I put my phone away, suppressed the excruciating pain in my heart, the burning sensation in my body, and forced myself to Rose from the couch. I ascended the stairs to get my bag from the bedroom, and soon I returned, making my way out of the house. I stepped out of the house, hailed a cab and went directly to the coffee shop not far from the hospital.
My mind is made up, I won't just sit and continue being a bank of blood for someone who doesn't even value me. I have tried everything to make him love me, and now it's time to move on with my life. Four years are not four months. With each passing second, Ryan still hadn’t shown up. I am not leaving until he does. As I waited, my phone buzzed twice, it was Ryan calling. I didn’t answer, thinking he would call a third time. But he didn’t. I sat there, pale, the pain from earlier still engulfing my body. An hour later, Ryan finally appeared, just like I had thought when I didn't pick his calls. He is slow to see his mistakes. He was exuding coldness, while walking up to me expressionlessly. He looked down on me condescendingly, his gaze was full of fury, but I didn't care. I stare at him in return, not casting my gaze away, waiting to hear what he had to say regarding the text message I sent him. If he asks me to stay, I don't think I will be able to do that when I have never received any form of love. "What exactly are you unhappy about?" He inquired, the coldness evident in his tone. "I know you have given a lot of blood this month, but I have compensated you." He is still dumb as ever to realize I didn't just marry him because of the agreement we had between us. It has nothing to do with the damn money he's been compensating me with. His attention was all I seek for, his love, but Zara got it instead. How stupid of me to think he will make me stay. "This is the divorce papers, sign it, and let me leave." I looked up, staring directly into his cold eyes, my voice calm. I no longer wanted to say anything more to him. What we were saying was never the same thing. It wasn't from the start, I just wanted him to love me. I looked at the man in front of me, with his distinct features, handsome and upright, which had once made people infatuated. But he had never looked kindly on me. He was always cold when it comes to me. In the past, I was always careful not to upset him, but now, when I saw him again, my heart was stone cold. "Emily, I hope you don't regret this! You are asking for something you should have never brought up." It sounded like a threat to me. I scoffed, casting him a furtive stare. "If there's anything I regret most is marrying you four years back." I responded, careful, watching his expression to see his reaction. He opened his mouth to utter a word, but close it back. I let out a miserable smile, knowing in my heart that it couldn't have been clearer, but I need him to see me as someone who doesn't seem affected by her decision. I had already hit the ground running on Ryan's path, and it was enough, really enough. It was almost time to go home, and the line had already disappeared, leaving us as the last couple. In the blink of an eye, four years of marriage had come to an end. Who would have thought a day like today will come? I watch as he pulled out a pen from his pocket pants, without hesitating, he's signature was already on the papers. As I watched him sign the papers, a new pain rose in my heart, and the little joy I had left vanished into thin air, leaving me unable to breathe. My heart trembled the moment I received the signed document from him. Finally, it's over. It still feels like a dream, but I know I'm not dreaming. He didn't say anything to try to change my mind, and he didn't even look at me again. "Let's go to the hospital." He hadn't forgotten my last value In his life. This is the only place I come in as his wife. I tilted my head slightly and suddenly laughed. "Ryan, even if she dies in front of me in the future, I won't waste a single drop of blood." "Zara is sick, and you are leaving her like that? Don't forget the conditions you agreed to when you married into this family." Why is he bringing up the past when he already signed the divorce papers? Who cares about what happened to her? My heart felt like it had been pierced by a sharp weapon, and I was overwhelmed by pain. Yes, I married him because I was precious and rare with panda blood, and because I had promised that I could donate blood whenever Zara needed it. I looked at him with flashing eyes, and the man's gaze beneath his sword-like brows carried the usual indifference. My smile widened, and I laughed insolent and coldly. I should have understood long ago that I was nothing more than a lowly mobile blood bank. "Ryan, I really don't want your wife's position. Don't worry, this is the last time I will donate blood." I smiled meaningfully, took one last look at him, and turned to leave. Without waiting for Ryan to speak, I went straight to the hospital, found Zara's VIP room, and pushed the door open. Several doctors and nurses were gathered around her, carefully asking her if she was still feeling unwell. Such a pretend, I doubt she will ever change. When she saw me come in, her eyes flashed, and an expression of joy immediately appeared on her face. "Emily, you have come. You are not angry with me, are you? I'm not well.” I strode over, my gaze gloomy and cold. Who cares if she's sick? I'm sure this is her way to drain me out of blood. "I knew Ryan wouldn't leave me alone. He's like my brother, always protecting me since I was a little girl. Emily, please don't take it personally. If I have caused any discord between you, I am genuinely sorry. Don't blame him, if you must blame someone, blame me." 'Such a pretend' My subconscious muttered. Ryan found out she was his cousin just when I became his secretary, but here she is lying about taking care of her from childhood. I had to be straightforward, she can't keep feigning her true colors when I know she's not real. I know what she's capable of doing. “You sent me that text, didn't you?” I inquired. But I didn't need her answer at all, before I slapped her hard in the face, her cheeks turning red.Ryan’s eyes darkened, his expression turning grim. "What the hell are you doing!" He cussed, as he pushed his way into the room. "Emily." He called out to me, his voice was as cold as ice. Was he so afraid of what I might do to her? I can't believe he still cares so much about her even after his signed the divorce papers. This just proves, he never felt anything for me. If he does, he wouldn't have attempted to sign the damn papers. Zara's eyes widened with fake panic as she turned her look away, tears welling up in her eyes. This was all she's good at, constantly trying to stand out as the good girl when she's the devil. I can't believe I endure this shit for the pass four years. Where were my senses? My steeze and demure? I can't believe I did everything for love and was never loved back. “I swear, Emily, I didn’t do anything. You have got it all wrong.” She feigned even more, knowing he would side with her. Was I really out of my mind to confront her in front of Ryan?
