Jocelyn’s POV
Inhaling shakily, I clutched my tote bag as I gazed at the humongous structure that was my husband's mansion. I had gone to the grocery store earlier today after his mother told me to make her seafood boil and some other dishes. As we didn't have most of the ingredients at home, I had to source for them at the grocery store. Initially, I had thought it'd be an easy feat and I'd only spend about thirty minutes there but alas was I wrong. Apparently, today was maintenance day at the grocery store, thus, all shoppers had to wait outside for about an hour before they officially opened. As I trudged into the house, I could only hope my mother-in-law understood that it wasn't my fault. My heart lurched in fear when I saw the slender, middle-aged woman named Agnes sitting cross-legged on the sofa while sipping a glass of red wine. On seeing me, she shook her head as a scoff escaped her. “I was beginning to think you finally ran away with your lover,” She scorned. “But then again, you aren't exactly visually appealing enough to find one because you are an ugly, blind bat. That's why you are a liability to my poor son.” When I was eleven, I was involved in a fire accident that made me partially blind in my left eye, thus, I always covered it with an eye patch. My family’s vacation house at Florida had exploded with me inside it. According to my mother, it was my father who had saved me from dying in the fire. Till date, no one knew how the fire had started. Although Agnes's words squeezed and tugged at my heartstrings, I remained composed and moved closer to her. Dropping on my knees, I said. “I'm very sorry, mother. Today was their maintenance day at the grocery store and I-” Before I could complete my utterance, she flung the remnant of her wine at me then slammed the empty cup on the stool beside her. “Do you know what you are?” She spat. “A blatant fool. You always manage to find a way to mess up the easiest situations. I don't even know what my son saw in you. Why couldn't you go to another grocery store, you idiot?” Wiping the wine off my face, I clutched my hands together and stuttered, my voice quivering with tears. “The next grocery store is about an hour away and you told me that you needed the food immediately. I'm very sorry, mother.” “That darn mother!” Agnes snarled. “I'm not your mother, alright? I know who I gave birth to, and am certain it's not an asinine idiot like you. So never in your life should you call me that, am I clear?” “B-But-” I began to say and she stood up and grabbed me by my shirt's collar. “Am I fucking clear, you wench?” She spat, and I quickly nodded. “Yes, mother, I mean, Madam Agnes.” Her face melted into a smile as she stroked my wet hair. “That's good of you.” “Thank you, ma,” I said. “Should I go and start cooking?” “Sure,” Agnes shrugged. “I mean, that's all you are good for anyway. That reminds me, how old would your dead child be if you hadn't killed it?” Her last statement sparked a bomb in my head and before I could stop myself, I exploded. “I didn't kill my child. Don't you ever talk about my baby like that. It was a miscarriage that no mother ever plans for!” Three years ago, my suffering began after I bumped into my husband, Eduardo, at a coffee shop. I was in a hurry to go to my mum's place as it was her birthday and I wanted to surprise her, so I hadn't seen the tall, sexy, and handsome man in front of me. Prior to what I had initially expected, Eduardo had apologized and had also given me his handkerchief as well as his business card, offering to reimburse me for the coffee I had spilled. Our love story started right there and then, and in the span of five months, we were engaged, and seven months later, we became husband and wife. Eduardo had made me feel like I was the most beautiful woman on earth. He'd randomly gift me several custom-made jewelleries and clothing items. On the day I told him I was pregnant, he had immediately ordered the latest range rover for me, and I had been so happy and had felt like the luckiest wife ever. Unfortunately, I ended up losing the baby after three months and it was then Eduardo changed completely toward me. He'd flare up at me at the slightest provocation and had even fired all our household staff. The final nail on the coffin was when he brought his mother to start living with us, and the both of them combined to make my life a living hell by making me a maid in my matrimonial home. It was then I realized that keeping my true identity a secret had been a wise decision. They could and would never know that I was the only daughter and child of the wealthiest family in Australia; The Roswells. My family owned Roshome, a chain of home appliance companies that