I slowly opened my eyes, my head spinning. I stirred slowly but noticed I wasn't even lying properly. It turned out I was on the couch and everything felt fuzzy. Why was I having this amount of headache? I gently sat up, dizziness washing over me. I looked down at myself, taking in my rumpled dress. Confusion and unease swirled in my stomach. What happened? I can't seem to grab a thing. I was still in the dress of yesterday? What exactly was going on? Why was I on this dress? And why did I sleep on the couch? I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the haze. Then the memories of the last night started flooding in..Yeah I went on a dinner date with Asher and we came back, had wine but that was where my memories paused then nothing. I couldn't remember what happened after that. How did I end up on the couch? A nagging sense of unease settled in my stomach as I stood up, smoothing out my rumpled dress. What happened to Asher and how could he leave me on the couch. The first instinct I
JOANNA.. Tears streamed down my face as I drove, my vision blurring. The dress I wore last night was wrinkled and stained, a cruel reminder of Asher’s betrayal. He made me feel so loved and special just to shatter my heart into pieces.. He wanted to be with Cassie this bad that he had to get my inheritance too! Dad won't accept this! Dad would be so angry at him. But if the company is in Asher's name, how are we supposed to fight back, how?? Because he now has more power if the company has gone to his name. Tears streamed down like a river and my heart was shattering into a million pieces. How could he do this to me? The weight of his deception crushed me, making it hard to breathe. I wanted to scream, to rage, to make him feel the anguish that was tearing me apart. But all I could do was drive, lost and alone, with tears falling like rain. Maybe I just didn't deserve to be in this world. I didn't deserve to be loved.. My mind was blank as I drove, unsure where I was headed or wha
JOANNA “I'm sorry, Mrs Clifford. You can't have babies…” The Doctor’s words rang in my ears like a drum,my heart jumping. The air seemed to have been sucked out of her office, leaving me gasping for breath. My eyes welled up with tears as I stared at the doctor, my mind reeling with the weight of her words. "What...what … ?" I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper. I felt a lump form in my throat as I struggled to comprehend what she had just said. I can't have babies? When that has been my dream all along.. I wanted to have as many babies as I could and give them the love I didn't get to receive from my mother because she died early. The doctor's expression softened, and she leaned forward, her hands clasped together. "Mrs. Clifford, I'm afraid you're experiencing premature menopause. Your hormone levels are...well, they're not what we'd expect for someone of your age." I felt a wave of numbness wash over me. Premature menopause? But I was only 26! How could this be hap
JOANNA I felt a stinging sensation in my heart. What the heck was Asher doing! Is he being a jerk to this extent? I was still his wife! I couldn't believe my eyes. He was publicly displaying affection with his secret lover. I couldn't help but let out a slow dry laugh, my heart tightening. Asher let go of her and rubbed her hair but then I squinted my eyes, Cassandra?? I bit my lips gently, a wave of relief washing through me. Cassandra was his sister. Why did she come visiting in the night though? I shifted from the window and stood still, waiting for them to step in. The door creaked open and Cassandra jumped in. “Joanna!” She exclaimed, rushing to hug me. We were all best friends when we were little including Asher’s best friend, Luther martins. She giggled, her voice cheerful.. “How have you been?” “Great,” I responded. “You look so breathtaking…” I told her. “Oh don't flatter me…” She shrugged it off and I lifted my gaze to see Asher moving two luggages in. I wr
JOANNA. After Asher left, Cass went over to the refrigerator, taking some handful of Doritos. She ignored my presence and walked towards the couch, comfortably taking her seat while she turned on the TV. I walked to the kitchen and resumed cleaning. I couldn't believe she wanted to tag along on our anniversary. She even mentioned I was boring and wouldn't be able to keep Asher company. This wasn't funny..I finished up fast and retired upstairs to find a suitable dress for the date. It was still my anniversary with Asher and today was usually the day he pretends as if everything was alright so I wouldn't want to miss out because his sister was coming with us. I ransacked my wardrobe in search of a dress but none seemed like they were okay. I wanted to look perfect, I didn't want to show anyone that our marriage wasn't so great..I laid down on the bed for a minute, staring into nothingness. Time seemed to pass by so quickly with different thoughts overcrowding my mind, I could bar
JOANNA.words got stuck up in my throat and I stood frozen, my body too numb to move. I desperately wanted to believe I was seeing things. An imagination, illusion, anything to explain the unthinkable scene unfolding before..A slight hiccup crossed my throat as my chest tightened, I felt suffocated like I couldn't breathe. Tears were forming in my eyes as I pinched myself slightly, I still wanted to be in doubt because they were siblings right ? I gave myself a light slap to wake up! It seems my insecurity has gotten the best of me because what the heck was I imagining! That moment Asher gently turned to me, his expression neutral, further confusing me as he stood erect. He quietly stepped away from her like nothing was going on. “Joanna, why are you standing there?” He asked,his voice calm..I swallowed the huge lump down my throat, what the heck was going on? Shouldn't he have some explanations if something went on? I should be asking him what he was doing! Or am I really seeing
