Love Will Triumph

As the sun rays touched my face through the curtains, I woke up and saw the calendar. Today is our third anniversary, but my husband Kyle is on a business trip. But the party is all arranged, as he is coming back in the evening for the party.

Oh, you must be wanting to know who I am; well, my name is Jessica Walters. My husband's name is Kyle Walters. For us, it was love at first sight, and we got married soon after we met. You can say it was a flash marriage, as we didn't even have time to let any of our friends know. We just got our certificate and have been planning to save so we can have a grand wedding one day.

Seeing the time, I quickly got up to take a bath and got ready. I was combing my hair when the doorbell rang. As I open the door, Patricia and Sandy smile with bright smiles. And Sandy says, "What, you're still combing your hair, girly? When are we going to the caterer?"

Sandy is my childhood friend. She's been through thick and thin with me, and I love her no less. As for Patricia, we went to the same college, and now she's my chief designer.

A bright smile spreads on my face. "Oh, I got a little late, but see, haven't you come?"

Sandy smiles and says, "Jessica, when is Kyle coming? The sun is on our heads."

"Oh, he'll come in time for the party. Don't worry; I spoke to him in the morning. Oh, have the chocolates arrived? Patricia, I gave your address in a hurry."

Patricia comes from the kitchen with juice glasses and says, "Jessica, what's with the chocolates?" You've been asking non-stop."

"Oh, they're his favorite. I want to surprise him. You know I booked them five months ago."

Surprised on hearing this, Sandy says, "What? They are chocolates, right?"

"Yes, but all the way from London." As I say this, I go towards the door as the bell rings. As I open the door, the caterer says, "Hello, Mrs. Walter, I came to take the groceries for the party."

I gesture for them to come in, and as I go towards the kitchen, I say, "There, under that drawer. It's as according to the list, "In case you need more or anything is missing, you can tell Phill, you have his number, right?"

One of the caterers says, "Yes, ma'am."

As they leave, Patricia says, "Jessica, we'd better go to the shop; your dress must be ready."

Sandy also says with a gleaming smile, "Yes, I so badly want to see you in a wedding gown. But it's OK; a long dress will do for now."

The Party Venue

Though I was reluctant, the girls wouldn't listen. Finally, after getting ready, we arrived at the party venue. I go about making sure everything is just perfect. Even though it was our third anniversary, it was special, and I didn't want any flaws. As I was setting the flowers, Sandy came over and told me to get ready as everything was in place and the guests had begun to arrive.

So I went to the ladies room and fixed my hair, touched my makeup, and came back. Then, with a big smile, I began to welcome the guests. As the party progressed, I kept entertaining the guests by playing some music and some light games.

But as the night progressed, the guests began to become restless as Kyle had not arrived. So, I decided to cut the small cake and told the caterer to serve the dinner. Slowly, one by one, the guests began to leave, and only our close friends were left.

As I was playing with the cake on my plate, Derak came over and said, "Jessica, the project is very important, or else he wouldn't have been delayed on such an important day. You know he loves you."

Derak is Kyle's close friend. They've known each other for more than a decade.

Sandy didn't let him complete his sentence and said, "Hey, if you're his close friend, I'm her childhood friend. He should have booked an earlier flight."

Derak smiles and says, "Sandy, that's one thing he can never do. Come on, you've also known him for three years now; when has he ever been on time?" He leans over and whispers, "You know, he was born also four hours after the given time."

Realizing it's getting late, Patricia also decides to leave.

"Sandy, you should also go; it's getting late."

"No, how can I leave you like this?" It's clear from her face; she isn't happy with Kyle being late, but she can't do anything.

So, to make her leave, I tell her Derak is here with me. Finally, she agrees and leaves.

As she leaves, Derek says, "Jessica, let me drop you home. No one is left; the staff has also gone."

But I don't want to, as he said he was coming. "Jessica, you're my sister-in-law. Please, let's go home."

