AMELIA'S POVJust like everyone says, I had always thought grief would come in waves, or still, in little drops. But no, it was different standing here. And the scorching weather did not in any way offer fortitude.As the casket lowered beneath the earth, letting in what remained of a man I never thought I would cry for. A cold shiver pierced through my skin, and fresh tears streamed down my cheeks again.Beside me, Pastor Evans adjusted his posture against the wind, his kind eyes watching me before he opened his mouth. "You can say something if you’d like," he offered gently. His voice was steady, against the storm of emotions swirling inside me.My life had grown into an abode of unsteadiness, a whirlwind of emotions and occurrences. A minute, it would be a happy one, the next it would be a sad occurrence.I swallowed hard, words stuck in my throat like a piece of stone. What do you even say at a funeral where you’re the only mourner, wouldn't it just be as if I was addressing mys
NELSON'S POV"A man never makes a wrong decision," I cautioned myself as I stood in front of the mirror. I didn't know how long I had been standing there. Maybe minutes or hours?The only thing I knew was that the man inside the mirror wasn't the me that I used to know.Everything in my life had been going well until recently. My company had mysteriously lost the opportunity of partnering with one of the largest firms in the city due to a devilish clause that was beyond explanation. In order to secure enough financial back up to keep my company running, I had decided to divorce Amelia according to Linda's request, but still, she wouldn't let me have a grasp of my father's assets.And to worsen it all, Alex, my you get brother whom I thought was dead and gone for good, had just appeared. He wasn't dead.And just like everyone would do, he wanted revenge.My slender frame had become even more tiny, my eyes were empty, making it obvious that I lacked happiness. My shoulder, wide as the
AMELIA'S POVThe cold wind brushed against my skin as I stepped out of the burial ground, making my body tremble slightly despite the scorching weather. My fingers trembled from clutching the flowers I had just placed on the grave.His name rang in my head, perhaps for the last time. It was cold and final. I swallowed the lump that was still in my throat, fighting back tears that threatened to blind my vision."Rest well and forgive me," I whispered again, the rustling trees barely making my voice inaudible.As I turned to leave finally, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I stopped, gripping the iron fence to steady myself. Maybe it was just exhaustion. I hadn't eaten much lately and I had barely slept. Grief enveloped me, like a butterfly to a flower.'You'll be fine,' I murmured to myself. 'Just get home.'But with every step, my legs grew heavier and weaker, lagging helplessly against the dusty ground. It was as if a magnetic force was pulling my leg from beneath. My breath quic
AMELIA'S POV 5 YEARS LATERStanding before the mirror, my mind reeled with bewilderment at the reflection that I saw. I could almost say the woman inside the mirror wasn't me.Except for memories which brought back the pain from the past, there was no trace of the hurt anymore. The scar, disappeared and the wounds healed.This is the kind of woman I had wanted to be. An independent woman, with a world of her own. Ruling her life and not having to live in accordance with whatever standard any fucking person set for her. I styled my hair in the regular manner, applied my make up. My lip gloss was resting seductively on my small lips. One last glance at the mirror and satisfaction from my appearance washed over me, I headed out of the room.My heels clicked against the floor, a constant thing which usually announced to the house that I was ready to go to work."Good morning, mummy." I turned to see Daisy, sitting on her favorite couch in the living room, fingers crossed on her chest,
AMELIA'S POV“Could you drive faster, please?” I screamed at the taxi driver carelessly. “I am, ma'am. There's a speed limit around here, it is a Government Reserved Avenue,” the young man stated pleadingly.It wasn't that the car was moving so slow but the urge to get to the hospital consumed my reasoning. I looked at my reflection through the interior rearview mirror and I could see pain and grief written all over my face.The only thing which remained unchanged about me was my blood-red lip gloss. That has been the only lip gloss I apply whenever I go to work. I sent a glance towards my wrist watch, I realized I was 35 minutes late for work. But that wasn't what mattered most now. I had almost gotten ready for work when my phone rang, it was the hospital number. “Come to the hospital now, your father's health keeps getting worse,” the voice said sharply.“Arrgh! Finally,” I grunted as I alighted from the taxi, handing a note to the driver. The strong aseptic scent of the hospita
NELSON'S POV“But dad, I'm already 28, what else is the problem? Didn't you say I'd be legalized as the heir to your inheritance when I clock 22?” I snapped at my father, my eyes burning with anger.“But your mom says you must get married, son,” he replied pleadingly. “You see it's for your best, we need to ensure that you grow into a responsible child.”I kept quiet, I didn't say anything to his last words. Somehow I was angry at my father but I wasn't sure why. Maybe because he was too lenient to have allowed a woman control his life or because he couldn't fight to protect his son's interest, perhaps, because she was not my biological mother?Growing up, my father had always been too gentle. Unlike other rich business men that I knew who were always powerful and ruthless, my dad was the complete opposite.“I can't continue with this, dad. Why can't you all consider my interest too? Would you have me marry the wrong partner because of inheritance?”“Your mother knows best. You shoul
