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My life is a lie

Penulis: Author INA
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-11-18 15:33:02

Bethany pov

*2 YEARS LATER*

NEW RET CEMETERY

I stood silently at my son’s gravestone, barely breathing, eyes closed, trying to conjure the strength to be here, to face what I lost.

With a shuddering breath, I knelt, brushing the cold stone with trembling fingers. In my hand, a rose flower—Jason’s favorite.

“Jason… Mama brought you a flower.” I whispered, placing it gently on the grave.

“Promise me you’ll wait for me on the other side. Don’t go anywhere… Mama will meet you soon.”

The weight of the words sank into me, pulling me down. Mama will meet you soon.

If there was a way out of the endless ache, this would be it. My life, once bursting with love, was now as barren as this frozen earth.

Jason was gone, and his father, that bastard, Fred had taken everything else I held dear. The success I’d found in business felt hollow, a counterfeit comfort. Without Jason, life had no color, no taste—just a ceaseless, cold ache.

A tear slipped down my cheek, landing on the stone with a gentle plop. “I’m so sorry, Jason. I never thought… I never thought I’d be here, saying goodbye to you.”

The memory of his face, bright and curious, shimmered in my mind. Now all I had was this stone and the rage that had scorched through me since he left.

Two years of barely contained fury, waiting for the moment when I’d face the man who’d caused this and finally have my revenge.

My fists clenched, but the anger left as quickly as it came, replaced by a crushing sadness. “Jason, forgive me,” I whispered.

“I shouldn’t think of him here, not in front of you.”

My hands trembled as I pulled a handkerchief from my coat pocket wiping my tears. “I owe you an apology, love. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring myself to look at you one last time in the casket.

If I’d seen you…” My voice broke. “If I’d seen you, I’d have gone with you.”

Ten minutes passed in silence, the atmosphere filled with grief and sadness.

I took a quick glance at my watch and saw that I had an hour to my meeting, so I forced myself to stand.

Just as I was about to leave, a voice behind me startled me.

“I think he’d want you to stay.”

I spun around, heart hammering, to see Dean, my business associate, whom I had a meeting with standing a few feet away.

He’d never seemed the sentimental type, but he was the closest thing I had to a friend now.

“Do you speak ghost?” I forced a smile, though my heart wasn’t in it.

He returned the smile, soft and knowing. “No, just English.”

I glanced at him, confused. “What are you doing here? Our meeting’s at the restaurant, not a cemetery.”

With a casual shrug, he took a few steps closer, hands in his pockets. “Let’s just say my ancestors are reaching out for a better business deal.”

Despite myself, I chuckled, shaking my head. “You didn’t have to come here, Dean.”

He paused, staring past me at Jason’s grave. “I know what it’s like to lose family. You’re a fighter, Bethany.”

A sad smile flickered across my face. “Fighter or not, it still feels like losing.” My voice was barely a whisper.

For a moment, he just stood there, hands in his pockets, before offering gently, “If today isn’t a good time, we can reschedule. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“No,” I said quickly, more for myself than him.

“I’ll be fine. Just… head to the restaurant. I’ll join you shortly.”

“Alright.” He nodded, lingering a moment before finally walking away.

Just as I was turning back to leave, a white Mercedes screeched to a halt beside me, nearly hitting my car. I spun around, ready to shout, but the words died in my throat as I saw her—Chantel. The woman my ex-husband had left me for, the woman whose presence had poisoned the last years of my life.

I didn’t want to talk to her, didn’t want to even breathe the same air, but she strode towards me, her heels crunching over the icy ground, wearing a white gown and sunglasses like she was oblivious to winter.

Her audacity was galling.

She stopped a few feet away, feigning surprise. “Bethany! Fancy meeting you here.”

I clenched my fists, trying to keep calm. “I’m not interested in small talk, Chantel. If you don’t mind, I have somewhere to be.”

Ignoring my attempt to leave, she gave me a once-over. “Still single, are we? It must be difficult… keeping someone in your life.”

“Excuse me?” I shot back, my voice like ice.

“I could say the same to someone who wears sunglasses in winter.”

She flinched, caught off guard and whined. “Oh, Bethany, still the same defensive spirit. Well, Fred sends his regards.”

She let out a cruel laugh. “He still remembers you, you know. That is… when I remind him.”

I felt the blood drain from my face as she kept talking, savoring my discomfort.

