So-Called Happiness

Gideon said chorizo smells shamed the Strathmore name, and I wasn't allowed to laugh or talk loudly in public.

For eight years, I was his emotionless puppet.

Now freedom's scent hit, and my eyes stung.

When I got home at ten, Gideon was sitting in the living room with a sullen expression. He had called a dozen times, but I had answered none.

"Where have you been?" he asked sternly.

I changed my shoes and washed my hands before answering coolly, "Ate with a friend."

He stepped closer, smelled the sliders, and immediately covered his nose.

"I told you not to have sliders. You stink," he complained.

"Vesper eats them, and it's fine?" I shot back.

His disgust grew. "You're not her. Besides, she's an outsider."

I didn't argue further, aware of his prejudice toward me.

It was fine. Soon enough, I'd be an outsider too.

...

Maren flew abroad the next day for business, while I had a lawyer draft the divorce agreement that stated my leave with nothing.

I skimmed through it and signed it without hesitation.

Vesper sent a video that showed a fancy hall. A sign there read, "Welcome to Gideon Strathmore and Vesper Quinn's Engagement Party."

Gideon was directing the manager to make arrangements.

Vesper: [I mentioned engagement, and he planned this, ignoring what others think. It's happening in two days. You're welcome to attend it."

In two days, it would be my 30th birthday. On the same day, I would leave for good.

I blocked her number and scanned my tiny room. In the past eight years, I hadn't bought anything for myself. Just like how I had come, I was leaving with one suitcase.

I packed up and set it aside.

Gideon barged in and demanded, "Make me some oyster bisque."

His entitled tone was annoying, but I didn't refuse. It was the last time anyway.

When I served the bisque, he stared at me. "Why are you so quiet lately?"

I used to chatter nonstop even if he ignored me.

I shrugged. "My throat is sore. Don't wanna talk."

He snorted and left with the packed bisque, not returning until the engagement day.

I placed that contract and the divorce agreement on the table. Suitcase in hand, I glanced at the house one last time and headed to the airport.

Before boarding, Gideon called.

I rejected it, tossed the SIM in the trash, and moved on to my future.