JOANNA. Words got caught up in my throat once Asher made that statement. I felt like I was in a daze, slowly losing my breath. That was one cruel statement..So we are no longer allowed to get intimate because I couldn't conceive? Wow. Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes but I tried to hold them. It wasn't like it would change anything. I retreated. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you” I whispered, my voice cracky. “Good for you.” He responded in a flat tone and I pursed my lips, turning to the other side of the bed, my heart overwhelmed with sorrow. I had no idea what to say but I didn't want to press the issue and annoy Asher. I kept staring at the wall, slight tears threatening to slip through. Asher's ringtone pierced the air, and he swiftly answered, "Hello, Cassandra?" But before he could even utter another word, Cassandra's ear-piercing scream exploded from the phone, sending chills down my spine. I jolted upright in bed, my heart racing with alarm. What could be wr
JOANNA. …“"Joanna," Asher's soft voice broke through my slumber, accompanied by a gentle tap on my shoulder. I jolted awake, my phone's blaring ringtone piercing the air. Disoriented, I tilted on the couch, my gaze falling upon Asher's blurry figure holding out my phone. "Joanna, your dad's been calling," he said. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I slowly sat up, the remnants of sleep dissipating with each insistent ring. I took the phone from Asher, "thank you" I murmured as soon he handed it over. Just then, the phone rang again, its shrill tone snapping me fully awake.Asher stood, watching me as I picked up the phone..“Hello Dad? Good morning” “Joanna. I have been calling, you okay??” “Definitely. I was just asleep” I replied, my voice low. “Great. How was your anniversary with Asher yesterday?” He inquired and I unintentionally looked up to Asher who was watching me like a detective. Of course, everyone else thinks we were happy and the last thing Asher wanted to do was
JOANNA.. Tears streamed down my face as I drove, my vision blurring. The dress I wore last night was wrinkled and stained, a cruel reminder of Asher’s betrayal. He made me feel so loved and special just to shatter my heart into pieces.. He wanted to be with Cassie this bad that he had to get my inheritance too! Dad won't accept this! Dad would be so angry at him. But if the company is in Asher's name, how are we supposed to fight back, how?? Because he now has more power if the company has gone to his name. Tears streamed down like a river and my heart was shattering into a million pieces. How could he do this to me? The weight of his deception crushed me, making it hard to breathe. I wanted to scream, to rage, to make him feel the anguish that was tearing me apart. But all I could do was drive, lost and alone, with tears falling like rain. Maybe I just didn't deserve to be in this world. I didn't deserve to be loved.. My mind was blank as I drove, unsure where I was headed or wha
I slowly opened my eyes, my head spinning. I stirred slowly but noticed I wasn't even lying properly. It turned out I was on the couch and everything felt fuzzy. Why was I having this amount of headache? I gently sat up, dizziness washing over me. I looked down at myself, taking in my rumpled dress. Confusion and unease swirled in my stomach. What happened? I can't seem to grab a thing. I was still in the dress of yesterday? What exactly was going on? Why was I on this dress? And why did I sleep on the couch? I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the haze. Then the memories of the last night started flooding in..Yeah I went on a dinner date with Asher and we came back, had wine but that was where my memories paused then nothing. I couldn't remember what happened after that. How did I end up on the couch? A nagging sense of unease settled in my stomach as I stood up, smoothing out my rumpled dress. What happened to Asher and how could he leave me on the couch. The first instinct I
ASHER. I held the agreement, smiling in victory. This was all I wanted. I stared at Joanna who lay unconscious on the couch and shook my head. She is just so easy Now whether Joanna’s Dad pulls away his support, I don't give a fuck! My parents have always compared me to these people. They had always belittled my hard work because no matter how hard I work, I can't seem to pass Mars group and Wright group of companies! Our fathers were friends but in secret competition or maybe my father was the one secretly trying to bring himself to the top. Why didn't I think of this brilliant idea since Joanna and I were married. I would have divorced her long ago and stayed with the woman I wanted, Cassie. I felt so fulfilled even though something seems to be missing. I accomplished the mission yet I felt a certain way. But either ways, this was an easy route to becoming one of the biggest men in New York. Joanna can go back to her father, at least the agreement didn't touch his asset but only
