CATHERINE ...
On the ground of Reinford's family church, A great lunch banquet was held in the respect of Grandpa Reinford. His last wish was to arrange a get-together instead of a funeral.The host was Edward Reinford, my husband. Standing across the room he was immersed in the conversation with his childhood friend, Regina. My mother-in-law beside them, was grinning. Well, she's the daughter-in-law she'd rather have and never missed a chance to bring them closer.However, my insecurity never flared because work is all Edward understands. One would barely find him talking differently. Even now, I know the words between them were strictly business. Though I won't lie about being envious of her sometimes.Specially, at times like this moment, when I have to suppress the huge news of my pregnancy. Merely an hour old news and I am running out of patience already."Why not merge yourself in a useful conversation rather than being a trophy wife?" A harsh word broke my trance, as my hand slipped from my belly. Aunt Meril came beside me. "It's beyond your reach, at least try to act one for the sake of Reinford's status!""Yes, Aunt Meril," I said. Stealing glances of my husband, I walked toward our family gathering. Honestly, I am self-conscious about fitting in this posh banquet and my in-laws' attitude toward me successfully lowered my self-esteem.Apart from Grandpa Reinford and one or two members of this family, hardly anyone likes me around. After all, I Don't belong to their status. Or so they think.Unfortunate, but today is our second marriage anniversary. Although no one but May, my sister-in-law wished me. As usual, my husband didn't.Did he forget again? I unconsciously touched my flat belly again at the thought. He might forget but I have a gift for him with a hope that this might change his attitude toward me.Eyeing my husband I stepped a foot forward. Suddenly, "Ogh!" I gasped, looking at the mess on the floor I made stumbling upon a waiter, serving drinks."I am so sorry ma'am, I didn't..." The waiter panicked, trying to apologize, when,"What the hell!?" Danielle, my mother-in-law's voice chimed in, earning all attention back and forth."I... I am sorry, I didn't mean to..." It's my turn to apologise."Sorry? Catherine, do you have any conscience? How could you be so careless!?" Danielle yelped at me, enraged and I lowered my head helplessly.All eyes are on me at the moment and this is so embarrassing as the host's wife! Shit!"I don't understand why Dad even bothered with a lower class like you!? This is so disturbing!" Her words lowered my head in shame. Could feel mocking eyes and a few smirks at me, as if they were expecting this nasty scene.This is something I shouldn't have to put up with, still, I am willing for my loved ones. I don't wanna ruin the environment in Grandpa's last wish.I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look up at my husband either. He planned all of it and I just poured water on his hard work. What would he think of me?"I- I am sorry..." I apologised again."You...!""Enough Mom." Edward stepped in, stopping his mother and turning everything silent with his commanding voice. He came to me. I finally looked up."Are you alright?" Edward asked. Although I failed to find the warmth in his bronze-gold gaze, I felt warm in my heart."Yes..." Slowly nodded.He only stared deep into my eyes before turning to the crowd, "Sorry for the inconvenience guys, My wife is not feeling good. Please enjoy and excuse us for the moment." He held my hand and we walked out of the hall room.Before going out, I got a quick glance at my mother-in-law who was complaining about her sorrows to Regina.Entering the main mansion and out of eyes, he let go of my hand, emptying my soul immediately. "Go back to the room and change before joining me in the study." Saying, he left without turning once.*********Ten minutes later, I knocked on the study door and entered. He hardly asked me in his office. This might be important. Honestly, I have a tinge of hope for him to prepare a surprise for our marriage anniversary. Also, I need to give my gift to him.I smiled to myself before caressing my belly. My eager eyes found him. He was standing in front of the window with one hand pressing the mobile on his ear."Did all the guests leave?" His cold, deep tone rang in my ear as I stood beside his desk."All right, send mom and dad home... Be careful, Dad just recovered from surgery." He warned again, then paused for a concise moment.Maybe it's May on the opposite side."Ask them not to worry, I will split the broken shares accordingly." A touch of assurance in his tone.However, his concern scares me. My eyes lingered on his rigid back. Grandpa's death has sent the entire Reinford family in drear.He was the essence of the Reinfords family bond, gripping everyone together firmly. With his demise, all eyes had expectedly turned to their only heir, my husband. Which already increased the workload on him.Sometimes I couldn't believe that this man, who was distant and never loved anything but work, had managed to crawl into my closed heart in his cold way."Alright, I will call later..." He muttered, piercing my thoughts and hung up. Keeping his back toward me, he stood before the closed window and looked out.I wondered what was going on in his mind, probably nothing pleasant by his gloomy temperament.Taking a step closer, I tilted my head at him. "Edward?""Hmm..." He seemed absentminded, so out of his character. Slowly, I touched his shoulder, trying to assure my unyielding support.However, he turned away, walking toward his desk. My heart churned, yet