Chapter 4
1892 Words
SYLVIA.
Devastated and broken, I glanced into my purse. I had a little cash left in it, and I hoped that it was enough to help me get to my destination.
I finally arrived at the airport in Iowa.
Confused, I immediately called Aunt Kathy to inform her.
“I will send you my home address via text.” She said and soon, my phone beeped.
I did not linger. Instead, I got on a train that would take me directly to Des Moines.
My plan was simple — I would explain things to Aunt Kathy, try to find a job, get my place, and get my revenge.
"I have to do this for my child," I mumbled to myself on the train as they sped past verdant terrain. A buxom lady sat beside me, snoring loudly.
Soon, I got to Des Moines and got on a taxi that would take me to the farmhouse where Aunt Kathy lives.
Within forty minutes, I arrived at the bus stop, and it was evening already. It was pleasantly warm and the landscape — vast stretches of land and hills — provided a picturesque view.
Aunt Kathy came in a small car.
"Sylvia, oh my, it's been ages," she said as she got out of the car and trudged over to where I sat at the bus stop.
I noted that Aunt Kathy was older now; her steps were slow and measured, as if she feared she might fall, and she had wrinkles drawn over her face making it look like a map made of flesh.
"Aunt Kathy," I said heartily, drawing the older woman into a hug.
We stayed like that for a few seconds before releasing each other. Aunt Kathy held my face in her small hands, smiling at it, stroking my chin in such an affectionate manner that I could not help but smile.
"You've come a long way, child," she said.
"Yeah, a long way," I noted, already tired.
Together, we walked into the car and I eased into the front passenger seat after dropping my bags in the trunk.
"It's so wholesome at the farmhouse," Aunt Kathy said as she drove on the highway. "I hope you'd like it there."
"I think I would," I said, optimistic, but deep down, I was apprehensive.
What if I end up not liking the place?
But I had no choice. I had nowhere else to go or whom to run to.
And the last thing on my mind is to live in a shelter or a hotel.
"It's just me over there, so it's nice to have some company," Aunt Kathy said.
"Sure," I said, nodding even if my mind was far away.
I was trying my best to liven up, but the events of yesterday sat on my mind like cumbersome luggage.
"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Aunt Kathy said, looking over to me, her voice laced with concern.
"Of course, I'm fine," I replied, faking a smile. "I mean, why wouldn't I be?"
We both laughed, but it was awkward laughter, and we became silent throughout the rest of the drive.
The farmhouse was a large one, fenced, with a vast space in front. Aunt Kathy parked her car and got out, smiling bashfully.
"Well, this is it, honey," she said, waving her hand around. "This is where I've lived all these years. I know it's not much, but it's mine and I love it."
I looked around. The house itself was small, but not so small that it would be comfortable. I admired the greenery around, and looking in the distance and seeing the sun dip lazily into the horizon, I knew that I could be assured of a good view every time.
"Aunt Kathy, this is beautiful," I said. "I'm so proud of you."
And I was. I felt a bit of jealousy.
Here was Aunt Kathy, unmarried, making a life for herself, all alone, and there I was, my life collapsing because my husband had left me.
"Well, come on in," Aunt Kathy gestured cheerily, pulling me inside the main house.
It was pleasant inside the house, even though I felt a bit disorientated having lived in a mansion all the while.
"So do you think you'll like it here?" Aunt Kathy asked as she sank into a sofa.
"I think I will," I responded. "This is wonderful, Aunt Kathy."
After a while, we sat down to dinner in the kitchen where there was a dining table.
We both ate, slowly and quietly, and none of us said a word to each other.
The food was good, but I had lost my appetite.
"Sylvia dear.” Aunt Kathy called, breaking the silence.
I gazed up at her, hoping that she wouldn't ask any questions relating to my husband.
“Why are you here?" She asked.
I dropped my fork and shrugged. The last thing I wanted was to disclose my divorce with Jerome. I felt ashamed to tell anyone.
"I am visiting," I said, nodding. "Vegas is a crowded place, as you know, and I just need time to breathe, you know."
Aunt Kathy smirked.
"Really Sylvia?” She raised a brow. Come on, tell me the reason. I am not a child, you know. And I feel that something is wrong. You won't just leave Vegas where your family and life are. Something isn't right.” She paused, her brows twisted in a frown.
“Or is it your husband? Are you two having issues?"
