“Let's divorce.”His cold and low voice rang out in the empty living room. I froze in the doorway, and my bag dropped on the floor.Inside the dimly lit room, the moonlight streamed through the curtains, reflecting on Theo’s intimidating presence.He sat at the coffee table, his unwavering gaze on me devoid of any warmth. I must have heard him wrong. Maybe I've imagined those words in my excited state.D- Divorce. No way.My heart beat uncomfortably, and my palms were suddenly sweaty as I bent to pick my bag from the floor.Trying so hard to convince myself that he didn't say that, Theo confirmed it further by knocking the divorce papers on the table. “You can ask for anything you want. I won't treat you unfairly.” His cold words numbed me.I glanced up, my initial shock now replaced by a feeling of realization.My eyes fell on the divorce papers, my vision blurred suddenly with tears that clouded my eyes.So this is it. Struggling to control my emotions as they threatened to bu
Since that day, I've been forcing myself to focus on work. I’ve been pushing myself not to think about what Theo said to me that day, trying to avoid everything that’s about to happen.The high concentration during the surgeries not only brings a sense of achievement but also helps me forget a lot of things. I've never been so inspired and motivated. I could go on like this with the hope that my mind will be completely numb eventually to all the horrible feelings I've had these past few days. But after a 4-hour surgery today, my body seems to have reached its limit.Unlike the usual fatigue I'd feel after an intense surgery, this is different.My head spun with dizziness, my forehead sweaty.My weakened calves made me unable to walk properly, and as I was about to lose balance, someone held me. “Dr. Olivia, are you okay?” A colleague helped me up.I don't even recognize who it is as I can't make out my surroundings properly, except for her familiar voice.“You’ve been working too
My lips parted, yet, I could utter no words. Why is he here? Am I seeing wrong?Have I heard him wrong?Ever since I started working in this hospital, Theo has never stepped foot in it.For a moment, my heartbeat woke back to life. I almost believed that he was here for me…until,“Theo, Oh, you're finally here.” Jessica's light voice, weak and desperate, called out from the bed. “What took you so long, Honey?”She attempted to get down from the bed but ended up falling. The crashing sound echoed inside the ward as the IV stand fell in the process.Theo tore his gaze off me, an alarming look flashing in his eyes.In a split second, he was by her side, scooping her off the floor. “That's very dangerous. Be careful.”He gently carried her back onto the bed, his voice unusually tender and soft. “I'm seriously injured, Theo.” Jessica sobbed in his arms, burying her head in his chest. “I should have listened to you and not attend that event. My bones are weak, I can't even walk anymore
The Next Day.The whole media is in an uproar and the entertainment news headlines are all about Theo Wellington’s sudden appearance at the hospital and his dramatic exit when he took the renowned model, Jessica, away. #Jessica Reid's Mysterious Boyfriend Revealed# "The mysterious wealthy man behind Jessica turned out to be Mr. Theo, the richest man in Los Angeles.”"It is said that they were soulmates and first lovers abroad, but were forced to break up due to family reasons.”“In the past few years, Jessica has worked hard to get promoted overseas in order to get the recognition of Theo's family and reunite with Theo as soon as possible."“Wow, such a touching love story!!! So inspiring!”“It's no wonder Mr. Wellington hasn't been sighted with other women before. He must love Jessica a lot!”“The moment Jessica fell ill, he went to the hospital immediately. It shows how much he cares about her!”“Isn't it strange, however? Why haven't they been sighted together before, even abroad
The same way he'd carried her out of the hospital, Theo took Jessica out of the car as if she was a fragile vessel, his most valuable asset. He didn't put her down but proceeded to walk forward, our eyes meeting in the moment.Neither did Theo blink nor look any embarrassed. He wasn't fazed at the hospital, why would he now? Theo doesn't find it awkward, doting on Jessica in public. It just shows how much she means to him.The nausea I had been feeling since morning returned. My stomach turned, a strange sensation building up. Unable to handle it, I turned to look for the nearest washroom.“Tsk! You can't bear the sight of my brother and sister-in-law,” Tania snickered. “They're a perfect match and you're envious, right?”I ignored her words. On reaching the washroom, I threw up all the contents in my stomach, my heart racing as if it'd burst out of my chest. Shutting my eyes, I tried not to remember the scene I witnessed just now. However, I'm not used to seeing Theo being lov
“Dr. Olivia, I know you don't like me. But, anyway, I want to thank you.” Jessica stepped forward, stopping a few inches from me.I thought she had left with Theo after dinner. Why did she follow me?What does she mean? “I don't get it,” I replied, expressing my confusion. “For what do you thank me?”If it's for treating her leg, I think we've long passed that. Jessica has already thanked me at the hospital. If she hadn't summoned me then, I wouldn't have been graced with the opportunity to realize that she was actually Theo’s first love. Wasn't it too coincidental?Was it merely fate?“First of all, I'd like to thank you again for saving my leg.” Jessica smiled. “Secondly, I appreciate that you agreed to let me and Theo be together. Back then, we were forced to separate, and I thought we could never be together. Now you agreed to the divorce...""Who said I agreed to divorce?” I interrupted her, finding her words puzzling and her kindness strange, in fact.I wonder how she was abl