I sigh and tell him to leave, as I know he will come. Though he's reluctant to leave, he leaves as his mother is alone, so he cannot delay more than he already has.

As he leaves, I sit all alone in front of my three tier cake with the dim lights waiting for Kyle. Then, like a prince descending from heaven, I suddenly saw him coming towards me. Naturally, I was gleaming happily as he came forward. I quickly got on my feet to greet him, but before I could say anything, he said, "Happy anniversary. Being with you is probably the best time of my life. And, after what I'm going to do, you will hate me for the rest of your life, and I deserve it. Sorry." He hands me some papers and says, "I have already signed them. Let's part happily, so please sign them. You can fill any amount of alimony you want. I will fulfill it."

The word 'divorce agreement' was no less than a bullet for me that shot straight into my eyes. I felt like thousands of thunderbolts hit me. The pain in my heart was excruciating. Though I was not bleeding, my heart felt like it was being ripped apart. My whole body went numb. It was like I didn't have any nerves in my body. I don't know how my hands moved, but I placed the papers on the table and took a look at the three tier wedding cake in front of me and signed with 'zero' in alimony.

As I handed him the papers, he looked and said, "Jessica, at least write about the investment."

I sigh as I try my best to hold back the tears building in my eyes. "Kyle, the investment was and is for my husband. To ask it or not, is only my ability, no one else's."

As I pick my purse, he says, "I'll come tomorrow for my stuff."

I don't even look back at him and say, "Don't bother; I'll pack it and send it over to Derak's. You can collect it from there."

Going back home

I walk off, leaving Kyle standing there all alone, and I get in my car. I begin to wonder where our relationship went wrong. How our third anniversary became our divorce day. It just didn't make any sense.

As I drove, I kept wiping the tears that rolled down my cheeks, recalling the happy moments we shared only a day ago. He was clearly planning the anniversary with me, and I never felt any distance in his voice. Then what happened so suddenly? In a matter of hours, everything changed.

Suddenly, I get a notification on my phone; seeing it, my eyes widen in shock. He sent me a text message saying, 'As soon as he has time, he'll come with me to get the certificate. Till then, please wait.'

Just then I got a call from his secretary. On receiving the call, she says, "Hello, Mrs. Walter, Mr. Walter has arranged a special gift for you. We'll have it delivered tomorrow. And happy anniversary, ma'am. Have a nice day."

As the call got disconnected, I didn't know how to react. My so-called husband just told me he doesn't have time to get the certificate, and his secretary is telling me, my husband arranged a special gift for me. I couldn't make out if I was in a time machine and the call I just got now was supposed to come to me sooner as the previous call was from the husband who just divorced me.

I scoffed at hearing 'happy wedding anniversary' and banged with my hands on the steering wheel.

Slamming the car door, I enter my home and throw my purse on the sofa. "Gosh, why do I feel so odd? It's not the first time he's not home; why does it sound so creepy? Better go to sleep before I lose my mind."

As I entered my room to sleep, his call came again. As I took the call, he says, "Hi, Jessy, I'll come to take my stuff."

I was so angry, I slammed at him and said, "Don't bother; I'll send it to you. Send your address to Derak."

I didn't even bother to let him say anything and disconnected the call.

"Ahh, why can't I sleep? Damn you, Kyle, I hope you never sleep." Getting frustrated, I decided to try the guest room. And, finally, I managed to have a peaceful sleep.

My first morning without Kyle

Today, the morning was bright yet dull. As I rampaged through our stuff to pack his, I came across our wedding album. I never thought at that time I would see this day in my life. After packing his stuff, I called Derak, "Hello, Derak, good morning. Can you come over and pick up Kyle's stuff?"

Derak is confused and says, "Kyle's stuff? What stuff?"

I humph and say, "What? He didn't tell you? Great, so he wants me to give the good news. OK, then, he came yesterday at the party with duly signed divorce papers. So, I signed them as well."

Derak is shocked and says, "What? But what happened?"

