After Divorce; Chasing My Heartthrob

SARAH

My marital journey has been a shadow of what I had envisioned. With hopes that my marriage could be better, I decided to give my husband a special treat. It was his birthday, I organized a surprise party for him and also planned to break the news of my pregnancy to him.

The spark of our love died with each passing day after our wedding ceremony. However, I want to rekindle the spark today, been a special day for him.

"It is late. Why is he not back?" Debby asked, making me look at my wristwatch.

"I have no idea." I sighed, gesturing for her to sit beside me in the dining room.

"Let me give him a call." She said, without wasting much time, she picked up her phone.

"Debby, don't call him. The beauty of the surprise party would be ruined."

Debby was my husband's younger sister – in fact only sibling and she scolds him whenever he is wrong. Sometimes, I felt she was disrespecting him but then, he accepted his wrong. I guess it was out of the love they had for each other as a brother and sister. I had invited her over as a surprise too to her brother.

"What do you mean? He usually returns home before this time." With a furrowed brow, she pointed at the wall clock. "Could it be something is wrong? If he returns when we have fallen asleep, then the aim of the surprise has been defeated."

"Let's exercise patience," I assured her but my thought whispered to me that there was sense in Debby's words. I don't want her to call him. The shock and joy on his face when he sees the cakes, wines, and different dishes on the table and the people present would mean a lot to him thereby igniting the hope of a happy home.

"Now I see why you both are yet to have a child or say, children. He is always busy with work even when you both should be making babies. You both have been married for five good years. There is a lot I should talk to my brother about."

I smiled, her words made me shy but she had a point. All she said was valid, she was in her late twenties, and I admired her sense of reasoning and understanding.

"If you are tired, please have your rest. The moment I hear the sound of his car..." I paused and looked at her. "I will reach out to you before getting the door."

Her expression showed that she wasn't in agreement with my suggestion. Could it be that Caleb, my dear husband didn't find me worthy to celebrate his birthday with? At this point, I recalled his last birthday, he returned from work very early but after two hours, he left the house. I didn't even know when he returned home the next day. Will history repeat itself today?

"Finally, Caleb is back," I said, after hearing a car horn. Wearing a bright smile, I couldn't explain why I felt so elated. Maybe because thoughts of him not coming home tonight were rendered invalid.

"Everything is in place," Debby uttered as she switched off the lights.

"I'll answer the door," I said. I stood and quickly went to open the door. I have to make things work at least for the sake of my unborn child. As I entered the sitting room, I gazed at Caleb's picture which was framed and hanging on the wall before opening the door. To my surprise, I found Silas at the door and not my husband.

Silas was my husband's best friend and business partner. He should know why Caleb is not home yet.

"Hi Silas," I greeted warmly.

"Hello Sarah, sorry I arrived late. Is the party over?"

"Over?" I asked, not able to hide my confusion. I gestured for him to come in and I locked the door.

"Yeah, I had to finish some official assignments. On the invitation card you sent to me, the party was stated to start by 8:00 PM."

"Alright, but..." I was unable to complete my statement because he interrupted me.

"Where is he? Is he enjoying himself and pretending not to hear my voice?" He asked jokingly.

"Your friend is not back. I have been anticipating his arrival." I said trying to hide my pain with a fake smile. "You guys are always together. You should know his whereabouts."

"Come off it," Silas glanced at his phone. "It is past nine and your husband left his office around 5:00 PM, making it known that he was closing early so he could have fun since today is his birthday.

I heaved. "Where could he be then?"

"I promise, I have no idea."

"Silas, come with me. You can have a drink before he arrives." I suggested, but I could feel tears welling in my eyes.

He nodded and followed after me. I put on the lights.

Upon seeing Debby, he was surprised. He and Caleb had been friends from childhood so there was no how Silas wouldn't know Debby.

"Look who we have here," Silas said happily as he took the seat opposite Debby.

"Good to see you, Silas," Debby replied with a bright smile. "However, your friend is not yet back home. Is there something you would like us to know?"

