I sat on the kitchen chair and silently scooped for my food while I was surrounded by six maids, waiting for whatever I may order for them to get.

While chewing the food in my mouth I couldn’t help to keep an eye on my husband’s scattered armed personnel. I let out a raw smile and gently shook my head.

Like I said, this is not new to me. Valjerome is a boss of a mafia group so he has so many staff here in the mansion¾protector and killer.

"Be ready."

My husband’s voice caught my attention. I turned to him and saw him seriously walking towards my seat. He is now well dressed, a white v-neck shirt and a faded denim pants. I still want to laugh because he acts like he hasn't done anything wrong to me.

I continued eating my food, "For what?" I asked lazily.

He sat down in the chair next to me and started getting his food. "It is my parents' anniversary. There will be a masquerade ball and they want us to be there," he said formally and started eating.

I just nodded and quietly followed him. This is how we are when we are together. Seems like strangers to each other even though the truth is we’re both married.

"I'll deliver to your room later what you're going to wear." Valjerome looked at me as he wiped his lip.

I just nodded thriftily and then drank water. He was about to stand up from his seat when I lazily leaned against my chair and spoke.

"Are we going to pretend that lovey dovey couple thing again?" I asked sarcastically.

I saw his jaw clenched as he looked at me. "We're leaving at 11pm," he said instead of answering and then left me alone in the kitchen.

Yeah, they were like that¾celebrations at midnight.

I faked a laugh and shook my head. "I hope there's always a party," I whispered to myself as I thought that it was only there where he was treating me nicely.

WEARING a gold backless dress with a plunging neckline pair with my silver stilettos, I walked down the staircase confidently. Downstairs, Valjerome was waiting, staring at me intently. If I didn’t know him I would think he was mesmerized by my aura.

I cleared my throat when I am finally in front of him and averted my eyes, awkwardness suddenly filled my thoughts.

"Let's go," I confirmed in my straight voice, I was about to pass him by, but I was startled when he carefully held my arm.

I glanced at him. He was staring at me as if he was memorizing all the sides of my face. I held my breath as he slowly approached and pulled a few strands of my hair from my neck. I stiffened even more as he thoroughly tilted his head towards me.

What is he doing?

I couldn't help, but close my eyes when his breath hit my neck. There’s something tickling my system that makes me goose bumps. I only opened my eyes when I felt a little cold above my chest — a necklace.

I blinked several times and unbelievably stared at it. Valjerome distanced himself and looked at me, emotionless.

"W-What's this?"

His forehead knotted and glanced on the necklace he just put. "You do not know what’s that?" he asked in sarcastic tone.

The nervousness and awkwardness I felt earlier gradually disappeared. I rolled my eyes at him and stared again at the necklace.

"Thanks," I said simply despite of my hundred thoughts.

It was just a simple diamond infinity necklace, but it really means a lot to me.

This was the first time he bought something for me for all those years that we'd been married. He usually just deposits money in my bank account and lets me buy what I want to.

"Erase that smile of yours. Do not misunderstand that thing. I just bought that to grab attention and show them that I'm giving you gifts as my wife. Let's go."

My smile before has faded so quickly after hearing what he has said. I watched him walk out of the mansion. I laughed and looked up to hold back the tears I was shedding.

"Yeah right, Jazzie. What do you expect from your ruthless husband?" I murmured to myself and followed him after I composed myself.

We had a quiet journey in his limousine. Both of us looked out of the windows and did not bother to touch each other.

"Do not go away from me when we get there," he said coldly as he remained his stare outside the window.

"Okay," I instantly replied and leaned myself back on the seat.

I am still tired, but I need to do this for his parents. I couldn’t help but smile in my mind as I remembered how good his parents were to me. I am an orphan, my father and mother died due to a car accident. Valjerome's parents were the one who adopted me¾fed, clothed, educated and much more. I have never been ignorant of the organization they are running, even if it is bad for others, I can't look at it that way. How can I do that when they are the ones who saved and gave direction to my life?

We have finally arrived at the event hall in a few minutes. I put on my gold mask where only half of my face is hidden, before I even got out of the car. Valjerome did the same then we made our way in together. His right hand was wrapping around my waist possessively as if he was showing to everyone that I am his. Our faces may not be seen entirely, but we still caught the eyes of the audience, maybe that's how strong his presence was. From the VIP seat Valjerome's parents, especially his mother, quickly stood up and then greeted us.

"Hija!" full of joy, she called then kissed me on the cheek, not even paying attention to his son next to me.

"Happy anniversary, Mom," I said sparingly and smiled back at her.

