Scarlett's Dilemma

Scarlett.

I bet he has a hundred concubines chasing after him ,each more beautiful than the last. And there I was ... sitting in despair, not knowing what I'll be of .

This was not the first time, nor will it be the last I'll see panties in his suitcase. Each time my eyes beheld them, it feels as though my heart will crumble into pieces. I'd always feel this cold thing run through my spine.

Who was that? I jolted out of my thoughts when I heard the doorbell ring.

I didn't linger in wiping the tears off my face. I stared at the clock that hit six PM. Oh my, how long have I been crying?

I walked to the mirror. That was it. The figure there always has her eyes maroon and teary. I mustered courage and scrubbed my face, ensuring no one could sense I was crying.

I walked to the door, and saw a mail man.

I don't remember anyone saying they had a package for me.

The mailman gazed at me in an awkward way. What now?

Just then I realized my hair wasn't put together. Shit.

"Hello ma'am."

"Hello." I said, heaving deeply when the mailman took a huge step backwards, making a face as though he had smelt a dead rat.

"This is for you." He handed me an envelope.

"Thanks." I said, and received it, still perplexed at his behavior.

I abruptly shut the door behind me, and poured my mouth breath on my palms. Shit! It was disgusting. Oh my, no wonder he made those faces.

All because of Aaron. I sat my ass on the couch, anticipating the content in the envelope.

"The high court of Greenfield." It read. Court?

I ran my eyes through everything that was penned. I felt my heart shatter into crumbs. "Petition for dissolution of marriage." He really meant this. I thought it was all part of the empty threats he made.

I slowly fell off the couch, to get my head together. He had signed, and mine was demanded.

No, no. It's impossible I'll be signing this. I love him too dearly.

My eyes became frozen. I could barely see anything but mustered tears.

I heard the door knob twist and open. I slowly turned to see him. Out of the blue, the man decided to break my heart.

But he wasn't the only one; another was with him. His mistress perhaps. Her face didn't ring a bell.

"Aaron?" I stood to meet him. The fool was intoxicated already.

"You..." he said, pointing his unstable index finger at me.

"Aaron? What's this?" I asked, with the divorce papers hanging in my hand, not having time for the other lady.

"It is what it is, love." He said, and smacked my face slightly.

The other lady majestically walked her ass to my settee. "Why are you doing this? I'm sorry if I've done anything...we can resolve this like two adults but not like this-" he interrupted me midway.

"Save that for someone else..." This was real. My eyes twitch as he grabs the other lady by the waist, romantically leading her to our bedroom.

OUR bedroom.

That was what he did to me on our wedding night, and now for her...

They came out again, and he whispered. "We'll be needing the room to ourselves the whole night."

"If you don't mind..." the lady said, and I just stood there, staring and amazed at how stupid they looked.

"Like she has a choice." Aaron said and they both poured out laughter.

Their lips interlocked, deeply, which made tears fall.

I wasn't interested in seeing them do their shit. I ran upstairs and grabbed a coat. By the time I was back down, no one was there. I leaned my ear to the door only to hear the intense mourning of the lady.

"Should I put it in?" Aaron asked, in a breath that was filled with pleasure.

"Yes..."

I couldn't hold the tears any longer. I ran out of the house, shutting the door behind. So soon? I had just been married for three months.

I strengthened my face, and dialed my mom's number. It rang, but she didn't answer.

I damn needed someone to talk to. She's the only person that could lend a listening ear to me now.

I put on my coat and walked in silence to the park, holding my grief at heart. Hoping nobody notices.

The cold was strong enough to dry up my tears, but not the sorrow in my heart. Shrubs were swept away by the breeze, then I sighted a bench. It had no companion, just like me.

I gently walked to it and sat. My heart grew heavier.

It was as if my heart was being beaten with a whip that had blades at its corners.

Then a thick flawless voice spoke. Perhaps it wasn't to me.

" How saddening it is to know angels cry" he said. I looked around and realized I was the only one, so he was referring to me.

Oh my, my tears were visible.

" Excuse me?" I said and wiped off my tears, as if nothing happened. "I saw an angel crying and decided to come over.

