Chapter 12

We were done shortly, and I stood up, with Anita following suit as she packed up my things, I walked straight to my office, collapsing on the couch,

“Oh goodness gracious” I sighed, rubbing my temples. Anita dropped the files on the table. She watched me, probably wanting to say something but just couldn't.

“I'm done, ma'am.” She began, I raised my gaze to look at her, “I'll be heading back to my office.” She says to me, giving a short bow. I waved for her to leave, I was too exhausted to think right now, is this how office work gets? Now I know why Auden gets cranky sometimes.

The door opened and Amelia walked in, after exchanging greetings with virtually everybody.

“Thought you wouldn't be done?” She smiled then took her seat,

“This is just life. I'm more than glad to be resting now. You should take over besides you're settling in well enough” She says, breathing out. I thought of ways to finally face Arthur.

Divorce was not enough to keep us away, the universe just loves putting me in uncomfortable situations with him and it's getting annoying lately.

“Auden. He seemed like a hard nut to crack the Last time I had a meeting with him. You should be careful.” I sighed, as I stood up and headed to the desk, I had piles of work to do, and sitting down all said wasn't going to do anything or help me review those boring documents.

“You should take a break sometimes, okay” Amelia finally said as she stood up abruptly, grabbing her bag with her in significance to her leaving.

“You're leaving?”

“Yes, I have work to attend to. Turns out the other branch is suffering a little bit. I'll be back late tonight.* She said to me, I nodded and watched her leave. The room became deafeningly silent, with nothing to keep me busy, I soon buried my head in work as I shovelled all thoughts of him.

I finished late at night, it was about 7 pm I finally, turned off my lights, headed out of my office,

I exit my company's building, stepping into the cool evening air. The sun has set, and the lights of the city twinkle in the distance.

There is an eerie stillness in the air, an absence of the usual hustle and bustle of the workday. I look around, taking in the empty parking lot, and the dark and silent offices.

I feel a strange sense of isolation, of being the only one left in the world. After I was done, I entered my car as the driver drove me home.

On getting home, the butler opened the door, I walked in, my eyes catching the tons of gifts wrapped in colourful paper and tied with festive bows.

I recognize the handwriting on the gift tags, my heart sinking as I realise who they are from, Auden. I stood frozen in the doorway, not wanting to move, not wanting to face the painful truth. But I know I have to, and I take a deep breath, my hands trembling as I approach the table.

I reach out, my fingers trembling as I pick up the first gift. The paper crinkles beneath my touch, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.

I take a deep breath, then tear the paper open. Inside is a box of chocolates, a card resting on top. I open the card, the words on the page dancing before my eyes. I try to focus, to make sense of the words. But they are a blur, the emotions they bring are too overwhelming to process. I place the card down, my eyes falling on the box of chocolates.

I lift the lid of the box, the scent of chocolate wafting up to meet me. I can feel my mouth watering, a craving for sweetness rising within me. But I know that these chocolates are not for me, that they are tainted by the hurt and betrayal I feel. I close the box, unable to bear the sight of it.

I turn my attention to the next gift, my hands trembling as I reach for it. I take a deep breath, then tear the paper open. Inside is a bottle of perfume, a familiar scent that brings back a flood of memories.

I close my eyes, the scent of the perfume filling my head with images and emotions. I see us together, happy and in love, laughing and sharing secrets.

I remember the joy we felt and the connection we shared. And then, I remember the hurt and the betrayal, the pain of losing what we had. I open my eyes, my vision blurred by tears. I look at the other gifts, not wanting to open them, not wanting to know what else he has given me. But I know I must, that I cannot avoid this any longer.

With trembling hands, I open the next gift, the paper falling away to reveal a piece of jewellery. It is a necklace, a simple yet elegant design.

I can feel my heart breaking, the pain in my chest almost unbearable. I know that this gift is meant to remind me of him, to keep me tied to him even though we are no longer together. I turn away from the table, not wanting to see any more of his gifts, not wanting to be reminded of what I have lost. I collapse on the floor, my body shaking as I give in to my grief.

I look up, my eyes landing on my butler, who

is standing in the doorway. His expression is one of sadness and concern, his hands clasped in front of him.

"Forgive me, my lady," he says, his voice soft and full of regret.

"I did not know that these gifts would cause you such pain." I look at him, my anger giving way to understanding. I know that he meant no harm, that he only wanted to bring me joy. I take a deep breath, my heart slowly beginning to mend.

"Please, remove these gifts," I say, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within me. The butler bows his head, then moves towards the table. He picks up the gifts, his movements are careful and deliberate. I watch him, my mind slowly calming as he clears the table.

Once the gifts are gone, I feel a sense of relief wash over me, the burden of their presence lifted. I take another deep breath, my body beginning to relax. I stood up to go get dressed when my phone began ringing to see Auden calling.

“Why is he calling me?”