The Futile Effort

Part 10

EVA POV

I thought Jess and I had achieved stability. We didn't speak much, but it didn't bother either of us. Ben finally let me go, which I was relieved about. Unfortunately, my mother found out that I had taken the money and we had a very unpleasant conversation, after which she said she didn't want to see me for the time being. At least she gave me a break. The pregnancy started to become more and more troublesome and the time until the birth was getting shorter. Everything was under control, which Jess and I attended together. However, I noticed that the dark-haired woman was becoming more and more withdrawn about looking at the baby pictures on the ultrasound. I had other worries though. Unexpectedly, Jess fired me from my job and went behind my back to make a deal with the board. She also hired a new director who immediately irritated me. Jess granted her my office. I got pissed and went straight to her company. Walking into the office without knocking.

"Can you tell me what this is supposed to mean? Why wasn't I at that chick's interview? I don't want her in my position!" Jess gave me an emotionless look and put down the pen she was using to sign the documents.

"Why? We made an agreement that I would hire the director." She said calmly.

"Yes, but I was supposed to help select and train him."

"Mrs. Carter doesn't need training. She's the perfect candidate for the job." Jess defended the woman, which angered me even more.

"Are you saying I'm inadequate? That's why you fired me from my own company!" I shouted at her.

"Because you moved the money out without telling me. I'm not stupid, Eva. I know what you did. I'll take care of your company, but you won't run it anymore. Focus on the baby and yourself. You don't need to care about the money. After all, that's what you wanted, right?" Jess asked coolly.

I suddenly felt weak hearing her reproach. She knew...

I sat down on the couch. An expression of concern ran across Jess' face. She immediately got up and came over to me, putting her hand on my shoulder. However, offended pride made me shake it off.

"Don't touch me." I growled weakly. I felt the blood drain from my face. My heart was pounding wildly.

Jess sighed and lowered her gaze to the floor. She suddenly drew in air loudly and reached into her pocket for her phone.

"Grenda, get an ambulance here right away. My wife is in labour." She said into the phone. I barely registered what was happening.

"What are you..." I started, but Jess just showed me a stain on the floor with her hand.

The water had broken.

After ten long hours, I finally held my baby in my arms. A girl. A beautiful girl. I was so tired that the nurse took her away and I could go to sleep. The next day, lying in a comfortable bed in a private hospital I ate breakfast with relish. My body slowly started to look normal. The baby was brought to me for feeding and I looked with exuberance at the little creature at my breast. When the baby was taken away my mother and sister appeared to congratulate me and to see the new member of the family. Only after a while did I realise who was missing.

"Where's Jess?"

I noticed the exchange of looks between my mother and sister. My mother answered me.

"Jess has left."

I frowned.

"What do you mean she left? When?"

"Right after she gave birth."

"Did she see the little one? Why did she leave?" I asked increasingly concerned. Something wasn't right.

"Er... Jess told us to give you that." Julia handed me a large envelope.

"What is it?" I asked without opening it. I had the worst feeling about this.

"Check it yourself. We'll be back in a bit." Mum said and they both left. With a heavy heart I opened the envelope. There were papers stating our divorce. I was no longer married. Everything had been decided. In another envelope was a transcript of the recording of my conversation with Ben and our arrangement. Jess knew...

There were also pictures of us hanging out at the hotel and the flat. No wonder Jess managed to get a divorce with such evidence. I also noticed documents about the company, its management, shares and my financial security and also the baby fund. Everything had been organised. At the end I saw a letter. I started to read it.

Eva,

I was never right for you. We knew that from the beginning. Now you have the chance to arrange your life as you see fit. We have nothing in common anymore. I hope you'll be happy and someday let the right person come to you, let you go behind the walls you so fondly build around yourself. I wish you all the best. I know you will be a good mother to your daughter. I regret that I will not be able to meet her.

Don't try to contact me. I am going away and will be gone for a while. I have also changed my address. The flat has been sold. Your things were taken to your mother's house. If you have a wish, I'm sure you'll find something for you and the baby later. However, I have decided that you will need help from your family immediately after the birth. Your mother agreed. You will arrange the rest on your own.

Jess

I burst into tears.

"It's you, Jess... you were the one for me. Always..." I murmured.

END OF PART ONE

Hi,

hope you enjoyed my story. Please add comments! It's very useful to know how to do something better for my dear readers.

Part two will be added as soon as it will be possible. I really enjoyed writing this.

After three years Jess met Eva...

It's a beginning.

Ciao! For now.