Alisha's POV
Seeing Erma's insincere face, a wave of profound disgust washed over me. Why did this woman have to come to my house, invading my sacred space? I had no desire to let her appear before me, tarnishing the little peace I had left.
I shot a quick glance at Erma and turned to Mireya, my anger evident in the intensity of my voice, "Who let her in? Ask her to leave immediately, and don't allow her to come near me again!"
Archie frowned at my words, his tone now tinged with both concern and unhappiness, "Alisha! What's gotten into you? Erma just wants to talk to me about something important. Why did you send her away like that?"
I looked at Archie's once incredibly alluring face, feeling the weight of my emotions on the verge of spilling over. I wanted to ask him if he had ever truly cared about me, even just a little, with a mistress right in front of his wife, walking into my home so easily. But I couldn't bring myself to expose my vulnerability in front of him, especially with Mireya and Erma present.
Besides, if this news spread and reached the Black Furies, Joey would undoubtedly make a scene, and I couldn't bear the thought of that.
"I don't care what she's here for; I am the host of this house, and right now, I don't allow her to stay here!" I declared, trying to assert some control over the situation and my own emotions.
Archie looked at me, defending, "Alisha, don't be unreasonable. I have a very important matter that I need Erma's help with."
"Oh, really? What matter?" I retorted.
Archie hesitated for a moment before looking away, his response evasive, "You don't need to know the details of her visit."
His lack of transparency only fueled my frustration. I felt like I was constantly kept in the dark, unsure of where I stood in his heart.
At this moment, Erma spoke softly, her voice laced with fake remorse, "I'm sorry, it seems like I came at the wrong time. I've made Luna hate me, and that's my fault. I'll leave now, as long as Luna forgives me." Tears started to fall from her face as she spoke, revealing the vulnerability she tried to hide.
"Save it, Erma, stop putting on a show in front of me. Your fake act means nothing to me, not even a penny's worth of tears." I said impatiently.
Erma said, "No, Luna, I truly want your forgiveness. Besides, I came to see the Alpha to discuss tonight's..." Archie suddenly interjected, his voice firm and commanding, "Enough, stop talking!"
I couldn't believe my ears. What did Erma say just now? Tonight? Will she do something together with Archie?
Yeah, Archie said that he need to deal something tonight, so I had to go the north pack with Brad tomorrow. Now, it was clear that the thing that Archie need to deal was just an excuse. He planned to spend tonight with Erma!
How dare he cheat me like this? My frustration and anger boiled over, and I clenched my fists, trying to contain the rage and betrayal surging inside me. My heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of Archie's deceit. How could he do this to me? How could he lie and sneak around with Erma behind my back?
Erma's smug expression only fueled the fire of my anger. I couldn't stand the sight of her, pretending to be sorry while scheming to steal my husband away from me. She was nothing but a conniving snake, and I refused to let her win.
I gazed into Archie's eyes earnestly, feeling a surge of emotions swirling within me. "Archie, are you telling me that when she mentioned 'tonight,' it means you'll be with her tonight, right?"
As I awaited his response, I couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and relief. Fear of what his answer might be, and relief that I finally found the courage to voice my feelings. The ball was now in his court, and I could only hope that he would be honest with me, no matter how difficult the truth might be.
Archie's expression grew heavy, his eyes revealing the weight of hidden secrets that I couldn't decipher. After a moment of silence, he reluctantly nodded, confirming my worst fears.
Mireya stood uncertainly nearby, stunned, unsure of how to intervene, while Erma wore a satisfied smirk on her face. A bitter laugh escaped me, as if my rationality was being consumed by the intensity of the situation. I couldn't help but ask, "If you already have her, why do you still want me?"
Archie seemed puzzled by my question, struggling to find the right words to explain himself. He finally replied, "Erma and I will go ahead tonight, and you'll join me at the party tomorrow night."
My laughter turned hollow, fueled by disbelief and defiance. "Archie, you're dreaming! Let me make it clear to you, Erma and I are eternal enemies. It's either her or me! If you ask me to go with you, then you can't stay with her!"
I made my stance crystal clear, offering no room for compromise or indecision.
Archie's tone grew resolute, pushing back against my ultimatum. "Alisha, don't be ridiculous. This time, I must take Erma with me!"
The finality in his words stung, but it also ignited a newfound strength within me. I stepped back, my voice firm and unwavering, "Then, Archie, consider this the end. I won't be waiting for you tomorrow night, or any other night. From now on, we are through."
Archie's frown deepened as he questioned me, "What the hell are you speaking! How many times do I need to remind you, you are always my..."
But before Archie could finish his sentence, Erma suddenly burst into tears and a loud shout. Without saying another word, she turned and ran out of the room, covering her face.
Archie cursed under his breath, frustration evident on his face, before he hurriedly followed Erma out of the door.
As the door closed behind them, an uncomfortable silence enveloped the room. The weight of unspoken emotions hung heavily in the air, and I struggled to keep my composure. My heart was torn between anger, hurt, and profound sadness.
In truth, it was not surprising that Archie chose Erma and gave up on me. It was evident where his heart truly lay. Tears streamed down my face, and Mireya came close to me, looking at me with deep sympathy and compassion.
"I'm so sorry, Luna," Mireya said softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"Please don't tell this thing to others." I shook my head slightly, unable to find the right words to express the overwhelming emotions swirling within me. It was a painful realization that the marriage I thought we shared was nothing more than an illusion. Archie didn't even bother concealing his affair with Erma in front of me now. I let out a self-mocking laugh and then headed upstairs.