Lucinda's POV
I watched in dismay as Micheal helped the maid fling my things out of the room. My gaze shifted to Daisy, who was rubbing her stomach with a smile on her face. I just wish she could tell me why she is doing this. One part of me wishes they could both shout, “This is a prank.”
Daisy was the one who pushed me into abandoning my family and being with the one I love; she was the one who advised me to keep fighting for my marriage each time I complained about Micheal’s changed behavior. If she wanted him, why didn't she just tell me or, better still, not push me into taking things far with Micheal?
I turned slowly, moving to the guest room. Just when I was about to enter the room, I thought of my mother-in-law. I know she hates me but what she hates the most is having the heir of the family from a mistress. I hurriedly turned and ran out of the house to get a cab.
Upon arrival, I stepped inside, my mother-in-law's gaze glued to the TV screen. I know she is aware of my presence but chooses to ignore it.
“Go…good... afternoon,” I stuttered.
“What's good about the afternoon?” she retorted, casting a disdainful glance before refocusing on the screen. I swallowed hard, ignoring her harsh attitude.
“Micheal is having a baby,” I said slowly and she immediately paused what she was watching and turned to me with her eyes wide open. I couldn't tell if that was a shock or a surprise.
“You are finally giving us an heir.” She said in a calm tone, as she stood up and walked towards me. I have never seen my mother-in-law calm and affectionate towards me. So all the insults and slaps were because of a child? Don't I have any value in her eyes? But at this point, I wish the child was truly coming from me; I don't mind the fake love from her. At least we will be at peace. That is all that matters.
“Not from me but from his mistress, Daisy.” I forced myself to announce in a breaking voice. Instantly, she paused and furrowed her brows, looking at me. “Your son has cheated me and brought shame to the family name you have always fought to protect,” I said, letting the tears flow freely, hoping to earn her pity and understanding, but instead,d, my mother-in-law let out a loud laughter.
“Jeannie, bring the champagne.” She yelled as she sat on the sofa, a wide smile still plastered on her face. My brother-in-law came downstairs with the champagne as ordered and opened it. He served it in a cup and gave it to her. “Your elder brother has made the Jason empire proud, he has given us an heir whose mother is from a notable and wealthy family. This is good news for the company.” She said, sipping her drink.
“This isn't about strengthening family ties for the family; rather, this is about the damage this has caused in my life,” I said, feeling a certain boldness.
“Oh c’mon. Lucy, you are an empty vessel. Your body can't produce kids, and you are nobody. Do I have to spell out that you were never suitable for my son or the family? You have no benefits.” She added, her words sliced through my heart like a sharp knife.
“This is not fair, I don't deserve this,” I said in a low but audible tone.
“Excuse me, I need to discuss with my event planner how to throw the biggest party and announce this news.” My mother-in-law said, leaving the sitting room with a wide smile on her face.
I stood still, trying to think of what to do next, but I couldn't think of anything. My brain is tired of bringing solutions that will only mess me up further.
“I can help you.” I heard a bold voice from behind, I turned and met Jeannie's gaze. “I can give you what you want and make you feel like a woman again.” He added, I continued giving him a straight look. Jeannie is a cunny one, he doesn't help without asking for something in return. We aren't friends so why the sudden help? And what does he mean by making me feel like a woman?
“Don't act like you don't miss a man’s touch.” He said, now standing in front of me with a smirk on his face. His hands cupped my cheeks and I instantly slapped it away. Irritation is building inside me; this family thinks low of me.
“You are lucky you are my brother-in-law Or…”
“Or what?” He interrupted me. “Will you hit me or report me? Oh my, I'm sorry, Lucy.” He said joining his hands together and then burst into laughter. “I see my brother hasn't completely shattered that foolish ego of yours. I will gladly do that for him, be my guest tonight on my bed.” He said in a sinister tone; I swallowed the lumps that formed in my throat, my gaze not leaving Jeannie. I need to leave here before he does something stupid. I moved a bit back, and he closed the gap between us; I continued moving backward till my back hit the wall.
“You can't run away from me.” He said, leaning towards me. I raised my left knee and hit him hard on his groin, he retreated in pain. Seizing the opportunity, I ran out of the house.
Luckily I was about to get a cab before Jeannie could catch up with me. As I slid into the safety of the vehicle, my mind began to unravel the tangled thread of chaos. Thinking about the ugly incident that would have happened with Jeannie and the mess I am facing in my marriage.
“Ma’am.” The taxi driver’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. I looked around and saw I was already at home. I paid him his money and came down, I went inside and noticed Micheal wasn't home with his mistress.
I have never felt this happy about his absence. I needed my space to think about what has been happening in my life lately. Just barely five minutes after I sat down, I heard the door opening, and then Micheal and Daisy came in holding a lot of shopping bags. She began kissing him, after noticing my presence. I looked away, trying not to be bothered by their actions, but no matter how hard I tried to ignore them, their actions still hurt me.
I stood up to excuse them when I heard something
“Give it to her now,” Daisy whispered.
“LUCINDA,” Micheal called my name in a bold tone, I stopped and gave him a puzzled look. He then threw a brown envelope I didn't know he was holding. I opened it slowly, and my eyes went wide in shock, seeing the content.
“A DIVORCE.”