November 13, 2024. Chapter 1-2.
Over a year passed. “Five minutes more, and we are done,” Adrian said as he continued to run on the treadmill. “Honey, I can’t believe I’m back to running for two straight hours again,” Riley said while catching her breath. Her body was sweating profusely, her athletic wear soaked altogether.” It was the same for her husband. Adrian’s skin was glowing in his sweat, and with him running half-naked, he looked mighty fine. “Rrr. Somebody looks hot,” Riley remarked while checking out her husband. “We should have sex after shower.”“We should,” Adrian said while chuckling. “The last time we tried to make love, Freya walked in on us.”“We should learn to lock the door,” Riley said, but locking the doors was easier said than done when Freya always demanded their time and attention whenever they were home. Since delivering the Triplets, Riley had always asked Adrian to be her exercise buddy. Although her postpartum belly has still not fully recovered, she is getting there. The best part i
What would happen if the legal wife confronted her husband’s mistress? Riley imagined she would remain composed. After all, she was in the right, and she had every reason to fight, but her body unknowingly shook from anger. It was challenging to contain the hatred she harbored for this woman before her. “What are you doing here?” Claire Monet, the young mistress, asked.Riley Allen Martin, twenty-seven, the legal wife and accomplished jewelry designer, responded fiercely, “I decided to fight for my marriage.”“But you've already agreed to the divorce,” Claire reacted, her big blue eyes narrowing and her face darkening.Ignoring Claire, Riley attempted to walk past her, but Claire grabbed her wrist and pointed out, “I’m pregnant with Brian’s child.”Pulling her arm away, Riley curtly said, “I need to talk to—”"Ahhh! Miss Riley? What did I do to you?” Before Riley knew it, Claire was sprawled on the floor, calling, “Brian, she pushed me! Help! Our baby!"Stupefied, Riley was shocked
"My baby!" Riley woke up with her hand on her belly, her heart beating wildly. "My baby -""Riley, calm down—" Riley turned to a man who was calling her name. She was shocked by his presence and initially could not grasp what he was saying.Next to her hospital bed was Adrian King, the first son of the wealthiest family in the city of Halliport. Though there was a noticeable change in him, Riley immediately recognized him. He was a figure from her past, someone who had become a stranger to both her and her husband.On a normal and happy day, Riley was like a ray of sunshine. She possessed long, wavy blonde hair, a heart-shaped face, and dazzling green eyes. However, that day, Riley did not have to look in the mirror to know she was a mess. Hours earlier, she had been crying her heart out in her car, only to be saved by a stranger. After undergoing medical evaluations and treatments, she passed out due to emotional stress. And now, she found herself back in her miserable state, panicki
In another hospital, Brian Martin held his mistress' hand. Claire was crying in bed, assuming her situation had gotten worse."Brian, I might lose our baby. Your wife, she–she tried to kill our baby," Claire's tear-streaked face bore a look of anguish as she said."I should have just left the city and raised this baby on my own! I'd rather my baby live a peaceful life than be hated by your wife," Claire added. "Why did you have to make me a mistress, Brian? Why?”"I'm sorry, Claire. This was my fault." Brian embraced Claire tightly. He stayed by her side until she cried herself to sleep. Seconds turned into minutes, and Brian continued to stroke her back until he lay her flat on the bed. Brian wiped the tear stains on his lover’s face, feeling helpless. He thought back to the time when he first met Claire.A few months ago, Brian had a business meeting with a VIP client named Mr. Leopard in a high-end KTV bar. They rented a private room, and Claire walked in as the main food attendan
"At six in the morning, Zia came to see Riley first. She reported, "Brian asked me to help check on his... on his..."Zia's words were cut off because Riley resumed, "Claire? He asked you to check on Claire?"Riley frowned, thinking about how Brian blamed her last night. He wouldn’t even listen to her. Then she softly replied, "You should help in any way.""I hate him, and I hate that innocent-looking lover of his even more, but it doesn't mean an unborn child should be deprived of the best medical help. I know you are one of the best new doctors right now, Zia," Riley said. "So, you should. At least he would get off my back, I hope."Riley saw Zia's complicated expression. Zia sighed and replied, "You really are a good person, Riley. My cousin doesn’t deserve you.”Zia took a few steps back and said, "I better go.""Zia?" Riley asked.Looking down, Riley paused and pondered. Then she decided, "I don't want to have anything to do with Brian anymore. I—I don't think you need to tell hi
Riley knew Zia would oppose her leaving, but her mother's life was at stake. The nurses mentioned that Zia was still due to report for work in eight hours. Riley could not wait. So, Riley decided to sign a discharge waiver against medical advice. After leaving the hospital, Riley went to her mother's house to freshen up and change. Later, she arrived at the Halliport General Hospital. "I'm in the lobby. Where are you?" Riley asked Brian over the phone. "In the ICU floor," Brian replied coldly. "Hurry." In the four years of her marriage to Brian, Riley had earned a lot while leading their company's design team. However, she had also spent lavishly on her mother. Renee Allen was a single mother who had made many sacrifices to raise Riley. When Riley began earning decent money, she bought her mother a house, car, jewelry, and other luxuries. Riley also had her own investments. Asset-wise, she could cover the hospital bills herself, but she lacked liquid funds, making Brian paying
Riley's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind struggling to process the unexpected proposal. She blinked repeatedly and probably did the whole blinking cycle three times."Yesterday, I missed something important, so I need a wife. Since you owe me a favor, I was hoping you would marry me," Adrian said. His expression remained calm as he offered marriage, as though it were of little significance."W-what?" Riley gulped. "Marriage for a favor?"Adrian didn't respond. He stared at her intensely, then pointed to his assistant and ordered, "Explain."Riley darted to the man standing behind Adrian. The assistant, whom she had known as Clint Rodriguez, narrated, "Miss Allen, the other day, in order to bring you to the hospital and ensure your health, Mister King missed his engagement party with his fiancée, Leni Eros, the heir to the Eros Empire in Dowel City.""And because Mister King missed the engagement party, Miss Leni Eros canceled their engagement," Clint added. "So, Mister King needs a
Back at the Plaza Hotel, Riley's mouth hung wide open as she thought deeply. Then, she asked, "Why can't you just fix your engagement with Leni Eros?"Adrian's eyes narrowed. He responded, "I'm afraid the engagement is irreparable.""Did - did you try to reason with Miss Leni Eros?" Riley inquired. "You would not really understand until you meet her. Our engagement is off, and that's final. Now, I need a wife," Adrian said. Riley gasped. She responded, "I - I don't think it's a good idea, Adrian. I'm pretty traumatized right now -""I'm not Brian, Riley. I am a different person - a different man," Adrian responded. "And, as you suggested, this will be some sort of contractual marriage, where expectations are set beforehand."Riley gulped. She looked at Clint, hoping to get some help, but of course, he did not. So, instead, she said to Adrian, "But we don't love each other -""You married for love. How did that turn out?" Adrian pointed out. "Love can betray you... But I won't."Rile