The Star's Wife

Chapter 1 - A Morning of Mixed Emotions

I was greeted by the sound of the television emanating from the living room across the hallway. As I turned over, I noticed the absence of my beautiful partner beside me. Tom had already risen and started his day. Gradually, I rose from bed, adorned myself in a pink velvet robe, and made my way towards the living room. I remember when Tom and I had first walked into the penthouse with our realtor for a tour, I was immediately captivated by the awe-inspiring sight that unfolded before my eyes, hopes of creating new memories, hopes of starting a family. The floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a breathtaking panorama, offering an uninterrupted view of the sprawling beauty of Central Park. The lush greenery of the park stretched out as far as the eye could see, creating a mesmerizing backdrop that seemed to blend seamlessly with the cityscape beyond.

The interior of the penthouse exuded an air of opulence and refinement. The spacious living area boasted high ceilings adorned with intricate crown moldings, adding a touch of grandeur to the space. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, carefully curated to complement the elegant ambiance. Plush, designer furniture adorned the room, inviting relaxation, comfort, and serenity. The attention to detail was evident in every corner of the penthouse. The gleaming marble floors exuded a sense of luxury, while the soft, ambient lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere. In every aspect, this penthouse exuded a sense of luxury and money.

There in the living room, I found my husband engrossed in the early morning news, holding a cup in one hand.

"Good morning", I said. With a gentle yet swift gesture, he planted a tender kiss on my cheek before proceeding into the kitchen, carrying his now empty cup. We were madly in love with each other when we were dating. The initial years of our marriage were filled with an intense and passionate love that seemed unbreakable. However, as we now celebrate our 8th year together, I can't help but feel a sense of regret as I reflect on the past year and a half. Somewhere along the way, our once vibrant connection seems to have lost its spark, leaving us in a state of uncertainty.

After a warm shower, I adorned myself in my favorite pink tracksuit, known for its exceptional comfort. The serene ambiance of the morning set the perfect stage for a tranquil jog alongside my closest companion, Isabella.

Isabella and I have developed a strong bond since I launched my own clothing line, Think Comfort. Isabella has achieved significant success in her own right over the past few years. One of her major breakthroughs was when she became a model for a sports brand and graced the cover of Sports Illustration. Her tall and fit physique may accentuate my shorter and stockier stature, but her unwavering support has empowered me to embrace my own identity. Now, with the establishment of my own clothing line, I am recognized as Jennifer Jenkin rather than solely being referred to as Tom Jenkin's wife.

On my way out, I swiftly grabbed a fiber plus protein bar for a quick and nourishing snack. Exiting our luxurious penthouse suite, situated in the heart of bustling New York City.

As I jogged through the chaotic streets of New York City, the honking horns and bustling crowd clashed with the serene memories of my small Canadian hometown. The scent of fresh pizza dough baking in the oven, mixed with the symphony of birdsong, echoed in my mind, creating a bitter-sweet contrast with the reality of the big city. The anonymity of the crowded streets made me long for the familiarity of the small town where everyone knew everyone else's name.

Embarking on a leisurely jog, I made my way to the nearby cafe, approximately a 20-minute distance from our apartment. As I arrived, I spotted Isabella comfortably seated on one of the bar stools, engrossed in her phone.

Although a fleeting temptation to surprise her from behind crossed my mind, I ultimately chose to abandon the idea and just greet her. "Hello, Bella. How are you doing?" I greeted her. I observed that she had opted for a natural look, with no makeup and her hair casually styled in a messy bun. However, there was a certain allure to her natural appearance-her light hazel eyes exuded a sense of effortless beauty and completeness.

"Good morning, sweetheart. I have some exciting news to share! I just landed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity-a 5 million dollar contract with Dolce and Gabbana. I've already accepted their offer, and I'll be flying to LA next Friday." It's been a while since I've seen Isabella so incredibly happy. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her beautiful smile, with soft pink glossy lips and adorable dimples, completed her joyous expression.

I should be happy for her, but somewhere deep down in my gut I got a feeling. It was not a good feeling. Isabella was the only close friend I had in this big city. As Isabella shared her joy about the lucrative contract, my heart sank with the realization that she was my lifeline in this vast city. Memories of those lonely months in Atlanta crept into my thoughts, a reminder of the emptiness that awaited me once Isabella boarded that flight to LA. The fear of being alone, trapped in another fancy apartment with only the echoes of Tom's absence, paralyzed me. I put on a brave smile, but inside, a storm of apprehension was brewing.

Isabella gestured to catch my attention. "Jen, are you alright? Is something bothering you?" I suddenly snapped out of my daze, realizing that I had been lost in thought for a few minutes. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm perfectly fine. I'm genuinely thrilled for you, Bella. Congratulations on your amazing news!" I forced a smile and hoped that she did not see right through me. "LA is a big city and you will definitely prosper. This is a new beginning for you."

"Thanks Babe. You are truly a great friend. But I will miss you!" Isabella became sad, her eyes became moist in an instant. The tears in her eyes made the hazel color become a darker brown. She closed her eyes shut to hide her sudden distress.

As Isabella's departure loomed, the vulnerability of my solitude became glaringly apparent. I had built my identity around being 'Tom Jenkin's wife,' but with Isabella leaving, the prospect of facing my own existence without the safety net of friendship terrified me. In that moment, I yearned for more than just being a spectator in Tom's life. I craved the chance to rediscover myself, to break free from the shackles of loneliness that had haunted me for being an actor's wife. The impending solitude became a mirror reflecting my own search for purpose, a journey I couldn't avoid any longer.

I put my hand on hers, to give her comfort. Her hands were cold. "Don't worry Bella, you are doing the right thing. Trust me, you won't regret it. It's time to embrace the change and let go of any doubts. Besides, this room feels chilly. Let's step outside and enjoy some physical activity to warm up!" Let's leave and burn some calories!" We walked out of the cozy cafe and into the vibrant streets of New York City, adding our joyous energy to the atmosphere.

It was around 10:00 am when I returned home from our lovely morning jog and coffee outing. The idea of Isabella's departure kept persistently resurfacing in my mind. My phone started to ring. Glancing at the screen, I noticed it was Tom calling.