TERRA'S POV:
THE NEXT DAY:
I was seated at the edge of my bed with half of my stuff packed. The entire room was empty, I had some clothes still in my closet. I sniffled recalling the events of last night and just wiped away my tears. I shook my head removing the thoughts of loneliness and second guessing my decision.
A man who wasn't affectionate nor loving or even tried to be, after three months of living together, ninety solid days. He could never love me. It showed in how he let me get humiliated last night.
Staying married will only make me look more pathetic and weak than I already seemed. I didn't even want to think about how people thought of me, the media, the public. They would all paint me as a poor girl who married into this family for money.
My phone rang, jolting me out of my depressing thoughts. I cleared my throat and exhaled before picking up.
“Hello?” I spoke softly.
“Good day, Miss Terra. The divorce papers have been done and it will be delivered in about five minutes. The terms were simple and straightforward, no dime to be collected. After getting your signature and your husband's, it will be finalized without needing your presence.” The Lawyer, Miss Yhonda, explained just as I wanted.
I called Evelyn late last night crying and telling her all about the party. I could feel her rage though she was miles away. She encouraged me to get the divorce I wanted and she promised to be by my side. She sent Miss Yhonda's contact information as she was one of her older cousin's friends.
I smiled in contentment and rubbed my arms comfortingly. “Thank you very much.” I appreciated it from the depth of my heart.
She was able to get it all done though it was the weekend and she was quite attentive and comforting.
“Anytime.” We exchanged goodbyes and I hung up. I glanced at the time and hoped Ross hadn't left yet. I was dressed in dark blue high waist jeans and a white button up shirt. My clothes were getting a bit tight but everyone assumed I was just getting fat due to being married.
Maybe they were right.
I wore my heels and carried my bag and walked out of my room slowly and let out a deep breath. As I strolled down the stairs, the mansion seemed rather quiet and somewhat empty, it made me wonder if I was up too early.
Though it was 9 am on a Sunday, they were usually up earlier than this. The staff were most likely discussing the events of last night.
The doorbell rang and as I quickened my steps, I started feeling dizzy. I was just hungry and I moved too quickly.
“Good morning, Mrs Terra. How was your night?” The maid questioned with a bright smile before reverted her attention towards the door and it revealed a delivery man.
I stood next to the maid and communicated through my eyes for her to leave. She frowned but nodded before scurrying away.
“Good morning, I have a document for Terra Anderson.” He announced right before handing me a brown envelope.
“I am she.” He nodded then handed me a paper pad for me to sign.
“Thank you.” He said and I smiled weakly before shutting the door. I sighed deeply and opened the envelope, the heading alone read.
PETITION FOR A DIVORCE……
“Going somewhere?” I looked up from the document and I was quite startled by the sound of Ross’ voice. He was coming down the stairs with her eyes fixated on me, looking at him just got me angry and heartbroken. He was dressed in his corporate attire, black slacks and a black collar. I was certain he was headed to work because based on the conversation I had overheard, they were working on a new expansion of their hotels.
“Let's have breakfast before I leave for work.” He spoke coldly and I scoffed at how he still had an attitude.
I didn't utter a word, I simply walked to the dining area, where I had seen about three maids speaking in hushed tones as they arranged the table for breakfast.
“Good morning sir. Good morning ma'am.” They greeted then walked away leaving one who was to serve us standing beside Ross but he dismissed her.
We both took a seat and I stared at the mouth watering delicacies, though I was hungry, I didn't have any appetite for it. Ross began to serve his food, dig in and stared at his iPad not once did he utter a single word.
I sucked my teeth sharply making him look up meeting my eyes, which were most likely swollen.
“Here are the divorce papers.” I announced staring into his eyes while stretching out the envelope and his facial expression turned confused.
The sound of his silverware clashing on the plate rang through the room. I just kept a straight face watching his every move.
“You are joking, aren't you?” He chuckled humorlessly collecting the envelope from me. His facial expression was emotionless as he read the contents of the divorce papers.
“I am not taking a dime from you and I will be leaving every single thing I had purchased through the money from you or your family. All I want is for us to go our separate ways, peacefully.” I explained and he gazed at me then back at the document.
