my return will be your downfall

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCES 1

Vanessa pov

Vanessa stepped out of the apartment and slammed the door behind her.

For several seconds, she stood in the corridor, breathing heavily. Her face was twisted with frustration, and she clutched her handbag so tightly that her knuckles turned pale.

She could not believe that Adrian had allowed their argument to end the way it had.

Three years.

I had spent three years with a man who still had to calculate his expenses before making even the smallest purchase. Three years of listening to promises about a better future. Three years of watching other women enjoy things she could only admire from a distance."

" I am tired."

" More than anything, I am tired of feeling ordinary."

venessa thought within.

Vanessa descended the stairs, pulled out her phone, and checked the time. It was already evening, but she had no intention of returning to the apartment anytime soon.

Her eyes moved to a notification from one of her friends.

Patricia: Girl, where are you? We're already at the restaurant. You should come and join us!

Vanessa stared at the message.

" Patricia is one of those women who always seemed to have everything under control. She dressed beautifully, visited expensive places, and never hesitated to show off the gifts she received from her boyfriend."

venessa thought within.

Sometimes Vanessa wondered what it felt like to be in Patricia's position.

To wake up and know that money would never be a problem.

To walk into a shop, choose whatever caught her attention, and leave without worrying about the price.

To be treated like someone special.

Vanessa typed a reply.

Vanessa: I'm coming.

She booked a ride and waited beside the road.

As she stood there, she glanced at her reflection in the dark screen of her phone. She adjusted her hair, straightened her blouse, and tried to push the argument with Adrian out of her mind.

She did not want her friends asking questions.

They already knew Adrian was not wealthy. Vanessa had defended him countless times, insisting that he was hardworking and would eventually become successful.

But lately, even she had started questioning those assurances.

What if Adrian never became the man she wanted?

What if, ten years from now, she was still living in the same kind of apartment, worrying about rent and watching other women enjoy their lives?

The thought irritated her.

She had dreams, and she did not want to spend her entire youth waiting for someone else to fulfil them.

A car pulled up beside her.

Vanessa checked the registration number, opened the door, and climbed inside.

As the vehicle drove away, she leaned against the seat and looked out at the passing buildings.

Tonight, she wanted to forget about her problems.

She wanted to laugh, enjoy herself, and spend time with people who understood the lifestyle she desired.

Perhaps being around her friends would make her feel better.

Perhaps it would help her decide what she really wanted.

---

The restaurant was located in one of the city's most expensive districts.

Its glass walls reflected the bright lights of the surrounding buildings, while luxury vehicles lined the entrance. Men in tailored suits and women wearing elegant dresses walked through the doors as though they belonged to a world where ordinary worries did not exist.

When Vanessa entered, she immediately spotted Patricia and two other friends seated at a table near the window.

Patricia waved excitedly.

"Vanessa! Over here!"

Vanessa smiled and walked toward them.

"Finally!" Patricia exclaimed. "We thought you weren't coming."

"I had something to take care of."

She pulled out a chair and sat down.

One of the women, Chloe, looked her up and down before smiling.

"Girl, you look tired. What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Vanessa answered quickly.

Patricia narrowed her eyes.

"Don't tell me you and Adrian have been fighting again."

Vanessa reached for the glass of water on the table.

"Can we please talk about something else?"

"That means you have been fighting," Chloe said mockingly.

Vanessa sighed.

"It's the same old problem."

"The money?" Patricia asked.