Marlenh: Pulstarverse

By Giancarlo Roversi

Marlenh is about to make the biggest mistake of her life …

 

She lives in the chaotic nation of Astralvia, but she has a wealthy husband who adores her and pleases her in every way so she can enjoy a privileged life. Still, Marlenh starts an online flirtation with Rickhard Frey, an enigmatic successful politician who seems to be the perfect man. Soon, she falls for his charms.

 

Thus, Marlenh embarks on an intense affair with Rick, which spirals out of control and becomes something seedy, something insane.

 

When Marlenh makes a crucial decision in her life, she discovers a horrifying truth about Rick that could destroy her and her family.

 

Now Marlenh must confront Rick and his entire macabre world. She must also discover why he orchestrated this sinister destiny for her—a fate she has to overcome somehow, even if it seems impossible.

 

Marlenh is a thriller brimming with sex, lies, mystery, and suspense. The saga begins thirty years before the events of Pulstar I – The Swan Barely Remembers, the first book in the Pulstar trilogy. Read Marlenh as a stand-alone novel while listening to its official soundtrack, composed for piano by the author.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Giancarlo Roversi
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223637479

Book preview

Original Title: Marlenh

Translation: Giancarlo Roversi

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and

incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination

or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living

or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2023 by Giancarlo Roversi

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced

or used in any manner without written permission of the

copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book

review. For more information, address: [e-mail]

First edition November 2023

Cover: Getcovers

Formatting: Giancarlo Roversi

Maps: Fabrizio Giuliano (Neyther on Fiverr), based on designs

by Giancarlo Roversi

Images and brushes of Conespa Guide: brusheezy.com - 123freebrushes.com

fbrushes.com - fuzzimo.com - pexels.com - pixabay.com

3D book mockup: Derek Murphy

CDs and vinyl mockup: Leandry Pauquer.

giancarloroversi.com

[e-mail]

CONTENT WARNING

This book contains sexually explicit scenes, adult language, and a brief scene involving animal cruelty. It is intended for mature readers only.

For Jeral

FIRST PART

Don’t Let Your Heart Ruin It

1

The polished twenty-four-karat gold ring slipped off Marlenh’s ring finger. It wasn’t the first time she had removed the engagement seal, but she’d never done it outside her home before.

It’s today, Thamy, in a couple of hours, said Marlenh, stowing the ring in her cheetah-skin change purse. She and Thamy were sitting at a wet, gin-scented wooden table, drinking fruity cocktails. It was past five o’clock in the afternoon. Spin Bar on Dorian Street was sparsely populated—the Astralvian economic crisis was rampant, far worse than its rulers would acknowledge. Why do the minutes creep? It’s like a war of hammers is raging in my stomach, and I haven’t had a bite since yesterday. I took two painkillers, but they had no effect whatsoever. At least these drinks are working.

Not sure whether to congratulate you, or … Thamy sipped her cocktail through the crumpled straw. How many times have we gone over this? So far, you haven’t dipped into those churning tides yet, just flirted with them from the shore. Wow, that came out poetic. Anyway, I’ll ask you again: Are you sure about what you’re going to do?

C’mon, c’mon, Tha. If you’re not with me, then who is? You know how important this is to me. There’s no turning back.

Wrong, there’s still time. But before long, there won’t be.

Marlenh glanced back at the bar. An elderly couple sipped hot chocolate and savored the assorted biscuits the Spin gave gratis to its most regular customers. The old woman’s eyes beamed with an enviable peace. How many years have they been together? Although the background jazz music was placid, Marlenh found it somewhat anarchic.

Alright, Thamy continued, let’s go over it, nice and easy. You told Caleb you felt a little … um, what was the word?

Frustrated.

Uh-huh. Frustrated and dependent.

I told him I needed to do something different, something for my own personal gratification.

Quite understandable, Thamy said. You’ve been married for five years; routine is unforgiving.

Ah, my Caleb. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am.

And Jill is adorable. Thamy chomped an ice cube. That little girl’s going places, and she sees you as her real mother. Halcie, though I understand what you’re going through, I fear for you.

Then let’s not talk about the risks anymore. I deserve a breath of fresh air, some excitement, some fire.

Marlenh pulled out her straw and drank down what was left of the cocktail straight from the glass. She sighed, then glanced back at the elderly couple.

