Sydney Mdlalose's Ever After

Chapter Twenty-Three.

Andre's P.O.V.
For the first time since I got married, I've peacefully been able to sleep next to the woman I love wholeheartedly. I feel like I dealt with Elizabeth fairly, but maybe I shouldn't have kissed her. If Sydney were to hear about that, she'd walk out on me, for sure.

Sydney and I were meant to go on our honeymoon during the weekend but with everything that's happened, I...cancelled it. Postponing it at the time wasn't really an option. But now, I solely regret it.

How do I even tell her that we won't have a honeymoon? My mother on the other hand is so against her and I, which places me in a tough position of having to possibly choose.

I sigh and get out of bed, leaving Sydney to sleep. I turn on the shower and stand under the warm water. I have to go back to work, especially if I plan on getting Sydney and I out of here. I definitely don't want to do it with my parents' money. Karen would practically still be pulling all the strings in my life.

I exit the shower and get dressed as quietly as I can. When I finally leave the bedroom, my father is exiting his as well. "Going to work?" I nod. "Huh, then I guess people are just talking." I furrow my eyebrows. "About what?" My father leads the way down the stairs. "You and a neurology centre."

I swallow. Who could possibly be spreading this around already and so quickly? My father stops in his steps and turns to look at me. "It's not true, is it?" I shove my hands into the front pockets of my suit.

Jason sighs and continues down the steps. "What about the family business?" We both enter into the kitchen. "It's in good hands." My father chuckles as he drinks his coffee that has already been prepared for him. "If you're talking about the Swan girl then I must disagree with you. You're practically treading on thin ice. If you piss her off and she files for divorce, it's over for you. For all of us."

I look at my father. "How do you know about that?" My father's gaze shifts. I follow it and my mother is standing in the passage to the kitchen with her arms crossed. "More like, who doesn't?"

My mother sashays into the kitchen, her footsteps delicate even in sound. Her long jumpsuit brushing at her heels.

"I'm not going to lose everything because of a faulty love story. Yes, I may not have worked for it but this is my life. My husband's life."

My mother pours herself a cup of coffee. I'm sure she misses Thando. But she won't hire anyone new, afraid of another Sydney that might walk through the front door. "You're going on a honeymoon this weekend-" "Great!" I happily say. "With Elizabeth." She finishes. My face instantly falls.

I look at my father and he's ignorantly tapping away at his iPad. "You had your chance. Oh, and if you choose not to go, I will make sure that that centre of yours never stands. Ever."

My mother walks past me and leaves the kitchen. My eyes are still glued to my father. "Why do you never say anything?" He only looks up for a second. I scoff and storm out of the house.

Sydney's P.O.V.
The next morning I awaken to an empty bed. I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to have our normal lives. Or maybe I just enjoyed forgetting.

The clock reads eight. I groan and push my body out of the warmth of my bed. After taking a shower, I switch on my phone and I'm greeted by a voicemail message from Keith. I hesitate to listen to it but curiosity gets the best of me.

I roll my eyes after listening to it. I'm trying to save and fix my marriage, not add more cracks to what is already damaged. I have myself to blame though. I shouldn't have led him on and because of that, I know I've put him in a tough position. Knowing Keith, he'll wait for me until the very last second.

I place my phone down and leave the bedroom. When I get to the kitchen, I find food that has already been prepared. "That's yours. Thought it's the least I could do after, the news." Karen says as she comes in from the garden.

I pour myself a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "What news?" Karen's eyes widen. "Andre didn't tell you?" I furrow my eyebrows. Nothing that comes out of Karen's mouth that is directed to me is ever good, so I'm semi-prepared for whatever blow she's about to throw at me.

Karen places her cup of coffee down and sorrowfully looks at me. "Andre and Elizabeth are going on their honeymoon this weekend." My eyes widen out of shock. "Wait, you know?" She chuckles out loud. "Honey, within this household and family, I'm God's Eye."

"And now that I think about it, Andre scammed you with that wedding. He made you a cover up, second best. I'm surprised you're still here. If I was in your position-especially with this, I'd walk." She says.