"Thank you. You are so sexy and gorgeous, hija. No wonder why the men stare at you intimately," the lady teased in amazement.

I just joined in her laughter even though I could feel my husband's dark aura.

"Dyrhaia, why don't you offer them to sit first so they can already eat," Valjerome's father whispered and nodded at me gently.

I bowed my head as respect and smiled a little.

"Why did you take so long? I thought you weren't coming," Mom said to Valjerome.

He let out a chuckle and kissed his mother's cheek. "I'm sorry, Mom. I let my wife rest before we came here. She just finished her photoshoot earlier," he explained calmly and then tightened his hand on my waist.

I tried hard not to roll my eyes.

"We're still not late after all. We just missed your speech," he added, teasing his mom.

I always see this side of him every time we're with his parents, but I am still in dazed every time he smiled.

"Alright. Sit down and eat," Valjerome's father invited.

We immediately followed his wishes. We sat down and ate light snacks while telling stories about our life as a married couple. As usual, my husband and I are asked about our lives.

"When will you give us a grandson, hija?" Valjerome's father said as he smiled in curiosity, caused me to choke on my own saliva.

Valjerome quickly gave me water and gently caressed my back.

"Are you okay, hija?" Mom asked worriedly.

I nodded and tried to smile. "I’m okay," I replied and sat properly

"Oh God, Civor? You're surprising the kids," Mom restrained Dad.

Dad's lips parted slightly, Valjerome and I looked at each other. I do not know what my husband’s reaction was. All I knew was that he was watching me even though I wasn’t looking at him.

"They've been married for more than two years, dear. It's time for them to give us a grandchild," Dad teased.

I blushed because of that.

"Next month."

We both looked at Valjerome as he spoke seriously.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

What is he talking about?

I was caught off guard when he suddenly pulled my nape for a deep kiss. It was as if my heart would explode with the speed of its beat as Valjerome's lips were touching mine¾insanely exhausting.

He slowly broke his kiss and sharply looked around before sitting back on his seat. "Expect your grandson next month," he whispered as if it was a very easy thing and then scooped up the dessert in front of his plate.

My mouth parted in disbelief. My face went even hotter to the thought of what he said.

Oh God! Tell me he was just acting.

The party went on. The audience began to dance by partners just like Valjerome's parents. I couldn’t help but smile and be jealous of the couple. Today is their 50th anniversary, yet the love in their eyes were still intact.

"You're drinking too much," a deep voice whispered beside me.

I slowly glanced at him and smiled. "Are you going to stop me from this too?" I laughed and shook my head as I drunk the whiskey that I was holding.

I guess, I’m really drunk because I can now answer him in a pedantic way without feeling nervous. Well, I am always like this when drunk. It was like I'm opening a door from a room I'm locked in.

I do not know how many shots I've had. All I know is that I’m putting all my frustrations right now through drinking¾with my husband, with this necklace and with our lives living with each other.

"Oh, son. Why don't you dance with Jazzie? It's getting late, it was a pity if you do not make the most of coming here," asked Valjerome's father when they returned to our table.

It was already dawn.

"Jazzie's tired, dad," Valjerome replied simply as he gently put his arms around my shoulder.

I wanted to scoffed, but I refused to. He just doesn't want dance with me.

"Excuse me, I'll just go to the restroom," I politely said to everyone, including my husband.

"I’ll go with you," he said and quickly supported me as I stood up.

"I can handle myself," I snapped and pushed him slightly to have distance between the two of us.

Even though he still wears a masked, I could feel the tension of his clenching jaw. "I will go with you," he said in dismissive tone and guided me for a walk.

I just bit my lower lip and drifted as he pulled me along. When we reached the bathroom he just let me go and leaned against the wall as if he is telling me that he will wait for me.

I was blown away and did what had to be done. I peed and then retouched a bit. Although I do not want to always put any make ups on my face, I have no choice because I am carrying a reputation. After retouching, I decided to go out of the bathroom. As much as my knees shook at the sight, I smiled bitterly and began to walk away — leaving my husband kissing another woman.

Instead of going back to the table where Valjerome’s parents were, I directly went to the mini bar counter on the side. I immediately asked the bartender for a margarita and quickly gulped it down once he filled it up. Not minding the lime here, nor the salt.

I continued drinking until my surrounding’s already spinning. I laughed for a moment because minutes have passed but my husband was still not looking for me.

Can't he see me?

Or is he just not looking for me because he was doing something disgusting right now?

With that thought, I drank another shot. I was about to order again when a man approached by my side and offered his hand to me. I stared at him with dizzy eyes. Half of his face was behind a black mask but that didn't make me mesmerized about him. His ocean blue eyes captured my entire attention.

