Chapter 129

Chapter 129
It was Monday morning.
The day I'd been dreading.
The day I had planned to finally sit across from Jayden and get the truth out of him, whether I was truly his love or just... a convenient choice.
The thought made my stomach churn. I was terrified of what I might hear. Terrified that the last few years of my life had been nothing but a cruel play, and I was the only one acting in love. Terrified that our marriage had been built on a lie from the very beginning.
I'd been awake long before my alarm. My eyes had been fixed on the ceiling for hours, my heart pounding in quiet bursts.
When the first rays of light slipped into the room, I pushed the covers away and crossed to the window. With a slow breath, I drew the curtains open. The sunlight streamed in, bathing my room in a soft golden glow. For a moment, it almost felt like hope.
I pushed the window open and let the cool morning air touch my face. My chest felt a little lighter. Maybe it was a sign. Maybe the day wouldn't end in heartbreak.
I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and ran my fingers through my hair until it fell neatly over my shoulders.
I looked in the mirror. "I look... pretty," I whispered to my reflection. Then, forcing a smile, I spoke louder. "We need to be positive. Start the day with positivity. I'm beautiful, I'm strong, I'm full of energy... and I'm the best woman."
I gave my reflection one last determined nod and walked out of the bathroom.
A quick stretch to shake off the tension in my shoulders, then I headed to the kitchen. My body moved almost automatically, reaching for ingredients, warming the pan, measuring, stirring.
While the food sizzled, I poured myself a protein shake and took slow, steady sips, letting the quiet hum of the morning calm my nerves.
Soon, the warm, rich aroma of breakfast began to drift through the house, curling under bedroom doors.
Tricia was the first to appear. She stumbled into the kitchen, hair a little messy, yawning so wide I thought her jaw might crack.
"Good morning, Monalisa. Smells so good. I'm already hungry," she said, sniffing the air like a cartoon wolf.
"Yes, I know," I laughed, "but do me a favor and go brush your mouth first."
Her brows lifted. "Why? I can brush after eating."
"I know," I grinned, "but your breath kinda stinks, and I wouldn't want it ruining the lovely aroma of this food."
Tricia feigned offense and clutched her chest dramatically. "Ouch! That hurts, Mona."
"I'll go brush my mouth, but I'm getting the biggest share. Got it?"
"Got it, Bess."
She shot me a playful smile and danced her way back to her room, while I chuckled.
A few minutes later, Donald walked in, carrying a sleepy Joshua in his arms. Joshua's head rested on his father's shoulder, eyes still half-closed.
Donald set him gently on a chair.
"Good morning, Donald. And how's my baby doing?"
I asked, my voice softening as I looked at my son.
"I am not a baby, Mummy," Joshua grumbled. "I'm a big boy. Right, Dad?"
"Yet Daddy carries you from the room to the kitchen," I teased, winking at Donald
Donald chuckled. "Good morning, Mona." Donald said, his gaze meeting mine.  He lifted the pot lid, inhaled deeply, and smiled. "Mmh... smells amazing. I bet it tastes just as good. You seem to be in a good mood this morning."
"Why do you say that?"
"You're all smiles," he said.
"I'm in a good mood, no doubt," I replied, already plating the food. "I'll serve breakfast."
"I'm getting the biggest share, Mummy," Joshua said, eyes brightening now.
"Yes, baby," I said, leaning over to touch his warm cheek.
Tricia returned, hair combed, and joined us at the dining table. We ate together, our conversation flowing between little jokes, silly stories, and bursts of laughter.
Donald helped me clear the table, while Tricia handled the dishes. I headed back to my room to get ready for work.
By the time I was dressed, they were the last ones to leave the house.
Once the door closed behind them, I felt the nervous energy start to creep back in. My eyes kept darting to the clock. My stomach felt like it was twisting in on itself. The thought of meeting Jayden of finally asking those questions made it impossible to focus at work.
When the clock finally struck lunchtime, my heart skipped a beat. I inhaled sharply, my hands trembling as I packed my bag. I quickly retouched my makeup, smoothed my dress, and stepped out of my office.
At the hallway, I paused. One deep breath in. One long exhale out.
The elevator doors slid open, and there was Donald, standing inside, looking like he'd just been on his way out for lunch.
We stood in silence for a moment. The air between us felt heavier than usual. I cleared my throat, forcing myself to speak.
"I'm going to meet Jayden today," I said quietly. "I'm going to get answers to my questions. I need to settle everything today and finally..." My voice faltered, and I sighed. "...move on."
Donald's jaw tightened. His hand curled into a fist at his side, but he kept his eyes forward. "I wish you good luck," he said. "All the best in finding the answers you need... and..." He turned his head to look at me, his eyes softer now. "...and truly move on. The line is really getting long." He winked, giving me a small smile.
I couldn't help it, I snorted and smacked his hand.
"Ouch, Monalisa! That's a bad habit, but I'm fine with it," he laughed.
"My bad," I said, grinning. "You made me laugh, and I feel pretty calm right now."
"Were you anxious?"
"A little... but I feel better."
The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out.
"See you later, Donald."
"Yes. Later." His smile faded as soon as I turned away. He watched me walk toward the exit, then muttered under his breath, "Damn... I hate Jayden." his eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness I hadn't noticed before.