Pov Esther
As soon as the door closes, I burst out laughing.
No… a real fit of laughter, uncontrollable, violent. My stomach hurts from it. My shoulders shake, my eyes fill with tears. All the stress I've built up over these hours disappears in one instant.
I think I can finally say it:
I got my revenge. I think he deserved it.
I start laughing again when I remember the look on his face when I said, straight into his eyes:
"I don't know him."
His frozen expression, his surprise, his anger held back behind that cold mask he wears so well. Just for that… it was worth it.
I finally breathe out, relieved by what I did but still shaken by the last bursts of laughter. And he really deserved it. Did he really think I was going to let him come in here in that state?
His shirt half open, his hair messy and that… that lipstick stain on his collar. I'm sure he was with a woman. Sure.
And that they… Good Lord.
I shake my head.
I refuse to imagine the rest. I refuse to hurt myself with images that might not even exist. And besides, I just made him lose control. He was two seconds away from exploding. I saw it in his eyes. That raw tension, that anger he was trying to contain—it was really funny.
I look at the time. 1:30 a.m. The night is heavy. Silent, just the way I like it.
I put on my pajamas, the ones that still smell like laundry and a little like home. Mina made sure to bring me some clothes. That small gesture warms my heart.
I lie down on the bed, smiling, still thinking about his face. Honestly… I will never forget that shocked expression he made. I was lost in my own thoughts when my phone vibrates.
It's a new phone… I bought it because the old one ended up in pieces because of that sick man, Malik. Just thinking about him still tightens my chest.
I pick up the device.
Mom.
Ah… Mom. It hasn't even been twenty-four hours since I left and I already miss her. It's crazy how a mother's love crosses everything. Even distance and never gives you a break.
I answer with a deliberately cheerful voice, almost too cheerful:
— Hello, my dear mom whom I love more than anything.
— Hello… are you okay, my daughter? I hope I'm not disturbing you.
— No, Mom, I'm fine. And you? Did you arrive safely?
— Yes, we arrived very well.
— And Dad and Mina, are they okay?
— Yes, they're fine. Mina is sleeping and your father just fell asleep too. The trip was exhausting, so they're resting. I just wanted to check on you.
A mother's love is truly incredible. She's tired but prefers to talk to me instead of sleeping. I adore my mother.
— Ah Mom, I'm fine. You should go rest.
— That's good… I was very worried about you.
She pauses.
— And my son-in-law… he's fine, I hope? Is he with you?
I sit up immediately in the bed.
My heart skips a beat.
If my mother knew what I just did…
She would take the first plane just to yell at me.
— Uh… yes… well… no…
— Yes or no, Esther? she asks, already irritated.
I grimace. If I say yes, she'll tell me to pass him the phone, and if I say no, she'll ask too many questions.
— Esther, I'm asking you a question, so answer me.
— No…
— What do you mean no? He should be there with you at this hour. Where did he go?
I can feel it—she won't let it go. She'll keep pulling until the truth comes out.
I sigh, defeated, and improvise:
— He just went out to buy something to eat. And if you're wondering why we didn't order from the restaurant… your son-in-law doesn't really like the hotel food.
— Alright, I hope for your sake that you haven't done anything foolish.
— No, I didn't do anything, I say, smiling despite myself.
— Alright, if you say so… and did you pack your suitcases?
I frown. My smile instantly fades.
— My suitcases? What are you talking about, Mom? I thought we were supposed to stay here a week before going back.
— Your husband didn't tell you that you're returning earlier? His grandmother wants to see her grandson… and her new granddaughter.
— What do you mean, Mom… I… you know I don't know anyone there, except Dad (my father-in-law), I murmur, gripping the phone a little too tightly.
— Then ask him to tell you about his family.
I stay silent for a few seconds.
Suddenly, I lack the courage.
After what I just did to him… will he even want to talk to me anymore? Will he even feel like it? I realize that what made me laugh a few minutes ago almost scares me now.
— Mom… I finally say, my voice lower, more trembling. Do you really think it's that simple?
— Of course it is. He's your husband, Esther. His family is yours now.
Maybe… but I'm not ready to face that. Not now.
— I don't want to be a burden, Mom. I don't want to show up like a stranger who bothers everyone.
— My daughter… no one married you for you to be a burden.
Her voice is soft and reassuring.
— You are his wife. You have your place. Wherever he is.
I close my eyes and breathe out to release the tension.
— Mom… I… I…
My voice breaks.
The words get lost somewhere between my throat and my lips. I don't know what to say anymore. Everything is mixing in my head. Fear, anger, pride, doubt.