JOANNA. The light shone from the window and I blinked my eyes reflexively, stirring slowly. I gently sat up in bed, trying to adjust to the light. I turned to the side and saw that the bed was surrounded by gifts.. I furrowed my brows slightly and rubbed my eyes, perhaps I was still sleeping or something or in a dream because why was I seeing boxes of gifts on the bed? But the gifts didn't disappear even as I rubbed my eyes. I lifted my gaze and saw Asher standing in the corner, looking dashing in his suit, a knowing smile on his face. I looked around at the boxes and packages, my confusion deepening. "Asher what's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."Good morning, beautiful” He greeted..“Why not open them instead of asking questions," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. A gentle smile played on my lips as I wondered what Asher was planning. I couldn't even contain my excitement. “Okayy” I replied. I reached for the nearest box and unwrapped it, revealin
CASSIE. After dinner, I went to my room. I felt so satisfied that the plan worked! I felt so fulfilled seeing the look on Joanna's face when she watched Asher feed me. I loved it. I just couldn't wait anymore for Asher to execute so that we can finally be together. But I wanted Joanna to know her place. She has been doing too much lately.I felt lonely when I got out of Asher's sight. I sighed, trying to scroll through social media or find something to distract myself. When I felt time had passed and maybe Joanna must have gone to sleep, I picked up my phone and texted Asher. (Hey, could you come spend the night with me?) I texted but no reply came forward. I sighed deeply and laid on the bed, my eyes on the ceiling. I texted him again ( hey are you there?) but no reply came forward. Could he have slept? I stood up from the bed and walked out of the room. I tiptoed closer to their door and heard Joanna’s shrill of laughter as anger coursed through my veins. What the heck! He was aw
JOANNA. I couldn't sleep or do anything. I had no peace within me to do anything. I kept wandering to and fro in the living, I was expecting the worst scenario but I also had my hopes up and prayed that nothing would happen to Cassie and her baby. Did I really push her that hard?My mind replayed the scene with Cassie on repeat – the push, her shocked expression, the fear in her eyes. Asher's fear too. All had me overwhelmed and stuck. What if something happens to her baby? The thought sends a wave of dread through me.Asher’ s anger, he would probably hate me forever. I didn't want that, the fear dreaded me. I can almost feel his hands around my wrists, his voice raised in rage. My heart raced at the mere thought.I'm scared, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I wandered inside the living room: Will Cassie be okay? Will Asher ever forgive me? What's going to happen to me?The uncertainty is suffocating. I feel trapped, I really wanted
CASSIE. I laid on the floor, clutching my belly and wailing dramatically. Asher rushed to my side, helping me up and glaring at Joanna. I felt a sense of satisfaction when he pushed her hard and she hit her head on the table edge . She deserves it. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice full of concern.I nodded, still sniffling. “I think so...but what if...what if I lose the baby?” I whispered, playing on Asher's fears.Asher quickly scooped me in his arms and began rushing out. I watched Joanna's face fall, her eyes wide with fear and guilt. She looked like she was about to collapse. Perfect. I loved that. As Asher rushed to his car with me in his arms, I couldn't help but smile inwardly. My plan had worked perfectly, and Joanna had taken the bait..I felt a thrill of satisfaction as Asher carried me out to the car, his face etched with concern.When he placed me in the passenger seat, I let my expression shift to one of panic "Asher, what if I lose the baby? What if….. just what if
JOANNA. My mind was racing, panic setting in as I stared at Cassie, her clothes stained with blood and a few drops on the floor. Oh God, what have I done? I thought, my heart sinking. Did I really just push her that hard? What if...what if she loses the baby? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I felt like I was in shock, my body trembling with fear. If she does, Asher would hate me forever,I wasn't ready for that. I didn't mean to push her that hard.. I feel so overwhelmed, tears lingering in my eyes. I quickly tried to approach her, to apologize, to make sure she was okay, but she glared at me, her eyes flashing with anger. “Don't touch me!”she shouted, her voice shrill. I froze, unsure of what to do.Cassie's face, twisted in anger and pain. What have I gotten myself into?I panicked, trying to approach her for a second time., panic rising in my chest, she glared at me. "Don't touch me! I said get your filthy hands off me!" she yelled. Just then, Asher walked in and my h
CASSIE. It's been two weeks since Asher and I got intimacy of any sort. He barely even came to my room.. All he cares about is how to make Joanna feel special. What if he eventually falls in love with her? I can't sit back and watch Joanna take Asher away from me. I had informed him about the antenatal through text. He was the father of my baby and needed to take responsibilities. I don't care what he was planning, two weeks was already long and I'm getting impatient. I'm getting annoyed by the moment he is spending with Joanna, doing everything to please her! When I saw him making breakfast for her, anger swelled in my heart. I hated it! He told me I would be the only lady he would make breakfast for! The drive was silent before I opened up..“Asher, how long are you going to keep this thing with Joanna up? It's been two weeks already and you are barely giving me any attention!” I barked, my voice laced with frustration. Asher glanced at me and focused back on his drive. “You ca