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Chapter 7

Tara Pov

Andrew cleared his throat, causing us both to turn to him,

“I'm afraid, it's time for me to get going,” he says then picks up his phone that lay on the couch,

“I still have some business to attend to at the office, I just came back here to show you around and introduce you to Nanny Dorothy.” I felt a wave of disappointment, not wanting him to leave but staying with me. But he had to go.

“Of course, “ I said, forcing a smile. “ I know you are a busy man but you went out of your way to do this for me.” He nodded, with a look of regret on his face.

“I'll be back soon, “ he said, ‘’ and then we could talk about all the things you want to talk about. “ He added, I nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in his promise.

“Until then, I hope you will enjoy getting to know Nanny Dorothy.” He says, pointing at Nanny Dorathy. I turned to her and we both shared a warm smile,

“She's a treasure, and I know you'll get along well with her,” he says,

“Sure, we will bond so well,” I said

“ And I'm looking forward to getting to know you better too,” she gave me a warm smile, making me feel a sense of connection with her like we were kindrad spirits.

“In the meantime, make yourself at home, I'll go fix your lunch.”

“And if you need anything at all, you can call me or just ask Nanny, Okay?”

“I'll be sure to do that” I replied, as my spirits were lifted a bit.

“Have a nice day at work, Okay.” I smiled waving at him, he nodded then hugged Nanny Dorothy

“I will .” He said, I could tell he meant every word he said to me.

And with that, Andrew walked out of the living room, closing the door behind him, leaving me with the Nanny.

As soon as the door closed , Nanny Dorothy the living room fell into deep silence, the only sound was the ticking of the wall clock on the mantelpiece.

I turned tto see Nanny Dorothy, she stood by the window, watching as he drove out of the apartment.. Her eyes were thoughtful, I wondered what she was thinking about. What was going through her mind?

Finally, she turned to me, a small smile playing on her lips.

“You love him, don't you?" She asked, I shook my head, unable to find the words to express my thoughts.

“Not really, I just fancy our friendship,” I said, breaking the silence that had fallen between us.

“She looked at me not convinced wignmy answer but didn't want to push it,

“If that's the case then, let me show you to your room” She took my hand, and led me through the house, up the flight of stairs down a long hallway,

“This was not my house,” I'm probably dreaming,” but no it's not a dream either.

We stopped in front of a door, she then opened it to reveal the cozy, inviting bedroom. The walls were painted a soft blue and the bed was fully covered in a fluffy white duvet.

“This is your room.” She said to me, smiling. “ I hope you find it comfortable. Andrew had not been here for years now, so definitely everything seemed old-fashioned.,x I stepped in, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

“This is better than I imagined, thank you, Nanny.” I smiled, as she nods

“Now why don't you make yourself at home,” she said with a gentle voice.

“I'll leave you to unpack and settle in. Then, when you're done, you should come downstairs and have some to eat, maybe. There's much to talk about' she flashed a smile saying, then turned to leave, with her footsteps echoing in the hallway.

I sighed, staring at my large box, I picked it up placing it on the bed,

I began to root through my belongings, just then I felt something small and hard in the pocket of my jeans. I immediately pulled it out, and my head stopped,

It was my wedding ring.

The one I had worn for five years as a symbol of my love for that monster in human form.

Was it the lies? Or the secrets? Or even worse, the betrayal with Stella?” It was all there, encapsulated in that small piece of metal with the big diamond rock on it.

I took a deep breath, trying to push the memories away.

It is in the past now, Tara. You have to move on.” I said to myself.

“Yes, moving on “ I placed the ring on the bedside table, it is best it remains there till I know what to do with it.

If he had been nicer or even caring maybe I would have endured. My mind drifted off to Stella, her betrayal was eating me deeply.

The one I had trusted with all my deepest secrets turned around and stabbed me in the back without thinking twice. I never saw it coming, I blamed myself for not noticing earlier, she was the bedrock of the problems in my marriage yet I confided in her. I felt my anger rising again, I took a deep breath as I calmed myself.

“It's all in the past now.” I breathe deeply.

I was done unpacking, I took off my clothes, wrapping the towel around my waist as I headed for the bathroom.

I stood under the splattering shower, letting it wash me over and over.

My stomach was flat, there was no baby growing in there any more , a tear pricked down my cheek, I instead let it fall, I was tired, the pain was too gruesome.

After I was done bathing, I walked into the bedroom to see Nanny Dorothy holding my wedding ring in her hands, looking at it thoughtfully,

“This is a beautiful ring,” she says

“It must have been special to you.” I nodded, then sat next to her.

“It was, “ I said. Then paused before saying, “But it also reminds me of a lot of agonies and the bad choices I made that I am now living with the regrets in my heart ‘’

I said as I sighed for the fifth time.

“I don't know if I can keep it, knowing what it represents.” I looked at her, hoping for some insight. She looked back at me, her eyes full of understanding,

“I think that's the only thing you can decide on doing,” she says, then pauses before saying

"But if you ask me, I think you should do what's best for you," Nanny Dorothy added.

"If keeping the ring makes you unhappy, then perhaps it's time to take it out." I thought about her words, considering the idea of letting go of the ring.

“ It just means you're moving from the past. You are not giving up on love. Just letting go of what no longer serves you.” I considered her words, feeling a sense of clarity.

She was right. Holding on to the ring was holding back from moving forward.

“But I'm not sure how to do it,” I said as she gave me a reassuring smile, then asked.

“Why do you still keep it?” She asked, her voice soft

I shrugged.

“I don't know, “ I said.

“I think I'm still in love with Carlos,” I finally admitted.

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