Stiff Upper Lip

Kelly’s POV

I entered the studio wearing just two-inch red heels and a red dress. Everyone was looking my way as I walked along the hallway. They’re all greeting me with a smile but my face remains stoic, not showing any emotions at all.

The conversation with Pierce this morning was still lingering in my head, but I couldn't let it affect my work.

I couldn't fail my work after I failed my marriage.

I took a deep breath to adjust my condition. However, when I entered the photoshoot room, I could notice everyone was in chaos.

“We can’t! She’s not answering her calls. What should we do? The Vice President is coming today. She’d get mad.”

“We can just tell her the truth. She’s nice.”

“Not in this situation, Lily! She’d scold us—”

“What’s happening here?” I asked as I graced the room.

The staff were now looking at me with worried expressions and I knew then that there was a problem.

“G-Good morning, Miss Monroe.”

Miss Monroe. Of course, no one knew that Pierce and I were married except for our families. I felt a pinch in my heart because of that truth. It hurts.

I stared at her blankly, “What?”

“W-We have a problem, Miss Monroe. Miss Chen, our model has been refusing our calls. She said she heard that we’re changing our model so…she doesn’t want to come here. She’s even…threatening to file a case against us.”

She bowed his head. I gritted my teeth and roamed my eyes around. “Where’s the marketing manager?”

“S-She’s still trying to convince Miss Chen, Miss Monroe.”

I massaged my forehead and squeezed my eyes closed. I grabbed my hair and screamed in so much anger. I felt everyone around me jump in shock. I groaned and sucked my breath before looking around.

“Miss Monroe…”

“What is this, Miss Hayley? You are the marketing manager, what is happening?”

“Miss Monroe, I don’t know how it happened but Miss Chen heard that you are changing our model. She’s about to file a case against us—”

Changing the model? How come I didn't know about this? Miss Chen had always been our trustful partner and if not necessary, changing models for a commercial shoot on short notice would only cause a lot of trouble for the company. I would never allow such a cheap mistake.

“I never asked for that. You must be mistaken." I cut her words to save time, " Fix this mess or I have to fire you!”

"Miss Monroe...It's Mr. President who asked us to change it." Hayley spoke hesitantly. "He ordered that as soon as he came back from his business trip yesterday."

I was hit by the truth. Pierce's order? Why didn't he tell me? He used to discuss every major decision with me first.

"It shouldn't be..." I was confused. Pierce was not a clueless businessman. He kept a clear distinction between work and relationships, which was why he always succeeded. And that was also why he chose to keep our marriage a secret.

"Yes, Kelly. I gave the order." The voice pulled me back.

“M-Mr. President…” Hayley bowed with respect as she saw the man who suddenly appeared behind me.

"I think you owe me an explanation, Pierce. About changing the model!" I gritted as I turned around to question him.

He knew clearly how much effort I put into winning this project. I hardly had a good sleep those days and Miss Chen was the ideal one for us to work with. I remembered he agreed on it too. But now...he just changed the model as he liked without telling me in advance. I felt like a hard slap on my face.

"Go ahead for the work. I'll make it clear to her." He pacified the staff first, ignoring the anger that was about to spew out of my eyes.

"Answer me, Pierce! Why do you change the model so suddenly?" I couldn't hold my anger and he just touched my shoulder whispering to me, "This is not the place to talk. Let me explain it to you in the car."

I looked around to notice others sneaking glances at us. Then I shook away his hands and walked toward the parking lot. But along the way, my heart was heavier and heavier. I had a feeling that I was not going to enjoy his explanation.

"Now, say it." I blurted it out as we sat in his car.

He stared into my eyes as if weighing my emotions. I looked away again. I couldn’t stand his stares. I couldn’t withstand his eyes that never looked at me the way I wanted him to look at me. He has no feelings for me and it hurts so much.

“I-I…” he paused and sighed. “I replaced Miss Chen because Lexi wants to be our model. She’s also fit to be our model so I agreed—”

“What?” I asked in disbelief.

He pressed his lips together and looked away. He messed his hair up before he shook his head and held my hand.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It was just so sudden. She asked for a favor and I can’t say no.”

I took my hand back and looked at him in both pain and anger. “You can't say no to her so you'd rather harm the company, our company. You betrayed me, Pierce.”

“Kels, come on. You know how much I love her. She’s my first love.”

Painfully, I closed my eyes. Oh yes, she's your first love. She's always the one you want no matter what it takes. As long as she frowned a bit, you could turn a blind eye to the pain and effort of others. You are so heartless, Pierce.

“Well, you’ve decided. I don’t have a say in this since you’re the President. Just go. I’ll be in the office.” I said coldly as I opened the car door to walk out.

“Kelly…”

I looked him in the eyes. “Go home early. Let’s talk about our divorce at home tonight.”

Left High and Dry

Kelly’s POV

I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early but he didn’t come home completely. He wasn’t even answering my calls.

Well, now Lexi was back, this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore.

My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby was out of his plan.