"Derak, the only thing your friend said was, 'He knows I'll hate him for the rest of my life, and after signing, I left him standing in the hall, alone."

Derak says shocked, "What? But, OK, give me ten minutes. I'm coming."

As the call got disconnected, I began to speak to myself, 'Hey, wait a minute; he didn't ask me anything, and he didn't support him. Does he already know? But then why was he surprised when I told him to come for his stuff? Or is the divorce sudden, but he knows he's leaving me.'

After packing the last bag, I went to the kitchen and made some breakfast for myself. As I was eating my pancakes, the doorbell rang. Thinking it must be Derak, I opened the door and said, "You took time."

It was Sandy, my childhood friend. With her brown eyes and blonde curly hair, she is a cute and caring person.

Sandy gets confused upon hearing me and says, "What? How did you know I was coming over?"

"Oh, sorry, I thought it was Derak."

"Hey, I'm out as well." Derak says as I was going to close the door. Seeing him, I say, "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you. Come on in."

As Derak comes in, seeing Sandy, he says, "Morning."

I was afraid he'd tell about the divorce, as one thing that Sandy doesn't like in our friendship is being told last. "Sandy, Kyle came back and divorced me. I told him I'd send his stuff to Derak's. I'm really not in the mood to see him now, so I called Derak in the night and told him. I just woke up, and I haven't even had my breakfast yet. And."

I don't know why, but I began to cry.

"Hey, baby, it's alright. Come here." Sandy takes me to sit on the sofa as Derak gets angry and dials Kyle's number. As Kyle receives the call, he says in an angry tone, "Damn, Kyle, what in the hell are you doing? Divorce? Like, for real. Kyle, how can you go on a business trip and come back on your damn wedding anniversary and hand in the divorce papers?"

Kyle sighs on the phone and says, "I did what I was supposed to do. Derak, I don't deserve her."

Derak retorts, saying, "You don't deserve her? It took you to three years of marriage to realize you don't deserve her. Kyle, what she doesn't deserve is what you did to her. Damn you, I don't have a friend like you."

As he disconnects the call, he comes over to me and sits beside me. "Jessica, though you were my sister-in-law, from now on I'm your brother. I have no connection with him anymore. I just want to ask you, "Did you sign in anger or?"

Wiping my tears, "I was angry, but I was in my senses. Derak, he came with signed papers. (sniffing) He had already planned them. You know why I was angry; he should have told me when he decided and not have me waiting at the anniversary and come hand me the papers like this. There's no way I can reconcile with him."

Derak sighs and says, "No, I'm not telling or asking you to reconcile. I just wanted to know if you are certain of your step. OK, then I'll find out the next steps to get the certificate."

As Derak gets up, "Derak, I want the certificate soon. I don't want to spend my time slugging with him."

Derak nods and says, "Don't worry, I won't let him. Sandy, please take care of her for me."

Just then Derak gets a call and he says in a shocked tone, "What? Jessica, I have to take my leave. I'll be back soon. Sandy, remember what I said."

"Jessica, Jessica?" Hearing Sandy calling me, I came out of my daze and said, "Huh, what did you say?"

Sandy replies, "I didn't say anything. I'm calling, and you're not replying. What's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing. I just remembered Aunt Debra."

Aunt Debra raised me from the day I was born. She was my father, mother, and confidante. Sadly, she passed away a year before my marriage. I got married in August 2021, and she passed away in March 2020.

"I know. This is one of those times; you need a mother." Then Sandy cheers up and says, "But you have me!."

On hearing her, I hugged her as tears rolled down my eyes. Regaining my composure, "You know, she raised me since I was a baby. In the beginning she wanted to tell me about her, but I never wanted to know who she was. And, why should I, after all if she can leave me, I don't need her. You know she never called me, even once." As I began to cry a bit. "It seemed like it was only yesterday that I got a call at work telling me my aunt had an accident and was hit on the head. I rushed to the hospital. Though she woke up and was fine, after a few days she was diagnosed with DAI." Continuing, I said, "In the beginning, they told her she might recover, but soon she relapsed and fell into a coma. That's when they recommended keeping at the hospital would be expensive, so I shifted to a nursing home. Then she passed away last year, a few months before I met Kyle. For me, she was my real mother, and she was the only relative I knew. The day I got married, I felt now she would be happy in heaven as her only wish was to see me settle down. Sadly, today that dream broke."