RyanI sensed that there was something different about Emily. Definitely, there was something off about her. She wasn't the Emily I once married, she acted so different at the hospital.There's no way I'm mistaken, or was I overthinking things because she asked for a divorce? She was nothing to me from the start, but why are my even bothered?I couldn't put my finger on what just happened. It was like things were spinning out of control. I had control over her for the last three years, and in the blink of an eye, she asked for a divorce because of something she clearly knew Zara would never do.After four years of marriage, I thought I knew her very well. Before we got married, she was obsessive and clingy, but after we got married, she became submissive and obedient, a good wife. And today, I was in the office when I saw a message popped into my phone, upon reaching out to it, I saw a message from her asking for a divorce."I don't believe she's in her right state of mind. Where will
EmilyI squinted, trying to force my eyes open. After a few attempts, they finally flew open. Slowly, I looked around, not immediately recognizing where I was until my gaze landed on the familiar picture frame in my room.I realized I was home—in my room. But the question lingering in my mind was, how did I get here? I had been brought back to the mansion where my mother and stepfather lived.Tentatively, I stepped out of bed and made my way downstairs. As my gaze traveled to the clock on the wall, I saw it was almost noon. I must have slept for a long time, something I hadn’t done in the past four years of my marriage to Ryan.It had always been one chaos to another, doing house chores, trying to please Ryan, Zara, and his family members. But now, it was finally over. Deep down, I was hurt that I couldn't win his love in those four years, he was the perfect hubby for me. The kind of man I have always wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but there was nothing I could do about it
It was late night, I stood outside the house waiting for Ethan to come home. I called him some minutes back, and he made it known to me that his on his way home. I need to thank him for bringing me home. He was strongly against me getting married to Ryan, but since I insisted, he didn't push forward. We both attended the same university, and unfortunately, I found out he had a crush on me. It was just a crush, and that was before we found out our parents were seeing each other. I was privileged to gain scholarship into one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, and it's all thanks to my mother. Ryan's friend told me about the crush, but when I asked him, he denied it. Who knew our parents were in love and would get married someday. He admitted to having a crush on me when we became siblings. And since then, he's been doing all best to protect me and Lisa as his little sisters. I'm grateful I had someone like him as a big brother. He's been protecting and cari
I looked away, held on to Ethan's hands warmly, and allowed him walk me further into the crowd. Even though I couldn't see his face, I knew his gaze were fixated on me. He must have a lot of questions running through his mind.The surprise was evident on his face, he wasn't expecting to see me here. I mean not in the midst of elites. I'm a nobody to him, so there's no way I would be in the midst of so many wealthy people.I didn't care what he thinks of me right now. What matters is that we got a divorce, and I'm slowly trying to move on without him."Are you okay?" I heard, snapping me out of my reverie. I took a quick glance at Ethan next to me, and smiled."Don't worry about me, I'm okay. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening." I assured him, the smile still on my face. We are here to rub mind's with people, have fun, and enjoy the moment."Sure! Let's look for other's, I can't find them since we stepped into the venue." Ethan said.I nodded, and just allow him drag me. I also haven'
RyanThere's no way this is happening. She can't be my wife, she's not the wife I married, there must be a mistake somewhere. The Emily I married had no one, she was an orphan, barely got an apartment to rest her head at night.There’s no way she’s an heiress, an heiress to Empire Company, the most renowned business company, not only in New York but internationally. This has to be a mistake, and I need to find out what’s really happening.Even if she was adopted into the family, there's no way they would make her the heiress without knowing much about her.There's Ethan, the rightful heir to the company. Though he doesn't seem interested in inheriting the company. But bringing an outsider to take over, should make him want to take over, why is he not doing anything about it.Does this mean, they are dating? Did she seduce him? No way, even if she did, she's not supposed to be the heir to the company. Fernandez would never allow that, knowing how strict he can be. He doesn't play with
