The bitter lie and even-bitter truth

Evelyn Xavier

My brows furrowed in confusion as I glanced at Jackson who mirrored my expression. My in-laws. Looked somewhat perplexed by their son's hasty exit.

Jackson shrugged before walking out of the hospital room to bring me something I suppose. My mother-in-law and father-in-law made some small talk with me before leaving with sister-in-law.
★
I remain in the hospital for a few months. Jackson took care of me—from attending to my medical needs to taking care of my physical needs. My in-laws visited me rarely but they seemed...genuine.

I didn't hear snippets of whispers whenever Jackson could help me walk around—precisely around the hallway or near my hospital room. I bursted it off as nothing...but if only I knew.

That they were talking about Jackson being the 'doting and loving husband', murmuring and whispering while fanning themselves. Some could be giggling , exchanging excited glances at each other.

Alexander Xavier

I was busy — swarmed with work as I the thought of Evelyn never even crossed my mind precisely because I had work. And I had Cassandra. She was my secretary, fresh out of college but the reason I hired was because her face was almost identical to Jasmine's.

I sometimes catch myself stealing glances at Cassandra but I brushed it off due to the identical faces. I stayed more at office then home, ignoring my parents and sister's calls and messages.

One day, I had gotten some time off work when my phone rang. I took it out,my brows frowned—it was my mother. I pinched the bridge of my nose as I pick up the call. I opened my mouth ready to dismiss anything that my mother might say but the words stuck in my throat when my mother's voice, full of disbelief and utter horror flowed through the call.

"Everyone thinks that Jackson is Evelyn's husband,you fool," mother practically shouted on the call.

My whole world froze for a moment as I manage to grab the phone before it could slip from my hands. "W-what?," I managed barely out of my shock.

I could hear my mother's exasperated sigh from other end. "Come to the damn hospital," without waiting for a response from me. Mother cut the call as fast as she had called.

Jackson...as Evelyn's husband. That thought left a bitter taste in my mouth, my chest tightened with something...something I didn't knew or did I?

I didn't even realize when or how but there I was, standing infront of the hospital door where in other side was Evelyn and Jackson for sure. My jaw tightened as I glared at the door. I barely registered the odd looks I was getting from the passing by doctors and nurses.

Probably must be wondering who this man was? Standing and glaring at the door like I was gonna murder this damn door.

I took in a deep breathe as I steel my nerves. I push the door as I entered inside . I froze when I saw..her laughing and eating happily like a child. But it disappeared when she saw me. Jackson stood beside at the edge of the bed, watching with a gentle expression before his expression masked to neutral when he saw me.

My chest hurts for some reason..knowing I wasn't the one that had caused her smile, laughter. I cleared my throat snapping out of my thoughts. I threw a look at Jackson and he didn't need to be told twice.

He left.

I don't know why but I had this sudden urge to make her laugh...smile. And that shit to be caused because it was of me, not some other man. I hated her,right?

I shook those thoughts, my expression perfectly unreadable. I walked over stiffly as I sat down on the chair near the bed. She watched me with confusion and curiosity and...wariness and suspicion.

Fuck!

I stared at her, taking in her facial features. And it must be just this moment that I noticed the tiny mole near her eyes. It was so tiny that most could miss it.

I hated myself for noticing but I hated the fact more that people thought another man was her husband...

When she was mine, mine by law. Mine because she had my last name. Mine because I made her Mine.

The thought left a bitter but pleasant taste on my mouth.

"Do you need something?," Evelyn broke the silence as she asked. I snapped out of my thoughts as I met her gaze steadily. "Uh...yea," I mumbled rubbing the back of my neck. What the hell do I say?

Evelyn Xavier.

I was quite startled and shocked when Alexander came inside my hospital room. It had been a few months since we had seen each other and...he looked tired..worn out.

I shook away those thoughts,the moment they entered my mind. No,I can't fall for him. Yes, my sister never liked him but he did...so deeply that he trapped me into this marriage so effortlessly. Just for revenge.

He remain silent as if contemplating what to say. Yea,it was awkward...I mean he never talked to me unless it was to ridicule or mock me...and blame me for her death.

"How is your wound doing?," his question took me by surprise. There was a hint of genuine concern in that cool tone of his that it made me suspicious.

Most people could that their indifferent spouse came to visit them or show concern...but not me...why was he suddenly being so attentive and concerned towards me? Is it another one of his tactics to torture me.

I hesitated for a moment before murmuring a quiet, "it's fine". His lips pressed together but nodded slightly. The room fell silent as nor did he nor I spoke.

It was weird when the person who had hated you suddenly be so concerned...it felt like another way to mock me...taunt and torture me.

"So," I began breaking the silence. "How is work doing?," my tone was somewhat awkward and it made me cringe inwardly. Why was I acting this way? Oh god...he probably thinks I am weird