Chapter 22 AN UNCARING HUSBAND (I)
Chapter 22 AN UNCARING HUSBAND (I)
HAYLEY
The only reason I feel terrible about lying about having a miscarriage is grandma.
When she heard the news, she broke down and wept for hours. She even refused food throughout the next day.
I was so tempted to give up and tell her that it was all a lie, but that would’ve been a risky move.
Grandma is the only person who desperately wants me and Edward back together. Deep down, I know she would go to any lengths to achieve her goal, including using my own child to trap me here.
Aunt Susan and Donatella did not bother hiding their raw, unbridled joy. They gossiped loudly whenever I was in the vicinity, making sure I heard them loud and clear.
“She tried to trap my brother with another child but her plan backfired!” Donatella said excitedly.
“Now, she has no reason to remain in this house.” Aunt Susan chimed in. “Edward will definitely kick her to the curb and Victoria will finally take her rightful position as the daughter-in-law of this house…”
Later that afternoon, a maid knocks on the door, bearing news;
“Ma’am, a letter came in for you.”
“Thank you. Mackenzie.”
I scrutinize the thick black envelope like it contains a bomb. The only evidence that it is addressed to me is my name: “Hayley” written on the back in red, curly print.
I finally tear it open, and my heart lurches as I read the heading;
“SPECIAL INVITATION FROM ECHELON BLACK.”
Slowly, I rise to my feet, my pulse pounding at a thousand beats per minute.
Anyone who has occupied the world of programming long enough knows that Echelon Black is ranked amongst the top three most successful cybersecurity security companies in the world, and the best in London.
Their employees are usually handpicked across the globe through a special invitation just like this one.
“We have observed your work,” the letter says, “and the Echelon Black recruitment team are pleased to inform you that your expert skills are needed at our company.
With your approval, we will send your official appointment letter. You will also be transported to London with all expenses covered by the company.
Kindly send an email to our secure address attached to this letter for confirmation of your appointment.
Welcome to the Echelon Black family.”
By the time I’m done reading, I’m smiling so widely, my cheeks hurt.
Ever since Toby died, it felt like I’d been floating in the abyss, trying to find my purpose. Now, I’m convinced that the spirits just held my hand and pointed to my destination.
Coding and cybersecurity has always been my forte. There’s no way I’m saying no this.
I send an email to Echelon Black immediately, confirming that I accept the appointment, and they could send someone to pick me up in three days.
When I’m done, I look up, catching sight of a photo frame of me and Edward from four years ago.
We looked so in love. So… content.
Shaking my head, I whisper to myself;
“Three days, Edward, and you never have to see me again.”
THE NEXT DAY
I pause at the entrance of the DaSilva Towers, making sure my Louis Vuitton coat is securely belted across my waist.
I vowed never to return to Edward’s gleaming tower, but Grandma asked me to deliver some important documents to him since he wasn’t picking up his phone.
“I’m here to see Mr. DaSilva.” I tell the receptionist.
“Do you have an appointment, ma’am?”
“No. Just some documents from his grandmother.” I respond wryly.
“Oh, great. Mr. DaSilva is not around right now. If you’d come back…”
I take off my glasses; “I’m his wife. I’ll just wait in the office until he returns.” I have zero desire to come back here for any reason.
Recognition blooms in the secretary’s blue eyes and she nods, her actions quick and jerky as she types my name into the register.
“Yes, of course, Mrs. DaSilva. You can wait in his office.”
“Thank you.”
I turn to leave but she stops me.
“Wait.”
“Yes?”
“Mr. DaSilva’s main office is under renovation. In the meantime, he’s occupying room 56 just a floor below.”
Edward is definitely a sucker for luxury. His makeshift office looks just as good as the first one.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, a gleaming glass table, Roche Bobois sofas and a fully stocked wet bar, whoever designed this office definitely did it with him in mind.
I settle into the sofa for what later turns out to be a two-hour wait.
I can feel my patience stretch thin with each hour that I spend, and each one of my calls that Edward sends to voice mail.
Just when I’m trying to convince myself to wait twenty more minutes for grandma’s sake, my phone pings with an incoming message from an unknown number
It’s a video.
I click on it, and spend the next thirty seconds watching Edward and Victoria arrive at Grace Park — a leading intercontinental hotel in the city.
Victoria is dressed in a sexy red number that almost exposes her ass cheeks, and Edward has a wide smile plastered on his face as he leads her inside the hotel by hand.
“These crazy ass motherfuckers.” I whisper, my insides sizzling with rage.
Edward kept me waiting in his office for three hours like some slave, just to go be with his mistress.
Another message pops up just twenty seconds later;
“Oops! This is Victoria. I think I sent this to the wrong number.”
“Like hell you did.” I mutter under my breath.
I shove my phone in my pocket and exit the building with more calm than I feel.
Edward can only disrespect me because he has access to me.
In two days, that access will be cut off forever.