Chapter 4
1493 Words
The weight of my eyelids made it difficult to open my eyes. I wanted to look around the room, but my vision refused to obey me. I could only focus in one direction. All I could see was white—and even that was a blur.
Then I heard a high-pitched, unmistakably female voice.
“Hello, darling. How are you?” she said with mock sweetness.
I felt her cold fingers grab my chin, pinching it hard. The pain stung, forcing tears to well up in my eyes. I blinked and squinted until her face came into view.
“You shameless snake, Eloisa,” I hissed, my voice hoarse but burning with fury. “You’ll pay for everything you’ve done to me.”
She laughed—a loud, piercing, maddening sound—as she released my chin.
“You loser,” she spat, pointing her finger at me. “I get the last laugh, Celestine. Poor you. You couldn’t even claim your husband’s body. How does it feel to lose, hmm? You always knew I wanted him. Oh wait… let me correct myself—he’s no longer your husband. He won’t take you back. Ezeckiel is mine. Mine alone.”
I sat up, ready to slap her across the face, but the sharp pain in my head held me back. I winced, pressing a hand to my temple. The dizziness from hitting my head earlier hadn’t gone away.
I sat on the edge of the bed, gripping the white blanket tightly, trying to calm my rising anger.
“By the way, I have to go. My sweetheart’s calling me,” she said in her annoyingly dramatic tone.
She stepped closer to me, and I gave her the most hateful glare I could muster.
“Don’t bother hoping he’ll take you back,” she whispered mockingly. “He’s already planning to divorce you.”
She turned on her heel just as Ezeckiel’s secretary entered, carrying some bags and a tray of food.
“Ma’am, I brought your things and some food. Please eat first.”
“Thank you,” I replied weakly, “but I need to leave now.”
“But… Ma’am, Sir will be upset if you go.”
I paused at her words. A spark of hope flickered in my chest—He still cares?
But the pain returned just as quickly. I remembered what Eloisa said: He’s divorcing you.
A tear slipped down my cheek. Maybe he really doesn’t love me anymore. Maybe everything we had is gone.
But I couldn’t give up—not without a fight. I had to see him again. I had to make things right… if only Eloisa weren’t constantly standing in the way.
I stood up, grabbed my bag from the side table, and ignored Nancy’s protests as I walked out. My steps were slow, unsteady, and my head still throbbed, but I didn’t stop.
I wandered, lost in thought. My mind kept replaying Eloisa’s cruel words. I refused to believe that everything between me and Ezeckiel was over. I loved him—and I would do everything to regain his trust.
It was late afternoon. I couldn’t be sure if I would still find him at the office. Worse, the taxi I hailed moved at a snail’s pace.
“Sir, can’t you drive any faster?” I asked impatiently.
“Sorry, Ma’am, but I think the engine’s acting up,” the driver replied.
Just my luck.
“Alright, please pull over. I’ll try to find another ride.”
I paid the fare and stepped out of the taxi. The road was nearly deserted—no other taxis in sight.
After waiting for nearly half an hour, I sat on the bench at the waiting area and pulled out my phone. I tried calling Mom, but she didn’t pick up. She always answers… why now?
Another thirty minutes passed. Just when I was about to give up, a black car stopped in front of me. The windows were tinted, so I couldn’t see who was inside. The door opened—and to my surprise, it was Limuel.
He was Ezeckiel’s half-brother from their father’s side. They couldn’t have been more different.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. “What happened to your head?”
“I, uh... hit it. Just a little accident,” I lied.
“I don’t believe you. I bet my brother had something to do with that,” he said, frowning.
I shook my head.
“Don’t lie to me, Celestine. I know you too well. Where are you headed? Hop in. It’s getting hard to find a ride this time of day.”
“Are you not mad at me?” I asked bluntly as we both got into his car.
“No. And whatever happened back in the States, it’s not enough for my brother to doubt you like this. You’re his wife. He should’ve trusted you—not Eloisa.”
His words brought unexpected comfort.
“Thank you... I thought everyone hated me. That no one wanted to hear my side anymore.”
“I’m here, and I’ll help you talk to my brother. You deserve to be heard.”
I gave him a small, grateful smile.
Instead of heading to the company, Limuel drove us straight to the mansion where Ezeckiel’s parents lived.
“I don’t know, Limuel... I don’t think I can go in. I’m scared,” I said, my voice trembling.
He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I’m here, Celestine. I’ll beat them all up if I have to,” he joked.
“Seriously?” I chuckled nervously. “I might get a slap from both sides once your mom sees me.”
“Think positive. I’ve got your back. Let’s go.”
We stepped out of the car together and slowly walked toward the front door. My legs felt like lead. As we reached the entrance, I stopped, trying to gather courage. Limuel held my hand and gave it a gentle tug. I had no choice but to follow him inside.
“Oh, look who’s here,” Eloisa said smugly, lounging on the couch like she owned the place. Ezeckiel’s mom and dad were also there, sitting formally.
“What are you doing, son? Why did you bring her here?” his mom snapped.
I couldn't meet their gaze. My heart sank. I could feel their rejection like a slap to the face.
“Mom, you shouldn’t even ask. She’s still my brother’s wife,” Limuel said firmly. “If anyone should be blamed for what happened to Celestine, maybe you should start by hearing her out. She’s here for Ezeckiel.”
“No, Limuel. It’s over between them. We’ve already discussed this with her parents. It’s best for both families if the marriage is annulled.”
My head shook in disbelief. Why are they making this decision for us? Why not let us talk?
I stepped closer, my knees shaking. I stood before them, trying to speak.
“Mom… Dad…”
But before I could continue, Dad stood up and slapped me—hard—across the face. The impact spun my head sideways. I would’ve fallen if Limuel hadn’t caught me.
“Sir, stop!” Limuel growled. “She doesn’t deserve this. If she’s not welcome here, then just say so.”
“What’s going on here?” a familiar voice asked.
Ezeckiel had just entered. He saw Limuel helping me stand and frowned.
“Please, Limuel. Stay out of this,” he said coldly. “Let go of her. She’s disgusting.”
“Coming from you, Eloisa,” Limuel shot back, glaring at her, “you should be the last person talking about interference. Are you happy now? You’ve turned them against each other.”
Eloisa’s smug grin faltered.
Mom remained silent, just observing—but I could feel the slight softness in her eyes. Maybe, just maybe, she still had some sympathy left for me.
“Get out, Celestine,” Ezeckiel said harshly. “I don’t want to see you anymore.”
“No, Ezeckiel, please don’t do this,” I pleaded. “I need to talk to you. I need to explain. I didn’t do anything wrong—Eloisa planned everything. She set me up—”
“Celestine, stop!” he barked.
Before I could say another word, Eloisa cut in.
“Why are you even letting her talk, Ezeckiel? She’s just trying to twist everything.”
“Why, Eloisa?” I turned to her, seething. “Don’t want everyone to know you were in America, too? That you drugged my drink at that bar?”
“Enough, Celestine,” Mom interjected. “No one will believe you. Eloisa was here during the time you’re accusing her of being there.”
I shook my head again and again. Even she—Mom—no longer believed me.
- Writer
