Kelly’s POV
I was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. I told him to go home early but he didn’t come home completely. He wasn’t even answering my calls.
Well, now Lexi was back, this house was probably not home in his eyes anymore.
My eyes turned to my pregnancy report on the table. What a mockery. I was still naive to hold a glimmer of hope that things would be different if I told him about the baby. But forget this baby was out of his plan.
Sure, Pierce was not the kind who would force me to have an abortion. But he couldn't cut out his obsession with Lexi either. He might stay in this loveless marriage if his parents asked. But all I had would only be an empty shell. That's not a Father what I wanted for my baby.
I wiped off the tears collecting at the corner of my eyes and collected the report. It was 5 am already when I looked at the clock on the wall. I tried to dial his number again, but still busy. What was he busy with? Was he busy making love with Lexi? He must have missed her a lot, didn't he?
I still remember the day when he came back after his first private vacation with Lexi. His joy was unmistakable. Nearly at once, I could tell they made love. The same day I returned to my room, I cried out loud as I took off my makeup. Nothing I did worked. I could never replace Lexi in his heart.
I felt like hundreds of pounds pressing my chest. I decided to get a shower to wash away all the miserable emotions but the moment I opened the wardrobe, our intimate clothes were snuggled together bringing me back to the memory of how Pierce and I had s*x here last time.
It was that time he didn't use contraception. He was so passionate that I thought he finally accepted our marriage. I once believed his return from this business trip would be a fresh start for us but actually, it was a start for us to fall apart now.
Unable to suppress my feelings any longer, I crouched down crying loudly. Why? Why am I always the one they choose to abandon? Why don't I deserve to be loved?
I didn't remember how I fell asleep. When the alarm clock went off, I subconsciously touched the pillow beside me. Cold as last night. He didn't come home yet. I sneered at myself as I caught my reflection in the dresser mirror. The dark circles under my eyes were so clear and my hair was a total mess, looking like a ghost.
See, Kelly? That's what happened when you stepped into such a loveless marriage without a second thought. You would only break yourself if you continue on the wrong path. Just get a divorce. Spare him and yourself. Your baby needs a strong mommy.
Suddenly a wave of nausea flooded my stomach and I realized I hadn't even eaten anything last night. Feeling sick again, I run to the sink and puke. I spit yellowish liquid and it tastes so bad. I washed my mouth immediately and stared at my own reflection in the mirror. I shook my head and cupped my forehead as soon as I felt like throwing up again. I spit yellowish liquid again and while I’m washing my mouth, I feel a warm hand caressing my back.
I immediately lifted my face and met a pair of brown eyes looking at me through the mirror. Standing behind me with a worried face was my husband Pierce. I’ve always been thankful that I have him as my best friend and husband but now…I’m losing him. Hopelessly losing him.
“Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? You should’ve told me.”
I stared at him through the mirror. “You didn’t answer my calls.
Guilt flickered in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I had some things to do. I stayed in the office all night.”
I wiped my face and walked past him. He followed me as I sat in front of the vanity and started combing my hair.
“Kels…”
“I woke up late. I failed to prepare breakfast.”
I tried to avoid his eyes. I felt like I would lose my temper and snap at him. There was no moment when I felt his selfishness so clearly as now. He called me his best friend yet he had never seriously confronted my needs. My feelings.
"Kels...... you know I'm not asking about this. I'm just worried about your condition......"
“Kels, are we still okay?”
I stopped combing my hair and slowly met his eyes. Through the mirror, again. Really? He’s asking me that? After he offered me a divorce without even asking if I was okay with it? He decided on his own. Just because his first love is back. I can’t believe him.
I faked a smile. “I just don’t feel well today, Pierce.”
He immediately squatted beside me which is not surprising because I know he truly cares. What surprised me is why is he still doing this after he buried a dagger in my heart.
“Are you okay?” He gently touched my forehead and neck. “Are you sick? Tell me how you feel, Kels.”
“My feelings don’t matter,” I couldn’t help but blurt out. He looked shocked because of what I said.
When I attempted to avoid him, he grabbed my wrist and made me face him. His face is mirroring his anger now. He’s completely lost his patience.
“What’s wrong with you, Kels? You’ve been acting like this since yesterday. Is this about Lexi? Or was it because I didn’t come home last night?”
I looked him in the eyes, annoyed. "You're the one who asked for a divorce! I told you to come back earlier but you just let me wait for the whole night. How do you want me to greet you this morning, Pierce?”
He clenched his jaws and shook his head. “Kels, I..."
"Enough. We can talk about the divorce after work today."