Sure, Pierce was not the kind who would force me to have an abortion. But he couldn't cut out his obsession with Lexi either. He might stay in this loveless marriage if his parents asked. But all I had would only be an empty shell. That's not a Father what I wanted for my baby.

I wiped off the tears collecting at the corner of my eyes and collected the report. It was 5 am already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy making love with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he?

I still remember the day when he came back after his first private vacation with Lexi. His joy was unmistakable. Nearly at once, I could tell they made love. The same day I returned to my room, I cried out loud as I took off my makeup. Nothing I did worked. I could never replace Lexi in his heart.

I felt like hundreds of pounds pressing my chest. I decided to get a shower to wash away all the miserable emotions but the moment I opened the wardrobe, our intimate clothes were snuggled together bringing me back to the memory of how Pierce and I had s*x here last time.

It was that time he didn't use contraception. He was so passionate that I thought he finally accepted our marriage. I once believed his return from this business trip would be a fresh start for us but actually, it was a start for us to fall apart now.

Unable to suppress my feelings any longer, I crouched down crying loudly. Why? Why am I always the one they choose to abandon? Why don't I deserve to be loved?

I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, I subconsciously touched the pillow beside me. Cold as last night. He didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost.

See, Kelly? That's what happened when you stepped into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continue on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy.

Suddenly a wave of nausea flooded my stomach and I realized I hadn't even eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I run to the sink and puke. I spit yellowish liquid and it tastes so bad. I washed my mouth immediately and stared at my own reflection in the mirror. I shook my head and cupped my forehead as soon as I felt like throwing up again. I spit yellowish liquid again and while I’m washing my mouth, I feel a warm hand caressing my back.

I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried face was my husband Pierce. I’ve always been thankful that I have him as my best friend and husband but now…I’m losing him. Hopelessly losing him.

“Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? You should’ve told me.”

I stared at him through the mirror. “You didn’t answer my calls.

Guilt flickered in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night.”

I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair.

“Kels…”

“I woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast.”

I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings.

"Kels...... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition......"

“Kels, are we still okay?”

I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? He’s asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own. Just because his first love is back. I can’t believe him.

I faked a smile. “I just don’t feel well today, Pierce.”

He immediately squatted beside me which is not surprising because I know he truly cares. What surprised me is why is he still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart.

“Are you okay?” He gently touched my forehead and neck. “Are you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels.”

“My feelings don’t matter,” I couldn’t help but blurt out. He looked shocked because of what I said.

When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face is mirroring his anger now. He’s completely lost his patience.

“What’s wrong with you, Kels? You’ve been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didn’t come home last night?”

I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier but you just let me wait for the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?”

He clenched his jaws and shook his head. “Kels, I..."

"Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today."

“Kels!” He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. “Are you…in love with me?”

I was taken aback? In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldn’t fall for someone who has been protecting you ever since?

But of course, I can’t tell him. It would only complicate things more. I don’t even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. “Are you on drugs? I’m not in love with you.”

I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I can’t let my emotions affect me but…but why are my tears falling again?

“You are so pathetic, Kelly! You can’t even tell him how you truly feel,” I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily.

It took me almost an hour bathing. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. He’s been constantly abandoning me. I can’t believe we’d reach this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid.

***

“Good morning, Miss Monroe…”

“Good morning, Vice President…”

I did not greet anyone back just like how I used to greet them back. I still feel pissed and my mood seems off. Irritation can easily take over me and I can’t control it. Probably because of Pierce’s divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy.

I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking.

“Did you see her? I bet she’s Mr. Anderson’s girlfriend. They seemed close.”

My forehead creased. Pierce’s girlfriend?

“Ah! It’s a waste that I didn't see her face but I feel like it’s Miss Lexi.”

“Lexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?”

“Yes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together.”

“Come on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together.”

“Are you serious? They’re best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. It’s Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe.”

I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected.

I took a deep breath and sat on my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierce’s social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together. Eating in a fancy restaurant.

I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. Of course, there’s no way I can compete with her in his heart. She’s always the first one and I will always be the last in his priorities.

Down In the Dumps

Kelly’s POV

I was lying on the bed, n*ked under the white sheets. I’m watching Pierce intently as he watched me too while caressing my hair with his fingers. He was looking at me with care, with admiration. My heart is fluttering. He’s my best friend but I feel like we can be beyond that. I’m in love with him. So much in love with him that I feel like I would die if I lost him.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

I swallowed hard as I felt the discomfort between my legs. I gave myself to him last night. After we got married.

“What if I get pregnant?”

He doesn't love me the way I love him. He only married me because of his grandparents. His grandmother is sick and our families are friends. We have been arranged to marry and I never thought he’d agree to this marriage.

He gently caressed my cheek as his eyes softened. “Kels, you know I’m not ready to be a father. I’m not even ready to get married. I just did this because of my grandparents. I know you have the same reason?”