Just then we heard a knock, so I got up to see who could come so early in the morning. As I opened the door, a delivery man was standing with a document bag, so I took the bag and came back inside. Seeing me with the document bag, Sandy said, "Oh, were you expecting something?"

As I was turning the bag around and actually shaking it to see what's inside, I replied, "No, let me see what it is."

As I opened the seal, my eyes widened in shock. They were divorce summons from the court with a notice, telling me to come and sign within the next business days.

I was so angry, I didn't reply to Sandy, who kept asking, 'What's the matter? What's the document saying?'

I quickly took my phone out and dialed his number. For some odd reason, his voice sounded like he just got a call from Santa: "Jessy, how'd you call me? Are you OK? Do you need anything?"

But I bombarded him, saying, "Kyle, I've already signed the papers. If you're in such a hurry, come tomorrow so we can get the certificate. Why is your lawyer sending me divorce papers?"

On hearing the documents are divorce papers, Sandy took my phone from my hand and said in an angry tone, "Kyle, have you lost your mind? It's wrong as it is how you divorced her, now this. Are you a man or not?"

Kyle fumbles, saying, "Sandy, I... I didn't send any papers. Can you please tell the lawyer's name?"

Sandy takes the papers from my hand and then says on the phone, "Yeah, it's Evan Shider."

Kyle says, "OK, you can throw them, and please take care of Jessy for me. I'll clear the matter soon. And, please tell her to wait for me."

As the call gets disconnected, Sandy says in a stunned tone, "What was that? Take care of Jessy. I'll clear up the matter soon. And, oh, he actually said to tell you to wait for him."

I snorted and said, "He's the last person who's care I need now. I should have known he's a dumbo."

Sandy makes me sit down and says, "OK, forget him. I'll get us two cups of coffee."

As she comes back with the coffee, "He told me to throw the papers. He'll talk with the lawyer."

Though I always relied on myself, for the first time I felt I should take advice, so I signaled Sandy to wait as I called Derak and told him about the papers and Kyle's call.

As expected, Derak told me I should keep the papers for safety and wait for him to come back.

As I was sipping my coffee, Sandy said, "Jessica, did you really not notice anything wrong about him? I mean."

I sighed as Sandy said this, but it's true, I really didn't notice anything. Even when he came at the anniversary, I was happy he finally came. So, I replied, "Sandy, I myself can't figure out what happened. The entire party, the menu, the gifts, our late night private party, everything was discussed with him. I never felt a difference in his tone."

"Jessica, I don't think it's as simple. If he actually came with signed papers and he's telling you to wait for him. I think he's up to something."

I got into a serious mode and replied, "I know. That's what made me realize it didn't happen overnight. He had it planned before. But why did he end it like this? He could have done it before the anniversary. He actually arranged a party and came to give the divorce papers."

Just then the bell rang. Sandy gets up and says, "Wait, let me see."

As Sandy comes back, she's holding a parcel, or a box. As she places it on the table, she says, "It's for you. Maybe a client couldn't come to the party, so he sent you the gift home."

I suddenly remembered, his secretary Kyle got me a gift and she would send it to me, "No, it's him. His secretary said he bought me a special gift."

Sandy snorted, saying, "What special gift? A frame for the papers."

I took the box and opened it. As I took the wrapper off, I saw it was a jewelry box. As I opened the box, I saw it was a diamond necklace with a small heart pendant with K&J embedded in it.

