The party
Nora
The next morning, I woke up with pain in my body, in my lower region to be precise. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. I started looking in the cabinet for some aspirin or paracetamol, but after searching for a while, I didn't find anything. I decided that I would go for a run anyway, as has been my habit. A little pain wouldn't stop me.
I dressed in my sportswear and left my room. I went downstairs and found Rosa, and to my horror, I think she was waiting for me. The last time I saw her, she didn't have enough time to tell me all the things that were on her mind. Shit! I have to be prudent in how I handle her because whatever complaints she has about me, Erik would retaliate for sure.
I put on my most believable smile and walked over to her. “Good morning, Rosa.” I headed for the door, hurrying my step, hoping to avoid her. But she anticipated my action and stepped in front of me. She also faked a smile, and took me by the hand, guiding me to the couch.
“Good morning, Nora. I have not been able to speak with you since you arrived, but I am grateful to have found you now. From mother-in-law to daughter-in-law, we must speak. ”
I shrugged my toenails at her ridiculous words. I will do my best to remain calm and not show my anger. There was no need for any more problems.
“Mm, Look, Rosa, I need to go for a run, you know it's what I do every day. Why don't we wait for another time?” She wanted to say something, so she didn't agree with me, unfortunately.
Rose smiled and shook her head in denial, “The tactics you're using don't work with me, Nora. You must already know that. What you're doing is something I know very well.”
“Well, if you know what I'm doing, Rosa, tell me what you want to talk to me about, as you know, I don't have much time. The wife of one of your son's business partners is throwing a party, and he and I are expected to attend. Time is limited for me. I would like to know what you have to say so that I can continue my activities.”
She nodded, and continued, “Despite what you think of me, I want your well-being.” I had to close my mouth from the shock that her words caused me.
“I was once in your situation, and like you, I had no other options, no way out. I had to learn to live like this. In the same way that you are living. But look at me now, I survived.”
Well, this is something that I never thought her form here. I couldn't believe it.
“That's right, Nora, I wouldn't wish anyone the life that I lead. And seeing you, I'm reliving everything that I went through. As well, I know that if you keep up like this, you won't make it. Men with this kind of life don't forgive, and if you continue like this, you won't live to tell about it. Accept what's in front of you, be smart, and build a better future for yourself with what you have. Remember, you have no way out of this marriage, you will only do it when you are dead.”
With that said, Rosa got up and left. Then, I stayed for a few minutes wondering about everything she said. After a while, of not finding a suitable solution for me with her words, I got up from the couch and went to the door. As I opened it, I thought about everything. No, I can't live like this for the rest of my days. Not with him, not with his constant infidelities. I refuse to be subjected to so much humiliation. I have to find a way out, and I don't dare from a coffin.
Once outside, I started to run freely, clearing my mind and only focusing on how far I will go today, and how fast I will get to the other side of the garden. I thought about how many laps I will give the property.
And after an hour of non-stop running, my heart was about to jump out of my chest. I slowed down until I started walking. Afterwards, I went to the house to bathe, but not before going to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.
Being a few steps from the kitchen, I heard Claudia and Erik. They were having breakfast. I stood still, hiding behind the wall, and listened to them carefully.
“My love, I want to go with you. I don't think Nora is uncomfortable with my presence. Those meetings are very intriguing. You haven't taken me to one for a long time. I know it won't look good that your wife and your lover are in the same place, but let me tell you something, all of them already know the type of relationship you have with her. And besides, I am not the first one that you parade in front of your associates. Everyone knows you as you are. You are not a man with only one woman. And I assure you, that I will behave very well, nor will you know that I am there, say yes, please?”
“Claudia, I don't like that you try to manipulate my decisions. I know very well how my situation with Nora is. And I also know how my image is before others. I don't need you to explain it to me. I don't think Nora will take it well. The people I mix with are dangerous. She is volatile sometimes, and with any mistake, she will put herself in danger by doing something impulsive.”