I held my desire to hug him."I have taken a decision, Catherine." He picked up a brown envelope from his desk. He returned to his usual no-nonsense and direct business talk."What's this?" I asked, suddenly excited to learn if it was any surprise, though an uncertain fear routed in me."I have filed a divorce agreement for us.".......... Blank, I stared up at him, and blinked, mind thrusted into a hollow space. Possibly, I heard wrong. He did not pronounce that word."Ma-maybe, I heard it wr-ong..." Come on Cathe why are your tone trembling? You're just too caught up in the moment..."No, you didn't. I want a divorce, Catherine." He stated. His words were cold and firm, stabbing my heart.I blinked my tears, fighting them and desperately searching for the humour in his eyes, but they only tormented me.Gulping the lump, I sucked in a deep breath, "Wh-y? Wh-at did I do wrong?""You did nothing wrong, Catherine. I never wanted this marriage."His words burned inside me. Never wanted this marriage?!"B-but you agreed then...""Yes, I did. Grandpa was the reason." There was no change in his tone. No hesitance. "I Don't like wasting time on trivial matters like marriage and romance. Sex could be found anywhere and if you ask about an heir, there is also a process except marriage. But Grandpa was obstinate and staid about you in his old-fashioned way. Now, he is gone and I don't find it necessary to continuation of this act."I stood there, blank. I had no thoughts at the moment. Cleaving my soul with his words, made my heart a bloodied mess."E-dward..." I tried to touch him, but he stepped back."It's my sole decision, Catherine. I have prepared a good amount of alimony so you won't suffer for the rest of your life. Think of this as compensation." He walked toward the door before turning to me again, "Hopefully, this will end in a peaceful way." The cold warning made me imbalanced as my back hit the desk.And, he was gone. Crushing my heart like an old paper, he walked away.Two years, I have given my everything to him and tried my hardest to be a good wife. Whenever he came to me, I felt maybe somewhere in heart he accepted my existence in his life. However, it turned out to be the delusion of my mind and the biggest surprise of our wedding anniversary one could hardly imagine.All this time, he acted to be a husband. He only used me as a tool to derive his sexual needs. What's the difference between me and a random bed warmer then? Only the name of his wife?My tears slipped finally. My breath was heavy, suffocating. My heart was in anguish no one could understand. And... I touched my belly, what will happen to our child?This can't be the end. I stood straight. I have worked hard all my life and never gave up. How could I give up just like this? Two years beside him and his heart never softened? I don't believe this!I would try. If not once then many more times. I would tell him about the baby and I'm sure he would rethink!Throwing the unopened envelope on the desk, I rushed out of the study. I need to find him and confront him. How could he just dismiss me like that? I am not a business project!My eyes did not notice anything else but busy searching for my husband. As soon as I reached the staircase, suddenly I was pulled back by a firm grip."Where are you going?" Regina hissed at me.CATHERINE ... I stumbled upon my feet, looking back at Regina. "What are you doing? Let go of my hand!" I jerked her hand away. No time to waste on her, I need to find my husband! However, Regina once again pulled me back by my arm. It was forceful and I winced in pain. "Stop pestering Edward! Don't you understand this simple phase?" Her furious eyes caged me with a warning. This is the real her... Regina Frost, who pretends to be a well-wisher to Edward whilst trying to subdue me. But, she is a vixen who acted for years to be good. The worst part was her eye-catching status both in business and family. Though she got it high because I stooped low, I am more focused on my Husband and he is not interested in her. I might be in pain, but not distressed yet. Jerking my hand from her grip, I glared at her. "He is my husband and you're no one to order me." I was about to leave when, "Is that why he filed a divorce?" I paused, frozen. How did she know? I turned to her again only to f
CATHERINE... I pushed open the door of the study room. First time in two years I am here without Edward's permission. He might get mad, but then again, he is not here to be mad. In the huge mansion of Oakenhold, I was alone. A few Servants were downstairs though their existence could be considered uncountable. They are used to remaining this way because Edward despises the existing crowd around him. I am surprised Reinfords didn't rush here yet to bash me. Probably, with Regina now. She really succeeded huh? Wondering if they would show the same concern if I was in her place. Well, I was supposed to be there though. And the answer was very expected, A big NO. Maybe they would have sympathised but not care. I am glad I wasn't there. I need to protect my child at any cost... At this moment, I am missing Margaret and Sophia. Two people in Oakenhold, who actually care for me besides May and Grandpa. Sigh... They were out of town for a few days. Slowly, I walked toward his desk. The b
