“I think Mia is doing okay now, her condition is not life threatening, thank you Mia, for fighting hard”, the doctor said with a playful tone. “ Thank you so much doctor, nothing could have been possible without your help, but I have a request”, Liam spoke. “What is it Mr. Grant”.“I would like to take Mia home today, you can give me a nurse to stay over, I will cover all the bills”.“Okay Mr. Grant, as you say, let me go and complete the paperwork. I will be back in no time”.“Okay doctor, I will be waiting”.“Where do you think you're going, Emily?” Harrison said as soon as the doctor stepped out. “I am going home Sir, any problem”, I shot back. “I don't care where you go, you are not taking Mia with you”, his voice took on a sharper edge. I fiercely looked into his eyes, and smirked, as though what he just said was a joke. “Do you suffer from memory loss or what?”, I uttered. “Since when did you start loving Mia”.“Mia is my daughter, why wouldn't I love her”.I let out a low
“What is it about Emily, why are you staring like that?”, Liam asked curiously.I stared into space for a moment, “Harrison really has the nerves”, I bit my teeth in anger as I spoke. Liam snatched the paper out of my hands, running his eyes through it. “This man is really crazy”, he uttered. How could he think of filing for Mia's custody after everything he has done”.“Harrison really has the nerves”, I exclaimed in dismay. “Even before Mia is well, what kind of father is he!”.“Don't worry Emily, how could he even think he can get Mia's custody, that will never happen, because I can never let him take Mia away from you”. Liam's voice laced with outrage as he spoke. “I am here for you Emily, you're not alone, and I will make sure you win this case, for that I promise”.I gazed at Liam in awe, wondering how he managed to maintain his kindness towards me, even after the hurt I had caused him in the past few days. I studied his face, searching for any sign of resentment but all I saw w
As I searched through the file cabinet for some documents, my fingers brushed against an unexpected envelope. My heart raced with anticipation as I pulled it out. It was an envelope I had never seen before. I pulled out the documents with a tensed up face ,my heart racing and full of curiosity. My eyes widened and my face became pale upon reading the document's content. It was a document that would sever all ties, a symbol of failed promises and lost love. “Petition of Divorce”, my eyes widened in shock, my heart sank as I read, every word slicing through my soul. I stood there with a piece of paper, frozen with surprise, my whole body sweating and trembling. “I must be dreaming, this can’t be real”, I uttered barely above a whisper. I lifted my gaze to review the document just in case I had read it wrongly. I read with bated breath, my anxiety escalating with each paragraph, my eyes widened in alarm as I absorbed the words. Fear gripped me as I delved into the document. The w
The sound of drawers opening and closing echoed, rousing me from sleep. I rubbed my eyes trying to clear the haze, I gazed out, met by the warm smile of sunshine. It was morning already. ““Mia….Mia", I glanced around seeking her presence. “She’s gone to school, it’s 10:00 am”, Harrison informed me, his tone firm as he scoured the shelves determined to find whatever he was searching for. I slowly got out of bed and reached out to where I had kept the envelope. “Are you looking for this”, I said as I handed him the papers. He turned, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me with frown eyebrows, He snatched the envelope tearing it open . “Ooh, so you already saw these”, he said with an arrogant tone as he raised his eyebrows. "It’s okay, I was planning to show them to you anyway. You saved both of us time”, he smirked. I froze in place, my eyes locked onto his. “Well don’t act surprised, I had already told you I am not interested in this marriage anymore, I can’t stay wi
As the evening unfolded, the sound of the key in the lock signaled his arrival. He swung the door open, entering like a storm. I panicked upon seeing him. He walked up to me, “are you done with what I told you to do”. He asked. The question hung in the air like a challenge. I responded with a deafening silence, leaving the question unanswered. He came closer, his eyes fixed on me. "I am talking to you Ms. Emily”. He said. “I won’t sign them”. I stammered out a hesitant reply, looking straight to his face. “You what, say it again, what Emily, I didn’t hear, say it again”, he said with a voice full with marveling curiosity while nodding enthusiastically as he moved closer to me. I said I won’t sign them”. I stammered out yet another hesitant reply while maintaining a steady gaze despite trembling hands. I steeled myself to confront Harrison, I stood tall despite trembling legs. A lifetime of dread condensed into this moment. I wasn’t ready to let go of a relationship
Later that night, sorrow whispered my name, the weight of my sorrow felt like an anchor, dragging me down. My world had shattered. The marriage I had fought So hard and sacrificed So much for had finally come to an end. Harrison was sound asleep, like he had achieved his long life dream. Looked at the man who once promised to give me the world, shattering the one I had created. How could he be this selfless? What’s the reason he changed so much?. Did he even love me!. The more I thought, the more questions I had but still no answers emerged. I felt like I was drowning in the sea of uncertainty. Being a person born in a broken family, growing up was like navigating a minefield. It really messed me up mentally, maybe that explains why I have always had attachment issues with Harrison. My childhood was filled with numerous challenges, from low self esteem, anxiety and depression, social isolation, low academic achievement to identity confusion, and So many more. Thinking about Mia
