Awakening from Marriage

Harold Gabriel has been cheating on me for three years.

I do not agree to get a divorce.

Because I can't accept the failure of my marriage.

Harold and I grew up together, fell in love in college, and got married after graduation.

I believe there has been true love between us.

Then one day, all of a sudden, I had it all figured out. I decided to end this miserable relationship.

Both Harold and I should let it go.

... ...

I go with my parents to Queen's Feast for dinner. My husband Harold owns this restaurant.

Entering the restaurant, I directly walk toward the private room where I usually go for meals.  

The restaurant manager stands in my way, without betraying any emotion. With her trademark smile, she says to me with respect, "Welcome to our restaurant, Mrs. Gabriel."  

I nod at her in response, "I'd like to have what I usually order. Serve it as quickly as possible."  

The manager stands still before me and seems not to do anything, which makes me feel there is something wrong.    

"Mrs. Gabriel, that private room is occupied now. Do you mind if I take you to another room?" she asks me politely.  

"Did Harold come back?" I subconsciously ask her.

"Mr. Gabriel is still on his business trip. But a special guest is using that private room now."

"Are you kidding me? That room is exclusive to Harold's family and is not open to others! As the restaurant manager, how dare you let it be used without permission? Are you..."

"I have permission, Mr. Gabriel's permission," she interrupts me.

"Are you kidding?" I can't believe what she said. I am confused, wearing a vacant expression.

From the manager's eyes, I can feel she shows sympathy toward me.

At that moment, I figure everything out.

A pang of coldness spread from my heart to all over my body.

I can hear my trembling voice when I ask the manager, "Natalia Cooper is in that room, right?"

"Yes."

"Did Harold allow her to use that special room?" I ask.

"Yes," says the manager after a pause. It seems that she doesn't want to hurt me but she still adds, "Mr. Gabriel said Ms. Cooper likes that room so, from now on, she will have exclusive use of that room and have meals there at any time."  

"Exclusive use?" I smile bitterly, "Does it mean that I am not allowed to use that room now?"

The manager doesn't reply but her evasive eyes and lowered head say everything.

"She goes too far!" My mother pushes the manager away and strides to that special room.

"Mom!" I pull her back by the arm, "Don't go."

"Quinn, that woman is sending a defiant message. What are you waiting for?" My mother glares at me, wide-eyed.

My father pulls a long face and walks to me, "If you want to fight, your mother and I will always be your supporters. You are my daughter. You should not be afraid of anything, Quinn."

Not daring to look into my parents' sad eyes, I pull their arms and beg, "Mom, Dad, let's go back home, shall we?"

"Quinn!" My father points at me with disappointment and anger, "My daughter is supposed to be a brave girl. Why did you act like a coward?"

"Dad, Harold did this on purpose. He wants to anger me and then get a divorce," I explain.

"Then get a divorce!" My father says furiously, "You can't live without him?"

"Quinn, what is the point of keeping your marriage like this?" My mother takes my hand and says, "Take my advice. Divorce Harold."

"No!" I cry, "I won't have a divorce."

"You are so blind in love," my father hurried off, irritated, "Whatever you are going to do, I don't care anymore."

My parents leave, leaving me alone standing still in the restaurant.

"Mrs. Gabriel?" A sweet voice comes to my ears.

I hear it and take a glance at the exceedingly fascinating woman who is standing not far away.  

The voice comes from Natalia, Harold's mistress. Well, it is an open secret.

The hand-made couture dress flatters her good figure perfectly.

Red lips and pure and charming eyes, all make Natalia a Ms. Perfect.

It is not a secret that Harold loves Natalia deeply. They often appear together in a high profile.

Hearing 'Mrs. Gabriel' coming out of Natalia's mouth is a taunt to me.