“I'm not signing this.” He returned the document back into the envelope and placed it on the table before standing up.
Did he think I was joking around when I said that last night? He didn't even apologize or say anything.
My feelings for him were gradually turning to hate.
“Ross!” I raised my voice over a pitch to stop him from walking off. He turned around and stared at me with the same unreadable expression.
“Terra, I'm not signing the divorce paper and that's final!” He spoke sternly, clenching and unclenching his jaw then walked off.
I stood there fuming and heard the front door open and close. I was uncertain if he wanted me to be miserable, if he truly didn't want a divorce then why is he frustrating my life? Every thought was stressing me out but I took a deep breath in order to protect myself and health.
I went ahead to set the documents in his office with the hope that he would have signed it by the time I arrived by night.
I didn't even want drama or hurt anymore, I just wanted to leave.
***********
8 PM:
I had spent the entire day getting ready to leave, my ticket for my flight by 11pm tonight was ready, my luggage, new bags and clothes, I had purchased just a few. The only thing left was getting the divorce papers finalized.
“Thank you.” I appreciated the driver and hopped out of the car. He followed behind me helping me with my new stuff, which I had used my Grandfather's money to get.
I noticed Ross’ car wasn't in the driveway, so instead of heading into his office. I went straight into my room, two maids were also helping me gather my things.
“Are you really leaving Mrs Terra?” One asked and I turned around as she had interrupted me, relieving the memories in this room.
Ross and I had made love here and I had gotten one of my first heartbreaks in this room as well.
“Yeah.” I responded dryly.
“Mrs Anderson came over earlier looking for you. She said nothing when we informed her of your absence but simply snooped around the house.” She informed me though it meant nothing to me.
“Thank you for telling me that.” I said in order to prevent an awkward moment.
“You're going to be missed ma'am. Any idea of where you're going?”
Now, I knew for sure she was just trying to get information from me. The place I had in mind was special and from what I had read and seen, it was serene and beautiful. It wasn't too busy like here but the people who lived in that country spoke languages I could understand. I was excited.
I just shrugged and I zipped off my last box and she assisted me in carrying down the stairs while I went into Ross office in hope.
Just one signature will ensure my liberty and kick start my new future full of possibilities with new hopes. And just maybe, I will be happy.
I grabbed the envelope and licked my lips in anticipation.
He had signed it.
“Yes!” At that moment, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was happy but on another hand, I was hurt and sad.
He never really loved me. And why was he being dramatic earlier? To play with my feelings? To make a joke out of me? The maid had not even made mention of his arrival.
I could care less.
I just shook my head and walked out of the mansion without turning back.
Goodbye Ross Anderson.
You will never get to see our child, my child. My child deserves love and one thing I know for certain is if you can treat a woman like garbage then you can do that to your child as well.
To my beautiful beginning in a new country and with my expectant bundle of joy!
TERRA'S POV:FIVE MONTHS LATER:It had been five months since I moved to Aurenia, and changed my entire life and name. I ditched my old contact information, my entire identity, my surroundings, everything was different. I moved to Auriena which is about a ten hour flight back home. The whole country was pleasant and the estate I was staying in was fantastic. I had purchased a luxurious large duplex with about five bedrooms including a master bedroom with a king sized bed just for me, a gym, a kitchen with everything I needed, living room and so much. I had spent a lot of time picturing my children playing around. Yes, my children. Two months ago, during an ultrasound for a routine check up. My gynecologist realized I was having twins.“O My….Twins?” I asked with my eyes watering staring at the monitor.“Yes sweetie. Turns out your little bundle of joy was hiding her sister or brother. Listen..” My heart melted at the sound of two heartbeats and my tears threatened to fall.“Congrat
ROSS'S POV:5 MONTHS EARLIER:I was on my way to my house driving by myself as I needed to clear my mind. The cool night breeze was refreshing and the city's lights were shining beautifully. Though it was night and on a Sunday, it was still busy, not just as busy as a weekday.I stopped at a traffic light and I found myself staring at a small family, a man holding his woman's hands and the small little girl skipping through the pedestrian walk. They seemed extremely happy and though I was uncertain if they were wealthy or not, but through their basic outfits, respectfully. They were most likely middle class or not my type of wealthy, yet they were happy.But with everything I had and provided for Terra, she wasn't still happy. Could I blame her? There was so much my grandfather and even my mother did not know about me. I had thoughts on revealing everything to her then probably apologize.Based on the information from my assistant, friends, it was all over the news and the masses had
