Ciara
It felt as if I’d just be hit over by a brick; or was it something worse? I don’t know. All I knew was that right now..right Infront of me was proof that my husband has been cheating on me all along.
“Aren’t you going to say something? Cat’s got your tongue?” The lady, Anne Infront of me questioned furiously.
It was such a shame that she thought I was the one who stole something from her and not the other way around.
I scoffed absentmindedly muttering under my breath,”So Ryan even kept me a secret all the while from the women he played with?”
“What did you say?”
Shaking my head; I voiced out aloud, “I’ve heard you so for now, can you please go?”
I had a lot to deal with already and I’d clearly decided that I’ve had enough for one day so with that said, I’d turned away from her heading into the house but Anne had grabbed my wrist; holding me back, “Hey, I’m not done yet!”
There and then, I lost my cool. All my pent up frustration and anger I’d bottled up all evening finally exploded.
“Please!” I shouted breaking down into tears, “Please, just go”
Shaking her wrist off me, I head into the house; slamming the door shut as I crumbled down to the ground, wailing in my own sorrow and misery.
Why was this happening to me? Why?. Placing my hands over my mouth, I tried to stiffle my tears but the more I tried, the more my tears flowed.
As I struggled to get back on my feet, I decides that I’ve had enough. Enough of Ryan, enough of this house, enough of everything.
Making my way to what used to be our bedroom, I brought out my traveling box from ontop the wardrobe.
Flinging the wardrobe wide open, I threw my clothes into the box in a frenzy with teary eyes.
This. This was going to be the last time anyone hurt me this way again. I swear it.
While packing up my belongings, I heard the main door open but didn’t even bother to look in it’s direction because was certain that it was no other than Ryan.
“Are you finally leaving?” Ryan questioned with a mocking tone.
Just when I decided to spare him a glance, I saw ‘her’ beside him. I scoffed. So he was going as far as bringing her into our house now?.
Shaking my head, I diverted my gaze away from them; dragging my box closer to my drawer as I threw my jewelleries in.
Ryan held my hand as if stopping me but his gesture only iriked me.
“Would you let go off me!”
“I don’t want to touch you either but where do you think you are taking those jewelleries to?. I was the one who bought them for you!”
I laughed. For the first time since the events of this disastrous evening played out, I had a good laugh.
“You bought it for me?” I questioned, “Don’t be absurd. You didn’t even buy me a single flower talkless of these jewelleries” I free myself from his grasp as I continued with what I was doing.
When I was all packed up, I angrily threw the divorce paper that had been in my hands all evening on the reading table and scribbled my signature across it.
“Aren’t you being too absurd?” Anne questioned with irritation all over her face.
It took every bit of self control in my body for me not to hit her. She’s the one who had ruined our one year of marriage, what seemed to be the perfect marriage I could ever imagine.
What right did she have to be irritated?!.
“I mean..” Anne dragged out regardless, “You two weren’t even in a real marriage”
I knew it. She knew Ryan was married. Afterall, why wouldn’t she? She was the reason behind Ryan and I’s contractual marriage.
Whilst I’d worked as a caregiver for Ryan, his mother had forced him into getting married with Anne but he didn’t want to and rather we’d gotten married.
Now seeing Ryan with the girl he’d used me for did kind of sting.
Anne scoffed, “Don’t tell me you actually fell in love with Ryan now, did you?”
I did and trust me, I regret every single moment of it, “No, why would I? Ryan isn’t actually someone who deserves love. Isn’t that why you are with him?”
“Hey!”
“Listen to me good and listen well. Just because Ryan and I just got divorced because of you doesn’t mean he actually loves you. He cheated on me despite being in a fake relationship as you’ve said so can you imagine what’s going to happen to you?”
Ryan pushed me backwards,”Hey, if you are done packing your things then hurry up and leave. I won’t tolerate you talking down at me in my own house”
“In your own house?” I inquired gazing around the house I’d built with my hard earned money and sweat,”The whole plot of land, the house, 1.3billion dollars, the cars…”
“Hey, what are you saying?” Ryan stuttered.
“What? Are you scared? Or is it now you remember that you didn’t contribute a dime into our marriage? Don’t worry, you won’t be penniless. You and your girlfriend can feed and grow on your ‘love’ daily”
“And to be honest, you are quite well off too. Your company is doing well for the now so, remember all I said before? That’s just a tip of the iceberg on the divorce alimony”
I pressed his shoulder down as I whispered into his ears, “So honey, make sure to come with a good lawyer and try to fight me for all the things you didn’t work hard for. I’ll be waiting”
I bowed at Anne, “I wish you two a happy married life or whatever you want to do yourselves”
Turning back to face Ryan, I flashed him a sweet smile. A smile of victory because I was finally convinced that even if I was going down, I wasn’t going down in shame.
