AliceI was still reeling from the shock of his proposal. "Are you serious right now?" I exclaimed, snatching the phone from Wendy. "Are you saying you're going to marry my sister-in-law?""Yes, yes, I will," he replied, his voice firm."Can I come? I can come right now to the states," he continued. "I just went to London to do a few things, and once I'm done, I'll come back to the state. In fact, I can cancel everything and come back right now."Wendy took the phone back from me, her expression calm. "Don't bother. Just do what you need to do and come back. I'll be waiting, so we can discuss this further.""No problem, Wendy," he said quickly."Wendy?" he suddenly called."Hmm, Yeah?" she replied."I'm sorry for what I put you through. I'm really sorry," he apologized.Wendy shook her head, even though he couldn't see her. "It's fine. It's not your fault. We got drunk together and... did it together. So, it's not your fault. You don't need to apologize."He sighed, seeming to accept
XavierThe dinner table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, the soft glow of the chandelier casting a warm light on the gathering. The aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the hum of conversation. Outside, the morning sun cast a golden hue through the windows, illuminating the faces of my family as they passed plates and served themselves.To my right, Alice sat with her hands folded in her lap, her eyes fixed on the plate in front of her. My mom, seated at the head of the table, smiled warmly as she passed a serving dish to my dad. Wendy and Lexi chatted quietly, their forks clinking against their plates as they ate.As I watched, the sounds of the dinner table filled the air: the clinking of silverware, the murmur of conversation, the sipping of water, and the soft chewing of food. The tension was palpable.I took a deep breath, preparing to reveal what I had been wanting to share with my family. But before I could speak,
AliceI pushed my chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and stood up, my eyes locked on Xavier's mom. "May I speak with you, please? In private?"The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the chandelier above us. Xavier's mom, her expression hesitant, nodded curtly, as if she had no choice. She pushed back her own chair, the movement mirrored, and followed me out of the dining room.The tension in the room was palpable, like a living thing that pulsed with every heartbeat. I could sense the weight of their stares as we left, the unspoken questions hanging in the air like a challenge.Upstairs, in the quiet of the bedroom, Xavier's mom turned to me, her voice cold, like a winter breeze. "What is it, Alice? What do you want to talk about?"I took a deep breath, the air filling my lungs, and began. "Xavier's condition... the person who told me about the doctor who can help him... it's someone you know."Her eyes narrowed, like a cat's, her gaze piercing. "Who?"I st
AliceTwo weeks. It had been exactly two weeks since Xavier disappeared from my life without a word. No calls, no texts, no responses. His phone was probably still active, ringing silently in some dark corner, but he had made it clear he didn't want to be reached. I couldn't blame him, really. I had felt the same way after discovering the truth - like I was drowning in a sea of lies and deceit.But Xavier, my supposed husband, did you think you were being too harsh? You left me alone, pregnant and scared, with no idea what the future held. Your family was back home, crying themselves to sleep every night, worried sick about you. And I... I was just trying to hold on, to keep my head above water.Just as I was starting to lose hope, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I checked the screen, my heart skipping a beat. Who could be calling? Was it Xavier, regretting his decision and reaching out? My mind started racing with possibilities.I swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and swiped
AliceThe next day, I wore a simple white gown that fell just above my knees, paired with a sleek black bag and expensive heels. As I made my way downstairs, I ran into my mother-in-law."Where are you going?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.I met her gaze, noticing the paleness of her face and the deepening wrinkles. She must be missing Xavier terribly."I'm going to the company," I replied. "Xavier's company."My mother-in-law's eyes drifted to my stomach, and a faint smile played on her lips."I can see the baby already," she whispered, her voice cracky.My stomach was noticeably rounder now, a clear indication that the baby's arrival was imminent.I looked down at my belly, feeling a mix of emotions. I nodded, trying to hold back tears. I just hoped Xavier would come back soon so he could be there for the birth of our child.My mother-in-law's eyes narrowed, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Anyway, why do you want to go to his company? To do what exactly? I'm certain ev
XavierI stood up from the sofa, my eyes widening in alarm as I listened to Alice's words. "What? Yes, you heard me right, Xavier. I'm going to do something to this baby that you won't like, and you know what I mean by that," she spat, her voice venomous.My heart racing, I dared her, "Don't you dare!"But she just laughed, her voice cold and calculated. "I dare you not to dare me to do that. Meet up with me, or else... Oh, I will do something to this baby that will make you regret your existence, Xavier. I promise you, trust me this time, because I won't think twice to care if this baby is mine or not."Her words sent a chill down my spine. I screamed her name, "Alice!" but she just ended the call, leaving me staring at the phone in horror.I paced back and forth, my mind racing with thoughts of Alice's threats. "What the fuck is wrong with her?" I muttered to myself, trying to make sense of her words. "Is she probably sicker than me?"Maybe! I think she's a psychopath.Anyway, I cou
