His Darkest Regret

June

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my dress down for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if I looked the part of a supportive wife at a business event. Axel had been vague about the guest list, but I knew how important tonight was for him, so I promised myself to try and blend in. It wasn’t often that I attended his work events; he never invited me. But tonight, I insisted. I felt like just a fool being used only at convenience.

The door behind me opened, and I caught his reflection in the mirror as he stepped inside, adjusting his tie with his usual smooth, detached demeanor. “You don’t have to force yourself to come tonight,” he said, his voice steady but cold. “This isn’t really your thing. It would be best if you stayed at home.”

“I want to be there,” I replied softly, turning to face him. “I want to support you, Axel.” those words coming from me sounded like i was pleading to stand behind him. Hasn't it been what I have been doing for the longest time. He barely noticed me every time that I tried to be part of his business. It felt like we were both roommates who shared every big house.

After my words echoed, he barely glanced at me, his attention already back on his phone. “It’s not like you’ll fit in. This is a high-level business crowd, not really your space. And I know you wouldn’t like the people anyway. You don't have to pretend that you like every bit of this.”

His words felt like a slap to my face. I tried to mask the pain, swallowing hard. “I’ll find you if I need anything,” I mumbled, even though disappointment was already settling in my chest. I’d just wanted to be a part of his life, to show him I cared about his world. Then it seemed that however I tried, there was something I was doing wrong. I didn't know if there was a right way to doing things but I was actually doing my best. Then, the door got shut at my face at every turn I get.

Axel shrugged, barely acknowledging my response. “Fine. Just don’t get in the way.”

I watched him leave the room, his dismissiveness cutting deeper than I’d let him know. I took a shaky breath, trying to push down the rising feelings of not being enough. I was his wife, after all. I had every right to be there with him, even if I didn’t understand every detail of his work. He doesn't know the intricate details of my world but yet I didn't make him feel the hell I was feeling.

When we arrived at the event, Axel quickly slipped away, mingling with people he seemed to know intimately. I hovered by the bar, nursing a glass of champagne and watching him talk to businessmen, laughing and charming his way through the crowd like I