Is anything the matter? I'd be glad to lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on."

I paused and looked into his eyes and was weak knowing someone noticed my tears; I couldn't help but break down again.

I saw empathy and wonder in his eyes. It was obvious he didn't know what to do when he gently held my feeble hands. Before I knew it, I hugged him.. tighter than I could ever have imagined, even to the extent of leaving tears on his coat.

I felt his strong hands pat my hair.

" Everything will be okay, don't worry." He said.

The cold worsened and I was still crying.

Probably he didn't know how to tell me to stop hugging him so we could find shelter.

" Hey," he said.

" Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for... I should just leave." I said,

" No, you shouldn't leave. I'd love to help. You know a lot of people have fallen into depression and even died because they didn't have a listening ear and I wouldn't have that happen to you." he said. Tears dropped down my cheeks and I sniffed, cleaning my face with the back of my hand.

" I'm Scarlett" I said

" Silas," He said. " Would you like to have something to eat? There's a restaurant nearby."

"Oh no, I'm fine."

"Are you?"

I nodded. "All I wanted was a shoulder to cry on."

That was all I ever wanted at that moment. I felt better, at least a little better than before.

We exchanged numbers, in case of a next time. My eyes dimmed as I saw him disappear into a dot in the street.

I woke up the next morning to honking vehicle , and busy pedestrians trailing down the street. Where was I?

It was open. I could see the sky, roadside sellers...

My eyes finally gaped open to realize I was in the park. Did I sleep here?

I didn't need an answer to that. People's glare boldly answered for me.

Scarlett.

I braced up myself and brushed the back of my hand against my face, trying to grasp the fact of me really being outside. I was about to stand on my feet when I lost count of the steps and fell shamefully to the earth.

Fuck me. Had I known, I wouldn't have come here in the first place. I would have stayed home and faced all the obnoxious acts of Aaron. But the deed has been done.

What form of shame have I not faced all because of love for Aaron. The children's mocking gaze at me was just the tip of an iceberg. I picked up myself and brushed off the imaginary dirt off my dress.

Was it that day I almost ran into a child cause I was in a hurry to give him his brunch, or the day my dress got ripped when he angrily pulled me away in public. A lot of shame that even I couldn't recall. I trotted back home, tears not being able to stay still in my eyes, having the burden of the whole world on my shoulders. I felt it. God knows this wasn't what I signed up for.

Come on, what happened to rosy marriages? Yeah, I know marriages aren't bed of roses, but they should be in their early months or years. But mine..., it was filled with thorns and dirt embedded in its roots.

Fuck it. Fuck everything about it.

I slammed the door behind me, as I saw the lady Aaron had brought home. I heaved, clenching my typical Cardi B's nail into my palms.

"Hello?" I asked, striving to restrain my anger the moment my eyes caught her in his Pyjamas. I was the only one that wore it, now her?

"How can I be of help to you?" She eyed me from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head.

The effrontery.

I counted to five within me and went into the kitchen to unwind, practicing the anger control system my therapist had taught me.

I led out a mustered scream with my hand closing my mouth.

How I wish I smacked her. I released my hand.

My eyes caught something now, hope it's not what I was thinking. There was something in a cup. My inquisitiveness drew me closer to see. There were a ton of used condoms lying inside.

Why was I surprised?Was I supposed to be?

I felt my heart shatter within me, I felt it crumble into pieces that it'll definitely take eternity to fix.

It wasn't just an ordinary cup, it was a cup mother gifted me as our matrimonial gift.

I laid on the wall, dragging myself to the floor. This was the height of it all Aaron could do, but I loved him. How was I supposed to just give up on us?

As much as the seasons of our love changed, I'm sure he still loved me. He mayn't show it, but it's somewhere deep down.

"Babe!" The lady voiced from the sitting room.

"Yes?" He said, more like in a whisper I heard him.

"She insulted me. She called me names." in a feigning tone she said.

What?

I was propelled to get up and meet them in the living room. Bitch shouldn't lie to this extent.

"Scarlett!" I heard him call out as we almost bumped into each other. He resisted even touching the shadow of my skin. Did he hate me this much?

