{Dark themes ahead.}

May's POV

It hurts.

Standing in front of the mirror, I stared at my reflection, tears streaming down my cheeks.

My eyes roamed over the bruises that littered my body, a sob escaping my lips as I gently touched it.

Everything hurts.

From my body, to my soul. Pain is what I had come to know over the past few weeks.

I felt hallow, broken and lost.

I was becoming numb, and a faint voice in my head kept telling me to sign those damned papers, but I just couldn't.

If I did, that would prove that I lied to him which I didn't.

Moreso, I had been locked in this bedroom for weeks now, with George being the only person who came in here for a purpose to break me, but today was going to be different.

I wiped my tears, limping out of the toilet.

“What took you so long?” George's cold voice echoed in the room, the sound a stark contract to his usual voice which carried a bit of warmth.

I lowered my eyelids, carefully sitting on the bed while I passed him a nod.

I didn't want to look at him or even speak to him. To me, he was becoming a monster.

I knew he never liked me, but this was too much.

“Get ready soon.” George stated looking at his watch, “I'll pick you up in five minutes, grandma's party is about to start and I don't want to be late.”

I merely have him a nod, before I heard the door shut close.

The fact that he wasn't even bothered about what he had done to me, sending a stab to my already broken heart.

I didn't want to call what he did to me rape, but it was close.

The bruises, the rough handling and the harsh words he said were enough.

I sluggishly wore my dress, too tired to even put on some make-up and heading downstairs.

Over the past days, I had come to skip breakfast, so seeing George sitting at the dining table, I didn't stop for once, instead, heading to the garage to wait for him.

He strode with confidence, the air around him majestic as the servants made way for him to pass, but I noticed something.

The more I stared at him, the more I felt numb.

Gone were the butterflies I felt in my gut, now replaced with disgust and repulsion.

It made me wonder if we could ever go back to how we were.

I sat in the car, lost in thought, his voice snapping me out of my haze. “Be sure to behave when we arrive.” He warned, his icy blue eyes on me. “I plan to introduce Unice to everyone including grandma, so I don't want any drama from you got it?”

Like lightening, I felt another stab to my already dead heart but I managed a reply.

“Got it,” I croaked, hastily looking out the window as I swallowed the painful lump that had formed in my throat.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to yell at him, but I just couldn't.

What happened to the fiery girl that wanted to prove her innocence?

What happened to the girl that wanted to save her marriage? Why was I feeling this way?

To think I was starting to feel over him. Guess I was very wrong. I'll never learn.

Arriving at the grand estate filled with cars and guards from left to right, I felt somewhat timid.

The air was filled with a bustling festivity as the Salvador's celebrated their former matriarch’s birthday party.

Alighting from the vehicle, George's hand snaked to my waist in a second, his charming smile back on his face along with his perfect husband persona.

He was so good at masking it, that for a moment I thought he was back to loving me. That I had my George back, but the glare he gave me the next second poured a bucket of cold water over my head.

Of course.

Why was I so stupid to believe that he would have feelings for me? And only now did I understand that everything to him had been an act.

From the “I love you’s” to the kisses, all were lies.

Yet he dared to yell at my face calling me a liar.

Ironic for a kettle to call a pot black.

At the point, I didn't even know what to feel. The line— my line in particular— between reality and illusions were blurred, my soul shattered to a thousand pieces as I stared blankly at the wall.

“Happy birthday grandma!”

“Happy birthday dear Grandma, wish you age with grace and style!”

The cheers poured around me as I zoned out, George's deep voice causing my focus to shift.

“Grandma, happy birthday.” He smiled, presenting a wrapped gift box which the old woman collected with a smile.

“I have a surprise for you.” George said, wrapping his arms around Unice who appeared from god knows where.

She stood beside him with a smile of her own, her hair neatly styled, and her gown in odd resemblance to mine.

Again. Was she monitoring me?

Now I noticed why I was getting stares.

People must have been comparing me with her on who wore it better. I am sure she did though.

I didn't even have makeup on because I didn't care.

Regardless of the whispers, George continued, “Grandma, this is the person I have been wanting to introduce her for a while. Her name is Unice, and she saved me from the incident five years ago.”

Gasps filled the air in an instant, eyes piercing my skin so many times I couldn't count.

I paled, disbelief clouding my features.

How could he do this to me?

Wasn't breaking me and causing my businesses to fall enough for him?

Why was he going to such lengths to humilate me?

“What do you mean she saved you?” A cousin of his spoke, her frown marring her elegant brows. “Wasn't it May who saved your life?”

A bunch of agreeing murmurs flew into the air, all eyes eagerly waiting for his response fearing to even blink.

My heart pounded in my chest, as George kept the silence, his eyes darting to mine.

We locked gazes with each other, and I felt the last thin thread I had towards him break with the look in his eyes.

“She didn't save me. Unice did.” George finally said, and I felt the ground shake beneath me.

“How could you say that man? We all know it's May who saved you and not Unice, so cut it out.” His friend Marcus berated, but I couldn't hear anything.

I ran out of the house in tears, clutching my purse as I ran down the estate.

My heels dug into the holes in the sidewalk, causing me to stumble and twist my left ankle.

I let out a scream as my body hit the pavement, pain shooting round my body.

Why can't I just have a moment's rest?

I sobbed, starring at my swollen feet.

At least someone got to defend me, but what good was that?

To them I was a golddigger now.

My heart ached as I cried my eyes heart, people sparing glances at me while they hurried past.

Why was my life such a mess? Why?

Just then, I felt my phone buzzing in my purse, and I shakingly took it out. It was an unknown number, but something about it made my heart skip a beat.

I sniffled, wiping my tears as I picked the call. “Hello?”

“Good day, is this Mrs May Salvador?”

“Y–yes,” I stammered, “this is her speaking.”

“Well, I am calling from the hospital. I want to inform you that your mother, Miss Donna is critically ill and needs surgery or she will be taken out of life support due to late payment.”