Lessie's POV I gave him a puzzled look, surprised by his sudden change in attitude. I'd expected us to argue endlessly, certain he wouldn’t back down, but now he’d softened out of nowhere. Was it because of what I’d just said? I hadn’t said anything wrong, though.I shot him a confused glance before attempting to walk away, noticing he seemed stunned, almost oblivious to my movements. Seeing an opening, I slipped away quickly.Back at our table, I found my colleagues, Benjamin and Mr. Rodriguez, still seated.“Why are you guys still here? I thought you’d have left by now,” I said, looking between them.They exchanged looks before all eyes landed on Benjamin.I quickly caught on. “Benjamin, you told them not to go,” I said, half-asking.“Mm,” Benjamin replied, not denying it.I thought to ask why but stopped, noticing his mood seemed off. I kept quiet, guessing it had to do with Freddie. After the scene today, anyone could tell something was wrong.That man just wouldn’t let me find p
Lessie's POV When I returned to the room, I wasn’t surprised to find it empty. The secretary downstairs had mentioned that the nanny took the kids out and left the key.The quietness of the house brought me a bit of relief. How would I have explained my swollen face if the kids had seen it?The bed was neatly made, so I climbed in and stared up at the ceiling. I expected my mind to keep racing, but surprisingly, I felt myself drifting off, and soon I was fast asleep.It was the children’s voices that woke me later.“Shh, Jasmine, Mommy’s sleeping,” I heard James whisper.“But Mommy looks pale,” Jasmine replied, concerned.“James is right, Jasmine. Let Mommy rest and don’t disturb her,” their nanny said softly.I almost sat up, but hearing their nanny’s words, I decided to stay put. I still felt a bit drowsy, so I let myself drift back to sleep.When I woke up again, it was already evening. This time I was wide awake. As I lazily opened my eyes, I nearly jumped out of bed in shock.“A
Freddie's POV "Why, why, why? She’s always messing with my mind. I went to Mr. Rodriguez’s office, fully intent on venting my anger at Lessie. I was ready to unleash all my rage, but somehow, I ended up leaving calm.I'd stayed up all night thinking about her here and there. I just don't know what to do.I hate feeling this way—being pulled around by my own emotions. Yes, I’m angry. Angry that I feel this rage, and even angrier that I can’t release it.I've been looking for her for five years now. I knew she’d probably moved somewhere else, so I wasn’t surprised when Zenith confirmed it. But finding out she’d spent those years with another man? That was something I never anticipated!How could she do this? And when I called the other day, she actually hung up on me, acting as though she was the one in the right. Has she come to hate me that much?"Goodness,” I murmured. I don’t want to feel this way anymore. Yes, I was wrong in the past, but haven't these years of torment shown I’ve
Lessie's POV I rested my hand on my chin, watching my husband deep in conversation with his four friends. Today was supposed to be our anniversary, but it feels far from it.When he told me this morning that we’d be going out, I was pleasantly surprised—he’d never done anything like this before. I followed him to this upscale restaurant, filled with excitement, only to find myself ignored while he chatted away with his friends.Bored, I took a sip from my glass and looked around, avoiding our table. Every other couple seemed to be in a romantic mood, fitting for a day like this. I sighed, thinking of our table.My eyes drifted back to my husband. He was smiling, laughing, and talking excitedly.I have to admit, this is probably the fourth time I’ve ever seen him laugh or smile. He smiles at others, but never with me.Most of their talk was about business and finance—things I don't understand, so I couldn’t join in. Even his two females knew a lot about it, so the conversation flowed
Lessie's POV “What ex?”I pretended not to know which ex he was referring to, hoping that my husband would drop the matter. Sometimes, pretending ignorance is the best way out. I silently prayed he would end the conversation.But he didn’t. “Stop this, Lessie,” he said with a frown. “You know exactly who I’m talking about.”I was about to respond when something clicked in my mind. Did I just hear something about a pregnancy...?“Freddie, am I pregnant?”“Unfortunately, yes.”The happiness I felt quickly faded when I saw the disappointment on his face. “You’re not happy?”“Of course not,” he nearly shouted. “Your pregnancy has made everything a mess!”“B-” I tried to speak, but his next words cut me off.“We're getting a divorce, Lessie.”“What are you talking about, Freddie?” I forced a laugh.“Stop this nonsense.”“You want a divorce? Then... what about our baby?” I tried to sound as calm as possible.“Baby? Don’t tell me you’re planning to keep it?”“You… don’t want me to keep our
Lessie's POV “What the heck? Why are you at the hospital?” my friend yelled through the phone. “Wasn’t yesterday your wedding anniversary?”I rubbed my forehead and sighed. If I tell Ella what’s really going on, she won’t let it go.“Just forget it. I’m fine now.”“You’re in the hospital, so how can you say you’re fine? Just tell me what’s happening. Where’s Freddie? Isn’t he with you?”“Well, I’m here because... I’m pregnant.”Ella screamed before I could finish.“Stop screaming,” I said, wincing as my ear throbbed from her shriek.“Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” she replied, trying to contain her excitement. “You’re having a baby! Freddie must be happy, right? But wait, why do you sound so down?” She suddenly paused.“Things aren’t great. Freddie wants me to get rid of the baby. He doesn’t want it.”“Freddie said that? He wants you to abort the baby? But why?”“His ex-girlfriend is back, and he wants to be with her,” I said quietly, though inside I was trembling.“What nonsense! Who cares
