A young and very beautiful woman, much younger than Zelica, appeared over Quacy’s shoulder.
Zelica recognized her instantly as Aniya, a local Instagram model who was gaining clout and who made Zelica’s stomach turn. Aniya was wearing Zelica’s silk robe, the very same robe Zelica had gifted herself for her wedding anniversary last year.
Aniya’s eyes swept over Zelica from top to bottom, judging her simple travel clothes, her tired face, and her worn-out suitcase.
“Oh,” Aniya said with a mocking smirk. “It’s not a solicitor. Turns out it’s the ex-wife.”
“Ex-wife? Qui? What is this?” Zelica whispered, feeling a stinging burn in her eyes. “Who is she? Why is she in our house? Why is she wearing my clothes?”
Quacy sighed as if Zelica were a trivial nuisance.
“Listen, Zelica, this is over. Better we talk downstairs. Don’t make a scene here.”
He didn’t even give her a chance to step inside. He stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind him, leaving Aniya smiling smugly on the inside.
Quacy didn’t speak at all while they rode down in the elevator.
Zelica was petrified. Her brain wasn’t capable of processing what had just happened. The smell of Aniya’s perfume, an expensive scent that wasn’t to her taste at all, lingered faintly on Quacy’s robe.
The elevator chimed, opening into the busy lobby. It was evening rush hour. A few other residents looked at them with curiosity.
Quacy walked quickly toward a corner of the lobby, somewhat secluded, near a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Peachtree Road. Zelica followed him like a robot.
“Quacy, explain this to me,” Zelica demanded. Her voice was barely audible.
“What is there to explain?” Quacy said coldly. “Is it not clear? You and I are done. Finished.”
“Just like that? After ten years? After I took care of your mother after her stroke last year? After building with you from ground zero?”
Quacy let out a cynical laugh.
“Building with me from ground zero? Don’t be ridiculous, Zelica. I am successful thanks to my hard work. You—” he sneered, “you’re just a burden. Especially after you spent so much time taking care of your mama in that country town. You forgot your duties as a wife.”
“My duties?”
“Yes. Look at you.”
He pointed at Zelica with disgust.
“Disheveled, unkempt. I am a major developer. I need a partner on my level, not a housewife like you.”
