Chapter 3 Caught

• “I apologize, but I don't appreciate the feeling,” I stated, deftly maneuvering around Henry, who had encircled me. I headed for the door, motioning for him to leave.
• Realizing my intent to usher him out, Henry's face darkened. In the past, I would have longed for him to linger even for a moment.
• “Ramona, don't come begging to share my bed later,” he spat bitterly before leaving.
• As soon as he exited, I swiftly shut the door. The sound of its closure resonated through the room, a clear indicator of my feelings toward Henry.
• In their profound love saga, I had no intention of being cast as the scorned villain.
• What needed to be done, what was possible, and what I should have done, I had lived through it all before. In this new life, I refused to repeat the same mistakes or jeopardize the Xanders family.
• Shortly after, the noise of a door slamming shut downstairs followed by the rumble of Henry's car signaled his departure, lifting a weight off my chest.
• At that moment, I had no desire to confront Henry further. The genuine suffering I had experienced in my previous life was a stark reminder of his true nature.
• The bedroom felt suffocating, so I opened the window, welcoming a fresh breeze.
• Then, my phone rang—it was Lilly Barrett, my dear friend.
• “Mona, let's meet at Helen's Bar!” Her enthusiastic voice broke through my somber mood. Lilly, about my age, had always embraced her single status.
• “Sure,” I replied promptly, surprising her into silence.
• “Really? You want to go out?” Lilly finally responded, her voice laced with disbelief.
• Before, I would decline almost any social invitation, choosing Henry over my friends who had always been there for me.
• “I'm free today. I'll get ready and meet you there,” I said confidently and ended the call.
• In my wardrobe, amidst monochrome choices, I picked a black halter dress perfect for the bar—silky, with a daring deep V-neck, accentuating my slim figure, leaving my arms and most of my back bare.
• I had bought it hoping to entice Henry, but he never came home to see it.
• Smirking at the mirror, I shrugged indifferently, knowing I would catch someone's eye.
• After dressing and applying makeup, I drove to Helen's Bar in my red Porsche.
• Back in university, Lilly, Sammy, Elly Townsend, and I were the 'four talents' of the Department of Music, expected to make waves post-graduation. Yet, life had other plans—I married young, Lilly became a nightclub fixture, Sammy joined her family's business, and only Elly pursued music with undiminished fervor, aspiring to stardom.
• “Mona, what a surprise seeing you here!” Lilly's dynamic presence was palpable as she jumped off her stool to greet me.
• Her animated chatter was echoed by the others, highlighting my absence since marriage.
• As the evening wore on, Sammy couldn't help but express her feelings. “Mona, I was starting to think your wedding five years ago was actually your funeral since you disappeared afterward.”
• “Strange. What about your romantic candlelight dinners at home? Not doing that tonight?” Lilly chimed in, looking at me with concern. “Is it because of that jerk Henry ignoring you again? Have you been crying?”
• I calmly responded, brushing off Lilly's hand, “I've decided it's pointless. I'm planning to divorce him.”
• Hearing my declaration, my friends fell silent for a moment, then burst into applause. “Fantastic! To celebrate Mona's return to the single life, we're not going home until we're completely drunk tonight!”
• Raising my glass, I joined in, “Cheers!”
• In that moment, I envisioned a future where I, free from my marriage to Henry, was embarking on a new life.
• Elly encouraged me, “Mona, take a look around. If you see a handsome guy, go for him! Henry's always in the tabloids; we can't let him outdo us!”
• “That's... a good idea,” I mused, my vision slightly blurred. My gaze settled on a lone figure. Tall, young, possibly a university student?
• If Henry could have a young university girl, why couldn't I find a young university guy?
• As I attempted to navigate through the bustling crowd, wine glass in hand, I stumbled and fell due to the chaotic movement around me, causing the glass to shatter.
• A voice, seemingly belonging to a young university student, reached my ears. “Are you all right? Do you need me to help you up?”
• Sitting on the floor, I looked up to see a young man, his face flushed with embarrassment. For a fleeting moment, his features seemed to morph into Henry's, leaving me bewildered.
• I shook my head, attempting to clear the illusion, and tried to get up. In doing so, my hand brushed against the broken glass, resulting in a deep cut and a flow of blood.
• “Ramona Xanders, what are you doing!” I recognized Henry's voice immediately, pulling me back to reality.
• “Henry?” I questioned, momentarily unsure. How could Henry possibly be in this bar?
• Yet, it was indeed him, staring down at me with his usual disdain.
• Feeling a sharp pain in my hand, I hesitated to ask for Henry's help, considering our impending divorce. Instead, I tapped the university student's leg and asked loudly, “Could you help me up?”
• My hand stung sharply as I hissed in pain. At that moment, I had no desire to interact with Henry; I just wanted to get my wound attended to as soon as possible.
• A considerate voice came from the student, “Hey, you're bleeding quite a bit. Let's get that bandaged,” as he gently took my hand, leading me toward the bar for help.
• Catching Henry's displeased look, I offered him a faint smile, as if to say, “We're just acquaintances here, no longer husband and wife.”
• “Ramona, getting braver, I see,” Henry commented, his grip tightening on my other hand as he pulled me close. “Don't even think about making a fool out of me,” he warned, his voice tense with barely contained anger.
• “What's wrong with you? Can't you see she's hurt?” the student protested, defending me against Henry's unwarranted aggression.
• “Get lost!” Henry's roar cut through the noisy bar, prompting the people nearby to swiftly distance themselves from us.
• The student, not wanting to escalate the situation, gave me a helpless look. “You two know each other? I won't interfere then,” he said, stepping away.
• As the young man's figure faded into the crowd, I felt a surge of irritation. He had been just my type, yet Henry had spoiled everything.
• “My soon-to-be ex-husband, don't you think your actions are a bit unfair? You live your life, I live mine. We shouldn't interfere with each other, okay?” I was particularly annoyed by Henry's double standards. Why was it that he could pursue his happiness while I was expected to orbit around him?
• Without a word, Henry grasped my arm and yanked me out of the bar. The cool night air hit me, bringing me partly back to my senses.
• “Mr. Patterson, do you need something?” I asked, a hint of mockery in my tone. The moment I addressed him formally, a range of emotions flickered across Henry's face, ultimately settling on anger.
• He gripped my wrist tightly, almost dragging me to his car. “D*mn it! What's with this provocative outfit? Trying to seduce someone even before we're officially divorced?” Henry's words were laced with venom.