I cracked a small smile as I placed the cake, teddy bear, and flower on the grave in front of me. I haven't been here in two years. Despite the passage of time, the hurt and remorse was still deeply embedded in my heart."Hi," I greeted weakly and caressed the marble tombstone where my baby's name was engraved.Angele Dei . . ."I'm sorry, baby. Mommy took a while to come back." I let out a genuine smile. "How are you, baby? Are you playing well with the other kids? I hope you're always happy."I started to open the box of the cake I brought and took it out. I stuck the small candle on top of it and then lit it. After that, I stared back at my baby again."Happy birthday to you. H-Happy birthday to you..." I paused when my voice started trembling. "Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you."My due date was supposed to be April 26, 2021. The happiest day of my life would have been that one. But that opportunity was stolen from me."Happy birthday, baby. I love you so much.
"They are getting married," Aireen lazily dropped the news to me.I put down the sketches I was making for my clothing line's next designs and just stared at the laptop's display. I gave my friend a long, hard look before laughing incoherently. Unable to believe what she had just told me, I couldn't help but shake my head."So, what's your plan? Are you going to . . . let them have their happily ever after?" She cringed at her own words.I rolled my eyes at him and then adjusted my seat. "Their stomachs are really strong, huh? After what they did to me?" I gritted my teeth, and took a deep breath."What else do you expect from them? Shame on the body will grow." She rolled her eyes, too.I didn't immediately say anything. I crossed my arms and leaned back on the swivel chair I was sitting on. Thinking."I'm going to ruin it," I uttered nonchalantly and looked at Aireen seriously.Her lips automatically grinned. "How?" she asked curiously; the excitement in her tone didn't escape my ea
My eyes didn't leave his. Later, the edge of my lips lifted. I even cocked my head to the side to let him know that he was absolutely idiotic."Dream on, Zachary," I spat.If he thinks that I will be afraid or nervous of him, he is wrong. I lost my fear long ago, since they killed my baby. I would even be willing to drag myself to hell at this very moment just to strike a deal with evil.I hate them that much. That's how much I loathe him.His jaw tightened quickly. "You are bearing my child," he reminded me."Let me rephrase it, professor," I said mockingly. "You're just a donor, a sperm donor, to be exact."The veins in his neck almost burst from anger."My womb, my decision. Put that in your mindless shithole, Zachary." I turned my back against him.I was about to get into my car when he stopped me again. I can feel his anger on my pulse. His tense jaw barely relaxed as he faced me."You leave me no choice, Atasha."Before I could answer, he quickly lifted me into the air. I was li
"Impressive." I chuckled dryly. "As far as I know, Zachary, I am doing all of this shit because of the things you did to me.""Is it your ego talking? You can't accept that I'm marrying your sister?" he said mockingly. "You even stoop this low to ruin us?" Disgust was evident on his face.I couldn't help but stare at him. I didn't think I was really in a relationship with someone else before. He used to be compassionate and thoughtful in his speech, but it turned out he was the opposite of all that.How dare he say that in front of me?Before my tears fell, I turned my back on him. I feel like I'm going to explode with anger and resentment. There is a part of my heart that hurts, not for myself but for my lost child. I can't accept that it's as if he's implying that my reason for retaliating against him—them—is too shallow just because they killed my child.I walked out of the house, trembling. It seemed that I suddenly ran out of strength with mixed emotions. I wanted to get away fro
Zachary was nowhere to be found when I woke up. I knew he wouldn't stay with me every day, but I didn't think that I wouldn't see his face the next morning either. Anyway, I'm just thankful for that.I stretched for a moment and was stunned to see the kitten go inside one of the paper bags placed on the floor. I frowned. Everyone's brand is familiar to me, so I know what clothes, underwear, and other personal items they contain. I turned to the nightstand when something vibrated there and saw a smart phone. I immediately took it and pressed the message notification that opened on the screen.You can use this phone temporarily. Message me if you need anything else, and please drink your milk.I let out a sigh and closed Zachary's message thread. I dialed Aireen's number and called while checking the contents of the paper bags one by one, looking for something to wear today. Less than a few seconds after the line rang, my friend answered it."Atasha?" she greeted.I hummed softly in res
I couldn't follow what's happening. The veterinarian took care of Angel quickly when we arrived. He asked me some questions that I don't even know how I was able to answer. I was lost. My attention was only focused on Angel, while those around her were checking on her.I feel my tears that never stop falling. My hands were shaking, and my chest was hurting from the force of the beating. If Zachary hadn't been by my side, I might have fallen to the floor a long time ago."Everything will be okay."I don't know how many times he has whispered that. As much as I wanted to believe, I couldn't. Not because I don't want Angel to be well, but because I am terrified. Seeing her fight for her life broke my heart. Although she was new in my life, she still held a significant amount of importance for me, and I became attached to her.A few minutes later, Zachary and I were sitting on the sofa. Angel is now undergoing an operation because the doctor found out that the kitten's poop had hardened i
I stared at him, then slowly licked my lower lip. "I don't know whether to laugh or be annoyed by your stupidity, Zachary," I stated and stepped back."Is what I did really hurt your ego that much, Atasha?" he asked, the frustration in his eyes faded.What? Ego?I scoffed. "Is it really my ego that is being stepped on here? Who is chasing after my baby because he knows he will have a hard time impregnating his fiancee?" My eyes scanned him from head to toe, definitely telling him that I was disgusted and pissed. "You, Zachary? Can't your pride take it anymore to swallow everything just to get what you want? Are you slowly going crazy?" I chuckled mockingly.His jaw tightened quickly. I know I hit him with my words. The expression on his face was clear now."Aren't we just the same? Aren't you also desperate for revenge because I will marry your sister? You ruined my name, you ruined our marriage, and you ruined your father's image. Your ego ate you up so much that you were able to des
I'm not sure how long it was before I realized I had slept off; I didn't even notice it until a gentle touch on my hair roused me from my nap. I purred and opened my eyes gradually. I was a little taken aback when Zachary's face emerged in front of me."Good morning," he said softly, although his demeanor was still strong due to his rugged features.My forehead furrowed when I caught a whiff of smoke. I ignored him and roamed my eyes, searching for that smell, but I found none. My attention went to him again when he got up from the bed."I have already prepared your grilled chicken intestines," he said.I didn't say a word. My eyes only focused on his cheek when I saw something black there. Later, my mouth fell open when he lifted the hem of his shirt and wiped it on his face—perhaps he noticed my stare. His deflated and rather muscular stomach, which still sweats from time to time, exposed itself to me. I looked away and involuntarily took a gulp."I'm not hungry anymore," I said, an