spread across the whole of Australia. I had lied to Eduardo that I had no family around me, mainly because I was scared he’d be after a business relationship with me after finding out who I truly was, and wouldn’t love me anymore. In all of Eduardo's family, the only person who liked me was his little sister, Ivy. However, I had last seen her a year ago before she moved to Italy for college. She was kind to a fault and treated me like we had been best friends for years. Suddenly, Agnes bursted into tears, which yanked me out of my reverie. “I'm sorry,” She sniffled, while I frowned in utter confusion. “I was just trying to be a good mother-in-law.” Before I could respond, I heard footsteps furiously approaching me from behind, and I spun around to see my husband, shooting me the deadliest glare as he stormed up to me. So that was why Agnes's attitude had done a sudden change. “What were you doing to my mother?” He spat, and my mouth flapped open and closed wordlessly, as I couldn't even defend myself. Averting his focus to Agnes, he said. “Mum, please go upstairs. Jocelyn and I need to talk.” “Oh, okay, darling,” Agnes sniffled. “But don't be too hard on her. You know, she's still mentally unstable from losing her baby.” With that, Agnes left, darting me a smirk that went unseen by Eduardo. “Welcome home, Eduardo,” I said. “How-” “Save it!” He spat, retracting a paperwork from his briefcase. “I want you to sign this and leave my house by tomorrow.” Heart pounding in trepidation, I collected the paperwork from him, and saw “Divorce Agreement” clearly written as the letterhead. “Y-You want a divorce?” I croaked out. “Did I do something wrong?” “The question you ask is if you've ever done anything right!” Eduardo spat. “Can you at least tell me what I did?” I sniffled. “My true love is back. If you know what’s good for you, you’d better sign that paper and leave my fucking house!” He barked, before storming out of the living room. Leaving me to stare at his disappearing form with a heavy heart. Before I could respond, he stormed out of the living room.Jocelyn’s POV “Wake up, you lazy sloth,” Agnes's cold, unforgiving voice wafted into my ears as droplets of cold water trickled down my face. Squeezing my eyes open in sheer fear, I saw her hovering over me, a glass cup in her hand, and a look of disdain planted in her face. “G-Good morning, Madam Agnes,” I stuttered out, as I rushed out of bed. “Do you need something?” “Do I need something?” She mimicked then chuckled incredulously. “It’s seven in the morning and you're still sleeping like a log of wood. Just how lazy and uncouth are you? Did your mother train you at all?” “I'm sorry, ma'am,” I responded, suppressing the urge to cry. “I will go make breakfast now.” “Make breakfast for three,” Agnes sneered. “And put a bottle of champagne in ice. I am expecting a visitor and I don't want anything to go wrong.” “A visitor? Who?” I blurted out, without thinking and she shook her head in negation while eying me venomously. “That's the only thing you know how to do,” She mo
Jocelyn’s POV Rays of sunlight mixed with a pungent antiseptic smell wafted into my line of sight and that of smell respectively, forcing me to squeeze my eyes open. I frowned, utterly confused, when I realized that I was lying in a bed–a hospital bed to be specific, given how there was a cannula in my hand and nostrils, with machines beeping beside me. “Josie!” The familiar voice of a female trailed into my ears, and I carefully tilted my neck toward the voice only for me to see Nancy Shepherd, my best friend, since middle school, who I hadn't seen since I got married. The both of us were raised together as our mums used to be best friends before Nancy’s mum passed away some years back. Her dad was never in the picture as he had abandoned Nancy and her mum before she was even born. “Nancy?” Only then did I realize something; I had vision in both eyes and my eye patch had been removed. “I can see with both eyes now!” I shrieked in utter disbelief tinged with confusion. “
Jocelyn’s POV Three days had passed since I regained consciousness but I was yet to see my mother. However, according to her doctor, I would likely see her very soon as her health was improving at a fast rate.After I came to, I made it a mission to gather information on every aspect of Eduardo's life that I may have missed during the last five weeks. Based on what I'd been able to gather so far, he had now gone public with Sofia, and their pictures graced almost all the popular blogs, with most people adoring them and calling their relationship cute.I had also found out that Sofia, whose full name was Sofia Denzel, was a highly influential model and brand ambassador of many luxurious brands. Her father also owned Denzel group, a conglomerate in the United States.Although there were many articles that claimed Eduardo had been married and divorced, the pictures of his ex-wife, who I assumed was me, was not shown in any of them.A mix of pain and anger gnawed at my heart as I opened