I feel like I'm trapped in a bubble.
A suffocating bubble. As if the world keeps turning around me, but I… I remain frozen inside.
Silence settles on the other end of the phone.
— Are you scared? she asks gently.
My heart tightens. She knows me too well.
— A little… I admit in a whisper.
— You mustn't be afraid, my dear. It's normal. Listen… do one thing for me. Rest. Talk to your husband tomorrow. Tell him how you feel. Tell him what worries you. Talk to him. Trust him.
Trust. The word echoes in my head like an echo.
Trust.
Trust.
Trust.
She's asking me to trust him… when that man doesn't even trust me. He doubts me. He imposes his decisions. He wants to decide for me. And sometimes, I feel like he doesn't even respect me. And I'm supposed to offer him my trust?
— Mom… I can't. It's too soon for me and… I can't.
My voice trembles. It's no longer pride, it's panic.
— Listen, Esther… you know very well that one day or another, you'll meet them. So stop this nonsense, she says in a firmer tone. You know me. You know what I'm capable of, so stop making me lose patience and behave like a woman. You're not a little girl anymore. And yes… I was about to forget to tell you… you're going to spend three months in the family house. With his whole family.
My heart skips a beat. Three months in the family house with his whole family, and she announces it just like that.
Suddenly, I can't breathe. I jump out of bed and start pacing around the room. My hands become clammy, my breathing quickens, my mind spins at full speed.
I'm stressed.
No.
I'm terrified.
Even for my final exams, I wasn't in this state. Even facing the most important tests of my life, I never felt this crushing pressure.
But this… isn't an exam.
It's his family.
Their looks. Their judgments. Their questions. Their expectations.
And me, in the middle.
I stop abruptly, my hand against the wall.
What if they don't accept me?
What if I'm not good enough?
What if I make a mistake?
My heart is beating so hard I feel like it's going to burst out of my chest.
Three months… With him. With them.
And I'm not even sure I'm ready to face him… so his whole family?
I close my eyes, tears threatening to fall.
I wanted revenge. I wanted a little power. And now… I feel like the ground is slipping from under my feet.
— Mom, I can't… Three months is too much. I'm not ready. Mom, please… tell Dad (my father-in-law) to cancel. It's too much, I'm begging you.
My voice breaks on the last words. I hate begging. But right now… I don't control anything anymore.
— Stop that, Esther. You're not a little girl anymore. I'm telling you to behave like a woman. You're married now.
Her words hit me, hard but not cruel.
I stop near the window, staring into the darkness. I think too much, and the more I think, the more fear settles in.
— Listen, my dear… she continues, her voice suddenly softer. I know you're afraid. And it's normal. But don't close yourself off before even trying. You're strong. Courageous. So stop being afraid.
Her words warm my chest a little… but not enough to silence this anxiety squeezing my ribs.
— They are his people, Esther… she continues. And now… they are yours too. Confide in your husband. Trust him as well. You've never run away from a challenge standing in front of you… and you won't do it now.
I close my eyes. A knot forms in my stomach.
A mix of fear and wounded pride. Maybe she's right… Maybe I'm running away before even falling. And that's not like me.
— Alright, Mom… I whisper.
— I already had your clothes sent there, my mother adds as if she's announcing the weather. And… your mother-in-law is very eager to see you.
— Are you sure?
She laughs softly on the other end of the line.
— Yes, she said she can't wait to see her daughter-in-law. She wants to get to know you, to see you for real, to talk to you, to hold your hands. You are her one and only daughter-in-law, Esther… she already loves you. She is kind. We've already gotten along, and truly, she is gentle.
— Do you think they'll love me? Do you think they'll like me… accept me?
— Of course they'll love you, all of them! Who could not love you? she says, laughing.
Her laughter is bright. It warms me a little.
— We spent time with them, she continues more seriously. They are really very kind. I dealt with them and they were all adorable. On that side, you have nothing to worry about. You don't need to play a role. Just be yourself.
I slowly sit on the edge of the bed. The mattress sinks under my weight as if even it feels my exhaustion.
— Alright, Mom… I murmur. But if I run away after three days, you won't say anything.
She bursts out laughing, a real, sincere laugh.
— Deal, my daughter. But I know you won't run away. You've never done it. You've never run away from your problems.
Her words touch me and comfort me. Only she can calm my torment and put me back on the right path.
— I love you, Mom.
— I love you too.
I hang up gently.
The phone falls back onto the bed beside me.
The silence returns, heavier than before.
I stay there, motionless, staring at the ceiling. My heart feels tight. Trapped between two opposite emotions: the fear of what awaits me…
But her words come back.