As I held the necklace, Sandy said in an angry tone, "What the hell is wrong with this man? Has he gone mad? He's already taken signed papers and is giving a necklace with both of both initials embedded in heart? Where's the arrow he shot at the anniversary party?."

I took a sigh and kept the necklace back in the box. As I closed the box, I told Sandy to calm down. I don't know why, but I was still siding with him and said, "Maybe he bought it before, when we were still a couple, when he still loved me."

Sandy retorts, saying, "Jessica, I know you're a fashion designer, but I love jewelry. This is the latest Majestic Bond edition. It came out a few days ago, and the booking was also a week ago. Oh, and only ten sets are made. Now, one is in your hand, and the other nine are somewhere in the world."

I opened the box again, and as I was looking at the necklace, Kyle was becoming a mystery to me. Though I was married for three years, now it seems like I really didn't know him. He never talked about his parents or his past life. But then I also never questioned him as I thought he barely managed to overcome his depression. Now he was living a normal life and the doctor also said, 'If the memories he's forgotten are bad, it's best he doesn't remember them.

But now that he left me like this and is still telling me to wait. What is he up to? Did he go back to his family? Is he making them accept me? But even if so, I am a reputed girl with a world renowned fashion brand. Why would they not accept me?

Then Sandy says, "So, Jessica, you were making the draft for the upcoming fashion. What about it?"

Recalling the draft is incomplete, "OH, I totally forgot."

As she gets up, "OK, I have some books left for checking. Why don't you complete your draft, and I'll come back with Patricia in the evening?"

I nodded with a smile as Sandy left. As I looked around, the emptiness got to me, so I went straight to the kitchen. And as always, I brewed a cup of cappuccino, heated a pizza, and headed towards my studio.

Though I have my own building with an office and my own designing, tailoring, and boutique, I have a studio at home as well. As I sat on my chair and opened my laptop, his face was right in front of me. Yes, my laptop's wallpaper is of Kyle. At first, I slammed the screen shut. Then realizing it's not the laptop's fault his picture is on my wallpaper, I again opened and changed it to a random rainbow wallpaper.

Then I began to set my layout for drawing and began to sketch the dresses. Though the designs were ready, a little alterations were required. As I was scribbling on my pad, I got a call, seeing it's from Derak, I took the call.

"Hi, Jessica, before I tell or ask anything, are you over with Kyle?" Derak asked in a concerned tone.

"Derak, do you think I should continue? I mean he didn't even say anything; he just told me to sign and he'd compensate me for my loss."

Derak sighs and says, "Jessica, I told you before, and I'm telling you now again. From now on, you're my sister, and I have no concern with Kyle. Jessica, the reason I asked was because, today I think I found out why he left."

Though I didn't really care, for some odd reason, I did want to know why all of a sudden he broke off our three-year relationship with one sign. "Derak, though, I don't care, but it's best to know then make up your own assumptions."

I could hear Derak sigh on the phone as if it was hard for him to tell. I was going to tell him to forget it, but before I could he said, "Jessica, I found out he met his first-love a few weeks back and has been meeting her on and off. I'm not certain, but she might be the reason."

OK, though most marriages break because of betrayal, but for some reason I was thinking maybe it was because of our busy schedule. And I could have reconciled, had he not come with duly signed papers. But, first-love, heck, I didn't even know he had a first-love. And, today was the first time I regretted not asking about his past.

Now that he has a first-love, he might also be having parents. As silly as it sounded, I actually asked Derak, "Derak, does Kyle have parents?"

I think Derak also wasn't expecting to hear this, "Ah, what? His parents? Jessica, they died in a car accident when he was in college. But, did you hear what I said?"

Realizing I caused him a confusion, I said, "Oh, sorry Derak, it's that I never asked about his past life, and he also told me because of his depression, he doesn't remember the past things. The doctor also said it's best he forgets. So, first love was least expected. And, now that he has and you say he might have gone back, I presumed he might have parents as well." Suddenly remembering. "Hey, Derak, have you met her?"