AMELIA'S POV “Hey, you don't look alright. You are crying too much,” the man said, bringing an end to my moment of wonder.The presence of this man got me captivated and glued to the spot. His towering height, his muscular arms and broad chest sent shivers to my body.“I'm fine,” I finally managed to respond before reaching for the door. “And… I'm sorry for bumping into you.”“It's alright,” he waved, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.I reached for the door in a hurry, humiliated by my reaction. I knew I admired the man but I secretly prayed he didn't read through my actions.Soon, the day's work was over. I picked my bag and was ready to leave the office. Frustration settled on me again. Fresh as ever I remembered that my father had less than 68 hours to live if I didn't get the money.I took a taxi and headed to Clara's place. At least , “ a problem shared is half solved they say.”“Hey, shaddy,” Clara said. That was her way of addressing me fondly. I didn't say anything, I sa
AMELIA'S POV“What condition is that?” Clara shouted, walking forward and ready to negotiate.He snapped his fingers, and the young man from earlier appeared again, placing a document in his hand. “Here is the condition,” he muttered.I took the paper, glancing through it with my heart racing. Clara leaned in on my shoulder, stretching to see the content of the paper. I never realized I was still standing until I saw something shocking on the paper - a contract marriage with rules attached.I looked up from the paper, his gaze locked into mine and he seemed to have read my mind correctly, seemingly answering the question that lingered on my mind. “Yes, be my wife for two years and I'll handle A-L-L of your expenses,” he grinned.For seconds, I was torn between surprise and indecisiveness. Then it began to make sense to me; he had probably inquired from Leo about the reason for my sad countenance earlier.“And the rules?” Clara asked.“Yes, the rules must be strictly adhered to: No un
AMELIA'S POV 5 YEARS LATERStanding before the mirror, my mind reeled with bewilderment at the reflection that I saw. I could almost say the woman inside the mirror wasn't me.Except for memories which brought back the pain from the past, there was no trace of the hurt anymore. The scar, disappeared and the wounds healed.This is the kind of woman I had wanted to be. An independent woman, with a world of her own. Ruling her life and not having to live in accordance with whatever standard any fucking person set for her. I styled my hair in the regular manner, applied my make up. My lip gloss was resting seductively on my small lips. One last glance at the mirror and satisfaction from my appearance washed over me, I headed out of the room.My heels clicked against the floor, a constant thing which usually announced to the house that I was ready to go to work."Good morning, mummy." I turned to see Daisy, sitting on her favorite couch in the living room, fingers crossed on her chest,
AMELIA'S POVThe cold wind brushed against my skin as I stepped out of the burial ground, making my body tremble slightly despite the scorching weather. My fingers trembled from clutching the flowers I had just placed on the grave.His name rang in my head, perhaps for the last time. It was cold and final. I swallowed the lump that was still in my throat, fighting back tears that threatened to blind my vision."Rest well and forgive me," I whispered again, the rustling trees barely making my voice inaudible.As I turned to leave finally, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I stopped, gripping the iron fence to steady myself. Maybe it was just exhaustion. I hadn't eaten much lately and I had barely slept. Grief enveloped me, like a butterfly to a flower.'You'll be fine,' I murmured to myself. 'Just get home.'But with every step, my legs grew heavier and weaker, lagging helplessly against the dusty ground. It was as if a magnetic force was pulling my leg from beneath. My breath quic
NELSON'S POV"A man never makes a wrong decision," I cautioned myself as I stood in front of the mirror. I didn't know how long I had been standing there. Maybe minutes or hours?The only thing I knew was that the man inside the mirror wasn't the me that I used to know.Everything in my life had been going well until recently. My company had mysteriously lost the opportunity of partnering with one of the largest firms in the city due to a devilish clause that was beyond explanation. In order to secure enough financial back up to keep my company running, I had decided to divorce Amelia according to Linda's request, but still, she wouldn't let me have a grasp of my father's assets.And to worsen it all, Alex, my you get brother whom I thought was dead and gone for good, had just appeared. He wasn't dead.And just like everyone would do, he wanted revenge.My slender frame had become even more tiny, my eyes were empty, making it obvious that I lacked happiness. My shoulder, wide as the