Damned, hypocrite, but my mind started working again with what I heard. What Rosa told me, opened my eyes. I will definitely not end up like her, and I will definitely not end up in a coffin. She told me to be smart, and that's what I'm going to do.
I took a step forward and leaned against the door frame. They hadn't noticed my presence yet, so I cleared my throat to get their attention. They both turned to me, surprised to find them together. Erik stepped back, putting distance between himself and Claudia. What a stupid man.
“No, please, don't bother. I was passing, and accidentally, I heard what you were talking about.” I walked over to the coffee pot and poured myself a cup of coffee. Then, I turned to them and offered them a friendly smile. Ha! Their look of mistrust was funny. I turned to Erik and said, “I have no problem with Claudia coming with us. In fact, I think it would be an excellent idea, she might as well keep me company. You know how boring those parties are.” I shrugged my shoulders, not giving importance to the matter, and I turned around and left that place.
My skin was already starting to itch from just being in front of them. So, I went up to my room and had a bath.
Now it's up to them, I'm sure they'll take the bait. Claudia clearly has some influence over Erik, so I'm going to work on that, who knows? Maybe my rival will become my best ally.
I smiled inside myself as I prepared to take my much-needed bath.
After an hour, my body was completely clean. I had already removed the dirt from this place. I got dressed and went outside. Likewise, I decided that today I would not leave my room until it was time to go, making it easier for me. If I want this to work, I must be in complete control of my emotions.
Then, I called a maid and asked her to bring me something to eat, and half an hour later, the door opened. But it wasn't the maid with the food I was expecting, but Erik. My heart went to my throat in shock as he watched what I was doing.
Meanwhile, I couldn't take my eyes off him, it was as if at any moment he would jump on top of me.
“Nora, what are you doing?” He watched me intensely, I think he was trying to see my reaction. But anticipating this, I didn't give him anything.
“What do you mean? I haven't done anything that could upset you, I've been here all day. I don't know what you mean by 'what am I doing'?”
I picked up the magazine I was reading and kept looking at it. Erik scared me by snatching it from my hands, he approached my face threateningly and grabbed my neck. And through his teeth, he said, “Whatever you are planning, it is not going to work. I know you very well, and I know this is out of character.”
He released me, suddenly pushing me back. He got up and told me, “Never forget who I am. Your life is in my hands, Nora. Think carefully before betraying me because the traitors in my eyes must die.
My skin turned pale after hearing that. I couldn't even blink. Erik went to the door, and without turning, he said, “Make sure you're ready in an hour.” He closed the door on his way out, and by the time he was gone, I blew the breath I was holding. I raised my hand to my chest, trying to calm myself down.
After a while, I was feeling better, but I couldn't stop seeing those dark eyes, devoid of warmth and compassion. Yet, before anything else happened, I started to fix myself.
Then, the help came in, put the plate on the table, next to the dresser, leaving immediately after. I no longer had an appetite and left the plate intact. I must hurry since he only gave me an hour. I had already spent 15 minutes trying to calm down after his visit.
The first thing I did was adjust my hair down, like last time, I like to see it hanging freely on my back. Then I went to the wardrobe and chose a gold-coloured dress. I have always liked the combination of this colour and my hair. This dress was strapless, and it fitted me like a glove, reaching the middle of my thighs. My shoes were high-heeled gold as well, I selected my handbag in the same colour, and then I looked in the mirror. I couldn't help it, I felt like the golden girl.
It appears that Erik was the only one who didn't recognize my worth, both on the outside and on the inside. But I knew very well what I was worth. And I was going to do the impossible to get rid of this life. As I once said, I will not die until I know what love is.
As I headed for the door, I wondered if Claudia was waiting with Erik for me. Whatever the scenario, I knew I should stay calm. I couldn't allow my emotions to get in my way, I have to lock them.
