Chapter 4 She deserved more than she got

more than she got.

(Heather's POV)

I stirred from sleep and gently propped myself up to recline on the edge of the bed stand. I was still feeling groggy, but I forced myself to look up at the wall clock.

"Shit!" I cussed. It was past 10 o'clock in the morning. How did I sleep that long? I was still contemplating, when the door went open and Mrs. Smith walked in bearing a tray.

"Look who is awake. Cry–cry baby," Mrs. Smith teased, setting the tray on the bedside table.

I smiled, as I lowered my head in embarrassment, recalling how I had kept the older woman up through the major part of the night with my inconsolable cries. "I apologize for last night, Mrs. Smith."

"Oh, don't mention. You were in one of your lowest moments, and I completely understand."

"Thank you for always being there for me," I said. I was feeling emotional now.

"Don't mention, Heather. Like I always say, you are like a daughter to me."

I nodded in gratitude, glad that I had someone like her in my life.

"I brought you this herbal tea," she motioned to the tray. "With all the crying from yesterday, I figured you would need something to make you feel relaxed. And don't worry, it is totally safe for you to take it in your state."

I mouthed a "thank you" and took the mug from the tray.

"Once you are done, get your ass into the bathroom and freshen up. Afterward, come down for breakfast. I'm making your favorite." Mrs. Smith announced before exiting the room.

After I emptied the contents of the mug, I returned it to the tray and got off the bed. Sliding my feet into my flip-flops, I made my way to the bathroom.

After I was done freshening up, I slipped into something comfortable and went downstairs with the tray. I walked into the kitchen and Mrs. Smith was tidying the island.

After washing the tray and mug, I returned it to their place and sat down on one of the chairs in the spacious kitchen.

"I can smell something nice," I said, inhaling the air.

"I bet your stomach is grumbling. Hold on a little longer and I will set the table."

"I would like to eat here in the kitchen," I said.

Mrs. Smith nodded and set the plates on the table, and I hungrily dug in. Breakfast consisted of crispy fried chicken served with fluffy waffles and laced with syrup.

While I ate, Mrs. Smith kept me company by telling me stories. Without voicing it, I knew she was worried about me and was doing everything possible to keep my mind off the events of yesterday.

"Mrs. Smith?" I suddenly called, interrupting her story.

"Yes, Heather," she responded.

"Umm...did Roland come home last night?"

The older woman hesitated, casting me a sorry look before responding. "No, he did not."

My face fell, and I nodded, returning to my room. A deafening silence descended in the atmosphere, as I lost appetite and began to pick my food.

Just then, there were sounds of approaching footsteps and I heard Roland's voice. I abruptly jerked to my feet and made my way towards the direction his voice was coming from.

I met him in the living room, and he was not alone. He was with a tall, gorgeous looking lady, his hands wrapped around her waist romantically.

"Roland?" I called, and they both turned to look in my direction.

There was no atom of remorse on Roland's face, instead, he scowled at me. "Have you signed the papers?"

"So it's because of her, you want a divorce?" I asked, ignoring his question.

I refused to say her name, but we both knew who I was talking about. I was referring to the lady he was standing with, Shirley Faber, his high school and college sweetheart. The one who had ditched him and eloped with another guy. It was the heartbreak of the news that pushed him to the club, the night we met.

"Yes," he admitted. "She has returned, and wants us to get back together. I do not want anything or anyone to ruin this opportunity for me, so sign the goddamn papers and leave my house!"

"Is this what you really want?" I probed further, firmly holding his gaze.

"Of course, yes! Quit asking me questions and fucking do what is expected of you." Roland bellowed, frustrated by my incessant questions.

"I will be right back," I announced and ascended the stairs. A few minutes later, I returned with my parked bags and the file containing the divorce papers tucked under my arms.

Mrs. Smith gaped at me in surprise, and I caught a glint of surprise in Roland's eyes too. I could tell that they were not expecting me to give in this soon.

And I'm surprised I am doing this too. But after careful thoughts this morning before joining Mrs. Smith in the kitchen, I had finally gotten to the conclusion that it was best I signed the divorce papers.

It's been five years of fighting and begging for just one man's love and affection, and yet, all I got in return was disrespect and hatred. I have realized that I have been fighting a lost battle, and it was finally time to quit.

While I accept defeat, I found solace in the fact that I did everything and anything to make him fall for me. I tried every day in the past five years to show Roland how deep my love for him ran, but not anymore.

I deserve more than I got, and henceforth, I am putting myself first.

I took out the file from under my arms and handed it over to Roland. "There, you have it. The divorce papers, all signed. You are a free man now,"

Roland snatched the file from me, casting me a suspicious look as he took out the papers. He perused through them and nodded, before looking up at me. "For the first time since I have known you, you finally made the right decision."

I smiled, trying not to look offended by his words. "Do have a great life," I said and began to walk away with my bags.

I got outside the house and stared at the house that was once my abode, and a bitter smile crept its way into my lips. Determined, I turned back and continued on my way.

"Heather, Wait!" Mrs. Smith's voice sounded behind me and I swirled around to see her running towards me.

"Oh, Heather," she called as she drew me into her embrace. "I am sorry, my child."

"It's fine, Mrs. Smith." I said, trying so hard not to break down with her. Heaven knows how much I was going to miss this woman.

She pulled out of the embrace to cup my face in her palms. "You will be fine, right?"

"Yes," I answered, nodding.

"Be safe, my dear. I would rather not overwhelm you. Ensure that you call me when you get to your destination."

I nodded, and with one last embrace, I made my way out of the mansion. I booked a cab, and a few minutes later it arrived and I got in.

As the cab drove, I fished out my travelling passports and every necessary document I needed to leave the shores of Los Angeles.

I inhaled deeply, it was finally time for a fresh start.

My destination was the airport, as I had booked a flight on my way. After alighting from the cab, I made my way to the airline's check in–counter to retrieve my boarding pass.

After which I passed through all the necessary procedures before I made my way to the departure lounge to wait until my flight's take-off time. My destination was Mexico as I had no life in Los Angeles anymore.

My father was late, and my stepmom would never accept me back into the house. I had no other relatives, hence the decision to leave and start life all over again.

I had just arrived at the departure lounge when I noticed a strange man looking at me intently. Scared, I clutched to my purse tightly, for the fear of being robbed.

Making my way to take a seat, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. Swirling around, I was shocked to realize it was the strange man who was staring at me.

"W...what do you want?" I asked, scared for my safety.

"Apologies for startling you, Ma'am." He said, bowing slightly. "My name is Ernest Dawson."

Who is this man, and why did he approach me? I wondered, panic rising inside of me.

"You are Heather Winston, I guess."

I wanted to correct him about the last name but thought against it and replied instead, "Yes, why all these questions?"

"I'm sorry it took me this long to find you, Ma'am." The man said, bowing again. "You have to come with me right away. Your father is dying to meet you."

My eyes dilated in shock as I stepped back, creating a distance between myself and the man.

What the hell was he talking about?