Chapter 1

VALERIE POV

For three years I have worked hard and tirelessly for the Windor family but all I get in return is hate and curses.

Charles has been my childhood crush and all I wanted was to marry him, which I did against my family’s will. After our marriage, I made sure I secretly made Charles raise to the point of fame.

But now that he is finally stable, he looks at me like trash. His mother didn’t help matters either. She made my life a living hell but still I still respected her.

One morning, i stepped out to get groceries from the supermarket only to see Charles holding hands and kissing Fiona, his ex girlfriend.

Immediately hid away from them and broke down in tears. I realized that Charles had been lying to me at many occasions.

He left this morning without eating the food I made for him claiming he was going for an important meeting but here he was.

I was unable to to buy the groceries so I went back home with a broken heart.

I decided I was going to question him when he got back home and that I did.

“Who were you with this morning?”

“Why are you asking me such a question as though I didn’t tell you I’ll be im a meeting.” He shouted back at me before walking away.

Tears began to roll down my eyes, this wasn’t the Charles I used to know. He is now more of a monster than a human.

I thought it was best to tell his mother what had happened today but I made the worst mistake of my life. Instead to find fault and n her son, she rained abides on me instead.

I took my phone and called my brother, Ray.

“Can you come take me out for a moment?” I asked and he immediately accepted.

When we got to the little restaurant I told him about he I was treated and he begged I come back home.

But I loved Charles and decided to give him just one more chance.

Charles wa back and watching the news when I got back.

“Where did you go?” He asked

“To see a friend.”

Charles began to laugh and walked closer to me.

“Who would want to be friends to a cheap dirty woman like you huh?”

“Why are you doing this Charles? What have I done wrong to you.”

The next moment, Charles slapped me so hard that I landed on the floor and my lips bleeding.

“How dare you ask me questions or have you forgotten your status in this house?” He asked and all I could do was cry.

The next thing I heard was him slamming the door of his room like he always does when he is angry.

I managed to get up and walked to my room and get my bleeding lips cleaned. I have tolerated enough and I guess it’s time to let go of Charles.

Now that Fiona was back to town, Charles would continue to treat e like trash and I a tired of it.

I began t pack my clothes together, preparing to leave the Windors house the following morning.

I could hear glass click and laughter downstairs so I get prepared and made my way down stairs to see what was going on, only to see the woman who has changed Charles.

Fiona.

“Oh, the lazy Jen is finally awake.” My mother in law said and I ignored her.

“Hello, Valerie.” Fiona said as she pulled me towards herself for a hug.

“I’m sorry, I can see you’re not excited to see me after three years but I’m back to get my Charles from you.” She said before pulling out of the hug with a smile.

I wanted to cry but I controlled myself, i cou allow this woman see how vulnerable I am.

I looked over to Charles and saw him holding hands with Fiona and smiling from chin to chin.

I guess he was happy with her and I had to find my way out of his life. That very moment I broke the news t everyone in the room.

“Charles, I want a divorce.” I said looking at him straight in the eyes.

“What??” My mother in law said.

“Oh Valerie, is it because of me? I understand that you’re not happy with me back in town but that doesn’t mean you should divorce your husband. Don’t worry I’ll be going.” Fiona turned around and pretended to be leaving and was pulled back by Charles.

I wondered if he would do same for me , but I knew the answer already. Charles never truly loved me. I was his substitute till Fiona returned.

“Don’t mind Valeria, I’m sure she wants to cause a scene.” My mother in law said.

“I’m very serious about it.”

“What’s wrong with you Valerie? Is it because you’re jealous of Fiona?”

“Jealous? How can I be jealous of a woman who left you when you had nothing and is back when she realized that you are rich now?”

Fiona bowed her head in shame because she knew I could tell why she was back.

“Stop accusing her. Fiona went abroad to get a heart transplant that’s why.” Charles defended.

“Well, I don’t care. I just want a divorce .”

“Come on don, why are you delaying? Give her the divorce that she seeks for after all my favorite daughter in law is back.” Charles mother said and Fiona smiled.

“Fine if it’s a divorce you want, then it’s settled. I’ll give you 2 million dollars and a house.”

“Why are you doing that?” Fiona asked in a fit of rage.

“Because gir this three years, she has been loyal.”

“I don’t want anything from you all I want is a divorce which you have agreed to.” I said before making my way upstairs to get my things.

After getting my things, I called ray to come pick me up and he was so happy. With my brother carpaced outside the house, I have my last words.

“Charles Windor, you’ll regret your decision and it would be too late because I’ll belong gone.” I said before stepping out of the house. The house which I helped Charles to acquire.