The Billionaire’s Regret: My ex husband wants me

“You think you can trap me with a baby?” He hissed, his voice low and venomous.

“Jackson, I’m not trying to trap you,” I said in between sobs. “You can confirm from the doctor.”

Jackson snorted in disbelief. “You could have easily bribed the doctor to fabricate the whole thing.” .

“What? No, Jackson, I’m telling the truth.” I sat upright on the bed. “I’m pregnant with your child and we don’t have to go through with the divorce anymore.”

“Of course!” Jackson let out a cold and mocking laughter. “This was your plan all along. Do you think a baby will keep me tied? And don’t think for a second that I won’t make sure that the doctor pays for her part. She’ll lose her job and everything.”

~•~

When Jackson’s ex comes back into his life with his child, he ends his three year marriage with Kimberly. It just so happens that right after signing the divorce papers, Kimberly finds out she’s also pregnant.

However, Jackson doesn’t believe her. What will happen when they cross paths again five years later? Will Kimberly take him back despite all the humiliation or will she humiliate him back?

1. Brown file

KIMBERLY

~•~

“Are you sure I shouldn’t pack up the food and refrigerate them?” My maid asked me as she stared at me sympathetically while I sat at the dining table waiting for my husband to return.

My eyes lingered on the wall clock as I responded. “Don’t worry about it, he’ll be back soon.” It was already past eleven and I had been waiting for him since nine o’clock.

“You’ve said that for the past three nights, ma.” Caro reminded me, her voice laced with sympathy. Her words hurt but it was true. I couldn’t even scold her for it. She was only concerned about me.

I took a deep breath, then another one, and another

before responding. “You can go to bed, he promised to be back for dinner,” I told her, my voice cracking slightly. “I’ll wait a little bit longer.”

“Okay, ma.”

With that, she retreated to her room, leaving me alone with the variety of delicious food that we had spent our entire day preparing.

Jackson and I didn’t have the perfect marriage because we didn’t get married because of love but because of a contract between our families.

But throughout our three years together, he treated me with respect and I had grown to love him even if he didn’t feel the same way about me. He was a good man. He was handsome and caring. It would be rather weird if I didn’t fall for him.

One of the other reasons he had gotten married to me was to give him an heir but throughout the years, I couldn’t conceive a child.

We had gone to the best doctors in New York as well as some other countries to figure out what the problem was, but they all claimed there was nothing wrong with us and we just needed to be patient. I didn’t mind being patient but there was pressure from his family.

They didn’t make it easy for me and his mother didn’t forget to remind me of how much a failure I was because I hadn’t given birth to a child after three years of getting married to her son.

My eyes wandered to the clock again and I realized it was midnight. It was making it the fifth night in a row that Jackson had missed dinner.

We always had dinner together but everything changed about five days ago. He claimed he was busy with work but when I called his office one day and asked to speak with him, they told me he had left earlier.

He was hiding something and I had no idea what it was. I could only hope it was just a temporary phase and things would go back to normal soon.

Frustrated, I stood up from the chair and packed up the food, before taking them to the refrigerator. When I was done, I went back upstairs to my room and drifted off to sleep with tears in my eyes.

The sound of the creaking door woke me up the next morning. I looked up to see Jackson walking inside and I sat upright on the bed.

“You spent the night outside?” I asked with a puzzled look on my face. He had been missing dinners but he never spent the night outside.

Jackson didn’t say anything to me. He just walked to the closet and took his tie off. I watched him as he undressed, taking off his work clothes.

He was just as handsome as I remembered from the first time I met him. His charming brown eyes and ruffled brown hair made me even more attracted to him.

However, the sudden appearance of the brown envelope that landed on the bed, close to my leg, jolted me out of my reverie.

“What is this?” I asked as I slowly stretched my hand to take the envelope lying on the bed. “Jackson?” I prompted when he didn’t say anything.

“I can’t continue lying to you anymore, Paige is back in my life.” He turned to look at me. “I’ve already signed the divorce papers, it’s just your signature left to finalize the divorce.”

Divorce papers? My heart dropped to my chest and I felt a painful lump form in my throat. I had never met Paige but I had heard about her. She was engaged to Jackson before I even met him but they ended up going their separate ways for reasons best known to them.