I felt my heart breaking apart from what he said. I gave him a smile even when I was breaking inside. He moved closer to me, hugged me, and gently placed a kiss on my forehead. I sucked my breath and squeezed my eyes closed. This is insane! Really insane! Why did I even fall in love with my best friend?

“Kels…”

“Kelly, wake up…”

Someone shook my shoulders. “Kels, come on! Why did you sleep here?”

I slowly opened my eyes and lifted my face. I realized I fell asleep on my office table and my neck and back are now sore.

“Pierce?” I looked at the man beside me.

“You look tired. Have you been working overtime these past few days?”

I stared at his face. He’s here. Why is he here? From what I remember he went out with his first love. I felt a pang in my chest because of that thought.

“What time is it?”

He smiled. “It’s almost 4 PM. I came with someone.”

“Someone?” My forehead creased as I roamed my eyes and my mood instantly changed after I saw a familiar woman sitting comfortably on the couch while watching her. There was disgust in her eyes but when Pierce looked her way, she immediately flashed a sweet smile.

“I brought Lexi here to talk about our contract with her. She will be our new model.”

I looked at Pierce again with a blank face. Bummer!

“Come here, Lexi. Kels will talk to you about the contract.”

“Contract? She’s supposed to undergo an interview and pass it, Pierce.”

He looked at me and scratched his cheek. “About that, Kels. Can we let her pass without it? You know, for old time’s sake.”

“You’ll do that to just anyone for old time’s sake?”

Pierce’s expression immediately changed. He clenched his jaws and glanced at Lexi while my eyes remained on him, watching his reaction.

“I-It’s okay if I have to undergo an interview, Pierce.”

Lexi stole my attention because of what she said. I looked at her with a stoic expression on my face.

“You must like cutting corners,” I said nonchalantly.

“Kels!” Pierce held my arm and looked at Lexi apologetically.

I clenched my jaws and looked him in the eyes. “You’re the President, Pierce. You can do whatever you want.”

His forehead creased as he slowly shook his head. “What’s our problem, Kels?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head and grabbed my bag as I pulled myself up. I pulled my arm back from him and smiled. “Break a leg.”

“Kels!”

I walked out of my own office with a heavy heart. I kept on clenching my jaws and gritting my teeth. He’s dumb. He’s just handsome but he’s dumb! He dared to bring his first love to talk to me about the d*mn contract? Studpid and insensitive!

“Kelly!”

I ignored him and continued walking. The employees around are watching us but I don’t give a d*mn. I went straight to the elevator and pushed the floor of the basement parking lot. I stared into Pierce’s eyes as the door of the elevator slowly slid closed and he stood in front, staring at my face.

I don’t wanna argue with him about Lexi. So I better leave now and let them do what they want. I just can’t accept the fact that Lexi is so shameless as to show her face to me after she came back like nothing and started treating my gullible husband like a dog.

Luke was already waiting for me in the car when I reached the parking lot. He was puffing a cigarette again but he immediately threw it and stepped on it after he saw me coming.

“Drive home,” I said coldly and entered the car.

I pressed my lips together and sucked my breath, trying to calm myself down. I shouldn’t be weak. For my baby.

“Luke…”

“Yes, ma’am?”

I looked outside the window. I sucked my breath and shook my head, “Nothing.”

When I got home, I immediately cleaned myself up. I took a shower and started cooking dinner for myself. I bet Pierce is already eating with his b*tch of a mistress. It’s making me bitter.

“KELLY!”

I was just about to start eating when I heard Pierce’s angry voice. I lifted my face and looked at him. He rushed to me with an angry face and reddened neck.

“What did you do?”

My forehead creased. “I cooked.”

He pulled his hair and grabbed my shoulders. “You told my father about Lexi! Why did you do that?”

“You recklessly go out with your mistress. Now you’re putting the blame on me? News indeed has wings. Fascinating isn’t it?”

“Don’t go sarcastic on me, Kelly! You know what I truly feel about her. Why are you doing this to me? All I ask is your understanding, Kels! You don’t have to do this!”

I pushed him away angrily. “Why are you taking it out on me? Are you sure that it was me?”

“No one will do this except for you, Kelly! Now I know why something was off. You’re angry with me and now you’re dragging our family into this!”

I laughed sarcastically and pushed the chair away. It fell on the tiled floor, creating a loud thud but I don’t care. I looked him in the eye as I fought the rage in it. He’s acting like this because of his mistress. He’s unbelievable.

“If dumb people could swim, you would be a fish.”

“Don’t turn your back on me—”

“Oh, I will!” I growled angrily as I glared at him. “I would turn my back on you whenever I want, Pierce but you know what? I can’t. I want to but I can’t! Do you understand that? I badly want to leave you now because you’re treating me like trash. You said I’m important to you. You said I’m one of the people you treasure, but this? Is this how you treat your treasure?”

His lips parted as he stared into my eyes. I shook my head with trembling lips.

“You know what? If I were to get rid of her, I would go straight to her and smash her face with a freaking silver baseball bat than play like a stupid housewife. You’re barking at the wrong tree, Pierce.”