Before I could ask anything else, Derak says, "No, I was out of the country when he was dating and by the time I came back, he was in the hospital for depression."

So it was the same for him as well. After all, when I met him, he was still getting his treatment, and no one was there for him. And he got better and would often say, 'It was casue of me he improved or else he might have not survived. Realizing this fact, I said, "Yes, Derak, I knew about his depression. Actually, I took care of him in the last months he was at the hospital. After completing four months without treatment, he proposed to me and we got married. He used to tell me about you. He told you to come to meet him, but you had to leave all of a sudden."

Derak again sighs and says, "Yes, dad had acquired a new company in Spain, so I had to go and take over. OK, Jessica, for now I'm not certain he didn't send the papers. I think she must have sent them, so be a little careful."

Honestly that came as a shock to me. So, the first-love felt threatened and sent me the divorce summons, but shouldn't I be the one to be angry? After all, I have been a wife for the past three years. I still replied, "OK, I'll be careful. Derak, you also take care."

As the call got disconnected, I tried to focus on my work when a notification pooped on my screen. The notification was to remind me to design a suit for Kyle's birthday.

As the notification disappeared from the screen, I realized he also disappeared from my life just like that. As I engulfed myself in my work, I got a call. The voice on the other side said, "Hi, how's my wifey, still enjoying your anniversary, huh."

Note about DAI

DAI is a diffuse axonal Injury in which the brain gets scattered lesions on a widespread area. DAI is one of the most common and devastating brain injuries and is a major cause for the patient entering the coma stage after a severe head trauma.

I took a sigh of relief as I heard Patricia's voice, and said as a smile spread on my face, "Hey, finally got the time to call."

Patricia replied, "Hey, I didn't want to disturb our love-birds. So, how was the night, and no fillers. I want full details."

I didn't realize I was in a daze, as I barely heard her on the phone saying, "Jessica, Jessica, are you there? What happened? Are you busy?"Realizing she's on the line, "Sorry, actually Patricia let's meet at the office. I've completed the drafts. We can begin on the second draft. Be over in an hour."

I was dumbfounded, how did I forget Patricia. She still didn't know anything, and we have been friends since college. After graduation, I began my own company, and Patricia joined me as my chief designer. And for me, Sandy and Patricia are the only family ever since Aunt Debra passed away. Matter of fact, Patricia's mother still makes sure I meet her every weekend and she cooks personally for me.

I went to my room and got ready and then picked my bag, purse and keys and came out. As I locked the door, I got into my car and drove off for work. As I parked my car in front of the building, the watchman came over and greeted me.

As I was entering a man standing by the side, said, "Oh, who's she? The watchman actually greeted her."

The other man standing beside him told him, "She's the owner of the building."

Yes, this twenty-three floor building was mine. The top floor is my office, next three are the designing departments, next four are the production departments, and then the rest I have rented out to other businesses.

As I got into the elevator and tapped on the button of the top most floor, it took me a few minutes to reach. As I entered, everyone got up to wish and congratulate me. Obviously, I also wished everyone and thanked them as well. Though, in my mind I was thinking whether it would have been better to announce I've divorced so I won't have to accept thanks for something that is over.

As I entered my office, Patricia was already busy with her work and on seeing me, she chirped like a bird and said, "Oh, you finally came. You know I was expecting you would take an off today, you usually do, anyways, how are you and."

She didn't take his name as she saw the look I had and came over, "OK, tell me what's the matter. Did he say something?"

You know, that's the thing with Sandy and Patricia. These girls really know me more than I do myself. I took a sigh and said, "Patricia, he came around ten thirty-eleven. And, handed me duly signed divorce papers. He said I can write any amount for compensation. I wrote zero and signed them. Then I left him standing alone and came back home."

One difference that Sandy and Patricia have, is their mentality. Sandy is soft, whereas Patricia is frank.

She instantly said, "That's my girl! You should have thrown the papers on his face."

For a while I was confused if she heard what I said, "Ah, Patricia, I just said, 'I signed the divorce papers."