I knew he loved her. I just didn’t know she’d ever come back and ruin our marriage.

I had no idea why they didn’t go through with their marriage plans and Jackson found a way to change the topic whenever I asked him about it. After a while, I gave up on trying to figure out the reason they went their separate ways.

Now she was back in his life and he wanted to end our marriage? “Jackson, please, you need to think this through. You can’t divorce me.” I pleaded, my voice cracking slightly.

Jackson took a deep breath and looked at me. “We both know we didn’t marry for love.” He began and was about to continue when I interrupted him.

“But I loved you, I still love you,” I argued, making my way out of the bed. “Please, you don’t have to do this.”

He cleared his throat, speaking in a soft and firm tone. “Kimberly, I have treated you with respect all these years even if I was in love with someone else. You were fully aware before you agreed to get married to me.” My chest tightened as he continued. “Let’s just come to an agreement and go our separate ways without any drama.”

He was right. He treated me with respect but I never imagined we would be going our separate ways. I always had hope that he would eventually fall in love with me one day. I had planned to spend the rest of my life with him. I was content with the way he treated me even if I hoped for more.

But I guess my hopes were now shattered as I looked at the envelope he had thrown at me.

Tears rolled down my eyes as I thought about what my life would be without him. “No, I can’t sign this. I am not going to sign it!” I declared, storming out of the room.

Jackson trailed behind me. “The woman I love is back, and she returned with my child.” I froze and turned to him as I heard those words. “I have no use for you anymore! Just sign the damn papers, so we would go our separate ways.”

I dropped to the floor and hugged my knees as tears rolled down my face. It was like a slap in the face being reminded of the fact that I couldn’t give him a child.

What did he mean by Paige returning with his child? He never mentioned anything about him and Paige having a baby together.

It felt like my whole world was crashing right before my eyes and I couldn’t do anything about it. Jackson went back into the room and returned a few seconds later with the envelope and a pen.

“No amount of tears would make me change my mind.” He threw the envelope and pen on my body. “Sign the papers and let’s get this over with.”

It was like he had turned into a different person. I couldn’t recognize him. The man I thought I knew was gone, replaced by a stranger devoid of empathy.

2. Barren

KIMBERLY

~•~

When I realized that Jackson had made up his mind and nothing I said was going to make him change his mind. I wiped off my tears with the back of my hands and pulled out the paper from the envelope.

He already had his signature on it. I placed the pen on the spot where I was meant to sign but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. My hand was shaking and my lip was wobbling. I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t.

Confused about what to do, I tore the papers and squeezed them into a ball before getting up from the floor. “I’m not ready to get divorced, we will find a way to make it work.”

Jackson's face twisted in disgust as he watched me throw the ball of paper at him. He caught it mid-air and stared at me in disbelief.

“What did you just do?” He asked angrily. “You think this is going to change anything? I have more copies and the earlier you sign it, the better for you.”

I needed to think of something else to do that would make him rethink his decision. I wasn’t ready to be divorced.

I never imagined myself saying something like this but I had to say something. “Why can’t you be with both of us? You don’t have to divorce me.”

Jackson let out a soft chuckle when he heard me say those words. I could tell he was surprised by my suggestion but I was surprised too. I never thought I’d be reduced to something so pathetic because of love.

“Look how desperate you are.” He replied in a mocking tone, hurting me even more. I knew I was desperate but he didn’t have to point it out. “Just sign the divorce papers, and I’ll compensate you. I’ll give you any amount you want. Name your price”

With that, he walked back into the room and I followed him. “Jackson, please.” I continued, trying to make him change his mind. “I haven’t done anything wrong, I have been a good wife all these years, I don’t want to lose you.”

“Kimberly, did you miss the part where I said Paige was back in my life?” He questioned, giving me an irritated look. “She is back with my son, I have an heir now.”

“But the doctors said nothing was medically wrong with me. I’ll give you an heir too.” I cried but Jackson wasn’t having it.

He brought out another divorce paper and handed it to me. My mouth fell open in disbelief. Did he expect this to happen? Was he that determined to divorce me? I let out a bigger chuckle. He wanted to divorce me so badly yet here I was making a spectacle of myself.

