Love Beyond Numbers

KATHERINE TURNER POV

As a romance novel lover, I thought I knew a thing or two about love but my own divorce from a manipulative gaslighter taught me that real life happily ever after takes a lot more work.

As I sat on my couch, nursing a glass of wine and staring blankly at the TV, my friends burst through the door like a tornado. “Time to celebrate, girl!” Lucy exclaimed, holding up a sparkly dress. “You're finally free from that maniac!”

I raised an eyebrow. “I don't know, guys. I'm not really feeling up for it.”

But Angela was insistent. “Nonsense, Kat! You need to get out and live a little. No more hiding behind those frumpy clothes and that sad face.”

Before I knew it, they'd dragged me into my bedroom and were rummaging through my closet. 

“No way are we letting you wear that ugly sweater,” Lucy said, holding up a faded gray thing. “You need something that screams 'I'm free and I'm fierce’!”

They emerged with a dress that made my eyes widen. It was red, tight, and had a neckline that plunged dangerously low. “You can't be serious,” I said, but they just laughed and shoved me into it.

It was right to say the last time I wore a tight dress was years before I met Max, ever since we dated and eventually got married, it had always been loose clothing.

His reason? “I don't want to share you, and dressing flirtatiously will attract horny low-life guys.” 

It made sense, or so I thought. Next thing I knew, we were at a club, surrounded by pulsating lights and thumping music. I felt like a fish out of water, but my friends were determined to get me to let loose.

“So how do you feel, baby girl? When was the last time you went out for fun babes? You suddenly turned into a 61-year-old,” They teased and a faint smile escaped my lips.

They were right though, I couldn't remember the last time I stepped into a bar not to talk of a club, even though I was 39 years old.

“Forget about him, and focus on yourself and your daughter,” Angela shouted over the music. “Tonight is all about you, Kat. Time to start afresh” 

At the mention of my daughter, my smile flattered, I knew Charlotte was not happy with my decision.

She loved her father, and I did too, until his manipulation and gaslighting became too obvious. 

I thought I could continue to endure it. Sixteen years of marriage seemed worth saving, but when I saw him that night with a slutty-looking redhead while Charlotte was out for a school project and I was exhausted from work, I knew it was enough.

He didn’t want “guys all over me” and didn’t like “ungodly clothing,” but he was screwing a redhead with makeup that could paint a canvas.

As the party continued, I noticed a tall, handsome guy with piercing blue eyes who seemed to see right through me. My eyes followed him as he made his way to the bar and ordered a drink.