Page 34 of Heartless Union

There’s no one to talk to. My father wanted this marriage for me. He won’t understand why I’m having problems with Rocco. And he’s dying as it is. I don’t want to add any extra undue stress to his life. Gabriella said I could talk to her, but it feels strange to complain about my husband to his sister.

There’s only one person I ever felt like I could talk to, but Rocco took her away from me. Ashley.

I know Rocco told me to stay inside. That it’s dangerous out there for me. But I can’t stay locked up in here.

I immediately turn back to the front door and leave.

I’m sitting in the usual café Ashley and I eat at for brunch. I called her when I left and begged her to meet me here. She wasn’t happy but agreed to come.

When she walks through the door, I feel myself lighten for a moment. It’s like old times, meeting up for brunch.

But then I see her scowl, and I know everything is different.

“How was your wedding?” she asks, sitting down. “Oh, that’s right. I wouldn’t know because I wasn’t invited because you’re choosing to listen to your controlling husband over me.”

“Ash, I don’t want to fight. Please, I just want to talk.”

She sighs. “Fine.” Her eyes flit over my face. “Are you ok? You look … scared. Has he hurt you?”

“Not exactly. But I am scared. Rocco doesn’t know how to show compassion. He’s so cold it stings. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“Get a divorce.” She grabs out her compact mirror from her purse and starts dabbing at her lipstick. The way she can so easily suggest a divorce while checking her makeup means we come from very different worlds.

“I can’t get a divorce.”

She shuts the mirror. “Why not?”

“Because I need this marriage to make my father happy. He’s dying.”

“Then after he dies.”

I stare at her in horror. “How can you say that?”

“Lara, I’m sorry. That was harsh. But you’re clearly not happy. So, just divorce the guy and move on.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Yes, it is.”

No, it’s really not. “I come from a different world than you, Ash. I can’t just get a divorce.”

“And what world is that? Money? I have money, too.”

I place my head in my hands. “That’s not what I mean. Please, I need you on my side.” I glance back up at her. “Can we not fight? Can you just be there for me as a friend?”

“Sorry. I can’t. I’m not going to sit here and listen to you complain about you husband, who I told you not to marry, only for you to not take my advice. You’re not happy? Then leave him. It’s as simple as that.”

I stare at my best friend for a moment. Has Ashley always been this cold? I expected more compassion from her, but she’s acting like she wants nothing to do with me unless I do exactly as she says.

That sounds a lot like Rocco.

My husband wants me to listen to him, no questions asked, but so does Ashley. Neither of them listens to what I want.

“You always made me feel bad for being different from you,” I tell her quietly.

She huffs. “That’s not true.”

“It is,” I say, slowly nodding. “And now, when I’m asking for you to just be a supportive friend, you can’t even be that.”

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