Moving On

Harriett arrived at her father’s house and was immediately welcomed by her parents. Her father, Jake Edwards engulfed her in a bone crushing hug as he wept silently. He couldn’t believe that his daughter was being labelled as a cheater. The humiliation was too much for him to bear.

The Edward’s family had only one child, Harriett and they raised her with everything they had. They made sure she never lacked any material or emotional need. One thing her mother made sure of was that she didn’t allow the many privileges to get to her head. She always reminded her to be kind to people.

Their Christian background helped them instill those values in her and so, they didn’t need any proof to know that that their daughter was being falsely accused.

“Su-ji!” Harriett’s mother called her by her Korean name and gave her a warm hug, her heart aching at the thought of the things her daughter had to go through in Damien’s house.

Her family was well aware of how much she loved him which was why when Damien’s father brought up the idea of wedding the children, they happily agreed. To them, they were making Harriett’s dream of getting married to Damien come true.

Now that they saw how sad their precious daughter was in the marriage, they regretted their decision. They should have never forced her to marry a man that didn’t love her.

If It was three years ago, Jake Edwards would have been happy with the thought of having their daughter married to the son of his best friend but during the course of their marriage, he saw through Harriett’s sadness. He noticed how much she had changed in those few years. At first she was elated to be Damien’s wife. However, a few months later, he saw his daughter beg for love. This broke his heart because she never lacked love growing up. For his own precious daughter to feel unloved and become a shadow of herself hurt Jake Edwards the most.

“If he doesn’t trust you, he doesn’t deserve you, my angel.” Jake Edward said, holding her hands lovingly. “You did the right thing by leaving. The truth will come out soon enough and he will regret his decision.”

Ha-young, her mother took out a tissue and cleaned her daughter’s tears. Her own body shaking in anger. “You will find someone who will love and trust you, Su ji. Damien never loved you so it is no surprise that he would easily believe that lie. I can bet he is doing this so that he settles with that liar he brought with him from England.” Her mother spat bitterly, referring to Evelyn James.

Harriett smiled because she knew so well that her mother was right. A part of her was convinced that the fabricated picture was done by Evelyn James but she lost every will power to fight. This was the eye opener she needed to finally leave Damien after three years of silent torture.

It was time to love herself and also find someone that will love her just as her father loves her mother.

As Harriett pulled from the hug, her mother suggested. “Take some time away from this city and pull yourself together. You need it.” She nodded in response but then suddenly remembered that her parents weren’t aware of her pregnancy.

‘Do I tell them?’ She thought to herself. She was scared of how they would react if they found out about her pregnancy. Knowing her father, he would do everything in his power to make Damien pay for sending her away while she was pregnant.

But, she didn’t have any option. Her family is all she has at this moment.

She placed her hand on her tummy and raised her head. “I’m pregnant.” She blurted out with tears in her eyes.

“Oh my goodness! That wicked man!” Her mother exclaimed furiously.

“How cruel of him to mention a divorce when you are carrying his child.” Jake Edwards said with gritted teeth. He balled his fist as he thought of ways to make Damien pay for the damages he had caused his daughter.

“He doesn’t know about the pregnancy. I never got to tell him. I was about letting him know when he mentioned the divorce and I just never got the chance to say it.” Harriett explained, hoping to get them to calm down a bit.

Her mother nodded and took her daughter’s hand. “You have us, Su ji. You have a family and we will take care of you and your baby.” Her mother assured, taking her hand to Harriet’s flat tummy.

Jake Edwards was furious with Damien Daniels but he was happy that they were finally getting divorced. Damien might have initiated the divorce but he was glad that his daughter was strong enough to go through with it first and move out. He knew exactly what she needed to completely get over him so, he urged.

“Let’s go somewhere far away. Where he won’t be able to find us. We could stay there for a few years and then come back when the child is grown.” He suggested with a smile.

To Jake Edwards, taking Harriett away from this city was the best option because he knew no matter how strong she appeared, Damien knew her so well and he could easily make her crawl back to him. He understood that she was completely in love with him and if the truth were to come out this day and Damien asked for her forgiveness, she would do it in a heartbeat. He couldn’t let that happen.

“Yes, daddy. I agree with you.” She said and her parents nodded. She knew that her father could easily relocate to wherever he wished and their company will be unshaken. Jake Edwards was the richest man in the country and had investments all over the world. Moving to another country for a few years will do nothing to his fortune.

Harriett smiled at this idea. Leaving the country was the only way of completely getting over Damien. Whether or not the truth is revealed was no longer her concern.

*

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DAMIEN DANIELS

“Mr. Daniels, you don’t need to worry. I already cleared your schedule for the week as you instructed.” Fiona, his secretary said into he phone as he drove back to his house for the first time since he brought up the divorce. Today, he was going to finalize the discussion with her and go to the court to get the papers.

Unwillingly, his mind drifted while his thoughts were everywhere and he found himself thinking about Harriett.

’How has she been these past few days?’

‘Did she worry about my whereabouts?’

He didn’t want to worry about a cheating wife but he was unable to control himself. He hated himself for this.

The sooner he gets this over with, the better.

He strolled into the house and was met with a silent welcome as there wasn’t a single soul in the house. Not even Mrs Jane.

‘Perhaps they went to Harriett’s.’ The thought came to his mind and shivered as he imagined Harriett telling her father about the divorce. He knew how much Jake Edwards loved his daughter. He would protect her with all he had even if she was in the wrong.

Damien took out his phone and dialed Harriett’s number but he was immediately directed to the voicemail. He frowned at the phone but decided to call Mrs Jane since Harriett might be with her father.

“Mrs Jane. Is Harriett with you? When will she be coming home to finalize the divorce?” He said bluntly, walking to his room.

“Good day to you too, Damien. Harriett has processed the divorce papers, signed them and has delivered them to you. All that is left now is your signature.”