Veronica's POV
Today was another normal morning, but it was different.
Yesterday, Jonathan came home.
I woke up but couldn't get up as his hand was across my chest. For the first time his weight on me made me feel suffocated.
"No matter how much, I won't stop." My mind unilaterally spoke on its own.
I moved his hand away and watched him sleeping peacefully.
That's how he was.
Whenever he's here he sleeps peacefully as if nothing happened. Like we're a normal couple and a sweet family of three.
But the fact—this family won't be long.
And the thing that scared me as I was watching him— I didn't feel any love on seeing him.
Just an empty heart.
Odd, how before seeing him sleeping beside me made me feel so safe, and now the person is the same, the bed is the same, yet the feeling has changed.
Now all that I feel is…
Suffocation.
There was a time when having his arm across me, gave me the feel of warmth, comfort and a place I felt I belonged. I also felt like if I had the chance, I would thank Imelda for letting me see his real side, and realizing he never loved me.
That's why, I actually felt suffocated under the weight of his arm. I used to pray for nights with him, now I am planning to…
Another thing that surprised me was— how silence can be louder than screams.
I got up and went about my routine and was making breakfast when Jonathan woke up and came to the table.
"Daddy!" Janet chirped, making him smile widely.
I knew he was surprised considering last time she didn't.
It was something that we agreed on in case he came back.
And, I also didn't want, if she had a chance to have a last memory, to snatch it from her.
Janet was only seven years old but there were things where she was older than other girls her age, and places where I didn't want her to be.
"Veronica," Jonathan asked as I was caressing Janet.
"What's the matter?" He asked. "I found out you stopped her school bus. She was fine with it."
"I know," I said. "But I don't like other children telling her she has no parent dropping her. Picking also was occasional when I was given time at her office. But now, I have fixed times so I can."
The reality—I wanted to tell the children teased her because her father drops another woman's son, and not his own daughter.
But I let it go.
"Mommy, will you come to pick me up today also?"
"Of course dear," I said, feeding her a bite of her pancake. "No matter where you are…I'll always pick you up."
"Yes," he said, smiling. "You don't have to worry about that."
I let out a small laugh.
He still didn't understand.
As always, he never understands what I'm saying.
I smiled as I knew he wouldn't understand what I meant.
Jonathan wanted to drop Janet to her school and me to work, but Imelda called and as always—he left.
I sighed in relief.
For the first time I was happy Imelda called as I could continue with my plan,
I went back and picked the bag I packed yesterday.
Then I drove off and stopped at a jewelry store.
I sold every piece I had.
Each one was a gift from Jonathan, but each one had a story with it that was no less a prick in my heart.
Like the pearl earrings.
They cost a million dollars, and I actually thought he spent money on me.
Later I found out they were a gift for Imelda, but one of the earrings had a little chip. So she didn't take them.
He gave them to me.
Then the necklace. A full ten million dollars.
Again it was a gift to his fiancé from a client.
Again, she didn't like it.
Again, I was the one who got it.
Then the bracelet. After she threw a lamp on my back.
A 'forgive' her, let it go as a gift.
And, a ring.
He said it was a temporary wedding ring. I wore it with pride.
Until the day…
I saw it was engraved with "J & I".
So in reality, none of them were actually meant for me. I was only a mannequin where he could put them and not have his money wasted.
After all he couldn't throw a million dollar earring and they were non-returnable.
The shopkeeper asked me to inspect every piece if I was sure.
My answer, every time—Yes.
One thing I learned over the years, memories don't need things to engrave them into your memory. And such memories you don't want to remember, always stare back at you when you see them.
My next stop was — the bank.
I withdrew all of my savings. Closed my account and made sure all transfers were made in front of me.
"Miss Smith," the teller said. "Are you sure you want to close your account?"
"Yes," I said with certainty.
For the teller it was only closing an account. For me, it was closing a chapter of my life.
For the first time I was really in control of what I was doing. I was doing what was beneficial for me and my daughter. Not for Imelda and her son.
For the first time, I didn't think as to what he would do on finding out.
Then I went to another official office and filed a submission.
This was the only place where my name was Mrs. Veronica Rollings.
But in a few days, it won't.
Back home, I double checked the documents again.
Passport, Janet's documents, my documents, our certificates.
I was still worried in case I forgot something or left something behind. But then after double checking everything, I was relieved.
When I closed the suitcase, I looked at the cupboard. The clothes were still hanging.
Yes, I only packed a few.
After all, I was only making a way out. The more less, the better.
Jonathan's POV
I don't know why, but ever since I left home, I've been thinking about Veronica. I feel like I'm about to lose her.
Images of Veronica laughing so light-hearted. Janet called me 'Daddy' so happily. I should feel happy as that's what I wanted all along.
Veronica understood me and would wait calmly for me until I'm over with Imelda.
But why was her laughing face making me worry?
Why, when she said she'd always be there to pick her, no matter where she is? Why is this bothering me?
Before Janet was in another school, and now she's in another school.
So it means no matter which school she goes to, she'll come to pick her up.
Then why am I so uneasy on hearing it?
I picked up my phone and dialed her number.
"Hi!"
"Veronica!" I said. "Where are you? Are you—"
"Jonny," she said. "I'm at work and fine. Don't worry. Focus on your work."
She was sounding normal, and that was the real scare.
I can't remember the last time she called me 'Jonny'.
"Am I really late? Is she so used to Imelda and me hurting her, now she's stopped feeling?"
"Jonathan," Imelda called as I was driving. "Where are you?"
"I'm going home."
"Home?" She let out a small laugh. "But I'm waiting here at your home."
"That mansion is a house." I said. "I'm going to my home where they are."
As expected Veronica wasn't surprised or shocked on seeing me.
They really got used to my behavior.
Though I should have been happy she was calm and polite, but it seemed like the calm before a storm.
"Nicky… are you okay?"
"Of course," she said with a smile.
Veronica's POV
I pretended to sleep so I could get up after he slept.
I got up once I was sure he was sleeping.
I quickly went to Janet's room.
I removed a few dresses. I held one in my hand and took a sniff. I could still smell her. I began to fold them slowly. Then I looked at the ones hanging in the cupboard.
Each one was hand picked by her, and she loved them dearly.
But I wasn't in the position of taking them all.
"I swear I'll buy you more and more beautiful ones." I said in my mind as a tear slipped from my cheeks.
I packed her essentials, and her favorite doll—the only gift he brought for his daughter.
No matter what, I wanted Janet to take this decision on her own. I never want her to think I separated her from him.
But I left the adoption papers, and the photos.
I only took one on which he wrote himself:
To my beloved daughter Janet from her loving father Jonathan.
I didn't know where I was going, but his lie was going to be our truth. And this photo was going to be the stamp on it.
When I came back, he was still sleeping. I stood beside him for a while.
I could remember the love I had, the pain I suffered, and the betrayal I faced.
"Sixth day of the seven days," I murmured.
"And today also you left us."
He moved a bit and called out my name.
"Nicky."
I was surprised even now hearing him call my name made my heart flutter.
I held my hand forward to touch his face, but stopped mid-way.
No, this wasn't the time to sway in emotions.
I have to stay strong for Janet.