Chapter 24 : The Hurt Maya's pov " Name ? " The bouncer guarding the entrance to the bar questioned , his blue eyes sizing me up I was damn scared . I had to try my best to not get into trouble . If I did , no one would save me Not even Larry . Marvin didn't know where I was , so I was technically on my own " Maya V_ " I trailed off , realizing that I had almost spilled my real name . I smiled nervously " Maya Johnson " He shifted his gaze to the tab in his possession . I could tell he was searching for my name "It's my first time here " I clarified immediately , and he looked at me . " We don't accept new members unless you get yourself a membership card " He declared sternly , his gaze aggressive . I was caught off guard . " But but that's going to involve a lot of paperwork . It's not like I'm going to cause trouble or something . " The huge man snorted in disgust . " Leave , ma'am . We have people on the queue . You're wasting time . " What ? No way I was going to leave just like that . " Please , is there a way you can get me in ? I asked meekly , clenching my shivering hands He eyed me disdainfully . The only way I can help you is if you offer to warm my bed. " A roar of laughter accompanied his perverted words from behind . I turned to see the people behind me staring at me with so much mockery in their eyes . " Go warm his bed and get off the line " One of the men yelled , eyeing me lewdly . The red - haired man behind him gave him a playful knock on the head . " Come on , don't mock her . She's quite beautiful . Who knows ? We could take turns . " Another round of laughter erupted from the crowd I was so embarrassed that I wished the ground could suck me in . No wonder it was a middle - class bar . They all lacked etiquette . Unfortunately , I couldn't voice out my feelings . " She's with me ! " A sharp female voice stood out amongst the bubbling noise from the crowd . All eyes went to the blonde - haired lady standing beside a red car . Her short red strapless gown hung to her body , revealing her good body figure . The clicking sound of her red heels pierced through the awkward silence . Overall , she looked quite familiar . I was sure I had seen her somewhere . I wasn't surprised the people on the queue knew her . She was probably a Belle here . Their lewd gazes said it all . But She stood before me , smiling brightly and taking my hand . I felt uncomfortable , trying not to flinch She shifted her gaze to the bouncer . " I'm taking her in " She declared Surprisingly , the dumbass didn't argue nor bothered to check her name on the list . The familiar lady pulled me into the noisy bar . She led me to the bar counter . 1/5 25 DONUS " Two virgin cocktails for us , please " She stated , giving the bartender a wink . I patiently waited for her to introduce herself , enduring the loud music . A moment passed before she looked at me . " You look down " She pointed out softly , her eyes sizing me up " I hope everything is fine with you and Larry . " was stunned , but also wary of the subtle tone hidden in her voice " Oh , pardon me " She chuckled playfully , her cheeks red with embarrassment . " My name is Isabella " Isabella It finally clicked . I remembered . She was at Brandy's reunion party , the one who was accused of having a crush on my husband . I took a deep breath , forcing out a smile . " It's nice to meet you , Isabella . My name is Maya . " She scoffed . " I know that . " I had a bad feeling about this . What if she still had a crush on my husband ? " Hope Brandy has not been a pain in the ass ? Everyone knows how petty she can be when it comes to your husband " She probed , her eyes glistening with curiosity . Of course , she has been a thorn in the flesh . " We're all doing fine " I replied coldly . " I heard she stays at your house . Is that true ? " She probed further . " She does " I replied , suppressing my anger with subtle breaths She gasped in shock . " Woah , that's crazy " " Whatever I grumbled . Why couldn't she get the signs that I wasn't interested in having such a conversation with her ? " By the way , aren't you both friends ? " 1 questioned , eyeing her suspiciously . " Huh we well . She stuttered , struggling for words . Something was definitely wrong with her " Best friends ? " I probed Suddenly , her face turned soar " We were until she chose to date Larry in school . She knew I like him but she didn't give a damn about my feelings or our friendship . She's so selfish . " She couldn't hide the hurt in her voice , which made me wonder if she was over Larry , I didn't give a response . Who knows ? She might be lying . Igrabbed the glass of cocktail and emptied it in one gulp . Pushing the glass to the bartender , I burped I want shots instead I stated somberly " Wow , are you sure you're okay ? Isabella's voice became distant . It feels like you want to get wasted . " I threw her a sharp glare . " I do want to get wasted " I snarled She flinched , moving away from me . " Alright then . Enjoy yourself . " I didn't expect her to give up easily , but she wasn't my problem At this point , I just wanted to forget my sorrows . I took a shot as the image of that adulterous scene flashed before my eyes How could he ? " Another one " I half yelled at the bartender . I went on and on , garnering