I've successfully been able to give Pat space as much as possible, and I've also been a bit withdrawn."Jordan, please, can I have a word with you?” Patricia says, knocking on my door.For how long will I keep giving Patricia the silent treatment? Every time I think about our last conversation, it makes me nauseous. I know her boyfriend put the ideas in her head, but knowing that she had thought them through pains me so much. It shows how belittlingly she thinks of me. A knock on the door jolts me out of my train of thought.“Come in. I'm very busy. Can it wait?”“Oh ok. I can come back," she says, sadness written all over her face.Arggh.. I hate that I can't even stay mad at her for so long. A day and a half of giving her a cold shoulder, and it's already becoming tiring.“If it’s really important, then out with it.”“Can I sit?” she says, gesturing to the woven chair beside my bed.“Whatever you want to say can be said outside my room.” I say emphasising the last two words.“Ray is
It has been absolutely nothing short of incredible these past few weeks in Seychelles. Walking through verdant forests and visiting beaches has been a few of the many adventures of our days. We couldn't help but think back on the amazing times we had as we got ready to leave this paradise. forests and visiting beaches had been among the many adventures of our days."Remember that snorkelling trip to Anse Lazio, Patricia?" Jordan muses, a wistful smile on his face. "Ray was so excited to see all those colourful fishes."Ray's eyes lit up with excitement as she recalled the underwater wonders she witnessed. "And the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island! They were like ancient dinosaurs, Dad!"I chuckle at the memory. "Yes, Ray, they were quite a sight. And Jordan, remember when we tried the local Creole cuisine? The flavours were incredible.”“And how you wouldn’t try the Octopus?" Ray and Jordan chorus, and I laugh. I was willing to try everything else aside from that.“I loved everythin
What is it that Bryan wants from me specifically? Why is he in such a rush to see me? He was eager to wrap up our talk when I last called him. Regardless, he won't ruin my good mood. Although I really miss Seychelles, it feels wonderful to be back in Manhattan. Neither Jordan nor I wanted to leave, but Rachel had to come get ready for resumption, and Jordan had to take a business trip to China.Not having him around for three days now feels different, especially after we've been in each other's company for weeks now. Ray is spending the week with her grandparents before she resumes school. It’s just me, all alone in this big house. I am thankful to Jordan, who calls from time to time to keep me company; otherwise, I would have passed out from boredom.With the way Bryan's calls keep coming in, if I don’t pick up, my phone will eventually go off from Bryan’s constant calls.“What is it?” I ask angrily as flashbacks from our last conversation replay.“Babe,”“I’m not your baby. Last tim
The bustling city of Shanghai, with its towering skyscrapers, has me firmly positioned for a business meeting. The grandeur of China's financial capital, however, seems a world away from the concerns that now consume my thoughts.We finally concluded our meeting after what felt like forever. I check my watch and realise it's 8 a.m., which simply means it's 9 p.m. of the previous day over there. Time to call Patricia. We are 12 hours ahead of them, so I'm sure she's done for the day. We have been keeping in touch regularly, sharing updates about our respective days even when we are miles apart.I dial Patricia's number, eager to hear her voice and tell her about my progress here in China, but to my surprise and growing unease, the call keeps going straight to voicemail. I redial it again, and once more, it is met with the impersonal voice recording.Panic begins to gnaw at me as I call her several more times. Each attempt met with the same result and was eventually switched off. It is
I got talking with Zoe the other day, and she promised to help sell the dress Jordan got me after I told her how I desperately needed the money to pay for fashion school. I must say, I never knew we would bond so fast in such a short period of time, considering our social class.Apparently, I forgot my phone in the Uber, and Bryan was nice enough to pick it up for me. Every time I recollect how Jordan took a 13-hour flight just to make sure I was okay, it gives me butterflies in my stomach. I want to give Bryan and me another chance, but that spark isn't there anymore. I'm hoping it comes back soon, as I do not want to force what's not there anymore.If anyone ever told me I would be sitting in expensive silk nightwear courtesy of Jordan and sipping champagne in an in-house cinema earlier this year, I would have laughed out loud. I'm not sure why they never make use of it. Well, they do not make use of a lot of things. During one of our recent conversations, he gave me his consent to
I wake up with a banging headache and try to remember the things that happened the night before. After a lot of back and forth with the Chinese, we finally completed everything pertaining to the construction design agreement and were paid upfront.The sleek, black limousine glided through the bustling streets of Shanghai. Inside, I and my team are seated, about to celebrate a major victory at a bar renowned for its exclusive atmosphere.The car pulls up in front of the upscale establishment. As I step out, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. I’ve really achieved all the goals I set for myself this year, and the year hasn't even ended yet. My team and I just closed a deal that will be inscribed on the four walls of the architectural industry, a milestone worthy of celebration.Inside the dimly lit bar, I and my team of four share a look of excitement. I raise a glass of champagne in a toast. "To hard work, innovation, and the bright future we've just unlocked," I proclaim.The c
“Bye, baby.”"Bye, Aunt Ricia,” Ray says, kissing my cheeks before storming off to class with her friends.She is so excited to resume school. The summer holiday was indeed a lengthy one. Daniel rushes to open the door of the car as I approach it.“Daniel, this is embarrassing,” I say, looking at the parents currently staring at us.“I'm just being a gentleman,” he says, chuckling."Thanks, but I can get the door myself. I don't want to steer up unnecessary talks.”“Regardless, whatever you do or don't do, people will always have something to say. Besides, you dropped Ray off today, and that's going to have people talking already. Aside from family and Miss Charity, no one picks her up or drops her off.”“Maybe I should print Ray’s nanny, the Bakers’ housekeeper, on a placard to keep everyone’s mouth shut."“That's quite extreme,” Daniel says, shaking off the thought.I notice Jordan’s GLK sitting in the carport, which is strange because it wasn't there this morning.“Is Jordan home?”
