Tears Of A Wife novel Chapter 23

"Do you have a relationship with that attorney?" he asked.

My forehead creased. "Why do you keep on pulling that thing, Atlas? Can't you see that I don't want to talk to you? I don't have a relationship with Kraius so get out of here!" I roared.

My heartbeat thumped faster as I felt my head hurt. I instantly massaged my temple and slowly sat down on the chair I was sitting at earlier. I closed my eyes shut. I felt dizzy all of a sudden.

"Close the door after you leave," I reminded.

"Fuck!" he cursed. "You'll regret it if you do this again, Olive. You know very well how I get angry," he threatened.

I heard a thud but I didn't spare my time checking it. After a while, I heard Atlas' strides. I sighed as I heard the door open and close. That was the only time I let my eyes open again.

I calmed myself down. I tried to get up and took my towel. I headed towards the bathroom and soaked myself in the shower for a long time. As if it could erase all of Atlas' belittlement. I scrubbed myself to at least lessen the pity I felt for myself.

But I still failed. I thought it was done, but my tears streamed down together with the water from the shower that cascaded down my body. With the soft sounds of the water were my muffled cries.

I guess there are things that would give reason for a person to wake up to reality. There are occurrences that will come to open our eyes towards the truth.

I've been aware for a long time but I chose to be blind. I've been hurting myself for so long that I forgot my worth. I've been loving a man who killed my self respect. I've been very unfair for the last ten years because of loving him.

I guess it's time for me to choose myself. To bring back the old me. To free myself and to be happy without any worries and uncertainties. Because I felt like my body is alive but my heart has been long dead and buried.

It gave up on Atlas.

******

For the past years I have felt immense sadness everytime Christmas is celebrated, but right now, the sadness has doubled. This is probably the gloomiest Christmas for me. I have been silently crying for the past few days, secluding myself inside my room to ponder on things that I'm supposed to do.

"Olive! You've been zoning out since earlier. Is there a problem, dear?"

I shrugged the thought off and sighed. "I'll just take a shower, Mama." I smelled myself. "I already stink," I added.

She turned her gaze to me while a smile was still plastered on her face. "Okay, dear. I'm sure Atlas is already on his way. I'll just finish this and I'll dress up, too."

I nodded. "Okay."

I left my mother-in-law in the kitchen and headed towards my room. I can't help but to smile while walking. It was the first time that this house had a Christmas tree inside those ten years. It was located beside the living room and underneath it were the gifts that I bought for Atlas and his mother. The house was decorated with little Christmas decors. Christmas balls, signage, Santa Claus miniature and red socks that were pinned on the wall.

"Oh! Why are you just standing there? I thought you're gonna take a shower?"

I snapped out of my thoughts. I just realized that I've been standing there for a few minutes already. I felt my mother-in-law place her arm on my shoulders. I peered at her beside me, and I saw her looking at the Christmas tree seriously.

"The true spirit of Christmas is love. I wish for eternal love for you and Atlas. Pure and true. No uncertainties or even just a hint of regret. I hope for a lot of Christmas to come your way, dear." She pulled my head and kissed it lightly. "Well! We should shower now. We already smell like garlic, onion, Olive." She laughed and I smiled. She then led me to my room.