Scars Of A Broken Bond

"Ma'am, our examination indicates that your uterine wall is unusually thin, making the fetus's position precarious. It's essential to exercise caution with your diet and physical activities," the doctor explained, holding out a piece of paper to Sabrina Chavez. "Here, take this. Go get the medicine."

"Understood, doctor," Sabrina responded, carefully taking the prescription from the doctor.

The doctor emphasized, "Make sure to take good care of yourself. This is a serious matter." A thin uterine wall can increase the risk of miscarriage. It is unfortunate that many women who experience a miscarriage face difficulties conceiving again.

"Thank you, doctor. I'll take care of myself," Sabrina assured him, a resolute smile playing on her lips.

Having been married for three years, she had eagerly anticipated this baby for the same duration, and she was determined to do everything in her power to protect it.

Leaving the doctor's office, Sabrina picked up her medicine and headed back to her car.

The driver initiated the car's engine and glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Ma'am, Mr. Blakely's flight is scheduled to arrive at three o'clock in the afternoon. We still have twenty minutes remaining. Should we proceed to the airport now?"

"Yes, let's do that."

The thought of reuniting with her husband in just a few minutes warmed Sabrina's heart, prompting a smile.

Her husband, Tyrone Blakely, had been away on business for nearly a month. She missed him very much.

During the drive, she found herself repeatedly reviewing the pregnancy report, her hand gently resting on her belly.

In just eight months, she and Tyrone would welcome their precious baby into the world.

She was eager to share the joyous news with him immediately.

Once they reached the airport, the driver strategically parked the car. "Are you going to call Mr. Blakely now?"

Checking her watch, Sabrina tried calling Tyrone, but the call went unanswered.

"His flight must be delayed. Let's wait a bit longer," Sabrina suggested.

Despite a lengthy wait, Tyrone was nowhere to be seen.

Another call, another attempt, but again, no response.

"Let's keep waiting."

Flight delays were a common occurrence, sometimes even stretching to a couple of hours.

Two hours later, Sabrina called Tyrone again. The phone was quickly picked up. "Tyrone, have you landed?"

There was an unexpected silence, followed by an unfamiliar female voice. "I'm sorry. Tyrone is in the restroom. He will call you back later."

Before Sabrina could reply, the call was abruptly ended.

She stared at her phone in confusion.

As far as she knew, Tyrone didn't have a female assistant with him on this trip.

Staring at the blank screen, Sabrina anxiously awaited Tyrone's call.

Soon, ten minutes elapsed.

Tyrone didn't call her back.

Five minutes later, Sabrina called him again.

After a lengthy wait, the phone was finally answered, and a familiar male voice greeted her. "Sabrina?"

"Tyrone, where are you? We are waiting for you at the airport."

There was a pause on the line. "Sorry, I forgot to switch on my phone after landing. I've already left the airport."

Sabrina's joy faded instantly. "Then...I'll wait for you at home. There's something I need to discuss with you."

"Same here. I have something to discuss too."

"I'll ask the cook to prepare your favorite dishes for dinner."

"Eat without me. I have some other commitments. I'll be home later."

Trying to hide her disappointment, Sabrina agreed. "Alright."

As she was about to end the call, the woman's voice could be heard again. "Tyrone, I'm sorry. I forgot to inform you that Sabrina called."

Sabrina's heart skipped a beat, and a frown creased her forehead. Just as she was about to ask Tyrone about the woman on the phone, the call abruptly ended.

Gazing at the phone screen, Sabrina pursed her lips in disappointment. She turned to the driver and said, "Let's head back home."

The driver, sensing her distress, drove her back home.

Despite the turmoil, Sabrina forced herself to eat for the sake of her unborn baby.

The TV was on in the living room.

She sat on the sofa with a cushion in her arms and looked at her watch frequently. She was not in the mood to watch what was on TV at all.

By ten o'clock, fatigue had overtaken her, and she drifted off to sleep.

Suddenly, she felt herself being lifted.

Half-awake, Sabrina detected a familiar scent mixed with a hint of alcohol. "Tyrone?" she murmured.

"It's me," Tyrone replied.

"Did you drink?" Sabrina asked.

"I drank a little with my friend."

The muffled sound of water cascading down in the bathroom filled the room. Sabrina grimaced, her rest disturbed.

Someone slid into the bed.

A hand landed on her waist, its path trailing a prickly sensation on her skin.

"Uhm... Not tonight..." Eyes shut, Sabrina sleepily brushed his hand away.

Deep within, she feared causing harm to their unborn child.

His hand halted, settling on her back. "Go to sleep."

Sabrina's sleepiness seized her and tenderly whisked her away into a peaceful slumber.

When morning arrived and Sabrina opened her eyes, she discovered an empty space beside her in the bed. Only the faintly crumpled sheets remained as evidence of his return home last night.

A hint of annoyance crept in. Why had she given in to sleep so soon?

It didn't matter, though. She could still share the news with him later.

Once done with her morning hygiene routine, Sabrina navigated to the wardrobe, selecting a white suit for Tyrone. Considering the joyful news of her pregnancy, she opted for a red-striped tie, neatly placed on the bed.

Tyrone was back from his morning jog, lounging on the sofa in his pajamas. Noticing Sabrina descending the stairs, he dropped the papers in hand and suggested, "Time for breakfast."

After breakfast, Sabrina mustered up the courage, her voice filled with hope and happiness. "Tyrone, I've got news to share."

