Chapter 1

Sarah Williams was seen as the luckiest woman in New York City when word got out of her impending nuptials to Billionaire playboy and bachelor; Richard Wright. However, once the funfair and glamour of the wedding is over, Sarah quickly realizes that she has signed up for a loveless marriage.

Two years later, Sarah has managed to fall hopelessly in love with her husband but his heart and affections belong to another. Desperate for her husband’s affection, she does everything in her power to make him notice her but to no avail. Suddenly, on the night of their anniversary, Sarah is served with divorce papers by his lawyer and her heart scatters into a million pieces. Filled with renewed hope for her future, she signs the papers and leaves his house and life

Chapter 01

Sarah’s POV

“Hello Mum, how are you doing?” I asked, genuinely wanting to think about anyone else but myself. My current situation in my marriage was weighing me down. Being in a loveless marriage or at least where the love was one-sided was a pain in the ass. I had to struggle every day to be noticed by my husband.

Granted our marriage had been a contract marriage – an agreement between his father and my grandfather -, with no promise of love but yet I found myself yearning for my husband to notice me. Richard had always been my crush right from high school but he had just never noticed me, always been too cool from day 1 to notice the nerdy girl in the corner. Even though I was more girlish now with curves and a D-sized cup, he still didn’t see me. I guess it was once a nerd, always a nerd.

“Sarah?”

Mum’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I sighed. “I’m sorry Mum, what were you saying?”

“Are you okay? You sound worried.” Sometimes her ability to read me even from far away was scary but that was one of the many things I loved about her. Lucia Williams was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, a disciplinarian with an air of sweetness and a tender heart.

“Honestly, no.” Then I proceeded to tell her about how things were. Starting from our wedding night when I thought he would at least touch me and I had been bursting at the seams with nerves. I didn’t have to be so worried, he didn’t even spend the night at home.

I heard a long sigh on the other end and then another before letting out a sigh of my own. I was honestly getting tired of being stuck in this unfavorable arrangement. Going into it in the place had seemed pleasant because I had feelings for Richard and thought with time, he would feel something for me as well. Perhaps I had been binging too much on those romcoms on N*****x. But was it such a big ask for my husband to love me?

“Have you tried seducing him?” she asked and I frowned. Seducing him? Even though I was no longer the shy little nerd I was in high school, I still wasn’t the girly woman either. The only thing that had changed had been my big circle glasses that always slept on my nose and now I tried to apply makeup once in a while.

“Don’t answer that, you wouldn’t know what to do.” She sighed again and I could picture her frown. “All right, here’s what you’ll do.” I listened closely as she instructed me on what to do to save my marriage while I gobbled it up. I know this much desperation was bad but I couldn’t help it. Perhaps if I could choose who to love then I wouldn’t care what he did.

“I’ll leave the house now. Will call you when I get to the store.”

Some fifteen minutes later, I got out of the car and told Desmond, the driver where to pack the car. Walking into the store, I speed-dialed Mum and waited for her to answer the call while I eyed the different aisles of lingerie and underwear. One of the shop attendants walked up to me with her boobs on display and a bright smile on her face. “Welcome to Sexy Secrets. What can I help you with today?” she asked and I gave a nervous smile.

“I would like to get something sexy,” I told her and she nodded, an air of confidence about her. “Could you help me?”

“You can call me Laura, follow me.”

I followed Laura through the different aisles and by the time I was headed for the dressing room, I had a handful of see-through things that seemed like they wouldn’t cover anything but I guess that was the whole point.

“I will be out here if you need anything.” She announced just as Mum was calling me back.

Thank God.

“Hey Mum, I was just headed for the dressing room.”

****

I cleaned the edge of the plate and sat down in one of the chairs exhausted from being on my feet all day. After successfully emptying most of the aisles in Sexy Secrets, Mum brought up the idea that I should cook Richard a nice meal. I had done it once before but after he didn’t even so much as look at it, I stopped and left the cooking to Rafael, the Italian chef he hired way before I showed up in his life.

I rubbed my sweaty palms as the clock made a sound, my nerves suddenly getting the best of me. The worst thing that could happen now was that he wouldn’t show up or he would show up and he wouldn’t eat. Frankly, I wasn’t too hopeful and that was because if it hadn’t worked the first time I tried it, why would it work now?

Because now, you brought in the big guns, you are wearing sexy lingerie. What man can resist that?

Mum’s voice rang in my mind and I hoped she was right about this like every other thing in my life she had given me advice on. I got up and walked to the stairs deciding to go and get changed into the lingerie.

Our room or at least my room since he never bothered to sleep in it was a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed and two standard pillows with throw pillows scattered everywhere. My wardrobe was a walk-in closet filled with every designer brand of shoes, clothes, bags, wristwatches and so on that money could buy. Sadly, all that money couldn’t get me my husband’s love. If only I could trade my Louboutins for a fraction of his love, I would in a heartbeat. I never asked for any of them anyway.

The sound of a car coming up the driveway reached my ears and I raced to the door of my room excitedly, fumbling with the lingerie. It was showtime.

Chapter 02

Sarah’s POV

As I made my way downstairs to meet Richard, my nerves got the best of me like a teenager going on her first date. I never thought any man would see me like this ever but here I was about to stand in front of my husband like this. I wondered what he would see as I made my way into the living room where I could hear footsteps. I wondered what he would think of me, how he would react, and what the outcome of this whole thing would be.

Would things go south or would he find this whole thing endearing and pull me closer? “Welcome home honey, I made dinner,” I said, walking into the living room, my heart in my throat. Would he kick me out of his life because of this?

“Good evening, Mrs. Williams, I’m here to return the keys of the car.”

I shrieked at the same Desmond swore and covered his eyes, his cheeks red from embarrassment. “Why are you here? Where is Richard?” I asked, unable to keep the annoyance out of my voice. I pulled the robe closer to my body, irritated that my efforts seemed to have gone to waste.