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. It was Harrison. As he walked in, my heart skipped a bit. The atmosphere shifted, like the calm before a storm, He walked up to me. “Ooh Emily, you're done packing already, it’s like you were eagerly waiting for this day, just like me”, he said mockingly. Lost in my own world, I ignored his presence. “Emily, so you hate me already, just yesterday you were begging me to stay and today you're showing an attitude, uhmm….”, he continued mocking. I didn’t give him any attention and proceeded to leave, as I was just about to reach the exit. I stepped back to where Harrison was. “Before I go, I have a favor to ask you, in case you don’t mind”, I said looking straight into his face. “You can go on, as long as it’s not taking you back”, he said with his head held high, and a slight tilt backwards. “I can at least fulfill your last wish, you know i'm not as bad as you think I am”, he smiled with his bottom teeth. “Why did you
After a long day, I finally arrived at my mom’s house. I stepped onto the familiar porch of my childhood home. Walking through the front door revived forgotten moments of my past. I had convinced myself I had left this chapter of my life behind,but here I was, back at the beginning. Standing in this very spot, I realized life had come full circle and I wasn't prepared. A surprise return to familiar grounds.The door swung open and my mom's pinched face greeted me, I dropped my bags and gave my mom a big hug.“What happened, why are you here?” she asked, her eyes blazed with intensity.I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.“I am talking to you”, her voice rose.“Mom please, at least not now”,my voice cracked with emotion.“Emily…. Emily”, Nora came running.She reached just in time to rescue me from the interrogation.Nora is my childhood friend who has always been on my side no matter the circumstances. I can say she understands me even more than my mom does. She was the only person
“What is it about Emily, why are you staring like that?”, Liam asked curiously.I stared into space for a moment, “Harrison really has the nerves”, I bit my teeth in anger as I spoke. Liam snatched the paper out of my hands, running his eyes through it. “This man is really crazy”, he uttered. How could he think of filing for Mia's custody after everything he has done”.“Harrison really has the nerves”, I exclaimed in dismay. “Even before Mia is well, what kind of father is he!”.“Don't worry Emily, how could he even think he can get Mia's custody, that will never happen, because I can never let him take Mia away from you”. Liam's voice laced with outrage as he spoke. “I am here for you Emily, you're not alone, and I will make sure you win this case, for that I promise”.I gazed at Liam in awe, wondering how he managed to maintain his kindness towards me, even after the hurt I had caused him in the past few days. I studied his face, searching for any sign of resentment but all I saw w
“I think Mia is doing okay now, her condition is not life threatening, thank you Mia, for fighting hard”, the doctor said with a playful tone. “ Thank you so much doctor, nothing could have been possible without your help, but I have a request”, Liam spoke. “What is it Mr. Grant”.“I would like to take Mia home today, you can give me a nurse to stay over, I will cover all the bills”.“Okay Mr. Grant, as you say, let me go and complete the paperwork. I will be back in no time”.“Okay doctor, I will be waiting”.“Where do you think you're going, Emily?” Harrison said as soon as the doctor stepped out. “I am going home Sir, any problem”, I shot back. “I don't care where you go, you are not taking Mia with you”, his voice took on a sharper edge. I fiercely looked into his eyes, and smirked, as though what he just said was a joke. “Do you suffer from memory loss or what?”, I uttered. “Since when did you start loving Mia”.“Mia is my daughter, why wouldn't I love her”.I let out a low
Harrison darted his gaze back and forth at Mia and me, “uhmm, what do you mean baby”, he stammered. “Exactly what you heard, I am my mother's daughter, only her's”, Mia said firmly, without a hint of fear in her voice. “Mia”, I hurriedly called her name, urgency in my voice. She slowly shifted her gaze towards me, “What is it mummy?, am I saying anything wrong”, she proceeded. “What kind of nonsense did you feed into my daughter”, Harrison said as he slowly moved his head, gazing into my direction, “I am the one talking to you, why are you looking at her”, Mia spoke confidently. I stared at Mia with an unrelenting gaze, astonished by the courage she had at just 10 years old. Her bold and daring attitude was way more than her age. As I watched the fearlessness in her eyes, tears pricked at the corner of my eyes as I wondered how much Mia had matured, even at such a young age. “Since when did you start talking to me like that dear, look I am your father”, Harrison c