Freddie's POV "You did what? She's your wife, and you want to divorce her because Judie is back? You've got to be kidding," Collin said, his voice laced with anger.I stayed silent, letting my expression make it clear that I wasn't interested in hearing anything Collin had to say.Collin and the rest of my friends had dropped by my office, and when they learned I was divorcing Lessie, they were all shocked but not exactly surprised. Only Collin, who had always been friendly with Lessie, refused to accept it."Collin, what's wrong with Freddie wanting to divorce that uncultured wife of his? Judie is a much better fit, and she's more suited for someone like Freddie," Lora countered."Plus, we all know Freddie has always had feelings for Judie. If she hadn't gone abroad, they would have been married long ago," Tyla added.While they were busy arguing, my mind wandered to Lessie at the hospital. It wasn't like I cared, but I was curious whether she'd still go through with the abortion. A
Lessie's POV I left my husband's office, tears streaming down my face. Before I made my way there, countless thoughts had already run through my mind. What if he refused to listen? What if he threw me out? And he did exactly that.Once again, he proved me wrong. Time and time again, I've been the fool, holding on to the hope that my husband would stay with me forever. I kept wishing for a small taste of sweetness in our marriage, but it never came, and now, it seems it never will.Now, we're finally divorced. I've already signed the papers, and do I have any regrets? Not really. It’s more pain than regret.It hurts, knowing I can't be with my husband anymore. It hurts even more, knowing he chose his ex over the wife who stood by him for two years.I really can't help but want to tear up even more. The wetness on my face could barely explain how betrayed and hurt I'm feeling inside of me.When I finally had enough of crying, I can't stay outside anymore, I have been outside since I w
Freddie's POV "Why, why, why? She’s always messing with my mind. I went to Mr. Rodriguez’s office, fully intent on venting my anger at Lessie. I was ready to unleash all my rage, but somehow, I ended up leaving calm.I'd stayed up all night thinking about her here and there. I just don't know what to do.I hate feeling this way—being pulled around by my own emotions. Yes, I’m angry. Angry that I feel this rage, and even angrier that I can’t release it.I've been looking for her for five years now. I knew she’d probably moved somewhere else, so I wasn’t surprised when Zenith confirmed it. But finding out she’d spent those years with another man? That was something I never anticipated!How could she do this? And when I called the other day, she actually hung up on me, acting as though she was the one in the right. Has she come to hate me that much?"Goodness,” I murmured. I don’t want to feel this way anymore. Yes, I was wrong in the past, but haven't these years of torment shown I’ve
Lessie's POV When I returned to the room, I wasn’t surprised to find it empty. The secretary downstairs had mentioned that the nanny took the kids out and left the key.The quietness of the house brought me a bit of relief. How would I have explained my swollen face if the kids had seen it?The bed was neatly made, so I climbed in and stared up at the ceiling. I expected my mind to keep racing, but surprisingly, I felt myself drifting off, and soon I was fast asleep.It was the children’s voices that woke me later.“Shh, Jasmine, Mommy’s sleeping,” I heard James whisper.“But Mommy looks pale,” Jasmine replied, concerned.“James is right, Jasmine. Let Mommy rest and don’t disturb her,” their nanny said softly.I almost sat up, but hearing their nanny’s words, I decided to stay put. I still felt a bit drowsy, so I let myself drift back to sleep.When I woke up again, it was already evening. This time I was wide awake. As I lazily opened my eyes, I nearly jumped out of bed in shock.“A
Lessie's POV I gave him a puzzled look, surprised by his sudden change in attitude. I'd expected us to argue endlessly, certain he wouldn’t back down, but now he’d softened out of nowhere. Was it because of what I’d just said? I hadn’t said anything wrong, though.I shot him a confused glance before attempting to walk away, noticing he seemed stunned, almost oblivious to my movements. Seeing an opening, I slipped away quickly.Back at our table, I found my colleagues, Benjamin and Mr. Rodriguez, still seated.“Why are you guys still here? I thought you’d have left by now,” I said, looking between them.They exchanged looks before all eyes landed on Benjamin.I quickly caught on. “Benjamin, you told them not to go,” I said, half-asking.“Mm,” Benjamin replied, not denying it.I thought to ask why but stopped, noticing his mood seemed off. I kept quiet, guessing it had to do with Freddie. After the scene today, anyone could tell something was wrong.That man just wouldn’t let me find p
Lessie's POV Benjamin paused mid-sip, looking up with a small smile at Lucy's words."Yes, yes, yes, it's truly the boss. How could Lucy claim to know Lessie best when the boss knew her long before she started working here?" one of the others chimed in, prompting nods from the rest.They all turned to Charlotte with smirks.Charlotte frowned, shooting Benjamin a glare, which only made everyone laugh."Charlotte, don't tell me you're going to challenge the boss? Just admit he knows Lessie better," Lucy teased, sticking her tongue out playfully."Who said I would do that?" Charlotte retorted, though her expression betrayed her.I chuckled.Just then, that same uneasy feeling crept over me, it was Freddie again, and he was angry. What on earth was wrong with this man?Before I knew it, Freddie was already beside me, pulling me to my feet by the hand.I frowned and yelled, "What are you doing?"The other customers turned to watch. I was sure they were silently annoyed by the disturbance.
