Behind Closed Doors by Ava Catori Page B

me over one too many times,
and this time I was no longer in the dark – his truth came out,
and our marriage became a sham. I hated him for hurting me and
putting it in my face, and yet I still remembered what we used to be.
    I
used to love Harry. When we met, we’d stay up all night
talking, laughing, sharing our thoughts, and I admired his ambition
and aspirations. Something happened along the way, and when his name
was tossed in the ring to possibly be groomed for a future VP gig,
there was no stopping his ego.
    Now
I see a loveless marriage, and feel trapped in the life I chose. I
can’t destroy his political dreams, he’s come too far –
and yet in the process I’m paying for it with his infidelity. I
tried to threaten him when I first found out, but then I caved and
told him that if he was going to live this way, at least keep it out
of my face. He couldn’t even do me that favor at this point. He
was only in it for his own wants and needs, knowing I was trapped in
the situation.
    I
was crushed – and thankful that we don’t have kids. I
wouldn’t want to expose them to this kind of life. I chose the
money and the lifestyle over my freedom when given the choice. It was
a mistake, but I’m in too deep. I can’t back out now.
    “ Hunter,
would you mind stepping out?” I asked, wanting to confront my
husband over his sleazy tramp leaving through the front door.
    “ Yes,
Ma’am,” he said returning to his post at the door. He was
always near, strong and silent.
    Dialing
Harry’s private line, it went to voicemail. I knew it would. He
rarely speaks to me when he can avoid it. My voice was cold, and I
was bitter. “Ask your dates to use the back door in the
future,” I spit out, and then hung up the phone.
    I
hate him, and hated myself for allowing him to win. Why? Where was my
backbone? I could walk away and let him deal with cleaning up his own
mess – and yet something kept me here. I didn’t know
what. Maybe underneath it all, I wanted to be a Vice President’s
wife. I guess I deserved what I got.
    All
my life I’d been groomed to be in the public eye. My parents
were in politics, and image was everything. They wanted me to follow
in their footsteps or at least keep it in the family. When I didn’t
show an interest in politics for a career, I was primped to be a
trophy wife for a colleague. I didn’t expect to fall in love
with Harry, but I did.
    I
was young, impressionable, and he seemed so wise, easily ten years
older than me, and looking for a wife – somebody to be seen
with. I fit the bill and fell for his charming charisma early on, not
that he has it anymore.
    I
should have demanded more respect, should have begged him to stop,
but I was stunned and simply caved. What should I have done? Thrown
him out of the Governor’s mansion? He’s the damn
governor.
    I
stood and stretched, leaving the comfort of the overstuffed lazy
chair. Walking through the doorway, Hunter dropped in behind me,
following me as I walked. I was used to his shadow, though he never
overstayed his welcome. He blended well, something I desperately
needed right now. I didn’t want to talk to anybody, I needed to
crawl into bed and lick my wounds.
    I
thought I’d accepted Harry’s behavior, but in truth I was
kidding myself. What woman could accept it and not feel slighted?
Seeing his slut leaving through the front door stung; at least leave
me my dignity, what little bit that’s left.
    Hunter
spoke softly, “If I may, Elle,” he started.
    I
turned to look at the strong man standing just behind me, “Yes?”
    “ You’re
a graceful woman, you deserve better treatment.”
    “ Thank
you, Hunter.” He didn’t have to say that. I appreciated
his words.
    “ I’d
best not say anymore, out of respect.”
    I
nodded and understood. He was in a difficult position, working for
both myself and Harry, though Harry had his own people following his
every move. We went through a government agency that assigned our
guards.