She captured my heart

Chapter 1: Cold Divorce

A gentle mist hung low on the ground, casting a mystical veil over the Earth.

The weather that Saturday morning in spring was so refreshing. Its beauty was one in kind and one could get lost by staring too much at it.

The beauty of the day was however lost to Annabella Whales who stood by the billowy curtains glancing at Nature’s beauty through the window.

She has been awake all through the night without catching sleep. The beautiful sultry black flowing gown she wore last night still clung to her body tightly and except for her ruined makeup and tousled hair, One may think Annabel was going out for a special event that morning.

A sorrowful sigh escaped her lips as she began to reminisce about her sad love life story.

It has been three years, three whole years and yesterday marked their marriage anniversary but her cold-faced handsome husband, Louis Calvin did not show up.

The most painful thing was that Louis even refused to take her calls too. She was terrified because Louis had never slept out for once before, not that he was a perfect man but it was a nature with the Calvins.

Annabella knew where Louis spent the night yesterday. She has lived to condone this burden and pain just so she could remain Louis's wife.

The hard thing is that Louis can never love her no matter all the good wifey qualities she possesses.

This is the hard pill she needs to swallow every day.

Oh, Annabella wished she was Louis’s lucky lady outside. That lucky beautiful, sophisticated, and rich lady exudes her imagination of what beauty, elegance, and class is

But, No.

No one can be compared to that lady for Louis Calvin. She was the queen leeching around him that he could never give up on.

To make matters worse for Annabella, Louis never spoke to her.

She lived under his roof as his wife but they never communicated. Annabella has always been the first to approach him for a conversation. He only says a few words when he needs sex from her as his loyal wife.

Their sex life was ever boring, although Annabella enjoyed it but something was shocking about it.

For three years of being married to Louis, he’d never for once refused to make love to Annabella even when he never loved her.

It was like a daily routine for him or more like the delicious meals Annabella made for him daily

But something was wrong.

Louis’s heart was panting over another lady. A lady that he could give up everything for just to be with her.

She is Miya Roderick. The lady with beauty and class.

Flooded in deep thoughts, a surprising knock came on the door that made Annabella compose herself.

“ The door is open” Her voice cracked with a hooked-up breath like she bumped her lungs obstructing her airways.

The door opened and Annabella’s heart fluttered, virtually jumping out of her chest.

It was her husband, Louis Calvin.

Louis walked in gracefully to Annabella but with a pale face contorted in a mixture of despair and delight.

Moved like a rush of a mighty wind, Annabella stood up impulsively and hugged him closely to her heart.

They have never hugged each other once because of emotional detachment but that Saturday morning was different. At least, Annabella knew she would be getting an apology for last night from him.

Louis for once in his life allowed Annabella to rest on his heavy chest. He tried to run his hands on her back but felt cold and dropped his hands without reciprocating Annabella’s hug.

“ I couldn't sleep all night. I kept thinking about your safety” In his cold hands, Annabella let out the intent of her heart.

Louis felt her heart pounding in his chest. He pulled her off his body, separating from her with the one step he took backward.

Louis was always aloof with a cold face but something was different from his looks that day.

He cast a glance at his wife, running his eyes on the beautiful gown she wore. He guessed she waited too long for him last night and had to sleep that way.

“ Did Mom and Dad come for the anniversary?” his pale face darkened as he struggled to talk to Angela, his flawless perfect loyal wife.

“ No, Louis, I told them of our plans to celebrate this year's anniversary between ourselves as couples” Her response forced a nod from Louis. He knew her abilities in handling problems.

The frown on his face suddenly disappeared as if Annabella’s response was a sign of relief for him. Louis knew Annabella may be thinking he suddenly appeared in her room because of sex.

But No, he was here for something different. Something he had never wished for all his life and today, he was going to get it from her.

Yesterday was their marriage anniversary but he didn't show up on this year's anniversary. This is backed up by the firm decision he made last night.

“Anna” he called, “ We need to talk”

Annabella’s jaw dropped. Louis has never called her Anna before with such a romantic tone. He certainly does not want sex. Does he?

“Yes we can… is it about last night? '' Her lips shivered in suspense.

“ No, Annabella,” his lovely tone changed.” Let's get divorced “ he stopped breathing as if he too regretted this.

He stretched the brown envelope in his hands to her, “ Here are the divorce papers. Sign them”

The lump in Annabella’s throat melted, her feet and hands trembling to the paper Louis just handed her.

” Why are we getting divorced? You don't want this marriage again “ she managed to muster up and say, masking her brokenness with a feigned confidence and composure.

Louis itched his head. “ C’ mon Annabella, you know this marriage is an arranged one by our parents. We don't belong to each other” His cold voice sends goosebumps on Anna’s skin.” Please pack your stuff and leave. Miya has moved in already.

“ It's okay, Louis, I will sign the papers and leave immediately. '' Tears tried to drop her eyes but she held on strong, not letting the tears pour out in Louis' presence.

The fact that Annabella accepted to sign the divorce papers without objecting or even begging for a second chance made Louis want to question the love she has for him.

He glanced at Annabella as she stood signing the paper and his Adams apple thrust down. Miya has moved in already yet the pain of losing Annabella lunged on Louis's heart like an onslaught.

However, he wanted this to happen. He was happy that he was going to be with Miya, the lady he cherished.

“ I will drop you off at your uncle’s if you finish packaging your load,” He said to her as her hands ran deftly with every one of her belongings.

“ It's fine, Louis. I will drive by myself and don't worry about what Uncle Logan will say because I'll always cover up for you” She replied without turning to face him.

“ Okay,” he nodded and slammed the door to go downstairs and help Miya with her bags.

Shortly after twenty-five minutes, Annabella staggered from her room upstairs with two big boxes.

Her face was swollen with tears but she tucked her face to the floor and walked past Louis and Miya, leaving with the shattered pieces of her life.

Getting to the car, she saw Louis running towards her as if he was about to tell her not to leave again.

“ Anna,” he called.

Immediately, Annabella stood numbed on the spot.

Louis drew Annabella close and kissed her lips short." Thank you for being a good wife to me all these years but it is over between us now” He pulled out from her and disappeared into the house.

Anna’s tears fell as she watched Louis.

Broken, she dragged her bags inside the car and drove off to a cold lonely street. The journey of her life was just about to begin.