Chapter 11: Hope Shattered

"His intentions?"

"Yes. We got married against my family. Not a single member of my family attended my wedding. We got our registration first but never held a true wedding. Though we were just husband and wife in the name of law only, I was happy. I never cared about the wrongdoings of his family members towards me. But he changed. He never once went against his family, even when they tortured me. "

"But..."

"They are famous, right? I thought famous people treated others like that. Slowly, I could feel that everybody surrounding me avoided me. even my husband too. All those sweet words earlier felt like a flower, but now have withered -dry and dead. His mother even tried to poison me ...."

Ray couldn't stop her tears. Marie was feeling utterly hopeless and was staring filling with rage.

'How can somebody be so cruel....'

" Once I give birth, they might accept me -I thought. But luck was not on my side. Three days before my delivery, he left home on a business trip. His relatives started trying various ways to get rid of me and my sons. After 2 months when he returned, he never believed a single word from me. All my hopes shattered. He never once looked at his kids. I was left all alone. It was later that year I finally decided to get a divorce. Since then I became a single mother...." 

Ray gave a sorrowful smile. Marie embraced her 

"You have endured well Ray. You are the best. You will become the best parent "

But without their knowledge, someone clicked their pictures along with the kids.

********

William came out of his office. He saw his mother standing near the reception room.

"Mom, why are you here?" He glared at a nearby worker about not telling him.

"You don't need to scare that kid Will... I came here for another work ."

"Let go into my office "

On their way to the office, they met Sara who was holding a few files. She was first startled and bowed to show respect.

"Long time no see Sara... it's been a long time, isn't it?"

"Yes, mam..."

"There is no need for this courtesy. I would like you to call me as you used to do ...."

"There is no way I can do such a disrespectful act since now that I am your employee..."

"Oh my! I see!! So at least you are aware of your position Sara, Right?"

"Pardon??"

"Mom, What are you doing here ?"

William came as soon as he didn't find his mother behind him.

"Oh no Will, you walk fast. As this old lady can't cope and got lost this young lady was just helping me ... isn't it?"

"Ohh.. yes it is.." Sara replied and walked away hurriedly. William could sense a different kind of tension between them. He knew better than anyone that out of everyone his mother cant get lost since this building was planned by her.

' Just what are you thinking Mom??'