Five minutes later, we were sitting in the booth of the Cafe on the first floor of the company. The café was almost peaceful with the exception of a few patrons—who come to have a cup of coffee and pastries on the go, as they head to their workplaces—the place was mostly empty as it just opened. The table in front of us has two plates full with delicious pastries and there's also a mug of hot tea and sparkly water,for Jules and iced mocha for me.
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Jules ate slowly; she doesn't look like she's enjoying her breakfast, her eyes frequently dart to the left side where there's a glass wall that shows New Yorkers as they walk hurriedly to their respective places of work. I'm happy there are no paparazzi looking for a scoop today. Most of the time when we go out, we'll find them lurking around, they always have questions for Jules, either about her work, life or husband.
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I ate the delicious pancakes I ordered with my ice mocha slowly, I suddenly wasn't all that hungry anymore. My eyes kept watching Jules' face. The elegant well kept woman I knew is nowhere in sight,she's still dressed elegantly in a dark blue slack and a white silk blouse, her silky soft hair not a strand out of place. But if you knew her, you'd know, this woman with sunken eyes and dark circles around her eyes is not the Jules of last week.
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This Jules looks sad, and troubled. Not at all like the woman I saw Friday night when she happily shared that she and Nicklaus-her husband are having a romantic dinner in the most famous french restaurant called 'Bon-Appétit' in Manhattan. I was both happy and envious of her, but knowing she deserved it, I wished her a splendid time with her hot, tall and dark husband.
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Then I went home feeling sorry for myself. I'd consoled myself with a carton of Ben and Jerry's, dreaming of when I'll finally meet the man of my dreams, someone who I could trust completely without my past getting in the way. And now she's like this! I don't want to make any assumptions but something happened during that dinner or after to make her look this way. The only thing that would make her this dejected is a fight with Nicklaus, she worships the ground he walks on.
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“Thank you, I really needed this.” Jules said with a smile.
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“It's okay, you're my boss and I also consider you a good friend, you've helped me so many times in the few months you've known me. You'd also help me with the funeral, it's the least I can do.” I like Jules, while she and I have only known each other for a little over six months. Since I started working here she's always been nice to me and has helped me a lot. We have especially gotten close this past month.
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She wasn't as hard and overbearing as other bosses I'd had before. She's also very considerate and we work great together. I don't like poking my nose into other people's business, but right now I could see that Jules needed a friend. And she's been such a good friend to me when I desperately needed one. She needs someone to talk to, so I extend her friendship the same way she did for me.
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“What's wrong Jules, you look sad, heartbroken and not at all like yourself, you can talk to me. I've been told I'm a good listener. I might not have a solution to your problems but talking about it can offload a lot of stress. And you look really stressed.” I didn't really think she would tell me whatever it is that was bothering her, but then she said.
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“Nicklaus is cheating on me.” she blurts it calmly. But I could see how devastated she was. I don't believe this.
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“What?! Are you sure?” In my heart I truly couldn't believe it, Nicklaus cheating on Jules? That's impossible, the man is completely in love with her. At least the two times I've seen them together, they looked so in love that I felt a little pinch of envy. I wanted what they have, someone who loves me unconditionally.
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But then I hear this? There's no way Nick would ever cheat on her. But I didn't say that, truth be told I don't know Nicklaus or the kind of man he is except for who he is as a business mogul. He and his family were well known, they're always talking about his family in the tabloids.
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“See, even you don't believe me, I can scarcely believe it myself.” Her eyes were red rimmed and filled with tears, she brought out her white flowery handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes, before they could spill over.
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“I'm so sorry Jules, but it's really hard for me to believe, I mean I've seen you two together. And you've both seemed so in love with each other, that right now I can't bring myself to accept that Nicklaus would ever cheat on you. I'm assuming you caught him in the act, right? otherwise you wouldn't believe it?” She shook her head and did something so unlike her, she burst into tears, sobbing right there in the middle of the café.
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I was so shocked to see her this way,this strong woman I've always admired and considered a good friend. In the months I have come to know her, I believe she's a good person. I felt compassion towards her, then anger toward her husband on her behalf. I get up and drag my seat closer to hers, so I can comfort her.