EmilyThe banquet was indeed an incredible place to connect with people who are business minded. I must admit, I had an astonishing time with everyone I came in contact with. It was a great honor talking about business, and some other related stuff.I met people who didn’t just focus on business, they spoke about life in general. It made me realize that just because my relationship with Ryan ended, it doesn’t mean I won’t have a second chance at love. It was quite interesting, and I must say, I felt more relief than ever before.It was getting late, I had to leave with my step siblings. Though father and mother decided to stay back and meet some few people before heading home.The sound of our car coming to a halt got my attention. I looked up and realized we had already arrived at the mansion. I was so occupied with thought and did not realize we had come this far."Ain't you coming?" Lisa asked, holding on to the car door, about to step out. She must have noticed I didn't move which
I don't know whether this is excitement, or I'm being nervous. It's a new month, and a new day for me to start my day at the office. I woke up shivering, and the same time I was excited. It's been a couple of years since I stopped working at Ryan's office. I was his assistant before I initiated the marriage idea because he found out I have a special blood group type.Even while I was married to him, I still work for him, and most times I do it from home since he insists I don't come to the office, until I had to resign and became a full housewife.I looked into the mirror for the last time before proceeding to pick my hermes bag, turning to the direction of the exit. I was putting on a pink blazer, crafted from premium fabric with sharp lapels, featuring delicate handstitched embroidery. Metallic engraved buttons on the cuffs, with a subtle stitch pattern on the back enhances its sleek.I made my way to the living room and stopped just before entering the dining area. It was quiet, n
EmilyIt's frustrating. I'm beginning to break down, even though I'm doing everything possible to find evidence to bring them down. Ten hours have passed, and I still can't find anything to put them behind bars.I'm slowly losing my sanity in the midst of all this chaos, something I never imagined I would experience in my life. Being wealthy comes with so many troubles.Back then, I was happy with Mother, even though Father didn't come home on some occasions. We always had fun, keeping each other company. But ever since I added "Fernandez" to my name, it hasn't been the same for me.I felt hands on my shoulders. Tilting my head, I came face to face with Lisa. Dressed up, hands on her trolley, ready to leave. She’s supposed to fly out of the country with Father to Atlanta where she runs her fashion company, but because he’s bedridden, she has to go alone."Let me drop you off at the airport." I said, trying to get up, but she pushed me back down and sat on the edge of the couch."Is so
Emily said they were behind his attack. Why did she allow them into the hospital? What if they finish the job there? Something needs to be done.As for the money he requested, did Zara assign him to do that? Now it all makes sense. The allegations against him weren’t false. The money he was accused of stealing? He took it."Boss." I looked at him as he extended his hand, offering me his phone. "Ms. Emily."I took the phone from him and placed it to my ear. "Hey, is everything okay? How's your father?" I asked."Still the same. He hasn't moved or woken up. But that's not why I'm calling. Did you get my messages? I think you should look into it."I sighed. "I did get your message. The mayor's wife told me her husband went to the hospital. Why did you allow them?""I was leaving Alex's residence when Mother sent me a message. By the time I got there, they had already left. I didn’t get the chance to meet them."Someone needs to find out what truly transpired. Why did they attack him? I h
"Just be patient. You heard what your mother said. But she had no right to decide what she thought was good for you." He said, his voice firm yet calm.He sighed, looking away briefly. I could sense the concern in his tone, but as a doctor, he wasn’t supposed to show emotion, especially since this wasn’t about a patient. Doctors are trained to hold back their emotions, reserving their dread for moments when a life is truly lost.He patted my shoulder before standing up from the couch and striding back to his desk.I remained tense, unable to speak since returning from Grace's room. How did I not know she was my cousin? Why would Mother hide this from everyone? Was Amber even aware? She’s nowhere to be found, so I have no idea what she knows.Is she aware Mother hired Zara? Amber and Zara never got along, so it’s possible she knows, and that’s why she despises her. But why would Mother harbor such dislike for her niece and nephew without a good reason?Zara once had a brother, but he p
RyanI urged Jasper to drive faster. I needed to get to the house before mother leaves. She was supposed to be at home, but ever since Amber went missing, she hadn’t ceased visiting her boyfriend. I had called Zara repeatedly, but she wasn’t answering. Now, I wasn’t sure if she was deliberately ignoring me.Was this all part of some plan? How could she tell Emily she was pregnant with my child? Was she trying to destroy what I was still struggling to rebuild with Emily? She said she would change, yet here she was, tormenting her again.Everyone needed to understand their place in my life. I couldn’t let them ruin what I was building, especially after four years of neglecting Emily and finally trying to make things right.When we arrived at the house, I stepped out of the car and headed straight into the living room. Without hesitation, I ascended the stairs, striding purposefully toward her room.At her door, I knocked briefly, and as soon as she responded, I pushed the door open and
