ZAVIANA • Heart of Gold

“Simon?” Anna called as she stepped into the house, walking straight to the kitchen to put the bouquet of flowers she had bought on the table.  

“Simon?” Anna called again, but the same silence met her in response.   

The well-lit Victorian house sat silent, the only sound being the ticking of the clock from the living room.  

"Maybe he is running late; it's that time of the year, and he has a lot to do," Anna muttered to herself as she checked the watch on her wrist.  

It was the end of the year; the cold winter days were getting shorter, and Simon's workload always seemed to increase during this time, despite Paul Parker, his uncle's offer of help, which he always turns down.  

Anna shook her head, not wanting to think about the drama between them, as she instead poured herself a cup of wine and waited for him to return.  

As she lifted the glass to her lips, she heard the doorknob turning.  

"Simon," Anna breathed as she stood up abruptly.  

The smile that lit her face could light the whole city as she glanced at the dining table, which was perfectly arranged, with candles lit to ensure that nothing was out of place.  

"Anna!" Simon shouted.  

There was a bite in his voice, one that Anna's mind cast away as probably her imagination. It was a good day, and it was significant for them.  

"Simon, I'm in here," Anna called out, picking up the vase she had arranged the flowers in earlier, placing it close to her.  

"Why is the whole house quiet? Where are the staff? The bodyguard?" Simon asked, a scowl on his face as he stared at her angrily.  

"I…I, Uh, I wanted us to have some time to ourselves tonight, you know, it's been our…"  

"Without asking me?" Simon asked, cutting her off.  

Anna was taken aback by his words as she stared at the look in his eyes. In the three years they had been married, he had never looked at her like that, more with an indifference than the anger she saw in his eyes now.  

"I…I'm sorry, I will remember to do so next time," Anna replied, smiling up at him, hoping that was the end of the issue.  

"Well, it's good there would be no next time then." Simon hissed, dropping a document he had been holding since he walked in.  

Anna's face became pale as she stared at him in puzzle wondering what he meant by his words.  

"I'm sorry I didn't call you Simon; you don't have to make such a joke." Anna stuttered.  

"Ha ha," Simon mimicked, his brows drawn together as he added, "Do I look like I am?"  

"What are you talking about? What is that?" Anna asked, pointing at the document on the table.  

"That is our divorce papers, Anna; sign it and be gone. This sham of a marriage has gone on for too long anyway." Simon replied, pacing as he spoke.  

Anna staggered, her feet giving out on her as she slumped down into one of the dining seats. She held the table with her trembling right hand, slightly hitting the vase.  

The shattering sound of the vase filled the room, making Simon stop abruptly and turn sharp eyes to her.  

"For F*cks sake, Anna, must you be so st*pid even today? I'm pretty sure you are not blind." Simon shouted angrily.  

"I…I am sorry…I uhm…" Anna stuttered, struggling to gather her thought.  

"There is no maid here; I suggest you clean that up and get the glasses too," he snapped.  

"Why are you doing this, Simon? Did I do something?" Anna asked, standing up abruptly and walking through the glasses to him.  

"Hey! There are glasses every fr*aking where," Simon shouted, pointing at the ground as he walked away.  

"If you care so much, why are you divorcing me?" Anna asked, tears streaming down her eyes as she stared at his back, following him into the living room.  

"I do not; I just do not want to waste time taking you to the hospital." Simon snapped.  

"We have been married for three years, Simon. Why now? And on our wedding anniversary." Anna stated, her voice breaking.  

"I don't have to explain anything to you, Anna. We signed a contract for two months; this marriage was supposed to be two months, but after all these years, I am letting you go; you should be happy." Simon responded, flipping a hand through his brown hair.  

"That is a lie; we were happy, Simon," Anna cut in.  

"For chr*st sake, Anna, you knew what it was you were getting into. You knew perfectly well I married you for a reason, and now you are no longer needed; sign the damn papers and get out of my house," Simon shouted.  

"No, this is not happening. I am not signing those papers, Simon. Where do I start? Where do you want me to go?" Anna asked.  

"I don't care, Anna, your father has gotten paid your worth for the last three years; you should go get your money, and also, here, take this; you will need it as you leave the country," Simon said, dropping a check on the table.  

"Why will I leave the country? I am going nowhere, Simon." Anna shouted.  

Simon's deep blue eyes darkened as he took a step close to her and whispered, "You have no choice, Anna. You should have read the contract when you signed it three years ago; I didn't think you would be that dumb. Leave the country, or you will not like what I do to you."  

"And if I don't?" Anna asked.  

Simon's lips curled up in a smile as he responded, "Then it'll be the last thing you regret not doing."  

As he said that, he turned and headed for the door, but before he could open it, Anna asked, "Is this because of her?"  

Simon's shoulder froze for a minute, with his hand on the doorknob, before he turned to look at her.  

He stared at her for a few seconds, then he said, "Yes, she is back, Anna."  

Anna gasped, a sharp sting piercing her stomach. A strangled cry escaped her lips as she fell to the floor, clutching her belly. Her hair tumbled free, covering her face.  

Simon’s grip tightened on the doorknob. His dark eyes locked on her, unreadable, frozen and torn.  

Anna’s tear-filled gaze begged him – don't  

As she watched him walk out the door, her eyes rolled up and the last thing she saw was the ceiling.