Chapter 22: THE FESTIVAL

“Siofra! It's time to go.” I heard my grandma calling for me from the living room.

“Coming grandma!” I stared at myself one last time in the mirror and took a deep breath before rushing downstairs.

“You look beautiful, Siofra.” Grandma complimented my outfit.

“You think so?” I was just wearing a flaky green gown with an off-shoulder. I loved how its frayness danced around me. But I know my mum; she would probably give me one of those looks.

“Yes, it suits you perfectly. I got it for your mum when she was about your age, but she rejected it. I'm glad it has finally found the rightful owner.”

“Thanks grandma.”

“Now, let's go; we don't want to keep your mother waiting.” We both left the house and boarded our carriage. Grandma informed the coachman to take us to the palace while I was on the other side of the carriage, lost in my own thoughts.

Alda's POV

I figured out that today might be the right time to approach Seth. We both need to talk before further decisions are made. My dad strictly said I should inform Seth to make time to see him.

When the cab driver dropped me right in front of the gate, I paid him and took a deep breath before stepping inside. I tried to convince myself that I could face Seth, but I had a little courage.

I stepped in and headed for the door. I didn't bother ringing the doorbell since I had a spare key, so I let myself in.

The state I saw my sitting room in left me shocked. I don't think this house has been cleaned since I left. He couldn't even pay a cleaner to do the job.

There were cartons of pizza and empty cans of beer lying on the floor of the sitting room. I walked into the kitchen, and every part stinks with a horrible smell. There were dirty dishes and left-over food, which I assumed was the source of the smell.

How was he able to stay comfortable in this house? I sighed out in frustration and anger as I dropped my bag and started washing the dishes.

After washing the dishes, I went ahead and disposed of the trash before heading up to our room. Seth's clothes were scattered around the floor, on the bed, and even in the bathroom room.

I took the laundry basket and started picking them up. I can't believe he couldn't even do the laundry. I never knew Seth was this unkept. 

I did the laundry before I started cleaning every part of the house since it had been turned upside down. In the process of cleaning the living room, I found underwear under the couch in the sitting room, which was obvious and not mine.

I picked it up, holding it at the tips of my hand as I stared at it. So it has really gotten to the extent of bringing in those brats he is sleeping with inside our home.

I dropped the underwear on top of the couch as I stared at it. I felt my leg go weak. Here, I am thinking that Seth will probably be sorry for all the pain he has caused me.

I didn't know how long I stood there, staring blankly into the space like a zombie. When I heard the crack of the door opening, I didn't even bother moving an inch from my position as I heard footsteps approaching me.

“And look who decided to come home. I'm glad you are back; even the house is happy that you are back,” he said, referring to how neat and nice the house looked before he giggled.

I had my back on him, so he couldn't see the expression on my face. 

“Seth, what did I ever do to you?” I asked, my voice coming out a little raspy and small.

“What type of stupid question is that?”

“The type of stupid question I need you to answer!” I demanded as I faced him. How dare he look down on me to this extent? Is this what he has reduced me to?

“Did you just raise your voice at me?” He asked with the same fury in his eyes.

“Whose underwear is in my house!?” I asked, not ready to show that soft side of me who was always blind to see things the way they are.

“Oh, that underwear?” He repeated my question and walked close to me, learning to look towards me before whispering in my ears.

“It belongs to someone, someone as sweet as ice cream.” His word rings in my ears as a sob escapes my lips. I was trying to be strong, but having him admit that he brought a woman back to our home made me feel like I was an idiot when I walked down the aisle with him.

“Who are you? What did I ever do to you to deserve this?”

“This is just the beginning, sweetheart. I will suggest you do your duties as my wife.” He said that and started heading upstairs. 

“You will be hearing from my lawyer. Please sign the papers and don't make any more problems for me.” I said to him, which made him stop in the middle of the stairs.

He turned and walked down, approaching me. There was this look in his eyes; it was more than anger.

“How dare you say that to me? You have no right to file a divorce. I get to decide that, not you!” He screamed in my face as he wrapped his hand around my neck, squeezing the life out of me.

I was struggling to breathe as I tried to push him away from me, but his grip was too strong as he suffocated me. I started hitting my hand against his chest, but he wasn't letting go.

I could feel my lungs requesting oxygen as I was being suffocated. When he finally released his hand around my neck, I slumped to the ground as I began gathering enough air into my lungs.

“Honey, I'm so sorry. I didn't know what came over me,” Seth said as he attempted to touch me.

“Stay away from me!!!” I screamed out of fear as my whole body vibrated at the spot. He kept trying to approach me, but in every attempt, I let out a scream and threw any object I could reach at him.

“Honey, Alda, it's me, Seth. You don't want to divorce me; you are not going to divorce me, right?” He cried out.

“Just stay away from me if you don't want to spend the next five to six years of your life behind bars!” I threatened as I struggled to get up on my feet. My legs were shaking as I struggled to keep my balance.

“You can't possibly be serious about the divorce. I'm not going to sign those papers!” He screamed out, pushing the glass table placed at the centre of the sitting room down as it shattered into pieces. He angrily stormed upstairs.

I grabbed my bag and ran out of the house. I tried not to cry, but the tears just came running down my face like a river. What have I really gotten myself into? I can't believe I nearly lost my life in there.

I sobbed uncontrollably as I walked myself down the road. 

Siofra's POV

As the coachman dropped us in front of the palace, I couldn't help being nervous. I had no idea I was hitting my leg continuously against the floor of the carriage out of nervousness.

"Siofra,” Grandma called as she took my hand in hers. I stared at her with questioning eyes, trying to understand the reason why she was also pressing down on my left leg.

“Calm down your nerves. Do you know how long you have been dancing with your left leg?” It was only then that I noticed my leg jumping up and down, and I immediately comported myself.

“I'm just nervous.”

“Relax; your mum is not going to do anything. The only reason I came is because I want to see the look on her face when it happens,” Grandma said, getting me confused.

“When what happens?”

“You will see,” she replied before she dragged me along with her as we joined the cloud walking inside the palace.