Feeling devastated and embarrassed, I took the pen and paper from his hand and signed on the paper.

I trembled in my spot as I realized I was no longer married to Jackson. I went from Mrs. Kimberly Clarke to Miss Kimberly Watson in a few seconds.

“Thank you,” Jackson said as he took the signed papers from me. He sounded so relieved that it embarrassed me even further. “That wasn’t so hard, was it? I’ll ask my accountant to transfer some money to you.”

Before we got married, his mother had forced us to sign a prenup, just in case. I thought it was odd, especially because she used to be nice to me, but I didn’t question it.

“I don’t need your freaking money!” I spat at him, my voice radiating with anger and frustration. “I didn’t get married to you because of your money.”

Jackson smiled. He was so calm about the situation and it angered me. “I’ll send the money either way, you can choose to spend it or not.” He informed me. “Make sure you leave the house before I return tonight because I’m coming back with Paige.”

It felt like I was in a terrible nightmare and I wanted to wake up. What was I going to tell my family? What would the media say about me?

Before I could open my mouth to say anything else, he left the room. I stood there alone, standing in the middle of the room, trying to process what had just happened.

I was confused and hurt and I needed someone to talk to desperately so I dialed Reiya’s number and it rang multiple times before she finally picked up the call.

“Reiya,” My voice was trembling as she answered.

“Kimberly? What’s the problem?” Reiya asked with a hint of concern in her voice. “Why are you crying? Talk to me.” She demanded, her voice soft and gentle.

Reiya was my best friend and the first person I always called when I was in trouble. She was so supportive and non-judgmental and I was glad to have her in my life.

“I just signed the divorce papers,” I ran my hands through my messy black hair. I still couldn’t believe what was happening.

“What divorce papers?” Reiya questioned. I could tell she was confused by the way her voice sounded.

“Jackson gave them to me this morning.”

“Why would Jackson want to end the marriage? I thought everything was going smoothly?”

I let out a heavy sigh and continued. “It was not until five days ago when he stopped coming home for dinner,” I explained everything that happened to her.

“I’m so sorry, Kimberly.” Reiya sympathized with me. “What are you going to do?” She inquired.

“I’ll stay back until he returns. Maybe he will change his mind.” I wasn’t going to give up easily, even if he asked me to leave before he returned, I wasn’t going anywhere. If he hadn’t filed the divorce, he could just tear the papers and we could go back to normal.

“Okay, babe. But I want you to know you can come back to my place.” Reiya said in an attempt to make me feel better. “You’re always welcome here.”

Reiya and I used to live together before Jackson and I got married. We were roommates back in college and decided to move in together when we graduated.

We stayed together for some years and worked in the same law firm until I got married to Jackson. After the marriage, I moved in with him and gave up my law career.

He said he would provide for me and I didn’t need to work. Looking back, that was a big mistake.

“Thank….. ”

I didn’t even complete my sentence before the door to our bedroom opened. I hung up the phone and turned around to see Jackson’s mother. What the fuck was she doing in my bedroom?

Before I could speak, his sister walked in after his mother. I couldn’t help but wonder what they came over to do.

“I overheard you saying something about my son changing his mind.” Her tone was mocking and so was her laughter. “Why haven’t you started packing your bags?” She asked as her eyes darted around the bedroom.

I couldn’t help but think of how long they had been standing outside the room, eavesdropping on my conversation with Reiya.

“Jackson has made his decision and he isn’t going to change his mind.” His sister, Emily added. It was clear they had come over as soon as they heard the news to gloat about it and make me feel even worse.

When I remained quiet, his mother spoke again. “Jackson Clarke finally came back to his senses. I always told him Paige was the right woman for him.”

I chewed my teeth to keep back the tears that were threatening to break out as I heard them speak.

When we first got married, Jackson’s mother was nice to me but everything changed when we couldn’t conceive a child a year later.

“You even had a grandson all these while and we wasted our time on this lowlife.” Emily sneered and my eyes glistened with tears.

“Why are you still standing there? Do you need me to call the house help to help you pack your bags?” His mother asked.

I was already feeling angry, hurt, and frustrated. Their presence in the room wasn’t even helping, they just made me feel even worse.

