PROLOGUE
Maya’s POV
In the dead of night, when the clock struck twelve, the heavens were painted a rich, velvety blue, adorned with twinkling stars that danced in the vast expanse. They seemed scattered, yet connected, like a celestial tapestry woven by some unseen hand. Despite its waning phase, the moon cast a brilliant glow, its radiant beams illuminating the silent streets below. In this late hour, the world around me was calm, as if it had surrendered to the embrace of slumber.
My humble abode lay three buildings away, nestled amidst the serenity. As I navigated the deserted streets, my mind wandered, contemplating the words I would utter to Jake upon my arrival. I knew my tardiness would ignite his fury, for he had incessantly implored me to return home earlier. But it was beyond my control; my livelihood depended on attending to fickle customers, some of whom had a penchant for tardiness. I silently prayed that sleep had claimed him by the time I crossed the threshold, to avoid yet another heated exchange.
With a warm smile, the security guards granted me passage, their eyes twinkling like the stars above. Parking my car in the sanctuary of the garage, I ensured its safety before closing the heavy door. The interior of the house lay shrouded in darkness, a perfect opportunity for me to slip inside unnoticed, like a shadow in the night.
With my keys in hand, I unlocked the front door, granting me access to the mysterious realm that lay beyond. As I stepped into the living room, darkness enveloped me, but the moon’s gentle glow seeped through the windows, casting ethereal shadows upon the walls. Like a ghost, I tiptoed towards the staircase, ready to ascend to the sanctuary of my room. However, just as I was about to embark on my clandestine journey, the living room erupted in a blaze of light. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, regret filling the air, as I turned on my heels. There, standing against the wall was Jake, his arms folded tightly to his chest, his face contorted with anger. I knew I had been caught red-handed, and a torrent of questions was about to be unleashed upon me.
His voice reverberated through the room, not a shout nor a scream, yet it carried an undeniable force. “Where have you been?” he demanded, his words slicing through the tension.
I studied him intently, taking in his appearance. He wore a simple white singlet that hugged his chiseled
torso, paired with black pyjama sweatpants. His feet were adorned with black slippers, completing the casual ensemble. His hair, damp and dishevelled, hinted at a recent encounter with water. It was clear that he had returned home much earlier than usual. Suppressing my nerves, I mustered the courage to respond.
“I’ve just come from work. Where else would I be coming from?” My voice quivered slightly, but I managed to maintain a semblance of composure.
I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that I had answered without stumbling. Jake possessed an uncanny ability to instill unease in others when suspicion clouded his mind. The perpetual skepticism etched on his face was a constant reminder that trust did not come easily to him. And in this moment, that dubious gaze was fixed upon me.
“Maya, please don’t deceive me. Earlier, I called the salon and was informed that you had left around 5 pm. Your employees attempted to cover up for you, but I managed to extract the truth from them by insisting on speaking with you. So, I must ask again, where have you been?” Jake inquired, his anger still evident in his eyes.
I knew I couldn’t reveal my whereabouts to him. He was already suspicious of me, so I had to choose my words carefully to halt his relentless questioning. I was exhausted and didn’t have the energy or time to engage in an argument. Therefore, I decided to do what I believed was best for the situation: ignore him and head upstairs to our bedroom.
I ascended two steps before his voice reverberated across the room.
“I haven’t finished talking to you. Where do you think you’re going?”
“Jake, it’s late. I’m exhausted, and today has been an incredibly long day for me. Could you please show some consideration and refrain from yelling at me any further? I just want to go to sleep. Tomorrow morning, I have to wake up early for work. One of my clients wants her hair done early, and she’ll be at the salon by 7. I need to be there before that time,” I sighed. I was making an effort to remain calm, but his incessant questioning was starting to irritate me.
With a soft chuckle and a dismissive shake of his head, he scoffed, “You think my question is inconsequential, don’t you? What kind of married woman lingers at work beyond closing time and dares to return home at the time you do? Have you forgotten you have a little one to tend to?”
His voice grew louder, his attempt to rein in his anger palpable. I let out a weary sigh and pivoted on my heel. Descending the stairs, I confronted him head-on. He stood beneath the staircase, gripping the railing tightly, the crease on his forehead etched deep. He wasn’t about to let this slide, and I knew I had to find a way to defuse the tension.
“I am well aware of my responsibilities as a mother. That’s precisely why I hired a nanny to care for him while I’m away,” I retorted.
“A nanny? Maya, it’s your duty to nurture that boy. You’re his mother. He should be with you. He’s far too young to be entrusted to a nanny,” he argued.
“Well, what do you expect me to do then? Quit my job and become a housewife just because I gave birth? I never even wanted this child in the first place,” I snapped, my anger flaring, clearly unsettling Jake.
Realizing the weight of my words, I attempted to apologize, but it was too late. I had struck a nerve, and I knew this conversation would not be our last. His features softened slightly as he stared at me in disbelief, before ascending the stairs and passing me by.
“Jake...” I called out his name, my voice trailing after him as he ascended the staircase. He paused, a subtle twist in his movement revealing the sting of my words. I could sense the ache I had inflicted upon him, but I spoke my truth because it had been festering within me for far too long. In fact, it had been gnawing at my soul ever since the day we exchanged vows.
Though he didn’t meet my gaze, he at least halted his ascent. “Good night, Maya,” he uttered simply, his words hanging in the air like a fragile thread. And with that, he resumed his journey up the stairs, leaving me standing there, paralyzed by the weight of my actions. I was left grappling with the aftermath of my thoughtless words, unable to offer an immediate apology.
Perhaps, in the calm of tomorrow, when the tempest within us subsides, we will find the strength to engage in a mature conversation. As adults, we may bridge the chasm that now separates us and seek resolution.