"Trust him."
How do you trust a man so cold, so distant, sometimes so arrogant?
How do you open your heart to someone who always seems to keep his locked?
And the worst part…
He dared to abandon me in that restaurant. He left me alone.
To join another woman. And anyway… I don't care. He can do whatever he wants.
After a moment, my phone starts ringing again.
I flinch slightly.
Leila.
I stare at her name on the screen.
And I already know that with her… I won't be able to pretend. Besides, I really wanted to talk to her. I answer.
Besides… I really wanted to talk to her.
I pick up.
— Hello?
— Hello, Mrs. Arrison, how are you?
I immediately roll my eyes.
— Don't ever call me that again.
She bursts out laughing on the other end.
— Ohhh, what's wrong? Why are you so grumpy tonight? Don't tell me your grumpy mister passed his grumpiness to you? Or that he didn't satisfy you…
And she starts laughing uncontrollably again.
That girl is never serious. She loves making fun of me, especially when I'm already at my limit.
— Leila, stop making fun of me or I'm hanging up.
— Okay, okay! I'll stop! So tell me… I hope I'm not bothering you?
— No, you're not bothering me.
— And Tony, how is he? I hope he went easy on you… she says, laughing again.
I clench my jaw.
— Leila, I swear I'm going to hang up if you don't stop.
— Okay, okay! I'm stopping. You didn't get hurt, I hope? she adds, laughing even harder.
I don't even listen anymore. I hang up.
I stare at the black screen for a few seconds, annoyed.
That girl loves provoking me too much.
And then what?
What exactly did he expect us to do?
Never. I say never, I will not give myself to that man. Never will I let him put his hands on me.
Even less… touch me as if he had the right. It is out of the question that I give my body and soul to someone who doesn't love me. And whom I don't love either. No.
That, never.
Barely a few seconds after hanging up…
My phone starts vibrating again.
I stare at it.
Leila. Again. I sigh deeply, torn between annoyance and the irresistible urge to answer. Because despite everything… she is the only one with whom I can be completely myself. Without a mask. Without misplaced pride.
— What now, Leila?
— Hey! You don't hang up on people like that, Mrs. Sensitive Bride!
I close my eyes, but this time, a small smile escapes me despite myself.
— You're unbearable.
— Yes, but you love me. Now… seriously. What's going on? Your mother told me you're supposed to go back tomorrow to your in-laws' house.
— Yes, I say in a small voice.
— Esther, what's wrong?
Her tone has changed.
Softer. More attentive.
I stay silent for a few seconds. My throat tightens. Because as soon as someone asks me if I'm really okay… everything threatens to spill out.
— I don't know where to start.
— Start from the beginning.
I take a deep breath and speak.
— When we were in the car… he asked me who Malik Belrose was.
— And what did you answer?
— I said it was none of his business. That he had no right to interfere in my life.
— You really said that? Are you serious?
— Yes. I said it.
— But why didn't you simply explain that he was your ex? A psychopath who's obsessed with you?
I look away.
— Because I didn't want to. I didn't want to tell him everything as if he had a right over my past.
— Hmm… I don't always understand you, but go on.
I grip the phone tighter.
— Then… we argued.
— You argued on the night of your wedding?
— And that's not even the worst part.
— Because you did worse?
I shake my head.
— Yes… well no. It was him, not me.
— Esther… I know you. I'm sure you had something to do with it.
I let out a small sigh.
— What? Why does it have to be me? You should listen before drawing conclusions, okay?
— Lol… okay sorry, I'm listening.
— I was saying… so we argue. But while we were talking, his phone kept ringing. So he answered, and he was shouting at the person on the other end. After that, he looked angry, so he stopped asking me questions… and I was fine with that. I stayed quiet during the drive. I was hungry… I hadn't eaten anything since that morning. While he was driving, I saw a restaurant. I told him to stop, which he did. But before getting out, I told him to wait for me, not to leave. He told me ten minutes, otherwise he would leave without me. I thought it was a threat… that he would never dare. But when I came out of the restaurant… he was gone. Yes, I stayed longer than I should have, but it wasn't intentional. I walked a bit to find a taxi… nothing. No taxi. I was just furious at him… he had abandoned me. Then a man dressed in black came and told me that he was the one who had sent him. At first, I hesitated… but I remembered seeing him talk to Tony at the town hall. So I assumed he was his guard. I got in, and he drove me to the hotel. And now, tell me… am I at fault in this story?
— Well… I admit he made a mistake. Did you ask him where he was?
— No.
— What do you mean, no? Did he at least come back?
