Chapter 1:  Betrayal and Sorrow 

Gina's POV 

I screamed, my voice echoing off the lavish walls of our mansion. "Help! Someone, please!" Panic set in as I clutched my abdomen, waves of agony washing over me.

An hour after taking the cup of coffee which my maid, Rachel, had brought me, a searing pain tore through my lower belly, leaving me breathless. I stumbled out of bed, my vision blurring.

As my feet touched the floor, I felt a strange slickness between my thighs.

No, no, no. This can't be happening.

I was only two months pregnant, and the thought of losing my baby was unbearable. Fear gripped me as I felt the warm liquid trickling down my thighs. Blood. Oh God, I'm bleeding.

“Is anyone there? Lana! Help me!” I screamed at the top of my voice.

Lana burst into my room, followed by other servants. "Ma'am, what's wrong?" she cried, alarm etched on her face.

"I...I think I'm losing the baby, I don't know. I'm…in pains.” I stammered, tears streaming down my face.

The steward, James, sprang into action, quickly putting my hand on his shoulder and his hand guiding my waist, leading me to the door.

 "We need to get her to the hospital, now!" one of them shouted.

I could barely walk as the pain was unbearable. 

As they rushed me out of the mansion, I ordered, "Call Julian. Tell him what's happening." 

My husband, Julian, has been the absolute love of my life and my support system for the past five years that we have been married.

James guided me to the backseat with Lana by my side, clutching my hands.

“He is not picking up, Ma'am. I'll call him again later.” Lana said.

Why would Julian not pick up at a time like this? My husband's unreachable phone line only added to my distress.

Why isn't he answering? Where is he?

Pain wracked my body, making it hard to breathe. I felt my consciousness slipping as James was driving to the hospital.

"Stay with me, Ma'am," Lana urged, her voice distant.

But I couldn't fight it. Darkness closed in, and I surrendered to the void.

...

I regained consciousness in a hospital room, surrounded by the beeping of machines and the antiseptic smell. A gentle voice spoke beside me.

"Welcome back, Gina. I'm Dr. Thompson."

I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain pierced my abdomen. The doctor's firm but gentle hands guided me back onto the bed.

"Easy, Gina. You've been through a traumatic experience. Let's take this slowly."

“Where am I? Where is Julian?” I asked with a trembling voice.

My mind fogged with memories of the pain, the bleeding, and the fear. "My baby?" I whispered, dread creeping up my throat.

Dr. Thompson's expression turned somber. "Gina, I need to discuss the results of your examination..."

She paused, her eyes locked on mine, filled with compassion and a hint of sadness.

"Gina, I'm so sorry..."

Her words trailed off, leaving me suspended in agony, bracing for the worst.

"What happened?" I begged, my voice barely audible.

Dr. Thompson's voice dropped to a whisper. "You suffered a miscarriage, Gina. I'm afraid we lost..."

My world crumbled, shattered by those devastating words. Miscarriage. The weight of reality crushed me, leaving me breathless.

Minutes passed, or maybe hours, as I lay frozen, unable to process the loss. Dr. Thompson's gentle voice and reassuring touch brought me back to reality.

"We'll need to keep you overnight for observation," she explained, her eyes filled with compassion.

I nodded numbly, tears streaming down my face. The hospital room blurred around me.

Where was Julian? Why hadn't he been here for me?

The door swung open, and Lana entered, her face etched with worry.

"Ma'am, I heard the news. I'm so sorry," she whispered, holding my hand.

I squeezed her hand weakly. "It's not your fault, Lana. What about Julian? Is he here yet?"

“No, Ma'am. I have been trying to reach him since morning but he isn't picking.”

A deep sense of foreboding washed over me that instant. Something must be wrong somewhere. I'll be leaving this hospital room by tomorrow.

Dr. Thompson returned with a gentle smile. "We'll take care of you, Gina. You're not alone."

“Thank you.” I said, forcing a grim smile on my face.

Her words offered little solace, but I clung to them, desperate for hope.

As night descended, the hospital room grew quiet. I lay awake, my heart heavy with grief, waiting for day break.

…

As Dr. Thompson's stepped into my ward, her expression turned grave. "Mrs. Gina, I need to discuss something with you."

My heart sank, anticipating more devastating news.

“I'm all ears.” I said curtly.

"Our tests revealed traces of a poisonous substance in your body," she said gently. "It's possible that this caused the miscarriage. Did you take anything strange yesterday?”

My world spun. Poison? Who could have done that? The last thing I took was…

Hold on…it suddenly clicked. 

Rachel's face flashed in my mind. She had brought a cup of coffee to me before going to stop for groceries. 

My personal maid, someone I trusted.

"How could this happen?" I whispered, numbness spreading through me.

“I'm so sorry that you had to go through this. Please be careful from now henceforth and don't worry, you'll be fine.” 

Dr. Thompson handed me a prescription and pamphlet. "Rest properly, eat well, and avoid strenuous activities. Your body needs time to heal."

I took the papers, my mind reeling.

“Thank you very much, Doctor.”

Lana, my loyal maid, gathered my belongings while James, waited by the door.

"Ready, Ma'am?" Lana asked, concern etched on her face.

I nodded, my heart heavy with sorrow and anger.

As we settled into the car with James behind the wheel, my thoughts raced.

Rachel. How could she? I have always been so good to her. Why would she try to harm me?

I felt betrayed, vulnerable.

And where was Julian? Why hadn't he reached out? Since yesterday?

Worry crept in, mingling with my grief.

Please, let him be fine. Let everything be fine.

"Lana, I need to speak with Julian as soon as we get home," I said, resolve strengthening my voice. 

“Yes, Ma'am. I'll make sure he's informed."

Once I get home, I'll make sure to throw Rachel's properties out of my house.

The cityscape blurred outside my window, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that failed to penetrate my sorrow.

As we drove, my mind churned with questions.

Was Julian involved?

No, I pushed the thought away. Julian wouldn't do that. He loves me. He loves our child.

But the doubt lingered, tugging gently at my mind.

We eventually arrived at our mansion, its grandeur now feeling empty and hollow.

As James opened the door, I steeled myself for the daunting task ahead: confronting Rachel and finding Julian.

"Welcome home, Ma'am," James said, his voice soft.

I stepped out of the car, Lana supporting me.

"Thank you, James," I whispered.

I spotted Julian's car at the garage. Heaving a sigh of relief, I trudged into the house.

As we entered the mansion, an eerie silence enveloped me. 

“Honey, you won't believe what…” I cried out but I was cut short by the scene before me.

My mouth dropped open, my jaw hanging in disbelief. The papers I held slipped from my fingers, drifting silently to the floor.

My husband, Julian, had his hands wrapped a woman's waist on the couch as they kissed deeply.

“What the actual fuck…Julian!!!.”