If You're Well, Then That's the End

Elizabeth Bennet was exhausted after dealing with a particularly demanding client. She had no time to bask in the praise of her subordinates; she had to hurry to her office. Mr. Darcy was expected at her studio today, and she intended to greet him in the best possible state.

As she approached her office door, she heard rustling sounds. She hesitated, wondering who could be in her office at this hour. The voices within were familiar, and the words exchanged sent a chill down her spine.

"Mr. Darcy, be gentle," cooed a voice she recognized as her assistants, who was also her protégé.

A deep chuckle followed, and Elizabeths heart sank as she recognized her husbands voice. "Like this?" he asked.

The playful exchange continued, but Elizabeth couldnt move. Her mind raced with the implications of what she was hearing. The hasty departures of her assistant, the sudden visits from her husband – it all made sense now.

She felt the air being sucked out of the room, and her breath caught in her throat. Leaning against the door frame, she slid to the floor, tears streaming down her face.

"Mr. Darcy, someone might come," her assistant whispered.

He responded nonchalantly, "So what if they do?"

Unable to bear any more, Elizabeth surged to her feet and flung the door open. The woman screamed, pushing Mr. Darcy away in a panic.

Mr. Darcy stumbled but showed no anger, not even bothering to address his disheveled state. He frowned at Elizabeth, "Who gave you the right to enter?"

Elizabeth was beyond fury. "This is my studio, my territory. I am the boss here. Why shouldnt I enter? Mr. Darcy, it is you who owes an explanation."

He straightened himself, utterly indifferent to her indignation. "Whats there to explain? Didnt you see everything? Or are you blind, Elizabeth? Also, your office is quite shabby. Consider adding a bed."

Elizabeth was livid. "Mr. Darcy, how can you behave like this!"

He sneered, "Why shouldnt I? Isnt this what you wanted? You made me marry you. Fine, I did. Who I choose to be with is none of your business, Elizabeth. One cannot be too greedy."

Elizabeth was so angry she almost laughed. "Im the greedy one?"

He grew annoyed. "Know your place and dont push your luck."

"Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth screamed.

The phone rang, and upon seeing the caller ID, his expression softened instantly. Without a word to Elizabeth, he turned and left.

Elizabeth was left in the wreckage of her office, her heart shattered into a million pieces. The betrayal cut deep, and she could no longer hold back her tears. She had been such a fool, thinking he would change, believing their marriage could be more than a farce.

As she finally made her way home, she wasnt sure if she could even call it that anymore. The house seemed more like a cold, unfeeling lodging than a home. She stood outside, the warm light from the windows doing nothing to warm her icy heart.

It took her a long time to gather the courage to enter. When she did, she was met with a scene that made her blood run cold. Scarlett OHara was there, clinging to Mr. Darcy, crying pitifully.

Elizabeths Frowning. Scarlett was her cousin and the woman Mr. Darcy had always held a torch for. It was a cruel twist of fate that her own father treated Scarlett like his own daughter, doting on her more than Elizabeth.

Why couldnt people see through Scarletts manipulative and selfish nature? Why were they all so blind to her true character?

And Mr. Darcy, despite his intelligence, was just as fooled by Scarletts feigned innocence. He was gentle and comforting, wiping away her tears as if she were the true victim.

"...Darcy, Im so miserable," Scarlett whimpered.

Elizabeth couldnt bear to watch. She slammed the door, causing Scarlett to jump and burrow further into Mr. Darcys embrace.

Elizabeth strode forward and grabbed Scarlett. "Scarlett, are you addicted to seducing men? Look closely, the man in front of you is your sisters husband."

Scarlett was caught off guard and pulled to her feet, her face pale, tears hanging on her lashes. "Lizzy, Lizzy, youre back?"

Elizabeth turned to Mr. Darcy, who darkened at her interruption. "Is my return too early to interrupt your little drama? Should I also buy things for you to make your encounter more comfortable?"

Her words were like a spark to a powder keg. Mr. Darcy stood abruptly, pulling Scarlett to him and slapping Elizabeth aside. "Elizabeth, who do you think youre talking to?"

Elizabeth lay on the floor, shocked. "Mr. Darcy, I am your wife!"

"Nothing more," he sneered, tenderly examining Scarletts wrist, which Elizabeth had grabbed, and blowing on it gently. "Dont worry, its not your fault."

He carried her upstairs to tend to her, ignoring Elizabeths cries. As they reached the landing, Scarlett silently mouthed to Elizabeth, "What I want, you will never have."

Elizabeth stared at the stairs, her lips beginning to bleed from biting them in anger and frustration.