My heels clicked on the floor as I ascended to the bedroom. I couldn't bear to look at the faces of the two betrayers that were now below me.
Ethan's betrayal stung me, but Rachel's betrayal was even worse.
I packed my belongings with tears dropping down my face. A whole five years of marriage in the mud. I looked over the side table and saw my wedding picture with Ethan. We we're so happy. What led to this? Why do men even cheat?
I finally zipped my suitcase and pushed it out of the room. I went downstairs and caught sight of Ethan for the very last time. Rachel was just beaming with smiles. It annoyed me.
“You're really leaving?” Ethan asked.
Seriously? So I should stay? Over my dead body.
I didn't even bother responding. I just kept pulling my bag along then I turned to face him.
“I'm done Ethan. You two can f**k each other however you like,” I said pointing my eyes at Rachel and left completely.
It was such a relief on my shoulder. I shouldn't even have to be dealing with s**t like this. I should be living a clean and healthy life free of toxic energy and fake friends just like Rachel.
The weight of my heart right now was heavier than the weight of my luggage. I was ready to start a new and clean life.
♡
I pulled into the parking lot of my new apartment. I felt a mix of emotions. I hadn't even told my mother what had happened. I didn't want to bother her more. She had so much on her plate already.
As I stepped out of the car, I felt the heat strike at me. I grabbed my bag and began to walk into my apartment. Deep down I was so excited for my new start but at the same time I was pained for what had happened in the past.
I brought out of the key to open the entrance of my apartment but then I felt something. I felt as though my head was sinking in. The world was spinning round and round and round and I felt like throwing up. My stomach became heavy. It wasn't a pleasant feeling at all. I tried to grab something to hold but it was already too late. I collapsed.
I could hear sounds in the dark space. I could hear footsteps and people panicking. I felt a cold breeze on my face and my upper body being elevated. I felt my thigh resting on a soft, gentle thigh.
I heard voices then my eyes popped opened. I met people gathered all around me, fanning me. I was too weak to even speak.
They later led me into my apartment and dropped me on my couch kindly. Everyone left except for an older woman. She stayed by my side and placed her palm on my forehead.
“You poor thing,” she said, “you're probably just exhausted from all the stress of moving out. But I have something to ask you?”
I nodded while waiting for her question.
“Could you be expecting a child?”
My eyes widened, “No, that's impossible.” I shook my head.
Five years of marriage that I stayed without getting pregnant, why now? Besides, I had already been convinced that I was going to be unable to give birth to a child.
The doctors said it themselves that the problem came from me. So how come?
“Well, just in case. Let me get you some water.” She stood up walking towards the dispenser, “And maybe you should take a test just to be sure.”
I nodded, feeling drained out. I had never felt this tired all the years I have lived on Earth.
After Mrs. Jenkins, the old woman left. I gathered strength and went to the pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test kit.
My heart was racing with each step I took back home.
Let it not be that I am pregnant for that bastard Ethan. I don't want anything to connect me and him anymore.
I immediately went to the bathroom and took the instructions that those in the pharmacy gave me. I came out awaiting the results.
Lo and behold, two pink lines appeared. My greatest nightmare had come. I was pregnant.
Tears streamed down my face. I felt like the earth should just open up and swallow me alive. The thought of raising a child alone with no support was scary. It was so scary.
I brushed the tears off my cheek.
♡
Weeks passed and was pulling myself together. I was starting to get myself together in this new city.
I sat at a popular spot sipping latte while an uncompleted painting of mine was on the table. A fine gentle man walked up to me and waved his hand at me.
“Miss,” he waved, “is it okay if I have a seat.”
“Sure,” I replied.
He sat down and adjusted himself well on the seat. Then he ordered for latte and started sipping as well.
“Wow!” He pointed at my work, “Is that your artwork?”
“Yes it is.” I replied.
“It's so beautiful,” he stretched it up to pick it up then he looked at me, “may I have a look?”
“Sure, sure, you can take a look.” I waved my hands.
He picked it up and looked at the painting. It was so exquisite. A painting of a woman floating to the other side of the world leaving everything on Earth behind.
“Is there a story behind this painting?” He looked up at me and asked.
“Hmm..” I smiled, “what's your name Mr.?”
“I'm Alex.”
“You're really nosy,” he laughed so hard. It was so infectious I myself started laughing.
“No I'm serious,” he laughed, “it's just a harmless question. Tell me, what's the secret behind this artwork.”
“Let's just say it has more to do with my personal life and I just can't spill it to you. I hope you understand. Not that I'm being rude.”
“No sure I understand. I won't ask you further questions anymore.”
“I can see the ring on your finger,” I said pointing my eyes at his finger, “you must be married.”
“Ah yes..” he chuckled, “it's really complicated. My marriage is.. unhappy. We're separated and I'm waiting for the divorce to finalise.”
“I see.” I nodded my head, “I'm sorry for asking. I'm sure this must be a really rough time for you.”
“Yeah,” he smiled, “what about you? Are you married?”
I swallowed hard. Memories of Ethan came back hitting my face harder than two weeks ago.
“Can you hear me miss?”
“Sophia, that's my name,” I nodded, “and yes, I'm married but I'm also separated from my husband.”
“Wow! We really have so much in common.” He replied then checked the time on his wristwatch.
“It's really running late Sophia,” he got up and paid the waiter the money for the latte. He also paid for mine too. “I guess I'll see you later. Can I have your number?”
“Sure.” I replied.
He pulled out his phone and I called out my number for him. He saved it and then bidded ways with me.
That night was the memorable night ever. Our conversation was short but it was just so memorable.
♡
I went back home dropping my bag on the couch. I pulled out my earrings and headed for the bedroom. I came out to grab something then I heard a knock on the door.
My heart skipped a beat. I wasn't expecting anyone at all that night. It could be a neighbour, you never know or one of their kids trying to play silly pranks on me.
I still went ahead and opened the door. What stood before me shocked me. I had never seen this person in my entire life. A woman with green eyes and coily long black hair.
“Can I help you?” I asked trying to hide the discomfort that I felt within me.
“I'm Alex's wife.” the woman replied, her voice dripping with venom. “So you're the mistress right? You're the one who's been sleeping with my husband.”
My eyes widened in shock, “I don't know what you're talking about. I suggest you go back home madame.” I tried to close the door but then she hit it and forced her way in.
“Don't play dumb Sophia. I have proof. I saw you with my husband having a good time. I will not let you ruin my marriage. Before that will happen I will kill you and have Alex all to myself.”
“You need to leave.”
“Oh I'm not going anywhere. I will warn you Sophia. If you don't want trouble, stay away from my husband. You don't know what a woman in love is capable of.” She said and then slammed off.
I was shaken with those words. You don't know what a woman in love is capable of.
All I know was that I didn't want trouble. If staying away from Alex meant me having peace in this new city, then so be it.