RETURN OF THE ENSTRANGED WIFE

The clicks of a camera shutter followed me as soon as the door of my vehicle opened. Being a renowned figure was a big achievement for me.

It reminded me of the sweaty days and troubled nights I’d sacrificed to ensure I got back on my feet…on my own.

I’d spent two years in jail for a crime I never committed and those two years of my life were spent hating the man who had me thrown in that gloomy cell and trying to keep my sanity going.

Suffering for a crime one was innocent of was enough to make that person lose their mind but I’d held on to mine because it was the only thing I had left — my mind.

I’d channeled it into anger, revenge and making plans on what I was going to do to achieve my dreams and get rich so I would not have to sell myself and my freedom as I’d done in the past.

It was five years ago. Three years ago, I’d been made a free woman and my struggle for a better life started.

I was just so grateful to have succeeded. Not or have given up despite the overwhelming challenges and boulders of obstacles.

I was a speaker at this dinner party I was currently making way into. I’d returned to this country only recently and it was for two things.

To honor this invitation and revenge on Alexander Saint, my ex-husband.

“Welcome, Miss Morales. Here’s your table.” An usher came to welcome me into the hall where the party was taking place.

I let her lead me to my table. It has my name on it and I was the only person it was reserved for.

A sense of pride kicked in and heightened my confidence.

Lyvanne Morales — once a nobody, now a celebrated somebody.

Life indeed was a mystery.

I took my seat while the usher filled my champagne flute. “Thank you.” I smiled my gratitude as the young girl left.

“Lyvanne?”

I forced it but it was only for a nanosecond before I turned towards the voice. “Alexander.” My tone was cold and void of emotion.

“Is that you?”

“Yes, it is.” Same cold tone and emotionless voice.

I didn’t have to look in his direction to know that he was checking me out. I ignored him and paid attention to the MC giving out accolades and acknowledgements to notable guests of which my name was among.

“You look good.” I heard him say.

“I know.” I eyed him coolly, that was when I noticed Isabelle was not sitting beside him.

It wasn’t my business so I looked away.

“Let’s welcome Miss Lyvanne Morales, our speaker for the night.”

That was my cue. I stood, confident and elegant in every step, while a dazzling smile spread my lips as hands erupted in an ovation.

Eyes followed me as I approached the podium where I would be delivering my speech.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for having me this evening. I am most honored to be giving this speech…”

Timing myself, I was done with my speech in a span of ten minutes.

“…thank you and have a lovely evening.”

More standing ovation. Every face I saw was either pleased by my speech or admiring my dress and poise…some even both.

When my gaze reached his side, I wanted to cringe in disgust and also slap him silly in anger. Why were his eyes practically peeling off my dress in public?

The lust, the desire, the need…he was supposed to be ashamed of himself. After all he’d done to me. The audacity!

“Thank you for that wonderful speech, Miss Morales. It’s truly an honor to have you with us.” The MC was back on stage.

Tearing my gaze from his, I nodded and shook hands with the MC and stepped down.

“With that informative speech delivered by our very own renowned Miss Morales, let the merriment begin.” He announced.

I went back to my table with the intention to pretend his table was not close to mine. It was working until he opened his mouth.

“Can we talk?”

I ignored him, sipping my champagne.

“Lyvanne?”

“No, we can’t talk.” I deadpanned and paid attention to my surroundings.

Seeing some people approach my table to meet and greet, I left him there and went to exchange pleasantries.

It was time to dance, a nice gentleman I’d been having an interesting conversation with asked to dance, I agreed.

Everything was going well and smooth.

“It’s a nice evening and you’re a very wonderful person to be around.” The gentleman who had introduced himself as Hillary Zeekman commented.

“Thank you. And you are an interesting person to be with. I am…”

“Lyvanne?”

I groaned inwardly. “Let’s ignore that voice, shall we?” I plastered on a smile, directing to Hillary.

Hillary looked from me to Alex who was standing behind me. “He looks mad.”

“Let him rave, who cares? Do you? Because I don’t.” I said airily.

“Can we talk?” Alex touched my shoulder.

I shot him a glare. “Take a hint and get lost, Alexander. Don’t ruin the perfect evening with a nice young man for me.”

“But I need to talk to you.” He remained where he was. He was being stubborn.

And it was annoying me.

Hillary leaned in. “I think you should go talk to him.”

“No, I’m…”

“No, it’s okay Lyvanne. Go talk to him, he seems ready to draw attention to us and you know that’s not good, for both our reputation.” He lifted his face and smiled.

Such a sweet soul, unlike the jerk behind me.

He brought out his card and handed it to me. “Take. You can always reach out.”

I accepted it. “Thank you. Don’t go anywhere, I won’t be long.”

“I hope so.” And he was gone.

I turned, pissed beyond explanation. “Are you mad? How dare you think you can just waltz into my evening and disrupt it?” I kept my voice low but it still carried the same angry effect I wanted it to.

“Please, just a moment of your time.” He pleaded, stepping closer.

“Forget it. You and I are over, you made that crystal clear five years ago. You moved on, I moved on. Now deal with that and get the fuck out of my way.” I seethed, and walked past him to go use the bathroom.

I needed to cool off. Alexander being a pest tonight was bringing back many unpleasant memories.

I grabbed my purse from my table and headed for the bathroom.

I splashed water on my face, brought out a paper towel to dry my face. Thankfully my makeup was water resistant.

The bathroom door opened, I saw him through the mirror. “Oh God, why don’t you just leave me alone!” I pushed him out not bothering to hear what he has to say.

But then I heard footsteps, in order to save face and stop rumors of me being caught with a man in a female bathroom, I pulled him back and locked the door.

Suddenly, the space seemed too small and the air just got thick…