“I'm sorry, I've never been this emotional, but it hurts, it hurts so much Andrea. How could Nicklaus do this to me? After everything we've been through together,you might not have known me for a long time Andrea, but I'm not neglecting my marriage. I tried to make time for him and I. Planning a romantic getaway every few weeks or months and family time just for the three of us, we always go on vacation with Natalie. So I'm really trying to be a good wife to him and I thought we were okay, that we were happy.
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But all this time I had been deceiving myself, Nick doesn't want me anymore Andrea. You saw Nick, the man is hot. And has a voracious sexual stamina that can rival that of a dog. Nick's a sex maniac and I love him, I burn for him. I'm always ready to get down and dirty anywhere for him.
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But can you imagine we haven't had sex in over six months, whenever I tried to start something he just brushed off my hands and said he's exhausted, I knew he was struggling with what happened to his sister but that wasn't an excuse, we all were affected by that tragedy.” she paused, sniffing, more tears rolled down her cheek, I passed her the kleenex on the table, my heart breaking for her.
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“Thank you.” she said after she dabbed away the tears. I remember reading somewhere about Jules' sister in law Meredith Montgomery who was kidnapped almost two years ago when I'd first moved to New York. It was horrible. The poor girl was only seventeen.
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“Then on Friday he called me over to 'Bon-Appétit', you know the French restaurant down main street?” I nod my head listening. Of course I knew Bob-Appétit. Who living in Manhattan didn't? It's a trendy French bistro for the rich. A place where my monthly salary wouldn't even be enough to cover up the course of one meal.
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“I thought it was just the two of us. When I went there I saw it's a family dinner with his brother and his fiance. We had dinner, then we went home. I tried to engage him in a conversation on the way, but he only answered in monosyllabic, he seemed so distracted and kept checking his phone.
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And immediately after we reached home, he left. I was hurt,he didn't even get out of the car, I thought he's back for the night. Still I didn't give up. I was determined to talk to him about us. I know we have always been two ambitious, workaholics couples but we've always managed to make it work,for ourselves and Natalie.” She paused to breathe and continue.
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“He didn't come back until dawn, he didn't know I was waiting for him in his room, the light was off, he stripped out of his clothes and went inside the bathroom. I really didn't know what possessed me to make me check his Jean. It was right there in the back pocket of his jeans. I saw it, a condom tied up with the evidence of his infidelity filled inside, so yes! I've seen the evidence and this isn't the first time he's cheated on me. I'm tired Andrea, I'm filing for divorce.
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But I'm afraid Nicklaus will try to turn this around on me, so he doesn't ruin his reputation or pay alimony, and instead will rob me of my company.”
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“What? He can't possibly be that cold hearted?”
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“Oh, he is. Nicklaus is ruthless, he's a control freak and doesn't want anyone he considers his, to leave him. He has serious abandonment issues. I honestly don't know what to do, I can't lose my company Andrea.
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A company I've given my all to and had worked hard for with my blood and sweat. And what about the employees? Not to mention that I definitely can't let him take Natalie away from me, I won't lose her, I need my baby girl.”
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“Of course you do, she's your little girl, and you shouldn't have to lose your company or the custody of Natalie when the fault lies with her father. But don't you want to work things out? Maybe go to marriage counseling or something.” I suggest. Jules shakes her head.
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“It's futile, we have gone to counseling before and looked where we are at now. It won't work and I'm not sure I can forgive him. He's shattered the trust I had in him and lost all my respect.”
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“I'm so sorry for what you're going through, Jules .”
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“Thank you. Anyway that's that. Let's go back to the office. I need a shower, a change of clothes and make up to help cover my puffy eyes. I'm so embarrassed Andrea that you had to see me break down like this.” I smiled at her and replied.
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“You're strong Jules, you'll get through this.” she smiled back and muttered.
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“I have to.” We went back to the office and Jules got back to being her strong professional self. I really sympathize with her, and I hate her husband a little for not knowing the worth of his wife. Nick must really be stupid to chase after other women when he has a gorgeous wife that's devoted to him and loves him dearly.
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Hey guys, ok you know it! I'm just going to shut it, but will appreciate it if you.... Lol 💋💋💋
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