Alone In A Foreign Land
“Ma’am, there’s no marriage record between you and Mr. Mark Henderson in the system.”
My fingers tightened around the pregnancy report as my legs nearly gave out beneath me.
Five years ago, Mark was recruited by a top law firm abroad with a high-paying offer. Without hesitation, I followed him across the ocean.
He had told me, “Once I’m settled, I’ll take care of your status.”
However, five years had passed, and my lawful permanent residence was still “in process.” Meanwhile, his assistant, Tonya Irving, who followed him abroad, had secured hers under his sponsorship.
Back then, I made a scene, insisting on a divorce so I could return home. For the first time, the ever-composed Mark, an attorney, lost his calm.
He grabbed my hand and said, “Tonya’s all alone out here, and it hasn’t been easy for her. Helping her is just the right thing to do. You’re my wife. Your status is only a matter of time. My work is sensitive right now, and I need to avoid any complications. You understand, don’t you?”
But I had understood him for five whole years.
My phone suddenly rang.
Mark’s voice came through, light with laughter. “Tonya’s permanent residence was approved today. We’re celebrating tonight. I need you to get home early and cook up a feast.”
I stared at the marriage license in my hand—now nothing more than a worthless piece of paper. A cold chill spread down my spine. As it turned out, I was never his legal wife. I had no legal status and no protection, much less rights secured for the child I was carrying.
After hanging up, I scheduled an abortion and booked the earliest flight home. This time, I wouldn’t look back.