She is Taken

BEN'S POINT OF VIEW.

I woke up with an aching head. I've slept too much today, so this is what I get. I can't complain.

Liza, my ex wife is in the bathroom. I walk up to the bathroom door and knocked softly. "Hey, I've got to go. I don't wanna be late for my meeting."

"Okay Ben, but could you cook breakfast for me and trevor before you leave." She yelled. 

Trevor is our three year old son. He's still asleep.

I sighed heavily and dragged my feet towards the kitchen.

I scrambled two eggs, toasted some bread, and prepared her morning coffee. I walk back to the bathroom door again and knocked this time heavily. "Food is ready, I really have to go." Yep, after 30 minutes of cooking she's still in the bathroom.

"Okay." She yelled again.

I hurriedly put on my pants and shirt, ran out of the house and jumped into my car. I drove at top speed. I can't be late, I'm the chairman of the board, the CEO of the company, and it's our annual stockholder's meeting.

I arrived in the building an hour before the meeting starts. A woman dressed in white cocktail dress was waiting for me. She's Carline, Arman's wife.  The loveliest girl any man would ever lay his eyes on. 

Her long, brown, and curly hair perfectly frames her sweet face, and fair skin. Aside from being one of the major stockholders of the company, Arman is one lucky guy. "Good morning Carline. You're early. Where's Arman?" I greeted her.

She smiled while showing me a box of pizza and two cans of soda. "I bet you didn't have breakfast yet." She said casually.

Surprised, I raised my brow. "How did you know?" I asked confused.

"You always mentioned in every meeting that you skipped breakfast." She smiled inocently, while placing four slices of pizza on my plate.

I blushed. Carline cares for me and its really flattering. My ex wife Liza never did, she may not even care if I ate or not. I wish I married someone like her. I look up to hide my frustration.

"Are you okay?" She asked softly. "Sorry, this are really unhealthy food. Arman doesn't want to see me eat this thing. I have to cook them while he's away."

"Wow, you made this.  I'm impressed." I slowly clapped my hand.  "I'm okay with unhealthy food." I reassured her.

She smiled as she looked at me having my first bite.  "It's delicious right?" She asked confidently.

"It is.  I love this.  I will invest in your pizza place if you're planning to have one." I'm now on  my second slice.  Carline is definitely good in cooking. 

"Where's Arman by the way?" I have to ask her.  She doesn't always attend our meetings alone.

"He's in New york.  He's with Arabella." She choked in response.

Arabella is Arman's second wife.  His mistress to be exact.  Carline is a gem, she's beautiful, sweet, and smart.  Arman doesn't seem to realize that.  "Sorry to hear that Carline.  You're really one of a kind.  It's puzzling how you were able to put up with such a situation."

She smiled.  "I'm his wife.  I love him with all my heart and soul.  He's the father of my kids, they love him too. And that's all that matters Ben." She told me outright.

I gulped. This girl is certainly a saint.  I mean how could someone go on and love a husband who's always out with other women.  It's not just Arabella, there's Sheila who lives a few blocks from me, and maybe more. 

"I'm sorry Carline, but I have to tell you this.  If I had a wife like you, I will be loyal." My hand reached out to her.  A woman as nice as her deserves a better man.

She looked at me intently.  Her brown eyes are really stunning, it somehow pierced my soul. She suddenly pulled her hand away. 

"I'm Arman's wife Ben.  This is probably my destiny.  I may not be a happy wife, but I'm still lucky. My kids, I love them, and their happy.  So I'm okay." She spoke.

I gulped hard.  She's really selfless.  It's unbelievable.  "I really like you Carline.  If you have plans to be unfaithful you can contact me anytime." I chuckled. It was supposedly a joke, but the truth is it's what I truly feel.

She let out a laugh.  "I don't have any plans." She responded outright.

I shrug my shoulders.  "You can't be so sure about that." I teased her even more. 

I like her but I didn't really mean what I said.  I just want to lighten her burdens by making her laugh.

She shook her head and took another bite.  "If you will crave for my pizza, I'm going to sell them to you.  For only 50 dollars, you can pick it up at our place."

"Sure.  I'd like buy one today for Liza and Trevor." I told her.

"Consider it done.  Pick it up before dinner."  She responded excitedly.

Some of the stockholders arrived.  Carline eventually wiped off the table and took my empty plate away.  She's really caring. 

I sighed heavily.  I really hate what Arman is doing to her. Well, just like Arman I had other girl friends too but Liza and I are already divorced. 

She cheated on me.  She took our son Trevor with her.  I had to sleep in her place from time to time so I could spend some time with my son. 

My life is a whole lot of mess.  If Liza was as simple as Carline, my life could have been better.

All the stockholders arrived, the seat is full.  I immediately climb up the stage to start the meeting.