Ma, said Thamy, Caleb bought you the most expensive Tablet on the market so you could search for an exciting course on the Global Network, or something else fun for you to do, not to—

Marlenh slapped the table with both palms. Are you on my side or not? she asked, looking Thamy straight in the eyes. He will never find out. I know how to handle the situation. Yeah, sure, I’ll have to lie, but it’ll be a white lie. I’m just gonna have some fun without hurting anyone. And when it’s over, I’ll love my husband even more.

If you say so. Ma, I don’t think you’ve planned this well. It’s just that a man so hopelessly smitten—or hopelessly dumb, maybe it’s the same thing—is so easy to fool. But at some point, Caleb might open his eyes.

Damn it, Thamy, I don’t need this now. But Thamy was right. Over the past few months, Marlenh had been logging on to the Global Network every night from the studio Caleb had decorated for her in which to exercise, to meditate, to have my space. The excuses she made to her husband for spending so much time there were so absurd that sometimes she wondered how he could believe her. My Caleb trusts me, Marlenh said.

He shouldn’t. It’s one thing to trust and another to be blind.

Marlenh called the waiter and waved her left hand as if signing an invisible piece of paper. She fished her platinum credit card—the one her husband had given her on their last anniversary—out of her change purse. She smiled at Thamy, feigning a sudden serenity that not even Caleb, that gullible man, would buy.

Just as she did every day, Marlenh found herself reminiscing about the events instrumental in bringing her and her husband together. As always, an icy shiver ran through her body.

2

Do you really think Caleb got over it? Marlenh asked, after paying. Once the waiter left, she put the credit card away and continued. I mean that … what we’ve talked about so many times.

Nancy’s thing? Thamy scowled. Where did that question come from?

Marlenh shook her head. I hate that it still gets to me, she said.

Ma, you and Caleb will never break free from that past. It’s becoming less relevant, though. Good riddance. And, to answer your question: yes, I’m still positive he’s over it. I’m surprised you still doubt it.

He was desperate that day. He called me more than ten times begging me to come with him. I thought, ‘This poor, noble man, he has no one else to call? A friend, a brother? I’m a stranger.’ Yeah, I liked him, but I’d only seen him twice. It was an awkward situation. Caleb was living in hell, and I wasn’t even his lover. So I blocked his number.

And again you’re repeating that story to me? That’s so rock! How long are we going to bring this up? Let it go. I would have done the same thing.

Since he called to tell me what had happened to Nancy, my desire went into hibernation. I wanted an affair with the Caleb I’d known in Mayrion, that clever, charming, exciting gent. This new Caleb was an aimless man succumbing to misfortune. He would insist on taking me to bed, and I would say no at every turn.

Something similar happened to Rebech.

How come? You’ve never told me.

"Rebech had been looking for men on the Global Network for days until she hooked up with a businessman who lived in Mar Diamante. On their first date, after a passionate, productive night, he confessed that his wife had died a few weeks earlier and that he’d only wanted to bang—that was the word he used—whoever he wanted ever since. He claimed this strategy was helping him cope with his grief. See why I didn’t tell you about it?"

Marlenh nodded, pursing her lips and watching the elderly couple again. Like her, they had just paid their bill and were getting ready to leave. Marlenh had no regrets about the decision she’d made back then. She was confident when Caleb had pulled himself together, no matter how long it took, he would look for her. And so it had happened. Almost a year later, he called her. She had unblocked his number months before, and as she had admitted to Thamy so many times, she’d looked forward to that call. He wasn’t the same Caleb as he’d been in Mayrion, but he was once again attractive. They’d speak every day and meet at least once a week, when her enslaving job at the Ministry of Finance allowed her to do so. At first, Caleb had talked about Nancy all the time, and Marlenh resented that. Nancy no longer existed—but Marlenh did. Before the tragedy, Caleb had been willing to do anything for Marlenh, but Nancy had gained more power after she’d died.

The first time Caleb had made love to Marlenh, he’d been tender, warm, attentive. The next few times they’d been together, Caleb’s kisses and caresses made her feel that she was a lofty angel, that Nancy was just a faint memory. Marlenh would never let him go. A year and two months after Nancy’s passing, Caleb and Marlenh had gotten married, and the only person to still speak of Nancy would be Jill.