At this point, the tears I had been trying so hard to stave off came out, unrestrained. I broke down, sobbing loudly.
"Oh no, I'm sorry," said Aunt Kathy, rushing to my side, she wrapped her arms around me and stroked me tenderly.
"I'm sorry," I muttered in a hoarse tone. "I don't know if I can talk about it just yet."
There was pity in her eyes.
"That's fine, baby," Aunt Kathy said.
I watched her pull out a small cloth and wipe my face with it. "You can talk about it whenever you feel comfortable. Okay?"
I shook my head.
“There is no need to hide anything, we got divorced.”
Aunt Kathy's eyes widened in shock.
“Why? What happened?” She asked at once.
I shrugged my shoulders, “I got betrayed, he chose my best friend and threw me out like a piece of trash.” I sniffed hard, trying to fight the tears that were trying to fall out.
“That's not all," For years now, Jerome and I have been trying to have a child of our own. A few days ago, I found out that I was pregnant. I wanted to tell him on his birthday but…” I shook my head, and the tears finally rolled down, “I will keep this baby a secret and far away from that beast!”
"Christ," Aunt Kathy mumbled under her breath.
The room suddenly became silent.
"A child is a beautiful thing, Sylvia," Aunt Kathy said. "I hope you're keeping the baby."
"Of course, I am keeping this baby, this is my baby and I will have this child," I said almost immediately.
“Good,” Aunt Kathy uttered. “There is something I have kept from you all these years and I think this is the right time to inform you.”
Confused, I watched her get on her feet.
“Come with me.” She gestured and I stood up and followed suit.
We both walked into her bedroom and I felt uncomfortable knowing it was her privacy.
“Don't be shy dear, come in.”
I walked in and saw her open up a bag. She took out a file and handed it to me.
“Open it and read.” She instructed.
Still puzzled, I did as I was told, but I couldn't understand anything.
“I don't understand, what is this?” I asked.
Aunt Kathy smiled, “That's your late father's company. He died two months ago, but before he did, he visited me and handed me this file. He had that feeling that you would come to me soon. He instructed that when you do, his company should be handed over to you.”
I couldn't wrap my head around her words.
“My father? I don't have a father.” I objected and she nodded.
“Of course you do, you just don't know this yet. Your father was a multi-billionaire, the richest among his peers, but unfortunately, your mother ran away when she found out she was pregnant with you. That's why you know nothing about your father. Just see this as a blessing in disguise, this will help you get back on your feet.”
I froze in shock, unable to believe her words.
I must be dreaming!
“You are joking.” I said, but Aunt Kathy shook her head, “This is not a joke. When you are ready, you can contact your father's lawyer, and he will guide you through the process.”
She held my hands, “Now, this is your chance to prove to your husband and those who look down on you, to make good use of this opportunity. I am sad you got to know about your father now.”
I staggered backward in shock. I kept glancing at the file, unable to believe what had just happened.
Am I a billionaire?
A CEO!
Unbelievable!
“Sylvia” Aunt Kathy called me out of my thoughts, 'You have to be strong. And come to think of it, what are your plans?
Now that I know my identity, this will make things easier than I expected.
Anger flashed through me.
“Vengeance Aunt, nothing but vengeance runs through my mind.” I turned to her, “How do you expect me to move forward and act like nothing happened? No way, Aunt. I plan to have my revenge and make Jerome feel every pain he made me go through.”
Aunt Kathy smiled.
“Perfect plan. But you also know that your husband is a powerful billionaire on his own. How would you pull this off?
I didn't know and I didn't care.
I have to find a way and nothing will hinder me from achieving this goal.
They both fooled me.
Blood-sucking demons!
Slept with each other behind my back and lied to my face, I will never let that slide, never!
Aunt Kathy stared at me.
“Is this what you want, Sylvia?”
I didn't reply, because my mind was made up. It might take me time, but I will make sure that I get what I want.
Suddenly, my phone beeped.
Aunty Kathy watched me, her hands on her waist as her sharp eyes pierced me.
“What is it?” She inquired.
Angry, painful tears filled my eyes, “It's Jerome and Amy, they are getting married tomorrow.”
“Argh!” I screamed and tossed a glass cup on the ground, smashing it into pieces.
The agony and rage I felt was unexplainable and my whole body.
“I promise to make Jerome pay, he will pay with everything he has, even if it remains the last drop of blood in my body. I will have my pound of flesh, I swear.”
- Writer
