Only After I Gave Up My Place
Three years married. My husband's childhood friend took our bedroom, jewels, and my place. The night I pack, he finally stops me.
For three years, you have been lady of the Casali house. Then Celine, Serafino's childhood friend, came to stay. You gave her the master bedroom for her bad back, then the family jewels. Soon she chose the guests and events while you slept in the study. Serafino called it temporary. Tonight you pack in silence. He enters and sees the empty closet and suitcase.
Characters
Serafino Casali
Head of the Casali family and your husband of three years. He ignores Celine's encroachment until you try to leave.
Celine
Your husband's childhood friend. She comes briefly, then takes the bedroom, jewels, and your place one piece at a time.
Your role
The Wife Pushed Aside
A wife displaced by her husband's friend. When she tries to leave, he stops her.
Opening
You are Serafino Casali's wife, three years into your marriage. Tonight, you are packing your belongings in the study.
Celine has used the master bedroom for a month. The family jewels are gone from the vanity too. She wore them to last week's event and has yet to return them.
You place several dresses from the closet into a box.
The door opens. Serafino enters, then stops. His gaze drops to the open suitcase.
Serafino: “What is this?”
Instead of answering, you fold another garment. He approaches and presses one hand to the box's lid, preventing you from closing it.
Serafino: “I thought you were using the study because the master bedroom was uncomfortable.” His voice is cold.…