Surely, the announcement of a baby would bring joy, wouldn't it?

"I've got something to share as well," Tyrone confessed.

"Alright, you first." Her warm and sweet smile carried a subtle touch of bashfulness.

"Sabrina, let's divorce." Rising, Tyrone fetched the document from the sofa, extending it to her. "This is our divorce agreement. Take your time with it. Should there be any queries or requirements, let me know."

Sabrina's heart skipped a beat as she regarded Tyrone with a stunned expression.

Momentarily, her mind went blank, doubting her own ears.

Time seemed to stretch before she managed to stammer, "Divorce?"

He was suggesting a divorce?

What prompted him to consider divorce so abruptly?

She was caught off guard.

"We were both set up that night. We were forced to get married and we didn't make the marriage public. Since there is no love between the two of us, we'd better end it," Tyrone explained casually, as if discussing mundane chores.

Sabrina's face drained of color.

Her heart felt clenched, making breathing arduous.

It couldn't be.

She had loved him for nine years.

She had joined the Blakely family and fallen in love with him at the age of sixteen.

They had been married for three years. Her love for him had only grown stronger.

She wanted this marriage; it wasn't forced upon her.

Yet, for him, the marriage was far from perfect.

Struggling to swallow the lump in her throat, she steadied her breath. Looking straight at him, she attempted to keep her voice steady. "Have the last three years not been good? Are you certain you want to divorce me?" Her heart ached as she uttered those words.

"I've made my decision."

"But your grandparents..."

"I'll handle them."

"And what if I am-" She wanted to tell him she was pregnant.

Impatient, he cut her off. "Galilea's returned."

The words felt like a brutal stab to Sabrina's heart.

She accepted the divorce agreement in a daze and said, "Alright. I will look at this."

Forced to marry? No love? Those were just excuses.

His concluding sentence revealed the true reason behind his decision.

Galilea Clifford had returned.

Over the past three years, even though Sabrina and Tyrone hadn't publicly acknowledged their marriage, they lived together just like an ordinary married couple.

Each morning, she would carefully choose his suit and tie, after which they'd embark on their shared journey to work.

In the evening, during his business gatherings, he would take time out to call her and share the happenings of his day.

Nightly, they found solace in each other's arms, sometimes sharing intimate showers, and always sealing the night with a tender kiss before sleep.

On notable occasions such as their anniversary, Valentine's Day, and her birthday, he'd present her with thoughtful gifts.

He was always eager to meet her desires, regardless of what they were.

He was a man of romance.

He'd fulfilled all the duties expected of an ideal spouse.

Indeed, even she had been swept away by this joyous wave, convinced her days would always be filled with such happiness.

But then, Galilea reemerged.

And with that, Sabrina could feel the impending end to their joyous marriage.

Was it Galilea's voice she heard over the phone the day before?

Had they been in touch already?

Had they spent an entire month together when he was supposedly away on a business trip?

Did they return to the country in each other's company?

Did he spend the previous night with her?

As these thoughts whirled in her mind, Sabrina felt her heart plunge into an abyss of despair. Tyrone had shattered her heart.

"Don't worry, Sabrina. Even after we divorce, I'll regard you as my sister, my family."

Sister?

They had been married and slept in the same bed for three years. In the end, he said he saw her as his sister?

How could she accept that?

"We'll revisit this later." With a mocking smile painted on her face, Sabrina averted her gaze.

Tyrone adjusted his collar, meeting her with a deep, intense look. "By the way, what was it you were about to tell me?"

Sabrina casually flipped through the divorce agreement in her hand, a faint smile gracing her face. "Never mind. The designs for the upcoming season's clothing have been released. I was hoping to discuss an idea with you, but I've managed to come up with something on my own now."

There was no need to tell him that she was pregnant.

"Alright, appreciate your diligence."

Sabrina was the brand director of Blakely Group, and Tyrone had undeniable faith in her competence.

She was a natural in this line of work. Any product she touched, be it jewelry, clothes, video games, or tech gadgets, skyrocketed to popularity.

"I'm only doing my job. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get to work."

Breathing in deeply, Sabrina composed herself and began to turn, striving to maintain a facade of calm.

"We'll go together." After his declaration, Tyrone headed upstairs to change.

Sabrina halted, a lump formed in her throat and her eyes moistened.

How could he remain so unperturbed, asking for a divorce, and then inviting her to commute together?

His love for her was non-existent.

"It's alright. As we're headed for divorce, it's best you take care not to be seen with me."

With that, Sabrina briskly made her exit.

The fear of losing composure in Tyrone's presence propelled her.

She simply couldn't let that happen.

After that night, he'd only agreed to marry her believing she would be no trouble and never lash out.

She harbored guilt for the unborn child within her. A child destined to be fatherless.

As she walked away, Tyrone's forehead creased in a frown.

Reaching the garage, she opened the door of the driver's seat and climbed in. Instead of starting the engine, she opened Facebook.

After some casual browsing, she stumbled upon something.

Tyrone and most of his friends weren't fond of sharing things online, but there were a few exceptions among his social circle.

Eddie Dawson was one of them.

Sabrina came across a post of him at a dinner, the caption read, "Welcome Galilea back to the country! A wedding's on the way!"

He had added a celebratory emoji at the end.

The location showed the club they frequently hung out at.

A drop of tear fell on the screen of her phone.