I remained silent even if they kept on saying terrible things about me, hoping they would get tired and leave. But I was wrong, they didn’t give up and kept on talking.

“She doesn’t need to leave with any bag. Jackson gave her everything she owns, so she should leave without them.” Emily added.

They continued to talk about me like I wasn’t present in the room, their words piercing like a dagger. Emily began rummaging through my belongings and folding my clothes with a condescending smile.

“A barren woman who can’t even do something as simple as packing her bags.” His mother whispered but it was loud enough for me to hear.

I couldn’t take it anymore. My chest tightened and my vision became blurry. I didn’t know how I landed on the floor but I could feel it when the darkness started to take over.

3. My son

JACKSON

~•~

After successfully getting Kimberly to sign the divorce papers, I went downstairs to grab a bite before heading back to the hotel where I left Paige and my son.

It was hard letting Kimberly go but I had to do it because Paige was back and she requested I divorce Kimberly or else she would move back to Chicago.

Paige and I were engaged even before Kimberly came into the picture, but we had to call it off because her parents requested she move to Chicago to manage their business.

Paige and I were already having minor issues and we both agreed we couldn’t do long distance, so we had to go our separate ways.

I was surprised when I ran into Paige some days back at the restaurant during lunch and was even more surprised when she revealed to me that she was pregnant when she left for Chicago.

I had informed my mother about Paige’s arrival five days ago. She was excited about her return and also at the fact that she had a grandson all this while.

My mother and sister also advised me to divorce Kimberly. I had been stalling for days because I didn’t want to hurt her, but I finally brought myself to do it because I wasn’t in love with her.

I couldn’t let my guard down or bring myself to love her throughout our three years of marriage because I always hoped Paige would return to my life.

Kimberly was a good woman but the woman I loved was back in my life and I couldn’t ignore her. I texted my mother to let her know Kimberly had signed the divorce papers before going back to the hotel.

My phone flashed with a text as I drove into the hotel. I parked the car and unlocked it to see a text from my secretary through the notifications.

[Are you going to come in today?]

I hadn’t been to the company for some days because I was spending time with my son. I wasn’t aware he existed and I wanted to get to know him better.

[I won’t be coming in today.]

I responded before heading out of the car.

“Have you given her the divorce papers yet?” Paige asked as soon as I walked into the suite. I had left earlier in the morning to give Kimberly the papers.

“Yes, I have,” I responded and a small smile crept to her lips. “I’m all yours now,” I pulled her closer to me.

“So when is she moving out of the house?” Paige pulled away and looked at me.

“Stop spoiling the fun.” I sighed. “I asked her to leave before I returned in the evening.”

“Asher and I are moving in today, right?” Paige asked and I nodded. She had been wanting to move in since but I couldn’t have both women under one roof at the same time.

I asked Kimberly to leave the house because I wanted Paige and our son to finally move in with me. I was also tired of staying at the hotel.

“Come here,” I whispered, pulling her close to me. “I missed you,” I said, giving her a seductive wink. Paige was about to say something but I kissed her to shut her up.

My eyes ran around her body hungrily and I couldn’t wait to have her. I wanted to make up for all those times we lost.

I lifted her and she wrapped her legs around my waist. I took her to the couch and dropped her off on the couch.

“Asher is sleeping over there.” She said her voice barely above a whisper. She was referring to our son who was on the other side of the suite.

“I’ll be quiet.”

I knelt before her and gave her a crooked smile as I undressed her. When I was done, I took off my shirt and started trailing kisses all over her body while she let out silent moans.

As I circled her clit with my thumb and kissed her thighs, she let out a gasp.

All of a sudden, my phone rang, interrupting the moment. I groaned, ignoring the noise. “I’ll ignore it,” I whispered but Paige pushed me slightly.

“You should take it.” She suggested, her voice barely audible.

I stood up and pulled my phone out of my trousers. It was the house help calling. What was she calling me for?

“Kimberly just passed out, sir. You should come to the house as soon as possible,” Caro said, a hint of fear and urgency in her voice.

Kimberly was meant to be packing her boxes and leaving my house. Was this some sort of a sick prank to make me rethink my decision?