Desmond dropped his hands and I blanched at the look of pity in his eyes. Richard wasn’t coming “Mr. Williams asked me to drop off the car because he will not be coming home tonight.”

I nodded, forcing my brain to process the words. “That’s all right. I’m sure he has a lot of work to do.” Shaking my head, I turned on my heels trying to keep the tears at bay. This was so embarrassing. “You know where to leave the keys. Have a good night then,” I whispered and turned on my heels. Damn you Richard, I’m done trying to get your attention and your love.

“Ma’am?” he called and I sighed, ignoring him. “Ma’am should I help you clean up?” he asked and I stopped at the stairs staring at him. I almost cursed when I saw the meals sitting pretty on the plates. Was I supposed to throw all that away?

I shook my head and looked down at my outfit. Even if I was going to clean up, I had to change out of this thing. I sent Desmond a smile and raced up the stairs to change out of the lingerie. Thank God I had the good sense to wear the robe over it. My head hurt just thinking about Desmond seeing me in just the lingerie.

I stripped and quickly slipped into one of my rompers. Well, it was Richard’s loss if he didn’t get to taste all the deliciousness, I had prepared for him. Tears were threatening to fall but I refused to give in. I would die first before I let Richard make me shed a tear.

As I made my way back downstairs a few minutes later, I felt tears prick my eyes but I didn’t give in. The whole embarrassing scenario played in my head like a tape on repeat as I made my way to the kitchen to clean up. Was this what women went through to make men fall in love with them? Surely it wasn’t this hard?

I froze, at the dining room area frowning as I stared at the now freshly cleaned table. Where did all the food go? Hearing shuffling from the kitchen, I made my way there and paused at the doorway.

“You didn’t have to stay Desmond; I could have handled everything myself,” I announced my presence as I walked up to him. He was at the sink washing plates and I found myself gawking at those toned hands of his with his muscles clenching as he worked.

He turned to face me and I blushed when I saw the knowing smile on his face. I had been caught staring. “I wanted to help you, it’s the least I could do.” I frowned at his words wondering why he was saying that. It wasn’t like he had anything to do with Richard not coming home tonight.

“I will be leaving now,” he said pulling me out of my thoughts and I looked up to see him walking away empty-handed. With a raised brow, I walked towards the freezer. There was no way I would let him leave this house without something to take home, especially after helping me out with the cleaning.

“Why won’t you take anything?” I asked as I brought out one of the bowls of rice he had packed. I reached for two other bowls containing salad and plantains and then I closed the freezer.

I turned at the same time he stood behind me and we bumped into each other. I flushed; my cheeks red as I reached for one of the paper nylon bags on the counter. I had so many after buying so much groceries for tonight. “I can’t let you leave without taking anything.” I stepped back to pack the food, all the while aware of his eyes on me. “Here you go, eat that for dinner or breakfast but take it.”

He smiled and opened his mouth to speak but I gave him a look. “Thank you, Mrs. Williams. Have a good night.” I nodded and stood there watching him walk away, thoughts of how wrong the night had ended running through my mind.

That should have been Richard and I; all those moments in here should have been between Richard and me. I groaned loudly and walked out of the kitchen stomping my foot to the living room.

Tears pricked my eyes again but I held them back, dialing my mother’s number as I took a seat on the arm of the chair. It rang a few times and then went straight to voicemail. I tossed the phone on the chair in anger and fell on the chair, angrily punching the chair. “I hate you so much, Richard.” I groaned as I let the tears roll down my cheeks.

Chapter 03

Sarah’s POV

I walked into the kitchen the next morning and did a takeback when I saw Richard rummaging in the freezer for something. “What are you doing?”

He jumped which caused him to hit his head on the freezer top and then glared at me while rubbing his head. “What are you doing?” he threw my question back at me and it was my time to glare at him.

“Where were you last night?” I asked, shocked at how strong my voice came out when I was a bundle of nerves on the inside. I had never said more than two words at a time to Richard before and now I didn’t even know if he’d hit me for being so gutsy. “You didn’t come home last night.”

He eyed me for a while and then hissed, turning his attention back to the freezer which seemed more attractive than me at that moment. The nerve of this man. Had it been any other day, I would have let it slide and walked away to go and cry in my room or the bathroom but not today. After last night, I was tired of being so silent and not speaking up for myself. Maybe if I had done this sooner, things would have changed.

“Since when did my not coming back home become an issue?” he retorted and I blanched. I hadn’t prepared myself for his reply, at least not that one but I stood my ground.

“Maybe I’m done keeping silent,” I whispered and he studied me silently, those beautiful blue eyes of his twinkling. Damn him for being so fine, so fine that I didn’t care that he had stood me up last night. I wasn’t sure stood up was the right word for what happened since he didn’t even know I had been waiting for him but what gives? A husband was supposed to come home to his wife at least on some nights. I could count on one finger the number of times he had made it back home in time for dinner. And even then, the times he had eaten dinner out of those times were barely equaled five. Eyeing him, I wondered if there was another way to get through to him without being fussy.

Taking two steps in front of me, I stood in front of him, close enough to smell his fragrant cologne that on another man would have been wrong but suited him, and placed one hand on his shoulder and the other on his chest. My heart was beating wildly in my chest and I wondered if he would push me away before I even got a chance to speak. But he didn’t make a move to stop me and neither did he peel my hands off his skin like they disgusted. He just stared.

I blinked back tears as I came to a realization. He wanted to hear what I had to say. “I know this marriage didn’t start as well that, a real marriage but perhaps we can make things work?” I took a deep breath as I finished speaking and stepped back, giving him space and time to process what I had just said.

It took a few minutes before I could get a reaction and it wasn’t the one, I had been expecting. Hell, I expected him to scream at me, push me away, or even walk away angrily but when he started walking towards me with a dangerous look in his eyes, I gulped and took a few steps back. I had put my foot in my mouth and now he was going to kill me. If this was how I died, could I at least say bye to my mother first? I was still expecting her call after last night to check up on how things went.

