Sydney Mdlalose's Ever After

Chapter Eighteen.

Keith's P.O.V.
I've finally gotten a change of clothes and I can't help this need to call Sydney and check on her after last night. But mostly, I can't get us out of my mind.

My cellphone rings and my heart jumps. I lift it from the counter and look at the caller ID. I immediately answer it. "Good morning my love."

Evelyn chuckles. "Morning baby. You left quite early." I chuckle. "Don't you think that maybe getting up after ten is just a little too late?" "Uhm, no. Waking up at ten and later than ten is normal, enough."

I shake my head. "Babe, the day is so short." She laughs. "I know."

"How about you and I have dinner together tonight? Maybe, here? I'll cook you a storm of your favourite foods." Evelyn offers. I open a bottle of spring water and take a long sip. "You can't cook." She scoffs.

"That should be the least of your worries Keith." I chuckle. "If I'm eating at your place, I'd like to know that I'll be returning to my hotel room with a full and satisfied stomach."

"That can be assured in many ways." I take another sip of water, disappointed by my lack of excitement towards her statement. "I don't doubt that." Shifting sounds on the other side of the line. "Well, in that case, I'm having lunch with an old friend. So, I guess I'll see you later."

"Yeah, have fun." I end the call and scroll through my contacts list in search of Sydney's name. When I finally find it, hesitation engulfs me. I take a seat on the edge of the bed and sigh. "What are you doing Keith? What are you doing?" I question myself.

I switch my phone off and turn on the TV instead. That ought to keep my mind busy for a while.

Sydney's P.O.V.
I've been staring out the kitchen window for the past twenty minutes, looking out at the garden table. That table signifies the day I let myself into this chaos.

If I could turn back the hands of time, I would. Only, I would've turned away-walked away. Then maybe, I wouldn't be experiencing all this pain. I sigh to myself as my eyes burn. I can't keep crying. My tears won't change anything. Because besides it all, I too had a choice.

Heels echo against the kitchen tiles. They come with a stride pattern I can't mistaken for anyone else's but Karen's.

It becomes quiet. "Hi honey. How are you feeling?" I shut my eyes. How does she think I feel? I have a raging but tamed storm inside of me. "I'm, fine." I reply.

I begin to wonder if she really cares or whether she's rolling her eyes at me behind my back.

I turn around. "Did you know?" "No, I didn't." "You don't even know what I'm talking about." Karen rolls her eyes. "Oh come on. Its obvious really." I look at her.

She's lying. She has to be. How can a woman so beautiful and so pretentiously polite be so cruel at heart?

"Guess you finally got to play the fool too." I softly say. "I am sorry though. You don't deserve any of this." She says. I lift my eyebrows. "And I'm not being paid enough for this either." I scoff. "I'm not even loved."

Karen stands up straight and crosses her arms. "You know, Andre doesn't deserve a woman like you. It's clear he has no idea what to do with a true woman."

I mirror her stance. "What are you getting at?" "Well, I'm sure you've had just enough of his inconsideration and...Elizabeth. Make him feel what he's made you feel so that he understands what it's like to be on your end of the stick."

I bite on the inside of my lower lip. "How do you suggest I pull that off?" Karen shrugs. "You're a clever woman. I trust you'll find your own way."

She exits the kitchen. I turn back to the window. I do want Andre to feel what he's put me through. And I know just how.

<><>

I've been in Andre's room for a while now. I took the opportunity of coming in whilst he's in the shower.

I'm seated on his bed, my only thought and wish to cause him some sort of pain. Even if he doesn't show it.

He finally steps out, a towel wrapped around his waist and one in his hand. I change my facial expression and body language. He immediately stops when he finally notices my presence. I slowly spread my legs just enough to make sure he can't see anything and sit back. "Sydney."

I untie the knot on my dress that hides my cleavage. "Don't you want to touch me? Kiss me?" He stares at me. He takes a step forward. "Stop." I tell him. He stops. "You had your chance last night. When you were with Elizabeth." He opens his mouth. But I speak before he can spew anything.

"I needed attention. But you weren't there, so I let someone else give it to me." I stand to my feet. I walk closer to him and whisper in his ear. "He made me feel so much more than you ever did or could. He made me sing in a way you can't-"

Before I get to say anything more, I feel the back of my head collide with something, hard. Andre has his free hand around my throat and his eyes show so much emotion, but the one that stands out the most is anger. But I'm not done. "How does it feel to hear that another man had me?" He painfully frowns and lets me go.

"I've never cheated on you, Sydney." My guard suddenly breaks at his statement. But I can't let it show. "It doesn't change that you got married behind my back. That, is much more deeper." Andre looks at me. "Who is he?" He asks. "My Elizabeth."

I exit the room and jog down the stairs. I lean against the nearest wall as I turn the first corner and breathe. I've never cheated on you, Sydney. I may have played my cards wrong, but I still got what I wanted out of it.

Andre's P.O.V.
My mind is at war with itself after what Sydney told me. It hurts. It's sickening. On our wedding night? Of all nights.

I throw the towel in my hand at the door. When did our relationship become so toxic?

Maybe mother was right. I should divorce Sydney. It's not like she needs me anymore.