“Ask Arthur to take her to the hospital.”

I didn’t care to know why she supposedly fainted because I didn’t have time for her silly games. Arthur was one of my drivers and I trusted him to take care of everything.

After that, I hung up the call and was about to continue with Paige when I heard footsteps walking towards us.

Paige quickly dressed up and I walked to Asher, meeting him halfway. “Look who is finally awake,” I said as I ruffled his brown hair.

Asher was still trying to adjust to having me as his father. He wasn’t completely comfortable around me. I was a bit worried but Paige assured me he would come around eventually.

“Can I have something to eat?” He asked his mother as he walked past me. She took him downstairs to the hotel restaurant while I stayed back in the suite.

I checked in with my secretary to see how things were going at the office. After that, I called my accountant to transfer some money to Kimberly’s account as I had promised her.

A few minutes later, I got a call from my sister.

“You need to get to the hospital as soon as possible.” Emily’s voice echoed from the other side of the line as I answered the call.

“What?” I asked, a hint of confusion in my voice. “Get to the hospital to do what?”

“It’s Kimberly, the doctors requested for you,” Emily replied. “Mom and I are on our way there.” With that, she hung up the call.

I was quite confused because Kimberly was doing perfectly fine before I left the house. So I didn’t see any reason for her to need any serious medical attention.

I dressed up, then waited for Paige and Asher to return before telling her I needed to leave for the hospital.

Paige insisted on going with me to the hospital.

4. Trap

KIMBERLY

~•~

I found myself in an unfamiliar room when I opened my eyes. The last thing I remembered was being in the room with Emily and her mother.

The sterile smell and beeping machines brought back memories of my countless visits to fertility clinics with Jackson, searching for answers to our struggles of making a baby.

But I hadn’t been admitted to the hospital in forever. My mind raced with different questions about how I ended up in the hospital.

Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a doctor who had some files in her hand. “Mrs Clarke, you’re finally awake.” She said with a big smile as she walked towards me.

I wanted to correct her but I didn’t want anyone to know Jackson had just given me divorce papers earlier in the morning.

“Who brought me here?” I asked, trying to sit up straight on the bed but the doctor stopped me right away.

“You need to rest for a little while.” She instructed as he gently pushed me back. “A young woman brought you in.”

She was referring to the maid because I doubted it was Emily. She’d rather watch me die than help me. “Okay.” I nodded.

The doctor continued with a big smile on her face. “Congratulations.”

I arched an eyebrow. I had no idea what she was congratulating me for. Instead of congratulating me, she was meant to be sympathizing with me because I just lost my marriage, but then again, she didn’t know about that.

“Congratulations for what?” I asked, my voice laced with confusion.

“You’re going to be a mother.” The doctor announced and I froze.

I didn’t know how to take the news. I didn’t know if I was to be happy about it or be sad about it. I thought something was wrong with me and didn’t imagine myself being pregnant.

“I’m pregnant?” I asked, trying to be sure.

“Five weeks pregnant!” The doctor confirmed and I was left speechless.

A part of me was happy because I wasn’t barren. I was also happy because it meant Jackson would take me back.

At least I was having his child and he wouldn’t divorce me when I was carrying his heir. I rubbed my hands on my stomach as I realized I was going to be a mother.

I had always dreamt of the day when I would have my child. The doctor’s reassurances echoed in my mind, ‘Nothing is wrong with you, Kimberly. You just have to be patient.’

“Can you call in the person who brought me here?” I requested and the doctor brought in Caro.

“Caro, can you call Jackson and tell him to come to the hospital? Tell him it is an emergency.” I instructed Caro as soon as she walked into the room.

She tried calling Jackson but his number was unreachable, so she decided to call his sister instead. She made it sound like it was very urgent and they said they would try to reach Jackson and be on their way soon.

“Are you okay?” Caro asked when she hung up the call. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” She sympathized with me and I returned a half smile.

“Yes, I’m okay,” I replied. “You can wait outside until they arrive.”

As I waited for Jackson’s arrival, my mind raced with thoughts of this unexpected turn of events. I couldn’t stop thinking of how Jackson and his family would react to the news of me being pregnant.

After a few minutes, the door creaked open and Emily walked inside the room. Her mother followed behind her.