“So, you want us to be a real couple? You want me to hold you like this...” he paused as his hands came around my waist and I shivered at his closeness. Oh God, we had never been this close before. His touch sent electric shocks through my body, delicious sensations and I never wanted them to stop. “You want me to fuck you, for you to scream my name every night and then wake up in my arms the next morning?”

Usually, I would have blushed and pulled away but I don’t know why his words had the opposite effect on me. I felt myself inching closer to him, wanting to feel some more of his body heat close to me. I was so entranced by his words I didn’t realize when he took a step back or when he pulled his hand away from my face until I felt water splash on my face.

“Only in your dreams dear wife,” he said those last words like they tasted bitter on his tongue. “This is a sham of a marriage, always has been and will be.”

I opened my mouth to respond and then closed it back when nothing came out.

He smirked, the smile at the corner of his lips wicked and menacing. “Some minutes ago you had so many things to say. Cat got your tongue?”

I opened my mouth again to speak but footsteps from behind me interrupted me.

“Good morning Mr. Williams, Mrs. Williams,” Desmond greeted as he walked into the kitchen and I remained where I was, unable. I was trying to make sense of what had just happened.

“We are stopping at the donut shop two blocks from the office and then we’re heading for Martins’ office immediately. I have some urgent work for him to do for me.” Richard informed him as he walked past me after sending me one last smile.

I turned and watched them walk away, my head swimming with different thoughts. I was still trying to make sense of what had taken place here. One minute everything had been going fine and then the next minute, the rug had been pulled out from underneath my feet.

“What just happened?” I asked the empty kitchen, my voice bouncing off the walls.

Chapter 04

Sarah’s POV

“What did you say?” I asked staring at the man sitting across from me. Too many things had happened today and I was still trying to make sense of them. This, whatever this was, I couldn’t take it and I had taken so much already. I glared at a drunk Richard, hugging another woman’s waist in our living room, and crossed my hands over my chest.

“We are going to bed and you are going to get out of the way.” He made a move to push me out of the way and staggered, falling sideways. I stretched my hand out to help him but he pushed my hand away. “Don’t touch me,” he glared at me and I took a step back feeling like I had been slapped.

I stepped to the side and watched as he led the woman whom he had brought home, whose name I still didn’t know up the stairs. I blinked back tears and stood there for a few minutes trying to get rid of the huge lump in my throat. Never in my life had I felt so hurt and insulted. I had never loved anyone else in my entire life and Joshua Jones in the fifth grade didn’t count. Richard was my first love and ever since I set my eyes on him on my first day as a new student at Crosland Middle School, I couldn’t look at anyone else the same way.

Was it so hard to love me back? Every day he seemed to find new ways to make fun of my love for him and drag my feelings tor him through the mud. I deserved better than such a life of constant humiliation from the one person that should treat me with absolute respect.

The sound of their laughter pulled me out of my thoughts and I decided to follow them. Perhaps if I talked him out of it, he’d ask the woman to leave. I paused at the door of the room and gaped at the picture the two of them made, sprawled in our bed, moaning as their mouths moved together. Tears rolled them eyes and I didn’t stop them because this time I don’t think I would have been able to even if I tried. I stood for a few more minutes and bolted when one by one their clothes began to hit the floor. I don’t know why I didn’t leave that environment entirely or why I felt it was good idea to hang around but I just couldn’t move. I sat on the floor instead and rested my back against the wall. The sounds of their moans reached me and I whimpered feeling like knives were being driven through my heart.

Even if he didn’t feel the same way I felt, he had no right to play with my emotions like this. Was she the reason he didn’t see me the way a husband saw his wife? Was she the reason he never came home and instead worked till dawn? Who was she and why was she so different from me?

I don’t remember how it happened or when but I must have fallen asleep because I was suddenly rudely awoken when I felt chilly. Why was it so chilly? I blinked and forced my eyes to make sense of my environment.

“Oh good, you’re awake. How can you be sleeping in so late? Don’t you get paid to do a job?”

I frowned and managed to get up, my body aching from spending the night on the cold hard tiles. “Who are you?” I asked rubbing my eyes.

“Who am I?” she repeated as if one of us had a hearing problem and chuckled as if she had cracked a joke. “That’s none of your concern. You should just focus on getting your job done. Now, go fix me some soup, I have a nasty hangover. Don’t forget Richard too.” She called and then before I had a chance to react, skipped off into the room and slammed the door behind her.

“Am I still dreaming?” I asked myself, trying to make sense of what just happened.

***

Turns out everything had been real and she hadn’t been kidding about me making her and Richard soup to cure their hangovers. She had suddenly barged into my room a few minutes ago, approximately an hour after she had ordered me to make her soup as if I was a maid she had hired on a payroll.

“You must really not understand the specifications of your job in this house,”

I ignored her and chose to scroll through my mails instead. After the marriage, I had been made to leave my job and be a stay-home wife because that was the kind of wife Richard needed. Of course, at the time, I had no choice but to go along with it. Now, here I was two years later suffering the consequences of foolishness and stupidity. “Why are you in my room?”

She closed the distance between us and pointed her – in my opinion, way too long – press on nails in my face. “Do not try to be disrespectful to me, the consequences will be too much for you to handle.”

“It’s funny but if I remember clearly, this is my house. You should watch it,” I told her and she took a step back obviously shocked I had talked back to her.

“Susan, where are you?” We both turned at the sound of Richard’s voice and my heart rate picked at the sight of his bare chest. I had never seen him like this, not even in high school.

I looked away before he caught me staring and crossed my hands over my chest. “Take your whore and get out of my room, Richard.”

Susan turned at the insult, her eyes burning with anger. “How dare you?” she shrieked and stretched out her hand to hit me but I caught it just in time. “How dare you?!”

