She's a Thorny Rose

Jade opened the door and placed the umbrella at the side. She stepped into the living room shivering as she shook off the droplets of water on her skin. The rain had been unexpected but she'd been prepared for her trip to the doctor. Mostly.

What she was not prepared for, was to see Adam seated in the living room, staring at the blank television. She decided to ignore him and walk straight to the kitchen to prepare herself a cup of tea.

As she walked past him, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him.

“Where were you?” He asked, without any indication of an emotion.

That was one thing that scared her about Adam. He never showed any emotion regardless of the situation. His dark green eyes remained the same, only darkening slightly when he was angry. His short wavy hair framed his strong unmoving jaw. Jade tried not to get sucked in by his handsome face.

She focused on the kitchen in front of her. “I thought you didn't care.”

“Where were you, Jade?” Adam never repeated a question. This was a first.

“With Frances.” She gave him the reply he often gave her.

He narrowed his eyes, then took his hand off her wrist. “Where's your jacket?”

“Stop acting like you care.”

He seemed to get the message and his features. “I don't.”

“Good.” She started to walk over the hand woven Persian rug.

“What's for dinner?”

“Dinner?” She turned to him with wide eyes. “Why don't you ask Frances to get you some? I'm not obligated to perform wifely duties for you anymore.”

“I'm serious, Jade.”

“So am I. Our divorce contract states that we must be separated for six months. This is week two, in case you didn't get the mail.”

She had sent over the divorce document by mail and when he didn't respond, she sent an email.

“If this is about the anniversary, I was held back by work.”

“It's not about the anniversary.”

“Look,” Adam ran his finger through his hair and it settled back, almost like nothing about him could be out of place. “I'm starving. I just got off a 16 hour flight. So, why don't you make some dinner and we can talk about this.”

“Sure.” Jade smiled.

She walked to the kitchen, grabbed a plate and opened a cupboard where she had stuffed the roses from a few weeks ago. She placed the plate down, then put the card on top as well as some of the white roses. She placed the single red rose on top. Then she made herself a cup of tea.

She dropped the plate of roses in front of him. “Bon appetit.”

“What's this?” He picked the red rose, staring at it with disgust.

“La Rose De la Heartbreak by chef Frances.” She pointed it out, then pretended to be shocked. “You don't remember your anniversary gift?”

“This is what Frances sent?”

She thought she heard anger in his voice. But Adam never showed emotions. Besides, this wasn't the first time he was acting like he hadn't signed off on what Frances did. He and Frances were always together, like two nostrils, so it was impossible for him to be unaware.

Adam had told her not to worry. But it was hard not to worry when Frances spent many overnight business trips with him in the same suite. Frances was his childhood friend and secretary, and he spent much more time with her than his wife— it was sad.

Jade only got to see him not more than twenty times in a year. And nights like this, when he came back from a long trip after spending time with Frances in the private jet, were counted as part of the days she spent with him.

“Name the designer and the number of bags. I’ll have them delivered first thing tomorrow morning.” Adam said.

She took a sip of her rich green tea and walked to the staircase. “All I need you to do is sign the divorce contract.”

“What of our child?” His words struck something deep and feral in her.

“What child?” She tried to keep the same controlled tone that he did.

“You’ve forgotten about Jason so soon. Some mother you are.”

Jade hurried up the staircase to avoid the tears from spilling out of her eyes as she remembered her living child that was now a property of the Lamont family.