“What is the emergency?” The mother asked, glancing at me as I lay on the hospital bed. They weren’t the ones I wanted to see or talk to.

“We should have gone to the doctor first instead of coming here,” Emily added.

They were about to turn back and leave but paused when I spoke. “I’m pregnant,” I said. “Five weeks pregnant,” I added.

I didn’t miss the shocked look on both their faces. “Pregnant for who?” Emily asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

What did she mean by that question? Who else would I be pregnant for if not Jackson?

“I’m pregnant for Jackson.”

His mother let out a dry chuckle. “He divorced you in the morning and you get pregnant some hours later?” She asked as she paced around the room.

“If you think this is an attempt to get him to be with you, it won’t work,” Emily said, her tone low and firm.

I couldn’t believe they thought I would lie about being pregnant. “Is Jackson on his way?” I asked, ignoring their snide comments.

Before any of them could respond, the door swung open. It was Jackson and he was accompanied by Paige and a little boy. The little boy must have been the son he talked about.

I had never met Paige but when I did my research on Jackson’s past relationship, I had found her picture and it wasn’t hard to recognize her in person.

My face twisted in disgust as they walked inside the room together. He didn’t even have the decency to come alone. He had to bring the woman he was leaving me for.

“What’s going on?” Jackson asked as he approached the bed. Paige held his arms and gave me a daring look.

“She says she’s pregnant for you.” His mother announced, her voice filled with disdain.

Jackson’s eyes grew wide as he cleared his throat and began. “I don’t understand, how is she pregnant?” He asked, turning to me with a confused expression registered on his face.

That wasn’t the reaction I expected. He was meant to be happy about the news but from the look on his face, it seemed like I had ruined his life.

“I was also surprised when the doctor told me about it,” I said, my voice cracking slightly.

Jackson took multiple deep breaths and asked everyone else to excuse us. “You think you can trap me with a baby? Or lie about having a baby?” He hissed, his voice low and venomous.

I blinked my eyes multiple times as tears escaped from the corner of my eyes. Even if his family didn’t believe me, I never imagined Jackson would think I was lying about it.

“Jackson, I’m not trying to trap you,” I said in between sobs. “You can confirm from the doctor, I wouldn’t lie about having a baby.”

Jackson snorted in disbelief. “You could have easily bribed the doctor to fabricate the whole thing.”

My lips parted and I blinked in disbelief.

“What? No, Jackson, I’m telling the truth.” I sat upright on the bed. “I didn’t bribe any doctor. I’m pregnant with your child and we don’t have to go through with the divorce anymore.”

“Of course!” Jackson let out a cold and mocking laughter. “This was your plan all along. Do you think a baby will keep me tied? And don’t think for a second that I won’t make sure that the doctor pays for her part. She’ll lose her job and everything.”

I was about to speak but he didn't give me the chance to say anything.

I wanted to convince him I was telling the truth. Plus he had the money and influence to make her lose her job and I didn’t want that for the innocent doctor.

“I’m with Paige now and nothing you do can change my mind.” He continued without an ounce of pity. “If you’re pregnant, you have to find the real father of your child because it isn’t me.”

A painful lump formed in my throat as I heard him speak. I had been loyal to him throughout the marriage even if I was aware he didn’t love me.

It felt like a slap in the face listening to him say he wasn’t the real father of my unborn child. I was left speechless and didn’t know what to say.

I hadn’t seen this side of Jackson before, he had become an entirely different person.

“As soon as you’re discharged, you’re going straight to your parent's house where your bags will be waiting for you.” His voice interrupted me from my thoughts.

5. Make yourself scarce

KIMBERLY

~•~

Jackson didn’t even let me respond before he left the hospital room, leaving me alone to wonder how the hell he changed overnight. It seemed like he was done with me and I didn’t even do anything wrong!

For the second time that day, I started sobbing uncontrollably. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me. How did I find out I was pregnant right after signing my divorce papers? Was life playing a cruel joke on me?

When the doctor came back in, I was forced to clean my tears.

The doctor looked at me sympathetically but didn’t say anything more about my situation. After letting me know that nothing was wrong with me and that I just needed to rest well, I was discharged a few hours later.