I stay silent. I don't know what to answer. The words get stuck in my throat. It's too… too complicated to explain right now, but I have no choice, it has to come out.
— Esther… did Tony come back, yes or no?
— Uh… yes… well… no…
— What do you mean "yes well no"? Is he with you right now?
— Actually… he was there… but… I say, pausing.
— But what, Esther?
I take a breath.
— He was there with… two security guards.
— What?! Why? What did he do?
— I don't know… I swear I don't know. But I didn't want to let him in because…
— WHAT DO YOU MEAN you didn't want to let him in?!
— Stop yelling! You're hurting my ears… and let me finish!
A silence settles. I swallow.
— Go on… I hope you have a very good explanation.
— I was telling you he was there… with two security guards. And I didn't want to let him in.
— Why?
— Because I didn't want to, simply. I told the guards that I didn't know him.
— …You're serious right now?
— Yes.
— Do you even realize what you just did?
— Yes, I know exactly what I did, so don't judge me, I say angrily. If you had seen the state he was in…
— What state?
— His hair messy. His shirt half open. And… lipstick on his collar. I'm almost sure he was with a woman.
— But that's not a reason. And are you sure about what you're saying?
— Why don't you believe me? And why do you always seem to take his side?
— I'm not on anyone's side, Esther. But don't you think you should ask him before jumping to conclusions?
— I have nothing to ask him. I'm sure he was with a woman. My intuition never lies to me.
— Maybe… but intuition can be wrong too. You should analyze things instead of acting in haste. You've always known how to think before acting, so why not now?
— Because I don't need to analyze anything. The facts are there.
— The facts? Or what you want to see?
I sigh, annoyed.
— He had lipstick on his collar, what more do you want?
— And did you ask him for an explanation?
— No.
— That's the problem, Esther. You condemn without hearing the defense.
I stay quiet.
— If your mother finds out what you did… be sure you won't have a single peaceful quarter of an hour.
I remain silent, motionless for a minute. She's right. If my mother finds out what I did… she'll be disappointed, really disappointed. And that, I'm not sure I could handle.
— Esther… you should apologize.
— Never.
— Why are you so stubborn?
— It's not stubbornness… it's pride.
— No, Esther. This time, you acted wrong.
— Oh really? When it's him, it's fine. But when it's me, it becomes serious?
— I never said that.
— I didn't do anything wrong. I just told the security guards that I didn't know him. That's all.
— "That's all"? Do you realize what that means?
I cross my arms, even though she can't see me.
— And abandoning me in a restaurant, that's less serious maybe?
— This isn't a competition of "who did worse," Esther.
— Yes, I admit… what I did wasn't good. But he still sent a guard to pick me up. Do you find that normal?
— Exactly! He sent someone to bring you back safely. So why are you getting so worked up? Listen, Esther… you're a thoughtful girl. Stop overthinking. Go ask him for explanations. And while you're at it, ask him questions about his family too.
— I'm not going anywhere. Let him go back to the other woman.
A silence settles on the other end of the line.
— Leila? Are you there?
— Yes, I'm here.
— Why aren't you saying anything?
— Esther… you're jealous.
I let out a laugh. A nervous, dry laugh. Not a happy one.
— Me? Jealous? Never. You're jealous of someone you love. And I don't love anyone.
— Are you sure you don't feel anything for Tony?
— Sure and certain. I feel nothing for him.
— Then why do you talk so much about that so-called woman? Why does she bother you so much?
— Because…
The word gets stuck in my throat.
Why do I talk about her so much? Why does that image still haunt me?
I don't even know myself.
— Because she left lipstick marks on your husband, Leila insists. That's what made you lose control. Dare to say otherwise.
— That's false! It's not because of that. It's because he abandoned me on the road.
— Damn Esther, you're annoying at this point. Always the same story… you're not even credible, he sent someone to pick you up, so why are you still stuck on this?
I don't answer.
Silence settles between us. And for the first time, doubt slowly slips into me. Maybe I'm exaggerating. Maybe I'm mixing everything up.
— You just got married, she continues. It hasn't even been twenty-four hours and you're already fighting. That's not good. In a couple, you need to—
— What couple? I interrupt her. Who told you I was in a couple?
— Esther… you're married.
— Being married doesn't mean being in a couple.
— Stop. If you want it to work, you have to make efforts.
— And who told you I want it to work? Not me.
Silence. Then she sighs.
— You know what? I give up. When you have something in your head, it's impossible to change your mind. So do whatever you want.
— Yes, I'll do whatever I want. And I say I will never be in a couple with that man.
She exhales deeply on the other end.