All the going back and forth with Patricia and this issue with Mildred kind of has me pissed. What the hell is Mildred playing at coming to my house, knowing fully well that I’m not home,only to come and tell Patricia things that Patricia doesn’t want to disclose? Mildred will be hearing from me soon, and she’s not going to like it.I don’t get why Patricia can’t just make up her mind already. I know she at least feels something towards me, but she’s just restraining herself. I sigh exasperatedly as I walk to my room and collapse on the bed. That run was very much needed.I shower and change into something corporate, but style it casually. I don’t feel like going into the office today; rather, I’ll go say hi to Tony for a bit, come back and work from home so I can spend enough time with Ray when she gets back from school, and maybe even take her out after I surprise her with my little gift. My GLK pulls up in front of Tony’s three-level penthouse. I called him earlier to let him know
Epilogue6 months later I tap my fingers on the driving wheel, humming along to the pulse of the road, feeling the beat echo within. Each song becomes a personal concert, and my audience is the world outside my window. With each note, the journey transforms into an adventure full of songs and delight, making every mile unique.The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow as I drive , my pregnant belly gently cradled by the steering wheel as I embark on a journey to pick up Ray from her mother Vanessa's house. The anticipation of seeing Ray radiates through me blending with the rhythmic kicks of the little one in my belly.Arriving at Vanessa's house, I take a moment to steady myself before ringing the doorbell. Vanessa greets me with a warm smile. "Thanks for doing this, Patricia, for allowing Ray spend the weekend even though it wasn’t my week.” Vanessa says her expression soft with gratitude."It's my pleasure. Ray and I have a special bond, and it’s important that she has that type of
“Son, we are so happy for you.” father says super proud “Your father is right and we are glad you are very happy because we see how your face lights up all the time.”“Thanks. I love how both of you show up for me every time and support me. How you guys helped me raise Ray with unwavering love.”“You are our child and she's our granddaughter. It's our duty.” father says.“All the same, thanks again.” “I’ll leave you two to discuss while I check on what's cooking.” mother says excusing us.“So how's work?”“Going smoothly, dad. Thanks for asking.”“Don’t you think it's high time you take a break?”“I was thinking so too. Tony and I are organizing a group trip for our ladies.”“Now that's my boy. How's Ray and how’s she coping with this new chapter?”“Surprisingly good. Vanessa is good with children and I'm wondering what changed.”“People change. You did too.”I nod, father's words sinking in. "Yeah, people do change," I agree, pondering the evolution of myself and those around me."Y
The car hums softly as we embark on the journey back home after an emotional reunion with Ray's birth mother, Vanessa. The air in the car is thick with a mixture of lingering tension and unspoken questions. Ray, sitting in the back seat, stares out of the window, seemingly lost in thought. I wonder how she must be feeling after meeting her mother and if she has any question on her mind. Jordan, his hands steady on the wheel, steals a glance at Ray. Concern etched on his face, he speaks gently, "Ray, how are you feeling?"Ray sighs , her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery. "I don't know, Dad. It's a lot to process." I turn in my seat reaching out to touch Ray's hand. "We're here for you, sweetheart. Whatever you're feeling, it's valid."Ray nods , a small smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate that, Mom." I love it when she calls me mom and the thought of having a little child growing in me that will call me mom as well is so exciting. The car moves in a comfortable silence
Vanessa stands there, seemingly untouched by time, her slender figure and unchanged appearance hinting at a timeless beauty. There's a momentary question lingering as to whether she could truly be the mother of the boys following behind, given the absence of any visible resemblance."Vanessa," I call out from the car."Welcome to my home. Jordan and Patricia, thank you very much for this. I do not take it lightly," she acknowledges."Hi, Rachel. It's so lovely to see you. I'm Vanessa.""Hi, Mom," Ray greets warmly.Vanessa's face lights up, glowing with joy like a myriad of stars."Can I give you a hug?""Yes, please," Ray responds, embracing her eagerly."These are my sons, Gabriel and Nathaniel Parker. My husband and their father are late," she announces."Sorry for your loss," we chorus, following the boys' greetings."It's alright. It was a long time ago. Shortly after I got married to him, he took ill and passed. Let's not waste any further time out here. Let's all go in."As we
