Adams Smith's expression turned cold, his voice devoid of empathy. "Clara, go back home, don't cause a scene here."
Clara's fury erupted, her voice rising. "It's not shameful to cheat, but it's shameful for me to react to your cheating? We've been married for eight years, didn't you think of my emotions? Don't you feel any empathy for me? Are you still human?"
Thelma, the mistress, sneered, her arrogance palpable. "Clara, you can't have a child, why don't you let Adams have a child with me? He doesn't have feelings for you anymore, get divorced quickly and stop pretending to be his wife."
Clara's anger boiled over, her emotions raw. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? You're reveling in my pain!"
The argument escalated, drawing a crowd. Thelma's taunts and Adams' silence pushed Clara to the edge. She lunged at Thelma, her bag flying, her fists swinging. Adams intervened, grabbing Clara's hand, his face red with anger.
Adams took his mistress away, leaving Clara at the scene.
Clara's anger turned on Julia, her eyes flashing with accusation. "You came to gloat, didn't you? Did you know Adams was cheating? You're just jealous that I married better than you!"
Samantha stepped in, her voice firm. "That's not fair, Clara. Julia didn't know about Adams' mistress or the pregnancy. Even if she did, it's not her place to tell. If you're looking for someone to dump your anger on? Try your cheating husband!"
Clara's face turned red, her voice rising. "You shut your mouth!" But Samantha stood her ground, defending Julia. "Julia, let's go," she said, pulling Julia away from the toxic scene.
As they walked away, Clara's parting shot echoed behind them. "Julia, if you don't want to see me have a better life, you won't either." Julia shrugged it off, knowing Clara's anger was misplaced.
But the drama followed her home, with a call from her mother. "Julia, something happened to your cousin... Clara just found out her husband's been cheating on her, and she's filing for divorce." I was right about the other day.
Julia sighed, her mind reeling with the hypocrisy of Adams' words in the hospital. "Mom, I know already. I saw them at the hospital. It's a mess, and I think it's best if we stay out of it."
Her mother's voice was laced with concern. "How can I ignore it, Julia? Your Aunt Erica is devastated, and her blood pressure is up. That Adams is not a good person. He's been lying, and his mistress is pregnant with a second child, a son. The Smith's family wants this child, and they've refused the divorce just to protect their reputation."
Julia was surprised, her mind reeling with the implications. Adams' affair had been going on for at least six years, and his daughter with his mistress was five years old. His perfect husband's act was just a facade, and Julia couldn't help but feel a little uncertain about marriage itself.
"I know, Mom," Julia said, her voice soft. "I saw how he was with Clara, all smiles and concern. But it was all an act. I don't know what to think anymore."
Her mother's voice was gentle. "You'll figure it out, Julia. Just remember that no relationship is perfect, and people can change. Don't let this experience jade you."
As Max walked in, Julia felt a bit of guilt for not having dinner ready. She quickly got up to greet him, "Hey, you're back early! I was just about to start cooking dinner."
Max smiled, "No need to cook tonight, let's eat out and celebrate. You're starting your new job tomorrow, and I want to make it a special night. Plus, I have a surprise for you."
Julia's eyes sparkled, "A surprise? What is it?"
Max teased, "You'll just have to wait and see. But trust me, you'll love it."
As they got ready to go out, Julia couldn't help but feel grateful for Max's thoughtfulness. "You're really sweet to do all this for me, Max. I'm lucky to have you."
Max chuckled, "I'm the lucky one, Julia. You're the one who's always taking of me. Now, let's go enjoy our night out!"
As they drove to the restaurant, Max noticed Julia seemed preoccupied. "Hey, what's on your mind? You seem a little distracted," he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Julia hesitated, then blurted out, "My cousin's husband cheated on her. They've been married for eight years, and he did it because she couldn't have a child. He even had a secret child with another woman, and they're expecting another one. My cousin is devastated, and she's filing for divorce."
Max's expression turned serious, "That's terrible. I'm so sorry for your cousin. No one deserves to be treated like that. But you know what they say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade out of it.' Maybe this is an opportunity for your cousin to find someone who truly loves and appreciates her."
Julia nodded, "You're right, Max. I just wish she didn't have to go through this. But I'm glad I have you to support me through all this."
Max smiled, "That's what partners are for. Now, let's enjoy our night out and celebrate your new job and my surprise!"
Julia stared at Max, her eyes searching for answers. "Max, do you think all men are capable of cheating?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Max turned to her, his eyes filled with understanding. "No, Julia, not all men are cheaters. I promise you, I will never deceive you. If I ever feel the need to leave, I'll tell you openly and honestly."
Julia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "But how can I trust that? You're a man, just like him."
Max reached out and gently touched her face. "Julia, I'm not him. I promise to always be truthful with you. And even if I fall in love with someone else, I'll tell you. I won't hide it from you like he did."
Julia's eyes filled with tears, her heart aching. "I can't bear the thought of being cheated on, Max. It's like constant fear in the back of my mind."
Max's expression turned soft, his voice gentle. "I know, Julia. But I'm not going to let that happen. I promise to always be honest with you, even if it's hard. We'll face everything together, as a team."
Julia's eyes locked on his, searching for any sign of deception. But all she saw was sincerity and love. She took a deep breath, her heart slowly calming. "Okay, Max. I trust you."
Max's face lit up with a warm smile. "Good," he said, his voice filled with relief. "I promise, Julia, I'll never let you down."
As they drove on, the tension between them dissipated, replaced by a sense of comfort and security. Julia knew that she had found a true partner in Max, someone who would always be honest with her, no matter what. And as she looked into his eyes, she knew that she would never let him go.
Just then Max turned to Julia with a serious face. "Julia, can I talk to you about something serious?" He asked, his tone sincere.
"Of course, Max. What is it?" Julia replied, her curiosity roused.
"I want to promise you this, Julia, for as long as we're married, I will never betray you. I'll be loyal to you forever," Max said, his eyes filled with sincere emotions.
Julia smiled, her heart with trust for Max. "I believe in you, Max. You're the only person I can trust completely."