The Destitute Heiress

Promises Made To Be Broken

I set down my suitcase in the room while I can hear Kevin in the shower and unlocked it, setting out my threadbare coat on the coat hanger like I used to, across the room at the dresser I begged Kevin to buy for me, I can see a bottle of perfume. So I cross there, a quick look at the bottle and a quick sniff tells me it’s the scent I’ve breathed around the house these past few days.

Kevin’s girlfriend slept on my side of the bed, used my dresser, and wore my plush slippers that I got for Christmas last year from Kevin around the house. I chuckle when I see the way she left the room, I could never be allowed to leave a space this way. Ever. My heart breaks for the little joys she enjoyed that I do not get to enjoy.

I gently put down the high street brand perfume bottle and go back to unpacking my clothes, I hear the shower stop, and Kevin gingerly steps out, his Tuesday blue towel wrapped around his body while working his hair towel in his hair. He stops whistling when he sees me and his entire face changes.

“What are you doing here?” He asks, it’s the first time he has addressed me since last week when I had to go live in the attic. I’ve cried enough tears on my own, in my own corner to cry right now.

“I live here, remember?” I say, fighting the urge to be sassy. He breathes in and out, as though he wanted to say something harsh. I’d like him to say harsh words though, it would be better than nothing, I’d rather be told why he wants to replace me than this silence.

“Rina, we cannot stay together in this room anymore. Carol could come over anytime and I don’t want her to get any ideas in her head.” His words terrify me so I put down my hand made dress that I lined with a machine, I had to learn to sew when he stopped giving me enough to buy clothes.

“I’m your wife, Kevin. I have a certificate and I wear this ring,” I raise my hand, the light taking hold of my engagement band, a hundred dollar pandora ring I accepted five years ago. “To show it, I bear your name. And if we weren’t holding out till next year for kids, we should have had one child.” His face crumples at my words, as though they hit a sore spot.

They should though, because his mother said she mistakenly pushed me down the stairs two years ago and caused me to lose my ten week old pregnancy. It was a mistake, but I’ve mourned the loss of my child ever since.

“Rina, we need to talk.” I shuffle towards the bed we chose together and sit down gingerly, I feel like I need to sit, for whatever he wants to say.

“What do you need us to talk about? An explanation about your girlfriend’s treatment, perhaps?” I ask, my eyes nearly watering from how Kevin’s girlfriend would react if I even reached behind her to get a mug in the kitchen.

“I think it’s time we tell ourselves the absolute truth, this relationship is going nowhere, seeing as you can’t even appear at my company’s Christmas dinner.” He breathes in and out harshly before continuing.

“All the other women are talking about trips to Saint Lucia, quarter projections and Stanley cups, you have no idea how to contribute to the discussions. I really don’t want to embarrass you or myself. It’s better for us to separate.” I scoffed quietly when he said his piece complete.

“Separate? Did we have a fight? Did I cheat on you? I should be the one asking to separate. Not you, you have no right to do so.” He shakes his head and sits right next to me with an exasperated breath.

“Carol wants to be married to me quickly. And I love her too much to let her down. We could go get a writ of divorce and get the dissolution of our marriage done quickly.” The words, ‘I love her too much’ reverberate in my head till it’s all I can hear in my mind. I struggle to get through the buzz to look at his face. Blond hair, blue eyes, chiselled face, the very quality everyone wants in a man. I thought I was lucky to have him, until now.

“You love her too much? What about me? Your wife?” He starts to make movements with his hands like I’m asking for too much and it incenses me even further.

“Stop being like this, Carina. You can’t say you don’t know I’ve never really liked you like I like Carol, my mom forced me to pro-“ He stops and visibly swallows, knowing he has opened a can of worms. I shut my eyes and shake my head, if I don’t take deep breaths, I can faint dead away and I need my wits about me.

“Kevin, have you even thought for once what this would do to your career if it got out?” I ask, knowing I’m asking a futile question, but I ask still, maybe I can reverse things.

“So what? Most of my bosses have seen me with Carol and have given their thumbs up. Once we end this sham of a union, you can go your own way, while I go on mine.” I shake my head, my heart racing and my breath in short puffs just to remind myself to breathe.

“You are cruel.” I say, through a puff of breath and gritted teeth. “You’re inhuman. Where is the college education you promised me once you got your regional promotion?” I get up, pointing at his face, his hair is now halfway dry and sticking in many directions.

“You said, right here in this room, that you would send me to college once you got your promotion. You’re suddenly realising it’s too big a promise to have undertaken, but you lie! You must do it, I’m not leaving until I get my education.” I say, tears spilling out of my eyes right at the last word.

“Oh please, you were grasping my p***s in your hot mouth when I made that promise, promises made in the throes of pleasure don’t count!” I could not breathe or speak, or even look at him, because every single moment I spent in his moment, was a reminder of my own immense foolishness.