Chapter 3 Uncovered

Lizzie slowly stands up from the sofa, not paying much attention to what just happened. She runs her fingers through her shiny blonde hair before adjusting her designer dress and picking up her panties from the floor. "What is this, Jarl?!" Katrina asks tearfully. "What are you doing with Lizzie? Is this the great job you fulfill at Sofisthy?" "First of all, don't shout, it will disturb the employees and save the dramatic show for when you're at home," Lizzie responds arrogantly, approaching her with a smirk on her face. "Nobody here has to tolerate your stupid fits of jealousy. It's not that big of a deal." "Not that big of a deal? I caught you having sex with my husband! You, my own sister. What kind of prostitute does that to their own blood?" A hard slap lands on Katrina's cheek, leaving her stunned for a moment. "Don't you dare insult me again, you worthless person," Lizzie points her finger at her sister. "You should be grateful that you still have a husband. Absolutely nobody in the Alba Noctis pack wants to be with a woman like you. Just look at yourself, you look like a beggar from the street, you don't even comb your hair. Do you think Jarl will desire you like that? Will he want to make love to you?" With anger and pain, Katrina wipes away her tears while she looks at her husband sitting in his chair, unconcerned by the situation. Her distress deepens as she realizes everything that has been happening right under her nose. "Aren't you going to say anything?" she asks Jarl, sobbing. "Is what Lizzie saying true?" "Lizzie didn't say anything that wasn't true, Katrina. You are a woman who is, to put it mildly, not very attractive. I can't be expected to live in misery just because I married you. Resign yourself and accept that this happened and will continue to happen, whether you like it or not, if you want to remain my wife." Lizzie looks at Katrina with indescribable pleasure before approaching Jarl and pecking him on the lips, while Katrina feels like she's dying right before her eyes. Trembling all over, she nods. She puts the pregnancy test into the pocket of her shorts and runs out of the place. She doesn't even go through the parking lot to retrieve her car, she leaves the building and starts running down the avenue with a chest pain that suffocates her. How could Jarl and her sister do this? How could she have been so foolish to believe in the love he claimed to feel for her? "Come on, get on!" Amber says to Katrina as she intercepts her with her motorcycle in a dark street. "I'll take you to a place where you'll forget about your idiot husband." Katrina gets on the motorcycle behind her and puts on her helmet. Her eyes are red and swollen from crying so much during this time. She had been wandering the streets for hours until she called her friend, who came to her rescue immediately. Katrina remains silent throughout the entire journey, her gaze lost on the road, and Amber prefers not to overwhelm her with silly questions, for now. She knows her, she knows that she only needs company and support at the moment. The complaints and truths will come later. They arrive at a place that looks questionable. Katrina had never been to a place like this before, but she can imagine what it's about. Amber works as a waitress at a nightclub on weekends. "I don't think this is a good idea," Katrina says, hesitating as she looks at the facade of the place. "Don't worry so much. Inside, no one will approach you unless you want them to. Besides, we're just here to have a drink and forget, we'll be at one of the safe tables." In the end, Amber convinces Katrina to go inside. The young woman is surprised by how beautiful it is on the inside. The place is quite picturesque, with lights and smoke of all colors, beautiful and sensual women dancing in front of elegantly dressed men, couples drinking some drinks at the tables. Some people turn to look as they pass by, and Katrina is not surprised by that. Amber is stunning in a suggestive black dress and perfect makeup, while she feels like an ugly duckling among white swans. They walk to one of the VIP sections where only a few select people have access for privacy. A young waiter approaches and serves caipirinhas for both of them. "I can't drink alcohol," Katrina points to the glass. "Do you forget that I'm pregnant?"