[ Rafael Martinez ]“This is insane, son. I can’t let you risk your life for our revenge. We already lost our Jared. You’re our everything.” My Mom cried leaning on my Dad’s shoulder.“Don’t cry, Nadia. Our son is doing the right thing. Those Blackwoods snatched our everything, our home, our son, everything. He is avenging for our sufferings. Let him do it.” Dad consoled her.My heart clenched seeing their state, the wrinkles on their skin, grey hairs and skinny bodies reminded me of those scums who ruthlessly sent them to prison. I thought Arienna was different but I hate her now more than I hate her family.How could the thought of aborting my child came to her?“Noah, what are you thinking? Are you going soft on that bitch Arienna? She is the cause of our miseries.” My dad glared me hard. He never liked Arienna and Blackwoods’ betrayal intensified even more.I can’t tell them about the baby and my decision to marry Arienna. I don’t want to be the reason of their sadness.“Don’t wor
[ Arianna Blackwood ]"I am sorry, my princess. I couldn't stop this. I failed you and my upbringing." My Mom's voice was hoarse, she was on the verge of crying.She was the strongest woman I've ever known. She never broke down even in the hardest sail but today, I saw her breaking down and I was the reason."I am fine, Mom. There was no other way to save us from this." I forced a smile which of course, didn't reach to my eyes."Your Dad and brothers will be here anytime. So, we don't have much time to talk alone." She said holding my both hands."Mom, you can visit me anytime you want, this marriage doesn't change anything between us. I am still your daughter before a wife or a mother." I said the fact."I know, my love but I don't trust Rafael. He isn't the man I pictured as your life partner, Ari but we can't do anything now. This baby needs his father and we're no one to snatch his paternal rights and this is the only reason we accepted this blasphemy called marriage." She said wi
[ Arianna Blackwood ]The ride from my home to Rafael's house in the suburbs was excruciatingly silent. We didn't share a glance let alone a conversation. Rafael was mostly engrossed in his phone, furiously typing on his phone.I wasn't interested either. For me, it was just a pact I made with the father of my baby who doesn't seem to be interested in me but his child.I had no idea how long I'd make it work. As much as I wanted my child to have a healthy childhood with his both parents, I don't want a loveless, dull marriage for myself.The car stopped with a screech, thus putting a halt on my thoughts."We're home." He stated flatly and got out of the car.I wanted to laugh. It wasn't a home for me. He waited for me to step down. At least, some decency was still left in him.I carefully stepped down since my back was hurting due to a long day's celebration and posing.The house was beautiful, painted in white and grey, it was a dream home for many but I felt no joy to call it mine.
[ Arianna Blackwood ]"I'll see you in some time. Go and enjoy your bath." He said after a momentary silence. He just dodged off my question and proceed to move towards the door."Rafael, I need an answer. I can't live my whole life in uncertainty. You don't love me, I don't think I can ever trust you. We can't stay married just for the sake of our baby, Rafael. At least, I want stability in my life and with you, I don't know what will happen in next hour." I poured out my frustration. His grey eyes flickered on my face."Sometimes, we shouldn't chase after something we aren't sure of. You're thinking too much, Anna. Just relax, you'll live your life peacefully at my house. I just don't want you to meddle in my personal life." He said."And why should I not? I am your wife, for God's sake!" I lost my temper with this haughty man."Don't change into conversation into an argument, Arianna. I married you for the sake of our baby's future. Would you like people calling him a bastard or
[ Rafael ]I gauged her reaction, the horror was clearly visible on her face when he saw my parents. It was more than two decades' time. She was just a seven years old child when Charlotte Blackwood took her."Mom, Dad!" She gasped closing her mouth.I was stunned. She still considered them as her parents even though they were not ideal foster parents to her."Don't you dare call us Mom or Dad!" Mom's voice roared. It was full of venom, hatred and years of resentment."Mom, wha..what are you doing here? I mean how do you know Rafael?" Her confused eyes danced between us that she ignored Mom's statement."Did you not tell your dear wife, son?" Dad asked me with a sly smile, he looked calmer than Mom which wasn't good either.They got released two days ago. I wanted to disclose my identity to Arienna once we get married but today, my parents insisted on visiting my new house.I couldn't refuse them. They had gone through a lot. I just wanted them to live their rest of lives in peace."W
Rafael ]It has been two hours, Arienna was under the medical observation. She hadn't gained her consciousness and with passing minutes, my anxiety was growing.I was responsible for her condition. She and my child suffered under the flames of my revenge."God, punish me but save them." I prayed closing my eyes.I don't remember when last time I prayed but right now, my only hope was dangling on religious beliefs."Mr. Martinez, your wife is awake now." A nurse informed me and I could feel my life coming back to my body."How is she? Can I meet her and how's my baby?" I asked her. I was so desperate to meet her and apologize for being an asshole to her."I advise you to wait for a few hours. The baby is fine as for now but her body is weak and her mental condition is responsible for her worsening health." She answered and my heart sank."Please, I need to see my wife. I won't bother her." I begged her."I suggest you to have a word with the doctor first, please excuse me." She said an
[ Arianna Blackwood ]"I am sorry."After a few moments' silence, Rafael or should I say Noah, whispered.He sounded guilty but it didn't matter to me anymore. The boy who used to protect me from the harshness of my foster parents, he was my biggest tormentor.He knew everything about me since the beginning. Our first meeting as one night stand was also planned.He played with my feelings and still had audacity to show up again."Leave me alone, Noah." I said again."Please, give me a chance to explain myself, Anna." He sounded desperate but I still chose to ignore him. The wounds were too deep to be healed soon."I need rest, Noah." I said in much calmer tone but he was growing into my nerves."Please, look at me. I can't live at peace until I tell you everything, the whole truth, Arianna." He said.I finally opened my eyes and his face came into my blurry sight. I could lose my baby and this man still wanted to explain his sins?"I almost miscarried my baby and you're here to tell m
[ Arianna Blackwood ]Rafael left the hospital when I strictly told him that I wanted to be alone to grasp my mind around this unexpected revelation. He was my best friend Noah, the boy who only cared about me and was like a brother to me but he revealed that he knew about her being fostered for a long time. So, he didn't harbour any siblings' connection with me but something else.The doctors said I could go back home till evening. I felt much better but weak, both mentally and physically. Nadia's words kept replaying in my mind.They hated me to their core, it was obvious. How could I go back in the same house where my enemies live and how am I supposed to tell my family about Harerras who wants to destroy us and it begun with my marriage. "Mrs. Martinez, your discharge papers are ready and I'm here to help you to get changed. Mr. Martinez is waiting outside." My head nurse walked in the room.My heart sank on the mention of going back in the same house house where I was being foo