I laughed bitterly. I was getting discharged yet there was no one to carry me home. I wasn’t even sure where home was at that moment.

I knew Jackson said I shouldn’t go back to his place but I couldn’t help myself. I had the papers to prove my pregnancy. Maybe I could get through to him.

With that thought in mind, I took a taxi and went back to the house I’d been living in for the past three years.

I knocked on the gate since it was locked and one of the workers opened it. He winced when he saw me. “I’m sorry, ma, but the boss said you’re not to be allowed in anymore.”

He was about to close the gate when I stuck my hand through. “I just want to pick up something.” I lied, trying not to cry at the humiliation. “I won’t waste much time, I promise.”

“My job would be at stake, ma. I really can’t.”

“Please. I promise I won’t take much time. Please just let me in. Just for a second. I forgot something really important.” I never thought a day would come when I would have to beg the servants of my husband’s house to let me in. It was extremely humiliating and I doubted I’d ever forget this day in my life.

He hesitated for a second and I knew I’d gotten through to him. “Just a second.”

I nodded and he opened the gate wider to let me through. I took a good look at him, memorizing his face because I owed him one. Now I just had to talk to Jackson one-on-one. He would listen to me. He was a good man. That was why despite his annoying mother and sister, I was still able to live a good life with him.

I took a few deep breaths and walked further into the compound. I tried to open the door but it was locked. I wasn’t with any of my belongings since I was carried to the hospital after I fainted, not even my phone so I wasn’t with my key. Even the money I used for transport was given to me by the doctor.

I rang the doorbell once, then twice. Before I could ring it again, the door opened to reveal the woman who thought it was a great idea to come in between a married couple.

Paige looked me up and down, her eyes filled with disdain. “What are you doing here?”

I wanted to ask her the same question, but I was sure her answer would only hurt me further. “Is Jackson around?” I asked instead.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Yes, he is, and no, he doesn’t want to see you, so get out before I call the guards to throw you out.”

My brows furrowed. What have I done to her for her to hate me so much? I’m supposed to be the one who hates her, no? “I just want to speak to Jackson. Tell him I’m here.”

“He knows you're here and he doesn’t want to see you, so leave before I make a scene.”

I shook my head, unable to believe what she was saying. Wanting to see for myself, I tried to walk past her and into the house, but she pulled me back. “My son is sleeping, bitch. I do not want anything to disturb him, especially not you, so before I lose my temper, make yourself scarce.”

“This is my husband’s house!” I argued!

“Not anymore, he’s not. Right now, you look desperate as fuck. You’re obviously not good enough for him which is why he dumped your sorry ass. You’re so useless you couldn’t even do the one thing women are wired to do.” She spat out hatefully, looking at my stomach.

“I am pregnant. I’m not lying. Please let me just talk to Jackson. Just one minute.” I had to resort to begging because it seemed like she had no intention of letting me in. It hadn’t even been up to twenty-four hours since I signed those papers yet another woman had taken over the house.

How did my life turn upside down so suddenly?

“Listen here, bitch.” Her hold on my arm tightened, her nails digging into my skin. “Jackson is not your husband anymore. He’s the father of my child and I will not tolerate you trying to create a mess in our household, so fuck off before I decide to get rid of you completely.”

“My phone and wallet are still inside. Can I at least go inside to get them?” I was grasping at straws. I just wanted to go inside and see Jackson. I felt like fighting her but I was pregnant. I couldn’t harm my child like that.

However, she had no qualms about harming my child. She pushed me harshly, humming in satisfaction when I fell on my ass on the concrete ground. Before I could scramble to get up, she closed the door on me and locked it.

I pounded on the door several times and when it was finally opened, my phone and wallet were thrown in my face. I winced, rubbing the spot where it hit, certain it would form a bruise.

“Don’t ever show your face here again or you’ll regret it.” Paige’s warning was very clear. “Guards!”

6. Sold off

KIMBERLY

~•~

Not wanting to add to my embarrassment, I left the house before the guards could throw me out. It had been a very long day and I needed rest before I would think about what to do next.