“You should leave my room before I do something I might regret. “ I gritted my teeth, shooting daggers at the two of them with my eyes.

Chapter 05

Sarah’s POV

It's been one week. One week since I told Susan off and three days since I set my eyes on Richard. E would stay away from home before but this was worse. Then he would pop back in after a day or two but now he had been gone for seven days and I had no doubt this was some kind of revenge for the way I spoke to his girlfriend. But what did he expect me to do? She had been very rude to me, had he been expecting me to just take it all quietly and do everything she said? I was his wife, not a slave she had hired on a payroll. Somehow, a part of me wished I could take back everything I did – and said – while another part of me wishes she could have spoken up for herself sooner.

I rolled on my side and slipped out of bed. The day had just begun but I didn’t feel like doing anything. There was nothing to do and most of the time, I spent my time playing on my phone, scrolling through Twitter, checking emails and playing music. I watched a movie or two sometimes but I didn’t like using my phone for that. I preferred going to the cinema for that or watching it on the Plasma screens Richard had installed in all the rooms in this house. I made my way into the bathroom to freshen up and decided to soak for a while in the tub. Usually, I would read a book or watch a movie but not today. Today I was alone with my thoughts, my jumbled and conflicted thoughts. I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, the water had turned cold and I was now shivering.

Making my way out of the bathroom, I padded across the room naked in search of my towel. Just as I wrapped it around my body, the sound of the doorbell rang through the house and I frowned. Who could that be? It couldn’t be Richard ringing the doorbell because he had a key, the same thing applied to Desmond. I wasn’t expecting any visitors and apart from my mother, no one in my life knew the location of this house.

I ran out of the room, taking the stairs two at a time so I could get to the door in time before the person on the other end broke the doorbell. I unlocked the door and blocked the way, glaring at the man standing in front of me. What was he doing here?

“Richard said you’d be home.” Was the first thing he said as soon as our eyes met and I narrowed my eyes. “May I come in?”

“He isn’t here, Martins.” I reminded him as I stepped aside to let him through. Martins Stan was Richard’s best friend and the family’s lawyer. His father, Luke had been Richard’s father’s lawyer and friend before he died so it was a no-brainer that after he died, the role would be passed on to his son who was already Richard’s friend at the time. As far as I could remember, Martins and I had never conversed not because he never tried, I just never gave him the chance to and always kept my guard up around him for fear that whatever I shared with him would somehow find its way back to Richard.

He slumped on the couch noisily and nodded. “I know he isn’t here, I’m here to see you,”

For a moment, I couldn’t quite understand why Martins would want to see me seeing as we had nothing in common and nothing to talk about. That was until he brought out an envelope from his briefcase and stretched it out to me.

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach and I didn’t have to open it to guess what it contained. Richard was asking for a divorce. “He really doesn’t care about me,” I scoffed, pulling the papers out of the envelope. I was right, of course I was.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it’s one of the hazards of the job.” He continued speaking and I tuned him out, staring at the papers in my hand. “At least now you can finally be free to do whatever you want with your life.

He was right, I was going to be free to live my life on my own terms so why didn’t the thought warm my heart and give me joy?

“He has added a hefty sum of money for you once you have signed the papers.”

How convenient. I thought bitterly but said instead; “I’m not signing this,” I leaned forward and dropped the papers on the centre table. “You tell Richard that if he wants me to sign this, he’d have to come and hand them over to me himself.”

I was being difficult, maybe but I didn’t care. I deserved better than being tossed aside like a rag doll.

****

“Ugh, why is she still here? I thought Martins was supposed to serve her the papers today?” Susan hissed as she walked into the house, Richard behind her. Martins had only been gone for two hours so I guessed Richard thought I would have been gone by now. Too bad for him.

“Why haven’t you signed the papers? Aren’t you tired of this life?” Richard asked and I inhaled sharply.

“What do you mean by that?”

He rolled his eyes and I stood there waiting for an answer. Surely he hadn’t been doing everything on purpose to make me tired so I would divorce him. “I can’t love you the way you expect me to. Wouldn’t you rather be with a man that loves you?”

That was the same thing Martins said.

“Fine, I will sign it.” I sighed, blinking back tears and Susan clapped her hands excitedly. “But you’re going to come back begging me one day Richard and I won’t listen,” I yelled as a tear rolled down my cheeks. “You will regret this decision of yours but by then it will be too late.”

“I’ll go get the wine and some glasses. We should celebrate!” Susan said and excused herself.

I waited for Richard to say something, anything but instead, he just laughed and followed her out of the living room, leaving my heart shattered in a million pieces.

Chapter 06

SARAH'S POV

“Hey, Mrs. Sarah,” Desmond’s voice rang out from behind as I placed the papers on the center table next to me. I turned to see him approaching, and his expression was one of pity, causing me to avert my gaze.

“Hey,” I replied, knowing all too well that his sympathetic stare was more than I could handle in that moment. All I wanted was to be left alone, to let the tears flow freely.

“Sir Richard has asked me to assist you with your belongings,” Desmond continued, his voice compassionate.

I swallowed the remaining saliva that had pooled in my throat as I quickly turned my gaze away, hoping to avoid Desmond’s sympathetic look. Tears now streamed down my cheeks, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

“Oh yeah,” I said, forcing my voice to sound steady as I stood up and began walking towards my room. Desmond followed close behind. When we reached my door, I turned the doorknob, the metal cold beneath my fingers.

"Wait here," I commanded, my voice a little unsteady.

I opened the door halfway and stepped inside the room, closing the door behind me as I leaned against it. The tears flowed more freely now, my chest heaving with each sob. I couldn't hold back anymore. The thought of starting over without Richard was overwhelming, but I knew I had to be strong.

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, composing myself. After a moment, I opened the door again, ready to face the world, or at least Desmond. “Alright, let’s start with the books,” I said, trying to sound as normal as possible.

Desmond nodded, understanding my need for composure.