My palm rushed to my stomach, holding that spot instinctively.Shutting my eyes, I took in a deep breath to put up with the pain. However, it only intensified.“Where do we go, Ma’am?” Asked the driver who's trying to peek at me through the rearview mirror.”“The First Hospital, please,” I breathed out. This pain isn't caused by the uterus or other parts. The pain comes directly from my stomach, which is weird.But, I've always been in good health and haven't experienced any digestive issues before. Is it because I've overworked my body recently?Probably, I've accumulated quite a bit of negative emotions over the past few days, causing this sudden intense pain in my stomach. After all, the stomach is an emotional organ.Maybe it's acute arthritis.Leaning against the backseat’s chair, I keep holding my belly, wondering if this growing pain will ever stop. “Can you drive faster, please?” I urged the driver.The ride was taking forever. When am I gonna arrive at the hospital?The mor
Olivia's POVShutting my eyes, I sucked in a deep breath to hold down the whirlwind of emotions building inside me. Shock, anger, and devastation compounded my heart at once, leaving me weary and exhausted in a split moment.Strange how the events are progressing so fast. Funny how Theo doesn't even give me a space to breathe.He couldn't wait to take Jessica to the Villa and spend the night with her on our matrimonial bed. They’re so desperate to be together and I'm the third wheel. This realization dawned on me, awakening my heartache. I should have left the moment he asked me to. Then I wouldn't go through this pain. To think that he could even take Jessica to the Villa!When we first got married, Theo was busy with work, so his grandfather and I had taken care of decorating the house. The familiar wallpaper, the lamps, the carefully chosen bedsheets—even our wedding photo still hung on the wall behind them, with me smiling sweetly in the picture while Theo had on his signature
A Few Minutes Later I was lucky to bring Prof. Joanne back to her senses.The old woman was too weak to sit down, so I made her rest on her bed.“I thought you considered me your family, Olivia. Why did you hide this secret from me?” She complained. “Did you think that I wouldn't stand up for you because you're hiding from someone so powerful?”Shaking my head, I sighed. That wasn't my reason.In all these years, I didn't discuss Theo with her because I didn't like even the mention of his name.I'd lied to Prof. Joanne that Dave's father was someone insignificant and not worth mentioning because that's how I'd regarded Theo in my heart.“I'm so sorry, Professor. If I knew Theo would barge in on us-”“I understand…” The woman patted my hand and smiled weakly. “Now I know the reason behind your sudden visit. But you can't run from problems, Dear. Or they'll keep piling up.”Well, what do I do now?All thanks to the Nanny, Theo has found us. He has finally seen Dave, one of my worst f
Olivia's POV This neighborhood is so serene and secure, unlike the apartment building downtown buzzing with the activities of people.I should consider buying a house around here and moving here.This way, nobody could barge in or come here announced. “Why do you need a house when your time here is almost over, Dear?” Prof. Joanne asked me as we went through some research papers together.Well, I can't believe how fast time flies.It's five years already and the project will soon be over. “Actually, I'm considering staying behind…” I revealed. “I like it here in Geneva, Professor. I think I've adapted to life here.”“Uhm, that's strange.” The woman gave me an inquisitive look as if she didn't quite believe me. “Don't you miss your family in the U.S.? I thought you were planning to move back there. Unless you've changed your mind.”“Y- Yeah…” I smiled and picked up the teacup in front of me, sipping on it. “Dreams can take a person anywhere, right?”Prof. Joanne nodded in agreement
Vanished?Likely story.Why am I not surprised?After giving me the fake sample, Olivia would definitely try to evade me by running away with my son.I sighed and ended the call.Now what?Geneva is not like L.A., and I can't guarantee that I'll find her easily.Where do I start looking?Yet again, I had another sleepless night. My time in Geneva isn't as I've planned at all.I'd thought after hearing that I'd canceled the wedding with Jessica, Olivia would be touched.I'd thought that she'd feel free and tell me the truth. But it's more difficult than I'd imagined.In the morning, despite my exhaustion, I left for the apartment building to see it for myself.True to the investigator’s words, Olivia was gone and her apartment was locked. What to do next?I'd never been this confused or clueless. If only I could get a single hint.Who could help me in this situation?I sat on the stairwell, thinking for a long time.Then an idea lit up in my head.Although I was not very sure it woul
