The other woman

Ana and I stood in front of the club, half drunk, our feet wobbly and sights a bit blurry but we still waited, our hearts filled with anticipation because we knew he was coming.

Soon, a familiar luxurious car stopped a few feet from where we stood and Benjamin walked out of it, his eyes immediately settling on our figures. My red glistened with anticipation as he walked up to us but the happiness I was feeling died out the moment he stretched his hand over to Ana instead.

"Babe..." He called out, holding her in a loving manner.

Ana let out a coquettish smile, collapsing on his manly chest like she couldn't stand anymore. She wasn't even that drunk!

He chuckled softly, carrying her in his arms like it was no big deal before leaving like I wasn't standing right there too.

After he had helped her settle at the passenger's side of the car, he finally remembered I existed.

"Martina... come on." He urged, walking to the driver's seat, not even sparing me a single glance.

I swallowed the anger and pain within me before walking over to the car and taking my seat at the back. After I had settled, he started the car and drove off.

It look a lot within me not to lash out in anger when I noticed the public display of affection between that bitch and the man who was supposed to be mine.

Yes! Mine!

Afterall, I knew him first. I loved him first. He even asked me out first but.... that was where I made the mistake. I should never have rejected him but still, I was hoping he would push harder.

If he truly loved me, he wouldn't have given up after just the first trial. No! He did and worse, went after my best friend just to spite me. The bitch didn't even waste time in running into his open arms after all I've told her, how I made sure to show that he was mine.

She couldn't wait to be able to steal what I had always wanted from me and now, she gets to enjoy everything that's meant to be mine.

The more I thought about it, the more it angered me. Ana was nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing, a betrayer.... a backstabber!! Still, she acts so innocent, always blabbing on and on about her relationship with my man, always trying to involve me in the moment only to make me the third wheel, a fool!

I needed no soothsayer to realize that she was doing all this on purpose. If not, why will she invite me out to eat with her, knowing her boyfriend will be there and worse, it was the day he proposed to her.

That happened about a month later. I wasn't interested at first but she urged me to go with her, saying it was a girl's day out, our day. After a lot of pushing, I finally gave in.

Do you have any idea how shocked, hurt, pained and hateful I was when I saw him down on one knee but not for me? They've been together for how long, eight months and he didn't think twice in making her his wife.

While I rejected him once and he never looked my way anymore. That was when it hit me that he never truly loved me, it has always been and will always be Ana in his heart.

It was never about having to spite me. If not, he wouldn't ever go as far as marrying her in such short notice. I was just never the one.

It hurt, so bad but I could only swallow my pain and watch in silence while forcing a smile on my face to show how happy I am supposed to be for them.

I caused this. If I wasn't trying to play hard to get, maybe I would be the one standing in front of him, wearing that diamond ring but no... I just had to make such a huge mistake.

Maybe it's finally time I let go of my love, rather infatuation for Benjamin and also my deep rooted hatred for Ana. It isn't her fault Benjamin chose her. Beside, you can't tell the heart wants.

I swallowed my pain and wanted to leave before would make a grave mistake when Ana suddenly walked towards me, grabbed my arm and stopping me from leaving.

"What's wrong? Where are you going?" She asked in a rather high pitched voice, attracting the attention of all the other restaurant's visitors that were celebrating them.

"Uhmm.... I'm not feeling too good." I muttered, hoping she would understand and let me be but no! She still wouldn't let go!

Her face suddenly quirked up into a look I've never seen there before.

"Why's that? Are you still jealous of me?" She asked, her voice still loud.

I was obviously startled by the sudden change in her behavior and her question.

"W...what??"

"Oh.... don't try to play dumb.... I know you still love Benjamin. You can never hide your emotions from me no matter how hard you try!" Her voice was low this time, so others wouldn't hear how devious she had already turned.

She moved her lips to my ears and;

"How does it feel to see everything you've ever wanted, go to me instead, the same lady you always looked down on?" She asked with a malicious tone in her voice.

Wait... what?? I moved back immediately but didn't expect something would be behind me. I lost my step and fell and Ana did at the same time. Why did she fall so easily? She could have just left me to wallow in my shame alone but I didn't expect she would be aiming for something bigger.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she cried out in pain.

"I'm so sorry Tina. I didn't know you still loved him. You said he didn't matter anymore. If I did....." She sobbed harder, not able to hold back her tears.

I stared at her in confusion. That wasn't the expression she had on just moments ago. Is she trying to.... In a split moment, Benjamin was at her side, helping her up carefully.

After he carried her up in his arms, his angry eyes turned to me.

"I've been trying to hold back for a while but you've gone too far already. I asked you out, you rejected but now, you wouldn't even let me move on. What more do you want from me? To grovel constantly at your feet??" He sneered angrily.

"But... I didn't..." I tried to stand up but suddenly felt a sharp pain on my waist. I must have hit the floor hard.

"Oh keep your useless explanation to yourself. Ana will soon be my wife and there's nothing you'll do to stop it!" He growled before taking her away with him.

Before they left my sight, Ana flashed me a look... a very satisfied smirk was dancing on her lips. That was the moment I knew... she planned this.

She played me from the very beginning, acting like she was innocent, like she didn't know what she did wrong but that one act from her made me realize every thing that happened eight months ago till now were all part of her strategy.

And now, like I once was, Benjamin has been completely fooled by her but not for long. I pushed myself up from where I laid, ignoring the intense pain on my waist.

I picked up my handbag and left the restaurant while trying to blur out the disgusted looks ans judgmental side whispers I was getting form everyone.

Getting outside, the night wind hit my face, filling me with a new resolution. I had initially wanted to let them be happy but not anymore. Ana... you've crossed someone you never should have and now, you'll have to pay dearly... wuth your wretched life!