Chapter 2 – Disowned By Her Family

• TILDA
• “Miss Tilda, you are awake,” a voice said, though it sounded distant.
• A sharp ache pulsed in my head as I struggled to shake off the terrible nightmare. I whispered my husband’s name. “James.”
• The unfamiliar surrounding only deepened my distress. “Where am i?” I murmured.
• “It’s a miracle, you are awake, ma’am,” the voice came again, clearer this time.
• As my vision adjusted, I recognized the house – the same magnificent, secluded villa. And the same servant who tried to stop me from leaving the last time.
• “Where is James? Why am I here?” I asked. “Please... water.”
• “You have been unconscious for two days, Miss Tilda,” the young man said, handing me a glass. “But the doctor said you will be alright.”
• I took a shaky sip, my gaze darting anxiously around the room. “And what about...” I muttered, searching desperately.
• He continued. “Boss found you almost lifeless on the street and brought you here. You should have waited. You would have lost your life.”
• “The street,” I whispered. “James? Has he come yet?”
• The young man shook his head with a solemn expression. “You were lucky Boss found you when he did.”
• “I must leave now.”
• I must find James and reclaim him. He is angry at me now, but it won't last for long. I need to act quick.
• “You can't leave, ma’am, Boss will not be pleased,” he tried to stop me.
• “I don’t know who your Boss is, but tell him that I am grateful for his kindness. However, this is very important.” I opened the door and he followed me.
• “Okay, ma’am, I can take you anywhere. You can't be alone in this state.”
• I agreed. “Alright.” I was weak, and he was right. Leaving by myself was a death wish.
• “You can call me Steven,” he said.
• “Thank you, Steven,” I replied.
• It was a silent ride to the house. My world was falling apart without James. Life had become meaningless.
• “Stop here, Steven. I will walk the rest of the way,” I instructed.
• “Alright, ma’am, I will wait for you right here.” he replied.
• I barely acknowledged his words as I made my way to the house. Everything looked the same, except for the unfamiliar faces of the security personnel and some servants.
• I was stunned. James already got some servants, but he never allowed me to. As a housewife, I personally took care of every house chores.
• “What do you want, ma’am? You aren’t allowed on this property,” one of the guards said, stopping me from going any further.
• “I’m Mrs. Tilda Grant, and I live here with my husband, James Grant,” I stated. “We own this property.”
• “We don’t know who you are, ma’am, but Kristie Grant is the madame of this house. Leave now, or we’ll throw you out,” he warned.
• “You are mistaken. Kristie is my half-sister and I have only been gone for two days. I need to let James know I’m okay. I am back now,” I insisted.
• Without hesitation, one of the guards seized me, carrying me outside the gate as I struggled in vain.
• “If you love your life, stay away from this property,” he said coldly before turning back inside.
• Left in the scorching sun, I awaited James return. But slowly, the seconds ran into minutes, and the minutes turned into hours. Yet I was adamant in my decision.
• “Why are you outside, ma’am?” Steven came over to me.
• “You are still here, Steven. You must leave, I will be fine,” I assured him.
• “Boss will be mad to find you this way,” he refused. “Please let me get you out of the sun.”
• I agreed. “Alright, take me to Petal Towers, I need to see James right away.”
• We arrived at the company only to find that my access had been revoked. My position as Managing Director had been stripped away and I was a stranger in my own company. With Steven’s phone, I called James.
• “James, it’s me Tilda.”
• “What do you want, Tilda?” he tone was hostile.
• “I was kicked out of the house, James, and now I am not allowed in the company. I left you in charge of everything, not to throw me out,” I replied.
• “You don’t get it, Tilda,” he snapped. “Everything belongs to me now, and you can't lay claim to any of it.”
• “What about my savings? You left me with nothing,” I requested.
• “You aren’t getting anything,” he yelled and hung up, leaving me momentarily speechless.
• “You will take me to my parents, Steven. Mom will put an end to Kristie’s madness.” I requested with a renewed hope.
• Inside our family house, mom gazed at me coldly. “It can't always be about you, Tilda. Now we don’t have to please you anymore.”
• I was stunned. She had never been this cold towards me. “Kristie shouldn’t be pregnant for James. He is my husband.”
• She stood up and took some steps closer. “You had it all while my daughter and I served you. Now everything Lyxa left you is ours.”
• “I did everything you ever wanted, mom. I shared equally with you and Kristie. I pay the servants, and have been taking care of dad’s medical bill since after his stroke. You practically never had to work. Why turn against me now?” I cried.
• She grinned, unmoved. “This has always been the plan from the very start. James had been the plan. You are so naïve you never suspected a thing.”
• “But James loves me,” I murmured, though with minimal confidence. Kristie had introduced James to me.
• “You can't support her in this, mom. I want to see dad,” I demanded.
• “It will be useless fighting. Who do you think Rufus will support? You are just too naïve,” she replied.
• “Dad!” I screamed, while mom laughed in mockery. “Dad!” I called again.
• “You heard Megan, Tilda. Leave our lives,” dad appeared at the top of the staircase, his gaze cold.
• “Not you too, dad,” I cried.
• “You are not welcome here anymore,” he said and turned away.
• “Dad,” I called but he never looked back.
• I left the house dejected. I have lost it all when all I did was please everyone but me.
• “What next, ma’am?” Steven asked.
• “I don’t know, Steven,” I muttered.
• “We can return to the villa. Boss will be back in a few weeks and he will help you,” he offered.
• “I don’t want to be a burden,” I declined.
• “You will be anything but a burden, Miss Tilda. You are a very kind woman. Please don’t turn this down.”
• I nodded; I had no choice.