Patricia replies saying, "Jessica, I heard you, and if this is what he did, he doesn't deserve you. You deserve someone better. And, it's his fault for losing you, after all you're the best he can get. If he can't understand that, even after three years, it's best to leave now then after six years." She comes over, hugs me and says, "Hey, I'm sure you'll find a new hubbie soon."

Like I said, Patricia is always a frank person and is always optimistic. Just then my secretary, Veronica came and said, "Jessica, there's a Mr. Jerome here to see you. He says, 'He's from your college?"

OK, I was as shocked as Veronica and Patricia were, but still manners are manners, "OK, let him in and three cups of tea."

As she leaves, a gentleman probably around thirty or thirty-five years old enters and says smiling, "Miss. Jessica, it's an honor to meet you. I'm the new PR from Grand Ridge University. My name is Jerome."

Though I was still confused, I still remained calm and said, "Oh, please take a seat. So, sir, may I know how I can help you?"

Jerome smiles and says, "Miss Jessica, actually I came personally on behalf of Grand Ridge University to invite you to attend the college reunion of the 2012-2016 batch. The reunion will be held at the Silver Baron Hotel and will begin around seven."

As he handed me a card, I took it and opened it. A small smile appeared on my face as I saw a picture of my college friends. "Mr. Jerome, it's my pleasure to attend, and thanks for coming personally to invite me. It's really an honor."

Robert smiles and says, "Miss Jessica, today you're a renowned fashion designer. Even today, you're the role model. They all look up to you. You really have lived up to our college's motto, "Grand Ridge University makes hidden gems, and you are a rare gem of our college."

I smiled as he said all this as I really don't like bragging and never really think I did something extravagant. For me, I just do what I love, and as for my business being successful, like my mentor said, it runs in my blood.

Replying, I told, "Oh, no sir. I prefer being a hidden gem of the college like the uncountable gems the university has made, is making and will be making."

Just then Robert says, "OK, Miss Jessica, I'll take my leave, and hope to meet you at the reunion once again."

As Robert leaves, Patricia says, "Wow! Now that's our topper. You know I was going to ask you about the invitation. The rest of the students, me included, got an invitation on the college Facebook page."

OK, though it's a silly thought, I still asked her, "What? You're following our college page?" Patricia smiled and said, "Of course, why not? Jessica, you know it's good to keep an eye out. You may not know, but twenty percent of our employees are from our college."

Realizing the fact, I also said, "And, I presume you found them."

Acting like a saint, Patricia says, "Of course not, I just found their profiles and sent them a job opening. And, of course, since they are from our college, how can they fail the interview against other colleges?"

"OK, let's get back to work. Here, (I removed the drafts I made) look, these are the drafts I made. Look at this one, this is the white satin dress they wanted for the fall collection and this is the autumn fall collection is beige."

As Patricia looks at the drafts, she says, "Hey, we can add some sequins here, and how about a light off-yellow lace here on the white dress?"

"Patricia, what's the matter? Did you forget, they said they want the dresses as simple as possible. Now obviously we can't make plain dresses, so I made some flowers of the same color leaves and flowers and added them. Look at the size, I've kept them small, so they don't stand out from the dress."

"I know, that's why a few sequins and a little lace. Look, (She picks a pencil and draws on the drafts) what say?"

Though they did look nice, for some reason I knew this client wouldn't accept it, but I still wanted to take the chance, "OK, call Heather in."

As Heather came in, I called her over and said, "Heather, please fix my makeup. I have an online appointment."

Heather is my personal hair and make-up stylist. Though I like my hair open and practically no makeup, but since I have to meet so many people and with all the pollution, a little touch up is not bad.

Heather comes over with her make-up bag and does my makeup and then says, "Jessica, your skin is a bit dry. I'll send you a face mask. You can apply it at night and keep it on for five minutes and then wash with luke-warm water, OK."