SEVEN MONTHS LATER... CATHERINE... Pain... That's what I could feel all over my body. Immense anguish which gives me a feel of... Death. Fluttering my eyes, I tried to open my heavy eyelids. They felt so tired and torpid as if for a long time they were not opened. My head hammered and the loud throbbing of heartbeat along with a beep~beep sound. It felt so familiar as if they accompanied me every day. Hardly, I opened my eyes. I am in a small room. Slightly dark and feels cold. Laying on a small bed and... Tilting my head I discovered the beeping sound. It's a machine that was attached with wires which were connected to my hand. Where am I? I sat up as an ache spread to my entire body and detached myself from those wires. Slowly, I stepped out of the bed and almost fell as if I had forgotten how to stand up, immediately feeling a different level of pain in my abdomen. I grabbed there... Wait! M-my babies! I sat on the bed and closed my eyes, trying to recall what happened as blur
FIVE YEARS LATER... EDWARD... My gaze penetrated my appearance in the mirror, as Addison held the black trench coat for me to wear. "Is she ready?" I asked. "Yes sir, She is waiting downstairs with Denise." He replied. "Hmm..." Glancing in the mirror one last time, I walked out of my room with Addison following behind." As soon as I reached downstairs, a pair of little arms hugged my legs. I looked down and couldn't help but break into a smile. Her cerulean eyes beamed, "You're late, Mr Reinford." She pouted with a huff. "Della was waiting sooo long!" She complained and I chuckled before picking her up. "Can Della forgive Papa?" I pretended to be sad. She furrowed her brows like an adult and tapped her chin, "Okay!" She giggled, hugging my neck before sliding down. She ran toward Denise, her nanny and took the huge bouquet of red roses that were almost her size. "See papa, I picked this up for her with Denise! Do you think she will love it?" I bend on one knee, holding the fl
ELAINE (CATHERINE) ... "Run! Run away! They won't let you live! They are devils! Save yourself! Run away!" ..... My eyes snapped open with a deep blow of breath. Drenched in sweat, I sat up on the bed. The same nightmare. A panicked tone begging me to run away. The fear in that tone trembles me every night and keeps me awake. I got out of bed and put on my silk robe before walking out to the veranda and pouring a glass of wine for myself. Drinking is injurious to health, I know the quote. But in the last few years, I cultivated a habit of Drinking due to stress. Nothing is new for me. Waking up in the middle of the night because of a nightmare, became a part of my life. It's always been the same one for the last four years. I turned into an insomniac. Went to a psychiatrist, did consultation, medication and whatnot? However, nothing worked for me and I learned to compromise with my situation. Perhaps... 'Knock~knock'... A knock on the door broke my thoughts as I watched a head s
ELAINE (CATHERINE) ... I looked around but there was no one except us. Turning to the little girl, I realised she belonged to a secure background judging her appearance, but where was her guardian?I bend beside the little girl, "Hey, umm- What's your name, pretty girl?" "I am Della, mommy. Don't you remember me?" Her words were smooth and clear, considering her age. "......" Also left me speechless and awkward. "Uh- I am not your mommy, little girl." Again looked around, "Where are your parents?" I asked. I don't know what offended her, but her lips wobbled, "No, you are my mommy." She said stubbornly. "......" What is she saying!? I was confused when Marco squatted beside me and smiled at her, "Hey little princess, I know this lady is gorgeous. But unfortunately, she is not your mommy. I promise you, I will find your mother, okay? Come here..." He tried to hold her hand but she dodged his touch expertly and pushed herself in my arms, hugging me tightly. "No! You're my mommy!
EDWARD... "Is she on the way?" I asked wiping Della's mouth."Yes, sir," Addison replied, walking out of the suit. Della didn't care what we were talking about, she was enjoying her blueberries. She loves eating them. And if I'm not wrong, Catherine loved blueberries too. After Catherine left me with her, I didn't know what to do. Gradually, I learned to take care of a child. I never let her part away from me. Even in meetings and trips, I took her with me. In a word, Della grew up in business, so she learned to not bother about business conversations. However, this was different. It's not a business but a surprise for her... "Edward?" Regina entered the room and her voice was enough for Della to climb on my lap and get busy in her blueberries again. Regina paused, "Well... I need you to come aside for a moment." She said, eyeing Della, who still did not bother. "It's alright, say it," I demanded. If my daughter wasn't comfortable, then I'm not gonna do it. "Edward..." Regina'
ELAINE (CATHERINE) .... I hastily entered the hospital ward and saw Marco Sitting beside his father. His eyes looked up at me with an assuring nod and I sighed inwardly. Flashing a smile on my face I walked toward Alberto's bed, "Old man, you've become rebellious now, huh? Giving unwanted surprises." I faked a grumble. Alberto turned to me and my heart convulsed in fear seeing his weak and pale face with a pipe attached to his nose. Unlike other days, he smiled, "Seems this old man has truly become old." He muttered and I couldn't hold my tears anymore. "Alberto..." He touched my hand with his shaky cold hand and patted slightly. Grabbing his hand I kissed them, "Nothing will happen to you..." He only smiled, "You're the best thing that happened in our lives..." He breathed hard. "Don't talk..." I tried to stop him but he didn't. Instead, he shook his head. "D-on't s-top me..." He breathed out, holding my hand firmly. Marco nodded, gesturing for me to let him speak. "Elaine..