“Well, in case you haven’t heard, we’re getting engaged. You’re invited to the party.” She held out her hand, showing off a ring that wasn't on her finger.

I clenched my teeth. “I don’t care about you or him. You don’t exist to me, Chantel.”

“Oh, Bethany…” she sighed, pretending to be sympathetic.

“It’s just sad, you know? You can’t blame me for taking what you couldn’t hold onto.”

The line crossed a part of me I’d tried to keep contained. I stepped forward, raising my hand, fury boiling over.

But before I could slap her, Dean was there, pulling me back.

“Bethany, stop!” His voice cut through the fog of anger, grounding me, and I took a shuddering breath, stepping back.

Chantel smiled, basking in her victory. “So easy to rile you up, Beth. No wonder Fred left.”

I felt Dean’s hand on my shoulder, and I allowed him to guide me back to the car.

Just as I was about to climb in, Fred stepped out yelling, " Chantel...you said you wanted to say hi, that's all. What the hell is keeping you so long? "

This time I retreated, walking back to their presence.

" Bethany! "

" My Ex-husband Fred, " I said confidently.

" Long time no see. Yet, I see no reason why you should keep my wife waiting! "

I sneered, " Look at you. You have no shame at all. Aren't you supposed to be here grieving for your dead son? No, you're here flaunting your life with your wife! "

" Beth...

I cut him off with a warning, " I've waited my life for this moment, it's been two years so it won't be immature to take revenge on you now. I'm being so sizzling because I will come at you like a lion. You son of a bitch! "

I stared daggers at him before heading to my car but a tiny voice stopped me.

“Hey..., I want to go to school… my friends are waiting.”

The voice… it was Jason’s voice. I turned, heart pounding, and saw a small boy with familiar, bright eyes tugging at Fred's sleeve.

“Jason?” I whispered, the ground seeming to shift beneath me.

Fred looked up, surprise flashing across his face, but before I could speak, he hurried Jason away. The shock of seeing him alive, Jason, hit me like a tidal wave.

I stumbled back, grabbing onto Dean’s arm for support. “That’s… that was my son,” I murmured, breathless, unable to comprehend what I’d just seen.

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    Bethany's eyes widened in horror as she gazed at Dean, the man clutching the pipe. "Oh my God! What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. It was Dean, and she accused, "Dean, you killed him!" Bethany bent down to touch Fred's body, but he lay motionless. Impulsively, Dean dropped the pipe and grasped Bethany's arm, storming off without answering her frantic questions. They abandoned Fred, unconscious in the desolate, abandoned place. **** BETHANY'S HOME Upon arriving at her residence, Bethany stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut, the sound resonating through the air. Dean noticed her hostility, a palpable tension between them. "What's wrong, Bethany?" Dean inquired, rushing toward her. She recoiled from his grip. "What do you mean by that? Do i look wrong to you? ” " Well... I saved you from Fred. God knows how he got to you! " Dean replied, his brows furrowed. "Well, you don't know him! You hit him on the head. What if he's dea

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  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    You stole her

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  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Darkness

    FLASHBACKFifteen-year-old Bethany was washing clothes, occasionally glancing at her mother, Jill, who was playing the role of a philanthropist—helping other women. They would come to their house, and Jill would hand them good clothes and money. But despite her mother's generosity, Bethany couldn't help but wonder why they still lived in near-poverty. Her mother wore expensive outfits, yet her father and she barely had enough to get by."Do a good job and come back for more. Don't you dare make me look bad. I trust you, sweetie!" Jill called out, waving goodbye to the women before turning toward Bethany.Bethany set the clothes aside, crossing her arms over her chest. She watched her mother approach, admiring the confidence she exuded."My pretty baby... You're going to inherit everything I have, and I couldn't be happier!" Jill beamed.A smile formed on Bethany's face. "Mom! Can I try on one of your dresses? I love how they feel on my body!"Jill arched a brow, her expression unread

