1 Chapter One

Leaving Jason was something Mariah never thought she would do in a million years, for she loved with every fiber of her being. He was the air she breathed, Jason was her light at the end of the tunnel, her one true love.

Mariah knew that Jason loved her unconditionally and she loved him back, their love was perfect. They made promises to stay with each other forever.

Although Mariah cheated on Jason multiple times, she wasn't ready to let go.

Mariah was willing to get pregnant for Jason just to ensure that their love never ends, if chasing a career means losing Jason, she was ready to drop every thought of chasing a career.

Mariah's elder sister May, wants nothing to do with Jason, she felt that he was a failure who doesn't deserve her baby sister, he couldn't take care of his needs, let alone someone else. Although Jason is three years younger than Mariah, May felt he was way too green for her 20 year old sister.

May runs a bar with her husband, on multiple occasions, she tried pushing Mariah towards the rich men that frequented her bar.

Mariah started fending for herself at the age of seventeen, her parents were deadbeat, they weren't ready to sponsor her education, neither was her elder sister, who always reminded her that she has her own family to cater for.

Mariah worked as a receptionist in a hotel, she lived in a self-contained apartment, a few kilometers away from the hotel. The only furniture she had when she rented the place was a student bed, but with time she was able to furnish her apartment to her taste.

A few months after Mariah moved into her new apartment, her boyfriend Jason moved in with her. He promised to leave after three days, but then days turned into weeks then months. He claimed that he didn't want her to get bored staying alone in the apartment, and also, the place had no security, hence the need for a man's daily presence. Jason lived with Mariah for the remainder of the tent. At first Mariah was happy for the company, but when you noticed she couldn't save as much as she did whilst she lived alone she told him to start helping out with the bills. Jason never contributed a penny, he relied totally on Mariah to provide for his every need, he always claimed to have no money, since he was a full time university student, she let it slide and paid every bill in the house including Jason personal bills. Before leaving for work, she ensures that his breakfast is available or she drops money for his breakfast and lunch, she did all this without complaining.

Jason was a chronic gambler who spends his day in a bet shop, betting on race horses, hounds and soccer. He spends any money he gets from Mariah, his sister or his parents in gambling. Mariah puts up with his gambling addiction and his abusive nature. He was toxic on different levels but Mariah loved him nonetheless.

"How long do you intend to stay?" Jason asked Mariah, while packing his back.

"Three days, I will be back by Sunday," Mariah replied, packing her own bags.

Mariah was going to visit her sister May, and help her plan her niece's birthday which will be held on Saturday.

Each time Mariah goes to her sister's place for a sleepover, Jason goes back to his family house, because recently Mariah limited his feeding allowance, she only gives him transport fare to go back to his parents house.