POV Keith
"Will you be faithful to me for as long as we remain married?"
I stare at her confused. I don't understand.
When she asked me if I was sure, I was convinced she was going to ask for money, like everybody else. Like every sane person would. Surely she knows my family is richer than Croesus? Right?
I take her in, sitting ramrod straight, hands tucked into her lap.
So why isn't she asking for money?
"What do you mean?" The question comes out rougher than intended. I'm tired. This whole day has exhausted me, and now she's asking for... what exactly?
When she speaks, her voice is quiet but clear: "I mean, grant me the respect and dignity due to a spouse. Don't flirt with or get into a relationship with another man or woman while we remain tied to each other."
She takes a breath, and I watch her ribs expand under her pajama top. She's so thin. When did I last see her eat a full meal?
"When at home, treat me like a human being, not a nuisance or burden you can't wait to get rid of. When in public, protect my image, reputation and dignity. Don't let others bully me. Don't bully me yourself."
A slight note of bitterness enters her voice. "Is this too much for you? Don't feel like making up for everything now?"
I frown.
She begins to get up and I stop her again. She seems determined to misunderstand me.
"Is this all?"
It's her turn to look confused. She frowns, trying to parse my meaning so I break it down for her.
"I thought you'll ask for something difficult. Or something unreasonable. This was your chance to milk the situation." I study her face, I explain as concisely as I can, trying to reconcile this woman with the gold-digger Mother described. The one who begged Eliana's family for money. Who scraped through college caring about nothing.
But the woman in front of me isn't asking for diamonds or a bigger allowance. She's asking me not to humiliate her.
What am I missing?
So I ask again, "Is this all you want?"
Her lips twist into a bitter smile of disbelief.
"You think it will be easy to walk away when women line up to throw themselves at you?"
She snorts. "When all the Kats and Elianas of the city pursue you with everything they have, do you think you'll be able to resist temptation?"
She rolls her eyes, and elaborates as if explaining to a child. "Every woman that finds out you've married will set out to prove why I'm the worst wife for you. They will scheme and resort to tricks to create scandals to challenge my worthiness and claim on you." With pitying eyes, she continues, "Every woman who doesn't know you're married and her Mama will try to tie you down. Can you be faithful to me in such a situation?"
"Are you serious right now? Do you know how many scandals I've managed to avoid in all these years? Do you think I'm unaware of how much of a catch I am?"
She looks me straight in the eye. " And yet you couldn't see through the machinations of Kat and Eliana just today."
"Both these women have proven their character to me. You should watch what you say about them." My voice goes cold. The words come out harsher than I intended, defensive.
Because what if she's right? No. I've known Kat for years. Eliana since childhood. I refuse to believe they'd manipulate me so easily.
But Joan's face flashes in my mind. The way Ella gave her the day off without being asked. The pancakes she made just because. The resignation in her eyes when Imogene raised her hand the second time.
Nothing about Ella matches what I've been told. I grit my teeth, angry at my own doubt.
She shakes her head as she gets up but I don't stop her this time.
My hands ball into fists. I'm angry at what she is implying. Yes I prefer Kat and Eliana to Ella. They are both more beautiful, more intelligent, more accomplished, and just better than her. It's not a secret to anyone. So what am I supposed to do? Claim they are pathetic so Ella feels better?
Is she trying to make me the fall guy for her shortcomings?
I grit my teeth as I stare at her swollen face and folded arms.
Even battered and bruised she holds herself with quiet grace. I don't want to notice this about her. This whole situation is getting out of hand. Tch!
Both my interactions with them were innocent. There is no need to slander or misunderstand them. Or me. The way she puts it, even talking with them or helping them means I'm cheating. I grimace.
She stares right back at me. This new Ella without her walls is surprising. Most times she comports herself in silence, speaking few words, her tone mostly quiet and guarded. This new spitfire Ella intrigues me despite myself.
She looks at me like I've met all the expectations she had of me in this conversation. Like she was right to expect disappointment.
She turns and walks away, shoulders drooped. I can see her hands shaking despite them being fisted.
I bristle as I watch her retreating back. What kind of a man does she think I am? That I go around sleeping with every woman to cross paths with me?! Seriously!
This woman is driving me mad.
She stops with her hand on the lock of her door and delivers her parting shot. "Think I'm wrong in my assessment? Alright then. I dare you. Prove me wrong."
Click.
Her door snaps shut behind her.
"You dare me?!" I exclaim in disbelief to the empty room. The gall!
I feel confused, frustrated, accused and judged all in the same breath!
What is this woman? Who asks for fidelity instead of money? Who asks to keep faith in a farcical marriage to make up for the harm and slights she has suffered?
Why does my heart feel lighter for it?
I sigh. I can't muster my usual anger at her today. I can't ignore her damaged face and split lip, nor the vulnerability she tries so hard to hide.
I also can't fully suppress the smile that threatens to break out onto my lips every few seconds. Seriously Keith, get a grip.
I stand staring at her door long after she's turned off her lights and gone to bed.
The scent of her coconut shampoo lingers still. The feeling of holding her close rushes through my mind again. The feel of her soft skin under my fingers. The thready pulse in her wrist.
Tick-tock. Tick-tock. I can hear the clock in the background. The hum of the refrigerator feels especially loud tonight.
I keep turning the whole evening over and over in my head but I just can't figure out the answer.
Of all the things to ask for, why fidelity?
I think about mom's words: "Emotions will make you weak. Money keeps things equal."
I recall Grandpa's teachings: "Be ruthless. Sentimentality invites exploitation. Don't create openings for others to exploit you."
I think about Ella's quiet grace as she stands before me, broken and rejected, asking not for money, jewels or revenge — just basic human decency.
My chest feels tight.
I look at the text from Kat blinking on my phone : "Dinner next week, just us?"
My finger hovers over the reply button, conflicted.
Another text rings through. This one from Eliana : "See me off at the Airport on Saturday?"
Huh. What are the odds?
"Can you be faithful to me in such a situation?" Ella's question rings in my ears. "Prove me wrong."
I delete the messages and pocket my phone.
Tomorrow, I'll give her an answer.
Today, I need to figure out — What kind of man am I and who do I want to be?