"Sure, I'll do as you said. Patricia, have you uploaded the drafts?" I asked as Heather was doing my hair.

As Patricia says, 'Yes, I switch my web-cam on and make the call. As the client comes online, "Good morning, Mr. Lorenzo. My chief designer Patricia has sent you the drafts. Can you please check if the designs are up to your requirement."

Lorenzo replies saying, "Good morning Miss Jessica. (As he was looking at the drafts on his tab) Miss Jessica, honestly after my friend Emilio suggested your name, and now I understand why he did. They are perfect, but are the sequins and lace added in the second draft?"

"Ah, one second please, Patricia please send the first draft." As Patricia sends the first draft, "OK, Mr. Lorenzo please check the first draft."

As Lorenzo checks the drafts, Lorenzo says, "Miss Jessica, the first drafts are exactly what I'm looking for, but you can add the lace. You see my wife, she likes laces. So, fine, when can I see the final dress?"

I was happy on hearing the deal was finalized, and it felt really good to feel happy after all that has happened. Actually after the divorce, I felt like being happy was not in my fate. "Ah, Mr. Lorenzo, the final dresses will be ready by Monday. Today is Thursday. I'll go and personally hand the designs to the department and let you know as soon as possible."

As the call disconnects, Patricia says, "Jessica, after getting off work, you're coming with me back home."

I tried to decline as I really wanted to be alone. I don't know why, but after the divorce, I realized my life revolved around Kyle and I never thought I would ever be alone. But, now that this day has come into my life, I want to live a life that's meant for me and only me.

"Jessica, Jessica?" Patricia was calling me but once again I was in a daze. As I came out of it, "See, that's why you are going with me. I am not leaving you alone. And, before you say anything, I already told mom you're coming. The food is already planned, by now she must have made half of the dishes."

I sighed as I knew there's no way out. Though I can reject her offer, Aunt Claudia, after Aunt Debra's death, she has treated me like her own daughter. She never forgot my birthday and made sure to send me a gift as well. So, I had to accept.

After finishing the drafts, I went to the Design draft department and went to meet my garment technologist, David. After I handed him the drafts, I told him to begin and let me know.

By the time I came back, Patricia had already packed everything, and was waiting for me. I realized I had no say in this, so I decided to go along.

Patricia's home

As we reached Patricia's home, Aunt Claudia was waiting for us at the door. As she came over and hugged me, I also hugged her back and said, "I hugged her, "Aunt Claudia, I missed you so badly."

Aunt Claudia smiled and said, "Silly girl, how many times have I told you this is your house? You can come any time. Come on, dinner is ready."

As I entered, I was fearing she would ask about him, and I felt hurt.

Yes, I do know I should move on and after all, he's the one who left or betrayed me, but I don't want to hurt the ones I love, and I know she's going to be heartbroken on hearing, but I have to tell her one day, so why not today.

As I sat down, Aunt Claudia asked me about Kyle, so I told her everything that happened.

OK, I was expecting she would be in a state of shock, but what she told me was not what I was expecting.

"Jessica dear, don't worry, I'm always here for you. Though I'm not taking any side, maybe he was struck by some lightning and when he comes to his senses, he'll come back."

As I let out a soft laugh, I replied, "Actually, Aunt Claudia, he told me to wait for him, as if he will come back, but I think I'd be a fool to wait for him."

Aunt Claudia sighed as she said, "Jessica, do you know why he took this step? I mean from what I know, he really loved you, then how come?"

I was literally laughing inside as I'm still trying to figure this out for myself, as I don't understand just the night before we had a lovely conversation and the next night he came with duly signed divorce papers. "Aunt, I really don't know, but after what happened, I have realized I want to live my own life."

I was still speaking with my aunt when my phone began to ring. I saw it was from the nursing home. "Ah, Aunt Claudia one second, it's from Aunt Debra's nursing home."

Aunt Claudia also looked at me surprised and said, "What? Didn't we clear the bill before taking Debra's stuff with us?"