Lessie's POV I still didn’t care. I just wanted to leave quickly, but Mr. Rodriguez, who should’ve been on his way to his office, suddenly came back. Maybe he’d noticed the commotion.“Mr. Benjamin, shouldn’t you join for the meal? After all, we’re all partners, and Mr. Freddie just wants to create a stronger bond,” Mr. Rodriguez said, his message unmistakable.None of us bought what Mr. Rodriguez was saying. What sort of “bond” could someone like Freddie be interested in creating?Benjamin stopped, so I had to stop too, even though I wanted to pull him away.“Uh, yes. You’re right,” Benjamin nodded, and my shoulders slumped.Mr. Rodriguez turned to me with a smile. “Mr. Benjamin has already agreed, so I’m sure you have no problem joining the meal, right?”Since Benjamin had already agreed, I just nodded. “No problem,” I mumbled.“You all can go,” I said, looking sadly at my colleagues.I’m not sure if Benjamin misread my sadness, because the next thing I knew, he was turning to Fred
Lessie's POV The cab drove straight to the company.This was my first time here, as we had only met Mr. Rodriguez at his social party before now.My colleagues must have already arrived. The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m., and I was twenty minutes early.I approached the secretary’s desk and gave her my name.“Ah, Mrs. Green? This is where you’ll wait until the CEO is ready to see you,” she said, gesturing towards an entrance.I wasn't exactly sure where to go, as she only pointed in a general direction, but I couldn’t ask her for more help since she had to stay at her post. Luckily, just then, someone passed by, and the secretary asked them to guide me to the waiting area.“Thank you,” I said politely before following the person.When I arrived, I saw my colleagues were already there. As soon as they spotted me, they called out in unison.“Lessie is here!”I scratched my head apologetically. “Sorry I’m a bit later than you guys.”I’m usually punctual for work events, and this was
Lessie's POV "Hey, don’t shout! I heard you, I’m just surprised."I sighed."How did he even get your number? It’s been years, and you never mentioned him calling before. Why now?""We ran into each other at a party, so maybe that’s how he got it." My voice was barely above a whisper.The fact that he had my number wasn’t the real issue, his words were.Her eyes widened. "Wait, he didn’t just call, he actually saw you? Doesn’t that risk everything you’ve been hiding all these years?"Her concern warmed me."And the kids? Did he find out about them?" she asked, and when I hesitated, she added, "If not, you should take them and leave quickly.""Ella, that’s the real problem. I don’t know if Freddie knows about the kids," I said. "He called just before you did, saying he’s found out everything I’ve hidden.""What are we going to do? We can’t be sure he really knows everything.""But…" I hesitated. I could tell Ella was trying to reassure me, but Freddie’s tone on the phone made me feel
Lessie's POV “They’re fine. They even asked about you the other day. Why didn’t you call them? Were you busy?”Ella laughed, a proud sort of laugh. Before I could ask, she explained.“No, I wasn’t busy. I just wanted to see if my babies missed me,” she said. “When I asked James if he missed me, that little rascal told me he didn’t!”I scratched my nose at her words. Actually, I wasn’t lying when I said the kids missed her—Jasmine had asked about her. I could tell James missed her too, even if he didn’t say it. But I kept that to myself, not wanting to spoil Ella’s excitement.“Well, I’d say your plan worked,” I chuckled, and Ella hummed in satisfaction.“I miss you, Ella,” I blurted out, my emotions getting the best of me.“I miss you more, Lessie. You have no idea how much I miss seeing your pretty face,” she replied, sounding emotional too.“I know my Ella loves me,” I smiled.“Yes, I do. Lessie… do you think you’ll ever come back to Syracuse?”I could hear her voice quiver. I wasn
Lessie's POV “Don’t ‘Freddie’ me! Don’t think you’ve hidden everything so well—I know everything now!” he shouted furiously.I had already calm myself, but his yelling only brought on a heavy headache.Why on earth is he shouting?“Just ignoring me at the party yesterday, that’s what you thought would get under my skin? You’re despicable!” His voice cut through the phone, laced with anger, his heavy, furious breathing even audible.“Could you please stop shouting and speak calmly?” I asked softly, trying not to escalate things further. I couldn’t understand his fury, or why he was calling me after all this time. And yet, all he could do was yell.Unexpectedly, frustration welled up in me. How could his first call in years be filled with shouting? Then again, what did I really expect from someone who despises me?Without thinking, I snapped back, “Enough!” Silence fell on the other end, and I could sense his shock. “Now, can you tell me how you got my number?”I scowled. I clearly rem