Thamy used to stress that had Jill not been so little, Marlenh would have had a harder time enchanting Caleb’s heart. Maybe. Anyhow, winning Jill over had been a picnic.

It had been such good times, and now it ought to be better. Still, Nancy’s ghost would always haunt her. Perhaps the one who would never get over that death was Marlenh herself.

The elderly couple stood up, grasped hands, then stepped out of the Spin Bar.

Thamy, you know I fell madly in love with Caleb—I still am, Marlenh said, flashing a wan smile. He’s the man of my life. So far, he is. He loves me, respects me, values me, spoils me. Plus, he’s generous, a good father, a hard worker. And the sex is good. Although, you know … some things about him aren’t so nice.

Years ago, during his bereavement, Caleb had become a workaholic, which had allowed him to rise much higher in the company where he worked. They’d appointed him general manager of the sales area in Astralvia. That had made everything easier. Marlenh had had the misfortune of being born into poverty, so she treasured all the benefits that financial independence could bring. She always asserted that she hadn’t married Caleb for money, but if the financial benefits hadn’t been so ample, she might’ve looked for other options when he revealed certain aspects of himself she didn’t much care for, like his workaholism, his fondness for Conespa’s rugby matches, his verbosity in defending his ideals. Did I miss something? Well, he’s a bit boring at times, he almost never makes me laugh, and I hope he never returns to his former bad habits, like cheating on his wife ... Did I say cheating?

If only the human boogers I’ve been with had flaws like Caleb’s, said Thamy. You’ve been married for five years, and the man still idolizes you. He drools over you, gives you everything you want, and doesn’t let you spend a penny of your own lidos. Besides, he doesn’t demand anything macho, and you’ve got servants to handle all the household chores, including the cooking. Right, right, he asked you to be a mother to Jill, but that’s natural, Marlenh. You’re supposed to adore that child, aren’t you?

Of course. Jill is a daughter to me. No, she’s Nancy’s daughter.

You say he’s still good in bed. Sure, maybe not like before, but hey, the waves rise and fall. Caleb has no real vices whatsoever, he’s faithful—he even allowed you to install spyware on each of his cell phones and his Tablet—he’s never late, you’re always his number-one priority, and on top of all that, he’s still a handsome man. Halcie, please! It seems you’re blind too.

Now, now. Marlenh protested, waving her hands. You sound like my mother. Tha, I’m twenty-seven, and I needed this spark, this fire I’ve been living these last months. I’ve shown you the pictures, the chats, the conversations. You’ve admitted that Rickhard is different. He lives in another dimension. On our video calls, he makes me feel he’s with me in the studio, touching me, breathing in my ear. Ah, khurf! Even now, I have to calm down after just thinking about him. His words, that intelligent, manly, self-assured language. It’s like he’s invincible, Thamy, and he desires me. Got it? This goes beyond the ogles of people on the street. A man like Rick lusts after me and feels inspired by me. To him, I’m more than just a woman who quit her job in the ministry to stay at home and enjoy the comforts her husband provides. No, I deserve to have an achiever like Rick fantasizing about me. I need him with me. I want him to make me throb and quiver.

Then, there’s nothing more to say, just the usual—it’s a huge risk.

You don’t seem to know me at all. If things get complicated, or my feelings start growing, I’ll just cut it off. And if it evolves into something more wonderful and deep, then I’ll have to leave my husband. By that time, I’d be head over heels for Rick, and Caleb would have to support me with the same social and economic benefits I have now. Let’s not forget about the new laws passed in Congress. Women are gaining more freedom and becoming more equal to men than ever before—as it must be. And at the same time, we’re enjoying more protections and royalties every day. Tell me, what can rival being a gorgeous, intelligent, and desirable woman?

3

Marlenh’s cell phone buzzed a second time.

She was driving the sports car Caleb had bought a year ago. It was perhaps one of the fanciest cars on Conespa’s roads at this moment—with just two years left on the payments. The growing economic crisis had touched most Astralvians, but not Marlenh. She made no secret of her privileged lifestyle, although Caleb and Thamy always reminded her that she was eating huge plates of meat while a pack of hungry lions surrounded her. Now she headed for the Calhman housing development in southwestern part of the city. This industrial neighborhood continued to lose any allure it may have had in the past. Illegal immigration, vices, and gangs engulfed it. The government didn’t address the issue; it completely denied it. Caleb had often commented on it: ‘In a couple of decades, Calhman will be a rotting nest. You’ll see.’ And that was where his beloved Marlenh was driving to, to a nuclear reactor. Because a burning hot reaction was what she needed right now, wasn’t it?

