2 - Wedding Anniversary

Simon drove back to their apartment as fast as he could. He was relieved that Ash was fine, and he was excited to give her his gift. It’s the least that he can do to make his wife happy. He wanted to give her everything, and he's making it happen step by step since he’s not yet that capable. Soon, Ash would be proud of him. He’s been a subject of insult from the Steele family, and he knew that Ash was embarrassed every time his financial standing would be brought up. But everything is about to change. 

He parked the car outside the premises of their luxurious apartment and volted to their unit. His steps were frantic and his heart rammed inside his chest. 

Upon opening the door, his eyes scanned their apartment, in search of his wife. His heart skipped a beat when their eyes locked. 

“Ash, I was so worried about you. You were not picking up my calls, I thought something had happened to you.” Simon wanted to hug Ash, but he chose not to. 

Simon found Ash seated on one of the expensive cushioned seats. She’s still in her business attire. The moment Simon entered their apartment, Ash sent him deadly glares. 

Simon’s forehead knotted in confusion when he saw a glass of wine in her hand. Next to her was a bottle of one of the most expensive wines in the country, it was half-empty, an indication had Ash had drunk almost half of it. 

Wasn’t she supposed to wait for him so that they can enjoy it together? 

“Did you drink half of that?” He was shocked. They should have shared that wine since it’s their wedding anniversary. He wondered what had happened for his wife to drink almost half of the wine for a short period of time. She just arrived. 

Ash sneered at him. “Who gave you the right to ask me about the things I did? Grandmother called me, she told me you made a scene at the hotel! How dare you do that? Have you no shame? I told you not to show yourself there! Why do you have to embarrass me all the time?" 

Despite his wife’s display of attitude, Simon understood that maybe she was drunk that’s why she said those words. 

He let out a heave and smiled at her. “I was worried about you, babe. I thought you were in trouble. We agreed to celebrate our wedding anniversary. That’s why I rushed to the hotel to look for you," hr explained.

“Ha! anniversary, my ass! I don’t care about this marriage, what makes you think I will want to celebrate it? It’s my most dreadful day. It’s the day that I was tied to a useless, cheap, and poor guy like you. If it’s not for Grandpa, I would never even spare a glance at someone like you!” Ash scanned him from head to toe, and she looked disgusted at him. 

Simon was hurt by her words. 

It’s true that he has nothing to offer to his wife’s wealthy family. But he's getting there. He has been working his ass off just so he could give her all her whims and demands. Soon he would be able to collect a huge amount of money, and he will not hesitate to give it all to her, he hoped she could wait for that time. 

“I wished Grandpa married me off to a wealthy man, not to trash like you. I don’t understand why he chose you. I deserve someone better!” Ashley continued to pour salt on his wounded ego. 

“Ash, please don’t say that.” His voice choked a bit. 

“Don’t you dare dictate me! You want to know where I went?” There’s a smug look on her face. 

Simon had to swallow the invisible lump in his throat. His heart was beating fast. He had an idea but he doesn't want to think it was possible. 

“I had a date with Gregory Holt! One of the richest men in the country. Did you see those gifts?” Ash pointed to a pile of paper bags settled on one corner. 

Simon saw the tags and prints on the bags. All are of expensive brands. 

He looked at Ash with disbelief in his eyes. He couldn’t believe her. She actually went to have dinner with another man on their wedding anniversary.

“Are you serious?” he asked her, his body shaking as he thought of Ash going out with another man. 

“Yes! He has bought me all those expensive gifts that you couldn’t afford! Imagine how sweet he is. He even said that he wanted me to be his wife. I would’ve said yes if I weren’t tied to you.”

Simon fought back the tears that threatened to escape his eyes. No. He’s not going to cry in front of Ash. He will only look weak, and she will despise him even more. 

“I was going to give you my gift for our anniversary, Ash.” 

“And what do you have? The cheap things that you can only afford? I don’t need those.” Ash’s voice was laced with mockery. 

Ashley’s face looks flushed, an indication that she’s drunk that’s why Simon ignored all her insults to him. 

“Please, just let me show you my gift, I’m sure you’ll love it.” He was hopeful that Ash would spare a glance at it. 

Simon took out the velvet box from the pocket of his pants. He took a step closer to where Ash was sitting. 

But before he could even open it, Ash threw the wine glass to Simon and hit him directly in his chest. He ignored the pain of his wife’s rejection. How come she had accepted another man’s gift and refused to even take a look at his present? 

“I don’t want that piece of crap!” Ash stood and went past him. 

Simon was fast enough to hold her, making her stop leaving. 

“You are a useless piece of shit! You only used me for the money. Don’t you dare touch me with your filthy hand!” She swatted his hand that was holding her and walked out of the room without looking back at him. 

Simon knew his stand on the Steele family. Ever since they got married, some family members have been insulting him for being penniless. 

He opened the velvet box and sadness enveloped his heart as he stared at the ring. It’s a rare pink diamond worth millions of dollars. It’s one of the rarest gems on the planet. People with only money are not be able to buy it.  “If only she would take a glance,” Simon whispered to himself. 

He closed the velvet box and slipped it back into his pocket. It's their wedding anniversary but his heart feels heavy.