CHAPTER 5

The sharp shrill sound of porcelain hitting the floor rung heavily in my ears. I turned, my gaze centered on the porcelain kettle now lying on the floor and Irina standing next to the shards, nursing her hands that had turned red from the spilled hot water.

Jason rushed in, deftly pushing my aside as he rushed to Irina's aid. I winced, letting out a sharp cry....... The edge of the tiled kitchen counter sinking into my side.

"Are you okay, Irina?!. Where does it hurt?" - Jason spoke in a soft caring tone, his eyes filled with indulgence.

Irina wailed pitifully, her eyes watery with unshed tears. "Selene, i can understand that you don't like me. But did you really have to go this far just to vent out at me?" - She wiped the corners of her eyes with her delicate fingers but her eyes shone with a calculative glint.

I stood still, my body still trying to absorb the earlier pain. Moving my lips, i calmly tried to offer an explanation, but Jason's strode towards me, his hands faster than my lips could move.

A loud smack echoed in my ears, and a burning pain seered in my cheeks. I touched them instinctively, the pain bringing tears to my eyes but i blinked, unwilling to shed a single pearl of tears for this conniving man.

" Selene, i thought i could tolerate you a little bit further. But today, you've really gone too far!! "

Listening to him scold me, i couldn't help but mock myself deep down for ever believing that he would be fair and let me defend myself. He rushed back to Irina, sweeping her off the floor in a bridal style, holding her gently in his arms as he stormed out of the kitchen.

Edward who had been peeking through the door, stuck out a tongue in a mocking pose. "You really deserved it, you boring country side bumpkin. Daring to hurt Aunt Irina, you certainly don't have a conscience at all!!."

I stayed back, stunned but not surprised, calmly watching them leave in a frenzied state.

Sitting on the counter with the first aid kit beside me, i tended to my bruises. I lowered my gaze at the smashed porcelain bowl and the kettle lying on the floor, a small exhausted sigh escaped my lips. Still i knew that i would have to clean that up eventually.

I packed up the kettle and tossed the broken porcelain in the thrash - it was useless now, just like this sham of a marriage. I cleaned up the mess, leaning against the counter, my mind was lazy and filled with thoughts - I didn't know how long i would have to endure this,but i wished it would all end.

I sighed - even if i proposed divorce at this point,it would be futile and it might fuel Jason's suspicions against me. Hissing,i dragged my sore body to the living room - that scumbag had banged my waist against the counter and the pain was so unbearable.

My phone which had been on the coffee table vibrated ,the familiar thrill filling up the empty space. I picked it up , glancing at the unfamiliar number before accepting the call.

Irina's smug voice came through with a snort, "Can you see now.... who Jason truly belongs to?. He's mine and there's nothing you can do about it."

I placed the phone on the table, my lips sealed in silence.

"Why aren't you saying anything?. Who was the one who was so haughty just because she was married to Jason,cat got your tongue......or have you suddenly gone mute?"

I shook my head, finding this lady a little bit too annoying for my liking. People like this weren't worth wasting my time on, but i had to engage her just to end things quickly.

"So you called just to shove that much in my face?" - I spoke in a calm tone.

" Yes!!"- She confirmed, feeling pleased with herself. " Your son and husband are attending to my every whim and they are pampering me so dearly,so i thought that i would let you know about it too. Just sharing the good news."

I let out a cold snort, my husband and son?. She just have to say she called to mock my foolishness and sheer ignorance - knowing fully well that none of those were mine originally.

"What's your purpose for calling, let's get straight to the point. I really don't have all day." - I urged, already in a haste to wrap things up with this crazed lady.

Irina scoffed, "There's a brown envelope on the table, it contains the divorce papers. You don't have to worry...... Jason has signed it already."

I raised my eyebrows, staring at the big brown envelope that was on the table - that's no wonder she'd called. Trying to smear salt in my injuries.

Too bad that i couldn't be bothered to actually care. "Is that all?" - I spoke in a dismissive tone.

" Just sign it...... and don't dare to pull up any funny tricks. You wouldn't want to see my ugly side." - She threatened , the pitch in her voice rising.

I glanced at the phone, glad that i had left it on the coffee table - I wasn't ready to have my eardrums bleed.

" I won't, you don't have to fret about it." - I smirked victoriously.

Here i was seeking a way out of this jail and here she was giving me the key. How could i afford to be ungrateful?. I cut the call abruptly, stretching out my hands to pick up the weightless envelope.

I snatched my phone, making a quick call to a person i hadn't contacted for years.

"Hello." - I smiled, speaking after a brief moment of silence.

A low, excited voice came through, though it had aged much more than i had earlier recalled. "Miss Woods, it's been a long while since i had heard from you."

My chest tightned as i tried suppressing my emotions. "Professor Sanders, it's been a long while indeed." - My voice muffled up a bit.

" Ah, what joy it is to finally hear from you again. Though i wonder why you called and that so suddenly."

" I need assistance and i was wondering if you could lend me a helping hand."- I spoke slowly in a deliberate tone.

" Why, certainly!!. I will be of help to you, anytime. So what would you like for me to do for you?"- Professor Sanders voice dropped a notch,his tone probing.

" I was wondering if you could have me over. I would like to meet with you, personally." - I added.

" Sure thing, I'll have your papers prepared for you just in case." - Professor Sanders chuckled deeply, so much that it provoked a slight cough.

I heaved a sigh of relief, my fingers toying with the hem of my dress. " That's such a relief, Professor. Thanks for your help." - I bowed my head in gratitude, feeling overwhelmed.

" No-no, it's a debt i owe your parents. And it's something that I'm more than happy to fulfill." - He chuckled deeply again.

A mental picture of my parents flashed through my mind, i felt guilted. " Thanks alot, i really appreciate this kind gesture."

" That's no problem, just give me a few days to have everything arranged."

The call ended and i was back, still holding on to the disvorce papers. I brought out the papers,my eyes skimming through it's contents. The ridiculous terms made me scoff in disdain- The other party was to leave without any settlement or alimony and was not entitled to any shared equities nor properties.

I flipped the papers, what was the difference between this and actually leaving me flat broke on the streets?. Years of being jobless had left me without a dime to my name and yet, i wouldn't get anything from him in return.

I picked up a pen, penning my signature before placing the papers back into the envelope. Then i walked up the stairs to the master bedroom, packing up the little luggages i had while tossing and burning up any memories i had with Jason.

It was already dusk by the time i was done, i walked towards the cabinet, pulling out a small USB port. Squeezing it in my hands,i sat by the window staring at the dark horizon with an unsettling gaze.