I'M SORRY, AUDREY

The next morning, Audrey woke up feeling refreshed after a very good night's sleep. It was evident on her face. She stood up from her bed, went to the bathroom to wash her face and freshen up. Once she was out, she heard a knock on the door and thought it was Zach, so she didn't bother opening the door. She then went to her closet to select an outfit for the day. Hearing the knock again, she finally went to open the door, prepared for a quarrel. As she opened the door, she said,

"What is it, Zach? I've to—" She paused, realizing the person in front of her was not Zach. It wasn't even a man; it was a young, beautiful girl with a smooth face and fine lips.

"Hi," the girl in front of her said. "My name is Anastasia, but you can call me Anna. I was sent by Mr. Zach to assist you with anything you might need."

A smile flashed on my face as I said, "Come in."

Finally, I had someone I could talk to, someone who could understand me and help me with whatever I needed.

Once Anna was inside, she asked, "So, what may I help you with, ma'am?"

I smiled and said, "Nothing much. I just need help selecting an outfit. I'm kind of confused."

"Okay, that shouldn't be a problem," Anna said as she walked towards my closet. She picked up a red, shapely gown that looked very gorgeous and said, "How about this?"

"It's perfect," I said. "Thanks very much, Anna."

She smiled and said, "Glad to know I could help."

I quickly got into the dressing room and put on the dress. Then, I styled my hair and applied red lipstick that suited me well. When I came out, Anna was amazed. She said,

"You look so beautiful, ma'am."

"Thank you, Anna," I said. "But from now on, call me Audrey. 'Ma'am' sounds too formal and strange. So, from now on, call me Audrey."

"Okay, ma'am—sorry, okay, Audrey."

We both smiled, and as time went on, we began bonding. It was nice having Anna by my side.

But then I realized I hadn't called my brother. I picked up my phone from the bed and dialed his number. After a few rings, he finally picked up.

"Wassup, Audrey," he said.

"Fine," I replied. "How are you?"

"Fine. Audrey, I'm really sorry. I know what I did wasn't good. I made you marry someone you never loved. That wasn't right, but I have my reasons. I never wanted you to know, but I guess I have no choice. You see, I have lung cancer, and it's getting worse day by day. I only allowed you to marry Zach because he offered a large sum of money, which I could use for my treatment. I'm sorry, Audrey. I'm the worst brother in the world. Mom and Dad kept you in my care, but now I sold you just for my own benefits. I'm sorry, Audrey."

Audrey responded, "Why did you keep it from me? Why didn't you tell me you had health issues?"

Tears began streaming down Audrey's face as she ended the call. It wasn't the fact that he gave her to Mr. Zach that made her cry; it was the fact that the only person she had left in this world was ill, and she didn't know. The thought of losing her brother was distressing. She had already lost her mother and father; she couldn't lose her brother too.

Seeing Audrey cry made Anna worry. She quickly ran towards her, sat beside her, and asked, "What happened, Audrey?"

Audrey couldn't take it anymore. She hugged Anna and broke down in tears.

As Audrey continued to weep, Anna offered her consolation. After some time, Audrey's tears subsided. She looked up at Anna, who was beside her, and inquired, "Who exactly is Mr. Zach?"

"Well, I see you wish to learn more about your esteemed husband," Anna replied. "Please, relax. I shall elucidate everything. For now, rest—you are clearly fatigued."

Anna then proceeded to fetch a glass of water, which she handed to Audrey.

Audrey accepted the glass, took a sip, and then returned it to Anna.

She lay down on the bed, and Anna departed, allowing her to rest.

Meanwhile, Zach was in his room, fully prepared to leave when he received a phone call. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was his mother, Linda, who had persistently urged him to find a new wife since the passing of his previous one.

Answering the call, he said, "Good morning, Mother."

"I have no need for your greetings until you inform me that you have found a new wife," Linda declared.

"Come now, Mother, do not be like this," Zach responded.

"I do not wish to hear anything from you until you confirm that you have found a wife."

"Very well, Mother. I am pleased to inform you that I have found a wife. She is somewhat young and a bit naïve, but I am confident that you will bond once we arrive."

"I am delighted to hear this," Linda replied, and then she ended the call.

Subsequently, Zach left his room and descended the stairs. Once downstairs, he exited the house, entered the black Ferrari parked before the garage, and drove away.

After a lengthy drive, he arrived at a college, alighted from the car, and walked through the gates, heading towards a building.