chapter 2

Tessa pov

“huh, no” i replied

‘it can't be pregnancy right’ I muttered to myself trying to convince myself so hard that it's not pregnancy

she rushed to my side, helping me to my feet. "Let me get you some water, madam."

I nodded, still feeling queasy. As she handed me a glass, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror—pale,and disheveled.

"How...how did you know?" I asked, referring to the "morning sickness" she mentioned before sipping the water.

She smiled knowingly. "I've seen it before, madam. My sister had the same symptoms with her first child."

Aa

As much as I am trying to remain calm, I still felt a mix of emotions wash over me: fear, excitement, and uncertainty.

"Please, don't mention this to anyone,"

“your secret is safe with me ma” she replied

After I rinsed my face and brushed my teeth, she carefully helped me back to bed.

"Shall I bring you some crackers and ginger tea, madam?" she asked nicely

“No, thank you, i will be fine, you are a lifesaver” i said gratefully

“ok ma i will go complete the packing” she replied before walking into the closet

my mind can't help but wander back to what happened in the bathroom, this is my first time experiencing such.

and trust me, food is the last thing i will care for or worry about.

***”

“I'm done ma” the maid said while dragging my black luggage behind her

so this is it, after years of trying to be a better house wife i still failed.

“drop it there i will be down shortly”

“okay ma”

After changing into comfortable casual wear, I still don't feel alright but I know today is going to be a long day, i picked up the divorce papers, dragged my luggage and made my way downstairs.

Behold is my supposed husband with a woman with brown hair sitting in his laps.

from the angle am standing i can see them smuggling against each other, obviously enjoying each other's company.

on getting downstairs

“is this the bed warmer you talked about” the supposed woman said nonchalantly

“Harriet stop” Elvis said looking stern but not offended

and she pouted in response while snuggling closer to him

watching all this unfold in my presence, is not only hurtful, but is shedding me into pieces.

That's when it occurred to me that it's his childhood sweetheart the servants always talked about is Harriet.

“Have you signed the papers?” Elvis's question brought me back to reality

looking back at the divorce papers in my hand and my husband snuggling with another woman

it is time to choose what i really want and how my life is going to turn out

“Elvis i_” i tried speaking to my husband

“Tessa right, i know divorce isn't so easy but trust me you will have another chance with someone who loves and want you, just try and not be a bed warmer next time, you can really do better maybe with a working class man that needs a housewife” she said nonchalantly cutting me off from what i was about to say.

“If you are not a bed warmer, why are you divorced or your husband abandoned you, because I can see in your finger that there has been a ring there before, don't tell me you left your husband for another woman's husband?” i flared back leaving them shocked and speechless

“wha… who are you talking to” she stood up and approached me, and then a slap landed on my cheeks, which took me extremely unawares and i staggered.

while my soon to be ex husband sat down there doing nothing but sipping tea.

“sign that and leave” she said before walking back to Elvis

“you heard her sign that and leave, my driver can drop you off in your father house”

I have been humiliated to the extent that I can't take it any longer.

i walked closer to where they are seated, stretched out my hands

“pen”

looking at their faces, i can tell that they are speechless, obviously not expecting me to give in immediately.

Elvis who was still in disbelief still looking at me confused

“here it is” Harriet said bringing me out of my thoughts

With a steady hand, I signed the divorce papers. “it's over” i said making sure my voice is very firm and resolute

As I stood up, I caught Harriet 's gaze. “you can have him” i said, picked up my bag and walked out of the building

leaving the wreckage of my marriage behind

****

As I walked out of Elvis mansion.

That's when it occurred to me that I have to find somewhere to stay, at least for the night.

i didn't even think of that

going back to my so-called father's house who doesn't care about anything else but business isn't what I want.

As I stood there, a sleek black car pulled up beside me. The driver, a familiar face, stepped out and approached me.

“ma, please get into the car, i was asked to drop you off” Elvis's driver said firm but respectfully

“no thanks, i will find my way from here” i replied with a smile

I'm quite good at hiding my feelings, i so much want to scream and cry but no, I can't let the Harriet bitch win

the driver was taken aback

but nodded and left.

I glanced down at my phone, the screen blank except for the time. I had no one to call, no one to turn to. My mother had passed away when I was young, leaving me with the nanny and my always busy father and I had no siblings, Elvis's family had never been welcoming, and now, I was truly alone

I took a deep breath and looked around, trying to get my bearings. And then, I remembered a place, a place that had once felt like home.

Mrs. Rand, my former nanny, lived just a few miles away. She had been like a mother to me when I was growing up, and I knew she would take me in, no questions asked.

I hailed a taxi and gave the driver Mrs. Rands' address. As we drove away from the house, I felt a sense of hope, of new beginnings.

I was starting over, and this time, I was in control.

As the taxi pulled up to Mrs. Rand's cozy little house, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I paid the driver and stepped out onto the familiar sidewalk, the scent of fresh-cut grass and blooming flowers enveloping me like a warm hug.

I walked up the path, my legs heavy with exhaustion, and knocked softly on the door. Mrs. Rands answered, her face creasing into a map of concern as she took in my disheveled appearance.

"Tessa, dearie, what's wrong?" she asked, ushering me inside.

I shook my head, unable to find the words to explain the numerous emotions swirling inside me. Mrs. Rands nodded understandingly and took my hand, leading me to the guest room.

"You're exhausted, child," she said, helping me onto the bed. "Sleep now, and we'll talk in the morning."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. Mrs. Rands pulled the covers up to my chin and stroked my hair, her touch comforting and familiar.

As she turned to leave, I caught her hand. "Thank you, Mrs. Rands," I whispered, my voice cracking.

She smiled and squeezed my hand. "You're welcome, dearie. Sleep now."

I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the day's events bearing down on me.

As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, a sense of being home.

I woke up to the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains, but my body felt like it had been hit by a truck. My head was spinning, and my stomach was churning so bad . I groggily sat up, trying to shake off the fatigue, but it only seemed to worsen.

Mrs. Rands knocked on the door, concern etched on her face. "Tessa, dear, how are you feeling? You look unwell."

I forced a weak smile, trying to downplay the bad ill feeling I am getting. "I'm fine, Mrs. Rands. Just a bit tired, that's all."

But she wasn't buying it. She came over to the bed and felt my forehead. "You're burning up, child. I'm going to get you some water and some toast. You need to eat something."

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude toward her. But I knew I couldn't tell her what was really going on. I couldn't tell her about the divorce, about Elvis infidelity, about the emotional turmoil that was wreaking havoc on my body.

As the day wore on, the ill feeling intensified. The nausea became more frequent, so I decided to step out for a walk and maybe get a few things in the convenience store.

“ Mrs Rand's i need to step out and get chewing gum in the convenience store” i told Mrs Rands, seems she is watching a show, because she quite into the movie

“that's a good idea you have been indoor all day, you need fresh air” she said with a smile

i stepped out of the house, slowly walking my way to the convenience store

As I kept on walking, lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the motorcycle speeding towards me. I didn't hear the screech of tires. I was too caught up in my own personal hell.

It wasn't until the motorcycle was mere inches from me that I snapped back to reality. My heart racing, I tried to move, but my legs felt like lead.

The motorcycle turned, narrowly avoiding me, but the shock of the near-miss was too much. My vision began to blur, and I felt myself falling.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" someone asked, shaking me gently.

i see people gathering around me trying to wake me up

am i dying?

Then everything went blank.