A Song of Longing

"Mrs. Sullivan, there's a problem with your marriage certificate. It appears the seal is a forgery," said the clerk with an unsettling nonchalance, leaving Jessica Sullivan, who had come to get a duplicate of her marriage certificate, completely bewildered."That's impossible. My husband Anthony Harris and I got married five years ago. Could you please double-check?"The clerk typed their social security numbers into the computer once more."The system shows Anthony is married, but you, Mrs. Sullivan, are listed as single.""Who is Anthony's legal wife?" Jessica asked, her voice shaking."Linda Brown."Jessica gripped the back of the chair, struggling to keep herself upright.The marriage certificate, with its bright cover and bold letters, was handed to her. The sight stung her eyes.If Jessica had any doubts before, thinking perhaps it was a system glitch, the mention of 'Linda' crushed all her hopes.The lavish wedding from five years ago, the years they spent seemingly ins

Linda was back in the country?Through her tears, Linda said, "Anthony, I can't bear the thought of Tracy calling anyone else 'Mom' and 'Dad'."Anthony whispered in her ear, "I promise, Tracy will be a Harris, officially and forever."Her tears gave way to laughter."Anthony, when you think about it, legally, we're the ones who are married. Jessica..."Anthony's brow creased with worry. "I only registered our marriage before the wedding to protect you from being pushed around overseas."I can offer you the world, just not the Harris name. Jess is innocent, so leave her be," he implored.Linda's frown betrayed her irritation, yet she knew they had to focus on Tracy for then, so she shelved her feelings."You needn't worry about me vying for the title of Mrs. Harris. I'm not even worthy."Anthony sensed his earlier words had been too cutting and quickly knelt to soothe her."What are you saying? If you're not worthy, then who is? You're the one who blessed the Harris family wit

"Ah!"Linda's scream pierced the air.Jessica's hand shot out, trying to catch her, but she only grazed Linda's sleeve, ripping off a button.Anthony, rounding the corner at the sound, hurried over.Linda was sprawled at the bottom of the stairs, and Jessica stood above, her hand still hanging in the air as if frozen in time.Anthony shoved Jessica out of the way and bolted down to scoop up Linda."Linda, come on, open your eyes!"Gripping Anthony's arm, Linda twisted her face in agony. "Anthony, don't be mad at Jess. She's just not Tracy's biggest fan. I tried to calm her down, and it set her off."Her words trailed off as she slumped unconscious in his arms.Anthony whipped around, his eyes burning holes into Jessica, who had been shoved to the ground."Jessica, you know I can't stand hypocrites."He hoisted Linda in his arms, heading for the hospital. "You'd better hope Linda's okay, or forget about any old times."As the car engine roared to life below, Jessica inspecte

Anthony's face was stormy as he ordered, "Jessica! As the head of this household, I'm telling you to drink that soup!"Linda had already taken her bags downstairs, heading for the door.In a panic, Anthony rushed to Jessica's side. He grabbed the bowl of soup and forced Jessica's mouth open, pouring it down."There's no way a bowl of soup can kill anyone," he muttered.Jessica could not fight back as she was made to swallow the mushroom walnut soup.Finally, Anthony backed off.Jessica's knees buckled, and she slumped into a chair, coughing and sputtering, her face wet with tears and a runny nose.Without a second look, Anthony went after Linda.After soothing Linda, who was crying in his arms, Anthony passed by Jessica and remarked calmly, "Look at you, not a scratch. Always playing the damsel in distress."Jessica's throat was so swollen that she could barely whisper, "Call 911... help me."Anthony scowled, "You're about to be a mother. It's time to grow up. Apologize to Li

Anthony claimed he was tied up with Tracy's adoption paperwork and did not come home all weekend.That gave Jessica the space she needed.Throughout those two days, Linda bombarded her with messages. Sometimes a blurry photo of a couple, other times a video too explicit to describe.Occasionally, it was Linda's gloating voice taunting her."What does it matter if Anthony professes his love for you, Jessica? At the snap of my fingers, he's groveling at my feet, isn't he?""I heard you're throwing a welcome party for Tracy. Mind if I drop by? My connection with Tracy is... let's say, quite intimate."…Jessica ignored the glaring provocations, meticulously archiving each one.Anthony was planning a surprise for her, and she knew she had to return the favor with a gift of her own.They were throwing a welcome bash for Tracy, and it had to be a blowout.Jessica whipped up invites for Anthony's friends, the company's bigwigs, and even the Harris family's long-lost kin.Linda got