Ross POV:I walked into the room I had entered into since that drunken night and memories filled my mind especially the morning after.They were right, she was gone and just as she said earlier everything she acquired during our marriage this past few months, she left it in the wardrobe and some were in some shopping bags. I sat at the edge of her bed and her sweet scent filled my nostrils. I exhaled shakily as I brought out my phone from my breast pocket and began to dial her number.“The number you are trying to call is not available at….” I hung up and tried calling about five more times and yet the same result.There was no one who I could call that was related to her or who could help me reach her. The thought of her leaving my life, without at least a last conversation trying to convince and show her how much I needed her energetic, caring, multi-talented, beautiful self in my life.I had messed up!In anger, I threw my phone at the wall making it smash into pieces. My heart wa
3rd POV:A WEEK LATER:Mrs Anderson and the entire Anderson family had been invited to an engagement party of one of the board of director's sons, the Lauder family. They were extremely wealthy and had three daughters and two sons, their father had another son out of wedlock, but wasn't accepted by Mrs Lauder, so he was in another country.Ross, who was seated in his pitch black room, was thinking deeply. He had on a black suit and his entire outfit from head to toe was black. “How would I explain this to Grandpa Philip?” He questioned himself, running hand down his face. He didn't care about anyone else asking about Terra, except his grandfather whom he had promised to take care of Terea, protect and at least try and make her happy.“So much for making her happy.” He chuckled humorlessly speaking out loud. He adjusted his silver wrist watch on his wrist and wore his wedding ring then took a deep breath.He had been avoiding calls from Grandpa Philip while his mother had been ignorin
3rd POV:“Ohh, so ‘cause your wife is not here, you're not all up in my face. What? What was your plan at your mum's birthday party and three months ago when we were cool?” Nina was baffled at his friendliness to her since he was with Terra and she loved it. She felt so loved by him just like other times. But now his cold exterior and dry replies were bothering her badly.“I really don't have time for this.” He spoke more to himself and tried walking away but she held his arm stopping him.“I'm sorry for my attitude. I don't just like us being like this. How are you? How has this last week been? Have you been able to reach your wife?” She kept asking questions and his face remained blank.He removed his arm from her grip and walked further into his party leaving her standing there. From where he stood, he saw his mother, Grandfather as well as Mrs Morris; Nina's mother from a distance. They were seated at the table with about ten seats, public figures and politicians were seated but
TERRA'S POV:FIVE MONTHS AFTER BIRTHING HER TWINS:“Are you okay Miss Catherine?” Such a lovely question! Am I okay? Of course I'm okay, but I'm freaking tired! The kids have been keeping me up all night while Eleanor was an angel most nights, some other night her and Eric must have planned to blow my head up with the loud screaming and crying coming from their nursery.The only thing keeping me awake right now was the strong coffee I had stopped for on my way here. “I'm fine. So what's the latest update?” I questioned my new assistant, Fiona. I had hired her as I needed to start running my late grandfather's company. After his passing, one of the members of the board, Mr Jackson, who had been like an uncle to me while growing up, became the new interim CEO. I was back and ready to run it so My Grandfather's company would become the most popular, huge, successful manufacturing company in the whole country and world at large. I have always been a member of the company and I had bee
Terra's POV:He doesn't even matter at all, I had my greatest treasures, I was beginning to run my company and though everything has been really tough especially with post-partum, losing weight, feeling insecure about my body and the scars on my stomach. Not being able to get enough sleep makes me so frustrated throughout the day. Nevertheless, I was going to get through all of this and be the best in all aspects of my life.“It's going to be okay” I said to myself in the mirror and poured water on my face repeatedly fighting off the urge to break down crying.“You're strong and have the most beautiful children, there's nothing you cannot do. You don't need him.” I repeated to myself then walked out of the bathroom after wiping my face with a paper towel.Time to do better and stop feeling sorry for myself.***************THAT NIGHT:I spent my day taking care of myself, getting my nails and hair done, tinting a few strands blonde and curling it up. Feeding my kids and playing with