Slapping the divorce papers against his chest; I say through gritted teeths, “See you in court”
Ryan“Good work everyone” I announced, stepping out of my office with my bag in hand to the rest of the workers as we decided to call it a day; it was 7pm already.“Goodnight, Mr Ryan”“See you tomorrow” They responded to which I replied with a smile. I turned to Kate, my secretary. “Don’t stay here until late”“Yes, sir” With all things for tbe day taken care of, I made my way out of the company to the parking lot; heading straight for to my car. On getting to it, I pulled the door opened, climbed in as I revived the car engine; zooming off. My phone rang and as Anne’s name flashed across the screen, I suddenly didn’t feel like going home; where I knew she’d be waiting for me. I answered nevertheless. “What is it?”“Are you still at work?”“I’m on my way home”“No, don’t come home tonight”Taken aback, I questioned. “What did you say?”“I’m angry with you. You didn’t call all day to apologize on how you treated me at court today and I’m really not feeling like sharing the same be
Ryan“We won” Anne says with a bright smile, pecking my cheeks. “And we get to keep it all; the house, the cars, everything”“There’s no ‘win or lose’ in a divorce, Anne” Turning to face my lawyer, Mr Alfred, I extend my hands out to him. “Thanks for your hardwork”He placed his hands in mine. “Likewise, Mr Ryan. Then, I’ll take my leave now”“Drive safe”“Honey, will you drop me off at home?” Anne inquired as we made our way out of the court room. “You can go by yourself, I have to go back to work” I handed her a 100 dollar bill. “Take the bus or hail a cab”Anne scoffed; looking from the money in my hands to meet my eyes. “I should take the bus when you could just drive me?”“I told you, I have to get back to work. Things are quite hectic and—”“You really have a knack of making someone feel low, do you know that? Did I force you to cheat on your wife? No, you came to me by yourself and now you are acting as if you can barely stand the sight of me” Anne dragged the dollar bill out
Ciara“All arise” The judge commanded as we all rose up to our feet. “You may all be seated” we took our seats. “The case of Mrs. Ciara vs Mr. Ryan dated April 28 is now open” The huge hit his gravel against the table as Ryan’s lawyer stood up to start the case. Ryan was the petitioner while I was the respondant.“Your honor, there really isn’t much to the case. My client, Mr Ryan and his wife has harmoniously decided to call their marriage quits due to difference in personalities” I scoffed. Did he just say “Harmoniously”?. Ryan’s lawyer continued. “Furthermore your honor, my client and the respondant weren’t in a real marriage”The judge eyes bulged. “What do you mean by that?”Ryan’s lawyer held out a brown envelope. “In my hands is proof that my client and the respondant were in a marriage bounded by a contract for both their benefits which I would like to submit as evidence to the case”The judge looked at me. “Does the respondant agree to this evidence?”“Yes, your honor” ca
Ciara“Are you sure you don’t need me to come with you to court?” Tina asked for the umpteenth time this morning. The first thing I'd done when I’d woken up this morning was shower and then get dressed in a pretty white gown; one I didn’t wear often when I was still “married” to Ryan. I’d spent an hour fixing my hair and doing makeup because today was the day Ryan and I finally settled our divorce in court and no, I wasn't trying to impress Ryan with the efforts I poured into my looks; I was just trying to hold up the best way I could. I couldn’t go to the court looking like I’d cried my eyes out all night now, could I?. Even if I only had a day to assimilate everything that has happened so far, I had to look strong, like my world didn’t just fall apart. Tina suggested I eat breakfast before leaving and I’d agreed.In-between meals, I respond. “I can handle things for myself, Tina”“I know. It’s just…I’m pretty sure Ryan is not going to be in court alone so—” Tina was cut short by
RyanThe sun ray shining brightly upon my face make me scowl and jolt wide awake. Opening my eyes slowly, I reached out towards the bedstand with my free hand to pick up my phone. Glancing through and seeing that there was no call nor messages from Tiana, I grumbled. “She should have at least left word if Ciara is with her. Or isn’t she?”Feeling arms tighten their hold around my waist, it was then I’d noticed Anne had woken up. “Goodmorning,” she says sweetly. “Huh? Oh, good morning”“Is something bothering you?” Anne sat upright, “It’s not—”I stand up abruptly from the bed. “I have to get to work”With that said, I make my way towards the bathroom to shower. I had a lot on my mind and the last thing I needed this morning was Anne’s tantrum.While in the bathroom; when certain that I was alone, I placed a call at Tina but she didn’t pick.“Could she be at work?” I muttered, still not giving up my attempt just yet. When it seemed like all was to no avail, I decided to put an end
CiaraOut in the dark night; with my heavy suitcase in hand, I looked around thinking of where I should spend the night. “Should I go to the sauna?” I muttered under my breathe, bringing out my phone to check the time, “It’s too late. Most of the sauna’s would have been closed by now. What do I do? My battery almost down”Just then my phone rang; Tina flashed across the screen. Tina is a very good friend of mine. She’s been around since Ryan and I got married so she was more like a family friend.She was and still is the only confidant I’ve had since I moved away from home, work and everything. I cleared my throat before answering her call, “Tina, what’s the ma—”“Cut the crap and tell me where you are”“What do you me-““Your husband called me so hurry up and tell me where you are”I stomped my feet heavily on the ground. Why had Ryan called Tina? The least I wanted to do right now was thread on my friend’s space. But now given as I wasn’t left with much of a choice; because I kne