Chapter 1

I stared at the huge vase in front of me, currently being held up by two people. They'd been holding it for quite some time now, and honestly, a tiny part of me was beginning to feel sorry for them. Why? Because the case was damn heavy. But even at that, I couldn't bring myself to drop it off at any corner of the room. I needed to find the right spot to keep it because everything had to be perfect. 

“Could you move it to the left please?” Amidst the busy background of the living room, they shuffled to the left, before waiting for my verdict. “No, take it to the right.” 

It still didn't fit any of those places and a small frown made its way to my lips. After thinking for a couple of seconds, I finally decided.

“Just leave it where it is.” The duo heaved a sigh of relief as they dropped the vase to the ground. I had no idea why I hadn't noticed it before, but it looked perfect in its new position. “Can you two check on the refreshments please?” 

With a nod and bright smiles on their faces, they headed in the direction I'd pointed out. 

“Could you help me out with this balloon here?” I asked no one in particular. In less than a minute, one of the party guests had rushed over to my side, just to reinflate the already disappearing balloon. In less than a minute, he was done and I found myself taking everything in.

The living room was currently run over with different decorations, from stringed fairy lights to balloons and even glitter , everything adored the living room. 

It was my husband's birthday today, and just like every other year, Daniel deserved the best on his special day. Thanks to a couple of friends, we decided to plan a surprise party for him.  

“Ma'am.” Someone broke into my monologue. “The cake just arrived.” 

“Put it out on the dining table.” The cake was my favorite part of the ceremony. I'd ordered a three tier cake with all of Daniel's favorite flavors and I could bet my life he was going to love it. 

While the other guests chatted amidst themselves, whilst simultaneously waiting for the birthday boy, I made my way towards the window.  Raising the blinds only slightly, I peeked out of the square box that served as a window. The driveway was quiet, but I knew it was only going to be a matter of time before Daniel would arrive. From here, I had the perfect view of when he would do so, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear like a child on Christmas eve.

It didn't take too long for the smile to disappear. A frown made its way to my face as a memory popped up in my mind. 

“Look at you.” The distaste on her face wasn't hard to miss. “Aren't you ashamed of yourself, even if it's a little bit?”

“But mum….”

“Don't you dare call me that!” She spat. “I'm your mother-in-law, and looking at it right now, I think I've made the biggest mistake of my life. If I had known that you were a barren woman, then I would never have allowed you to get married to my son.” 

“I'm not barren, mum.” I croaked, as her words slashed me straight in the heart. “Daniel and I just need more time…”

“Don't you dare take my son's name in your mouth.” She spat again, causing me to flinch. “Daniel doesn't have a fault in this, it's all you. You're a barren woman and you're trying to push it down on my son. It's not going to work..”

“But mum, you have to believe me….”

“Not another word from you.” She hissed. “You will give me a grandchild and for your sake, I hope it's soon enough, or else.” 

I didn't need my mother-in-law to finish the rest of her statement from that day. She never finished it, but I didn't want to know why? Because it was bound to be something negative. 

It was every mother's joy to hold her grandchild or children in her hands, and I was sure that was only Daniel's mother's wish. Yes, she had been harsh on me over the years, but hopefully, that was going to change soon. 

A wistful smile made its way to my lips as the memory faded away. Slowly, I ran a hand over my belly, the small circles warming up the side of my stomach. My smile grew wider as a loud honk pulled my attention back to the window. My eyes twinkled as I watched Daniel drive into the compound. 

*He's here.” I yelled excitedly to the party guests. “Everyone, hide. Right now.” 

The flurry of footsteps that echoed in the living room was insane, each one shuffling to find a good hiding spot to hide before Daniel would walk in. Just as the little crowd had melted into the background, a small knock came from the door. 

“I'm coming.” I waddled to the front door,barely able to contain my steps. With a flourish, I swung open the doors. 

“Surprise!” Echoed around the whole room the moment Daniel's face appeared in the doorway. My smile widened as I snuck a quick glance at the people behind me, before turning to face my husband again.

“Happy Birthday baby.” My singsong voice was surprisingly loud enough over the loud clapping from behind. “I love you so much.” 

Without warning, I pressed my lips against his, but the reaction I got wasn't one I was expecting at all.

“Daniel?” I called out slowly, as Daniel pushed me back. “What's going on?”

Like the shock I'd just gotten wasn't already enough, I caught sight of someone behind him. A woman, looking all smug and I felt my stomach churn.

“Daniel?” I called out slowly. “Who's that?” 

“This is Liliana,” The woman in question took a couple of steps forward, her heels echoing throughout the room. “She's my fiancé.”