Incompatible Souls Forced into a Contract Marriage

"We're sorry ma'am but you're not allowed to go into the party." The security guards eyed me curiously and sympathetically but their strong stance didn't shake.

I didn't think I heard right. I've just been denied access into a party hosted to celebrate the anniversary of my husband's and I joint company.

"Are you aware of who you've just denied access to?! The part owner of this company! You might lose your job for this insult!" I breathed out, shifting uncomfortably because the people gathered outside were already staring.

"We're sorry, ma'am. We were given strict orders to keep you out." They responded again and I bristled.

"By whom?! Wait till my husband hears of this ridiculous–" I was still speaking when the security guard responded.

"The order was from your husband, ma'am."

As soon as his response sank into my head, my mind began to spin while I struggled to make sense of what I had just heard. Tonight is the fifth anniversary of the company my husband and I co owned, and we're supposed to be celebrating together at the party... So why would he give this ridiculous order?

Anger shrugged through my veins and My hands shook as I walked to the side and whipped out my phone to dial my husband's number. He didn't pick up till the fifth ring.

"Can you explain why you ordered security to not let me into my own party?" I gritted angrily into the phone.

More people were starting to openly stare at me at this point. 

Some were even pointing at me while clearly gossiping. 

Since my life drastically changed three years ago, I've become a laughing stock, so the onlookers' reaction wasn't shocking as it was already a norm, but I wished I was already used to it, because I wasn't.

"Correction, Carla, it's my party. And I gave that order because I didn't want your presence to ruin the party for me and my family. You know ever since you returned from prison, your reputation has been completely damaged. Having you at this party tonight would just bring ridicule and embarrassment to me tonight and that's something I'm avoiding."

As my husband spoke, I couldn't believe my ears. The anger within me tripled. I was beyond furious and angry. Ever since I returned back from prison, my husband has completely changed. And it was making me so furious, because I went to prison instead of him, to protect him. 

My reputation has indeed been ruined after I got imprisoned. 

All my family members and friends deserted me, having been too humiliated to still be associated with me. Shortly after we began to run a joint company, My husband, Dave, stole government money and invested it into the company, then it massively boomed and we became big shots in the country. 

He told me he did it for the benefit of us, to give us a brighter future. I didn't agree with his crime, but I was moved by his reason: he only wanted a better life for the two of us. So when he asked me to take the fall for him, I agreed. I was so in love with Dave that I wholeheartedly trusted him. In jail, after everyone abandoned me, my husband rarely visited. 

Whenever I complained, he claimed it was because he was too busy running our company. 

But after I was released, I realized that I had been nothing but a fool. My husband, whom I readily went to prison for, didn't love me anymore. He claims to still do, but it's so obvious in his actions that he doesn't- and tonight is another proof.

"You can't be serious. Order the security to let me through!" I seethed through the phone but Dave only snorted before responding.

"Go home, Carla."

He was dismissing me, and that hurt even more. Since I got released from prison, people don't take me seriously anymore, and my husband is a part of them.

"I'll do no such thing. The company is mine as well and I deserve to attend too!" I bit out, feeling extremely furious.

"The company is technically mine, Carla, so stop yapping. All the funds in it are mine, remember?" He sounded irritated at this point.

"After I agreed to go to prison for you, you agreed to give me fifty percent shares. We even signed a contract!" I reminded him.

"Well, I lied. That contract is useless. Now, go home before paparazzi take photos of you outside the party, I don't want your name being linked to mine at all tonight." He snapped and I bristled harder. 

Before I could respond, I heard a familiar female voice in the background. "Is that Clara?"