Jessica didn’t believe it, nor did Henry Johnson. When Henry came over to confront me, it was Perseus Parker who answered the door. Henry was soaked from the rain and took a shower at my place. It was just a shower, truly.
Henry lost his temper and forgot why he had come. He swung a punch. This time, Perseus was prepared. He dodged and easily pushed Henry
away.
“Perseus! What’s going on? Why are you alone at my house?” Henry demanded.
I responded, “We’re in the process of getting a divorce. This house is in my name now.”
“Fine! But why is he here?” Henry continued, “Ottilie Johnson, we’re still married!”
“Yes, we’re still married, but that hasn’t stopped you from having an affair. Why can’t I do the same?” I retorted.
“What do you mean? You and Perseus? Perseus, we’re supposed to be friends, and you’re betraying me!” Henry accused.
Perseus added, “What a world we live in! You cheat on your wife and expect her to stay faithful? That’s ridiculous!”
Henry couldn’t contain himself. “You did this on purpose! You’ve always wanted Ottilie! You exposed my affair at the birthday party deliberately! You were never my friend; this was all planned!”
“Planned what? Ottilie and I have known each other since we were kids. We’ve been close since before you even knew us.”
Henry exploded, wanting to fight Perseus, but he couldn’t win. He stormed around the house, breaking things. He forgot he came to stand up for Jessica and demand answers from me. In his rage, he forgot.
The next evening, after calming down, Henry returned. He grabbed a bottle of wine from the fridge and drank it. “Ottilie, I know you’re upset with me and being with Perseus is just to get back at me. But why hurt Jessica? She’s innocent! I’m the one who fell for her!”
“You used to be so kind. Why have you changed? I hardly recognize you!” He was more self–righteous than ever, assuming I had cheated too,
12:52 PM
<
which eased his guilt.
“Jessica had a promising future, and you ruined it. Her scandal is all over town. She got expelled, and she’s pregnant with my child, crying herself into a stupor every day. Divorce me, and I’ll marry her and give her a rightful place.”
Such genuine feelings and unwavering love.
I said, “Fine, leave with nothing, and I’ll divorce you immediately.”
Henry was speechless. He couldn’t understand why I was so confident even if I had supposedly cheated too.
“Ottilie Johnson! You cheated too! And you want me to leave with nothing? You’re insane!”
“What proof do you have that I cheated? Just because Perseus took a shower at my place? Did you see us in bed together?”
Henry’s expression froze, and he even looked a bit relieved. “So there really isn’t anything? I was right; you’re just trying to provoke me with Perseus, right? Ottilie, I knew you’re not like that. You have principles! You wouldn’t fall for someone so easily.”
“Yes, and you know we’re not the same.”
“I couldn’t sleep all night. I thought you and Perseus… I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Seeing you with Perseus, it bothers me. I guess I still have feelings for you.”
This guy must have taken lessons in changing his expression from a master actor.
The toilet flushed, and then the bathroom door opened. Perseus came out.
Henry was confused: “You’ve been in there the whole time?”
Perseus shrugged, “What else?”
Henry yelled at me, “Ottilie Johnson, you said there was nothing! I’m so disappointed in you!”
Henry slammed the door and left.
Perseus said, “Sorry, I was just passing by and had a stomach ache. Your husband misunderstood, didn’t he?”
“…It’s fine.”
Perseus gave me another piece of news. Henry’s company was in the C round of financing, and the biggest investor, Laura Edwards, was hosting a charity gala. She invited Henry and his wife to attend. Henry didn’t tell me; he planned to take Jessica. Perseus even gave me an invitation to the gala.
“Just tell Laura you’re Henry’s wife, and she’ll reconsider investing in his company, Perseus advised. He also sent me Laura’s information.
Laura is a venture capitalist who was betrayed by her husband early on and worked her way up alone. She despises unfaithful men. Perseus said, “If you do this, Henry’s company will struggle to go public. Laura’s influence is strong; if she doesn’t invest, no one will.”
Perseus added, “I know you’re a kind person and want an amicable separation. It’s not in your best interest to destroy your ex–husband. After all, for him to leave with nothing, he needs a lot of money to give you, right?”
