Chapter 4: Last Goodbye

I couldn't contain my anger anymore.

"I regret having to tell you this, Tyler Collins, but you're now a blind man who can't see what's right in front of you. Just three days ago, you weren't disabled. You could see everything clearly even when you were blind."

"Marissa!" my ex-mother-in-law called out warmly.

"Please, join us for lunch. As Renee's sister, it would mean a lot to me if you could stay a bit longer before you leave. I noticed your cab driver is already waiting."

I understood Julia's intentions clearly. She was trying to demonstrate to Tyler just how eager she was to see me leave.

For the first time, my eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief.

"Sure, Julia. If you insist." Ignoring Julia's pale expression, I confidently took a seat right next to Tyler.

Before Tyler could object, Renee placed a reassuring hand on his arm.

"It's alright, Tyler. After all, she is my sister, and she'll be leaving soon."

Both women concealed their true intentions, maintaining a facade to save face in front of him.

"Fine," he muttered, waiting as the attendant began placing the steaming dishes on the table.

As Tyler took his first bite, he suddenly stopped, his face contorting in displeasure. He spat the soup back into the bowl, frustration evident.

"This soup is way too salty!" he snapped, glaring at the bowl. "It's nothing like what I'm used to."

Renee quickly interjected, "Maybe your heightened senses are making you more sensitive to flavors," she suggested, her voice overly sweet. Tyler seemed to consider this, but his irritation remained.

I leaned forward, unable to hold back. "Things are changing, Tyler. It's not just your taste buds. You might not realize it now, but soon enough, you'll see how much has transformed in the future."

Tyler paused his meal and tilted his head, observing me, the woman who had once been so reserved and shy when he first started dating Renee.

I could feel Tyler's piercing blue eyes on me. The others might be wondering what I was saying, as only Tyler could hear my whispered words. They had certainly miscalculated by inviting me to stay for lunch and allowing me to sit so close to him.

"Watch your tongue, Marissa. Another word against my wife, and you'll regret it," Tyler warned, his blue eyes locking onto mine. I wondered if I would ever see those eyes again.

"Be happy, Tyler," I replied with a sincere smile.

"You might regret it too, once I'm gone." I noticed Tyler stiffen. After finishing my meal, I pushed back my chair and stood up.

"Goodbye, everyone," I said, my voice composed.

I gathered my belongings while the maids assisted me in finding my laptop and jewelry box, all the while ignoring Tyler's curious glances. I was in survival mode and determined not to create any further complications.

"Let's get you out of here, my little ones. This place is no longer suitable for us." With that, I departed from the mansion where I had spent the best three years of my life.

*******

"That jerk. The least he could do is hear you out," Victoria said, feeling sorry for me as I cried beside her in the pool. "You deserved a fair chance."

I had spent the night at my friend's house, unsure of where else to go. Now, we were both sitting in the pool, trying to find some comfort in the cool water.

"I just don't get it, Victoria," I said, sitting by the pool with my arms wrapped around my knees, staring into the water. "How could Renee have shown up right after his surgery? It's like she was keeping an eye on Tyler."

"Or maybe someone else in the family was feeding her all the details," Victoria suggested thoughtfully, as we both dipped our feet in the pool.

I didn't say anything. I didn't even need a divorce since my marriage was legally under the name Renee Bennett.

During the wedding, Julia had made sure the Bishop never mentioned my real name.

"What are you planning to do, Marissa?" Victoria asked, handing me a glass of iced tea.

"I have to leave, Victoria. My children could be at risk." I then explained everything to my friend, who was horrified upon learning about Tyler Collins.

"Three years ago, Julia pretended to have your best interests at heart. You need to act fast. But where will you go, my friend?" Victoria asked, her concern evident. I let out a soft chuckle, not knowing how to reply.

I realized I didn't know anyone in LA and had already graduated from my acting career.

Suddenly, Victoria sat up with excitement and clapped her hands. "Why don't you move to Brooksville?"

"Brooksville? But I don't know anyone there," I replied.

"My uncle lives there. You could start fresh and build a new life," Victoria suggested.

I sighed deeply. "No! You can't risk everything for me. My ex-mother-in-law has a brother over there. I don't want to put anybody in danger because of me. But maybe I could move to the countryside where nobody knows about me and start a new life?"

"Alright, maybe you can go there first and I'll join you later!" Victoria suggested, slipping her phone into her pocket as she stood by the poolside to take a call.

"Marissa, your phone is ringing!" Victoria said, extending the phone towards me while remaining seated.

"Who is it?" I asked, worried.

"It's the family doctor," Victoria replied with concern.

I reached for the phone, but it stopped ringing before I could answer. I tried calling back several times, but it kept saying the user was busy.

"He's not picking up," I said to Victoria.

"Maybe he'll call back," Victoria reassured me.

"I hope everything is okay," I said anxiously.

Finally, the doctor called back and said, "I just got to your mansion, but you weren't home. I dropped off something you might need with one of the Collins."

Before I could ask more, the doctor continued, "It's the ultrasound report. Did you receive it?"

My heart raced as I replied, "No, I haven't received it yet. Who exactly did you leave it with?"

"I left it with one of the Collins family members. She was sweet and thankful," the doctor clarified.

I exchanged a worried glance with Victoria. "That must be my mother-in-law, Julia Collins," I said, feeling anxious about the situation.

"I knew something was off the day you brought the report to me to check," Victoria said. "But they never mentioned the ultrasound?" My face turned pale. "If she knows about this pregnancy, her men will definitely come for me."

"Listen, love, forget about the countryside. I'll call my uncle. You just pack your bags and catch the earliest flight," Victoria urged.