ALINA
True to Dante's words, signs were conveniently placed around the area, showing directions to different places.
This place was defintely a posh, gated community.
I followed the directions and sign boards. I spotted a lot of gated houses on my way, few individuals walking and lone mansions.
It took a while but after few turns and signs, I had approached a nearby grocery store. I was defintely in the urban open area of the community, away from Dante's secluded mansion.
People moved about like a tide chattering, the serene sound of children playing and mild car horns graced the air.
The name of the grocery store, 'Foodies' was bodly written in red italics. Its painting looked chipped and worn out but overall it looked like a dainty shop.
I walked inside and picked a basket but not before texting the tyrant of a husband that I had arrived.
Like every other super market, there were indications above each aisle which showed its content.
I briskly walked towards the dairy aisle because we were running low on eggs, butter, milk, etcetera.
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I swiped it out knowing fully well who it was.
"Good. Now be fast and leave there" was Dante's rude response.
I hissed at his reply and tucked my phone back into the pocket of my coat.
I carefully analysed the skimmed milk I spotted there before taking two cartoons and dropping it in my basket.
Dante really gave me money in excess. I would use it and make sure I purchased all we need in bulk.
I headed towards the yogurt section and picked to my satisfaction before turning my attention towards other aisles.
After about thirty minutes, I was done, my basket was heavily filled up to the brim. I had picked things I also wanted like baking ingredients. I love to bake a lot. It was a hobby.
Making sure I was done with everything, I quickly joined one of the moving queues after noticing that it was getting busy.
I watched people pay and pack up their goods as I stood waiting for my turn until I heard my name been spoken accompanied by a light tap from behind.
I pivoted to meet the one face whom I never expected to see ever again.
"Alina it's so nice to see you once more. How are you?" Theodore greeted me.
"Oh my God Theodore. What a surprise. The world is indeed small isn't it? I am faring well and you look great yourself" I replied back with beaming smiles.
He laughed and nodded.
"Do you stay around here?" he inquired.
I nodded, "Yes actually. Well I moved in not too long. What about you?"
"I stay in the area. It's really such a surprise to see you" he chuckled.
"I never actually thought we would ever see again" he added.
I also didn't. Last time I saw him, I was still a single Alina, not dating anyone and not even thinking of marraige and here I am now, forced into marraige over night.
My phone vibrated in my pocket once more.
I dipped my hands into my pocket and brought it out.
Speak of the devil and he rears his ugly head out.
It was Dante.
"What are you still doing in that supermarket? I expected you to be back home by now! God you are the worst wife and maid ever!"
I rolled my eyes at his message and my expression changed.
What is wrong with Dante?
I requested for him to drive me here himself but he bluntly refused and now he is expecting me to magically appear back home like I'm the only one in the supermarket that's being attended to.
"What's wrong? You suddenly look angry?" Theodore's voice cut into my thoughts.
"It's nothing" I lied with a plastic smile, tucking my phone back into my pockets.
He gave me curious brows. "Are you sure? Your facial expression changed the moment you opened your phone"
I nodded. "Just some annoying messages from siblings" I lied once more.
He didn't seem convinced but he nodded and pushed me no more.
It had already reached my turn.
I quickly brought out all what I had purchased and watched the young lady scan each of them as she calculated the prices.
Telling me the total price of everything, I hastily paid and packed up my groceries.
"Hey Alina" Theodore called out to me just as I was getting ready to leave.
He seemed nervous all of a sudden.
"Um would you please give me your number?"
My number?
"You know so we can talk more. I could call you" he added.
How could I say no to him. He had been nothing but caring and friendly towards me unlike Dante who used every opportunity he got to torment me.
"Give me yours instead. I'll text you" I offered a different idea.
Theodore had a gleam in his face.
I gave him my phone and watched him input his number.
Making a phone call in that fucking house would defintely get me in trouble with Dante so texting was better.
Dante didn't have any right to control my life in such a fanatical way.
"I'll see you some other time Alina. Hopefully" he winked as he trod back to the queue.
I smiled at him and waved before beginning my journey back home.
I hurried in my steps with the bags in my hands.
As I walked, I began to think of my encounter with Theodore. He seemed like a very nice person.
I would have wished to marry him instead of Dante but there was no turning back in this marraige I had with Dante.
With a deep sigh of regret, I continued walking until I had gotten back to Dante's secluded mansion.
Walking through the heavily guarded gates, I ambled my way in towards the doors.
I got in and proceeded to drop the bags in the kitchen before locating my way up the stairs to drop my coat.
As I climbed the stairs, my ears picked up faint moaning sounds which got me perplexed.
The sound grew louder as I approached the end of the stairs.
Was Dante watching porn?
Or was he in with another woman?
I shrugged the other question off my mind and wanted to head to my room but the moanings clouded my thoughts.
With a sternly resolve, I followed the direction of the sound. It seemed to be coming from Dante's study room.
I pushed wide apart, the doors of his study room and what I saw got my jaws dropped.
No fucking way!