“Kels!” He called and grabbed my shoulders. Confusion and pain were visible in his eyes. “Are you…in love with me?”
I was taken aback? In love? Yes! Ever since we were in high school. Ever since he became my best friend. Who wouldn’t fall for someone who has been protecting you ever since?
But of course, I can’t tell him. It would only complicate things more. I don’t even want him to pity me. I shook my head and pushed his arms away. “Are you on drugs? I’m not in love with you.”
I turned my back on him and entered the bathroom again. I locked it before going to the bathtub. I should focus on myself. I can’t let my emotions affect me but…but why are my tears falling again?
“You are so pathetic, Kelly! You can’t even tell him how you truly feel,” I whispered to myself as I wiped my tears angrily.
It took me almost an hour bathing. When I was done, I realized Pierce had already left. I shook my head in disbelief. He’s been constantly abandoning me. I can’t believe we’d reach this point. I thought we were okay. I was so stupid.
***
“Good morning, Miss Monroe…”
“Good morning, Vice President…”
I did not greet anyone back just like how I used to greet them back. I still feel pissed and my mood seems off. Irritation can easily take over me and I can’t control it. Probably because of Pierce’s divorce proposal or because of my pregnancy.
I was about to enter my office when I heard two girls talking.
“Did you see her? I bet she’s Mr. Anderson’s girlfriend. They seemed close.”
My forehead creased. Pierce’s girlfriend?
“Ah! It’s a waste that I didn't see her face but I feel like it’s Miss Lexi.”
“Lexi? Lexi Gilbert? The model?”
“Yes! I bet my whole month's salary on this. They look good together.”
“Come on! Miss Monroe and Mr. Anderson look better together.”
“Are you serious? They’re best friends. You know, some people are better off just friends. It’s Mr. Anderson and Miss Monroe.”
I squeezed my eyes closed and pushed the door of my office. I slowly closed it and rested my back against it. This is harder than I expected.
I took a deep breath and sat on my swivel chair. I opened the computer at the same time a notification popped up on the screen of my phone. My hands started shaking as soon as I saw the notification. It was Pierce’s social media update. He uploaded a photo of him and Lexi together. Eating in a fancy restaurant.
I balled my fists and gritted my teeth. Of course, there’s no way I can compete with her in his heart. She’s always the first one and I will always be the last in his priorities.
Kelly’s POVI was lying on the bed, n*ked under the white sheets. I’m watching Pierce intently as he watched me too while caressing my hair with his fingers. He was looking at me with care, with admiration. My heart is fluttering. He’s my best friend but I feel like we can be beyond that. I’m in love with him. So much in love with him that I feel like I would die if I lost him.“Why are you staring at me like that?”I swallowed hard as I felt the discomfort between my legs. I gave myself to him last night. After we got married.“What if I get pregnant?”He doesn't love me the way I love him. He only married me because of his grandparents. His grandmother is sick and our families are friends. We have been arranged to marry and I never thought he’d agree to this marriage.He gently caressed my cheek as his eyes softened. “Kels, you know I’m not ready to be a father. I’m not even ready to get married. I just did this because of my grandparents. I know you have the same reason?”I felt my
Kelly’s POVI walked out and went to the bedroom. I grabbed a pillow and blanket. I turned and was about to leave when Pierce entered the bedroom and looked at me.“Where are you going?”I looked at him sharply. “Why do you care?”“I care because you’re my wife, Kelly!”A sarcastic laugh came out of my mouth because of what he said. I looked at him with rage. “We’re divorcing anyway.”“Kelly, you can’t just run away like this. We have to talk about the problem.”“I don’t have a problem, Pierce. It was you who had a problem and you created it, just to remind you.”He grabbed my wrists and kept me in place when I tried to leave. His jaws were clenching as his eyes bore at me angrily. “My father is angry, Kelly. He’s accusing me of cheating on you.”I tilted my head, “Are you not?”His forehead creased. “I am not an *sshole, Kelly. Did you see me kissing her or fcking her? I still have my sanity with me. I won’t go intimate with her as long as you’re carrying my name—”“Frankly speaking,
Kelly's POVI slowly turned around and I'm certain I paled when I saw two people standing a few meters away from us. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Pierce still on the floor, looking at the newcomers with a shocked face."G-Grams…" I mumbled as I felt my throat dry.She shook her head as she laughed nervously. "I must be hearing things. How's everyone? I missed all of you, so we paid a visit.""Grams…" Pierce pulled himself up and walked towards his grandmother.She was the one who raised him so he loved her and respected her so much. I cupped my mouth when Grams ignored Pierce and looked away.I took a deep breath and gathered all my courage to speak again… "Grams, I'm sorry…"She looked at me with tears in her eyes, "D-Did my grandson hurt you, Kelly?"I shook my head, "No, Grams. He's the sweetest. I-I just…I just feel like I need to let him go because we're not really meant for each other.""Kelly…" I heard Mrs. Anderson sobbing.Grams shook her head and caressed her cheek. Gra
