Ashley Pov.
The first ray of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes of my room casting a soft, golden light across the nicely furnished decor. I curled on my bed and my body racked with silent sobs. Each tear that fell from my eyes felt like a piece of my soul had been torn apart, leaving me hollow and cold.
My hands slowly caressed my tummy, more tears streaming down my face. The feeling was gone; the emptiness within me was too deep to be filled. A soft knock echoed through the room, hesitant but deliberate. My heart leaped from my chest. It was a sound I had come to recognize, one of peace and calmness, but the storm within me couldn't be calmed. I didn't need to respond. The door creaked open just enough to allow her to slip in.
Mira, a kind soul, her small frame swaying from one corner to the other putting things in order. Her face was usually warm and friendly, now scared and etched with concern as her eyes searched the dim room for me. The moment our eyes met I could feel it. We needed no words to explain the message hanging in the air.
"I'm sorry" Mira choked out between sobs. "I couldn't save… I couldn't save the baby" My shoulders shook with silent sobs, the pain too deep for words. I felt utterly alone, my fate utterly cruel. I buried my face in the pillow, tears soaking into the fabric, each breath was a struggle, my chest tightening with grief. The thought of losing my only joy, the hope of us becoming one again I had held on too tightly was gone. All left was a memory, a sonogram with no baby. Tears welled up again, spilling over and running down my cheeks.
I clutched the edge of the blanket, my fingers digging deep into the fabric as if it could anchor me to some semblance of stability. The image of Edwards's betrayal filled my mind, my heart aching with memories of their lovemaking. I thought back to the nights he had laid by my side promising me love and comfort, the mornings I had woken up to his kisses and breakfast. The vows we had sworn before our maker and family.
Now everything was gone, a mirage was all that I had. I cried until I had no more tears left to shed, my body trembled with exhaustion, my mind drifting back to Edward and Samantha. A nightmare was all I wished this pain was but the pain was too much even for a nightmare. It had been two days, and Edward did not come to me. The episodes of pain in my stomach had increased with every wave I had crawled from the door pleading and crying but none of the servants lifted a finger to my aid.
My life was at the brink of death and he still did not come for me. Mira sneaked in more times than I could count to help against his orders. Despite the pain and everything he still will not choose me. My feet felt the coldness of the floor as I walked my way through the hallway. Everything he had I had made happen, the fame and the money all came from my hard work and persistence.
The mansion I once called home felt more like a cage trapping what was left of me. The giggles of laughter now faded. The maids watched me walk aimlessly, their little chatter of mockery piercing deep into my soul, I could not raise my head high, their mockery sneers pierced through my soul. Standing in front of the room of sacrilege where it had all crumbled leaving nothing but crumbs and fragments of the ones envied union of the country. Unlike two days ago it was opened and Kelvin was nowhere to be found. I stepped inside glancing around. The image of the both of them playing painfully in my head.
"How did we come to this point?" I choked my words echoing within the silent room which seemed to press me down. Walking over to the balcony I let the cold breeze brush through my heavy heart. It was time I said goodbye. The pain and hurt were too much, I had been willing to let it all go for the sake of the baby, willing to overlook every action of his too just so our child could have the perfect family- but there was no baby. We had tried for years, I took pills and never missed a doctor's appointment and just when I was blessed with a gift of life, his cruel actions snatched her away from me. The echo of voices hit my ear. I listened as resounding steps climbed the stairs accompanied by the soft click of heels.
"They should be back," I thought to myself heading out. Edward held tight to Samantha and they halted watching me step out of the room. The radiant glow on their faces couldn't be missed. "Oh! Just who I wanted to see. Come with me" he ordered heading for his home office. Reluctantly I dragged myself to follow behind the happy couple, there was no hurt, staring at the both of them kissing and romancing each other I felt nothing, just emptiness.
"Here" he tossed a pen and paper to my face. Samantha smiled her eyes carrying a glint of victory. "I know you love Edward Ash but he loves me and I love him too. You won't make things difficult for us would you?" her pitiful snacky voice made it easier for me. Staring down at the boldly written out Divorce papers I quickly glanced at my shares.
"I get nothing?- the company of my grandparents was a gift for me. I own it, I should have it back" Edwards's laughter resounded like a bullet shut to my heart. "You signed it over to me and now I own it. You get nothing so sign the damn papers before I make what is left of your reputation thrown to the dogs "I smile tightly. Samantha stood behind him, her eyes filled with victory, she bit down on her lips smiling.
"You should be grateful he is letting a used woman like you start over" Her words rang through me like ice-cold water down on a winter morning. What was there to be grateful for? He was leaving me with nothing, not even what belonged to me. But that was okay, I didn't care, all I craved was freedom and now I got it.
"Okay, I will sign" I smile warmly, picking up the pen and signing my name on the divorce papers. I could see his puzzled look. had he expected me to weal and cry for his love? I was done begging for what was not mine, I was done caring and putting him before me. I made him and now was the time to unmake him. Finally, it was done, I was free. I sigh with relief washing over me.
"You should leave before nightfall, we owe each other nothing" he ordered sternly walking out with my sister" I bit down not letting my tears fall. This was what I wanted. I reminded myself. Freedom.. Now was time to seek my way to the top and make him bow. "A blood debt is what you owe me"