The Hated Husband
Reunite

"Dev, you're hugging me in a public place again."

"Leave it, I don't care. We go for a walk."

Dev pulls Maria by the hand, but Maria does not move.

"Mary, what exactly are you?"

"No. It's okay."

"Then let's go."

"Where are you taking me?"

"To a place we used to go first."

Dev held Maria's hand and rode her on the bike.

"Don't know why I wanted to take you for a walk. I want to spend a long time with you. But we still have a lot of time. Is it because I'm going to work soon?"

Dev on the way kept smiling. Mary was silent in her daydream. After a long time on the way they finally arrived at the intended place, in a cafe. Dev took Maria by the hand and invited her in.

"Mary, remember? we used to meet here after school."

"Of course, how could I have forgotten."

"Because this cafe is not afternoon, so we have a chance to be alone. Those were wonderful times. It feels good that we're meeting in secret."

Dev laughed a little. Hearing her words made Maria surprised. Right now he feels like it happened until now. Because her status is now married. Maria's daydream breaks after the waiter delivers the order to their table.

"Mary, as long as I'm in England what are you doing?"

"Hmm, I'm living my days as usual. But two years ago I was working part time delivery."

"Work part time? Why are you working?"

"At that time the father was in the phk of his company. But not long ago I started a small business, now I have a restaurant."

"Thank God. I'm sorry Maria, when you're down, I'm not next to you."

"It's okay Dev. Besides, now we're better off."

Dev smiles.

"Mary, I have something for you."

Maria frowned, she wondered what gift Dev would give her.

"Now close your eyes."

According to Maria, Dev pulled his right wrist.

"Now you can open your eyes."

Mary slowly opened her eyes, surprised to see a gold bracelet decorated with small gems forming the initials of the letter D in the middle.

"Dev, here.."

"That's a gift for you. And I purposely gave you my initials so you'll always remember me."

Mary could barely hold back her tears, she wanted to cry and say it all. But she could not bear to see her lover who was so happy at this moment.

"One day I'll give you a more beautiful gift than this."

Maria's throat was blocked, she tried to stem the tears from falling on her cheeks.

Dev, you're so good. Why is a man as good as you should be my girlfriend. If I knew this, I wouldn't have returned your feelings.

***

"Mary, it doesn't feel like it's 5 in the afternoon. I think we just got here."

"Oh my God, I have to go home soon."

"Let me take you."

"No need Dev, I can go home by myself. I feel awkward, you just got home. What do I have to say to Mom?"

Dev was astonished by Maria's attitude, the reason felt strange to him.

"Alright, then be careful."

"Yes, I'm Dev first. Thank you for today"

Maria leaves Dev who is still paying for their order. Maria took a taxi home. Arriving at home he was surprised to see the husband who welcomed his return in the living room. It was as if he was waiting for his return.

"Where have you been?" jo asked while holding her back

"I'm from a friend's house." Mary answered nervously

"You come home once in the afternoon, it's almost six and a half" asked Jo suspiciously

"I'm gonna take a shower, excuse me."

Ignoring Jo who was still standing waiting for her answer, Maria walked up the stairs to enter her room, she sprawled her body into bed imagining the days she had spent with her lover today and in the past.

***

"Today Mary's attitude was very strange. He's been looking moody since he came home this afternoon. What's he thinking?" jo's inner heart at dinner with his wife.

"Hey, that food is for eating, not on the sidelines so. You don't know yeah, I'm tired of working but you're wasting your food instead. Quickly spend it."

"I'm sorry."

"Actually, what's wrong with you?" ask Jo to worry

"Me, it's okay" Mary replied as she ate

Jo was wide-eyed when he saw something on his wife's wrist.

"Mary, where did you get that bracelet?"

Maria immediately held her bracelet nervously.

"I here, I bought this bracelet long ago. I'm wearing it now."

D

"Are you still thinking about him?"

Deg

"I know you dated him when you were in high school. But I don't know if you're still in touch until now" said Jo coldly

"I want to tell you one thing. Even though there is no love between us, and we do not like each other, you still cannot be in a relationship with any man. Because your status is married."

Maria's heart skipped a beat, she felt herself as if she was having an affair.

"Yes, don't worry. I'm not related to any other man."

"good. You're all mine, and I don't want to share mine with anyone. Including, Dev."

Deg

"And also, tonight don't wear your bracelet as long as you hold me. I don't like to see it."

"Ba's good."

After saying that, Jo got up from the chair leaving his wife alone at the dinner table. Maria let out a deep breath after her husband left.

***

Her night..

Maria hugged Jo tightly, she looked at her husband's sluggish face.

Until when do I live with this man. I want to be with Dev, my love, my soul mate. Do I have to sue for divorce? But, how would you feel if I did. Then let it all happen as it is. Dev, sorry. This time I'm selfish, I don't want to let you go.

***

The next day

Jo and Maria return like strangers after getting out of bed. They are like a normal married couple only when they sleep together and hug each other. Today, Maria will meet her lover in secret.

Maria returned home at four in the afternoon, Dev was waiting for her in front of the campus and took her to the park. Dev deliberately wants to spend time with her before she gets busy with her work.

"Marya."

"Hm."

"I have a reunion tonight, I want to take you there."

"Reunion?"

"Yes, High School reunion."

Maria was silent for a moment. He thought it would be fine if he came along. Everyone knew they were in love. But there was one thing he had forgotten because he was so excited.

"Yes, I want to."

Dev smiled happily at the answer from her. Finally they met around Maria's house, Maria quickly went there so as not to be discovered by her parents.

Dev's car arrives in front of a fancy restaurant. There's been a lot of coming, Dev's classmates though not all of them. Without Maria, this reunion also invited other class friends. Her husband was also at the show.

They throw each other a glance, Maria as if she was having an affair with her lover. Jo is even more surprised after seeing Dev's arrival, he only finds out if Dev has returned from England.

The night was filled with laughter, interspersed with casual chatter. Many of them came with their partners. Without them all knowing, Jo's the only one who's married. And now his wife is alone with her lover in the park next to the restaurant. The lights are dim, making both more free to make fun.

At the moment all Maria had in mind was her lover, she had forgotten that her husband was also in their midst. Maria sits next to Dev, their lips parted, making out in love. Maria closed her eyes, enjoying a gentle touch in her lover's arms. While a pair of eyes were watching them hatefully.

Seriate