THE OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER
(Chapter 4)
Lucy stormed into the bedroom, her anger boiling over. “What’s all this, Kelvin? Why are you doing this in front of our son? What’s happening to you?”
Kelvin’s expression turned cold, his eyes flashing with warning. “You dare raise your hand to me right, you’ll regret it. I’m assuring you, Lucy.”
Lucy’s voice trembled with emotion. “Alright, sorry about slapping you. It wasn’t intentional. But you kept pushing me, and now this evening… Just as you refused to eat, Wills also refused to eat. Now he’s going to bed hungry. Are we supposed to be displaying all this in his presence?”
Kelvin’s face twisted in a scowl. “He didn’t eat?”
Lucy’s nod was curt. “No, he didn’t. And it’s all because of you and your stubbornness.”
Kelvin stood up, his movements swift as he strode out of the room and rushed to Wills’ bedroom. “Wills, come and eat something,” he called out, his voice softening.
But Wills’ voice was firm. “I’m not hungry, Dad. And it’s already late.”
Kelvin’s sigh was audible. “Wills, please. Just a little something. You need to eat.”
Wills’ refusal was gentle but firm. “No, Dad. I’m really not hungry. And I’m tired. I want to sleep.”
Kelvin’s footsteps were heavy as he returned to the bedroom, his eyes locking onto Lucy’s. “You’re happy now, aren’t you? You’ve managed to turn our son against me.”
Lucy’s eyes flashed with anger. “That’s not fair, Kelvin. You’re the one who’s been pushing him away. You’re the one who’s been causing all this tension.”
Kelvin’s expression turned bitter. “I’m not the one who slapped me. I’m not the one who’s been nagging and complaining all the time.”
The air was thick with tension as they glared at each other, the silence between them a chasm that seemed impossible to bridge.
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The silence between them was oppressive, punctuated only by Lucy’s sudden outburst. “For sure, I think you are seeing another woman. So, when did you start avoiding my food when we’re having issues? All this now is because there’s another woman giving you food outside, and it’s God who will punish that woman for me.”
Kelvin’s face darkened, his voice cutting. “I’m not seeing any woman, Lucy. You need to watch your mouth. Here you are, coming up with your accusations again.”
Lucy’s laughter was bitter. “Of course, it’s true. You’re seeing another woman who’s been giving you good food outside. But see, let me tell you, now is your time. When you’re done, I’ll start mine.”
Kelvin’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. “You’re threatening me, Lucy? You think you can just wait until I’m done and then start your own affair?”
Lucy’s smile was cold. “I’m not threatening you, Kelvin. I’m promising you. You’re the one who’s been pushing me away, and now you’ll see what it feels like.”
Kelvin’s voice dropped to a whisper, his words dripping with menace. “Well, till I see you with another man, that’s when you’ll know what will happen.”
The air was thick with tension as they lay in bed, the silence between them a living, breathing thing. Lucy’s eyes flashed with anger, while Kelvin’s gaze seemed to bore into her soul.
Finally, Lucy turned away, her body language screaming her disgust. Kelvin’s eyes followed her, his expression unyielding.
As they lay there, the darkness between them seemed to grow, a chasm that threatened to consume them whole.
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The next day, Lucy’s friend, Rachel, walked into her supermarket, a look of concern etched on her face. “Lucy, I’ve been noticing you’ve been distant lately. What’s going on?”
Lucy sighed, her eyes scanning the store before settling on Rachel. “It’s Kelvin. He’s been acting strange, pushing me away. And yesterday, we had a huge fight.” Lucy told her friend the whole thing that has been happening.
Rachel’s expression turned sympathetic. “Oh, Lucy, I’m so sorry. But I think I know what’s going on.”
Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
Rachel leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “I think Kelvin is seeing another woman. Is when a man is seeing another woman that he acts like that”
Lucy’s heart sank, her worst fears confirmed. “What am I supposed to do, Rachel?”
Rachel’s advice was misguided. “You should do the same thing he’s doing. Sleep with another man. That’ll show him what it feels like.”
Lucy’s eyes widened in shock. “Rachel, I don’t know if I can do that. I love Kelvin, despite everything.”
Rachel’s expression turned stubborn. “Love? Lucy, love doesn’t settle stuffs like this. You need to take care of yourself. And if that means sleeping with someone else, then so be it.”
Lucy’s mind reeled, her thoughts racing with the implications. Can i really do that? Can i really stoop to Kelvin’s level?
Rachel’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Trust me, Lucy. It’s the only way to get his attention. And who knows, you might even enjoy it.”
Lucy’s eyes dropped, her heart heavy with doubt. Was she really considering this? Was she really willing to throw away her marriage for revenge?
To be continued…
©Amazing Pen
Chai Bad advice from a frd.