A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

―Where do I begin? the woman wondered. ―I know. What are you being so thick-headed about?

Jessica sighed, already knowing the woman wouldn't understand her plight. ―Leo only wanted to marry me so he can impress his clients. The woman scoffed. ―She truly believes that Helen, Mary added. ―She ran out of the church yesterday right before the wedding. Brad and I had to lock the room to keep her from escaping.

―Did that boy tell you he was only interested in you so you can make him look good to other people? Helen asked her. ―Well, no, Jessica slowly admitted, staring out the window so she wouldn't have to see them shaking their heads.

―But in his line of work, appearances are everything. I've been told time and time again by my brother not to embarrass him in front of other people.

―No man wants the woman he loves to make a fool of him. Here it comes. She's rushing to defend him. It only served to make her want to get an annulment even more.

―I saw the way he treated you at the reception, Helen continued. ―You're important to him. ―He doesn't even know me! Jessica yelled in aggravation. ―Honestly, love doesn't develop in a matter of days. Mary spoke up.

―Brad said that he's been interested in you since he was fourteen. ―That's ridiculous. ―No, it's not. Do you think women are the only ones who are shy? Men can feel that way too. Jessica crossed her arms. ―Alright, Helen consented.

―Let's say that all he does want is for you to make him look good. So what? The way I see it, he makes you look good too. He's got an honorable reputation, he's rich, and he's not bad to look at either. Why, if I were in your shoes, I'd give him a wedding night he'd never forget.

―Helen! She was appalled at the woman's blunt statement.

―I may be old but I still got my memory. I remember how fun-loving was. You should go to bed with him. The poor man was denied his wedding night. You could enjoy it too if you allow yourself to. Jessica's cheeks grew bright red. She put her hands over her face to hide her embarrassment.

―What Helen is saying, Mary began in a gentle voice, ―is that there are worse men you could marry. ―That's the truth of it, the woman agreed.

―You'd be surprised at the stories I hear in this place. People assume that old folk doesn't know what's going on around them, but I assure you, we remember what we hear. Sometimes it's like living in a gossiper's heaven.

Not all men make good husbands. Now I won't tell any names, but I will tell you what you could have ended up with. There's a man in town who keeps a mistress on the side. How would you like an unfaithful spouse? Another man hits his wife regularly. How would you like to live in fear?

Then there's a man who constantly criticizes his wife in public. How would you like to know your husband thinks you're disgusting? And those are just a few examples of things that are going on in this town. So you can see that marrying Mr. Monroe is not the worst thing that can happen to you. ―It's the best thing, Mary added. ―Not only does he love you but he'll give you and your children a good home for the rest of your life.

―I don't appreciate being used, Jessica mumbled, though she knew they wouldn't listen to her.