8
297words
I followed him to his next film set.
Bella was there too.
Bella was inexperienced.
Only had one assistant.
The film set was scorching hot.
Big stars retreated to their air-conditioned trailers between takes.
Alexander and I were heading to his.
Bella ran up, dripping sweat.
Her voice pitiful, pleading.
She batted her big eyes at Alexander. "Alex, it's boiling out! I'm off for a bit. Please, can I just sit in your trailer? Just for the AC?"
Alexander didn’t say yes or no. He looked at me.
But if he truly wanted to refuse, he wouldn’t have looked at me.
His silence was the answer.
Since he clearly wanted it.
I played the accommodating wife.
"Go ahead, get out of the heat. Wouldn’t want anyone thinking I’m keeping you out."
Alexander frowned. "My wife is wonderful. Who would say that?"
A bitter smile touched my lips as I just looked at him.
He glanced away.
Once Bella was inside.
Alexander tried to keep a cool distance.
But Bella ignored his stiffness.
She was all charm and jokes, working hard to amuse him.
Alexander cracked quickly.
Soon, she had his full attention.
He didn’t even notice when I slipped out of the trailer.
Three people made the trailer feel crowded.
Just like three people crowded a marriage.
Soon, Alexander forgot his hospital promises.
He started inviting Bella into the trailer himself to escape the heat.
Seeing I didn’t object outwardly.
He even started sharing the meals I prepared for him with Bella.
Thoughts of divorce circled constantly in my mind.
On one side: memories of our genuine happiness. On the other: his blatant preference for Bella.
"Can’t let go" and "Must end it" warred inside me.
Stopping me from making a final decision.
