Taste of Freedom

“I’ll... make my own, then,” he muttered, feeling a strange sense of loss. It was just breakfast, but it symbolized so much more. He moved towards the kitchen, fumbling with the coffee machine and bread. He could feel Maria's presence in the garden, strong and distant. Her silence weighed on him.

As he prepared his meal, Thompson’s mind raced. He had grown used to being in control, but this morning, he felt like a stranger in his own home. He had never seen Maria so resolute, so ready to move on. For the first time, he realized how much damage had been done, how deeply she had been hurt.

But thinking of what kind of a woman she was, he knitted his brows. Were it not for the call he received in the morning he would not stoop so low to try and keep her a little longer. He was so angry when he received the call that he fell sick

while he was a way, Maria was in deep thought and confusion. Between last night and this morning, what happened to this man. he seemed changed. His behaviour was suspicious. She become anxious and guarded. In the horror movies she watched, the ex were always super nice before killing their partners

As much as it was a shock for Maria to see Thompson in that manner, she was not going back now. She already made her mind up. She was going to live her life to the fullest. What worries her the most is the fact that she didnt have much money on her. The only money she had was the money she saved from the little he left home for their upkeep. Nevertheless, it was better than nothing. Atleast she can rent a small room in a different town for a few months and hope she will find a job soon. All this worries she didnt let Thompson see. If there was something she has learnt over him is to trust no one and to solely depend on oneself when in trouble.

Sometimes the people you run to tell your trouble are your enemies. They are the ones who turn on you when you least expect it.

She had already called her friend Sarah over, she had all her staff packed already the only thing she was waiting for was an important call from a friend abroad.

It didn't take long before Thompson came back with his almost burned bread and a cup of coffee. She showed no concern even laughing at the way his breakfast looked. No. She clearly didn't care. She just looked over in a glance and dropped her eyes back to her food.

It hit Thompson so hard that he felt his eyes were deceiving him. Over the years He has seen how much she loved him. There was that emotional gaze she would give him no matter how harsh or badly he treated her. But today, there was nothing. Not even pity or pain.

She looked like a completely different person.

This morning after sending the signed marriages annulment documents, his father's lawyer called.

Before his father died, he made arrangement regarding Maria. If Thompson were to initiate a marriage cancellation, All of his properties should go to Maria including the companies and Thompson was to step down while the assigned people he selected will help her manage until she is able to manage the business on her own. If still they will be married after three years, an account should be opened for Maria to receive one million dollars every months for her upkeep. Also, it stated that if Maria does not want the properties, it should be donated to Bliss foundation for the needy

It was a blow to him. Never had he thought the old man loved the woman before him to that extend. He loved her to the extend of giving her all his properties living him with only his house and some money. He even went as far as giving out to the needy. What kind of a woman is Maria? What did his father see in her?

According to the lawyers, he should do everything possible to keep his wife if he wanted to continue being the heir of the Thompson Empire or else he'll lose everything

After a few minutes of uneasy quiet, he couldn’t take it anymore. “Maria, I know things haven’t been good between us, but... I never meant for it to turn out like this.”

" No need to explain. Everyone has free will to live whatever life they choose. You made your decision and I have accepted. I'll leave in a while." looking at in coming call, She didn't bother to look at him. She smiled brightly as she received the call.

" Hello Anthony, yes it has been a while. How is it? Did I pass the interview? Thank you so much. Everything is ready. I just have to receive my employment letter before applying for the visa. Am sure it won't take long." looking at the happy woman before him, Thompson could not believe she could be so evil and look so innocent. But where was she going?

If it were yesterday he would not have cared but now things were different. He had to play his cards well or else he will lose everything. He knitted his brows realizing she has been talking to a man and seemed so intimate. Who was it?

Could It be one of her lovers?

Was she cheating on him? but that would not be possible. She doesn't go out much

Holding the fork tight in his hand, he looked up to her " Who is that ?" he could not help and feel jealous. Looking at the man before her, Maria could not believe her ears. In the last three years of their marriage, he never cared about her and what she does or whom she talked to. What was wrong with him today?

Looking directly in his eyes, she bend down slightly and stood on her chair holding the table " If I remember correctly, I am no longer your wife and itsnnon of your business.!" She walked away seeing the message on her phone.

He stood up having lost his appetite and left the utensils at the table. Feeling the embassment that Thompson showed her before her domestic workers, Maria fired them before and preferred to take care of her home on her.

For a long time they have lived only the two of them. Even if he talked looking down at her, there was no one to witness that. But now that she was leaving, She hired a new maid that was yo report to work on the same day.

Thompson met her dragging her suitcase downstairs with so much difficulty.

"Hey, you really don't have to move out. I will move out if you don't want continue staying. But please just stay here."

" What has gotten into you today. Whatever game you are playing I don't want any of it. It was clear last night you didn't want me hear and the words were clear to me. Also this place has very awful memories. I don't want to stay"