SHATTERED VOWS: ELSA'S REBIRTH

Eight years of marriage or was it eight years of caged torment? Was the question soon to linger at the back of my mind when everyone screamed joyfully, wishing me and my husband, the renowned Damian Armstrong, a happy anniversary. Suddenly, a resounding applause erupted from within the crowd. Guests gave way, revealing the attention seeker. To my surprise, slim blonde beauty, Emily Widget, Damian’s secretary was the one making a fuss. Alarmed, my husband, Damian gasped then said, ‘‘What is the meaning of this, Ms. Widget?’’ There was a moment of silence. Emily stood up, glanced around wearing a sick smirk then blurted out, ‘‘And is that how to talk to the mother of your unborn child?’’ ‘‘Hmmn, my love.’’ Quiet instantly followed by confusion and rumors, flew in the wind. I stood on the stairs, one hand one the railing the other beneath my stomach. Damian slid his palm down my back gently but shortly then hurried down the stairs. I could see him grabbing Emily by her hand or was it her waist? I could barely tell as my vision somehow became blur that moment, my legs could barely hold balance, my face slightly sweaty and of course I couldn’t forget the feeling of cold steam hovering around my chest. Damian’s voice pierced through my ears, ‘‘Sweetheart, you just made me the happiest man alive.’’ There they were, my husband and his mistress holding each other, snuggling right in my face and in front of all the guests. I felt a firm grip on my elbow. ‘‘Mrs. Armstrong, are you okay?’’ Our caretaker madam Buttons asked. ‘‘I… I’m fine.’’ I said trying to wear a smile. Lifting my dress up with one hand and the other still on the railing, I navigated my way up the stairs as if to get away but before I could, I heard the sound of glass being beaten. ‘‘May I have everyone’s attention please?’’ ‘‘Damian’’ my head rang. I turned to see. Emily’s smile brightened like she owned the day, with cheers and well wishes from guests, ‘my guests’, filling the room. Our eyes locked, then her smile changed to what seemed like a soft frown. I stood staring at her pretty face, still, unmoved, emotionless. ‘‘Elsa! Elsa! Where’s she gone?’’ Damian called. When Damian Armstrong calls you answer and so I did. I walked down the stairs to meet him. He turned around to locate me and when he did, he said, ‘‘Oh darling isn’t this the most wonderful day? You’re going to be a stepmother.’’ I knew he did things that were entirely wrong but this, this was something worse. How could he humiliate me in front of everyone like this? Having a public relationship with his secretary wasn’t enough, he had to entertain her at our wedding anniversary and also celebrate the result of his affair on my day. I said nothing, just stood, staring, and recalling the suitcase I had packed earlier, in my bedroom. My marriage was in no way perfect and after nine years I finally decided that it was time to take a huge step. ‘‘Why now? Well, you’ll find out.’’ Someone in the crowd whispered, ‘‘She obviously can’t give him a child.’’ Another said, ‘‘Useless and barren.’’ Insults flew around, some speakers didn’t mind my presence they said awful things loud and clear. Damian was well aware of the gossip, after all they were his friends and also he had little or no respect for me. Not able to bare the shame any longer, I proceeded to take my leave when I accidently hit a maid who was busy clearing a table beside Emily, causing her to let go of a tray, resulting in glass cups shattering and some broken pieces diving into Emily’s skin. Emily screamed, catching everyone’s interest. Quickly, Damian rushed to her, held her by the arms. ‘‘My love.’’ He said, worried. Some glass pieces had sunk into her right leg with blood oozing through the cuts. The maid hurriedly left the scene in fear of Damian, leaving me to face his wrath. Madam Buttons rushed with a first aid box to clean the wound. ‘‘Someone get the doctor!’’ Damian ordered. Eyes flashing, face stern, he turned to me saying, ‘‘You did this.’’ ‘‘I…’’ ‘‘Apologize.’’ He commanded. ‘‘I didn’t…’’ ‘‘Everybody out now!’’ Damian announced. At once guests started leaving, some of them escorted by maids. Damian lifted Emily up, aiding her to sit on a chair then he match towards me, swung me by the hand then dragged me to Emily’s front saying, ‘‘Go ahead.’’ Lungs swollen, heart racing, palms dry, I looked into Emily’s eyes then said, ‘‘I’m sorry.’’ ‘‘Where’s the darn doctor?’’ Damian yelled causing me to shake in fright. He stormed out to find out what was keeping the doctor. Madam Buttons had now wrapped Emily’s injury in bandage and was on her way leaving, when Emily stood up and said, ‘‘I hope now you’ve learned to never underestimate me again.’’ ‘’There can only be one Mrs. Armstrong and that’s me, old hag.’’ She added leaning towards me.