CHAPTER 2 – DISOWNED BY HER FAMILY

TILDA

“Miss Tilda, you are awake,” a voice said, though it sounded distant.

A sharp ache pulsed in my head as I struggled to shake off the terrible nightmare. I whispered my husband’s name. “James.”

The unfamiliar surrounding only deepened my distress. “Where am i?” I murmured.

“It’s a miracle, you are awake, ma’am,” the voice came again, clearer this time.

As my vision adjusted, I recognized the house – the same magnificent, secluded villa. And the same servant who tried to stop me from leaving the last time.

“Where is James? Why am I here?” I asked. “Please... water.”

“You have been unconscious for two days, Miss Tilda,” the young man said, handing me a glass. “But the doctor said you will be alright.”

I took a shaky sip, my gaze darting anxiously around the room. “And what about...” I muttered, searching desperately.

He continued. “Boss found you almost lifeless on the street and brought you here. You should have waited. You would have lost your life.”

“The street,” I whispered. “James? Has he come yet?”

The young man shook his head with a solemn expression. “You were lucky Boss found you when he did.”

“I must leave now.”

I must find James and reclaim him. He is angry at me now, but it won't last for long. I need to act quick.

“You can't leave, ma’am, Boss will not be pleased,” he tried to stop me.

“I don’t know who your Boss is, but tell him that I am grateful for his kindness. However, this is very important.” I opened the door and he followed me.

“Okay, ma’am, I can take you anywhere. You can't be alone in this state.”

I agreed. “Alright.” I was weak, and he was right. Leaving by myself was a death wish.

“You can call me Steven,” he said.

“Thank you, Steven,” I replied.

It was a silent ride to the house. My world was falling apart without James. Life had become meaningless.

“Stop here, Steven. I will walk the rest of the way,” I instructed.

“Alright, ma’am, I will wait for you right here.” he replied.

I barely acknowledged his words as I made my way to the house. Everything looked the same, except for the unfamiliar faces of the security personnel and some servants.

I was stunned. James already got some servants, but he never allowed me to. As a housewife, I personally took care of every house chores.

“What do you want, ma’am? You aren’t allowed on this property,” one of the guards said, stopping me from going any further.

“I’m Mrs. Tilda Grant, and I live here with my husband, James Grant,” I stated. “We own this property.”

“We don’t know who you are, ma’am, but Kristie Grant is the madame of this house. Leave now, or we’ll throw you out,” he warned.

“You are mistaken. Kristie is my half-sister and I have only been gone for two days. I need to let James know I’m okay. I am back now,” I insisted.

Without hesitation, one of the guards seized me, carrying me outside the gate as I struggled in vain.

“If you love your life, stay away from this property,” he said coldly before turning back inside.

Left in the scorching sun, I awaited James return. But slowly, the seconds ran into minutes, and the minutes turned into hours. Yet I was adamant in my decision.

“Why are you outside, ma’am?” Steven came over to me.

“You are still here, Steven. You must leave, I will be fine,” I assured him.

“Boss will be mad to find you this way,” he refused. “Please let me get you out of the sun.”

I agreed. “Alright, take me to Petal Towers, I need to see James right away.”

We arrived at the company only to find that my access had been revoked. My position as Managing Director had been stripped away and I was a stranger in my own company. With Steven’s phone, I called James.

“James, it’s me Tilda.”

“What do you want, Tilda?” he tone was hostile.

“I was kicked out of the house, James, and now I am not allowed in the company. I left you in charge of everything, not to throw me out,” I replied.

“You don’t get it, Tilda,” he snapped. “Everything belongs to me now, and you can't lay claim to any of it.”

“What about my savings? You left me with nothing,” I requested.

“You aren’t getting anything,” he yelled and hung up, leaving me momentarily speechless.

“You will take me to my parents, Steven. Mom will put an end to Kristie’s madness.” I requested with a renewed hope.

Inside our family house, mom gazed at me coldly. “It can't always be about you, Tilda. Now we don’t have to please you anymore.”

I was stunned. She had never been this cold towards me. “Kristie shouldn’t be pregnant for James. He is my husband.”

She stood up and took some steps closer. “You had it all while my daughter and I served you. Now everything Lyxa left you is ours.”

“I did everything you ever wanted, mom. I shared equally with you and Kristie. I pay the servants, and have been taking care of dad’s medical bill since after his stroke. You practically never had to work. Why turn against me now?” I cried.

She grinned, unmoved. “This has always been the plan from the very start. James had been the plan. You are so naïve you never suspected a thing.”

“But James loves me,” I murmured, though with minimal confidence. Kristie had introduced James to me.

“You can't support her in this, mom. I want to see dad,” I demanded.

“It will be useless fighting. Who do you think Rufus will support? You are just too naïve,” she replied.

“Dad!” I screamed, while mom laughed in mockery. “Dad!” I called again.

“You heard Megan, Tilda. Leave our lives,” dad appeared at the top of the staircase, his gaze cold.

“Not you too, dad,” I cried.

“You are not welcome here anymore,” he said and turned away.

“Dad,” I called but he never looked back.

I left the house dejected. I have lost it all when all I did was please everyone but me.

“What next, ma’am?” Steven asked.

“I don’t know, Steven,” I muttered.

“We can return to the villa. Boss will be back in a few weeks and he will help you,” he offered.

“I don’t want to be a burden,” I declined.

“You will be anything but a burden, Miss Tilda. You are a very kind woman. Please don’t turn this down.”

I nodded; I had no choice.