Janet’s Point of View
I watched Rowan as he sit beside me looking so perfect, like the good husband every woman would want. But what exactly was he trying to pull here? I saw him clear his throat, preparing to tell his lie.
“It wasn’t a big deal,” he said to Grandma, his voice smooth. “I skipped our anniversary dinner, and I didn’t know Janet was preparing something special that night. If I had known, I would have canceled all my meetings.”
He paused and pulled me closer to his side. I felt the warmth I used to desire most those days I seek for his attention but now
I felt trapped.
“I keep telling Janet we can have more anniversaries together in the future, but she keeps pounding on this one.” he
continued.
I was shocked at those words. What did he mean by that? More anniversaries in the future? Are we not ending this marriage?
What was he talking about?
Grandma shook her head at Rowan. “That’s not enough Rowan. Janet left everything she had to do and put effort into making dinner for your anniversary, and all of that went to waste.” She turned to me. “I understand your anger, dear. You have every
right to be angry with him.”
Grandma reached for a small box beside her chair. “Speaking of your anniversary, I wanted to send this to you both, but it
escaped my mind. Old age,” she laughed. “Silly me.”
She handed the box to me. “You are everything I ever asked for in a daughter. I’m so proud of both of you. And like Rowan said, for your next anniversary, I’ll make sure he doesn’t forget.”
I was caught off guard. I never wanted anything from them. How could I say no to this happy woman? Grandma’s behavior made me feel weak. I didn’t know what to do.
“Thank you, Grandma, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I mean, it’s your day,” I said.
“My dear, it’s nothing-
We were interrupted by one of the guests who came up to say happy birthday to Grandma. I used the chance to storm off.
Rowan must have noticed my anger because he followed me. As I entered the elevator, he stepped in too.
The moment the elevator door closed, Rowan turned to me. “What was the meaning of what you were trying to pull in there? Were you trying to tell Grandma about the divorce?”
“That’s none of your business,” I shot back. “And what did you mean by we’ll celebrate more anniversaries together in the
future?”
“It was nothing. Don’t dwell on my words,” Rowan said coldly.
I was stunned by his response. “I’m leaving. I’ve done my part. Sign the papers tomorrow.”
“Why the rush?” Rowan asked. “We agreed for you to play my wife today, and the party isn’t even over. You want to leave? What type of wife are you? It’s like you don’t love your job anymore.”
laughed. “You won’t do anything to sabotage my job.”
Rowan laughed back. “And who do you think will stop me? Your little boyfriend? Hope you know I can ruin his relationship
with you too.”
The elevator door opened, and I stepped out. “Keep on dreaming,” I said as I joined the other guests.
I was so tired of Rowan and his manipulative acts. Was he acting this weird to lure me back? Why is he playing the devoted his husband now. Just then, Flora appeared.
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“Hi, Janet! There you are. I thought you were still with Grandma,” she said with her fragile act, like she was about to break.
I didn’t look at her but replied, “Drop the act, Flora. Rowan isn’t here to buy it. What is it?”
I put down the glass of champagne I had just collected from a waitress.
“Oh, Janet, I know we have bad blood between us, but we can put that aside,” Flora said sweetly. “I don’t mean to ruin your relationship with Rowan. Can you join us? It’s not bad meeting some people.”
Flora kept trying to be friendly with me, but I kept resisting. After many tries, I figured there was no harm hanging around with her. After all, after the party and Rowan signing the papers, everyone would go their own way
Flora led me to a group with two more ladies sitting together. She introduced me.
“This is Janet, the daughter–in–law of our celebrant,” Flora said with her fake smile.
All the ladies welcomed me warmly. “You look so simple and elegant, I’m Gwen” one said. “Such a lovely young woman.”
“Thank you,” I replied politely.
“Janet is a therapist,” Flora added, and all the ladies looked impressed.
“How wonderful!” one lady exclaimed. “What important work you do.”
I was still uneasy. I could feel that Flora was up to something.
A lady who looked about sixty years old was reaching for her drink when she accidentally spilled some on Flora’s dress.
Flora’s face changed instantly to anger, though she tried to hide it. “Mrs. Henderson? Is that you?”
The lady looked embarrassed. “Oh dear, I’m so sorry! How clumsy of me.”
Flora’s voice turned cold. “It’s not really your fault. You used to have some mental issues.”
Gina, one of the ladies sitting with us, looked shocked. “What do you mean?”
“She used to hallucinate and cause trouble,” Flora said casually, like she was talking about the weather.
I couldn’t stay quiet. “Flora, you shouldn’t talk about people’s illnesses in public, especially behind their backs.”
“Her behavior here speaks to what I’m saying,” Flora continued. “I know her well. Her daughter used to be my friend, and she used to come to the clinic where Janet works for therapy. That’s how I know about her condition.”
“I still don’t see any point in you saying it the way you did,” I said firmly.
Flora turned to me with fake concern. “Since you’re a counselor and your work is professional, why don’t you help her? It
would really be good.”
“Since she’s been visiting our hospital, I’ll be happy to help her,” I said, moving closer to Mrs. Henderson, who looked
confused and hurt.
Some minutes later, I noticed the table was empty. The other ladies had moved away, and it was just Flora and me.
“Would you like another glass of champagne?” Flora asked.
“No, thank you,” I said.
“I think I’ll have some,” Flora said, standing up.
While she was getting her drink, I noticed Flora walk directly toward Mrs. Henderson again. I watched carefully.
Flora approached the older woman and started talking to her in a low voice. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but I could see Mrs. Henderson getting upset.
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“You don’t belong here,” I heard Flora say. “People like you should stay home.”
Mrs. Henderson’s hands started shaking. Her eyes grew wide with confusion and fear.
“Stop it,” Mrs. Henderson said, backing away. “Leave me alone.”
But Flora kept talking, getting closer. “You’re making everyone uncomfortable. Can’t you see that?”
Mrs. Henderson began to panic. She started breathing fast and looking around like she was lost.
“Help!” Mrs. Henderson called out. “Someone help me!”
People started turning to look. Flora was drawing attention, trying to ruin the party.
I rushed over. “Flora, stay away from her!“.
“Since you’re a therapist, why don’t you help her?” Flora said loudly, making sure everyone could hear.
I ignored Flora and focused on Mrs. Henderson. The poor woman was shaking and crying now.
“Mrs. Henderson,” I said gently, kneeling beside her. “It’s okay. You’re safe. Look at me.”
“They’re coming for me,” she whispered, her eyes darting around. “They want to take me away again.”
“No one is taking you anywhere,” I said calmly. “You’re at a party. You’re safe. Can you tell me your name?”
“I… I…” she struggled.
“Take a deep breath with me,” I said, breathing slowly and deeply. “In and out. That’s it.”
Everyone was watching how I handled the situation. I could see Rowan pushing through the crowd, his face worried.
“You’re Margaret Henderson,” I continued softly. “You have a daughter who loves you very much. You came to this party tonight because you were invited. You belong here.”
THE
Mrs. Henderson’s breathing started to slow down. She looked at me with clearer eyes.
“You sound just like her,” she said suddenly.
“Like who?” I asked gently.
“Your mother. She used to say the same things to me. The same gentle voice.”
My heart stopped. “You knew my mother?”
Before she could answer, I heard sirens. Someone had called 911. Paramedics rushed in.
“We’ll take care of her from here,” one paramedic said.