The task of packing and moving my belongings with Desmond’s assistance took less than a handful of minutes. Before I knew it, we were carrying the boxes to my car.

“Thanks,” I managed to say, forcing a small smile. Desmond returned the gesture with a warm smile of his own, turning to leave.

Just as I was about to get into the car, I heard a voice behind me. “Don’t you dare use my car,” Susan’s voice screeched. I glanced at her, then at Richard, then back at the car, my face contorting into a scowl.

“Your car?” I echoed, my voice icy. “The car that was bought with my husband’s money is suddenly yours?” I took a step forward, standing toe-to-toe with Susan. “You heard me right?, Get your filthy things out of that car!” Susan barked. Richard shifted uncomfortably, glancing from me to Susan and back again. “Sarah, you know this is part of the agreement. Everything stays with us.”

I threw him a withering look, my hands balled into fists. “So I get nothing? No car, no home, and no husband?

“You could use part of the money you got from the divorce to get a new car or a house instead.”Richard uttered.

In annoyance, I turned to leave but felt a hard grip on my hands and it made me turn around immediately. My heart skipped for a moment and I felt a sharp pain on my stomach as I stared right up at Richard. His face was just so perfect and his eyes were ascharming as ever. No wonder why girls drooled for him years back while we were still schooling.

“Are you deaf?.” He questioned and I gulped in another saliva while my gaze were still fixed on his.

“Just use a cab instead!.” He added.

While I tried to speak, Richard cut me off, shoving me to the ground with a sudden force that took my breath away. I let out a cry of pain as I fell, the rough pavement scraping my knees. “This car is strictly for my wife and you’re no longer entitled to it anymore,” he growled, his face contorted with anger.

Overwhelmed by the shock and pain of it all, I lowered my head, hot tears streaming down my cheeks as I tried to process the betrayal and the indignity of being cast aside so cruelly.

Susan, ever the smug snake, smiled at me, as she grabbed the keys from my hands “Maybe if you were a better wife, Richard wouldn’t have come to me in the first place.” That said, she rushed to Richard and held his hands tightly. “Come honey let leave this bitch to herself and go continue our little celebration.”

As I watched, Richard scooped Susan up into his arms with tenderness and care. A jagged pain sliced through my heart as I stood, a crumpled mess on the cold pavement. I couldn't bear to watch any longer as they disappeared into the house, the door closing behind them like a final nail in my coffin.

Sniffing back my tears, I straightened up and gathered my belongings to Richard had thrown on the floor, my hands shaking as I lifted them from the ground.

With a final, deep breath, I looked over my shoulders to catch one last glimpse at the mansion before I began to walk away, each step heavier than the last.

The taxi was a welcome sight as I stood by the side of the road, waves of uncertainty and loss washing over me. “Lulex hotel,” I said, my voice sounding thin and weak in my ears. The driver nodded, and I climbed into the backseat, while my shoulders hunched with exhaustion.

As the car moved smoothly, I rested my forehead against the cool window, letting the breeze caress my face. The past two years flashed before my eyes, a blur of longing, loneliness, and betrayal.

The realization that Richard had been cheating hit me like a punch to the gut all over again. For so long, I had tried to ignore the signs, to convince myself that our marriage was strong enough to survive his absences and attitude. But now, faced with the truth, I felt like a fool.

My thoughts turned to mum, and the inevitable conversation we would have about my failed marriage. I knew her disappointment would be as heavy as my own. How could I explain to her that my husband had chosen someone else over me?

Chapter 07

Sarah's POV

“Aren't you getting off miss?.” The driver cut me off from my thought immediately. I shaked my head twice to return to my right senses and the moment I touched my cheeks gently, I realized tears had started dropping down from them.

I was just so lost in thought that I had forgotten that the car had stopped already. “Oh yeah.” I exclaimed.

“Sorry for the interruption,” the driver apologized, his eyes darting to the rear-view mirror as I opened the door.

The night air was a cold slap to my tear-stained cheeks, snapping me back to the present. I stepped out of the car while my legs felt as unsteady as my heart.

“No need to apologize,” I muttered as I handed over the fare and turned away before the driver could catch another glimpse of my distress.

“Over here ma'am.” The security guard’s deep voice jolted me out of my daze, beckoning me towards the open front door. I followed his gesture towards the exposed entrance, the inside of the hotel was visible through the clear glass panels.

“Thanks,” I muttered, managing a small smile as the guard helped me carry my luggage through the heavy doors.

The reception area was majestic, its beauty and style coming from the pretty furniture, shiny lights, and marble floor. As I approached the receptionist, a tall, immaculately dressed man with a friendly smile, I took a deep breath, attempting to put on a brave face despite the turmoil I felt inside. “Welcome ma'am.” He uttered and I nodded my head twice and forced another smile.

“For how long would you be staying?.” He questioned and let out another warm smile. The receptionist's smile was contagious, and I couldn't help but reciprocate his warmth, despite the storm raging inside me.

"A week should be enough," I replied, though I knew I couldn't stay much longer, as I had plans to move on. Richard had made it clear where I stood in his life: nowhere. His actions had left me feeling devalued and disrespected. Martin’s words rang in my mind, urging me to seize control of my life. I had no ties to hold me back, no loyalty to maintain.

My reverie was interrupted as the receptionist returned, her smile never wavering. “Here you go, ma’am,” He said.

“Huh?”

“Your keys.” He added, handling me the keys to my room as he let out another warm smile. This time, Yet this time, the smile felt almost forced, as though it was nothing more than a veneer of hospitality.

With a nod of thanks, I took the keys and began to make my way towards the elevator. As I walked, I tried to shake off the unease that had settled over me.

The moment I got into my room, I heard my phone ring out abruptly. I quickly answered, bracing myself for the conversation to come. “Hey mom.” I uttered while I kept my phone 1 inch away from my ear. I knew If I told mom about my divorce with Richard, she would scream the hell out, so I was very prepared this moment.