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Another hero is born

    OUTSIDE THE HOSPITALJohn was dragging Sarah’s hand outside as he came to a halt and pulled out his phone.Tired and frustrated, Sarah yanked her hand away and growled, “What the hell is wrong with you? What do you think you’re doing? And did you see that woman inside? Who wears a green shawl over a red dress? That’s a crime on its own.”Ignoring her, he fidgeted with his phone and kept dialing. His hands were shaking.“Why isn’t he picking up? Call him on your phone.”Sarah groaned and tried calling Dean, but the line wouldn’t go through. John was clearly panicking now. He ran a hand down his face and muttered, “We have to warn Dean. He shouldn’t be anywhere near the streets.”Frustrated, Sarah grabbed his collar and yelled, “For Bethany’s sake, tell me what’s going on! I thought Dean was scared of you. So why are you afraid of him?”John hesitated before answering, “Because… I’ve seen this before. Ten years ago, when he was in high school, he took my phone and connected himself to e

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    They need her

    FLASHBACK: FIVE YEARS AGOBethany set the plate of food down on the dining table, her hands trembling slightly. Spaghetti and meatballs—Fred’s favorite. She knew it wasn’t the best meal for him before work, but she needed something from him.She glanced at the digital clock, tapping her foot impatiently. “Why is he taking forever? Sweetie, are you turning into a woman?” she called out mockingly.Sighing, she sat at the table, waiting. When Fred finally emerged, she blinked in surprise. He was wearing a pristine white suit—one she had never seen him wear before.“So? What do you think? Extravagant, right? I know, I know!” he laughed, twirling in place.Bethany pursed her lips. “Wow! You just pushed the word ‘bride’ right out of my mouth!”“Come on, Bethany. Be serious for once. My dad’s visiting the office today. I need to impress him and be on my best behavior.”Bethany bit her lip and stepped toward him, tugging on his collar. “Yes, baby. You rock that beautiful, sexy suit.”Fred smi

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Finally, the truth.

    Bethany walked slowly, her heels clicking softly against the pavement as she halted, her eyes darting around for Natalie. Funny enough, Natalie had promised to be with her. Yet she was nowhere in sight. A deep sigh escaped Bethany’s lips as she clenched her fingers. *Why does everything feel so wrong?* Fred always handled everything, but if he could lie about their son’s death, then he was capable of lying about anything. “But…I’m his mother. How could I not know the truth?”She was lost in thought when a voice jolted her back to reality. "Are you going to keep standing there?" Dean’s voice was sharp, impatient. "You’re his mother, aren’t you?" Bethany inhaled deeply, forcing herself to stay composed. "That’s not what I asked you to say. Do as you're told." A chuckle slipped past Dean’s lips as he leaned against the hospital wall, folding his arms. "Really? Now that you have my secret, you want to use it against me?" A smirk curled on Bethany’s lips as she turned to fa

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    A game of choice

    Fred creased his brows, worry etched on his face as he yelled, “Natalie got kidnapped?!”Bethany's mouth fell open. “Oh my God! What happened?” she repeated in shock.The voice on the other end hesitated before correcting itself. “Wait… did I say Natalie? I meant to say your wife… Chantel has been kidnapped!”That stutter set off alarm bells. Clicking his tongue, Fred replied coolly, “Really? Are you willing to let her out for five million dollars?”The voice wavered. “Yeah… yeah… that’s already too—Um… I mean, you can send it to her account! I’m sorry… I mean, my account!”A chuckle escaped his lips, but his sneer carried more disdain than amusement. “Why don’t you tell her to go to hell because I would never, in my life, bail her out for a cent?”Disgusted, he hung up and scoffed, “I can’t believe that bitch is trying to get attention. Haven't I already landed in a mess because of her?”Bethany nodded violently. “Yeah… you have!” Then, with an urgent gesture, she pointed toward the

  • Don't Call Me Back, Ex-husband!    Natalie, my hero.

    She couldn't believe her eyes. The letter stated:"The blood sample that was given by Miss Bethany is no match to Jason's. She's not the mother of the child. We'd like you to prevent this occurrence from happening because it might damage the hospital's reputation!""Oh my God!!!" Bethany screamed as she staggered back and dropped the letter.Fred's eyes widened as he saw the letter fall to the floor."Bethany... why did you check it?" He breathed and Dean appeared.Bethany's hands trembled as if she had been electrocuted, her words fumbling, "I... what are... are they saying? I'm not his mom?!"Dean's brows creased into a deep frown as he realized Bethany had seen the letter.Fred stepped closer, attempting to reach for her, but Bethany spun around, her voice shaky, "It... says... says I'm not his mom!"Before anyone could react, she collapsed to the floor, unconscious.******WARD 109Natalie adjusted her nurse's mask and cautiously entered the ward where her children lay. It had bee

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