“Fine, we’ll get a divorce. You can chase after any girl you want then. You won’t need to sneak around behind my back anymore.”
I locked eyes with him.
He let out a scornful laugh. “Just where do you think you’ll be without me?
“Don’t forget that you’ve been out of the job market for years, playing housewife. Without me, you’re not landing a job.”
Was he that sure of himself?
He must have forgotten that I used to be a top student.
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Chapter 5
If I wanted to work, I could find something. It might take some time, but I was not helpless.
“It’s none of your business where’ll be. Just sign the divorce papers.”
“I’m not divorcing you!”
He exploded with rage.
“Yasmin, you’re my wife. That’s not changing.
“Get over this crazy idea of leaving me!”
With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
I did not get mad.
I knew he would not agree to a divorce today.
He was too used to having me around to take care of everything.
However, I was about to change the game. I was not just some accessory in his life.
I got myself ready, slipped into the slinky dress and heels I had hidden away, and put on the makeup I had never dared to try.
Back in college, I loved fashion and had enjoyed my fair share of admirers.
However, John never liked me getting too dolled up or wearing makeup.
He once told me, “If you make yourself look too good, I’m worried someone might snatch you away. I want you all to myself.”
I had not dolled myself up in six years for his sake.
It felt like forever since I had really lived for me.
I got all spruced up and headed out to an art show.
My mom had always encouraged my painting. Lately, I had been working on my art at home and sending it out.
To my surprise, this exhibition picked up my work, paid me, and put it on display for all to see.
As I arrived, I spotted John’s car pulling up.
Holly was driving with John riding shotgun, grinning from ear to ear.
That grin vanished the second he saw me.
He rushed out to meet me, looking me up and down.
“Why are you all dressed up for this?” he asked.
Holly piped up, “Yasmin, I never pegged you for the art show type. Can you even appreciate the art here?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
I did not bother responding. I just got lost for a moment admiring her dress–a limited edition Chanel.
I saw that dress in John’s spare room last week, tucked in a fancy gift bag. I had thought it was for me.
It turned out it was for Holly
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Chapter 5
It was not a big deal. It was not like I could not afford one of my own now.
I brushed them off and waltzed inside.
The host, renowned artist Hank Campbell, recognized me right away and came to welcome me.
“Yasmin, I’ve set up a special spot for you to talk about your pieces to the attendees.”
“Your work’s on display?” John’s voice echoed behind me, full of disbelief.
Hank answered, “Absolutely. Yasmin’s art is stunning, and she’s got serious talent.
“Today, there’s a whole crowd eager to snap up her pieces.
“Yasmin, you slave away in the kitchen every day and play the perfect homemaker. How could you be an artist? Did you copy someone else’s piece?” Holly sneered, her envy barely concealed.
I could not help but chuckle. “So what if it’s a copy? It still made it into an exhibit. Do you think you could pull
that off?”
My comeback left her speechless.
John was not looking too happy either.
I was done with their drama, so I headed inside.
After I finished talking about my painting, the room erupted in applause.
There was nothing like living for myself and not needing anyone else to hold me up.
