Chapter 2 Hey, Stranger

• Alice
• I wiped away tears, trying to calm myself down. "So, what about us?" I asked, my voice shaking. "Do you think I can just...accept some kind of polyandry relationship? Hell no."
• My husband and step-sister exchanged glances, and then burst into laughter. I frowned, feeling more confused than ever. Why were they laughing? Nothing was funny here.
• He shook his head, still chuckling. "Wait a minute, did you actually think that I would even want to be with two women at once?"
• I raised an eyebrow, my heart racing. "What are you even saying? Isn't that what you wanted? Isn't that what you've been doing!"
• I wish I realized that I was talking nonsense, but I was too troubled to accept reality.
• He shook his head again, his expression cold. "I'm throwing you away, Alice. Don't you get it? I want your step-sister, not you."
• I clenched my teeth, wiping away my tears as I struggled to compose myself. "Don't expect me to leave," I said, my voice firm. "I'm not leaving. That husband snatcher is the one to leave."
• He and step-sister exchanged a knowing glance, and she stood up, moving closer to my husband. "I think it's time," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "This is when we pull the last card."
• I frowned, confusion and anger swirling inside me. "What the hell are you both talking about? What last card?" I demanded. "And can you please stop murmuring at each other? I'm the wife here, you're just a mistress."
• My husband's expression turned cold, and he walked over to his desk, opening a drawer and pulling out a document. "Not anymore," he said, his voice dripping with malice. He walked up to me, holding out the papers. "Sign them now."
• As I gazed at the document, my eyes widened in horror. Divorce papers. The words seemed to leap off the page, striking me like a physical blow. I felt like my breath had been knocked out of me.
• I shivered, my heart racing.
• "Eth… Ethan. What...what is this?" I stuttered, calling out my husband's name for the first time since I'd entered the room. "Please, just tell me this is a prank. I beg you."
• But his expression remained cold and unyielding. He pushed me, his hands hard and unforgiving. "Sign these papers quickly, Alice. I need to end things between us, so that I can be with the one I truly love."
• He pulled my step-sister closer, his arms wrapping around her like a possessive claim. I felt another fresh wave of tears well up, my heart cracking badly it hurt.
• "Please don't do this to me," I begged, my voice cracking. "You know I still love you so much. Remember our promises. Remember–
• "And remember those were just lies!" he yelled, his eyes devoid of empathy. "Sign the papers now, Alice. Before it gets any worse."
• That was when I realized it was really over. I'd given up. With shivering hands, I picked up the pen, my signature scribbled across the page in a messy, tear-stained scrawl.
• I couldn't bear to look at Ethan, but I caught sight of his signature on the page, already signed and dated. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: he'd really planned this all along.
• "I think it's time for you to leave now," Ethan sneered, his eyes glinting with hatred. "Pack your things and leave right now. Get out of my house."
• I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as more tears poured down. "You know I have no place to go and no one to turn to," I said, my voice shaking. "How could you do this to me? I'll make sure that you two regret your actions."
• Ethan and my step-sister burst into laughter, mocking me.
• "What will you do exactly?" she taunted, a smirk on her lips. "There's nothing you can do. You're useless, and worthless. In fact, you're no one."
• Her words cut deep, and I couldn't help but blame myself. I was a housewife, dependent on Ethan for everything. I had no money, no job, and no independence.
• I took a deep breath and gathered what little dignity I had left. I packed my bags, my hands shaking as I zipped them up. Then, I took one last look at the home I had shared with Ethan, before walking out the door.
• As I stepped out into the cool evening air, I burst into tears. I didn't know what to do or where to go.
• However, after much thinking, I decided to go to Naomi, a friend, someone I had known since college. I hailed a taxi and got in, the driver's sympathetic glance in the rearview mirror only making me cry harder. Maybe, my step-sister was right, I was truly worthless.
• As the taxi drove away from the only home I had known for years, I felt a sense of loss and despair wash over me. This was really the end of it all.
• I finally arrived at Naomi's place, exhausted and emotionally drained. After giving the door a weak knock, Naomi opened the door, and her eyes widened in concern as she took in my appearance.
• "Oh my God, what happened?" she asked, rushing to my side. She scanned my pale-looking face, swollen red eyes, and the bag slung over my shoulder.
• I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to speak. Naomi ushered me inside, sat me down, and handed me a glass of water which I sipped.
• After composing myself, I started telling Naomi everything that had happened. I told her about Ethan's affair, the divorce, and how he had kicked me out of our home. Naomi listened attentively, and she gave out different expressions; shock, anger, sympathy, and probably more.
• As I finished my story, Naomi wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug. "You can stay here with me," she said. "There's no problem at all. I'm managing, but I can help you out for a few months until you get back on your feet."
• I felt relieved. Naomi had recently gotten a visa and would be leaving the country soon, but she was willing to let me stay with her until I found a new job and a place to live.
• "Thank you, Naomi," I said, my voice choked with emotion.
• "It's my pleasure," she replied.
• As the night wore on, I turned to Naomi and said, "You know, I really need to get out for a bit. Let me go grab a few drinks outside."
• Naomi nodded understandingly. "Okay, go ahead. I should've followed you, but I don't feel like drinking. There's a bar not too far from here."
• I thanked Naomi and left, making my way to the bar. Inside, I ordered a drink and took a sip, feeling the cool liquid slide down my throat.
• As I drank my second bottle, I noticed a handsome man sitting alone at the bar. He had politely declined the advances of a few women, and I found myself drawn to him.
• With a reckless abandon I hadn't felt in years, I walked up to him. "Hey, Mr stranger, do you have a girlfriend?" I asked bluntly and shamelessly.
• He looked at me with a mix of surprise and amusement. "No," he replied.
• "Are you married?" I asked.
• "No," he replied.
• "Do you have a guy partner?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me as I thought he might be gay.
• He shook his head. "No."
• I leaned in, my heart pounding in my chest. "Okay, that's good," I whispered, before pressing my lips to his in a passionate kiss.
• As our lips parted, I gazed into his eyes, and felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. His eyes burned with desire, and as he kept staring at me, his pupils dilated.
• I thought, if Ethan could do it while we were still married, why can't I do it now? I knew it was a foolish justification, but it felt like a way to get revenge.
• I whispered seductively against his ear, "How about we go have sex?" My voice was husky, and I could feel my heart racing with anticipation.
• The man's eyes flashed with surprise, but then a slow smile spread across his face. He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine, and took my hand, leading me out of the bar into the night.