The Divorced Heiress

Home, sweet home.

The first thing I did after my crying bout receded, was to call my mother. My hands were shaking, and I felt so weak, so devastated, that I was unable to drive. All I did was park a block away from the Lancaster company.

“Sarah, sweetheart, tell me everything. I want details. How did he take it? Did you give him the box like I told you? How did it all go?” My mum excitedly asked. I pressed my forehead against the steering wheel and let out a sigh that hurt my chest.

I wasn't going to cry again, not while talking to my mom.

They don't deserve my tears.

“I'm going to divorce him.” was the only reply I gave, ignoring all the questions she asked. I could imagine all the excitement and smile instantly vanishing from her face. I didn't hear a word from the other end of the line, and I would have thought she had hung up if I hadn't heard her breathing.

“God, was it that bad?” My mother asked. Although it seemed as if she was talking to herself because I could barely hear her.

“Don't worry, my daughter, it's normal at first, wait a few days for him to absorb it, and you'll see that everything will work out.” I let out a bitter laughter and wiped away a tear that rolled down my cheek.

If only everything was as easy as she said.

“Mom, Alexander has been cheating on me with my best friend, I couldn't even tell him that he'd be a father”. I said with a choked voice and took a deep breath to suppress the urge to cry.

“What? Daughter, if this is one of your jokes, I warn you that I won't fall for it so easily this time.” I wish it were a damn joke, but it was nothing more than a sad reality.

I fell silent, trying to eliminate the knot in my throat, but it had lodged itself there and didn't seem to want to dissolve.

“It can't be.” My mum said in disbelief when I did not reply.

“Mum, what do I do?” I asked. Dropping all my weight onto the car seat and my free hand rested on my stomach.

The idea that my child won't know his father terrifies me. I've been so selfish, I should think about it with a clear head, think about what's best for my baby.

“Leonardo will be happy to have you back, especially knowing that you're going to give him a grandchild. The jet hasn't returned to Orlando yet. I'll be waiting for you. Take only what's necessary. Tomorrow we'll go and see your father.” The mere thought of my father and his anger towards me for having abandoned everything for someone who gave me nothing in return, made my skin crawl in apprehension.

I could already imagine him saying: I told you so.

“Do you think he'll accept me?” I asked my mother. My nerves were beginning to calm down, the same as my anger and sadness.

Talking to my mother made me feel better.

“He'll be delighted to see you. Don't waste any more time, move your ass. I want you here as soon as possible and don't worry, darling, everything will be fine. Remember you're not alone, you're expecting a baby.” That brought a sincere smile to my face, it was the only reason why I wasn't completely falling apart right now.

I ended the call with my mother and drove to Alexander's house. No, it was no longer my house.

Gina was still in the house, with the living room even messier than before. She said something to me, but I didn't even stop to listen to her. I went up to the room, searching for the things that were most important to me; my identification, my documents and the jewellry my parents gave me, which I kept as treasures. I'd die if I were to lose them, and of course, the box with the pregnancy test couldn't be left behind.

I left the car keys and credit cards that Alexander gave me, which I have never used, on the bed and hurried to leave the house after making sure I had what I needed with me. I didn't take any clothes except for what I was wearing.

I didn't give Gina the slightest chance to speak, I wasn't in the mood for her nonsense, and I was happy to know that I would never see her again. She, her mother and Alexander now belong in my past.

Goodbye, to the Lancaster family.

When I arrived at the airport, my mother was already waiting with a car and a driver. We hugged, and she led me to the car, and soon we were on our way. My body trembled, and it wasn't because of the cold, I was only minutes away from seeing my father. I knew the way to Villa Doinel by heart, despite the time I had been away. The driver drove in silence and looked at me occasionally through the rearview mirror. He seemed surprised and happy to see me, but he didn't dare say a word and I didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

“You're going to love the renovations we made to the house. By the way, we now have a dog. Your father became very lonely after you left and decided to adopt Brandy, and he has obviously spoiled her. I just hope he doesn't neglect her now that you’re here.” My mother talked non-stop, bringing me up to date on the changes in the last few years, and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Although I know she was doing it to distract me.

At that point, the last thing on my mind was my failed marriage. I couldn't stop thinking about seeing my father again after two years. This made me nervous, more than when I was about to tell Alexander about my pregnancy.

“What if he slams the door in my face?” I asked, ignoring all the information she was relaying to me. She let out a little laugh. She looked so beautiful and elegant with the sun rays hitting her tanned face. How I wish I could look as radiant and happy as my mother.

“That will not happen, no matter what, he's your father, and he will never turn his back on you.” I didn't want to trust too easily, but since my mother said it, it made me feel less worried.

“Daughter, trust me, your father is happy about your return and is eagerly waiting.” My eyes widened with surprise. Okay, I didn't expect him to be at the Villa at that moment, and now I'm even more nervous.

“I don't know how I'll face him” I confessed, ashamed, as I fidgeted in my seat when I realized we were almost at home, the one I should have never left. “With the same face as always and with a big smile.” It was so easy for her to say it. A smile; I had forgotten how it feels like a smile, lately I haven't had enough reasons.

The Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the angel fountain, and in front of it, were the stairs that led to the entrance of the villa. I couldn't believe I was here again, in the place where I grew up and had such beautiful memories with my parents.

Home, sweet home.

My home, so big and ostentatious, but so cozy as I remembered it, was surrounded by green areas, lush trees, and far from the city. The perfect place, as far away as possible from the Lancasters and from that woman who said she was my friend.

The driver opened the car door and I got out after my mother. The wind blew through my hair, it felt so good and so liberating to be here. I just hope my mother is right, and my father accepts me back. I need them now more than ever.

With a cheerful smile, my mother took my hands, thereby infecting me with her good mood. Together, we climbed the steps and I noticed the first change they made to the house. The old door has been replaced with a modern glass-plated door.

My mom opened the door and gestured for me to enter.

I felt like a stranger standing at the entrance of the house, trembling with fear and with my heart pounding in my chest.

I put my insecurity aside and entered the house, and was immediately greeted by the barking of a dog. It approached me, sniffing at my feet. I didn't know much about the different breeds of dogs, but I knew this was a cocker spaniel because I always wanted to have one when I was a child.

“You must be Brandy, look how beautiful you are.” I crouched to pet her soft fur, and she seemed so cute when she rolled onto the floor for me to rub her belly. I don't know her and I already love her.

“ Where are you going, Brandy?’ I stopped petting Brandy when I heard that familiar voice so close, that when I tried to react, I realized he was already standing a few feet away from me. I was breathless, I had forgotten to breathe properly. A tingling sensation ran through my stomach to my chest when his green gaze met mine and I could only move when I felt something wet in my hand.

Brandy was licking me.

“Hi, Dad.”