— Fine… but at least go apologize. Just put your pride aside and go talk to him.
— Leila, I can't.
— Esther, you really should go. And it's for your own good. You should already learn more about your in-laws. Imagine when you arrive there and meet your sisters-in-law… what if they're mean?
I grimace. I hadn't thought about that. What if she's right? I sigh to push away that thought.
— I don't think they're mean.
— Really? What do you prefer? Arriving there with tension between you two? Or arriving at least somewhat united?
I stay silent.
Because despite everything I say…
the idea of facing his family with this discomfort between us gives me a weight in my stomach.
— You see… she continues more softly. You don't have to love him today. But you can at least try to understand.
I stare at the wall in front of me. Try. That word tires me almost as much as it frightens me.
— I'll do my best… but I promise nothing.
— You better. Otherwise, when you go to your in-laws', you might have a rough time.
— Hmm… thanks for the comfort, really. I don't know what I would do without you.
— I know. You love me a lot. And I trust you.
A small smile forms despite me.
— I'll try. I promise.
— You should. Well… they just announced my flight, I have to go. We'll talk later.
— Okay. Take care of yourself.
— Always. See you, Mrs. Stubborn.
— Leila…
But she has already hung up.
The silence falls back into the room.
I stare at the black screen for a few seconds before gently placing the phone beside me.
"I'll try."
The words still echo in my head.
Try what exactly?
To apologize? To talk to him? Not to explode at the slightest word?
I let out a long sigh.
Maybe, for once… I should swallow my pride.
But my heart hasn't decided yet if it's ready.
Pdv Malik
— YOU FAILED! YOU'RE AN IDIOT, A GOOD-FOR-NOTHING! INCAPABLE! YOU DISGRACE ME! he shouts, and each word hits me like a punch.
I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms to contain my hatred.
— YOU FAILED AGAIN! YOU LET HER MARRY THAT MAN! OUR ONLY CHANCE TO DESTROY ALEX BESSON! YOU LET HER GO!
His words echo in my head, burning my skull. Every syllable is a blade that cuts a little deeper into my pride already raw. I feel my jaws tighten, my temples throb painfully.
— Dad… I murmur finally, my voice trembling, weak.
— Dad… I murmur finally, my voice trembling, weak.
— STOP! I don't want excuses, Malik. You've disappointed me.
His words are harsher than his shouts.
— We were so close… so close. But you had to let her go. She was there. The only… I mean the only weakness of Alex. And you, you did nonsense by letting her go.
He exhales loudly, as if to contain the rest of his anger. His fingers clench on the back of the chair.
— Now, she's tied to that family. Reaching her will be difficult. Very difficult. She's out of our reach.
I lift my head slightly despite the pain coursing through my body.
— Dad… I won't let her go with him.
He fixes me with a cold, almost lucid gaze.
— It's already done.
Silence falls between us.
— Tony Arrison is not just anyone, Malik. He's an influential man. Arrogant. Mysterious. And above all… dangerous. From what I know of him, he doesn't share what belongs to him.
The word pierces me: "Belongs."
My jaw tightens.
— She doesn't belong to him. I shout with anger.
— In the eyes of the world, yes. And in the eyes of the law too.
I turn my gaze away, rage burning through my veins.
— I will find a way.
My father studies me for a long moment.
— If you want to get her back, it will no longer be a matter of emotion. It will be a matter of strategy. You've already failed once by acting with your heart. He leans in slightly. Next time… you'll have to act with your head.
After these words, he leaves and slams the door shut.
I close my eyes for a second.
With my head. I let out a joyless laugh, a nervous laugh.
After that accident, I wake up on this hospital bed, my body aching but my mind already boiling. My first thought goes to Esther. Damn… I refuse to let her fall into that man's hands. Even if she now bears another name, she remains mine. She belongs to me, body and soul, and no one, absolutely no one, can separate us.
I clench my fists under the sheets, my heart pounding violently. My thoughts clash, a mixture of anger, frustration, and burning desire. This marriage? It will not last. Not as long as I am alive. I will do everything so that this bond he believes indestructible collapses.
Every fiber of my body screams for vengeance. Every breath I take is charged with a single idea: to get Esther back, no matter the cost, even if I have to force her to understand that I am her only choice, the only man in her life. Even weakened, even wounded, I will not falter. The plans are already forming in my head, cold, calculated, merciless. Everything that can be done to sow doubt, to break this marriage, to bring her back to me… will be done. And I will do it with surgical precision.
I close my eyes, letting my mind imagine every scenario, every confrontation, every smile I will see on her face… but only when she knows I will never abandon her.