three years later)

Liz's POV

I continued to relentlessly fight the darkness that was taking over my head. The future of my father's hardwork lies in my palm, I cannot afford to disappoint him. The fight for dominance was brutal in my head. Michael must succumb to my will…

At last! I triumphed. I slowly became conscious of my environment, although my vision was still blurry.

I sat up, yawning at the same time, and also waiting patiently for my sight to be recovered. My gaze rested on the wall, within a few seconds I was able to get a clear view of the clock on the wall.

It was day time already, and it felt like seconds from last night…

I moved my finger's to my bird nest of hair and began scratching it, trying to force out memories from last night. Immediately I was able to recall I turned to my side.

"Michael you_" I was silenced by his disappearance.

When did he get up from the bed? I highlighted from the bed and strolled down to the kitchen. To my surprise the food I had prepared yesterday was left untouched. It's weird… Michael has never rejected my food, not once even, when we argued, he would rather just scrabble through or dispose of it. But today it was left untouched, the same way it was yesterday.

His mysterious disappearance awoke a lot of uncertainties. What exactly happened last night!? Why did he leave for work early today? Endless questions kept racing into my mind, and I wouldn't deny the fact that a little part of me thinks he is ashamed to face me.

…maybe I should just contact him.

I moved my hands to the large pocket by the side of my overalls and took my cell phone out, did a quick search for his number, which I was able to spot within a few minutes of intense search.

Our chat history was as dry as a desert. We barely spoke, not to talk or call and chat.

"Good morning my dear husband," I moved my finger's swiftly on my phone's keyboard.

The message was sent and viewed within seconds but there wasn't any reply, not even a HI.

…what was I thinking?! My marriage is at the brink of extinction.

…

I had spent the whole day doing nothing. Michael never responded to my message nor called. I had slammed him with a lot of texts. I don't know why my spirit felt disturbed. Maybe it's because of his sudden disappearance or the way things ended quickly between us.

In my state of confusion and worry, I fell asleep on the sitting room's couch and was awoken by the sudden blast of my phone's alarm which I mistook for Michael's call.

Now I felt choked by the amount of anticipation for his presence. He has never returned late… Maybe once, but not as late as today. It is 12am.

I paced around the room, with my phone buried under my armpit and finger tapping my lower lips. I was contemplating on whether or not to call him. Once again, I glanced at the spammed messages and shoved it back beneath my armpit.

…Where could he be?!

Then the phone started buzzing. I took it back in my hands and received the call. It was his secretary.

"Can I speak to my…"

She hung up just when I was about to explain my plight. Why is everyone being so brutal?! Had Michael warned her not to respond to my calls and texts?

Again my phone buzzed loudly, this time it slipped from my armpit and fell to the ground due to the intense vibration and of course! My carelessness.

…Maybe he is hurt and in need of my attention.

I rested my finger on my lip, still contemplating on the next step to take. Then I finally dwelled on finding him?

I turned around, the fluffy after dress I wore followed my motion. I have to end all these questions and uncertainties…

I followed my heart as always and it led me to my husband's company.

"Hello dear," I beamed at the receptionist, immediately she responded with a radiating smile.

Thanks to my connection I was able to gain access to the heavily guarded company. From my quick survey, I discovered that Michael's car was present in the area, meaning that he is probably on a night shift.

"The president is not available Ma'am."

I felt a loud bang in my head. Is this a joke or a prank?

"No, no!" I scoffed, shaking my head, "He is in his office, his car is outside," I gestured with my hands, trying to explain myself to the receptionist, but she was determined not to let me step in.

"He is the Almighty Mr. Michael, he has a lot of cars on display."

Yes! She is right. However, this car is for personal use not for a display. It's more like his hand bag.

"That is his favorite car," She still wasn't convinced. "Look, my husband hasn't been home for days," I gulped an emptiness and shut my eyes. She made me let the cat out of the bag.

"He is not around ma'am…" She declared, and shifted her gaze back to the system on the desk.

I clenched my fist and hit it on her desk.

Her yes is a yes… No one can change her mind, not even me!!! Only Michael has the effrontery to change her will.

I heaved a huge sigh, turned away from the desk and walked sluggishly down the hallway. A cleaner walked past me, striking a deadly idea.

…

Never in my life have I pictured this day. Stooping so low as a maid to see my husband.

I felt uncomfortable in my disguise, and my heart wouldn't stop thudding against its ribs when I walked past the receptionist desk to Michael's office. I kept praying to whatever deity that was available to make me and my vicious plan invisible.

I rested my body on the door and twisted the knob that led to his office…

Immediately my gaze was able to meet up to his office, the content in my hands fell to the ground.

Michael looked up and grunt escaped from his lips, "Can't you see I'm busy. Have you forgotten how to knock?!"

I was shocked to the core, although I was expecting something similar but it came too fast for my brain to register.

A lady sat stark naked on his lap, with her fingers intertwining his neck tie…

This is definitely a dream… I could find my breath anymore, the whole air felt bland. I became woozy instantly, like I had lost a lot of blood. I shouldn't have listened to my father!!!

With a loud thud I collapsed to the ground…