the attention of those around me . My head was spinning . I could barely see I felt a cold thick hand on my left shoulder , which made me flinch . " Hey , beautiful " The man's lewd voice echoed in my left " You look like you need some company . " I scoffed ' ge get you your fitwy hands owf me " I stuttered like a chronic drunkard . The man bursted into laughter . " You're so wasted . Come on , let me help him . " I felt his hand move from my shoulder down to my back . I swung my arm to get his hands off him , but he didn't budge . Suddenly , there was a commotion . I heard the sound of jaw cracking , and in the next second , the man's hand was off me . The moment I turned to see what was happening , my eyes settled on a familiar figure beating up a man . His fists were covered in blood " How dare you lay your filthy hands on my sister ! " He roared . No one in the bar tried to stop him . They all seemed to be enjoying the show . Tears streamed down my face as I watched him lose it . " Marvin , that's enough " I whispered , my voice shaky . And just like that , his fist froze midair . He rose and looked at me , his eyes glistening with rage . " I'm sorry " 1 muttered , my gaze blurry . My body became weightless . I thought I was going to fall to the ground , but I felt warm arms wrap around me . Slowly , I wandered into the dreamland . My head ached as I struggled to open my eyes . " Arrghhh I growled in pain , rubbing my throbbing forehead . " You're awake " A cold voice piercing my ears , waking me up completely . My eyes shot open , landing on a man holding a tray At that moment , memories of last night came rushing back to me I'm sorry , Marvin " I whispered , my throat soar . " I only I trailed off . " Why weren't you picking my calls ? " He snapped . " I warned you not to go back to him , but did you listen ?! " +25 BONUS Tears trickled down my face as I closed my eyes in shame . " Now , you know that that bastard isn't worth fighting for H He added , his voice laced with mockery I'm pretty sure you've learnt a huge lesson . " I sobbed so hard that I coughed violently . " I brought you hot chocolate " He revealed , placing the tray on the bedside table . " When you're done , come downstairs for breakfast . He turned and left I sat up , wincing as a sharp pain shot through my head . Now , I regretted drinking that much . None of these would have happened if I had stayed with Marvin . No , I stupidly left to fight for a marriage that didn't exist in the first place . I wallowed in misery , sipping the hot chocolate . It soothed the pain bit by bit . I took a deep breath , placing the empty mug back on the tray . I got off the bed and dragged my feet into the bathroom Within fifteen minutes , I was done , I stepped out in a bathrobe , water dripping from my hair I opened the closet with no expectations only to be stunned by the outfits in it Dresses , casual and business outfits all in my exact size . I let out a soft chuckle , selecting a maxi sundress with a short sleeve . With all these , I didn't need to pick up anything from Larry's house , except for a few personal stuffs that were important to me . Dressing up , I made my way to the dinning area . Marvin sat there with his back against him . I had never been this scared of him . I walked meekly over to the table , sitting on his right hand side . He was munching on a chunk of omelette . Soon enough , a maid came out of the kitchen and dished out my breakfast for me . " We're going shopping Marvin voiced out , scaring the living hell out of me . I flinched , slowly registering his words " Why ?! " 1 questioned . " I don't think I need anything . " " You do " He argued firmly . " You need it to get your mind off your problems . I'm also taking you to the company after that Don't argue with me " I ate my meal silently . Thirty minutes later , we were on our way to the mall . Arving there , I gasped seeing the name of the mall . Rubyluxe It was the same mall Larry and I always shopped from . Is there a problem ? " Marvin questioned . I shook my head vehemently . He was trying his best to make me happy anyways . Why ruin mood further ? Marvin and I got out of the car . He held my hand and led me into the mall . " Welcome , ma'am , sir , " A female attendant ushered us in with a polite smile . I returned the smile while Marvin responded with a simple nod +25 BICNUS " What section would you like to visit first ? " She asked , her voice laced with caution . " The one for women " Marvin replied . " We'll be checking out the Jewelry section too . " I silently walked beside Marvin . Getting to the section , my eyes settled on a purple corset dress . I pulled Marvin to the spot to pick the dress . The attendant helped me remove the dress . Thanks goodness the attendant helped me . " Ma'am , I must say , you have eyes for good things " She complimented with much sincerity . " This dress is very hard to find " Marvin's phone rang out , " Er .. I need to pick this call . I'll be back " He stated , and walked towards the exit . I simply nodded , examining the dress . " I'll take it I declared . I already bought that dress " A sharp voice butted in . I could have sworn I knew who owned that voice My head snapped to where the voice had come from and my eyes widened in shock .