Chapter45
And she, a remarkable woman with a heart of gold, was tragically weakened by her own appeasement, unable to stand up to his relentless treason. I was the lone mistake my father could tolerate, the sole sibling I would ever know. This harsh reality I’ve tried to outrun has left me with a deep–seated sense of isolation, a feeling of being utterly alone in this world.
My father’s selfish nature had long prepared me for the inevitability of his infidelity, so when it finally surfaced, it was more a confirmation than a shock to my sixteen–year–old self. But Keith’s betrayal was a different beast altogether. His deceitful actions didn’t just pierce my heart, they annihilated it, leaving a vast, hollow expanse where emotions once dwelled.
As my mother’s life slipped away, she imparted a final, precious lesson. ‘Karrisa, never repeat my mistakes. Never let others define your worth or dictate your boundaries. You must know your own value, draw your own lines, and hold the strength to walk away when necessary. Remember, anyone who challenges your dignity and self–respect is not worthy of your presence. Choose wisely, my dear, for the company you keep will shape the contours of your soul. Surround yourself with those who uplift and honor you, and never settle for anything less.”
I wish I could say I was naive to believe Keith, a charismatic 24–year–old college student, had never been in a relationship before, but I accepted his honesty.
After his mother’s tragic death and his father’s debilitating accident, he devoted himself to holding the family together and building his career, leaving no room for romance. I swallowed his story whole. His words, laced with vulnerability and responsibility, resonated deeply, how could I’ve ever known there was such a girl.
What was her place in his life that he so recklessly jeopardized almost three years of our relationship, the promises of forever, and the future we had envisioned together? Was she a long–held affair, a secret obsession, or a newfound temptation? Did she represent a thrill, a comfort, or a convenience that he couldn’t resist, even if it meant destroying everything we had built? The fact that he so easily traded our bond for a fleeting connection with her is a scathing indictment of his character and a painful blow to my heart.
With wavering determination, I turned my back on the reflection staring back at me, the one haunted by the shadows of my past. I vowed to forge a new Karissa, unshackded from the legacy of my father’s failures, unbound from the pain of being an orphan, and unchained from the betrayal of his infidelity, I chose to become the woman I was meant to be strong, resilient, and radiant. I will repaint my life with vibrant hues of happiness and wellness, emotionally and mentally. My world will brighten, and the next chapter of my journey will unfold with clarity and strength.
It’s ironic how time, with its unyielding grip, marches on without mercy, never pausing to acknowledge our struggles or triumphs.
It’s been almost Four Weeks, and the landscape of my life has shifted dramatically. Like a horse running relentlessly to its destination, time has carried me through the dark clouds of heartache and deposited me on the ground of newfound strength and fresh discovery.
I had taken care of the practicalities. Keith’s share of the refunded money, the deposits and payments we had made for the wedding. had been returned to him.
And as for the personal belongings, the mementos and keepsakes that had once held sentimental value, I had gathered them into a box and sent them back to him since Dexter and Corwin accidentally brought the wrong box while moving my stuff in
It was a way of closing the chapter on our relationship and acknowledging that it was truly over. All of it was gone now, returned to him, leaving me with further emptiness, but also a sense of liberation. I was free from the reminders of what could have been, free to move on and start anew.
I won’t label myself as weak, but I was unprepared to face the tender ache of witnessing a wedding. So, with unwavering resolve, I told my toxic boss to kindly fuck off and resigned on my own terms, my head beld high and my pride securely in hand.
In that moment, I chose self–care over suffering, and liberation over lingering in a toxic environment. As I walked away, I felt a sense of empowerment wash over me, knowing I’d prioritized my own emotional well–being above all else.
I’ve landed an incredible opportunity as a night manager at a prestigious Five Star Hotel, complete with a reasonable paycheck. I had almost given up hope when I stumbled upon the listing, but something compelled me to apply inunediately.
And then, the unexpected happened the interviewer saw beyond the surface level, recognizing my potential and qualifications. It seems that sometimes, sense and humanity can prevail even in the most unlikely of places. I’m still pinching myself, wondering how a curvy woman like me was hired in such a prestigious hotel in the era of ‘slender blondes“. Life is full of surprises, and I’m embracing Chapters
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