“How can I help you?” Olivia, the receptionist of Dr Anastasia Harington asked and didn't bother to look up as she was busy in the file. Is this how she treats the clients? How Dr Harrington is managing her clinic with such rude staff? She was rude when I called this morning for the appointment.

“I am here for the appointment,” I mumbled and noticed new flowers on her desk, Strelitzia which symbolises independence... The independence of an individual.

Looking at her wristwatch, she sighed and then shifted her gaze to her computer screen. “The appointment is for Anastasia Carter.” Finally, looking at me, “and you don't look like her.” She forced a fake smile.

And you don't look like her. What does it mean? How do I look, then?

Taking a deep breath, I copied her expression. “Then maybe I can get this appointment.” I played along.

“Another time?” She offered.

“No, I want this time,” I said.

“It's Anastasia Carter. And you are not her. You don't look like her.” Olivia was annoyed but not more than me. I am Anastasia Carter, and this is my appointment.

“How does she look like?” I looked around the empty reception.

“Skinny, pale, dead eyes… Wait….” She giggled. “Her eyes are not visible… she wears glasses. And that low bun… Trust me, she reminds me of one of my aunts. She even had a problem using the latest phones… Like she doesn't know how to use them. Can you believe it, she asked me how to search in Google… And she blushes when she hears the name, James Carter. She thinks she has the last Carter, then James Carter will look at her. He will never glance at her. He is happy with Dr Harrington… And she always has flowers with her.”

What does it mean, 'He will never glance at her'? He has two kids with me. He successfully impregnated me 4 times, with two successful deliveries. He dropped many other women for me. And, I loathe the memory of the way James used to have me.

“Aren't you speaking too much?” I warned her. One shouldn't speak about other's life.

“Oh please..... It's gossip. Nothing serious. I do feel her sadness. That emptiness, in her presence yet, She gives that dangerous vibes like she is someone powerful.”

She is someone powerful.

“What about me?” I asked.

Olivia stopped and looked at me, this time carefully...... Her eyes widened and she stood up. She is sweating, nervous- good.

“Anastasia Carter.” She mumbled. “You look different.”

“How?”

“You don't wear fit clothes… I mean… This dress looks outstanding. Those loose clothes make you look skinny… I didn't do anything wrong.”

“You said I blush whenever I hear his my husband's name.” I mocked her. In these two years, she never asked about my personal life and judged me, now I am learning it. But she needs to know who I am before the divorce.

“James Carter is your husband.” She said to herself when she realized it.

“I am here for my appointment.” I dismissed her and took the seat far from Olivia.

***

I am slow, but I tried and that's enough. I am still new to technology, but I know, it's easy. Kids use it, elders are eager to learn it, then I can do it easily. Nothing is impossible, right?

I read every instruction and managed to book a cab online. It was easier than I thought. The only issue I got was light radiating from the screen of my phone. How to fix the light of the screen? It attacks my eyes. The sting on my eyeball still exist. I think I need to get an eye checkup. Something is wrong with my eyes… Maybe the issue is the power of the lens, or maybe, it's contact lenses. Everything failed.

My plan to meet Dr Anastasia Harrington…. Or beloved husband stealer was not available, due to a family emergency. It was shocking that she has a family. I will search for her online. I know nothing about her, except, she's beautiful, confident, successful and my husband's mistress.

The chains of my remorseful thought was broken by a car. The navy blue, expensive car stopped in front of me and soon, the glass of the window was down. And, Inside the car was Theo, sitting with a charming smile and..... What! He is wearing a business suit. What he does?

“What are you doing here?” He got out of the car. “It's about to rain.”

“I am going home,” I said meekly.

“But you are here, in front of me.” He gave me an intense look from toe to head and finally, his hazel eyes stooped to meet mine. Those eyes shone and held me in staring contests.

“A Cab is on the way,” I said and pulled my bag close to my chest. All of a sudden, Theo's presence is making me uncomfortable. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled over his forearms, displaying his various tattoo perfectly sitting on the olive skin. He looks like a Greek God… Just in modern clothes.

“Where is your husband?” He asked, while his eyes travelled to my arms… Holding my bag, then he looked at me… Chest. He is looking at me, but it's not creepy. I feel desirable. My heart is racing, screaming desiring a man than your husband is a sin, but… I can't help this feeling. It's addictive. Like, drug.

