I rushed to the bathroom, suddenly feeling the need to vomit again. This was the third time already. I had woken up feeling tired and weak. I lazily dragged myself to have my mouth washed after cleaning up the mess I made. I proceeded to take a quick shower. I knew I had to satisfy the thought that had been brewing in my head for the past few days.
After what seemed like forever, I came out of the bathroom soaking wet. I had not gone in with my towel. I quickly grabbed the white cotton lying on my dressing table, in a bid to hasten up. I couldn't wait to find out if I was truly pregnant or not.
I wanted to dress in a very simple style so I opted for a satin flower dress, just a little above my knees. "What if I was pregnant, I would want to head over to Michael's office to surprise him with the good news," I thought to myself. I changed my options and went for a more sophisticated style.
Pleased with my outfit, with a little touch of powder on my face and mascara added to my eyelashes, I grabbed the car keys and headed out. I drove straight to Melain Stores a few meters away from where I and Michael lived ever since we got married three years ago. I was nervous. I had a lot of 'what ifs' going on in my head. I moved to the counter to make payment for the pregnancy test kit in my hand. "I pray it says positive," I silently hoped.
Lately, my marriage to Michael has been distant. I sensed there was a drift in our marriage that I couldn't seem to place my hands across, that got me worried. Each time I brought the question up, Michael would seem too busy to have a conversation with me.
It was as if I no longer mattered, maybe I was the one overthinking. But I knew something was wrong somewhere that needed to be addressed. My instincts were strong about this one and there was no letting go. I knew things had taken a different turn ever since Michael introduced his cousin, Sophia, to me.
Sophia had no problems. She was very friendly and full of life. She was the best in-law anyone could ever ask for and took me as her sister. I wasted no time to reciprocate the same energy, I always wanted her around. Although, I knew the strain in my marriage started when she surfaced.
I thought she brought bad news from home that dampened Micheal's spirit and made him act cold towards me. I remember asking Sophia one time if all was well with Micheal's parents and siblings. Maybe there was something Michael wasn't telling me. I knew she was family, so if there was something, she would be aware of it. Sophia had assured me that everything was fine and that I was only overthinking.
As I snapped back to reality, I proceeded to my car but changed my mind. I needed to know my fate immediately. I got back to the store and headed for their bathroom. I paced anxiously while waiting to see the two pink stripes that would indicate positive on the test kit. Time slowly crept along, making my heart jump at every minute.
"Yes!" I exclaimed. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was carrying Michael's child. I danced happily around, not minding the strange woman staring at me, who had come to make use of the restroom. I couldn't contain my joy. I took a look at myself in the mirror as I rubbed my stomach. A little life was growing inside of me. Words couldn't define my happiness at that moment.
I rushed out like I was being chased and made for my car. I must tell Michael the good news. I got to Urban Holdings and walked inside majestically. This company has made a grown woman out of me, and I am proud to have been a major contributor to its growth.
I met Michael here and our love blossomed in no time. He had just been transferred from another branch at the time, and I was asked to put him through our usual process, which was slightly different from where he previously was.
Conversations led to more conversations and Michael and I took off from there to Love Island. We both knew the company's policy that kicked against dating a colleague and so Michael advised that I resign while he continued. It was a difficult decision but, since I was head over heels, I accepted.
I gave him brilliant ideas that built his client base and made him close more deals, always ahead of everyone else. I had no problem watching Michael take all the glory while I sat on the sidelines. This fast-tracked his journey and he rose to stardom.
Now Urban Holdings is the leading real estate company in Atlanta, thanks to my ideas, with my husband, the one and only Michael Adams, as the CEO. "Good morning Mrs Adams," Becky's greeting jogged me back to reality. She was the receptionist and was excellent at her job. "Good morning, Becky," I responded happily. I wanted to know if my husband was in the office or not so I asked Becky who knew when everyone stepped in or out. Becky confirmed that my husband was around.
I made my way to the elevator. I knew where Michael's office was since I had once worked there. So it wasn't so much of a hassle for me. I noticed that strange eyes looked at me as if wondering who I was to their CEO. I couldn't blame them, they were newly employed and so wouldn't know much about me.
As my pace increased, my heart kept racing. I knew in my heart that the announcement of our coming child would soften Micheal's heart and set aside whatever brawl we had between us, which I was still in oblivion of.
I got to his office door and was approached by a strange face. "She must be my husband's secretary," I concluded in my heart. Before she could ask if I had an appointment or something, I opened the door to Michael's office. I could see the surprise on his face, obviously not expecting to see me. I watched as Michael dismissed his secretary, who wanted to apologize for my unexpected intrusion.