"Nothing, my dear. We deserve an explanation from him when he returns." Silas wore a serious look.

"Alright...," Debby said reluctantly.

I sat beside Debby. They chatted about their memories when they were much younger, filling the air with laughter and happiness. I leaned on the chair and closed my eyes. My childhood memories also flashed through my mind. I recall how Caleb got me gifts and spent time with me and I returned the gesture. Throughout my college days, he was jealous whenever I received gifts from other male friends. But after marriage, everything changed. I would have said he was pretending to love me genuinely before marriage for reason best known to him, but I can't bring myself to accept that.

Two hours after Silas' arrival, Caleb had still not returned home. All I spent to make his birthday memorable turned out to be a waste.

"I have to go now, it is late," Silas said with a low tone. "Take care of yourself."

My feet were too heavy to move because of how embarrassed I felt. In response to him, I gave a nod and waved at him.

Debby yawned. "I have to go to bed." I faked a smile. I felt forsaken. How could the man I love? The man I exchanged marital vows with stayed out this late without bothering to call me to say why.

He has not been the best husband to me but I did not expect him to treat me with such disrespect. I placed my head on the table, and with so many things racing in my mind, I eventually dozed off.

The blaring sound of the doorbell disrupted my moment of peace. I hissed and refused to get the door.

Debby came downstairs and she greeted me with a smile. She threw glances as though she was asking if I spent the night in the dining room. She must have read my mind and decided to get the door.

"Sarah, someone is here to see you." Debby's voice drew my attention. After minutes of patting my face and wondering who came to see me at seven in the morning, I went to the sitting room.

SARAH

"Hi Sarah, it's quite early but I have a message for you, and it's from your husband," Uriel uttered politely. "Let's dive into business."

Uriel was Caleb's lawyer. He hardly came to the house; all their meeting was usually held in the office. I am curious to know why he came to see me.

"A-Alright, please have a seat," I said calmly and sat on the couch beside him.

Debby turned to excuse us but was stopped by Uriel. "You should be here too."

"Really?" Debby muttered. After a few seconds of hesitation, she sat beside me.

Uriel pulled out a stack of documents from his briefcase. Anxious, I stared at him

He handed me a paper.

"Read through, it is your copy." He said, with his eyes darting between Debby and I. I read through the documents, tears welling in my eyes.

"Is this real?" I managed to ask, my lips trembling as I tried to hide my pain

"Yes, it is from your husband, Caleb. He wants a divorce and you have to sign it immediately." Uriel said unapologetically.

I couldn't believe my ears. I stare at the paper with teary eyes. Caleb wants us to get a divorce and he doesn't deem it fit that he should break the news to me himself. It is a lot to process at a time.

"He should have broken this news to her himself, don't he have an iota of respect for their marital vows?" Debby flared up.

Uriel maintained a cold look. He has no fault in all this, he was just carrying out the task his client gave him.

"I can't do anything about this, I am sorry. Please sign it." Uriel pleaded.

I couldn't hold my pain anymore, I need to confirm this from Caleb. I picked up my phone and placed a video call to him. The call connected and after five seconds, he answered the call.

"Why are you calling me, woman?" Caleb's deep voice rang out. I am not familiar with the room he was but all I can see via the video screams luxury.

"Caleb, why are you treating me this way?" My voice shook, unable to express all that raced in my mind. "I expected you to return home yesterday so we can celebrate your birthday with you but you didn't. The baffling thing is that you sent your lawyer to deliver divorce papers to me, it only means our five years of living together mean nothing to you. Are you sure you want us to get a divorce?"

"If I am not sure, Uriel wouldn't be there in the first place. Just sign it! Our marriage moved from beautiful to ugly. It is best we go our different path." He replied coldly. "Leave my life for good."

Leave my life for good.

