My fingers tightened around the check.
At least money meant there was still hope.
I took a cab back to the apartment.
The moment I stepped through the door, I heard it. Arguing. Sobbing. And beneath it all, sounds no wife should ever have to hear.
The master bedroom door was wide open.
Two naked bodies tangled together on the sheets.
They heard my footsteps.
Victor grabbed the bedside lamp and hurled it at me.
"Get out! Who told you to come in here?"
Alice looked up through tear-streaked eyes, her gaze sharp with the bitter fury of a woman reclaiming what she believed was hers.
"You two haven't even registered the marriage yet. Tonight, he's mine." She sniffled, her voice climbing. "You've been treating me like a joke this whole time, watching from your little throne. I think I'm owed some interest, don't you?"
"After all, we've done much more than this before. If you want to learn how to make him happy, I don't mind you watching. I'm sure he already bragged to your whole circle about taking my virginity, right?"
"Either do it or get out! Let me go home!"
A flash of guilt and regret passed through Victor's eyes.