Chapter 45 45

Chapter 45 45
Mira was surprised and shocked to see Sheila return in tears, the glass of water she just picked from the fridge slipped off from her grip, crashing with a loud thud on the floor.
But that was the least of Mira's concern. Sheila had just walked in with tears on her face and more tears flowing freely.
If she can remember clearly and vividly, Sheila had stepped out of the apartment radiating energy and strength, like she was in control of her own game, like she was the one calling the cards and watching her prey dance to her tunes.
What changed? What happened?
Mira rushed to Sheila, pulling her into a warm, comforting hug.
“It’s okay to cry babe, it's really okay to let it all flow,” Mira coaxed, her fingers running soothingly on Sheila's head.
“You’ll be fine, trust me.” Mira continued, her chest tightening in pain as the thoughts of what had transpired between Arthur and Sheila ate her up.
She has known Sheila for a long time and she knew Sheila wasn't the type to break down like this, even when Jacob traumatized and ruined her emotionally, Sheila took everything with a smile, not for once did she complain or let Jacob see her weakness, instead she fought back for her freedom.
Whatever that had made her shed those tears like a baby must have shattered her completely, which is why it was important to let her pour her burdens out, she'll definitely be okay after the tears.
A few minutes later, both Sheila and Mira were seated on the bed and although Sheila looked dull, her eyes pale, she still tried to force a smile on her face.
Mira passed her the glass of water and she slurped in the liquid, exhaling deeply. After Mira sensed Sheila calming down, she decided to ask what transpired between her and Arthur.
Sheila hiccupped with a sniffle, she had no idea Arthur could make her sob like a toddler deprived of her favorite toys.
She heaved again then glanced at Mira, “Trust me Mira, I tried. I had no idea Arthur could be this mean,” She blurted, quickly reminiscing about what had happened between them.
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“You have to make your decision now, Sheila Grey,” Those words escaped Arthur's lips freely, his dark eyes hovering over Sheila's face.
“And what decision is that?” Sheila's gaze narrowed slightly.
“My contract, your pride or your company. My patience expires today, if you aren't ready, then there's no need forcing it into your face when I can easily pick up someone else to help me secure my inheritance, the stakes are clear,” he asserted, his voice cold and detached.
Silence.
The atmosphere stretched with thick, unspoken emotions and the tension built, strangling them both.
Finally, Sheila scoffed, her eyes flashing in disbelief. “You expect me to make my decision now? Are you kidding me?” She sneered with clear irritation.
Arthur only stared at her, face void of emotions.
“Hold on, you think you can control and ride my life like it pleases you?” She huffed, then stood before grabbing her purse.
“My pride? My company? They're mine to protect Arthur and until you learn how to stop being manipulative and controlling..”
“Good grief!!” she scoffed, glaring at him with deep-seated hatred.
“The dinner or whatsoever is ruined and you know what? You can go burn in hell,” She said instead, walking to the door.
“Don’t come running to me when you can't save your company, I'll be really mean to you then, believe me.” His voice made Sheila halt on her steps, her fingers dug into her palms and she bit her lip hard, a lone tear streaming down her cheeks but she wiped it with a smile, ignoring his words she continued walking out of the garden suite.
“Withdraw all shares from Sheila's company and cancel any future business partnership with….” Sheila's head banged when she realized he was on call with someone regarding her company.
Breathlessly, she turned and that was when her phone started buzzing in her purse, she pulled the phone out and on seeing the caller's ID, her stomach sank.
Andrew was calling and this means Arthur's request was carried out with immediate effect, without a rethink, she turned and rushed back to him.
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“I had to sign the darn contract before he accepted to have anything to do with my company,” Before Sheila was done narrating everything to Mira, fresh tears pulled down her cheeks and Mira sighed, wiping the tears with her thumb.
“I understand how you feel Sheila, but trust me, crying over this won't solve a thing.” Mira muttered and Sheila sniffled.
“Believe me when I say you made the right decision. This is your company we're talking about, Sheila, and the choice you made now is what everyone in your shoe would have made,” Mira continued and Sheila shook her head, biting her lips hard to stop the tears.
“It's just for one year and…”
“And the pregnancy? I have to get intimate with him to be able to give him an heir!! And after one year, what happens next? Leave my child for him? Or? It's complicated, Mira. It is,” Sheila snapped and Mira pushed herself forward.
“Breaking because of Arthur is what I didn't expect, Sheila. Do you know the smirk he'll have on his face because he has succeeded in clipping your wings? Why don't you show him that you're not easy to break? You've taken more bullets than this and I expect you to do same now too, don't ever let Arthur see your weakness and rejoice over it, you'll be fine.” Mira hushed and Sheila nodded.
Mira managed to force a smile even with the heaviness in her heart which couldn't be compared to Sheila's.
Mira stood and left to get something from the fridge. She returned with four cans of beer, two for herself and two for Sheila.
“Here, beer lifts one's mood, trust me.” She said and Sheila forced a smile, taking the beer from her.
As the night wore on, the stars lit up the sky and they didn't stop drinking, it was as if they wanted to drown their sorrow away, their hearts heavy with unspoken words.
“When is the contract coming into effect?” Mira suddenly asked, fixing her gaze on nothing in particular.
Sheila sighed, then huffed slowly.
“Tomorrow morning,” She replied calmly.
Mira's expression dropped and her face turned pale, but she was fast to mask it up with a smile.
She turned to Sheila then opened her arms wide, “Come here,” She smiled, and Sheila collapsed into her warm embrace, the hug tight like they were bidding their final goodbye.
“Eat well Sheila and don't think much about everything. You'll be fine, I'll be fine, we all will be fine,” Mira said lastly and Sheila managed a smile, closing her eyes as the warmness of Mira's body collided with hers.

The morning crept in more quickly than any of them had imagined. Sheila had just taken her bath and her luggage were ready, thanks to Mira she was able to get everything in order.
Sheila tried as much as she could to make the morning less awkward, they had their breakfast and it was finally time for Sheila to leave.
Mira followed her outside the apartment. Sheila wasn't even surprised when she met Ted waiting for her.
Arthur had made it clear that she wasn't expected to show up with her car since there were lots of them at his house and his driver, Ted, was there to take her wherever she wanted to.
Ted led Sheila towards the car, he opened the door for her and as Sheila made to climb in, she stopped then rushed back to hug Mira.
Mira smiled, hugging her back. “Can’t believe you're suddenly clingy,” Mira chuckled and Sheila smiled.
“Eat well too Mira, and I'll visit when I can.” With that said, they broke the hug and Sheila finally climbed into the car.
As the car drove out of the residence, Mira's expression fell as she watched the car get farther and farther away, her heart clenched in pain as she stared at the moving vehicle which was almost not visible to the eyes.
She didn't know that Sheila leaving her apartment would hurt her this much.
Now the car was out of sight, a dragged exhale escaped her throat as she turned and walked back inside, each step heavy with pain.
Meanwhile as the car glided on the road, Sheila's broken eyes stared at the towering trees by the roadside, her heart heavy with thoughts and her emotions mixed and swirling.
Finally, she exhaled, resting her head on the seat headrest before shutting her eyes close, unaware of what living with Arthur holds in stock for her.
Will the one year shape her or break her completely? The question lingered in her heart as she finally drifted off to slumber.