The Abandoned Wife Makes A Come Back

My hands trembled as I held the divorce papers in my hands. Five years of my life, loving and supporting my husband Jonathan and what's my reward? A divorce agreement already signed by him and his wedding band sitting on the counter, discarded just like me. I sniffled as I took his wedding band in my hand. My trembling fingers trace the inside engraving delicately. Forever yours, with love ~Addie Tears spilled out as I began to laugh at my own naivety. Forever was never ours. It was a fantasy and nothing more. Looking at the divorce papers I couldn't help but to feel my heart break. The sacrifices I had made to help him further his career, the things I did just to please him and be a good wife. It was all for not. I gave up my dreams and desires only to be left alone without explanation. I steeled my heart and took out a pen. Signing my name with what resolve I could before I collapsed onto the couch from the heartache. When I could muster the strength I put the document in the envelope with both of our wedding bands and sent the package to his office. That was it. I was no longer Mrs. Michaels. I was free to do whatever I pleased. Freedom was a bit frightening at first so I called my best friend Veronica. We haven't spoken in a year because of Jonathan, I was nervous but she answered with that familiar cheeriness that numbed some of the pain in my chest. “Hello Doll, long time no ring. How ya been?” She sounded pleased but a bit surprised by my sudden call. Moreso when I began to sob uncontrollably as I babbled everything out in-between the ugly sobs. She was patient, letting me calm down before speaking again. “Why that no go little weasel! How dare he! I'll tear him to pieces!” I chuckled at her spirit. She was hotblooded by nurture. A trait from growing up in a house with five older brothers. She was tough and confident. Never one to take anyone's bull. I admired her for that. “No thank you V…it's ok…I just…want some company.” “Say less doll, I will be right over. You and I are going out tonight! Whooo!” “O-out? What do you mean?” She left my question unanswered as she hung up. I felt nervous. I hadn't been permitted to leave my house much over the years, slowly growing accustomed to life inside my house. As I walked to the bedroom I sat at my vanity and looked at my reflection. My hair was a dark mess of tangles and split ends. The once vibrant blue color of my eyes looked almost gray and dull. My lips were pale to match my pasty complexion. I couldn't find a single good feature on my body. The sudden flash of memories of my husband's manipulations over the years as I struggled to find anything good about my appearance made me feel sick. He used to point out every flaw almost daily, from major ones to minor ones. Always picking at my appearance until I eventually just gave up. Feeling like I was some withered hag. Perhaps that was his plan all along. Make me into a dull shut in, alone and isolated. I wanted to cry but there was a knock at the door, eagerly I ran to open it but was surprised to see my adopted sister Nadia. She was smiling at me as she handed me a manilla envelope, showing off a flashing diamond ring on her finger. “Hello Addie, I just want to bring you a little something. I'm on my way to lunch with my fiance.” The tone of her voice was smug and the viciousness of her smile made my hands shake as I gripped the envelope. Whatever was in it would only hurt me more. That's always what she wanted. My pain and misery. Nadia was from a poor orphanage, my parents took her in so I could have a playmate die to them being unable to conceive another child. I loved her instantly and thought she felt the same but slowly over time she would do bad things and beg me to take the blame for her. She said they'd return her if they knew it was her and we'd be apart, at the time I truly loved her so I took the blame time and time again. Then she would do more horrible acts and blame me for them. My parents tried to see through it but she was a master manipulator, able to string along any story and win over any heart. Over time her vile and manipulative ways caused a rift between me and my parents. She was their special child. Their precious princess. Meanwhile I was their mistake. The bad seed. It was hard to blame them. I had taken the fall for her time and time again because I thought that's what a good sister does but I was a fool. I gripped the envelope tighter and tried to put on a smile to hide my pain. “Thanks Nadia…I'll look at it later.” I could tell my voice trembled still from crying earlier and she noticed it too as she leaned in close, her green eyes narrowed on me as she grinned wickedly. “Oh…poor Addie, crying over your divorce? How truly pitiful you look.” A dark realization hit me. I just signed the papers today. How did she know? I didn't want to think of the possibilities. Even the most mild hypothesis made my stomach churn. “I…I was just watching a sad movie…that's all…” I tried to hide it but she knew. She seemed to know more than I did. She flipped her long platinum blonde hair over her shoulder and smirked before walking away, pausing for a moment before turning to me and touching her belly. “You'll congratulate us, won't you my dearest sister?” She chuckled and walked away delighted. I closed the door and leaned my back against it. My hands trembled again as I opened the envelope carefully. What was inside made me physically ill. Intimate images of my husband with my sister. Pictures of dates. Celebrations. Vacations. Passionate nights. Worst part was there were family pictures with my parents standing on either side of them. Smiling. They knew he was my husband, they watched him cheat on me and were smiling about it. I never felt so absolutely broken. I wept on the floor until I passed out from exhaustion. Mentally, emotionally and physically. When I came to I saw V laying next to me, her eyes closed as she napped beside me. I smiled and reached for her hand, causing her big honey gold eyes to shoot open. “There's my girl, you feeling better?” I nodded softly. It was true. I felt much better after letting all my tears out. “T..thank you V…” I croaked through dry lips. Veronica smiled and handed me a small water bottle. “Get up Doll, it's time to celebrate.” I wanted to protest but I knew there was no point. Veronica was a very stubborn person and I could tell by the determined fire in her eyes she wouldn't take no for an answer. I nodded weakly as we sat up. She smiled and took my hand, leading me to my bedroom.