Eduardo’s POV“Eduardo, you are yet to send the money,” Sofia nagged after me, as I made my way to the car. “I need to go shopping. Have you forgotten that tonight is the party I told you about?”“And I told you that I'd only give you the money if you can account for all the money you spent last week.” I retorted as calmly as I could.Huffing, Sofia crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t tell me that you're being like this over the three million I spent last week. You are bigger than that small amount, so why are you being grumpy?”The tiny bit of patience that I thought I had dissipated at her careless response and I scoffed.“Small amount? You spent a whole three million in a day on some stupid clothes and bags that you'll never use again and you expect me to still give you my hard-earned money,” I spat. “You are nothing more than a wasteful person. In fact, I want you to leave my house immediately.”Sofia's eyes welled up with what I was certain was crocodile tears as she grabbed
FIVE YEARS LATER Jocelyn’s POV “Good morning, Miss Roswell,” My secretary, Amelia, greeted as she placed a cup of piping hot coffee on my desk.“Morning, Amelia,” I responded, inhaling lungfuls of the rich coffee scent. “Have I ever told you how much of a sweetheart you are?”“Many times, Miss Roswell,” Amelia said. “But that doesn't compare to how much of a darling and an angel you are. I mean, you brought me from the gutter and molded me into a woman of affluence. I owe my entire self to you.”“Let's not get sentimental,” I fondly huffed. “It's been three years and you still don't want to let go.”“How could I possibly do that? I was really contemplating dropping out of college to become either an onlyfans model or an escort to take care of my mother's bills,” Amelia uttered. “And you came like the angel that you are and shouldered my whole responsibility. You are truly a gem.”Five years ago after my divorce and my mum's subsequent death, I had decided to start all over. And by d
FIVE YEARS LATER Eduardo’s POV“Many companies have signified interest in having a joint venture with us, both home and abroad,” Rafael divulged, handing me his iPad. “Even Roshome, the biggest home appliance company in Australia.”“Roshome? Isn't that the company with a faceless CEO?” I asked, scrolling through the information of the various companies. “Yes, sir. You are correct,” He nodded. “In all honesty, I'd advise you to strike a joint venture deal with them for three to six months. Seven months top. It will be very profitable for both them and you. I mean, you own the largest technology firm in the whole of America while they are giants in home appliances.”“You are right,” I muttered. “So have you gotten any information on the CEO yet?”“Nothing other than the possibility of the CEO being a woman.”“Really?” I asked, utterly surprised. “She really did a great job with Roshome. I heard she managed to triple their annual profit within a year.”“Yes, sir,” Rafael replied. “Acco
Jocelyn’s POV “Jocelyn?” Eduardo gritted out, eyes gaped and jaw dropped in surprise.Repressing the urge to laugh at the stunned look on his face, I pressed my lips into a thin line and smiled widely as I beckoned him to take my hand.It felt so rewardingly good to see Eduardo almost having a meltdown at the mere sight of me after five years. Something in me twirled with manic satisfaction as his eyes dilated restlessly as he looked me up and down in disbelief.“I will prefer you address me formally, Mr Lopez,” I said. “Won't you give me a handshake?”“Ah, sorry about that, Miss Roswell,” He spurted out before clasping my hand in a warm handshake that sent a weird feeling racing down my spine.Ignoring the unsolicited sensation, I pulled away from him and went to sit beside Amelia who had a smile of approval plastered to her face.Returning her smile, I darted her a stealthy wink as Eduardo finally stopped gaping at me and went to sit down at the head of the table.“I still can't be
