Love Like Roses, Hurt Like Thorns

I saw it all happen through the window. All his distress was evaporated when he kissed her fervently. A shudder ran down my spine at the way they were so intimate at the count of nothing.

Kellan wouldn't do that with me. I was the boring wife who didn't explore much. While she explored all things in the bedroom with Kellan. The only difference was...Kellan never asked me.

I officially discharged myself and drove back home.

Kellan came back home two days later. He was shocked to see me at home, reading a book.

"You should've been at the hospital." He pointed.

"Discharged myself early." My voice was flat as i replied. Panicked sweat trickled down his neck but he kept his calm and walked past. I smelled the obnoxious smell yet again. I was pissed.

"Baby…" He tried to speak. I sighed which made him stop. He came back after a shower and tried to make it up with me.

"You don't even read my messages. I told you I needed you." As he said next to me, I worded out.

"It was your fault for discharging yourself before time, Astrid. What did I do?" His eyebrows were knit close as he argued.

"So you're going to conveniently forget the detail about where you were for two days?" His face went pale when I said that.

"It's not about that. Well, we have some official work to do. Come with me to the office." I raised an eyebrow. Why was he diverting the topic?

"It's Sunday, genius." I pointed out the obvious.

"I know, my love. Get dressed." Saying, Kellan assisted me to the bathroom and groomed me to perfection. He paid special attention to my nails and face and picked a rather formal suit to wear. His favourite burgundy velvet suit he bought for me five months ago.

"Baby please. Talk to me. I can't stand your silence." He spoke out of nowhere while driving.

"I'm not angry." I replied, staring at the people walking down the roads.

When we reached the company, a mile long of employees welcomed me, acting as a red carpet line. We were led to the photoshoot area. I turned to Kellan, confused.

"You have to be the face of our company again, Astrid. The people love you. But you and Zara have to collaborate. So here she is." As he ended his sentence, Zara Lenning leaned over my husband and shot me a cunning glance. She was chewing bubblegum very loudly.

Her nose was perfect, her skin flawless. Her legs are long and skinny, perfect for a runway model. But the company never needed a runway model. They want a modest face without much caking up.

The photoshoot began, I was a seasoned model for four years continuously. The cameraman had trouble with Zara Lenning as she was making everything seem erotic. Sticking her chest and bottom out, smile bigger than wanted and eyes holding that cunning gaze that drove off customers. No wonder she faced such backlash.

"It's taking longer than usual." I complained to Kellan. He brought me cups and cups of warm water to keep me warm and comfortable. He fed me little snacks by hand during breaks. It was almost evening.

"Look at Boss Kellan doting over his wife. I want someone like him to be my husband!" The woman was being way too obvious as she said. She was a colleague.

"Are you as successful and beautiful as Ms Astrid? Then we'll talk. You didn't even get a degree!" Another colleague retorted and I chuckled at that. Getting a degree doesn't define being a good wife. They hardly knew our story too.

"Boss?" The cameraman offered beer cheerfully to Kellan. But Kellan glared nastily at the male.

"Can't you see I'm with my lovely wife? I don't drink in front of her. Beer is cheap." He grumbled and made the poor guy sweat. He trembled and stumbled away.

Kellan smiled at me. I was left wondering. He loves me too much to let me go. That's why he had an addition.

The assistant gave me a new pair of shoes for next round. Her mistake? They were heels.

"What the hell are these!?" Kellan shouted out of nowhere and threw them at her feet.

"Can't you see she's pregnant? It's bad for her health. Use the thing you carry over your neck. You're fired." After he barked, the poor woman walked away in tears. A new assistant came up and gave me comfortable shoes.

"Here," Kellan took my feet, taking a while longer to admire before slipping the shoes on my feet.

"Comfy?" He asked and I nodded gently.

He got a text message and suddenly,

"The photoshoot is cancelled. Go home. We will continue tomorrow." He announced. I raised an eyebrow. Almost immediately, Kellan flew out of the room to the green room.

When I followed him after to return the shoes, I caught Kellan and Zara kissing deeply. What's more disturbing? They did it in front of all employees.

I pretended like they didn't exist and walked back home, even though there was a driver.

The next day, the photoshoot continued without me. I heard Kellan saying gleefully,

"The barking dogs have been silenced. Zara will always be my top model and face of the company."