A third round of buzzing came from the cell phone attached to the cradle by the glove box. Marlenh pressed a button on the steering wheel. The call connected.

Ma, I’ve called you a hundred times. Caleb’s voice came from the car speakers. Are you alright?

Caly, honey, Marlenh said in a sweetened voice, I’m sorry. I was chatting with Thamy and—

I was worried. It’s already seven o’clock. You told me you were coming home before six, so I left work early to spend some time with you before dinner.

Oh, my darling, I’m so sorry. You’re so sweet. The thing is, Thamy is having a hard time with her boy, and you know how intense she is. She was feeding me the whole story, and I didn’t know how to cut her off. Marlenh took a deep breath. Has Jill finished her homework?

Yes, and she’s waiting for you too. She wants to tell you something that happened at school. I tried to get her to talk it over with me, but she said, ‘Daddy, you won’t understand—Ma will.’ What can I say?

Whoops. What’s up with my little girl? Caly, please excuse me to Jill, too, but I can’t make it home just yet. It’s just … it’s …

But it’s night, Ma, and you don’t like driving in the dark. Where are you?

Marlenh breathed heavily, her nerves twitching. I’m in the car. Thamy asked me not to leave her alone. Honey, she’s miserable.

Can I say hi to her?

Mershk. I have to plan this better. She’s buying some drugs at the pharmacy. She’d asked me for a painkiller, but I didn’t have any, so I brought her all the way here. I’m waiting for her to come out.

Be careful, sweetie. Conespa’s getting more dangerous all the time. Which drugstore are you at?

Oops.

Marlenh tapped her lips as if they were a tiny piano. Caly, don’t fret, please. Everything is gonna be fine. Darling, I know I rarely go out alone at night, but I’m doing it for my friend. Enjoy that time at home; you spend so many hours in your office.

No answer for some seconds.

Bah, I wanted to spend it with you. If I had known, I’d have stayed at the office getting ahead of some stuff, Caleb spat.

Oh no, Caly, don’t be like that. See? We’ve talked about this. She’s my halcie, and she’s always been there for me.

Fine. What time are you coming, then?

Silence. Thanks goodness there aren’t many cars out and my windows are closed.

Marlenh had arrived in Calhman, a place she hadn’t visited since long before she’d gotten engaged to Caleb. Now, everything seemed different, dirty, infected by industrial sprawl. Narrow streets, small, washed-out buildings, and most of the streetlights were useless. Her stomach seemed to be scorching. As usual, Caleb was correct. The factory buildings near the residential area were huddled together and appeared disconnected from their surroundings. Groups of young people who were surely illegal immigrants thronged the sidewalks, while some bikers pirouetted and popped. All the women looked like delinquent prostitutes. Many cars circled the area, vigilant native patrols. Urban beats Marlenh detested composed most of the noise pollution. And I used to say nothing could be worse than Ruich.

Ma, hello? Caleb’s voice betrayed a hint of anxiety.

Marlenh peered through the windshield, trying to make out the shoddy signpost. She had a vague idea of how to get to the agreed-upon spot. Why did Rick want to meet me here? Come on, it’s our first time in person! I’m insane.

Ma, honey, hello! Caleb sounded more excited.

Ca … Caly, sorry, have to hang up. Thamy’s coming, and she doesn’t look well.

But—

My sweetie, please trust me. I don’t think I’ll be getting home soon. I’m gonna take Thamy to her apartment, comfort her a little longer, wait until she’s better; then I’ll be back on my way, alright? I love you, my Caly, you know how much.

Ma, please keep me in the loop. Pick up your cell phone when you—

Marlenh hung up and called the number she’d saved in her phone as Thamy Alternate.

One ring. Two rings. Five.

She rang again. Same thing.

Mershk! No way. I’m out of here—I’m not that stupid.

Several passersby approached her car, their faces stiff, their gaits sluggish. A fat animal surrounded by hungry lions. She turned the steering wheel all the way around and accelerated. Her cell phone rang again. Her eyes flicked toward the screen: Thamy Alternate.