XavierAs we sat on the bench, licking our ice cream, I couldn't help but steal glances at Alice. She had a smudge of ice cream on her face, and I gently wiped it off with my thumb."Is there anything you're forgetting?" she asked, looking up at me, her eyes searching."What is that?" I asked, furrowing my brows.She sighed deeply and said, "You aren't going to tell me why you left. You aren't going to say anything about that. Xavier!"I felt a pang of guilt and shook my head."I'm really sorry," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm sorry for causing all this towards you. I messed up, and I'm deeply sorry."Alice sighed again and nodded slightly."Can you explain what happened and stop apologizing?" she asked, her eyes locked on mine. "Tell me everything I need to know. Why you left… Why you stayed away from me for so long? And Lumber… he told me some things."I took a deep breath and began to recount everything that had happened, also telling her that whatever Lumber said was all true. As
AliceI sat at my desk, scribbling notes and drafting my latest work. Miss Gloria had shown interest in publishing it, and I couldn't wait to share it with the world.Just as I was getting into the zone, I heard a knock at the door. It swung open, and Xavier walked in, a tired smile on his face.I jumped up from my chair and ran to him, throwing my arms around him in a tight hug. "You're back!" I exclaimed.Xavier chuckled, wrapping his arms around me. "Yeah, I'm back. What are you doing?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.I smiled, stepping back to gesture to my desk. "I'm writing. I've been drafting some of my works, and Miss Gloria says she likes them. We'll soon publish it."His eyes lit up. "Oh, goodness, I can't wait! I can't wait to read my wife's new book. I'm certain that it'll be thrilling."I laughed, feeling a flutter in my chest.As he removed his tie, I helped him, my fingers brushing against his skin. It was a gentle, intimate moment, one that felt like a w
XavierI narrowed my eyes, and slowly softened the look on my face before letting a smirked crawl over my lips."Did you really think I'd forget you, Alice? Once bitten, twice shy, don't you think?"Alice looked taken aback. "What? You… you remember?""I remember everything, I chuckled, nodding my head. "I was only trying to pull your leg. You know, like those cliché movie scenes."As I spoke, I winced in pain, clutching my chest. Alice had slammed her hand against there, and I could see the anger and grief in her eyes. She was about to hit me again when the doctor intervened, gently prying Alice away. "Ma, please calm down. He's still recovering "She resisted, her eyes flashing with emotion. "No, I won't calm down! Did you see what he just did? He pretended not to know me!"I shook my head, a hint of a smile on my lips. "I'm sorry, Alice. I didn't mean to scare you.""How could you act like you don't know me?" Alice demanded, her voice trembling. "I was worried sick about you. I tho
AliceA WEEK LATERAs I gazed lovingly at my baby, I couldn't help but smile. She was so peaceful, breastfeeding and moving softly in my arms. I saw Xavier's features in her tiny face, and my heart swelled with love.Just then, the door opened, and Xavier's parents walked in, beaming with smiles. "Oh my goodness!" Xavier's mother exclaimed, rushing towards me. "Look at her! She looks just like Xavier!"I smiled warmly, feeling a pang of sadness. "Yes, she does."Xavier's mother cooed over the baby, admiring her tiny features."What about Wendy and her husband?" I asked. "They also promised to see me today.""They'll be here soon," Xavier's father replied. "They just stopped to...visit Xavier first."My eyes clouded with sadness, and I nodded silently. Xavier's father asked gently, "Don't you miss him?"Did he even need to ask? My face showed how much I missed him. It's been a weak already!"I miss him so much…" I replied, my voice trailing off. "But there's nothing we can do now, can
AliceI slowly opened my eyes, wincing in pain. My head throbbed, and my body ached all over. As my gaze cleared, I realized I was in a familiar room - my ex-husband Ethan's bedroom. I sat up with a start, my heart racing.What was I doing here? I looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings. Even the bed was the same one where I'd caught Ethan and my step-sister Kate together. The memory still stung.I tried to piece together how I'd ended up here. Then, it hit me - Ethan had kidnapped me from the shopping mall. I'd been so scared, and now I was trapped.Determined to escape, I stood up, holding my stomach. I was still getting used to my pregnant body. I made my way to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. I tried again, but it wouldn't budge.Panic set in. I started banging on the door, shouting, "Let me out now! Let me out before you regret bringing me here! Ethan, Let me go!"But soon, I gave up because he wasn't even answering me and as I stood there, frozen in