…Theo's POV I'm not so dumb.When I asked for the sample, knowing there was no way Olivia would allow me to see Dave, I expected her to say no and insist I left.But then, she agreed and instantly brought me a sample.I'm not a fool to believe her. But I have to change strategies.Approaching Olivia directly or pleading and showing her my desperation won't get me what I want.She's hellbent on denying me access to Dave.I never knew she could be so stubborn. “Mr. Wellington, here is all the information you asked for.” The private investigator’s voice dragged my attention. Not only were they written information,There were also some photos attached to the file. “Five years ago, Dr. Lawson came to Geneva, following a professor for an important project. A few months later after she came, she gave birth to a boy.”As the investigator narrated the story, my heart stirred with a complex emotion, seeing Dave's photo when he was an infant. Olivia was sitting on a hospital bed, looking
“Olivia-”“Please leave, Theo Wellington.” I cupped my palms together, giving him a hopeless look.The man's desperation scared me.The more he pushed, the more anxious I became.Never would I imagine a scenario whereby my son could be snatched from me someday.And Theo Wellington is capable of that.His eyes are on Dave now, and he'll do anything to take him away. “I've already told you that he's mine and Ethan's son. Just leave us alone, Theo!”I pleaded in a desperate tone, hopeful he would heed my request.But he stared at me as if I was the one torturing him. “Stop doing this, Olivia. Both you and I know Dave is our son. I don't remember you to be a dishonest person.”When did he start trusting me?Who cares if he thinks I'm honest or not?I'd rather be dishonest than let go of my happiness.I'll be selfish in all sense if it comes to ensuring my son's safety. “Allow me to do a DNA test,” Theo added. “Once the result comes out, I'll naturally leave if Dave is not my son.”But he
Olivia's POV Unless that kidnapper was invincible, he would not be so brave to step into the apartment building in daylight.He couldn't bypass the security or even had the guts to knock.When Nanny Maya ran back inside with that frightful expression, I already had an inkling who that kidnapper was. Despite that, I hoped it was not him. It shouldn't be Theo. My warning yesterday should be enough to make him back off.“Ms. Lawson, it's- It's that man.” Maya was literally shaking like a leaf as she spoke incoherently.Sighing, I took her hand, heading back in the same direction.Dave is in his room, and I don't want this to alert him.Peeking through the hole in the door confirmed my suspicion.Theo is here!“Do you know him, Ms. Lawson?”I nodded to the Nanny's question to stop her from panicking further. “B- But how?” Maya exclaimed. “Who's he? They took Dave away the other time.”I couldn't possibly explain everything to the Nanny, especially exposing Theo’s identity.So I reass
…Geneva, Switzerland.Theo's POVI woke up with anticipation in my heart, looking forward to hearing from my assistant.The DNA results should be ready, right?Olivia will no longer have any grounds to refute my claims. I ate breakfast in haste, washed up, and got dressed.And after getting ready, I couldn't wait to pick up my phone and dial Jake.But then, I realized the time difference. Cursing inside, I paced back and forth inside the suite, constantly looking at the time.Geneva is nine hours ahead of L.A. It's 6:00 AM here in Geneva, but it would still be 9:00 PM back in L.A. With no other thing to do, I sat on the couch, my gaze fixated on the tall apartment building through the floor-to-ceiling window.Knowing I had to wait nine hours before hearing from my assistant, my anxiousness increased by the minutes.Jake should have gone to sleep already, or maybe the results are not out yet.After two hours, my phone miraculously rang with the assistant's name flashing on the scr
After my statement, a hushed silence fell across the hall.The reporters stared at each other, all of them clearly speechless.My words must be so believable that they were too shocked to react.Noises exploded, and their questions were louder than before. “Mrs. Wellington! You're Mrs. Wellington already! Are you serious, Jessica?”“If you and Mr. Wellington are already married, isn't holding that extravagant wedding a waste?”“Jessica, for how long have you been married to Theo Wellington?”“A few days ago, you posted a photo of a little boy. So it's true that he's your son with Theo Wellington.”“Why did you guys hide this important secret for many years?”“Jessica, oh- I mean, Mrs. Wellington. Is there evidence that you're telling the truth?”I saw this coming.The reporters would surely have their doubts except the ones I had my manager hire.I didn't need to speak much as they were the ones agreeing with my words, sealing the others’ curiosity.“You're a celebrity, and it's unde
Jessica's POV My manager advised me to back out of it.She said it's too early to hold a press conference, or it might backfire as it was the hot topic in town right now and there would be a lot of judgemental questions.Well, what does she know?It's better to strike an iron while it's still hot. I won't let Olivia get the satisfaction she wants. She wants to render me weak and hopeless by snatching my man. I could deal with her five years ago. I can surely deal with her now. My only regret is not dealing with her and that boy while I had the chance to. Because the only thing on my mind was the wedding, I'd let go of that golden opportunity. After leaving the hospital, I stopped at my apartment to deal with some things first. “Ma’am Jessica, you look so beautiful. But are you sure this is the best moment?” My hairstylist asked as she smoothened my hair back to its normal look.I nodded to her question. “A lot of people think Theo has fallen out of love with me.”“You don't ha