“Hey, Sarah! How did it go? Any news?” Mom’s eager voice came through the line, her excitement palpable even through the phone. My heart sank, and I inhaled deeply, steeling myself. “Mom, I need to tell you something,” I said while my voice began to quiver slightly.

For so long, Mom had been my rock, my pillar of support. In my darkest moments with Richard, she'd been the one to pick me up, dust me off, and urge me to stay strong. But now, as I stood on the precipice of shattering her expectations, I felt my knees begin to buckle.

How could I explain that my loyalty and goodness hadn't been enough? That despite my best efforts, Richard had left me in the cold? That I felt worthless, alone, and unable to hold onto the life I once knew?

“Go on baby, did it go well?” She questioned once again.

Mom’s voice on the other end of the line was all it took to trigger the dam of emotions that had been building inside of me. I tried to speak, to find the words to explain, but my throat felt like it was being clenched in an invisible fist. The cruel words and deeds of Richard echoed in my mind, and I felt myself drowning in the misery of it all.

“Mom,” I choked out, my voice barely audible over the lump in my throat. "It's Richard...we...we got a divorce.”

“What?, how is this possible and how could you not inform me about these Sarah. No!. It wouldn't just end this way!” Mum's outraged words slammed into me like a freight train, compounding the guilt and shame that already weighed so heavily on my heart. Before I could even formulate a response, the line went dead.

I stood there, alone in my hotel room, the echoes of Mum's disapproval ringing in my ears. Tears streaked down my cheeks as I sank to the floor, cradling my head in my hands. I felt like a failure, unable to keep my marriage afloat or even keep my mother's approval.

Chapter 08

Sarah's POV

“You really shouldn't have agreed to sign the divorce Sarah, I'm so disappointed right now.” Mom uttered as she began to pace around the hotel room.

I sat still in the bed while my gaze was fixed right on the floor. Somehow, I was beginning to regret agreeing to Richard's divorce. But still, I needed my own happiness. Was I the only one to endure this pain. “I'm so sorry mom, I just had to, I need to be happy once again mom. I really need to find my own happiness and depart from Richard. I can't endure everything anylonger.” I responded. My voice had began to crack a little and I felt my palms were already sweety.

Mom took her gaze aside for a few seconds and then darted them back to me. “You're right baby, I think it time you find what really makes you happy rather than spending the rest of your life with that coward.” As soon as I heard her words, my frown turned into a broad smile immediately. I felt a gentle touch on my hands and it made to look up instantly. Mom sat next to me and squeezed my hands tightly. “I just want the best for you honey. Whatever decision you make, just know that I'm always here to support you.” She added.

As she spoke, I felt a tear drop from my eyes down to my cheeks. “Don't you dare cry Sarah, you shouldn't okay?. Stay strong for me.” Mom uttered while she look her hand up to my cheeks and began to wipe my tears away. I sniffed a little and then drew closer to her and embraced her tightly. It was almost like she had pass through the same situation with my dad. He had never treated her like the wife be claimed she was to him. At age seven, I was only entitled to just one parent because dad had left mom and I alone.

There was mum, always crying all night. At age ten, I got the chance to have another dad. It was like everything I had everything dreamt of. He showered me with so much love but after a few years, we lost him to the ruthless hands of death. Every since my stepdad’s death, mum vowed never to get married anymore. She felt she was destined to be a single mother and there we have it, I was raised with love and attention just by a single parent.

“I'll be leaving for Madrid in a week.” I said while I broke away from our embrace. Mom arched her brows surprised by my quick decision. “So fast?” She responded. “Yeah!. I think it's the right time I got a new job and live peacefully. I feel Madrid is just the best place.” I declared.

Mom inhaled and exhaled a deep breath and then rubbed my head gently. “If that's what you think is the best for you, then go foe it honey.” She finally said. With a warm smile I drew closer and embraced her once again.

*

I sat straight up in my bed and rubbed my eyes gently to clear away the last traces of sleep. Mom had left the hotel for London a few hours earlier. With a loud yawn, I climbed out of the bed and headed straight for the refrigerator where I poured in a bottled water into a glass cup and gulped down everything.

The moment I was filled up, I sigh a bit and then paced my eyes around the hotel room for a few seconds. “I guess it's right time you got your life back together.” I murmured almost to myself. As walked down to the center table and grabbed the menu, I began to paced my eyes around the menu for a short while. I just couldn't decide on what to eat. As my gaze frozed at a boldly written word, roasted turkey. A smirk creeped at the left corner of my lips instantly.

Without hesitation, I reached out for the telephone placed on one of the cupboards and quick dialled the number that was written on the menu. “Hello ma'am, what can I help you with.” I heard a lady's voice from the other line. “I'd love to get the roasted turkey.” I responded.

With that, I ended the phone call immediately and lay back on my bed. Within a few hours, I held a gentle knock on the door. “You delivery.” The lady uttered from the other side. With a deep breath, I rose to my feet quickly and walked straight to the door. As soon as I opened the door halfway, the lady smiled broadly.

“Come in.” I declared and opened the door the rest of the way. The attendant pulled in the food cart and stepped inside as well. “Thank you.” I utter and she nodded her head in affirmation. Without another word, she walked out of the room instantly.

As I settled down with my dinner, flipping through the channels, the television brought with it a fresh wave of heartbreak. Like a punch to the gut, I was hit with the sight of Richard and Susan, their smiling faces beaming from the screen. My jaw dropped in shock and a solitary tear slid down my cheek as the reporter revealed the truth: Richard and Susan were now an official couple, and to celebrate, Richard had gifted her with a brand new BMW. The stinging salt of betrayal seared my skin as the reporter read out the final words: "Richard Wright announces his divorce from Sarah Williams.”

With annoyance, I switched of the television and threw the remote on the couch instantly, my raw anger and grief spilling out in a burst of frustration. I squeezed the bedspread tight, while my knuckles turned white with rage. “Why?” I whispered to the empty room, my heartache clouding my mind.

I laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling while tears began to blur my vision. The dinner remained untouched and my appetite long gone. In the stillness of the night, I let my tears flow, trying to wash away the pain.

Chapter 09

RICHARD’S POV.

I leaned back in my chair, letting the smooth jazz from the speakers fill the room. We sat in the bar lounge in the mansion.

Martins sat across from me, swirling his wine like he always did when he was about to say something serious.

I could see that look in his eyes—the one that said he was about to dig into things I didn’t want to talk about.

“You know,” he started, his voice low, “sometimes I feel pity for her. Sarah didn’t deserve all that.”

“Pity?” I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped, harsh and cold. “For her?” I shook my head, taking a long sip of my own wine.

The taste was bitter on my tongue, but it matched the mood. “I don’t feel anything for Sarah, except maybe... hatred.”

Martins raised an eyebrow at me, clearly not buying it. “Hatred? Come on, Rich. She’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad?” I shot him a look. Was he serious? I stared down at my glass, watching the red liquid swirl.

“You know how this all started, don't you?” I felt the anger rise in me again, just thinking about it.

“Back in high school, I was with Susan. She was... well, she was everything. Confident, strong, not some clingy little girl who followed me around like a lost puppy.”I could feel the disgust creep into my voice.

“Then my dad and her dad got this bright idea—‘Hey, let's marry off our kids and strengthen our business ties.’ Like I was just some piece in their game.”

“Yeah, I remember that,” Martins said, but I could hear the sympathy in his voice. It irritated me. “But Sarah—”

“Sarah,” I cut him off, my voice sharper than I meant it to be. “Sarah was obsessed. It was disgusting. She made it so obvious.”

I could see her in my mind, always there, always looking at me with those wide eyes. “Always jumping on me, clinging like I was the air she needed to breathe.”

I continued. “Everywhere I turned, there she was. Smiling, blushing, trying to get my attention. And everyone thought it was cute.” I let out a bitter laugh.

“Cute? It was pathetic. Unlike Susan. Susan knew what she wanted. She had pride. She didn’t throw herself at me like Sarah did.”

“So, you hated her for liking you?” Martins asked, his voice annoyingly calm.

I leaned forward, my grip tightening around the glass. “I hated that she made it so easy for them to control me. My father used her feelings to push this marriage.”

“She could have refused to get married to me, but no, she decided to say yes.” I felt my jaw tighten as the memories flashed through my mind.

“It was like I was trapped in some twisted fairy tale, where everyone wanted the perfect love story. But it wasn't love. Not for me.”

“You could’ve told her,” Martins said quietly. “You could’ve made her understand.”

“Understand?” I scoffed, setting my glass down with a thud. “What was the point? She was so blind, so hopeful. Even if I told her, she’d just keep trying.”

“She never saw the real me. She just saw the version of me she wanted.” I looked away, staring at the flickering candle on the table. “I was just the prize at the end of her silly dream.”

Martins sighed, rubbing his temples. “And Susan? You still think she’s the one?”

“Susan…” Her name felt like a lifeline. “Susan understands. She's not weak like Sarah. She knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to go after it. She's not some fragile little flower.”

“But she’s not with you now,” Martins pointed out. “Sarah was.”

I felt a jolt of anger at his words. “Yeah, well, that was the deal, wasn’t it? I married Sarah to keep everyone happy. To fulfill my father’s wish.”

I forced a laugh, though it sounded bitter even to my ears. “And look where that got me.”

I felt the rage flare up inside me at the mere thought of it. The old man—Sarah’s father—was the real reason I was stuck in this mess.

“He was the one who killed my father, even if no one wanted to admit it.”

Martins was staring at me, his eyes searching for something. Understanding, maybe? I didn't care.

“Richard,” he began slowly, like he was picking his words carefully. “You know it was an accident. They didn't plan for it to happen.”

I glared at him, my fingers digging into the armrest of my chair. “Accident? He was the one driving, Martins! They drove themselves to death at the prospect of bonding their precious families together.”

“My father trusted him, and look where that got him—six feet under!” My voice was cold, each word like a knife cutting through the air.

“If it weren't for him, none of this would have happened."

Martins rubbed his forehead, looking more tired than before. “You could have rejected Sarah after that, you know. Both your fathers were gone. No one would have stopped you.”

I shot him a sharp look, my eyes narrowing. “As if you didn't know,” I snapped. He was my best friend; of course, he knew the full story.

“It wasn't just about our fathers. It was about my grandfather, too. The moment Dad died, he took over and made sure I couldn’t get out of this trap.”

Martins leaned back, listening, but he didn't say anything this time. He knew I was just getting started.

“My grandfather told me straight up,” I continued, my voice laced with bitterness.

“‘You marry Sarah,’ I refused, of course. Told him I already had someone I wanted to marry. Susan. But he didn’t care. He said the only way to claim my inheritance was to marry her. Did I have a choice?”

“Your grandfather was a stubborn man,” Martins said quietly.

“Stubborn? That's putting it mildly.” I let out a harsh laugh. “He practically held my life hostage. Marry Sarah, or lose everything. Those were my choices. And he made it clear there wouldn't be a third option.”

It felt as if those years were replaying itself. The frustration, the anger, the feeling of being caged.

My grandfather died a year after I married Sarah. A whole year I had to endure that sham of a marriage, just to keep everything in line.

But the moment he passed, I was free. Free to divorce her and live my life the way I wanted.

“And that's exactly what I did,” I muttered, more to myself than to Martins. “The second he was out of the picture, I filed those papers. I wasn't going to waste another second.”

Martins just sat there, staring at his glass. He always supported Sarah, but he didn't have a choice when I requested for a divorce.

It was either his best friend of many decades or Sarah.

Chapter 10

SARAH’S POV.