"Why don't you dance with me, gorgeous lady? I swear it's more fun than drowning yourself in alcohol," he uttered in a manly voice.

I couldn't answer right away and just kept staring into his beautiful eyes. I was about to speak when a strong arm wrapped around my waist with possession. I just closed my eyes and leaned on him, I already knew the presence of my husband by the scent.

"You're hitting on my wife, mister," Valjerome said in a stiff tone.

Silence prevailed over them. I only heard the music all over the place so I slowly opened my eyes. I saw the guy staring at me instead of talking to my husband.

"You do not deserve someone like him," he said and walked away.

I could feel Valjerome's hard grip based on his heavy breath. I could assure that if I wasn’t leaning on him, he would have quickly followed the man and killed him right away. I just closed my eyes again and let myself jailed by his body.

I felt that he was carrying me carefully so I slowly opened my eyes again. Our eyes met. I couldn't read the emotion on his face but I just chose to smile thriftily

"No one deserves you better than me," I whispered and finally drifted to oblivion.

I woke up as if my head was being hit by a loader. "Fvck!" I cursed out and massage my temples.

I slowly opened my eyes and was so shocked when I saw Valjerome standing on the side of my bed. One of his hands was in his pocket and I could see the slight tension in his jaw.

"Get up and eat. I'm going to work," he said in an emotionless way.

I blinked and stared at him several times.

What?

Am I hallucinating?

Is he talking to me now?

"Aren’t you going to speak?" he asked frowning.

I fell silent and averted my eyes. "Be careful," I stuttered in a low tone.

I heard him scoffed. I was surprised when he suddenly bent down and held my chin towards him.

"Is that all?" he asked while staring at me.

I was swallowed. "A-what ..." I trailed off.

What should I say?

"Souvenir?" I added.

He raised an eyebrow and released me slowly. I heard him cursed silently as he brushed his hair through his fingers.

"What will you do today? I heard you cleared your schedule," he casually asked.

I looked away when I remembered the reason why I cancelled my schedule for this week.

"No. I'm just going to rest here, I'm got tired of the consecutive shoot," I lied.

He stared at me.

"W-What... I'm going to get ready and go down for breakfast." I quickly got up and went to the bathroom to avoid him.

I looked in the big mirror and my face turned red when I noticed that I was now home.

He dressed me up again!

I jumped a little when I heard a knock outside the bathroom. "Why?" curiously biting my lip.

"I'm going," he informed.

I could not answer immediately. I heard her footsteps leave as I quickly opened the door. He stopped walking and frowned at me.

"A-ahm... Are you coming..." I bit my lower lip and met his gaze, "home early?" I carefully said.

He didn't answer, he just kept staring at me like I am a solving puzzle.

"I'll try," he answered sparingly and then finally left my room.

I couldn’t help but smile as I went back inside the bathroom.

Maybe he also remembered what we have today that's why he was acting nice.

I happily took a shower and groomed myself. I was still in the room, but I'm already planning what should I cook for tonight. Valjerome maybe a mafia boss, but he still has his legal company to take care of. He is running a company named ABCD Construction Corporation — a leading engineering and infrastructure firm here in the Philippines.

I blew dry my hair and finally went out of my room. I was happily whistling as I walked down the hallway when I was interrupted by a woman coming out of my husband’s room. All the joy and happiness I had felt disappeared so quickly. My memory came back to me last night when I stared at her face.

She's that girl. She was the one who he was kissing with last night.

I secretly smiled bitterly and reluctantly continued to walk. I even met Valjerome’s right hand Jaime climbing the stairs. I know at that moment, Valjerome ordered him to kill the girl.

"Oh, hija. Eat all of these, I cooked a lot today," Manang greeted me with joy.

I forced a smile and sat on the chair. I couldn’t swallow my food, Manang seemed to notice my lethargic aura so she sat in the chair next to me and gently caressed my shoulder.

"You alright?" worriedly she inquired.

I lazily curved up my lip and nodded.

"Did your husband greet you?" she asked cautiously.

I stopped scooping my food and tremblingly dropped the spoon I was holding. I glanced at Manang and smiled again despite a lone tear fell on my cheek.

"I guess he doesn't even remember our wedding anniversary today..."

Despite my loneliness, I still forced myself to prepare a dinner date when the night came, hoping that he'll celebrate with me on this special day.

After decorating the kitchen, I decided then to go upstairs to change my clothes. Somehow, I felt a little excitement as I look for a dress.