“I don't know.” I was honest, and I was busy assessing my heartbeat.

“What!” He exclaimed and run his built hands over his messy hair. He is well-built, like James. But he has a tattoo. I wonder how many tattoos he has beneath that white shirt. “Yup, I heard the news….he is out of the country.” He continued. “Your driver?”

I shook my head and my phone pinged again. There was a message. I didn't bother to open it. It's an unknown number.

“You can check your phone. Don't bother yourself with my presence. And cancel the cab. You are not travelling with strangers.” Theo was demanding.

I thought for a while and checked the app. The cab will take another half an hour to arrive. It's dark, and I am scared of the dark. I was supposed to be at home with Jamie, reading any bedtime story to my bundle of joy. I didn't think twice and accepted Theo's offer.

“I need help.” With the lowest voice, I was ashamed to admit that I don't know how to use an app properly.

Raising his eyebrow, his eyes asked me what I wanted. His gesture left me speechless. Those eyebrows looked amazing. No, his forehead. How can he have such a good, attractive forehead? This is beautiful.

“I don't know how to cancel the booking.” I walked towards him and showed him my phone.

Inhaling the deepest breath, he was quiet for a while before he spoke. “It's a new phone.” He took the phone, brushed his fingers over my hands and did the job. “I even added my number to your contact list.” He chuckled. “You have only 8 contact numbers.”

“Yes… That's all I needed.”

He didn't argue and opened the door for me. It didn't take long, but as soon as we hit the main road, the rain started. Theo mumbled something and continued to drive, slowly.

“Don't you need my address?” I asked.

“All I know is that I have to continue to drive straight to get out of the city, and then you will guide me.” Theo was concentrating on the road.

The alertness of Theo's assured me, that I will be alive when I reach home. Jamie will be sleeping and Norma and Daniel will be there.

I called Norma and informed her about my situation. She said that the rain is heavy, and we should stop somewhere, but Theo was good. So, I didn't think about the situation and disconnected the call. And, that's when Theo stopped the car.

“We need to stop. It's too much for me.” Theo informed me.

I nodded, which was invisible to him in the dark. “Will you please switch on the lights? I am scared of the dark.”

“I am not going anywhere… You are safe.” He promised me. But I wasn't convinced. Despite the presence of another person in the dark, I was still afraid. After a few minutes, I felt Theo moving.

“What are you doing?” I was afraid that he would leave me here, alone.

Then, I heard.

Baby shark, do do, do do do do

Baby shark, do do, do do do do

Baby shark, do do, do do do do

Baby shark

I smiled at the sweet memory with the song. I remember, Cherish dancing with her shark fancy dress.

Mama Shark, do do, do do do do

Mama Shark, do do, do do do do

Mama Shark, do do, do do do do

Mama Shark

“My happy song. Maybe it will help with the dark situation.” Theo's voice penetrated the song.

And I laughed, loud.

Papa Shark, do do, do do do do

Papa Shark, do do, do do do do

Papa Shark, do do, do do do do

Papa Shark

"It's amazing," I admitted.

Grandma Shark, do do, do do do do

Grandma Shark, do do, do do do do

Grandma Shark, do do, do do do do

Grandma Shark

We sat and enjoyed ourselves. Theo was the worst singer, I have heard. Still, He managed to lighten my mood.

"That's the End, do do, do do do do

That's the End, do do, do do do do

That's the End, do do, do do do do

That's the End" we finished. And he played another song.

We sang and waited for the rain to calm a little, but it wasn't helpful. The rain was still at its peak.

“Your son must be missing you,” Theo said and lowered the volume of the song.

“I informed….” I stopped when I realized. “Who told you about me? Husband….son…”

“Trina… he chuckled. “She warned me to stay away from you.

“ Why?”

He didn't say anything as an answer. I could hear him breathing… Deep inhale… Exhale. What happened to him?

“Nothing serious.” He shrugged off. “I was taking interest in a married woman.”

I was right. He has feelings for me.

“You look ravishing, by the way.” Theo sounded tired.

I should be thankful to him. He appreciated my effort, but instead, I asked. “Are you tired?”

He hummed.

Something possessed me and I did something unthinkable. I pulled his tie close to me and, “Maybe I can help you.”

Theo didn't speak. But then I heard, “fuck the James Carter.” And I was pulled into a kiss.