Pierce’s POVShe signed the divorce papers. She signed it without thinking twice. In front of me.A bitter smile spilled as I downed another glass of brandy.I should be happy about that when I was the one who asked for the divorce. But…but my heart felt so heavy ever since Kelly signed the papers.Kelly and I had been friends for over 10 years. The day she transferred to my high school, I accidentally bumped into her by the lake. She looked like a frightened kitten, carefully hiding her true self behind that thick antique eyeglasses. That was interesting.I didn't realize that nerdy transfer girl in everyone's eyes would be the daughter of my mother's best friend. With that, we grew to be friends. Best friends.Kelly changed a lot after graduation. When I came back from the first vacation alone with Lexi, I was surprised to find that my best friend was far different. Taking off her heavy glasses and changing out of her baggy hoodies, she learned how to dress up. She was always a fast
Kelly’s POV“What’s the problem?” I coldly asked Hayley after I reached the studio. She’s now panicking. Her assistant called me saying there’s a problem involving Lexi, our new model and our professional make-up artist.She swallowed hard. “Miss Monroe, Miss Lexi refused to do the photoshoot today. She had an argument with our make-up artist and she insisted on finding a new one.”I sucked my breath and started massaging the bridge of my nose. I saw Lexi sitting comfortably with a frown on her face.Pierce and I were in the middle of divorce proceedings, but cutting the bond between us wasn't as easy as it could have been, especially when we both valued the family and the company.Still, working with Lexi was the last thing I wanted. I really wanted to tear the face of that evil witch, but business wasn't child's play. I'd got a whole bunch of employees under me waiting for their paychecks, and I'd got to stay professional.Without further ado, I walked towards Lexi and stood in fron
Kelly’s POVLooking back at them would just hurt me more. I restrained myself and my chest was clenching again but I won’t let this pain drive me nuts.I was about to go to my office when someone called my name. When I looked at the person who called me, my mood instantly lightened.“Chris!” I called happily.He was smiling sweetly as he walked towards me and when he got the chance, he pulled me for a gentle and warm hug.Christopher Parker was my college suitor. The last thing I heard about him was he’s become a professional model and actor and he’s built a name in the industry. He’s finally a big star“It’s really true that you’re working here,” he said and examined my whole. “God! You’re still as beautiful as ever.”I felt my cheeks heated. I playfully smacked his arm and smiled at him. “What are you doing here? I’m the Vice President here.”He nodded and smiled widely. His eyes were twinkling in happiness. “I know. How are you? This is Pierce Anderson’s company right? Are you fina
Kelly’s POVI had packed my thing and was waiting for my driver to help me get my luggage. I was at the main door when I heard a loud thud in the kitchen. My forehead creased as I looked at the kitchen entrance. The light wasn’t turned on so I couldn’t see if someone was in there.“Pierce?” I called as I started walking slowly towards the kitchen.“Kels…” A familiar voice mumbled my name and I immediately pressed the light switch.I gasped when I saw Pierce sitting on the floor while pulling his hair. He looked really in pain and he immediately groaned when the light flooded the whole kitchen.“Kels, the light…please…”Without saying a word, I dimmed the light and I walked towards him. I sat beside him and held onto his knees.“Is your head aching?”He nodded. “Hmm.”“I’ll get your medicine—”I was about to leave when he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. His forehead rested on my shoulder and he leaned on me as if I’m the only one he needed. This is what he always does whenever hi
Kelly’s POV“Mr. Anderson, Miss Monroe, the meeting will start in 5 minutes.”I nodded at my assistant and looked at Pierce who’s standing behind me. His forehead was still creased and he’s staring at my face. He looked confused but still angry. I don’t know why he hates Chris. Even when we’re in college, he hates him. Chris is a good man. He accepted my decision when I rejected him. He didn’t hold a grudge against me. He understood me.Shaking my head, I turned my back on Pierce and started walking towards the conference room. I felt him following me but I didn’t look back.The meeting started right after we arrived. Everyone was silent and serious and yet here’s Pierce who kept on sending me messages. He’s still convincing me to reject Chris and that makes me really annoyed.He doesn’t have the right to rule my life. He’s my best friend and yes, also my ex-husband. That means he doesn’t have a say in my personal life anymore. I need to draw a line of limitation to our relationship.