The Day I Didn't Stop Her

When I next opened my eyes, Shirley's supervisor was there.

Harriet White.

I thought I was still half-asleep, so I rubbed my eyes and took a good look.

I was shocked.

In my previous life, the only socializing we did was when I went with Shirley to company parties.

After my death, she actually came back to visit me.

I just could not wrap my head around it. She was sobbing her heart out, as if her life depended on it.

All that for someone she barely knew? Really?

However, what threw me for a loop was finding her in the hospital room.

Was it just happenstance?

Before I could get to the bottom of it, Shirley burst in like a whirlwind.

"Honey! Honey, how are you feeling? I've been so worried!"

Harriet stepped in front of her, blocking the door with outstretched arms. "What are you doing here? Upset that he's still kicking? Trying to push him over the edge?"

Shirley froze; her first impulse was to lash back, but she bit her tongue, considering Harriet's position.

Her face flushed with the effort, and she finally managed to get her words out, albeit with a stutter.

"That's not it at all! I'm truly worried about my husband. You don't know anything about our relationship, so why are you stopping me?"

Harriet gave me a meaningful glance. "If it weren't for you, he wouldn't be in this mess. Your heart's all wrapped up with that phony man. When have you ever shown concern for Anthony?

"Seems like you've forgotten. The man you had the ceremony with is Hank, not Anthony. Anthony isn't your husband, so stop calling him that."

My brother was reluctant to speak harshly to Shirley because she was a woman, but then Harriet was giving her a piece of her mind, he was visibly delighted.

"Did you hear that? Now scram! Our family doesn't accept you as a sister-in-law! Some high-and-mighty scholar back from studying abroad, as if!"

Just then, a wave of nausea hit me, and I coughed a couple of times violently.

I knew all too well that there was no such thing as a stand-in at a wedding just for show. Once married, the couple was legitimate in the eyes of all. Everyone who witnessed the ceremony was proof enough. No one outside would ever believe that I, the man barely shown in the photos, was her true husband.

Shirley found the perfect moment to back down without losing face, all while juggling the attention of two men.

Her expression was a masterpiece of emotions. "You're spouting nonsense! I had no other choice! Anthony's on my side!"

"Slap!"

In a flash, Harriet's hand connected with Shirley's cheek in a sharp smack. "We're both women here, do you think I'm blind to your little games? Cut the innocent act!"

As tensions threatened to boil over, I sent a cup crashing to the floor.

"Enough from both of you!"

Shirley made her move, rushing over to me. "Anthony, are you okay? It's all my fault. Whatever punishment you see fit when we get home, I'll accept."

I shook off her hand with a swift motion. "Leave, I can't stand to look at you right now."

Her face twisted in embarrassment, not expecting my coldness.

"I realize I didn't think things through. Please, can I have one more chance?"

I turned my gaze to Harriet. "Ms. White, I'd appreciate it if you'd handle your employee."

Harriet was waiting for my cue, and she stepped up, grabbing Shirley's arm.

"Have you lost your mind? Can't you see he's fed up with you?"

Shirley stood her ground.

"What's it to you? Our marriage is none of your business!"

"Did we sign any papers?" I cut her off sharply.

Shirley's lips quivered. "I'll go with you to make it official right now."

'Thinking of making amends now?

It's too late.' I mused silently.

I closed my eyes, weary.

"However, I don't want to marry you anymore. Besides, everyone knows you're with Hank now. What's the point in us signing anything?"