The words rang severally in my mind. Does he mean all the years we spent together, I was nothing but bad luck to him? Debby and Uriel threw glances at me as they heard all he said. I never knew I would have to face such a cold and painful reality

Looking intently at my phone's screen, I saw a lady putting on a white towel. She held two glasses of juice and gave one to Caleb. They looked happy in each other's company.

Is it possible for two individuals to have a striking resemblance?

I couldn't believe my eyes. The lady is my best friend, Laura.

I invited her to the surprise party I organized for my husband but she said she wouldn't make it because she had an impromptu meeting to attend.

Now I connected the dots, I couldn't keep calm so I yelled. "Laura, how could you flirt with my husband?"

"Your ex-husband, my friend. It is not my fault that I am making him feel happy and safe." Laura sipped her drink and giggled. "I also had my eyes on him, you were just lucky to have him first."

I couldn't believe my best friend could say this. Little wonder, she had advised me to have a divorce since my marriage wasn't working.

"You are a wolf in sheep's clothing, Laura"

"I won't have you talk to her in that manner," Caleb shouted. "We are done here," he added coldly as he ended the call.

I saw the concern in Debby and Uriel's eyes and I understood, there was nothing they could do about it. I nodded in acceptance of my present predicament.

I requested a pen from Uriel and signed the divorce paper. I handed it to him and left for the bedroom.

I arranged my clothes and shoes into a box and pulled it out. I was heartbroken to even recall that I was yet to take my bath. I felt like an intruder and had to leave the house at that moment.

Approaching the exit door, Debby stood up at a fast pace.

"Do you want to leave? Give it a little time and I will talk to him." She said solemnly.

What would made Caleb change his mind? I have signed the papers, no point in trying to make things work out again.

"You don't have to worry. He is an adult and can make decisions on his own." I said with a fake smile evident on my face.

"Give your marriage another chance! Remember your marital vows and make it work again." Debby persuaded but I remained indifferent.

"Vows? The vows meant nothing to him otherwise..." Tears welled in my eyes and I announced.

"I am leaving for good. Thank you." Without wasting a minute, I left the house in pain.

I got into a taxi and it zoomed off.

A lot of my dreams did I let go just to be with Caleb. In the end, it wasn't worth it. Since I'm alive, there is still a possibility of achieving my dreams.

Soon, the taxi came to a halt at my destination. It has been over six months since I came here. I paid the driver and came out of the car holding my box tightly.

"It feels good to be here."

I whispered as I walked in. My aunt wanted me to visit her frequently but she had to understand that I was married and needed to build my home. Now am back to her abode after a failed marriage!

"Sarah, it is a good thing you remembered me today."

My aunt, Olivia, uttered happily.

If only she knew why I came here. Tears forced their way out and I told her about my divorce.

She pulled me into a warm embrace. "Five years is a whole lot but you have to let it go. Forget about your so-called husband and best friend."

I gave a nod and she led me to my room. Everything remained as it was. I was tempted to ask if no one dwelled in the room when I was away. Aunt Olivia cares so much for me after the demise of my parent. She is the only family I have now.

"This is the right time," My aunt smiled. "In your parent's will, you are entitled to a huge amount of money. I didn't tell you about it because I felt something odd about Caleb and he might want to take the money from you."

"This means a lot, thank you!" I hugged her tightly.

When she left the room, I sighed as I felt my flames of hope rekindled again. It is time to let go of the past, brace up, and build my dreams.

It's been two months since my marital crisis but with each day, I did what I like best – crafting out unique designs.

I was scrolling through my latest fabric designs on my laptop when my phone vibrated, indicating a notification. I reluctantly picked up the phone, and it was an email. I read through and it showed that I have been selected to work with an international agency as their fashion designer.

I wondered if I was dreaming. I dialed Aunt Olivia's number to share the news and she answered almost immediately.

"Hi, Aunt Olivia, I got an email from an international agency," I uttered, with excitement visible in my voice. I added, "I know you are behind it. I can't thank you enough."

"Sarah, if I don't do it for you, who will?" Aunt Olivia said happily on the other end. "I recommended you to a client of mine who was organizing a show and that is it. Ensure you send a reply indicating you have accepted the offer."