"Stay aware of her, you get that?"

"Aaron..." I said with tears welled up in my eyes already.

"Don't Aaron me. Stay away from her." he pointed his index finger at me.

"I never said anything to her, ask her ." I turned to her as she was already wearing a sad countenance.

What actress, I hope she's won an Oscar?

"Sign the fucking divorce papers, girl. I don't have the whole year to still see your disgusting face in my house. Sign. It." He pointed.

I stared deep into his eyes, perhaps to see a glimpse of empathy in there but none. I hoped my silence spoke words to him.

~ It was midday already. After I had gotten a call from my mother, she came to my apartment. Thank goodness she didn't get to see the abomination her supposed son-in-law was committing. They had both dressed up all elegantly and left to somewhere expensive. Exquisite.

Who cares? The voice in my head asked. I cared. Not when he never took me out ever since the night of our wedding.

I explained everything to her. She embraced me in her arms, scooting down my hair. "It'll all be fine." she said.

I don't think so. "His mind is made."

"Then you leave! He's signed the divorce papers, so should you."

"It isn't as easy as it may seem, mother. I love him"

"It's obvious, he doesn't. Pick yourself up and get back on your feet, time will heal all of it."

I don't think time will heal this one. What shall I do to rekindle this burnt love?

"Come back home, my child." I was a step closer to losing my mind. The thought of losing him...

I had to listen to Mother.

"You should come home, come home and find something to make out of yourself. You deserve to be happy, not sad over a toxic lover."

"Mom..." I objected.

"I'm not leaving you with an option. It's an order, get your things, we're in fact leaving now."

I knew she wanted the best for me, nothing less. Nothing I could say could change her mind. I went upstairs and unpacked all of my belongings in the closet, throwing them all into my suitcase.

The room was now devoid of anything that was mine when I held the door knob to leave. I couldn't just go, perhaps he'd give me a chance.

I went back in and picked up a pen and ripped a page off a book in the bedside drawer. I scribbled:

My love, I'm still in wonder on why you decided to act this way concerning our marriage. I know nothing good comes easy, neither our love. Believe me when I say I replay every moment we spent together in my head. I need you to hear what I want to say; before we officially get separated, is there something I could have done to make us come back? Anything?

It kills me that you're away from me, we can talk things out, you know. Please, I'll be leaving for my mother's. I'll be there, awaiting your response for me to return to you.

I love you still, forever.

I wrote, my head wasn't sane enough to compose my words, but he could comprehend what I meant.

I folded it into two and kept it on the bed. Mother was waiting for me downstairs. How I wish she knew I didn't want to leave...ever. I'd say it's her attitude. It's her attitude to work out of anything that gave her a hard time and find some help, like she did with father.

Cade

Finally, the day I've been waiting for. The day I'll be assuming the position of CEO. The Walton family members felt the need of not making me take the position, claiming I didn't "deserve it". Like they did.

There's just something that puts me off when it gets to these people. What was their problem with me? Was it because Father didn't leave them a profitable property to hold on, or something worse. It had to be something.

But one thing I found impeccably interesting and fancy was the fact was that Mrs Walton , aka my mother stayed quiet throughout the whole drama.

I definitely didn't take after her. I fought for my position.

I stared at the figure in the mirror as I took up my zipper, sprayed some deodorant and yeah, one wouldn't want to shut their eyes after glancing at me. One more thing, my tie. I adjusted it and I looked just perfect. Imagine signing the document that makes me the rightful owner to that seat.

Now the normal thing I'd do is maintain the composure, resist the urge to show myself to the world. Lesser smile, more respect.

I shut the door behind me, going down the stairs to the dinning area.

"Look who's assuming CEO today." Kate said, planting a kiss on my cheek. The crazy but lovely sister of mine.

There was a variety of dishes on the table. Was it, rice, soup, spaghetti sauce, or pancakes, name it. I sat at the seat that was close to me. The one father always sat on.

"Hey..." Kate called, "help yourself." She said, passing me a bowl of Chicken. It suddenly irritated me. My mouth grew soir. I I didn't have the appetite. It was either the excitement, or the sight of the whole delicacy, or the abrupt thought. The thought of Father. It was late though. I couldn't begin with the emotional rollercoaster now.

