Now thinking back, I felt even more stupid than ever for still staying in that marriage after that. I loved James, that was the only reason I stayed. I thought if I endured it all, that he would love me just like he did when we first got married, that we’d one day get over it and have our own happily ever after.
Who was I kidding? They’ve ruined me more than I could possibly imagine. And to think I thought they’d stop pestering me if I left them in the past where they belong, then they suddenly make an appearance from all angles, peeling off the band aid I’d put on my old wounds and reminding me of it.
“I know you hate us, we had our shortcomings of not being able to live up to your expectations.” Those words that escaped Mrs. Donnelly’s lips felt like the biggest taunt to me. I’m sure as hell she’s aware of everything that has happened in that house, she just chooses to pretend otherwise and yet, she has the audacity to say that to me.
Too much frustration and anger coursed through my veins, making me thrown the scrub across he bathroom, as a small scream escaped my lips. I broke down soon after, drawing my knees to my leg as I buried my face between them, crying my heart out while pulling at the roots of my hair, hoping to tune out those words.
All I wanted, was to leave the past where it belongs and start afresh, I didn’t want to carry the burdens of anyone, believing I’m much better off without the thought of revenge or anything. Is that too much to ask? Because I’m yet again finding myself in the same hole I tried to escape from.
I had no idea how long I stayed in the water, but at one point, I felt it become cold after I’d cried my eyes out. Releasing a small sigh, I pulled myself into a standing position as I got out of the water, before draining it. Robotically, I picked up a robe and wrapped it around my body, unbothered to wrap my hair up as I made my way out of the bathroom.
Padding my way out of the bed room as well, I reached the kitchen, where I stopped in my tracks upon seeing the take outs there. Sure enough, I told Amy I was going to order it, but I didn’t exactly mean it. She must’ve figure it out as well, and decided to bring it while I was in the shower.
I ignored it, rounding the corner and pulling the cabinet there, looking for the most important thing to me at the moment. I was instantly met with a note attached to the bottle of pills there though.
‘Don’t take drugs on an empty stomach. Also, tone it down on the pills, will ya’?’ I could recognize the hand writing anywhere-for it belonged to the only other friend I have, but haven’t been seeing without any valid reason again in my free time. The note wasn’t there before I left for my trip, meaning she dropped by while I was away.
I peeled off the note, crumbling it and throwing it into the nearest bin. Sighing, I picked up two bottles of pills, leaving it on the island while I made my way to the refrigerator to pick out a bottle of water. However, when I opened the fridge, I was welcomed by the real reason my dearest friend dropped over and even left that note.
She stocked my otherwise empty fridge with food and side dishes-the only thing left is to heat it up. There was another note attached to one of the containers. I peeled it off as well, my blank eyes taking in the messy inscription. ‘Before you throw this out as well, remember, I made your favorite.’
A small hum escaped my lips, as true to her words, she did make my favorite. Only, I wasn’t in the mood for it-I made a mental note to give it all to Amy. So, I crumbled up that note as well, then picked out the bottle of water I was there for, making my way back to the kitchen island. I was almost seated when the sight of the takeout Amy got me, and without another thought, I reached out to pick it up before finally settling down on the island.
I didn’t eat much, but I ate enough to not collapse due to malnourishment. I didn’t have the appetite to eat, but I forced myself for the sake of my already collapsing health. Once I’d taken as much as I can, I picked the bottle of pills and popped both into my hand, before throwing it into my mouth and swallowing it down with water.
Placing the pills back where they belong and discarding the take outs, I trudged back to my bedroom. Instead of getting into the bed and taking such much needed sleep, I sat on the work table I have in my room, opening my Macbook and instantly going through the list of documents for the upcoming shareholders meeting.
I am now even more determined to win this fight against Alexander. I’m sure he thought everything he’s done so far would make me back out. But, that’s where he’s mistaken. I’ll bet an arm and a leg to win this fight since he brought it this far. Whatever it takes. I’ll do whatever the hell it takes because this goes beyond inheritance now.
***
Isabella Montague.
“Your father is in the country.” Amy declared out of the blue, just as we’ve arrived in my office and I’d shrugged my coat off, putting it on the coat-hanger.
My lips slanted into a small frown, as I looked over my shoulder to look at her, my brows cinched together. “Already?” Though it was a question, I wasn’t that surprised. “I mean, the Shareholders’ meeting is tomorrow and all, but I thought he hate staying in America longer than necessary. He’s always so fussy about American air or something only he understands.” Usually, when there’s a meeting where his presence is needed, he takes an overnight flight and arrives the hour for the meeting-then leave the very minute he’s done, never sparing another minute more in the country.
He has a thing against staying in America, I presume it’s his old man habits that he prefers to stay in England all the time. Unfortunately for him though, Shareholder meetings are always held in America, because it’s easier for every stock holder to commute so even he has to adhere to that.
There’s still about twenty-four hours exactly to the meeting. I wonder what made the great Edward Montague drop by around this time already. Knowing him, there has to be something-believe me, there’s always something off when he pops out like that and acts out of the ordinary.
Much to my dismay though, I wasn’t given the answers I was hoping for. “I don’t know the reason why, but I’ve confirmed his arrival.” Amy stated, and to be honest, it’s not like I was expecting her to know the answers easily.
I kissed my teeth, then settled down on my swivel chair, it’s plushness instantly welcoming me to bury myself in it, instantly soothing my sore muscles-maybe I should change my chair at home to something like this, it’s more comfortable. After spending hours overnight on that chair at home, my whole body aches so this one feels like heaven to me at this moment.
Cracking my neck, I reached my free hand to massage the spot in the base of my neck. “Look into the hotel he’s staying in.” I said, picking up the coffee I’d fetched on the way. “I’m certain he’s not staying at any of the mansions.” Unless he’s here to stay longer than three days, he doesn’t stay at any of the numerous mansions he owns.
Reason? There are too many investors, shareholders, and business partners that will drop by. You’d think he can own a house under his name without people knowing? They do. The minute they hear he’s landed, they would be quick to swarm him and he’s not exactly one to turn them down-for business relations sakes.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.