I chose a pinkish above the knee tube dress and carried it to the bathroom. I took a shower and fixed myself after. I put some more powder on my face and a little pigment of liptint on my lips before I moved quickly when I heard the engine of Valjerome's car.

I may feel so nervous, but I couldn't help to laugh, thinking that we still lasted this long despite the way he treated me.

I walked over to my window and watched him arrived. My remaining delight was erased instantly the moment he got out of his car with a woman hugging him. I bit my lip as they started kissing as if they were the only person around. I held my chest and tightly closed my eyes as my tears fell.

"H-Happy anniversary..." I whispered and hurriedly walk towards my bed.

I lied down and let my tears flowed. I cried over my pillow and silently asked myself why.

Why can't he love me back?

Why don’t he try loving me?

I remained in that situation until I decided to leave the room. I was walking silently on the hallway until I stopped at Valjerome's room. I smiled bitterly as I thought of the scene happening inside. Instead of staying in front of his door I continued walking until I made it downstairs. Even though the scattered staff didn't pay attention to me, I knew that their pity for me was there.

"Hija," there was sympathy in Manang's voice the moment she approached me.

I forced myself to smile. "Has he eaten?" I strained to stabilize my voice.

Manang shook her head slowly. "They immediately went to his room. He didn't even notice the surprise you prepared for him," she said. "Do you want me to call him and tell to go down?"

I shook my head quickly. "No. It was better that he didn't even see me because...I’ll still be embarrassed in the end," I sobbed.

Manang took a deep breath and then hugged me. "Just break up with him, dear," she whispered.

I slowly shook my head and bit my lower lip to suppress my tears.

I still can. I can still handle it.

I let go of Manang’s arms and smiled. "You can go to sleep. I'll take care of the kitchen. I'll just drink a little to make myself to bed.

She looked at me softly and caressed my face. "I am just here, hija."

I nodded slowly in understanding of what she said.

Like I said, I took care of cleaning the kitchen. I put the leftovers in the containers while I gave some of the foods to Valjerome’s men. After that I went to the mini bar counter of the house and poured myself a wine.

I started drinking as I let myself drowned on my own thoughts. I remembered the times we pretended to love each other in front of other people because that was the only memory, I could say, was happy throughout our togetherness. I was already on my third bottle of wine when I smelled Valjerome’s familiar scent. With my sleepy eyes, I turned to him as he sat in the high chair next to me.

"You should sleep. You've already drank a lot," he said coldly while staring at me.

I scoffed and laughed sarcastically. "As if you do care, Valjerome," I shook my head and then poured the wine into my glass.

"Enough, Jazzie," he said sternly while holding my hand to get the glass from me.

I stared at his hand and chuckled painfully. "Now you're holding me," I said in amazement and sadness before looking up at him.

My eyes began to tear up as I looked at his eyes. "Why? Why don't you just take me with you, Valjerome? Why do not have sex with me instead? I can also give you what they give you. I can fill your needs as a man so why not me?” I shouted resentfully and finally burst into tears.

He did not move from his position. He just let me cry and talk all by myself.

"I love you. I do love you! We are already married, but why do you have to treat me like this? Did I do something wrong to you? Have I sinned in order for you to punish me like this?" I tried to hit him in the chest but due to drunkenness, I just stoop low.

I cried hard to let him know my pain. He did not speak. Instead, he gently wrapped his hand around me in support.

"I'll bring you to your room," he said hoarsely as I felt him caressing my hair.

I didn't say a word and just quietly sobbed into his chest. We stayed like that for a few minutes until he carefully lifted me up. I leaned my head against his chest and closed my eyes as he started walking.

"Can you stay with me for tonight?" I murmured, still not opening my eyes.

I no longer expected him to grant my request. I knew he'll object, but I still want to try.

He didn't answer my question until I felt him tucking me in my bed. I didn't even try to open my eyes and just hugged my pillow sideways. Waiting to cry again once he left the room.

I held my breath as the other side of my bed sank. I slowly open my eyes and looked around when he spoke immediately.

"Just sleep, Jazzie. Do not ever dare to look back," he said lazily with his bedroom voice.

I blinked a few times as I properly laid back to my position.

"Rest now, Jazzie, or else I'll leave this fvcking room," he warned.

I instantly closed my eyes. Despite of the pain and frustration I have felt, I still couldn’t help but rejoice in the little time he had given me.

"Goodnight, hubby..." I whispered unconsciously before I finally fell into dreaming.

The next morning I woke up with a throbbing head and a broken heart as I saw an empty space beside me.

Yeah, right. Everything will always be the same.