Jocelyn’s POV “Do you like it?” I asked Henry, as we walked out of the ice cream shop at the park.Five days had passed since I decided to move back to America for the purpose of having a business venture with Eduardo.I had decided to take over the operations of my company's branch in America, which I had employed someone to run for me while I was in Australia.“Yes, mummy. It's nice,” He grinned, showing his pearly teeth. “Mint chocolate is the bestest flavor. You should try it.”“Best, baby,” I gently corrected him as I stroked his hair. “And no, honey, but thanks for the offer.”In response, he just shrugged then smiled again before looping his hand in mine.Yesterday, Henry began kindergarten at his new school, and in contrast to my fears of him being saddened by the sudden change, he seemed to have loved it. He had chattered with excitement about everything that had happened.From how his teacher had given them animal cookies to them watching Barney and friends after drawing st
Jocelyn’s POV As I flipped through the pages of a maternity book, a knock came on the door of the bedroom before Eduardo let himself in, a smile playing on his handsome face.“Hi, baby. How are you?” He asked, walking over to press a kiss to my lips and forehead.“Good,” I replied, rubbing my gargantuan belly. “The baby is kicking gently today which is quite surprising. If I didn't have an experience with pregnancy, I would have asked you to drive me to the hospital, so we could get her checked.”I was currently in the seventh month and last trimester of my pregnancy, and as much as I loved my unborn baby girl, I couldn't wait for it to come out.Last week, I had found out that I was having a girl via the surprise baby shower Amelia and Ivy had thrown me and I was very excited to meet my little baby girl.However, being cooped up at home for the past three months could be sickening and frustrating because I was always alone in the house.Three months ago during an appointment with my
Eduardo’s POV Leaning against the doorway of our bedroom, I observed Jocelyn as she laid, cocooned in the blanket, face scrunched up in displeasure and possible ache, which she wouldn't admit.She had been like that for the past five hours and it was currently ten in the morning.I had come home last night to meet Ivy having dinner with the kids and Jocelyn copoed up in bed, burning hot with a temperature.All my efforts to get her to go to the hospital had been in vain, as she had vehemently stated she was fine and didn't need to be assessed by a doctor.Right now, as I looked at her, I mentally admonished myself for listening to her last night, instead of doing a better job of persuading her to see a doctor.“That does it, baby. We are going to the hospital,” I said, and watched her try but fail to sit up.I was instantly at her side, propping a pillow behind her and covering her with the blanket.“Thanks, Ed,” She said then sneezed into the handkerchief in her hand. “I don't need
Jocelyn’s POV I winced as the back of my head tightened with an excruciating ache, stifling the urge to groan in pain.“The sales memo and the quarterly report were thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by me yesterday, so everything should be perfect,” The team leader of sales department, Micheal Gould, said into the microphone, aggravating my migraine.“Okay, that's good.’ I forced myself to say, balling my hands into fists and placing it on my lap.I couldn't help but wonder why I had such a bad headache that afternoon, as the voices in the conference room blurred, and the sound of my heart thumping filled my ears.My mouth was hot, my lips numb, and my body warm as the ache intensified.I had woken up hale and hearty today, excited for the start of a new work week, and mine and Eduardo's impending dinner that was supposed to happen later today.But given how I seemed to have fallen ill all of a sudden, I knew the dinner would likely not happen anymore.The mere thought of it was beyo
Eduardo’s POV “It's been less than a year since I left yet it feels like a decade has passed,” Jocelyn said, one hand out of the window and her eyes squeezed shut as the wind tousled her long, auburn hair.Even though she couldn't see it, I darted her a smirk before turning my attention to the road.We were currently in Australia for the week, as Henry and Olivia were currently on summer break.Jocelyn and I had decided to take them to Australia, mainly because we wanted to expose Olivia to the country and stuff.Due to the sick plan Nancy had pulled, she had been unable to spend time in Australia with her mother and sibling.Although that was in the past now, I couldn't help but feel vitriolic anger toward both Nancy and Sofia whenever I thought about it.But as Jocelyn had told me the other day, focusing on the bad things that happened in the past instead of being pleased and grateful with one's current situation, wasn't the right thing to do.I had Jocelyn and my wonderful childre
