EPISODE 1
1240 Words
ALESSANDRA
I have noticed Philippe’s change since he arrived at an out-of-town meeting with an investor. I didn’t ask him if the investor was a woman or a man.
When my birthday was over, my spouse and children surprised me. I was surprised by what they prepared for me for breakfast. It was a modest gesture from them, but it made me happy.
Is it true that having too much fun can replace sadness?
I’m becoming concerned because I can feel Philippe’s coldness in me. I wanted to avoid the fact that Philippe had another woman, which is why he had made such significant changes to me. Who doesn’t observe his actions? He had a unique attitude toward me—a serious change.
He was usually kind to me, but now he avoids us. He goes to sleep first. He didn’t even do the things he used to do, like kissing my cheek and saying goodnight as we went to bed.
I gazed into the mirror in front of me. I have to admit that my body has changed significantly with the birth of my eight children. I’m gaining weight and don’t have time for a diet. Instead, I cared for my children. They need me more than I need myself. I am happy to care for my family.
I took long breaths and combed my fingers through my slightly tangled hair. I frequently tie my hair since I don’t have time to fix it. When Philippe walked in, I looked at the door.
“Hon!” I blurted out to him, but he only glanced at me, which surprised me. My expression was full of surprise. I stared at my husband as he entered the bathroom.
I approached the bathroom door and knocked on it. I said, “I’ll prepare your food.” He didn't respond, so I didn’t want to remain in the room and decided to leave.
I’ll prepare his food. Maybe he couldn’t hear me because of the water flowing from the shower. When I got outside, I saw my eldest twin - Leandro. His serious expression took me aback.
“Is there a problem, son?” I asked. He shakes his head. He approached me and kissed my cheek.
I smiled at my son. “I’ll give you something to eat,” I said. I was ready to go when he stopped me and asked a question.
“Why, Mom?” He asked and my forehead creased.
“What do you mean, why?”
What exactly does my son mean? I suddenly realized that he had an issue with his father which was new to me. My son was close to his father before, but now he is so aloof. Does he notice Philippe’s drastic change over me?
“Why are you still with Daddy? He only hurts you, and he isn’t worth being with. You thought we didn’t know what was happening between you and Daddy?” My son explained. I was astounded by what he said, so I remained quiet.
I swallowed. I don’t know what to tell my son. I wasn’t expecting my son to be that serious. When Philippe ignores me, I try not to cry. I don’t want my children to feel bad for my husband and me. I hope Philippe and I tackle the issue of not letting our children feel guilty about us.
“What are you talking about, son? I love your dad. There are no problems between us. Daddy’s busy, so he didn’t have time for us,” I explained. Why does he think that way? My son is merely looking at me. He seemed to be able to read what I thought. I look away.
I heard the door open. We both turned our heads. Philippe got out of our room, wearing his night outfit. I noticed my son's bad gaze at his father. They were looking at each other. It seemed like no one wanted to avert their gaze.
I clear my throat to get their attention. It seemed like they were about to start fighting.
“Son, you want to join us for dinner?” I invited him.
“I don’t want to eat,” he stated in an angry tone. His gaze fixed on his father. Then he turned his back on us and went into his room. I was shocked when he closed the door with full force. I took a deep breath. I glanced at Philippe when he spoke.
“I’ll work in the library, bring my food there,” he ordered.
I saw he didn’t even call me honey, which was his endearment. I don’t want to imagine Philippe having another woman, but I can’t help but worry. Who could be like Philippe? Even at the age of 47, he has the best physique and is still handsome.
I was ready to head to the library to get Philippe’s dinner when I overheard him speaking on the phone. The voice is female. Philippe laughed.
“Hon, this is your food,” I said.
“Just put it on the table.” He orders without looking at me. I placed the tray with the food on it and placed it on the table one by one. I looked at Philippe’s phone, which was facing my side. I saw that the woman he was talking to appeared to be young. Her hair is long brown, and her skin is fair.
I couldn’t help but feel sorry for myself. The girl was young, while I was getting older. My body is no longer as beautiful as it once was. I can’t help but feel jealous of the woman. The girl appeared sexy.
I couldn’t stop feeling sorry for myself. I don’t want to feel this way, but I can’t help it. I believe Philippe’s promise that even if I get fat, he will always love me for who I am. I thought my care was enough for him, but I was wrong.
I turned away to hide the tears in my eyes. I do not want to be jealous of other women. I’ve never felt this way about myself in my 14 years of marriage to him. I will hold on as long as I can for my children. They are my strength. Even if I am hurt by how he treats me, I will love him.
*****
I woke up in the middle of the night. I found out Philippe was not next to me. I looked at the clock on the wall to find out what the time was. It’s two o'clock in the morning.
He hasn’t slept yet? I got up to look at him. I wore my robe to cover my body. I went to the library, but he was not there. I noticed the plate on the table with leftovers. I took them back to the kitchen.
I decided to go outside to see if Philippe’s car was there. My jaw fell when I saw the car wasn’t there. Where else would he go at that time? I can’t stop worrying that he might go to his woman.
I strive to avoid negative thoughts as much as possible. I do not want to think negatively about Philippe. Yes, he changed and became cold, but I believed he couldn't find another woman and forgot me. My eyes welled up when I closed the door and my hands quivered.
- Writer