I went downstairs, and at the door, Claudia was definitely there, with Erik, waiting for me. The hatred I felt seeing them was too much, but I promised myself to keep my emotions in check, I will suffer in silence. Even though I hate him so much, he is still hurting me with his lifestyle. I wish I could stop my feelings for him for good, but I still can't.
But this was my plan, and I have to suck it up. It didn't necessarily have to be pretty.
With all my might, I put on a calm face. Erik saw me, and his eyes got darker as always. I don't know what his problem was. I looked good, so what. He would bring his lovers hanging by the arm, why the insecurity?
On the other hand, Claudia smiled brightly at me. She was pretty, in her white dress. Her cleavage, let's say was very, very pronounced.
I addressed her first, “Claudia, you look spectacular.” I said it from afar. Not only that, but I would not like to have the misfortune of touching her, but if that happened, I had my antibacterial gel in my handbag, which would help me for a while.
“Nora, you are not behind, look at you. You squander class everywhere.”
“Oh! Thank you very much,” and you don't.
I didn't say anything to Erik and headed for the door, but he took my hand as I was about to open the door, and squeezed it hard, making me look up at him. Every time he touches me, I start to feel like my skin is burning, creating the need to wash. I looked at him with my surprised eyes.
“I'm warning you, Nora, don't provoke anyone, these people are not someone you can mess with.” His words enraged me, why would I mess with them? “Of course not, it's not like I have someone who has enough balls to protect me,” I said, looking into his eyes.” With that, I heard a gasp of surprise from Claudia.
Erik darkened his gaze further, and I could hear him grinding his teeth, holding back his anger at me. I preyed on that moment to open the door and escape their presence.
I walked to the car with my pounding heart, where Thomas was waiting. He opened the door for me and I got in. I sat on the other end, hoping to get far enough away from them.
Not long after, Claudia and Erik joined me. Thomas started the car and we took off.
Claudia talked non-stop on the way, but Erik remained silent. From time to time, he threw his threatening gaze at me, trying to intimidate me more. He was succeeding, but as I said, I have a plan. And that's why I need to be smarter than the two of them. I also knew who his associates were, and who among them had the most influence on his decisions. But I have to be cautious, one wrong step, and they will kill me before Erik does.
The trip was not very long, and half an hour later, we reached the place. This was an impressive mansion, wow! Our limo was searched through a detector at the entrance, as I had never experienced anything like that before.
There were guards with submachine guns on every corner.
When I saw all of this, I began to doubt that this was a good place to be, thinking that at any moment, this could turn into a war zone. My face was probably showing how worried I was, as Claudia said, “Oh. No, Nora, don't worry, this is always the case. I have come several times and nothing has ever happened. In fact, I assure you, anyone who tries to do something will be the one who pays with their lives. This is the safest place in the whole country.”
My fear turned into resentment, she had already been here, with him before. That was obvious, and for what? It was also obvious. I hated him so much. I needed so much to smash his face with my fist, but I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from doing things that I will regret.
I leaned my head back, trying to breathe, fortunately, this moment of weakness was taken as a concern. Claudia kept telling me about the house and security, while Erik watched us with great intensity. I hope he had no idea what I was planning.
Finally, the car stopped in the middle of a roundabout, in front of the house. In the centre, was a statue surrounded by gardens, the most ostentatious I had ever seen in my life. The owners really weren't concerned about money.
A group of people approached the limo, one to park it, one to open Erik's door, and one to open the door on the woman's side. In this case, I'll make sure not to be that woman, after all, Claudia was here.
Erik's door opened first, and he stepped out like the king he thought he was, then, Claudia's door, but I motioned for her to come out first. She thanked me and got out as if the world were asking for her. I waited a few seconds to get out. Looking out the window, I saw how Claudia linked her arm with Erik's. He turned to see where I was, looking everywhere, but it was too late. His acquaintances and others came to greet him. Claudia, for her part, was worshipping attention. She would be a good host. And after most had entered, I decided it was time to get out of the vehicle.
