As Derek and I were getting in his car to drive back home, the rain had begun to pour heavily as thunder rumbled in the distance. I was the least bit surprised because it had been dark and cloudy all day.

Anyway, the weather was a perfect example to describe my current mood.

After we finished dinner, Derek had offered to help his mother with the dishes in the kitchen, leaving me alone with his father. I knew I was making myself look like a lazy daughter-in-law, but I'd wanted nothing to do with that woman.

James had apologized for the rude things that his wife had said to me, saying how she had a tendency to speak without thinking. But that didn't lessen my hatred for her.

When Derek and I'd left the house, I hadn't even bother to say anything to his mother. I honestly couldn't care less if she'd thought I was being rude.

As we were driving home, I waited for my husband to say something about the harsh words Heather had spoken to me, but he acted like I wasn't even in the car. His eyes remained glued to the road as he constantly changed the radio station.

Ten minutes passed, and that's when I finally decided that I wasn't going to put up with this nonsense any longer. I turned off the radio, and he gave me a weird look.

"What was that for?", Derek asked in an annoyed tone.

"I can't believe your mother said all of those rude things about my family and I, and you just sat there the whole time without saying a single word to defend me," I spoke with a hurt expression on my face.

"Well, most of what she said was true," he stated matter-of-factly, absently drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

"No it isn't! Hockey was just an extracurricular activity for me. It was never my main focus in high school. My grades were," I explained, raising my voice.

"Good for you."

"And for your information, my parents raised my brother and I perfectly well. Even though they weren't always around much, they never stopped pushing us to work hard and to succeed at whatever it was we chose to do in life," I continued, feeling tears swell up in my eyes as I thought of my father.

"Well, you should've told her that yourself. I mean, how was I supposed to know how your parents raised you? My mother was right about Ashley, though. She is smart. She got her master's when she was only your age."

Of course he defends his lover.

I could feel my temper begin to rise as I narrowed my eyes at Derek. Why was I even having this conversation with him? It was obvious that he still didn't give a damn about me.

"You know what? Forget it," I said coldly, about to look away from my husband when he began to speak.

"You know, you could've at least talked to my mom and acted friendlier. Otherwise, she'll get the impression that you're just another one of those money-loving women that I used to date, which you might be. I don't know. But as long as my business and your brother's are prosperous, then it's all good."

My eyes bulged out of my head as I processed what Derek had just said to me. I could feel my blood pressure rising to the point where I was afraid that I'd end up blocking an artery.

So that's what he thought of me?! A desperate woman who wanted his damn money?!

Why, that son of a bitch! He was just like his mother!

Derek had pushed me over the edge, and there was nothing left for me to do other than get the hell out of his car and away from him.

"Stop the car," I demanded through gritted teeth, balling my fists up.

"Why?", Derek asked with a clueless expression.

"Just do it!", I yelled.

He slammed on the brakes and then the Range Rover came to an earth-shattering halt. I grabbed my purse and quickly climbed out, leaving him absolutely speechless.

The moment I stepped onto the wet grass, I slammed the door as hard as I could then stormed away from the car.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?!", Derek's voice bellowed over the sound of the thunder.

"Home!", I shouted. I kept on walking as the rain poured down, drenching my entire body.

I heard the car door slam and turned around to see Derek running towards me with a furious expression on his face. His hair was soaking wet along with the shirt he wore- to the point where I could see his abs right through it.

"Are you out of your mind?! Get back in the car!", he exclaimed.

"I have no desire to talk to you. Now leave," I spoke in a bitter tone.

Derek threw his hands up in the air, completely dumbstruck as I walked away from him. My body was shivering and my teeth were chattering from how cold I was, but no way was I getting back in that car with him.

Moments later, I saw Derek speed past me, blinding my eyes with his headlights, and I was left to go home on foot. From here, it'd take another twenty minutes.

As I continued to walk in the storm, I thought about all the things Derek had said during the car ride. He truly was a selfish and ignorant man.

I mean seriously, how could he just call me a 'money-loving woman' and expect me to be ok with it?!

I'd thought he had finally changed his ways, but apparently I was wrong. Clearly, all he cared about was his business. I meant nothing to him.

The wind began to pick up, causing the palm trees to sway violently and my dress to fly all over the place. And with every clap of thunder that I heard, my heart would leap out of my chest. It was absolutely terrifying. I just longed to be in my bed, all safe and snuggled up under the covers.

I probably looked like some mental freak to all the people that drove past. This one teenaged guy even stopped his car and asked me if I was lost or needed a ride, but I told him that I was fine.

Even though "fine" was clearly the last word to describe how I felt right now.

Halfway through, my feet started to ache, and I stumbled over a hard object, nearly losing my balance. I cursed out loud, blaming the street for being so dark, then decided to just take both my heels off and walk barefoot as I held them in my hand.

I began to pity myself for having such a terrible husband, whom I was forced to spend the rest of my miserable life with. And finally, I let out all of the emotions I'd kept buried inside ever since we got to his parents' house.

I cried for my father and Nick who were both long gone, for my poor, lonely mother whom I missed so much and wished was here to comfort me, and lastly...for myself.

The moment I finally got home, I was a dreadful, soaking mess. My dress stuck to my skin and was practically see-through at most parts. Smeared makeup and tears stained my face, and the soles of my feet stung from the tiny bits of gravel I'd walked on.

I dragged myself up the stairs to my bedroom, leaving a trail of water behind me. I encountered Derek on the way, and his mouth hung wide open in shock when he saw me. But I just brushed past him without saying a single word.

After taking a long, hot shower, I went to bed, wishing tomorrow would never come so that I didn't have to look at my husband's face.

Notes

A/N- Well Derek obviously had no sympathy for his wife in this chapter. And as for Claire leaving the car, do you guys think he knew why she did? I seriously pitied her for having to walk all alone in the rain like that and be left to drown in her own emotions. She clearly needs some happiness in her life. But the important question is, how much longer can she stand her husband? Read on to see what happens next, and remember to vote and comment!