Chapter 8

SARA'S POV

“What do you think about this?” Alyssa pointed to jewelry, a smile on her lips as she turned to Derek who was standing at her side and asked.

Danielle was in their middle, giggling and occasionally pointing out something's too..

“Everything looks good on you. C'mon, you don't have to ask.” Derek patiently replied to her, not without tucking a hair behind her ears.

“What about this too? Huh? Why don't you try it on?” Danielle pointed with a giggle and Alyssa turned to her with a wide smile, ruffling her hair shortly.

“You like it?” Alyssa inquired, her voice dripping with excitement and Danielle gave her a sign to bend which she did without a protest. 

She must have whispered something funny into her ears because Alyssa burst into smiles after that, picking out the same jewelry Danielle had earlier pointed at.

“If Danielle said it'll look enchanting on me, then of course it will. My little princess got the most charming eyes.” She pinched her cheeks. Not hard to gain a wince from her, but soft enough to make her laugh out loud.

The scene unfolding before me made my mind snap back to the past once more. During the time I was to get married to Derek, right, he followed me to the mall but he never chose the ring himself. He only stood behind me, watching as I struggled to pick something for our marriage. Even when I had asked if a particular ring was okay, Derek only shrugged with a mutter of 'The choice is yours.' 

Even after we got married, he never went shopping with me and each moment I raised the topic, it was always about him being busy with work, meetings and whatnots. 

“Oh my God. I'm truly sorry, Sara. I was caught up with something. Let's head towards this side please.” I heard Rina's voice behind myself. But I barely turned. 

“Sara?” Rina whisper-called, tapping my shoulder but I still didn't move.

Noticing my reluctance, Rina shot out her head and gasped. “Your husband and your daughter? Who the hell is the lady with them?” She flared, each word dripping with anger. 

I turned to her with a smile, “You don't have to flare up on my behalf. It's nothing, trust me.” I tried to pull her hand but she yanked it off, her eyes glaring with rage.

“It's nothing and you're caught up staring at them? Another heavy lie please.” Rina rolled her eyes, sounding unbelievable and at the same time irritated. 

“I'm fine, Rina. Stop being—” 

She instantly cut me off.

“You don't tell me it's fine when they're acting like couples. You see that smile? I'll wipe it off from that whore's lips.” She sneered further and I laughed briefly. 

Rina wouldn't stop. Would she?

“Alyssa is not a whore, it's just... Some things are not meant to be.” I replied to her as calmly as I could.

“Exactly my point. The two don't click. Derek doesn't have to lurk around with her. You know what? I'll speak with Derek. What is he teaching your daughter? His daughter? He’s married for goodness sake and seeing him with another woman is uncalled for.” Rina shot, her chest heaving with rage, eyes crimson red.

“You are not confronting anyone. Derek already chose his path and trust me, I'm fine. I've already asked for a divorce and there's no need for me to butt in in whatever he does.” I pulled Rina back and explained. I saw her eyes widen in shock, mouth slowly parted. 

She probably wasn't expecting the information.

She cast me a brief glance, then glanced over my shoulder to stare at Derek before turning to me once more.

There was a brief silence between us as Rina seemed to reel in with me. 

She came closer then placed a hand on my shoulder, “Tell me, are you truly fine?” Her voice dropped low to a whisper and I chuckled at her expression. 

Pathetic? Sad? Pitiful? No, screw those words. I wasn't even interested in whatever Derek does, all I want from him is to accept and boom, we're over.

A win-win. He goes his way and I live my life to the fullest. 

“Chest crossed. I'm over him.” I muttered back and Rina nodded with a smile.

“I know there's a solid reason for this and girl, I'm strongly with you. Just be you and do what makes you live.” She coaxed before pulling me away. 

We barely walked away from everything when we bumped into someone. I wasn't very familiar to him but I knew he was called Brian and he an old friend—to Alyssa and Derek.

Rina and I tried to continue our journey but my brows knotted when he obstructed our path, a smirk on his face.

“I know you. Aren't you the unwanted wife of Derek Marshall?” he mused, his words dripping with malice, provoking. 

Hell. Can today get any better? What the heck is wrong with him? 

“And I almost forgot you're as jobless as your circle of friends. Poke nosing and arse licking, isn't that what you're good at? Lapdog?” I narrowed my gaze at him and I saw his jaw tick, hardening. 

His eyes were an ember of flames as he stepped closer. I didn't flinch, I stood my ground and Rina had to grab my hand. Not in fear, but to stop me from doing anything drastic.

“Don't think too highly of yourself. Derek will never glance at your way, even if you flaunt your nakedness in his face, he wouldn't blink. Can you stop clinging and following him around? It's pointless anyway and you'll only have your heart broken.” he whispered back in a bid to piss me off but I only chuckled, unaffected by his words.

“Derek didn't tell you something? I'll be nice and do that. I'm done with him. His existence? His life? They're all his and he might as well have every girl in this city warming his bed. Newsflash, Sara doesn't care.” I shot back at him and his eyes widened as he stared at me.

Another point scored. 

I was no longer the Sara who would quietly walk away, letting his words hurt and live rent free in my head. He was still shocked, floating in surprise when I slammed my shoulder knowingly against his, then left with Rina.

“Girl, you're fire. Tell me something.” Rina's voice dripped with excitement as she complimented. I turned to her with a light smile.

“I had to do what I had to do.” I muttered back. 

While shopping with Rina afterwards, I tranced out. My mind was a jumbled state of mess and I couldn't place my hand on exactly what it was, but I knew I was distracted from everything. 

“I think we've shopped enough, your house?” Rina turned at once to me and asked. I blinked twice before smiling, then nodded then we left. 

It was after a 30 minute drive that we arrived back at my house. Back in college days, Rina and I often stayed at my place. We literally spent half of our time here and after our graduation, she hadn't visited until this day.

“It really feels good to be back here. It reeks of sweet memories.” she muttered, dropping her body on the couch and I chuckled, opening the windows before drawing the curtains apart.

“Feeling nostalgic?” I asked her and she licked her bottom lip.

“Please say that again.” She muttered back. 

“I'll get us coffee, then have dinner prepared.” I mused. Rina only waved her fingers at me, nudging at me to go ahead.

Typical Rina. She's always been the lazy type, not with anything but in cooking.

I returned back a few minutes later with the coffee only to see Rina staring at the design book on my desk with a smile.

“Old memories ignited?” I questioned as I passed her the mug of steaming coffee.

“Just genuinely excited that you're back in the field, you know.. after a series of words and preaching.” she murmured, taking a slow sip from her coffee. 

“Hmmm!!” I nodded back.

“You used to be once talented in the industry and your departure was a great hit, but I think everything is over now. You're back...”

“Back, Rina. Aren't changing the decision, I've contemplated long enough.”