I walked into the living room, and there Ryan was, seated on the couch. His gaze met mine, and he smiled. I couldn’t help but smile back, my excitement bubbling over. Seeing him this close after a few days felt surreal."I didn’t expect to meet you here. We could have…" He began, but his words trailed off as he stood and walked toward me. Before I could even drop my bag, he was already pulling me into a hug.I snuggled into him, inhaling his cologne—a sweet mix of strawberry and vanilla. It hadn’t even been a week, but I missed him so much already.I fucking love this man. I’ve always loved him. Nothing has ever changed that. I thought I had moved on, but seeing him now made me realize it was all a lie from the start.Remembering why I was here, I gently pulled away from him. There would be time for this later, but right now, I am needing answers. He had been hiding things from me, and that had to stop.His brows furrowed as I stepped back, the smile on his face fading into a frown"A
I wasn’t sure if I should even be here, but before I knew it, I found myself driving toward her house. I needed an explanation, something to justify what she had done to me. What had I ever done to deserve this? Paying someone else to carry his child, knowing full well he was sick and could barely father one on his own?I could have been patient. I was there for him, ready to wait for as long as it took. I gave up everything, turned my back on my family, my career, my dignity, all for him. What more could I have sacrificed?I stepped out of the car, my heart heavy with anger and hurt, and made my way to the living room. Nothing had really changed here. The memories came rushing back, those years I spent cleaning, cooking, and doing her laundry because the maid was either sick, on her off days, or simply unavailable. A lot of it fell to me, and I endured it all.I marched into the house and was greeted by the maid. She looked up from her task, freezing the moment her eyes met mine. I e
Emily I arrived at the hospital and hurried inside the building, my heart pounding frantically since I’d heard the news. She couldn’t be pregnant for him, there was no possible way. I had suspected he was sleeping with her from the start, but everything seemed to shift when I was called to help him on the day he had the substance in his system. Alex had confirmed that he was given something that caused his intoxication, accompanied by heavy sleep. I knocked on his office door and waited a few seconds for a response, but there was none. Was he outside? Attending to a patient? Either way, I decided I could wait inside. I pushed the door open, but the room was empty. I walked further in and sat down to wait for him. That’s when I heard muffled sounds. Turning my attention to the source, I looked behind the bed. To my surprise, I saw a little child lying there. "Hey, are you sick?" I asked softly, walking up to her. She nodded in response, her small face pale and fragile. "I have
Zara How the hell did this happen? I can’t believe our plans failed, and we lost her. If there’s anyone I should blame, it’s Adams. I don't understand why the hell he had to ask for money. All he needed to do was follow a simple instruction, ask her to come over. But he messed it up completely. I heard a car, and looked out the window to see who’s parking outside. Tiptoeing toward the sliding window, I peered through. It was Adams, parking in the lot. I needed an explanation for why he did what he did. I marched back toward the bed, pacing while I waited for him to come upstairs. Getting him involved in this had been a terrible idea. The money he asked for was something he already had sitting in his bank account. What more did he require it for? He’d stolen enough from Empire Company. So why pull this stunt? The door to the room creaked open, and I knew it was him. I stood still, listening as the door clicked shut. As soon as it did, I turned to face him. He wore a troubled expres
It wasn’t long before I made up my mind to step out of the car. The phone was never going to ring at this point, and I’m not sure if we are in the right address. Jasper had claimed he knew the place and had brought us here, but at this point, I don’t think it has to be this place. We have to leave, go back, and wait for them to call. I pushed the door open, looking around the place to find anything suspicious. Someone could be somewhere watching us without us being aware. If I find anyone here, he’s a suspect, he has something to do with this. The car that just passed is no exception; I have to look into it. Maybe there could be a connection. I continued to look around, but I couldn’t even find where my guard had entered. Too many incomplete buildings, not sure where to follow. "Boss." Jasper called, and as I turned to look behind, in the blink of an eye, something flew past my eyes, landing on the car. "It's a knife." He announced, just in time as I looked at the knife that pierce