The Love That Found Me

CHAPTER 01

GIVING UP

“I'm so tired of being here

Suppressed by all my childish fears

And if you have to leave

I wish that you would just leave” −Evanescence

AYA

It's over. I got up from the bed and went to the en suite. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw the misery I had been fighting off for the past two years of being married to Vincent. “This will be the last time I’ll shed tears for him.” I said in full conviction while staring at reflection. My hair was messy and my eyes were red and swollen as the result of being in bed for two days, just crying.

I needed to accept it, for I had no otherwise to choose from. Vincent ran away with Elizabeth, his mistress. He is not coming back anymore. The last time I had seen him he said he will be filing an annulment because there was no point in keeping a loveless marriage.

I loved him, did everything to fight for our marriage, but I was never enough. He hated me and made it clear from the start. He was never a good husband. I endured so much physical and emotional pains from him hoping that someday, the old Vincent would return. The young selfless man I met when I was eight years old. Each time I thought of giving up, I always go back to the time of our first meeting.

It has been fourteen years after the shipwreck incident. We were married for two years. It was an arranged one, as bound by our family's old tradition. I thought I was lucky to have found him again. However, having no recognition of me, Vincent was vehement in breaking our engagement, he even asked me to convince our parents to revoke the agreement. I did want to be forced into this tradition too but I could not do it. It was already announced to the public and I just could not find it in my heart to put my parents in shame of a controversy.

My refusal made Vincent more vindictive after the wedding. I never got the chance to tell him about our special history in the ocean.

Two years, I endured two years of combined physical and verbal blows on me. I cried them all out to God, praying for my husband’s heart day in and day out.  Hoping that as time goes by, Vincent’s anger would subside. Sadly, it did not happen.

Now, I have to move on.

After taking a quick bath, I made a call to my lawyer. I wanted nothing more of this marriage. I started packing my things, but I could not bring them all. So I asked the helpers to take some of my stuff to the store room. I just finished zipping my suitcase when I heard the door opened. It must be the helper I ask to book me a ride, so I did not turn around anymore.

“Where are you going?” I knew that cold voice. It used to startle me but at that point, I was only confounded by the mere fact that he returned, because he shouldn’t be.  I turned and met his stare with equal coldness. I could not feel anything anymore. Is that a good thing?

"I have signed the annulment papers. My lawyer will contact you one of these days." I said blandly, instead of answering his question. Ignoring his presence, I took my shoulder bag and pulled my suitcase and walked pass through Vincent. Once out of the room, I immediately called out the help to bring my luggage downstairs.

“Aya…” He held my elbow.

I quickly pulled my arm out of his grip. "Don't touch me!"

"Don’t leave.  I no longer plan to nullify the marriage. Maybe… we can work things out now." I wanted to laugh at his words as there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. But I wouldn’t be fooled. I don’t know what happened but two nights ago, I begged him to stay and revoke that annulment. As a response to my plea, he pushed on the hard floor and walked out without even a single glance.

I shook my head in refusal. “I don’t think so.” I firmly said before turning around.

 I hastened pace. Having Vince in a close distance is disturbing for her. He might just snapped and push me on the stairs. He had done a lot of horrible deeds in the past, killing me could be on his list too. What do you know?

By the time I reached the ground, the helper announced the arrival of my cab, which I was thankful for. When I got to the main door I looked back to have a final view of the mansion’s interior. I saw Vincent at the foot of the staircase. Without thinking twice, I pulled my wedding ring and threw it on the floor. Vincent stared at the ring as it rolled towards him.

“Congratulations, Vincent. You got what you want.”  I turned my back and went on.

“Where to, Miss?” The driver asked me as I got inside cab.

Yeah, where will I go now?  I thought for a while. My parents did not have any idea about the trouble in my marriage. Believing that Vincent will be back to his old self, I hid the truth from everybody to protect him. So by the time he’d switched back, he wouldn’t have to face the harsh remarks from our parents and loved ones.

I prayed night and day, but it never happened. And I hoped until nothing was left but pain.

“Miss?” the driver repeated again, cutting me off from my brief trance. A sudden idea came to me. I needed an escape.

“Uhm, airport. Please get me to the airport, sir” I said.