Chapter 3

Alexander 

My plans of leaving for a whole year to go to Mars is an incredible idea. Didn't want to share with Tracy but at least I have someone to share it with.

Mr Graves, Tracy's father. The only man who has shown me kindness. She sat right next to me, his eyes on me wondering why I showed up at his doorstep unannounced.

“Mr Graves, I will be leaving for Mars for a year”

“Wow, Alex, that's incredible. I always know you have eyes for big things” he says.

I shifted in my seat wondering how he was going to take my next words.

“Tracy and I are divorced now. I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me”

“No! Wait, is this one of Tracy tantrums. I know she doesn't mean it that way”  I shake my head.

“I know I owe you Mr Graves for paying the tuition f*e, you made me study my dream course and I'm grateful for that. I have tried to make your daughter happy but clearly she made her decision”

Mr Graves gaze lowered in disappointment, he had approached five years ago to get married to his daughter after Nelson broke her heart.

It was a contract and I fulfilled the other end of my bargain.

“Alex, are you sure about this? I know this initially  started as a contract but you fell in love with Tracy. Everyone knows that”

“Mr Graves, it's my decision. Tracy doesn't want me. She clearly signed the contract with ease”

“It's fine, I hope she doesn't regret it” 

We both shook hands before I left. My phone beeped. My phone lightened up to the notification of ACC inviting me to come for training which will span for two weeks before I'm leaving in a week's time.

I was getting my stuff into my leather bag when the door bang rang. Within a few seconds it turns into a heavy banging.

I went to get the door and it was no other but Claire, the big mouth Claire.

“I told you not to keep me waiting, I have been knocking for over 30 seconds why you should open the door within 5 seconds” I sighed ignoring her, I wasn't ready for her shit.

I turned to leave but she dragged me back.

“You don't dare walk away while I'm still talking to you. I will tell Tracy to divorce your sorry ass and you will come begging” 

She says but I push her hands off me making her stumble in her high heels. 

Does she look scared like I can't live without Tracy? I might have made that impression over the years but not anymore.

“You're  just half a man of who Nelson is. Let me show you who a real man is”

Do you know what hurts more, not Claire insulting or degrading me as nothing but Tracy walking hand in hand with Nelson who had a traveling bag in his free hand.

I stared at them wondering if Tracy had ever shown me any form of respect. She finally brings him home. Tracy was filled with smiles, she's brushing red and doesn't even have the decency to hide it.

I swallowed hard knowing I have lost my wife forever. My brows creased and my face hardened and they stood at the doorway for almost fifteen seconds before losing each other's hand.

Tracy shifted gaining back herself taking a step away from Nelson.

“Here he is the real man, Nelson”

“Tracy can't get over you, will take a flight just to meet you and can't stop talking about you. She literally misses you” Claire continues to blab right in front of me like I'm invisible.

“Come on Claire, stop it” Tracy shuts her sister.

“Alexander don't mind any word Claire says she doesn't mean it”

“Right” I swallowed back my anger to punch Nelson to his face. He must be a handsome looking man and can't wait to get those fancy glasses off his face.

“Why are we standing here like a bunch of fools? Why don't we show Nelson around since he's moving in” Claire suggested and my mouth dropped.

I know this is Tracy house but can't she have the decency to inform me first  of Nelson moving in with us. She makes the decision without even my  opinion on it and that is degrading enough.

“Alexandra, Nelson here needs a place to clash for a few days. I hope you don't  mind having him stay with us for few days”

Not like  my opinion counts.

“You don't have to ask, Alexander is like a glorified housekeeper. He doesn't have a say on this” Claire says. She doesn't fail to use every chance to humiliate me.

“Even if I mind, does it really matter”

“Alex, come is just for a few days”

“Tracy I told you Alexander won't be thrilled to have me move in. I will just go stay in my hotel room” Nelson says and tries to leave but Tracy stops him.

“No! Come on. It's final. Nelson is staying”

“Tracy how about we go to Willow Grove  park”

“Oh my God, that park was filled with…it's been like decades since I went there”

“We are going to have so much fun” the excitement in Tracy's voice. I haven't seen her this happy for a long time.

“Yes we have so much fun right Alexander”

My face fell.

“No you both can head on. I don't think I have tennis shoes”

“Oh man, don't tell me…”

“Come on Tracy, you should get something for him , you're not about to show everyone your husband is broke”

“Alex what happened to money I gave you”

Your sister here took it, went for expensive trips and bought expensive bags with them. But I don't say it out.

“Let's just go” Claire quickly changed the topic.

“Yes, sure” Tracy took a step in but Nelson hesitated, his gaze lowered on top of the ground.

“Is something wrong?”

“My shoes is filled with mud and i can't stain your polish floor with them”

“Alex, doesn't mind cleaning the place again” Claire says.

“Why don't  Alex get you something to clean your shoes”

“Alex, I hope you don't mind cleaning Nelson shoes” Tracy asks.

“What! No, I can't do that”

Like really, she wants me to clean her ex-shoes. That was the height of humiliation. How do those words roll off her tongue? It's evident, Tracy doesn't value me and there is no freaking way I'm telling her I'm leaving.

“It's all good, I will clean my shoes myself. I'm not royalty like…”

It got settled as everyone moved into the house while we went into our rooms to prepare. I couldn't lift the sadness inside of me. The more I want to leave, the more I miss her.