The next few days in the hotel were a blur. I busied myself with plans for Madrid, checking listings online, arranging paperwork, anything to keep my mind occupied.

But every time I closed my eyes, the image of Richard and Susan on that television screen flashed back at me.

I could still hear the reporter's voice announcing my failed marriage like it was the evening news.

I tried not to think about it. I had to move forward, right? Mom always said that life doesn't stop for anyone. But it felt like mine had hit a wall.

The morning I was set to leave for Madrid, I stood by the window, watching the city wake up. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft glow over the buildings.

I took a deep breath and looked at my packed bags. This was it. A new start.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat—who could it be this early? I walked over and opened it cautiously. It was the hotel manager.

“Good morning, Miss Williams,” he greeted with a polite smile. “Just here to remind you about your checkout time.”

“Thank you,” I replied, forcing a smile. “I'll be out in an hour.”

As he walked away, I closed the door and leaned against it. My chest tightened. I should have known things would go sour when Grandpa Bryan died.

Richard never looked at me twice, but u had always wished–if wishes were horses.

I took one last look around the room, grabbed my bags, and headed downstairs. The lobby was quiet, just a few people milling about.

I handed in my key and turned toward the exit. As I stepped out into the fresh air, I felt a rush of mixed emotions—fear, relief, uncertainty.

The taxi to the airport was waiting. I climbed in and gave the driver my destination. As we pulled away from the hotel, I glanced back one last time.

The drive to the airport was uneventful, giving me too much time to think. Madrid was supposed to be my new beginning, a place where I could carve out my happiness.

But the fear was still there. What if it turned out just like this? What if I was never meant to be happy?

We arrived at the airport, and I went through the motions—checking in, going through security, and waiting at the gate.

People moved around me, living their lives. For a moment, I felt invisible, just a face in the crowd. And maybe that was okay. Maybe being invisible was better than being broken.

I finally boarded the plane and found my seat by the window. As the plane started to taxi down the runway, I looked out at the world I was leaving behind.

A part of me felt numb, like I was watching someone else’s life unfold. But as the plane took off, climbing higher and higher, I felt something else. Hope.

Madrid was waiting for me. A new city, a new life. Maybe this time, I could find my own happiness, one that wasn't tied to someone else's story.

As the plane soared through the clouds, I closed my eyes and let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I won't sulk over him anymore. I would build my life back.

The flight to Madrid felt like a long blur, hours passing in a haze of quiet thoughts and restless attempts to sleep.

When the plane finally touched down, the city greeted me with a bright, warm sun. It was almost like Madrid was offering me a fresh start right from the moment I stepped off the plane.

After grabbing my luggage, I made my way to the taxi stand. The driver was a middle-aged man with a friendly smile. “¿A dónde vas?” he asked, his eyes warm and welcoming.

“Hotel Valencia, por favor," I replied, my voice shaky from exhaustion. The driver nodded, and soon we were on our way.

Don't ask me how I could speak Spanish, I learned languages in school and I majored in Spanish.

As the car navigated through the busy streets, I looked out the window, taking in the sights. Everything was different—the language, the architecture, the people.

It was like stepping into a whole new world, one that didn’t have the shadows of Richard and my failed marriage hanging over it.

The hotel was charming, with a small courtyard filled with plants and flowers. After checking in, I headed up to my room.

It was small but cozy, with a balcony that overlooked a narrow, cobbled street. I set my suitcase down and walked over to the window, pushing it open.

A soft breeze drifted in, carrying with it the sounds of the city: chatter, laughter, the hum of life.

I knew I couldn't just hide in the room. I had to start living. So, after a quick shower, I changed into a simple dress and decided to take a walk.

I needed to explore, to see what this new life could be. I wandered through the streets, letting my feet guide me.

The city was alive with color and energy. Street vendors called out to passersby, the scent of fresh bread wafted from small bakeries, and artists sat along the sidewalks, painting and sketching.

After walking for a while, I found myself in a small, bustling market square. I wandered through the stalls, admiring the fresh produce and handmade crafts.

One stall caught my eye—a little stand filled with beautiful, hand-painted tiles. Each tile was a tiny masterpiece, with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

I couldn't resist picking one up. The design was simple but captivating, a swirl of blue and white.

“Es hermoso, ¿verdad?”(It's beautiful, isn't it)a voice beside me said. I turned to see an elderly woman standing behind the stall, her eyes crinkling with a kind smile.

“Sí, es muy hermoso,” (Yes, it is very beautiful) I replied, smiling back at her. I decided to buy the tile.

As I walked away, I heard the sound of music in the distance. Drawn by the melody, I followed it until I came to a small park.

A group of musicians was playing under a large tree, their music lively and full of joy. I found a bench nearby and sat down, letting the music wash over me.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a small flicker of happiness.

Suddenly, there was a commotion near the musicians. A little girl, maybe five or six, was standing there, her face scrunched up in worry.

She had lost her balloon, and it was now drifting up towards the sky. I watched as she reached up, her eyes filling with tears. Without thinking, I got up and walked over to her.

“Hey, it's okay,” I said softly, kneeling down to her level. She looked at me with big, teary eyes, and my heart ached. “You know what? Balloons like to go on adventures, just like us.”

She sniffed and looked up at the balloon, which was now just a tiny dot in the sky. “Really?”

“Really,” I nodded. "And I bet that balloon is going to tell the clouds all about the wonderful girl it met today."

She blinked at me, and slowly, a smile started to form on her lips. Just then, a woman rushed over, clearly the girl's mother.

She thanked me in a flurry of Spanish, hugging her daughter tightly. I stepped back, watching as the little girl wiped her eyes and started to smile again.

As I walked back to the bench, I realized what I needed to do. I was going to gain my stand and build myself to a point where I wont be stepped over.

I stayed in the park for a while longer, just listening to the music and watching people go by.

The city was starting to feel less like a place where I was running to and more like a place where I could belong.

I would make sure Richard ran back begging me. He would come crawling.