The Contract

Chapter 180-The New Year

New Year.

The first thing I did this morning when I got up was to light up a cigarette as I sat in the garden. The morning had already began lazy and there was nothing I could do about it.

I glanced at the text Bella sent me early this morning, there was a family gathering at the house this evening, I dropped the phone besides and took another drag of the cigarette.

Of what use was my presence, Mother had already warned me to stay away for the time being. I was scandalous, a pariah and will soon be a divorcee.

I got served the papers last evening and it was still on the table, I haven't had the time to go through it, or maybe I didn't have the balls. I've been busy... wallowing in self pity and regrets.

I've been busy hating myself, I only threw a sharp glance it's way not wanting to believe, not wanting to believe he gave me those papers to sign again.

Today was a free day for everyone, no one was going to the office, everyone was out for a holiday or something. Layla was out to see her parents, Bethany was in Florida already with Eric, Kourtney will be spending new year dinner with her new family, which was my family.

I heard my mother had already began making wedding plans, how typical. I took another drag of the cigar and let out the smoke into the air.

It's a good thing he gave me the papers, at least I could start the new life this new year.

Hey! I even got a new year's resolution.

Firstly, never listen to assholes who come to you for help, secondly, never trust anyone, just never trust even the kindest person out there.

Just never trust anyone, even family.

"Mrs Ferrari" Evelyn called from behind and my head whipped back. "Breakfast is...served" she informed and I slowly nodded.

"Keep it warm" I requested, not turning back anymore but I knew she left. I was already having breakfast.

My phone began buzzing beside me and I got it out and checked to see Aunt Lucy, a small smile made way to my lips as I answered. "Hey Auntie, you're out there living the life in New York" I commented and she chuckled first before replying.

"Says the one making all the headlines with scandalous events"

That one made me burst out laughing, "As you've always told me, if the papers doesn't have it, it didn't make sense" I reminded and I knew she had a smile on her lips after hearing my words.

"It did make the headlines"

"It did " I confirmed, "I guess we both have a lot in common now" I added, glancing down. "We do"

Few seconds of silence followed before I muttered, "I wish you were here"

"Trust me, I do too. I wish I didn't leave too soon"

"No no no, I'm being selfish. New York is important to you, I couldn't possibly stop you" I waved it off.

"I know how the family could be with this things, I'm the only one who will actually understand. I've been through this, Pearl" she reminded and I nodded, ashing the cigarette beside.

"Don't you wonder if it's true—"

"Who cares? I don't care!" She declared and I bursted out laughing again. "If you did kiss another man, it's... It is Travis fault! "

"What?!"

"Prolly if he was good enough, you wouldn't be out there kissing other men" she stated. "Auntie!"