The family Heirloom..

Sloane

I walk into my room, and I feel like a stranger. I rummage through my closet and take what I am looking for. I remove it from the box and caress it softly. I stand in front of the mirror, place it around my neck, and stare at it.

The family heirloom.

The necklace his grandfather gave me. I am finally letting it go, because it will be selfish of me to keep this. The one possession that I have always cherished.

It belongs to her, not me. I put it back in the box, before heading to his room. I know Rowan is not at home, not like he has been here since our wedding. He doesn’t care about what happened today. He thinks I hurt the mother of his child on purpose.

I gently put the necklace on his nightstand, and take off my ring. It represents my marriage, my love, my dream, and his betrayal. What is the essence of holding onto it when it clearly doesn’t belong to me? Although I’ve held onto it for years, the harsh reality is that I was taking care of it for Christine. Why should I wear his ring when his legal wife is Christine? The mother of his unborn child.

I take one last look at his room, before going out. This is the last time I’ll be coming here.

“Ma’am, you are back from work late today. Should I serve your dinner?” Lizzie says, when she bumps into me.

“I already had dinner with my husband. We are staying over at his grandfather’s house for a while.” I move past her, to avoid eye contact. I know I've always been a shitty liar.

“Okay, ma’am.” She hesitates before continuing. “But Mr. Prescott gives us prior information when things like this happen.” She says, her brows snap together.

“Oh, he has been busy at the office. Besides he’s married now, he must have expected me to tell you. It’s not a big deal Lizzie. I’ll see you.” I lie through my teeth, trying to get away as soon as possible. I hug Lizzie one more time, before I leave.

As I open the door, I bump into my driver. And at this point, I’m not sure I’ll ever leave this place.

“Ma’am, Lizzie just informed me that you’re home. I waited at the hospital, but your colleagues told me you’ve gone home.” He says, holding the car key tightly.

“I looked for you after my shift but you were not there. My friend Catherine brought me home, and I’m having dinner with her.” I lie to him too. He raise his head to look at me, and his forehead furrowes, as if he was silently considering if he should believe me or not. He looks at me once again, and I realize that I am still wearing my scrub.

“Uhm, you don’t have to worry. Rowan knows about this. I’ll change at her place later.” I try to convince him, but judging from his look, I know he doesn’t believe me.

“I’m sorry ma, but Mr. Prescott put me in charge of your safety. He specifically told me to drive anywhere, you want to go. You can tell your friend to send you the address, I’ll take you there ma’am. If you'll just allow me to quickly get the car key.” I stop him before he can move.

“No!” I take a deep breath and try to keep myself together. “There's no need for that”

If I allow him to drop me off, he’ll inform Rowan. I won’t be able to leave without drama. No matter what, I must find a way to meet Mark outside, without him trailing me.

“Listen, I get that Rowan is your boss. But I am his wife which technically means I am also your boss. You don’t get to tell me where to go, I am going out with my friend, and I don’t want you to drive me. And you’re going to stay here, I don’t want you to follow me. If I need anything, I’ll tell my husband to pick me up.” I say, trying to be as authoritative as I can. I force my wobbly legs to move, as I walk to Mark´s car.

I rub my sweaty palms together and take a deep breath.

“Are you okay? Why are you shivering?” Mark asks immediately after I enter.

“Just drive Mark.” I manage to say, holding my chest tightly.

“Are you sure about this Sloane?” Mark´s gaze meets mine. “There is no going back once we leave this place.”

“Yes Mark, I am sure.” I force a reassuring smile.

I must leave this city Rowan before notices. Not like he would care, but my parents and his grandpa definitely will. I can’t let anyone stop me from starting afresh. I must do this for myself. Every step away from that house feels like healing, and heartbreak.

“Is it just me, or have I been noticing that black car following us?” Mark says, and I look at the rear mirror, oh my goodness. That’s Rowan’s driver. I already told you not to follow me.

“Loose him,” I say to Mark, as I fasten my seatbelt. I told him everything that happened when I entered the house, and why I had to go there. Mark matches the accelerator with so much determination, and his eyes gleam with joy when we finally get to his house, and the car is no longer behind us.

Goodbye forever, Mr Prescott. But something tells me you won’t let me go that easily.