"I will do that right now."

"That reminds me, I saw Debby a few hours ago and she was pained about how your marriage with her brother ended." Aunt Olivia cleared her throat. "I made it known to her that you were over it, she shouldn't be worried."

I sighed, "Thanks, aunt."

Was it so easy to get over such a thing? I appreciate that Debby always had my best interest at heart but I hope she understands that it is for the best.

After the call, I sent a reply to the email. [It is good to hear from you, I am delighted to work with you on this project. Thank you.]

Almost immediately, a call from an unknown number came in. anxiously, I answered.

"Hi, ma'am Sarah. Sorry, I don't know whether to address you as a Mrs. or a Miss."

Does the appellation matter? I said to myself.

"Sarah is fine, who am I on to?" I said professionally as I crossed my leg over the other.

"I am reaching out to you concerning the email of the job you accepted as the fashion designer for our brand."

"Oh! My pleasure."

"So, you have to be with us soon. I will send you the address and other important details via your email. Your feeding and accommodation will be taken care of."

It was a big opportunity for me. I couldn't hide my joy, it would be a medium for my brand to be projected to a larger audience. With this I know, I will be able to fend for myself and my fetus that I am patiently waiting to see. I felt whole and fulfilled.

Ten minutes after the call ended, I got the address. [City Intercontinental Hotel, California. 22nd January, 2023.]

I sighed, reality dawning on me that I had a lot to achieve.

So fast, three weeks ran by. Using one of Aunt Olivia's cars, I drove to City Intercontinental Hotel. I couldn't explain the joy I felt. Indeed, old things had passed away and all things had become new. I placed my hand on my abdomen as I felt my fetus racing about.

Some hours later, I halted at a skyscraper. I picked up my bag and got out of the car. I managed to watch my steps as I didn't want to look naïve and mesmerized as I walked into the luxurious abode. I pulled my phone out and dialed the number that reached out to me weeks back.

"Hello, I have arrived. What next?" I asked as my eyes ran through the numerous doors.

Then the feminine voice at the other end replied. "Someone will be with you in a jiffy."

I hung up.

Just then, a lady dressed in a black short gown and pink low shoes approached me.

"Hi, you must be ma'am Sarah." She said with a bright smile.

In response, I gave a nod.

She continued, "Please for confirmation purposes, show me the invitation email you got."

"Sure," I uttered and showed her the invitation email I got.

"Perfect, come with me." The lady uttered, leading the way.

Soon, we entered into a large room, everything in the room screamed luxury and wealth. What I saw outside was just the tip of the iceberg. I was offered a seat in the opposite direction of a man and a woman, and the lady who ushered me in left.

"Welcome, Sarah. I am Josh. You'll be working with me and my team on this project for the next three months." The man said with a welcoming smile.

Attentively, I fixed my eyes on the man. "Thank you, I promise to give my best input in this project."

"We all will be dwelling in the room reserved for us here till when the project is completed. This is because of impromptu meetings which could come up any time of the day. And we also need a quiet place to work effectively." Josh said.

I felt I could work effectively from home, but since it was an opportunity I couldn't afford to lose, I agreed to their terms and conditions.

He continued, "It doesn't mean you don't have a social life. Be available when needed.

The quiet woman suddenly spoke. "Let's see some of your designs." I can't deny the fact that though the woman looked a bit old, she commanded a superb and eloquent aura.

I showed them the designs I had on my laptop and they were impressed with it. They also made it known that my working area and all that I need have been provided in the room reserved for me. The treatment made me go down memory lane, when was the last time I got this kind of treatment?

For hours, we deliberated on so many things. With each passing hour, my confidence in my ability and knowledge grew rapidly. I was in the midst of people who were well-grounded in their various fields and their suggestions and contributions, excellence was inevitable.

The meeting widened my horizon, to them it might just be an ordinary meeting that was scheduled but for me, it is my stepping stone to the next level.