Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

Kelly Thomas had just divorced her husband of 21 years, Greyson Thomas. She found out he had been living a double life with a mistress for the past four years; to top it off, it wasn’t his first mistress. She decided to leave the house she had been living with Greyson and bought a new one as part of her divorce settlement, and she had been working with Olivia to do the interior of her new home.

She wanted to go big with the house’s decoration, and since Greyson was obliged to pay for everything, she wanted artwork around the house. That’s where Roman comes in.

“It’s not even enough to pay back what I’ve lost for 21 years,” Kelly snarled. “That bastard had the audacity to bring his tramp to our house and used all my stuff … they even slept on our bed, can you believe that?” she scoffed. “That’s how I found out, you know? I had no idea … I guess if he weren’t that stupid to bring that bitch to our house, I wouldn’t have found out ’til later.”

Olivia swallowed hard; she remembered when she found out Declan had brought back his mistress to their home. The brownstone house he had bought for them to start a life together. He didn’t go as far as using their bed, but she was there in her home, using all the stuff she used daily as if it were her own. She left her tissue with lipstick in the trash, used her perfume, and left it on the wrong side of her vanity.

“So I told him he could take the house … she can take all my used stuff, including him … but he has to buy me new ones,” she laughed sarcastically. “What a way to waste the good years of your life … huh … it’s a good thing Cole had moved out; he didn’t have to witness all the ugly bickering and cursing; I think I smashed at least half of our China; busted Greyson’s new BMW which he bought to impress his girlfriend.” Cole was their only son who was abroad to study.

Divorce was hard. Betrayal was even more brutal. To be going through both hand in hand was hell. Kelly obviously hasn’t been able to cope; it would take years to come out of that black hole and mend herself back together. Some people never really got out of it. From the moment she arrived, Kelly couldn’t stop talking about what Greyson had done to their marriage. Although she said the bimbo was the loser for getting the bastard and all her used things, she knew deep down she had lost 21 years of her life.

“I’m sorry … I’m babbling nonsense at you … you, too, had your share of betrayal, haven’t you? But Declan is one who knows how to redeem himself, isn’t he? I mean … look at that ring …”

Olivia raised a brow as if a ring was something that could pay for the hurt she had to go through all those years and probably still going through it without acknowledging it.

“They’ll all betray us … every last one of those sons of bitches,” Kelly laughed, “Some would feel sorry about it and try to make it up to you … like Declan, but they all betray us one way or another.”

Olivia smiled; she didn’t know how to respond to it. ‘They all betray’ Does that include her? Because she had done it too.

“By the way … that’s Brian Murphy’s son, right?” Kelly pointed to Roman, who was surveying the living room.

“Yeah … he’s an artist, and he owns a gallery right across my studio; his catalog is the one I showed you … I think some of them really go well with the theme you want for the house.”

Kelly pursed her lips and swayed her hip to one side, “Hmm … he looks gorgeous, doesn’t he? Is he married?”

Olivia laughed lightly. All her friends seem to thirst over Roman, “Not that I know of.”

Kelly waved a dismissive hand, “You know, one of the things that really suck being single at my age … you have too high of an expectation when it comes to men … men that don’t exist … might as well just get the young ones on your sack and be on your way.”

They giggled.

“But you don’t have that problem, right, Livy? I’d give anything to be 40 again … it’s the best age for women, if you ask me, you’re at the prime of yourself … physically, mentally, and sexually …” She squeezed Olivia’s arm as they leaned on the kitchen counter.

“I wouldn’t know … it’s my first time being 40,” she joked. She always thought being 40 was old, but she will get older by the day when she really thinks about it. Being at her age was the youngest she would ever be again. Kelly was much older than her, 52, like most of Declan’s colleagues’ wives.

“He’s the youngest one, right? Roman?” Kelly furrowed her brows.

It took Olivia some time to answer, “Yeah … he is. Why?”

“I was surprised when I heard he was back. You know about how he left, don’t you? There was a big talk among the wives when Brian Murphy’s son left home because he was involved in a scandal.”

“A scandal? What do you mean?” she was never interested in gossip, but the mention of Roman’s name intrigued her.

“Hey, ladies … I’m done with the survey; I took pictures of every room and the furniture you wanted me to look at … is there anything else?” Roman walked in on them in the kitchen.

“Oh … have you gone to the master bedroom?” Kelly sipped on her drink with a funny look in her eyes. She was definitely checking Roman out.

“Yeup, the second door on the left upstairs, right? I took photos of the walk-in closet … that’s where you want the sculpture? And the wall on the back of the bed … for the painting?”

“Wow … that’s impressive … you remember everything,” Kelly chuckled. She put down her glass on the counter, “I guess that’s everything … 52 items in total, right? Like my age,” she laughed with a high-pitched voice. “Bill him 20% above your regular price … give yourselves a treat, will ya’?” she said to the both of them.

Roman glanced at Olivia; it was an odd request.

“Are you sure?” Olivia asked.

Kelly poured more whiskey into her glass, “Oh yeah … I’m sure.” She took a big gulp. “Let him pay for everything … if there’s anything I can take away from that God-awful man … it’s his money.” She put the glass down on the counter, almost slamming it.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Kelly was half drunk by the end of their visit. Olivia kinda felt sorry for her. But at the same time, she can’t help but think if that’s what her future holds. Divorced, alone, and bitter. At least Kelly has a son, her flesh and blood, whom she can call family for the rest of her life.

“Hey … I think we should have a cup of coffee sometime … and continue our chat about …” Kelly winked an eye and nudged her elbow at Olivia.

Roman pretended not to notice the gesture.

“Sure,” Olivia smiled, “Why don’t you give me a call sometime … maybe we can have lunch around my studio.”

“Perfect! I don’t have anything better to do nowadays anyway … I’ll be in touch. Thank you for coming out here, darling,” Kelly gave a peck on Olivia’s cheek. “You too, handsome … don’t mind if you pay a visit if you need to look at the house later,” she kissed Roman on the cheeks too.

Olivia pressed her lips to hold her amusement; she looked away and pretended she didn’t see it.