TERRA'S POV.It was currently early Thursday morning and I had busied myself by cooking after working out in my home gym to keep my mind off a lot of things bothering me, especially the call I received more than a week ago.“Terra is that you?” The familiar voice questioned and I felt the urge to hang up but I froze.“Terra…Sweetie. Come on, I know it's you.” He spoke again and I exhaled deeply, blinking repeatedly.“Grandpa Philip?” I said in a questioning tone to confirm and I heard a breath of relief.“It's me, Terra. How are you doing?”That's how I spent about ten minutes over the call with Grandpa Philip. I told him I had moved to another country without disclosing what country and I told him I was doing well but hid the fact that I had my kids. He stated that he needed to see me and talk and I responded that I would get back to him. I just didn't know who I could trust right now. But on the other hand, something good had happened as I was able to resolve the issue with the ne
3RD POV:Soon after they moved into their dream house, with the beautiful gardens, lawns, the most aesthetically pleasing backyard with a huge pool, and huge and wide rooms for all they needed. It was beautiful and to celebrate their marriage, they organized the housewarming/ wedding celebrations and it was a night to remember. Ross had been grinning ever since and his assistant, Mady had quit since he was happy and he had a new young hardworking assistant, Kelly.“You look ravishing.” Evelyn complimented hugging her, grateful her second child, a ten months old baby girl was now sleeping and she could have time to enjoy herself. She often accused Jackson of impregnating her again so she doesn't flourish in her career as a studio owner and it caused arguments but they ended up making love and shutting out negativity and pointless accusations.“You do too. I'm so happy to see you guys.” She hugged the guys, and Whitney. James and Whitney were engaged after James agreed to stay in Saland
TERRA'S POV:“In the abduction and murder Asian Griffin. The court finds you GUILTY!”“In the murder of Amber Griffin, the court finds the defendant ... .guilty.” There were murmurings among the people. It was crazy how she murdered the two sisters…all for what?“In the theft at the supermarket owner, the court found the defendant guilty. “ I shook my head and watched the jury who looked at her with displeasure.“In the harassment charge of two men, the court finds the defendant…not guilty.” “In the attempted murder of Mrs Anderson, the court finds the defendant guilty…” There were more crimes such as gun possession, trespassing on property and she was found guilty for all the crimes.Someone next to me muttered, “I know for sure, she's going to be sentenced to death, as that's what the law of Salandi prescribes as she is definitely a nuisance and multiple murders and attempted murders, Come on. I would know since I am a paralegal.” She bragged and I glanced at her for a second and s
TERRA'S POV:THREE MONTHS LATER:“How busy are you? ‘Cause I was thinking we can go out for lunch so I can make it up to you.” Ross suggested, and I rolled my eyes playfully at him. He knew I was mad at him for him being mad at me for worrying too much and stressing out about the kids as it was their first day at a new school.It had just been hard since the welcome party and literally settling in Salandi was hard for me in a way that it was hard for the kids.“I'm actually extremely busy right now, and I will be heading to Nina's trial as today is the sentencing. Later tonight?” I suggested and he heaved out a sigh, obviously displeased at the fact that I was headed to Nina's trial but I needed to be there. I just had the need. Everyone had been totally stunned hearing that Mrs Morris had killed herself and it was all over the news. Everyone in the golf clubs, and the elites titled the Morris as a pure disgrace, shame and waste.And I truly did not care, as long as my kids and I got
3RD POV:“Nina Morris, daughter of Late Business Tycoon Mr Marcus Morris, has been apprehended for multiple charges, kidnapping of the twins of Billionaire Ross Anderson and Catherine Williams, Murder…..” The reporter listed out..Mrs Morris was seated in front of her television, watching the news with tears running down her cheek, seeing her daughter being labeled as a criminal. Hot tears ran down through her cheeks and her chest rose up and fell repeatedly. “Everyone will view my daughter as a criminal. How could I have given birth to such a useless being? So freaking useless!” She hit the television stand in anger and shook her head.“I have already lost. I have nothing again, no way to clear my name out of Nina's stupidity. I failed as a mother, as an elite woman in society, as everything. I am just as useless and I can't live with it….I just can't.” She cried out and continued mumbling the last sentence as she walked into the room.She grabbed a rope in her closet, mumbling the
