute. I'm going to bring up the partnership offer tonight so don't ruin it."