The Wife's Pain

The hospital lobby was bustling with activity as Sabrina made her way toward the exit, her ankle still tender but manageable with the aid of crutches. Her thoughts were a turbulent mix of relief and apprehension. She was grateful to be leaving the confines of the hospital, yet the situation with Alex weighed heavily on her mind.

Earlier, just before her discharge, a heated argument had erupted between them over Belle’s Instagram post. Speculation about Alex's fidelity had circulated online, fueled by the comments beneath the cheerful images. Sabrina's own cryptic comment on the post, born out of frustration and confusion, had added fuel to the fire.

"We need to talk about your comment on Belle's post, Sabrina," Alex began, trying to keep his voice calm but failing. He stood by the window of her hospital room, his posture rigid. “People are talking! There’s speculation about us, about our engagement. It’s damaging.”

Sabrina had met his gaze, trying to keep her own emotions in check.

“And what about your actions, Alex? You were with Belle while I was lying here. It’s not just the post that’s causing problems.”

He had run a hand through his hair, exasperation evident in every line of his face.

“You know I’ve always been there for you, Sabrina. That post—it was just a misunderstanding. Belle’s family came to visit, and I was trying to support her after the accident.”

And what about me!? What about me, Alex? I've been hurt, too. But where were you?

In her mind, she'd lashed those words. But it would make her sound desperate like she truly was. And she was tired of baring herself raw to him just so he could pierced the dagger in her heard and twist it for fun.

Instead, she said, “You have to see how this looks, Alex. Especially when I’m the one fighting for the mountain, and you’re…” She had paused, unable to finish the sentence.

“...and I’m what? Trying to navigate between the company and what’s right?” Alex had finished for her, his voice softening slightly. “Sabrina, you know I’m in a difficult position. But I’m here, trying to make it work for us.”

Despite his explanations, doubt lingered in her mind. Alex’s relationship with Belle had always been platonic, she believed, but the optics of the situation were hard to ignore. Her heart ached with the weight of the uncertainty that had settled between them.

"Work for us? More like, work for you," she said quietly, her shoulders drooping in defeat. "I've told you about the petition, Alex. You know how important this is to me," she said, searching his face for any sign of understanding. “And Ana suggested that maybe you could help.”

Alex’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of tension crossing his features.

“I was afraid you’d ask me that. Again.”

Sabrina’s heart sank slightly at his words. “Alex, this development—it threatens everything we’ve been working for. Wildwood Mountain is more than just land; it’s part of our identity, our heritage.”

He nodded, his gaze steady. “I know, Sabrina. But you have to understand, it’s complicated. The company has obligations, and my father is heavily invested in this project. There are expectations I can’t just ignore.”

Sabrina felt the weight of his words settling over her, the reality of their situation starkly clear. Yet, she couldn’t let go of hope. “But can’t you try? Maybe there’s something you can do to influence the stakeholders?”

Alex hesitated, his eyes reflecting the inner conflict he was wrestling with. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said finally, though the uncertainty in his voice lingered. “I can’t promise anything, Sabrina, but I’ll talk to my father.”

It wasn’t the definitive answer she had hoped for, but it was something.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, appreciating the effort he was willing to make.

Alex reached out, taking her hand in his before dropping a kiss onto her forehead.

"Okay. Meet me at the lobby, baby. I will just finish your discharge papers so we could go."

It only took them a few minutes to process her discharge, and as they approached Alex’s car in the hospital parking lot, Sabrina braced herself for what she hoped would be a smoother ride home. But the sight that greeted her set her on edge once more.

She again.

Belle sat in the passenger seat, her forehead still adorned with patches from her own injuries. She held an ice cream cone in one hand, a casual air about her that seemed at odds with the tension surrounding the trio.

Sabrina halted in her tracks, her grip tightening on the crutches. Her eyes flicked between Alex and Belle, searching for some indication of why Belle was here, taking the seat that Sabrina expected to occupy.

Belle’s voice broke the awkward silence, though it carried an edge of entitlement that made Sabrina's jaw tighten. “I asked Alex if I could sit in the front. I’m still a bit uncomfortable from my injuries, you know?” She offered a smile, but it lacked sincerity. “Would you mind sitting in the back, Sab?”

Alex remained silent, his expression unreadable. Sabrina’s heart sank at his lack of protest or support. The expectation for her to comply felt like another blow to her already fragile state of mind.

For a moment, she considered insisting on sitting in the front, but the hospital parking lot was not the place for a confrontation. Taking a deep breath, she nodded, biting back the words she wanted to say.

“Sure."

With measured movements, she maneuvered into the backseat, her crutches awkwardly positioned beside her. Alex helped her with the door, but his silence lingered, amplifying the tension.

As they pulled out of the parking lot, the atmosphere in the car was heavy with unspoken words. Sabrina stared out the window, her thoughts a jumble of emotions.

So he was letting her eat in his car while I'm not allowed?

And why does Alex drive her home when she had dozens of bodyguards in her disposal?

Is she so use to being his passenger princess whenever he drove her around?

She wanted to ask Alex more questions, to push for answers that might alleviate her doubts, but the presence of Belle made it difficult.

Instead, she listened as Belle chatted about mundane topics, her tone light and conversational. Sabrina’s thoughts drifted to the way Alex occasionally glanced at Belle, a subtle connection that seemed to reinforce the insecurities that had taken root within her.

The drive stretched on, punctuated only by Belle’s continued monologue. She talked about her plans to recuperate fully, her voice carrying a sense of entitlement that made Sabrina’s skin prickle with unease.

“Oh, and Alex,” Belle said suddenly, turning her attention to him with a bright smile, “I wanted to treat you to dinner tonight. You’ve been such a support through all this.”

Sabrina felt a twinge of resentment at the suggestion, but before she could respond, Belle added, “Sabrina, you should come too, if you want. I’m sure we can find a way to celebrate your recovery.”

The invitation felt more obligatory than genuine, and Sabrina couldn’t help but wonder if it was simply a way to keep up appearances. She glanced at Alex in the rearview mirror, hoping for some sign of solidarity, but his eyes were fixed on the road.

“Thanks, Belle,” Sabrina said finally, her voice neutral. “I’ll think about it.”

"No need to think about it. Tonight's dinner is on me, clear?"

The rest of the journey passed in silence, the tension simmering beneath the surface. Sabrina’s mind continued to race with thoughts and questions she couldn’t voice.

When they finally arrived at the restau, Sabrina carefully exited the car, grateful to be back in familiar surroundings. Alex helped her inside, his hand steady on her elbow, but the unspoken rift between them seemed to widen with each step. Belle marched first to make reservations, and they were left alone at the parking lot.

“Sabrina." He looked like he was not sure what to say. "I want you to know that I’m doing my best to sort this out. With Belle, with the company, with everything.”

She nodded, appreciating his attempt to reassure her, but the words felt like a temporary balm rather than a solution.

“I know. I just wish things were clearer.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “So do I. But we’ll figure it out, okay?”

Sabrina offered a small smile, though it felt strained. “Yeah. We’ll figure it out.”

With that, Alex excused himself, leaving Sabrina alone with her thoughts once more. She knew she needed to have a deeper conversation with him, to understand where they truly stood. But for now, she needed time to process the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties that had become her reality.