3RD POV:A DAY LATER:Terra held onto Eleanour who was sleeping on her lap while holding onto her father's hand as he was sitting next to her on the couch fighting the sleep forming in his eyes. He hadn't closed his eyes ever since the kids were kidnapped.It had been a rough twenty four hours for everybody and for Ross's little family, it had been a rough 72 hours. They had been able to give the old woman and her grandson the sum of a million for their help in finding Nina and the family was given the media space to be able to show their appreciation to Ross and Terra, letting them know it will go a long way in pulling them out of the hand to mouth lifestyle they had been living especially since the grandmother was single handedly raising the boy.“Mummy.” Eric called out from his bed with droopy eyes, and she waved at him with a smile trying her best not to wake Eleanour who was finding it hard to close her eyes.Eric was not shot neither was Ross but Terra still requested he stayed
3RD POV:AN HOUR LATER:Asian was drained and tired but she took great compassion on the twins especially Eleanour, seeing her as a young version of Amber who was sad and always needed her. Which is why she was more than happy when she saw that Nina had left a glass cup on a high table where farmers usually kept stuff for their animals and it was next to them.Her plan was simple, hit it repeatedly till the glass shatters to the floor, afterwards she would move in her seat and with her back facing away, she would hand Eric the glass to unloose the ropes on his hands carefully, afterwards he would unloose both hers and Eleanours. Then they run out to the nearest farm or police station and get help. And safe!This is a solid plan after all …I can do it, what could possibly go wrong? Asian thought to herself, and like an annoying best friend, her mind pictured all the different possibilities of what could happen.“I'm going to try and get us out of here.” She mumbled and the kid's mouth
TERRA'S POV:“No…It's not your fault. I came out for work and for you and I met the love of my life and became a member of a very problematic family, but I guess all families have their own issues. But coming here, it was just the regular day to day activities and then trips during the holiday but coming here made me realize there's a lot more to life. And I just think…everything happens for a reason and I have experienced all I need to here.” The fact that he didn't hold me accountable or become harsh to me made me feel bad for yelling at Ross and his mother…for another person's action.“I have been thinking about moving away as well. Morgan and Sarah have been calling me everyday since they heard of this. And I totally feel the same way you felt about here and Aurenia except I didn't find the love of my life here.” We both chuckled weakly and he responded, “Yeah okay.”As they both discussed more about moving back, unbeknownst to them Ross and Evelyn, who was bringing breakfast, ove
TERRA'S POV:A DAY LATER:It had been more than 35 hours since I had last seen my kids and since the kidnapping. A flier with Nina's face had been posted everywhere and according to my friends and Fiona, the entire police force was working on it.But it was just Nina….what was so hard about finding and capturing her?I had just been numb, and I could neither eat nor sleep. Last night, when I couldn't sleep, I snuck out in my own mansion in order to prevent Evelyn, who was literally everywhere, from waking up. I drove in one of my old sports cars, which allowed the cool night breeze to run through my body and blow away the tears which kept flowing and I drove to weird looking areas, banishing the thought that I might be robbed, and showed them images of Nina if they had come across her but they had nothing.A particularly shabby looking man asked for some money before providing answers, feigning that he recognised her and as soon as I handed him money, he tucked it into his pocket and
3RD POV:They both went ahead to take a seat on the couch in the hospital room.Without giving a response, Ross brought out his phone from his breast pocket. And dialed Nina's contact and placed it on a loudspeaker, the call rang for a moment and at the fourth ring, there was finally an answer making Chandler's eyes go wide in excitement.“Nina, Where are you? Tell me where are you now and what do you want?” Ross asked with desperation and the other line remained silent.“WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?” He shouted in anger, making Chandler jump a bit.“Hello? Who is this? I just found this in the dumpster ... .What did this woman do though I don't have a television so I need some drama?” Ross clung to his hand with so much force, Chandler thought he would crush it so he quickly collected it from Ross.“Okay…okay…A dumpster where? And what's your address?” Chandler asked smartly as he believed it would lead them to Nina or maybe it was the same area.On the other hand, Terra was at the police