“Mia… Mia..!”I stammered, my heart was racing, making it hard to get my words out. “Yes mummy”, She proceeded. “Right from the time we were still with daddy, I always knew he didn't like us. But I didn't want to show it in front of you, I knew how much you indured everything for me, I couldn't shatter you by the fact that I knew anything”. As I listened to her, tears began to fall. But I was so absorbed in the moment, I couldn't wipe them away. I couldn't believe it was Mia who spilled out such thoughtful and mature words at such a young age. “Mia..!”, I murmured, as tears rolled down my cheeks. “I am a grown up woman now, please don't do anything wrong for my sake mama, especially not going back to Harrison”, her tone became more urgent as she spoke. “ Baby..! “, since when…… ?”, “Since the day I got you crying on the floor, even though you tried hiding it so well, I knew something was certainly wrong”. My gaze glued on her, my eyes fixed on her in utter disbelief. “Ba
A warm smile spread across Mia's face as her eyes sparkled. Her face glowed with happiness, a look of pure delight flashed across her face. “Really mummy, she said excitedly”.“ Yes baby”, I replied as I smiled widely. “He is just out, he will be here any minute, I am sure you missed him so much”.“Yes mummy I… ..!”. Mia's words were cut short by a knock on the door. We both turned our gaze towards the door, “Hello Princess…!”It was Harrison. He steadily walked closer with his arms spread wide open ready for a hug. “I missed you so much my baby”, Harrison said as he gave Mia a hug. Tears started to well up in Mia's eyes as she hugged her father, she slowly pulled back, and wiped the tears that were threatening to fall. “What is it Mia?, why are you crying?”Harrison asked as he slowly wiped Mia's tears. Mia smiled amidst her sobs. “Nothing Dad, I just missed you”, she whispered. “I am here now baby, I will never leave you again love, I promise”.Tears of joy pricked at the corner o
I stood still, staring at Nora as she disappeared into space. “I am not sorry”, I whispered, trying to convince myself. “ Don't you worry about anyone else, I am right here Emily”, Harrison said as he placed his hands on my shoulder. I flinched a bit, responding to his touch. “I am okay”, I whispered barely above my sobs. Suddenly the phone rang, it was Harrison's phone. His gaze flicked over the phone, then away, as if unsure what to do. “Excuse me Emily, let me take this call”. He said as he cupped his phone over the phone, muffling the conversation as he moved away. I hesitated and then slowly sat down as if unsure. I thought back to the fact that I had chose Harrison over Liam and Nora, my best friend, and the pain I had caused her by going back to Harrison. “I am sorry Nora, Please forgive me, but I had to do this, for Mia”, I whispered to myself, as tears flowed down uncontrollably. It was a difficult decision for me but I had to do it, for Mia. I had lost Nora's trust
I stared at him with unrelenting focus. “Why are you staring at me like that Emily”, he asked, confusion etched on his face. “I need to make some things clear to you, before you get your expectations high”, I stated, my voice low and serious. “I am only getting back to you because of Mia, the doctor said she should avoid stress”, I said as I darted my gaze away. “Whatever the reason is, I don't care Emily, as long as your back, that's what matters to me”.He moved closer and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Trust me Emily”, he whispered. “I will do everything so that we go back to how we were”. “Just forget about that”, I murmured. “Haaa…”, he exclaimed. “Nothing”, let's go see Mia's condition”. I said as I turned away, ready to leave. Harrison followed closely behind me. ************************* As we approached Nora, I saw her expression change even before we reached her, I noticed it even from a distance. As we finally got closer to her, her eyes flashed with a fierc
Liam stumbled backwards, his eyes darting between us as if searching for answers. I shifted my gaze at Harrison. “Are you done”, I asked softly. “Yes dear, I am done”, he said as he turned his gaze towards Liam, who stood stiff. “What are you two doing here alone, where is Nora?”, Harrison asked as he glanced around. “Who are you to ask”, Liam asked furiously. “Emily is my wife, we can talk about whatever we want”.“Emily is mine, she may be your wife now, but she was mine first, and I am going to take her back from you” “Don't be so sure”.“ Of course I am, right Emily”, Harrison said as he turned his gaze towards me. “Can you both stop this, you're not kids anymore”, I said, my tone firm and fed up. “Emily, you should ask your fake husband to shut up”, Harrison said as he pointed a finger at Liam. My eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I shot a glance at Liam. His face lit with surprise too, he gazed at me continuously, and let out a sigh of disbelief. “ Emily, don't tell me you
Liam locked his gaze on me, for a moment without saying a word. “Why are you just staring at me, I thought we had come to talk”, I murmured softly, maintaining my gaze. “Yes, there are some things I want us to talk about”, he said firmly as he moved closer to me. “I want us to talk about our marriage”. My eyebrows knitted together as I tried to understand. “Wait, what do you mean?”I asked curiously. He slowly lifted his hands and placed them on my shoulder.“ Emily, I am talking about our marriage, me and you”, his tone turned cold, more serious and scary. “L..iam”, I stammered. “Are you talking about the marriage we all know is fake?”, my voice trembled as I spoke. “To you it may be fake, but to me… !”, he paused for a minute before continuing. “To me it's not”, he spoke, his voice filled with vulnerability. “L…iam”. “Yes Emily, So please don't abandon me for Harrison, please Emily, I need you too, Emily please”, he begged. His words washed over me, leaving me breathless