Marlenh stopped the car, her fear seasoned with excitement. She let the device ring several times, then picked it up.

Rick?

No answer.

Hello, Rick?

My beauty, you called me. She recognized the smooth male voice. Is everything alright?

No, of course not. Is this a joke? I’m in Calhman.

I know.

Why did you ask me to come to this pigsty? I’m leaving.

No, no, Marlenh, please. I apologize, but I’ve been so busy that I couldn’t warn you. Yes, it’s a hood with character and can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry—I ordered them to stay away from you. Nothing would have happened to you anyway, my beauty; these are decent people. I’m waiting for you, closer than you think. Please, open your car window and look at Calhman’s entrance.

Marlenh sneered, opened the window, then leaned half of her body out. A shadowy silhouette of a man was standing on the edge of the rooftop of the highest, widest industrial building, the closest to the road. A bright light burned next to him.

The man waved.

Marlenh got back into the car and shut the window.

You couldn’t choose another location? She felt like yelling. When you told me it was here, I never expected this place to be like this. Last time—

This is where I live, my beauty. I’m the mayor of Calhman.

Mayor of Calhm—? That doesn’t exist. This district belongs to the central municipality.

Are you sure? Anyway, I asked the Calhmans not to spook you. I didn’t like doing that, though. It’s not their fault that most Conespans and other Astralvians spurn them. Marlenh, my beauty, I promised you our meeting would be supreme, glorious, unique. Please, trust me.

Marlenh shook her head, grinding her teeth. The muscles in her face and jaw were tense. I did, and now I feel like such an idiot. I went out on a limb for you, and—

You’d better take a look again, beauty.

Calhman’s sketchy scene was mellowing out. The bikers drove off, the people on the street sauntered to the inner parts of the development, and the cars pulled away.

See? Rick asked.

The entrance to the district became deserted. Marlenh nodded several times, hung up the call, turned off the cell, then started driving home.

4

Marlenh changed clothes inside the car. She had pulled over in the parking lot of Trinont’s main hypermarket, southeast of Conespa, less than two kilometers from the upscale housing development where she lived.

So much effort: the diet, more exercise than usual, the underwear she’d bought. The facial, the haircut, the manicure and pedicure. She’d even got a Gharlivian wax—produced in central Astralvia—and misted herself with the best fragrance on every part of her body. Ah, mershk! This freak … The lunatics you bump into on the Global Network. And she had been on the verge of hurting an exemplary man, the husband she was madly in love with. You’re a moron, Marlenh Murh.

She mussed her hair up, brushed some makeup off, and looked down at the casual shirt and jeans more in keeping with the excuse she’d given Caleb. Fine. Then she rumpled the uncommitted-crime clothes, stifling a shout, and flung them out on the greasy asphalt of the parking lot. Breathing heavily, she got out of the car and stamped on the clothes for good measure.

Ah, forgive me, my Caly, she said aloud as she got back into the car. What I was about to do to you? Ufff, thank goodness nothing happened.

Thamy won’t believe it.

She turned her cell phone on as she headed back home. No missed calls, no messages. Good, good. She still had a chance of making it to dinnertime. Within minutes, she entered the residential complex, passing the recreational areas along the tennis court. She parked the car in the last mansion’s driveway, then stepped through the back door, which led straight into the kitchen. She reached the elegant living room.

Caleb and Jill were watching television. A surge of emotion engulfed Marlenh—she loved them more in this moment. Her family, the most precious thing she had. And life had given her the chance not to harm them, not to cheat them. They were both excited to see her. Caleb got up from the couch and wrapped his arms around her.

Ma, my dear, I thought—

It’s alright, my Caly, my love, she said, hugging and kissing him with a passion reminiscent of the early days of their relationship. I had to give Thamy three pills to calm her down. Can you believe it? Sweetie, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were coming back early. Will you forgive me? She traced one of her many beguiling grins that so far seemed to be unerring in their effectiveness. Or would you rather me pay a long, long penance?

Caleb laughed, twinkles in those lovestruck eyes Thamy always talked about.

Jill hopped from the couch and approached them. Ma, Ma, I need to tell you something, she said.

Marlenh hugged her and stroked the child’s curls. Of course, my baby. I’ll take a shower and then we’ll talk about it in my studio.

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