From Promise To Betrayal

14.

Maria appreciated Charlotte's ability to lighten the mood. I needed that, she acknowledged. This journey is tough, but at least I have Charlotte by my side.

"He's worried, you know? About everything.... The job market is a jungle, and I feel like Tarzan without a vine."

Charlotte playfully teased, "Well, maybe not the vine part, but I'd pay to see you swing through the concrete jungle."

Maria couldn't help but smile. "I needed that. Thanks, Charlotte."

"I do have a question. How have you been sustaining yourself since the past year? I am very much aware you do not have a job." Charlotte asked.

Ouch. "Well, before all that happened." She stated, referring to John's infidelity and the ongoing divorce. "He gives me monthly allowances, and my Dad usually sends me money twice a month, too. So, I had been saving up, and I had more than enough."

"That explains it. How is your financial situation at the moment?"

Maria sighed. "Managing. I'll survive."

"How about an interview at my uncle's company for a personal assistant position?" Overjoyed, Maria exclaimed, "You can do that?" Grateful, she felt a burden lift.

"You don't need to thank me. Friends help each other. Does Thursday sound good for you?"

"Yes. I just hope I don't trip over my own words or spill coffee on the interviewer. That would be a disaster."

Charlotte reassured her, "You'll be fine. Remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here, cheering you on. Now, go rock that interview, Maria!"

♤

Minnie paced around her bedroom, worry knotting her stomach. It had been days since John last replied to her text messages, and anxiety gripped her. The awkward silence between them had started a year ago on a seemingly ordinary day.

At first, Minnie brushed it off, convincing herself that John's lack of communication was a result of the demands of his job. But as the days turned into weeks and then into months, it became painfully clear-he was intentionally avoiding her.

Her mind raced with questions, each unanswered text amplifying her anxiety. Was it something I said or did? Was there trouble at work that he didn't want to share? The uncertainty ate her, leaving her restless and sleep-deprived.

As Minnie faced the fast approaching celebration of her son's birthday, her concern escalated to a boiling point. She couldn't fathom John being absent on such a significant day.

With a deep breath, Minnie picked up her phone and dialed John's number. The ringing echoed in her ears, each tone intensifying her anticipation.

The dial tone echoed, each pulse resonating in Minnie's ears as she waited for John to answer.

"Hello," a mixture of relief and tension filled the air.

"John, we need to talk," Minnie began, her words carrying the weight of the unspoken tensions that lingered between them.

There was a brief pause on the other end, as if the gravity of her statement settled in. "Talk about what?" John responded, his tone guarded.

Is he truly clueless, or is he avoiding the real issue?

Minnie took a steadying breath, choosing her words carefully. "It's been weeks since we've had a real conversation. I'm worried, John. Worried about us and worried about our son. His birthday is approaching, and I can't pretend everything's okay."

Is he even listening?

John spoke, his words measured, "I've been busy with work, Minnie. You know how demanding it's been."

Tension hung in the air as Minnie absorbed his explanation. "It's more than that, John. We've grown distant, and our son feels it too. I don't want him to have a birthday filled with tension."

There was a vulnerability in Minnie's voice, a plea for understanding. She continued, "I miss us, John. I miss the family we used to be. We owe it to our son to at least try and make his birthday special, despite everything."

Another pause lingered, and Minnie felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. John finally sighed, a sound heavy with unspoken emotions."I didn't mean for it to get this far. Maybe we can talk and figure things out."

Relief washed over Minnie face. "Let's talk, Amelia. Tomorrow, after work?"

Minnie, cautiously hopeful, agreed. "Tomorrow it is. Goodnight."

The call ended, leaving a lingering sense of uncertainty. As Minnie set the phone down, she could tell something was wrong. For the first time in a long time, John referred to her as Amelia, and not Minnie.

Minnie lay on her bed, the weight of their shared past pressed against her, and a gentle ache settled in her heart.

Was this the beginning of an end? Minnie shook off the thought, unwilling to face the idea.

♤

Thursday arrived at last. Maria took a moment to look at herself in the mirror, exhaling sharply. "It's going to be a good day. It will be."

With determination, Maria left her hotel, swiftly hailing a taxi to reach Charlotte's uncle's company.

As the taxi halted in front of the building, Maria took another reassuring breath. "You've got this," she whispered to herself.

Maria stepped out of the taxi, her eyes scanning the impressive facade of the company building. The hustle and bustle of the city surrounded her as she stood there, a blend of determination and nerves coursing through her veins.

She straightened her posture as if aligning herself with the confidence she hoped to exude. The click-clack of her heels echoed as she approached the entrance.

With a deep breath, she pushed open the doors, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that awaited her within.

Maria quickly found her way to the interview area, joining others awaiting their turns. The ticking clock heightened her nerves. When her name was called, she took a deep breath and stood up, ready for her interview.

꘎♡━━━━━♡꘎

Hello everyone,

I understand this chapter may not be as long as usual, but I've put my best effort into it. If there are any crucial details I missed, please feel free to point them out.

In this chapter, we've uncovered John's mistress. What are your thoughts?

The upcoming chapter will delve deeper into the past, and I appreciate your patience as the story unfolds.

Feel free to speak your mind.