The next morning I got up very early and made breakfast. Half an hour later he woke and joined me in the living room. I acted as if nothing had happened and served him his meal.

The atmosphere was heavy and he was the first to break the silence.

“Did you sleep well? Why are you so quiet?” he asked.

I watched him for a few seconds and then pretended he was invisible. My reaction didn’t please him. He said:

“It’s true that intelligence and beauty don’t always go hand in hand with you, but at least be polite to me.”

Anger rose in me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I looked him straight in the eyes and stood up.

“We’re alike, darling. I’m going to shower. By the way, find somewhere else to sleep tonight — I need peace and quiet, baby!”

I kissed him on the cheek as I said it, and then went to the bedroom. He followed and hugged me, whispering in my ear:

“Forgive me, sweetheart. You know I’m not a morning person. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

His words melted me. Despite everything, I had grown attached to him and tried to comfort myself inwardly.

Then I turned to look him in the eyes.

“Kiss me, please.”

Our lips met, and a minute later he lifted me and took me into the bathroom.

“Do you feel like a little erotic time under the shower?” he asked.

I answered with a big smile, “With pleasure.”

Two long hours of kisses, caresses, and intense lovemaking followed. I was exhausted and ended up falling asleep in his arms.

When I woke up it was 4 p.m. I reached out to check if he was still there and found the bed empty. He was gone. I went to the living room to look for him, but he wasn’t there. Where could he be?

I checked my phone and saw he’d left me a WhatsApp message. It read:

“I went out with friends. Don’t wait for me.”

Wow — that was a blow.

I replied immediately: “Message received, chief!”

I was angry but kept my composure. Later I spent the rest of the evening lounging on the couch watching a series — Lucifer — which helped me forget my loneliness for a while.

I nodded off on the couch and woke with a start to find it was already 1 a.m. The good man still hadn’t returned. Fine.

I tried calling him, but the call went straight to voicemail. On the fourth attempt someone finally picked up. Without really checking who was on the line I launched into it:

“At least you’re alive — that’s something. Why aren’t you back yet?”

A mocking laugh answered.

“Madam the doctor, wait for your man quietly in the morning like a submissive wife. It’s rude to disturb people’s sleep. Also, I have news: Simon and I are expecting our first baby. I know he hasn’t told you yet, but I prefer to say it first. If you doubt me I’ll send proof. Stupid girl!!!!!”

My hands began to tremble; the phone slipped from my fingers and hit the floor. Moments later I received another WhatsApp message. When I opened it my world collapsed. Total blackout — it felt as if my heart had been pierced.

“How could you do this to me, Simon?!!!!”

I couldn’t close my eyes that night; my heart was heavy and my soul full of bitterness.

The next morning, very early, he came back. Seeing my face, the only thing he said was:

“You should have gone to bed early — you look terrifying. Get ready, please — we mustn’t be late.”

He walked into the bedroom afterward. I was shocked and filled with anger, but a small voice inside told me to stay calm.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

Later, the wedding ceremony went off well. Everything had been arranged to give the guests a sense of love, warmth, and conviviality.

After the church service I told him I wanted to go home to rest since I had hardly slept the previous night; I was exhausted. He said he’d stay to help his friend that day. We agreed he would come pick me up at 8 p.m. so we could go to the evening celebration together.

Back home I took advantage of the quiet to rest and take a good shower.

Evening.

Night fell quickly. When I woke I hurried to get ready for the party. I had to look my best. An hour later I was ready but still hadn’t heard from Simon. I called him and he answered:

“Sorry babe, I can’t make it home. Take a taxi — I’ll pay for it.”

Surprised, I asked: “You could have at least told me earlier. How will I get in — you have the ticket? And where did you change? Your clothes are here with me.”

He replied lightly: “It doesn’t matter. Let me know when you arrive.”

Beep — he hung up.

Stunned, I stared at my phone for several seconds wondering when I’d agreed to sell myself so cheaply.