Deafening electronic music thundered through the living room,a jarring contrast to the soothing classical pieces she usually loved.
On the sofa,Adrian lounged at ease.
In his arms sat Vanessa,bubblegum–pink hair spilling over her shoulders, dressed in hot pants and a cropped top. She swirled a glass of red wine,laughing so hard her whole body trembled,practically glued to Adrian’s side.
Clara’s cherished ragdoll cat, Snowball,was tied around the neck with a random length of rope. Terrified,it dangled from the spiral staircase leading to the second floor. The other end of the rope was knotted casually to the railing. Snowball’s small body writhed helplessly,crying out,with every swing it came closer to a deadly fall.
“Snowball!” Clara cried out,her voice breaking,ready to run forward.
“Oh my,the lady of the house is back?“Vanessa’s syrupy voice rang out,laced with malice and mockery.”
She didn’t stop;instead she excitedly whipped out her phone,recording the frightened cat.”
“Adrian,look at it–swinging back and forth like a plush toy!Isn’t it funny? Hahaha!”
At her words, Adrian actually gave a low laugh. He tightened his arm around Vanessa,his eyes–hidden behind gold–rimmed glasses–sliding over the terrified cat before settling on Clara’s pale face. There was not a trace of guilt in them,only indulgence.
He seemed to enjoy Vanessa’s vicious“energy,“even found it amusing.
In that instant, Clara remembered three years ago, when Snowball was just a tiny kitten and Adrian had placed it in her arms,saying:”
“Clara,when I’m away on business, let this little one keep you company. Look at its blue eyes–just like yours,pure and trusting.“[
Back then, Adrian had patiently fed Snowball and cleaned its litter box–simply because she loved it.”
The tenderness in her memories and the cruelty before her formed a blade,driving straight through her heart.”
“Adrian,are you even human anymore? Put Snowball down!“Clara’s voice shook as she tried to rush toward the stairs.
Vanessa’s face hardened. She slammed her wineglass down, snatched up a vase from near the entryway, and hurled it at Clara. The vase shattered at her feet,shards and cold water splashing up her legs.
“What are you acting out for?“Vanessa stood,hands on hips,jabbing a finger at Clara’s face with a shrill voice.“Who told you to come back?You annoy me just by existing.“”
Then she spun back into Adrian’s arms,clutching his arm like a spoiled child. Her voice turned plaintive.
“Adrian,why did you let her come back? Didn’t you say this was going to be our home from now on?I don’t like her. I don’t want to live under the same roof.”
Her tone rose,louder,as if to make a point:
“I’m with you because I love you.I don’t care that you had a wife, but I won’t be some hidden mistress.I want you completely. With her here, what does that make me?If people find out,won’t they say I’m just your kept woman? I’m an independent person. I’m not anyone’s accessory!”
This absurd speech–spoken by the woman who had broken another’s marriage yet cast herself as the victim–fell on Adrian’s ears like some grand declaration. His eyes gleamed with deeper pleasure and approval,clearly delighted by Vanessa’s independence“and“boldness.“\
He nodded again and again,coaxing her:”
“Alright,alright, Vanessa’s right. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have let her offend your eyes.”
Without so much as glancing at Clara,he picked up the phone.
“Security.come in. Please’escort’Mrs. Cole out.“/
Clara stared at him in disbelief,as though seeing the man for the first time. For this new lover, he not only allowed her to torment the pet Clara loved like family–he now meant to drive out his lawful wife.N
Two security guards entered quickly,expressionless,moving toward Clara.
“Wait–Clara struggled,her eyes locked on Snowball,still crying out in terror above. “My cat. Give Snowball back to me!”
“Cat?“Vanessa’s eyes glinted with malice. She cut in first,smiling slyly.
“That cat was bought by Adrian. All its food and care came from his money. So of course it’s his. Why should we give it to you?”
8:35 AM PP
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