3: Seperated

Alora

Standing there, a sharp pain ran through my chest. His words cut deeper than a knife, shredding every part of my heart. Tears streamed down my cheeks.

“Aunty, why are you crying? Don’t you like being the maid?” the little boy asked innocently. “I can tell my daddy to make you my nanny if you want.”

Those tiny, innocent eyes and his voice hit me hard. They reminded me so much of the child I lost five years ago.

If my baby had survived, he would have been his age. And just maybe, Lucas would have treated me with love and not tagged me a slave in my own home.

“Cutie, go upstairs and select your room. Mum and Dad need to talk,” Sonia said, cupping his cheeks gently.

He jumped excitedly, rushing up the stairs. “I will pick two large rooms,” he said as he darted off the stairs.

I looked at Lucas. He was calm, cold, as though nothing had happened. I swallowed hard, turning to Sonia.

She smirked victoriously.

My chest tightened with greater grief.

I thought I had trusted her, shared my secrets with her and even made her manager in my company. I had secretly used her to help Lucas’s company.

But what did I get in return?

Betrayal, the worst of it all.

I forced myself not to break down again. At least not in front of her.

“Please don’t look at me like I’m the devil here,” she said, squaring her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, and I didn’t want this to happen either. I'm so sorry,”

I looked at her, but only tears came out of my eyes.

“Sonia, I thought I could trust you,” I replied in a low tone but she lowered her head in pity.

“I'm so sorry Alora,” she lifted her teary gaze to meet mine, “ but you can’t blame me for giving the man I love an heir, something you can never give him.” she added.

Her words made something in me break beyond repair.

“How dare you say those words to me? Calling my husband your love?” I shot back, but Lucas turned to face me.

“I take exception to that. I stopped being your husband a long time ago,” he said, though his eyes never met mine.

Turning to Sonia, he smiled. “She has been the love of my life for a long time now, and it seems your existence in this house is worthless. That’s the reason they are moving in with me,” he said, his voice flickering with something different.

I blinked, letting the tears fall.

“She has a son for me. I guess you are neither blind nor heartless,” he shot back, this time looking into my eyes, his voice filled with disgust. “You can stay in the guest rooms.”

I let the hot saliva in my gut settle, forcing his words to sink into my shredded heart.

“Was that the reason you asked me out of the master bedroom, so you could bring in your mistress?”

“I won't watch you call me a mistress here,” Sonia snapped back immediately, no remorse in her voice.

“If you are not a mistress, a homewrecker, then who are you?” I blurted out, my heart racing.

“Enough,” Lucas’s voice broke through.

“It’s obvious to me that you can’t stay in the same space as the mother of my child and soon-to-be wife,” Lucas said, running his hands over his head. Then he turned toward the TV stand, grabbed a file, and held it out to me.

“I’m sorry. I can’t keep you here anymore. I thought you’d understand, but I was wrong,” he paused, his jaw clenched.

“You’d only bring harm to my relationship and my son if you stayed,” he added, pushing the file into my arms.

I looked into his eyes. The loving man I once knew was gone. I thought things would take a turn for good.

Where was that hesitation in his eyes?

I died slowly by the day, not only because of the cancer but also because of his actions.

“Open it,” Sonia urged, rolling her eyes.

I turned my teary gaze to the file in my arms, its weight making my palms tremble slightly. I blinked and tore it open.

My eyes widened when I saw the white paper inside.

“DIVORCE AGREEMENT.”

My eyes remained fixed on the bold letters, instead of tears, a small smile that didn't reach my heart formed at the corner of my lips. I looked up at him and my heart burst. The words suddenly came out.

“So you are sending me away because of her? A commoner whom I picked and made into the person she is now?”

Lucas flinched.

I bet he never knew?

Then Sonia’s gaze darkened into something I couldn't describe.

“My love, don't mind her. She’s talking rubbish. I only know her as a friend and nothing more,” Sonia said, turning to me.

“You think you can just let silly words out of that gutter you call a mouth? I know your type. Because you are barren and can't give birth again, you think you can look down on a lady who gave this loving man here a son?” she shouted.

My heart raced. My arms clenched into fists.

“Enough. Sign that paper and leave my house,” Lucas said, turning to leave, taking Sonia along.

“Is it my fault that I couldn't bear you a child again? Is it my fault that I lost my womb while trying to give you a son?” I snapped back at him. He stopped but didn’t turn.

I saw that hesitation again, that vulnerability.

But could it last?

“I don't care what you think. This marriage is over,” he retorted, and my hopes drowned.

Then, turning to face me, he added, “You are a commoner and a nobody. You have added nothing to my life in the past ten years, and I am done harboring someone as worthless as you. Sign the damn papers and leave in peace,” he said, his gaze lingering on me before he turned to leave.

I stood frozen in place, struck dumb.

His words hit me, and their sting lingered.

“I thought I loved you, but not anymore. Get the heck out,” he said from up the stairs.

I winced, forcing myself to contain the hurt. I never thought this day would come so soon. I thought he was going to change.

Taking a deep breath, my eyes remained fixed on the file before me. I wanted more than ever to give him what he wanted. But then again, would it soothe my soul?

Picking up the pen from the table, I let my heart ponder on everything. My fingers tightened over it. Those hopeful memories stirred up afresh.

I exhaled sharply and signed the papers. Once done, I left it on the table. I battled with my heart, whether to take the medical report along.

After a conflicting moment, I left the file hidden by the TV stand, where I knew Lucas would find it.

I gasped.

Taking a last look at the home I had called mine for ten solid years, my heart shredded even more. Every single thing in me shattered. But I braced up and walked out, leaving everything behind.

Outside the gate, I put a call across, and soon the black SUV was parked in front of me.

“Nice to finally meet you again, ma'am. Your dad would be more than glad to receive you back,” James, my old long-time driver, greeted.

Speaking of Dad, a wave of hesitation ran through my spine.