It's a relief that Jordan and I were able to work through our issues and emerge with a renewed vow to never let secrets ruin our relationship. The lesson acquired from the difficult experience emphasised the critical value of honesty and transparency.What truly surprised me was Jordan's apology for his impulsive decision to ask me to leave without taking the time to process everything. Admittedly, my choice to withhold essential information felt like a significant breach of trust, casting a shadow over our relationship.However, Jordan's perspective on the dynamics of marriage startled me. Despite the hurt caused by my actions, he believed that a successful marriage necessitates navigating such challenges through open communication and forgiveness.At that moment, I felt conflicting emotions—my initial guilt for withholding information, Jordan's surprising apology, and his conviction in the essential aspects of trust and openness in a marriage. It forced me to rethink my concept of t
In the solitude of this past week, amidst the echo of my own thoughts, I've embarked on an odyssey within myself. In the wake of shattered trust, I find myself navigating a labyrinth of emotions, haunted by the echoes of betrayal. Yet, amidst the debris of fractured promises, there's a yearning to rebuild what was once a sanctuary of companionship. The road to reconciliation feels like walking on shards of glass, each step a cautious maneuver to bridge the chasm that divides us. But within this tempest of hurt lies a glimmer of hope, a desire to unearth the truth, to mend the rift, and perhaps forge a stronger bond, weathered yet resilient in the face of adversity.The air in my father's study hangs heavy with the weight of unspoken words and hidden truths. Stepping into this sanctum of memories, the familiar scent of aged books and polished wood offers solace amidst the impending revelation.Mother's absence is a blessing in this moment, sparing her the pain that lingers within the d
The ticking clock echoes in my quiet room, each passing second emphasizing the void left by three days of strained silence. The memory of the argument with Jordan replays in my mind, the pain still fresh, and the weight of regret settling in my chest.My phone lies untouched on the table, its screen devoid of messages or missed calls. I can't bring myself to break the silence, understanding that the wounds from my actions need time to heal. I feel empty without him, unable to eat or sleep properly, spending my days confined in the room, looking like a mess.Regret gnaws at my conscience as I replay the argument in my mind. I had kept a secret, thinking it would be a protective shield for Jordan, only to realize that it has become a barrier between us. Communication truly is key in a relationship; the outcome might have been totally different if I had spoken to him about it as soon as it happened and we had discussed ways on how to go about it. Now I feel like I’ve lost his trust and I
I lay in the hotel bed totally famished and emotionally drained. I don't deserve this. My head is spinning from days of trying to phantom everything that has happened.We were supposed to be on our way to Greece today. I hope she's out when I get back. I need a break from her to be able to think things through. If I'm going to have to get over her which I doubt is possible, I would have to see less of her or her things till I've made a decision. I feel so betrayed!I had to put off my phone because she kept calling non-stop. Only Tony knows my whereabouts and what's going on. I can't bring myself to tell my parents.A knock on my door draws my attention back to my surroundings. That must be room service. I can't let them see me like this.“I'm very busy at the moment, kindly check back later,” I say from behind the door.“It's Tony man.”Arghhhhhh. How do I conceal the wounds on my knuckles?“I'm waiting or else I'll have them bring down this door.”I open the door and resume back to m
The weight of reality hits me hard—I can't believe he found out before I had the chance to tell him. Not that his reaction would have been different, but I wanted to be the one to explain. The door closes behind me, leaving me on the floor, where minutes ago I was pleading with Jordan not to leave.Unable to stand, I remain seated, weeping, and wondering how it came to this. It's only been three months of marriage, and now this. What if he decides on a divorce? I can't lose him; imagining life without him feels unbearable.The gravity of the situation hits me, and I crumble into more tears, my shoulders shaking with the weight of heartache. Realizing I've lost something irreplaceable, coupled with the remorse for not trusting Jordan with the truth, devastates me. I should have mentioned it the very day Bryan sent the message, but I just couldn't. And now, my greatest fear has come true.I don’t know how long I sit crying, but by the time I wake up, it’s past nine. Summoning the courag