XavierI sat in the meeting, surrounded by CEOs and billionaires, discussing business deals and strategies. But my mind kept wandering, my heart skipping a beat for no apparent reason. I rubbed my chest, trying to shake off the odd feeling.Lumber, sitting beside me, noticed my discomfort. "Is everything alright, sir?" he asked, concern etched on his face.I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a bit...off," I replied, unsure of what was wrong."Maybe you should get some rest, sir?" he suggested. "You've been working non-stop for weeks."But I shook my head, determined to push through. "Let's just finish this up, and then I'll take a break."The meeting finally came to a close, and I stood up, shaking hands with the other executives. As I walked out of the conference room, my secretary handed me a bottle of water. "Here, sir, drink this. It'll help calm your nerves."I took a sip, feeling a bit more centered. Then, I remembered my wife, and how I'd promis
MariaAs I sat in my favorite armchair, reflecting on my life, I couldn't help but think about my son, Xavier. Had I truly given him the best possible life? The answer, I realized with a pang of guilt, was no.I had been a distant, uninvolved mother, never taking the time to understand my son's desires or dreams. Instead, I had dictated his path, choosing his career and making decisions on his behalf, right from a young age.A few years ago, Xavier had brought Phoebe to meet me, telling me about his plans to marry her and how much he loved her. But I had refused to accept her. In my mind, I would choose the perfect woman for my son, and Phoebe didn't fit the bill.So, behind the scenes, I had manipulated events to sabotage Xavier's business, watching with a sense of satisfaction as it crumbled. My son was devastated, unable to understand why his company was failing. Little did he know, it was his own mother who was responsible.I recalled the conversation I had with Phoebe, telling he
AliceI walked slowly down the staircase, gripping a large, brown envelope containing the divorce finalization papers. Reaching the bottom step, I paused, looking up to see Xavier descending towards me. His polished shoes clicked against the stairs, echoing through the hallway.As he approached, he extended a hand, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, this is it. I can officially call you my ex-wife, right?"I smiled, inhaling the scent of his cologne as I took his hand. "Not for long, Xavier," I replied, our handshake brief but firm.We broke apart, and together, we walked towards the car waiting for us outside. The driver stood by the door, tipping his hat as we slid into the backseat.As the car glided smoothly into motion, Xavier turned to me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Divorce has never tasted so sweet," he whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners.I smiled, my heart skipping a beat. "I can't help but agree," I replied, our lips meeting in a tender, s
AliceBefore I could even process my emotions, Xavier dropped to his knees, his eyes locked on mine. He pulled out a small jewelry box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring. His voice trembled as he whispered, "Alice, please... divorce me. Let's divorce from this contractual marriage of ours and marry right. Please marry me."I felt like I couldn't breathe for a second there. We were married, yes, but it was a contractual arrangement, a business deal between us. But now, Xavier was asking me to break free from that contract and marry him for real.I stared at him, my mind reeling. His eyes were glassy with tears, and his voice was laced with emotion. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.And then, like a dam breaking, tears flooded my eyes. My voice shook as I whispered, "Y-yes... I'll marry you."Xavier's face lit up with joy, and he slid the ring onto my finger. He stood up, his eyes never leaving mine, and kissed me like he never had before. I reciprocat
AliceWe sat on the sofa, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes. I felt a sense of relief wash over me. We were finally home, finally together again! I couldn't ask for more."Shouldn't we call your parents, at least?" I asked, thinking of Wendy and how worried she must be. I remembered how much she used to call me, crying and bawling all night to my ears.Now, Xavier telling me not to reach out to anyone yet was something strange."Not now," he whispered, his eyes locked on mine. "Right now, I just want to ease the tension, look at you, talk to you, and feel our baby."I smiled, my hand instinctively going to my swollen belly. Next month, our little one would arrive, and I couldn't wait to see Xavier hold our child in his arms.He kissed my lips gently, his eyes filled with adoration. "I love you so much, wifey.""I love you too," I replied, my heart full.Xavier's expression suddenly turned serious, and he swallowed hard. "Alice?" he called, his voice low and gentle."Yes,
XavierI finally told the police I wanted to return to the US, but there was a problem - Phoebe had seized all my documents. The policemen offered to search her place again, and after a thorough search, they recovered my belongings.Relieved, I checked into a hotel for the night. However, my phone was still missing, and I suspected Phoebe had hidden it. I decided to purchase a new phone that same night and thankfully remembered Alice's phone number.I tried calling her, but she didn't answer. I tried again and again, but still, no response. Growing concerned, I decided to check her social media profiles. But when I reached her Instagram page, I found it had been deactivated.Confused and worried, I began searching for news about Alice. That's when I stumbled upon shocking headlines - my wife had been charged with plagiarism for a book she had written. I knew Alice was the original author of that book, and the accusations made no sense. Why would they do this to her? What the hell happ