Kate licked on her fingers, "delicious, isn't it?"

I stared at her. "Yeah, I guess I have to go now, love. "

"Uh?" She halted halfway her meal. The ketchup stain hung by the side of her mouth. I streamed towards her, bent a little..."what are you doing?" She asked.

I wiped out the stain with my little finger. "Now that's better."

"I'll get back as early as I can." I said, exiting the living room, leading me to the chauffeur that opened the car door for me to go in.

The green shrubs ran as swift as light, teleporting me to that day, with a blurry view of Father on his death bed. We had gotten into a fight before he passed away.

Being CEO of the city's biggest entertainment organization was my dream regardless my aspirations to become other things. Being CEO came first.

And there was dad who was only willing to make my dream a reality on a ground that I get married. That was him, an old man obsessed with marriage and family. Nothing more than an archaic mentality of those in the hoods.

But we could have made peace. I shouldn't have argued with him about that, but what could I have done, he wasn't willing to indicate it in his will, somehow our lawyer spilled the news that I'd be CEO today.

Nothing was stopping that. In as much I feel no guilt that he died, at least I needed to handle the family business.

The car stopped.

My eyes questioned the driver. What had happened?

"Hey, sir..." my chauffeur called, directing his gaze at me through the rare-view mirror. "It's miss Bridget."

I was drowned in my thoughts that I didn't realize she was standing out. I sighed, just the thought of her... . I adjusted my face in order not to look frustrated or even irritated with her presence. She opened the door and hopped in, with her lips slacked to her cheek bone.

She offered a cheek for a kiss. God knows I only managed to plant that kiss on her artificial pimpled cheek. Makeup had totally ruined her.

" Hey babe..." She said,

"Why are you here?" I asked with a non smiling face. " Is that how you say hello to your girlfriend? That's rude."

" What do you want?"

" You're still on this? Fine, I need money to change my wardrobe and go on a vacation to the Maldives..." her ranting stopped as soon as I held my hand up.

" Bridget Edgar, father just passed away and you have the effrontery to ask for money. How inhumane are you?"

Tears packed up in her eyes. I was more than convinced she feigned having those tears filled in he eyes. Of course ,she was a super actress, what more was I expecting?

" What?"

" Look at all the harsh words you said to me. You've forgotten I have a short memory and forget things easily," My brows furrowed in amazement. " You should have simply reminded me, not to trash me that way."

" It's okay, never mind." I removed my gaze from her. She palmed her face and immediately wore a smile again. Hm, I expected that.

" Why are you here again?"

" I need money. That's all."

" That's why you're here?"

" I guess." I brought out my phone and fiddled with it for a few seconds. Bridget's phone chimed and she checked it to confirm if it was really what it was- lucre .

" That's the money you requested." " You see why I call you the best." She pecked me and highlighted the car.

Yes of course, she had gotten what she wanted. Golddigger, I whispered. " Get me to the office." I commanded the driver as he drove off. Nothing seemed quite like it was before. Everything had changed...the environment...building...the aura. Perhaps the people changed, too.

I silently hoped not.

The chauffeur opened the door as I stepped out. My heart skipped a bit as the flashes of media camera and loud questions of reporters were thrown at me.

"Why won't you be CEO of your company? Are there any reasons you'll be willing to share?" I heard one feminine voice say. I smirked. Little did she know what twist would happen. Two fully built guards came out of the building, each held my arm, leading me to the inner space of the building. Things started turning suspicious. Everywhere was filled with mummerings and restless souls of the company. "What the hell was that? Why are they here?" They hesitated in letting speech flow out of their lips. " Mr Walton?" Josh, the manager called as I turned. His face was heavy with things untold. He walked me into my office. He sighed, I silently prayed it wasn't something catastrophic. He picked up a tablet on my table, operated certain keys and displayed a video of mother . "I'm sorry, but Cade Walton won't be taking the position of CEO due to certain reasons best known to the board. Thank you." A reporter had questioned her. Josh just stared at me. What the fuck was she saying?