I hated the situation I was in. I hated Jack for treating me the way he did, but I couldn’t do anything about it. I hated Paige for ruining my marriage. I even hated her son for being born! It was because of his existence Jackson divorced me. I didn’t know where to start and how.

Wiping my tears, I found another taxi and went to my parent’s place. Jackson said my stuff would be waiting for me there. I didn’t know how he could be so cruel to throw me out like that without even giving me time to prepare myself to face my parents.

The ride back to my parent’s house was short.

It seemed like the universe was not done laughing at me because when I arrived home, I saw all my suitcases outside the door. I frowned. Were my parents not home when my stuff was dropped off?

Moving them to the side, I knocked on the door. Since I moved out three years ago, I no longer had a key so I couldn’t get in by myself.

A few seconds passed and the door was pulled open. It confused me even more. I looked from my mother to my suitcases and back to my mother.

Before I could speak, she slapped me. I gasped as my head whipped to the side.

“You useless child!” She wailed. “What did you do to Jackson that made him throw you out? Why couldn’t you be obedient and submissive like I taught you?”

“Mom…” my voice cracked, not believing the kind of treatment I was getting from my own mother. I had the worst day already and she was adding to it.

“Don’t mom me.” She scolded me with a glare. “I don’t care what happened between both of you, but if you know what is good for you, go back there and beg him on your knees. Beg him to accept you. Tell him you’ll change.”

For the umpteenth time that day, tears gathered in my eyes. “I’m your daughter.” I reminded her, my voice breaking with each word.

“And I wish you weren’t.” She said as though it was a normal thing to say to your child. “You are embarrassing me, Kimberly! How hard is it to keep a husband? Your father and I have been married for thirty years. Three years down the line and you’ve already signed divorce papers. What right do you have to make such decisions without asking us?”

“But–“

“But nothing.” She didn’t even want to know what happened. I knew my marriage was to help our family business but they literally sold me off and didn’t care what happened to me. Not then and not now. “Go and beg for his forgiveness. Do whatever you have to do for him to take you back. Until then, you're no daughter of mine!”

Her words were more painful than the slap she gave me, but I bit down on my bottom lip, not wanting to retort. I didn’t have the energy to exchange words with her. I didn’t even know how to. “Where’s dad?”

“He’s out on a business trip but I have told him about your misconduct.”

“Can you just let me in? Just for tonight?” I was so tired. It didn’t matter how much she had insulted me because of a man that did me wrong. I just needed to rest.

“Over my dead body.” She swore. “Don’t come back to this house until you settle with your husband.”

“Mom–“ she closed the door in my face, not waiting for me to finish my sentence.

A chuckle slipped past my lips, but there was no humor to it. I didn’t know how but it seemed my mother was brainwashed by the wealth of the Clarkes. It wasn’t like we were poor. The Clarkes were just ten times richer and that was exactly why they made me marry him.

When they arranged the marriage, I didn’t oppose it. I had always known I’d be married out for business purposes so I accepted my fate a long time ago. It wasn't my fault my husband’s ex came back with a child. I couldn’t control that and my own mother didn’t even want to hear me out.

My mother was a lot but my father was even worse. If he was around, he’d drag me back to Jack’s house and plead on my behalf. I despised them for turning me into this. I’d never hated my life like I did at the moment.

I looked at the three huge suitcases that were on the porch. Knowing there was no way to get through to my mother tonight, I rolled them one after the other to the front of the street. People stared at me, but none of them dared to approach me. I was thankful for that because I looked like a mess. I could only hope they didn’t take pictures.

I didn’t want to see myself in the tabloids looking as I did now. The times I ended up in the newspaper, I was always dressed elegantly as the wife of Jackson Clarke. Now, I was no longer Kimberly Clarke but Kimberly Watson. I was a different person, no longer with the affluence that Jack’s last name came with.

I found another taxi and the driver helped me put my suitcases in the car. I had one last place to go to.

Arriving there, I rang the doorbell, hoping to God she was around. I wouldn’t dare go to a hotel tonight. They would end up taking pictures of me and uploading them everywhere with several theories.

Luckily for me, Reiya opened up in less than a minute. “Kimberly.” She was shocked to see me but as soon as she saw the expression on my face, she gathered me in a hug.

In the comfort of her arms, I finally let myself break down.