I waited patiently until Michael got off the phone with what seemed like an important call. "It's good you're here," Michael said after ending the call. "It is?" I asked, trying to know if he had been expecting my visit. "Yes," he replied. Before I could continue, Michael dropped a brown envelope in front of me. "I need you to sign these papers."
My eyes couldn't believe what I saw next as I slowly flipped through the divorce papers Micheal had asked me to sign. "Is this some sort of sick joke, Michael?" I questioned, still trying to find my breath. "Are you…you…be…being … serious?" I stuttered. I watched him sternly. The look on his face was stone-cold. He was not smiling.
I knew things between us weren't as they were before, but I never knew it was this bad. Divorce? Where would I start from? " Baby, why are you doing this? What have I done to deserve this? Can you at least tell me my fault, so I can fix it? It mustn't end this way, Michael." I watched myself say as I fell to my knees, begging my husband.
Michael was adamant. He didn't bat an eyelid. I clinched one of his legs as I pleaded with him. Tears flowed freely washing down the powder I had applied on my face. Michael kicked his leg away, trying to free himself from my grip. It landed on my stomach and immediately sent a sharp pain inside of me. I screamed, but it fell on deaf ears.
Michael left me in his office, leaving me to cry myself out. I couldn't believe it as I watched my whole world crumble before my eyes. Where was the husband who once cherished me? I slowly dragged myself up, suddenly remembering I was carrying a child. I didn't even get to tell Michael the news that had brought me to his office.
I still had hope. I convinced myself that the news would cause Michael to have a change of heart. Surely he wouldn't want his child to go into a world where both parents were on the verge of separation. I could see prying eyes watching me as I stepped out of Urban Holdings.
I managed to drive myself home. As I got home, I fell to the floor of our matrimonial room, drowning myself in tears. What did I do wrong? I asked myself this question over and over. I looked up to see our wedding picture lying beautifully on the wall, looking very happy. What happened to the good days when we were once happy?
As confused as I was, I picked up my phone to call Sophia, my husband's cousin. She was the only one in Michael's family that made me feel very welcome and loved. Sophia picked up after the second ring. "Hey Mabel, what's up?" I did not know when I burst out crying.
"Mabel, talk to me. What's going on?" Sophia asked over the phone, sounding very worried. I struggled to put myself together as I narrated everything that had happened. "Oh no! Michael wouldn't dare!" Sophia was already very pissed. The fact that I had someone to defend me gave me a feeling of assurance.
Sophia went on and on over the phone, promising to talk some sense into Michael. I was grateful for Sophia's interference, hoping that Michael would listen to his cousin and not put me through the shame of living as a single mother. Sophia called back a few hours later to say she had spoken to Michael and that everything would be resolved.
I couldn't be more grateful. I thanked Sophia and ended the call. I mustered the courage to go prepare dinner for my husband. I made sure to prepare his favorite dish, something that would soften his heart while watching the clock in the sitting room pass by slowly.
After what seemed like an eternity, Michael returned from work, wearing the same stern look he had while in his office. Did Sophia not talk to him on my behalf? I wondered. I moved to approach him but he hastened his steps as I advanced. He moved to our bedroom and I followed behind.
"Michael please, don't do this to me, to us." I pleaded. "Can you at least tell me what my offense is? Look at me, Michael. What have I done wrong?" I continuously questioned, trying to get an answer from my husband.
"You can save yourself stress by signing the damn papers!" Michael retorted, without any remorse.
"I am carrying your child Michael, our baby," I said softly, trying to get a reaction. Michael looked at me, feeling a little bit surprised. "Yes baby, I am pregnant," I continued, as I rubbed my stomach.
The surprise on Michael's face suddenly turned to disgust. "You will get the bloody hell out of my face before I hit you." I couldn't believe I had heard right. I just spoke about being pregnant, and he had nothing to say other than to threaten to physically assault me.
"I said I am carrying your child," I repeated. Michael said nothing further. I watched as he proceeded to the bathroom, closing the door from behind. I dropped to my knees, clenching my stomach as if I wanted to tear myself apart. I let out a sharp cry, one that could tear the walls down if possible.
I was completely confused. Where do I start from? It was obvious that Sophia's words had fallen on deaf ears, since Michael was hell-bent on getting a divorce. I had hoped the news of my pregnancy would soften his heart and make him have a rethink, but to no avail.
I moved to go downstairs, trying to give Michael a little space of his own. Maybe he will come to his senses. Just as I got to the door, I heard Micheal's phone beep. I dismissed the feeling of wanting to check his phone for a clue as to why he wanted a divorce. On second thought, I decided to check his phone, not sure if I would find anything substantial.
I reached for the phone and read the first message that popped up. My eyes widened as I held the phone to read through the message,
"Make sure she signs the divorce papers as soon as possible, baby. I cannot wait to be completely yours..xoxo"