AMELIA'S POVJust like everyone says, I had always thought grief would come in waves, or still, in little drops. But no, it was different standing here. And the scorching weather did not in any way offer fortitude.As the casket lowered beneath the earth, letting in what remained of a man I never thought I would cry for. A cold shiver pierced through my skin, and fresh tears streamed down my cheeks again.Beside me, Pastor Evans adjusted his posture against the wind, his kind eyes watching me before he opened his mouth. "You can say something if you’d like," he offered gently. His voice was steady, against the storm of emotions swirling inside me.My life had grown into an abode of unsteadiness, a whirlwind of emotions and occurrences. A minute, it would be a happy one, the next it would be a sad occurrence.I swallowed hard, words stuck in my throat like a piece of stone. What do you even say at a funeral where you’re the only mourner, wouldn't it just be as if I was addressing mys
AMELIA'S POVI stared at the check in my hand as the car drove slowly away. I clutched it tight as it might vanish any moment from now. The number on it was outrageous, too surreal to believe.I felt like bursting into a long dry laugh. I mean just some hours ago, I was sleeping in my ex lover's house, reminiscing on the shock that came with Nelson's sudden request for divorce.I was still filled with pain and bitterness towards Nelson. One minute I was his wife, the next I was a piece of trash. I had hoped he would change, see me for my worth, and acknowledge me beyond the contract but I was wrong. Funny thing? I didn't realize I was wrong until I was forced out, with nothing to go back to. Not even a home.And now… this? A fortune dropped into my lap like a twisted fairytale. Only that I wish this wasn’t one of those crazy dreams, because I might keep living my life in the dream world.No, dreams didn’t come wrapped in guilt and regret. So it wasn't a dream.I felt the earlier feel
My eyes widened in shock, hands tracing the edge of my dress. I tried to speak but I couldn't, until I finally forced the words out. “But you almost gave me the check just now," I retorted slowly. "I'm sorry for the mix up, It was a mistake, Amelia. There's one more thing.” " And that is?” "A signatory is required.” What does that even mean? " A signatory?” I asked as if I didn't hear him the first time. " Yes, someone who signs to confirm your identity. It could be anyone, so far they have a certificate of citizenship.” With that I stood to leave. Fuck! I was just about claiming a life changing fortune. Why did it not work? Outside the building, I stood arms akimbo. Frustration washed over me fresh and undiluted. A salty liquid washed over my skin. I was sweating. Who could be my signatory? Clara, the only friend I had who could help out was out of reach. Minutes passed away, there was no one to call, no hope in sight. Then the name called in my head. 'Alex.’ “No," I s
AMELIA'S POVThe sound of the door echoed in my ears for minutes. I was rooted to the spot, my legs felt as if they had been planted to the spot.Why did it have to be me again?For several moments, I couldn't leave the spot. My hands glued to my waist, trying to shake off the feeling of disappointment mixed with sorrow, attempting to knead my bitterness away.I reached for my phone, trying to reach out to Clara but it dropped. Unable to connect.'Where do I go from here?' I said in my head, hoping for answers. Answers that never came.A warm, salty liquid tripped down my cheeks, and my eyes were heavy with the weight of shattered dreams. My chest ached with a dull throbbing pain, as if someone squeezed my heart. It was difficult to catch my breath, the same way it was impossible to escape the suffocating sense of disappointment that wrapped around me like a wall.'You should just get used to disappointment' I told myself before I carried my suitcase and left. The world felt strange a
AMELIA'S POVAs the night wore on, my mind was nothing but a battleground for several thoughts. I wriggled from one side of the bed to the other, but that didn't help me find answers to the numerous questions threatening to shatter my head into pieces.Why couldn't Nelson find the good in me? Why did he have to resolve to divorce when we were supposed to be married for 24 months?I had been a fool to have fallen for him and expecting him to do the same. And Alex… what did he know? Was he telling the truth? Why did he appear again just when I thought Nelson and I were getting along?Was Alex aware of Nelson's act?And then to the news of the $500 million, was it true or just someone behind the scene playing some pranks?I could barely wait for the night to be over and, finally, it was, after what felt like eternity.The first thing I did was grab my phone. I felt a sharp throbbing in my head as I tried to lift my body off the bed. I found my way to the bathroom and in no time, I was r
AMELIA "What are you doing? Why the hell are you doing it?" I asked again, choking him with questions.My breath seized, heart pounding like mortar against pestle, forcing into the background, the gentle patter of rain around us. But he remained calm, his face, his look, everything about him commanded control. This couldn't be real. "What am I doing?" he said, his mouth advertising an elaborate smirk then he continued. "I'm trying to get back what belongs to me.. And why? Because I need to let you know that I still love you as much as I believe that you do as well."This whole thing was getting more unbelievable. I stared outside of the car, the rain was still coming in a furious downpour. And I couldn't believe that I wished I was in it again, hoping its cool, gentle brushing against my skin would wash off the boiling rage inside of me. "That's a lie, Alex. A big one, I'm not a fool to believe your woes of a lie," I cried out, letting my voice come in a painful, shallow scream.