Jocelyn’s POV I inhaled shakily as I stroked my fingers across the framed picture of Henry and Olivia on the nightstand.In a few hours time, my babies would turn six and ten years from now on, they would be in high school.Another two years later, they would be in college and before I knew it, they would have their respective families.Of course I knew a day like that was still several years away, I couldn't help but feel a sort of bittersweet emotion at the mere thought.To think about six years ago, they and their brother in heaven, had been in my belly, wrapped around each other, small, tiny, pink, and completely helpless was so heartbreaking yet heartwarming.“Come on, Josie. We promised to focus on the positive part, didn't we?” I chided myself, using the back of my hand to wipe off my tears.Just then, the bathroom door creaked and Eduardo walked out.“Babe, what time are we picking up the cake? Ivy s-” He began to say but stopped when he sighted me.Sighing, he closed the di
Jocelyn’s POV “Ivy, you know I will never judge you, right?” I asked her.“Yes, I know. Where's this coming from?” She replied with a question of her own which made me huff.“Cut it out, Ivy. It's been three weeks since you told me about whatever happened between you and Brian at the wedding,” I said, and she sighed. “Ever since then, you have been seemingly avoiding coming over to our place. What is going on, Ivy?”There was silence for a couple of moments that I almost thought Ivy had hung up on him.As I removed my phone to check if the call was still ongoing, she sighed again. “I will tell you everything in due time, Josie. It's kinda a serious matter.”“Are you pregnant and he's refusing to accept it?” I blurted out the first question that came to mind.“No, of course not,” She replied, sounding amused. “We had sex that night.”“Oh,” I said, suddenly at a loss for words.I mean, it was very evident, given the sexual tension between them that something like that may or may not ha
Jocelyn’s POV “Is everyone ready?” I asked Amelia as I swiped my lipgloss across my lower lip.“Yes, ma'am,” She replied. “Alright then. Let's be on our way,” I replied, stowing the lipgloss away into my drawer. “This meeting has to end in thirty minutes. Forty five max.”“Oh, are you going somewhere, Miss?”“Yes. Today is Sports day at the kindergarten and my children will not forgive me if I fail to show up,” I divulged. “I already missed their final practice last week because I had to close the Braxton deal.”“Perhaps we should just postpone today's meeting then.” Amelia suggested, and I shook my head in negation.“No, we can't do that. I have been postponing this meeting for three months now,” I replied. “I want to get it done and over with. Plus work starts at the sight in about a week from now.”The meeting was to discuss my latest area of investment; the wine industry.I had taken an interest in the industry after I mistakenly made a bottle of grape wine. On the day, Henry a
Eduardo's POV “Thanks, Jocelyn,” Brian said as Jocelyn put a jug of tea in front of him. “You are welcome,” My wife replied. “Would you like anything with the tea? Some crackers or dates perhaps.”“No, it's fine. Thanks again.” He replied, before pouring himself a cup of tea.After spending two splendid weeks in Chile, Jocelyn and I were finally back to America.About a week ago, Brian also finalized his relocation to America.Today was saturday, which meant the three of us were free from work, so we had time to just lounge and talk about everything.Currently, we were sitting on the balcony and having tea and snacks.As Ivy was on duty at work today, she couldn't join us. But according to Jocelyn who she texted some hours ago, she would join us if she managed to get off work early.“So, how's America treating you, friend?” I asked Brian as he placed his cup on the table.“Surprisingly nice,” He replied. “I've managed to finalized a lot of deals in a week. Very profitable deals at t
Jocelyn's POV “As my lady pleases,” Eduardo said, before placing me on the floor. Arousal pooled within me, mixing up with my blood and flowing through my veins as Eduardo knelt in front of me, his arms hooked around my waist and his lips pressed to my navel. Instinctively wrapping my hands around his head, I threw my head back in pleasure even though Eduardo was yet to touch me. The pure, undiluted sensation of his skin on mine was enough to send me tipping over the edge. Repressing the urge to have a premature orgasm, I fluttered my eyes open and looked into his, melting at how sexy his lust-addled grey eyes looked. Pressing another kiss to my navel, Eduardo ran his hands from my ass cheeks to my back down and rested on my ass before he stood up, lifted me bridal style and pressed a kiss to my forehead. Thereafter, he placed me on the bed, intense arousal glinting across his grey eyes as he withdrew from the kiss to plant a kiss on my boobs. Looking into my eyes, he moved do