But suddenly, my phone rang and I saw Lydia's name flashing on the screen.I let out an annoyed sigh and rejected the call. I turned to look at Marcus, but he was gone. I searched the area frantically, but he was nowhere to be seen.“What the heck!”The phone rang again, and this time, I couldn't ignore it. I answered it, already preparing to scold Lydia for disturbing me. But before I could even say a word, she spoke first, her voice filled with panic.“Madam, your father rushed to the hospital!' she exclaimed.I was taken aback by her words. My mind went blank and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I asked Lydia for more details, and she explained that my father had collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.I felt a wave of fear and worry wash over me.Inside the bar, I caught sight of Elijah making his way towards me."We've been waiting for you," he said."I'm sorry, but I have to leave. My father was just rushed to the hospital, and he needs me by his side," I responded, bidd
I was stunned to hear the voice of Marcus on the other line. My heart skipped a beat as I listened to his familiar voice. I couldn't believe it. It was him, after all these years.“Marcus?” I whispered in disbelief.I didn't even know what to do, so I immediately dropped the call. He called again, but I still ignored it.“Ms. Monte Verde. Why did you drop the call?” he texted me.I took a deep breath and answered the call. “I'm sorry, I was just caught off guard. What do you want?” I replied. “This is Mr. Marcus Johnson. I just wanted to invite you for a business proposal of my coffee shop in your Grande Resort. I hope you will consider it, and I promise you won't be disappointed,” he invited me.I was surprised when I read his text message. Is he owning a small coffee shop now? What about their construction company? My mind was racing with questions, but I couldn't bring myself to ask him.“Please reply,' he texted again, and I could almost hear the desperation in his voice.“I'll t
I looked at Marcus, my ex-husband while waiting for his answer.”Marco, she is your mother,” Marcus said, gesturing towards me.Marco's eyes widened in shock as he looked at me. He had grown into a handsome young man, with his father's dark hair and green eyes.“My mother?” he asked, his voice cracking with emotion.He is now my 4 years old son but he is really smart the way he talks.I nodded, unable to speak as tears continued to fall down my face. I had missed so much of his life, and now I didn't even know if he would accept me as his mother.“I-I'm sorry,” Marco stammered, looking at me with a mixture of confusion and hurt. “I-I don't understand. Dad.”“I know, son,” I said, my voice trembling.“I made a mistake when I left you. I've regretted it every day since then. I have my reason but I also lost the reason why”“Why did you leave us, mom?” Marco asked, his voice filled with pain.I took a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain. “It’s a long story,” I said because I
It's hard to fathom that he could just forget about me out of the blue, but unfortunately, that's the harsh reality. His eyes were clouded with confusion as he furrowed his brow."Stay away from me!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with fear and desperation."Dad, what's wrong?" I pleaded, desperately searching for answers."Have you suddenly forgotten me?""They can't kill Dasha," he muttered through his tears, his voice trembling with a mix of determination and anguish."I will protect her. I will protect her."My heart sank as I realized that my father's grief had consumed him to the point of delusion. The weight of his loss had distorted his perception of reality, leaving him trapped in a world where the past held more power than the present. It was a painful realization, one that left me feeling helpless and longing for a way to bring him back to the present.But I refused to give up on him. I would be his anchor, his guiding light through the darkness that had enveloped his soul.
I knew it was a manipulation tactic to make me change my mind about getting our son Marco from him.“What was that all about?” I said, my voice trembling with emotion.“It’s true, Samantha.” he assured.Marcus was silent for a moment. Then he said, “I love you, and I want you to know that. I know I haven’t been the good husband for you before, but I want to make it up to you now. I’m very sorry.” I apologized.His words caught me off guard, leaving me stunned. I never anticipated Marcus to reveal such vulnerability. I had always believed that he was manipulating me, playing with my emotions like a puppet on a string."Your lies are foolish and transparent. Cease your manipulations immediately. You cannot make a fool out of me. I am not the same Samantha you once knew," I declared with conviction."I will take Marco away from you!" I exclaimed, my anger fueling my words."Samantha, please," he pleaded desperately.Consumed by my rage, I abruptly ended the call. I needed to regain my co
I swiftly approached my son, Marco, enveloping him in a tight embrace. His expression clearly displayed surprise and discontent. "Hey," he grumbled. "Come with me, my dear. I will provide you with everything your heart desires," I assured him. "Where are we going? Will Daddy accompany us?" he inquired innocently. "No, my love. It will be just you and me, son. I aim to make amends and grant you a new home," I beamed at him. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he forcefully pushed me away and sprinted towards Marcus, embracing him tightly. "I want Daddy," he sobbed. As I gazed upon my son Marco, tears cascading down his face, my heart shattered. He pleaded with me not to separate him from his father, Marcus. I yearned to heed his plea, but I knew I had to remain resolute. I had to remove him from Marcus, regardless of the immense pain it caused. "No. You must come with me, son," I insisted. "Samantha, please do not coerce our son. He is too young to comprehend the entiret
"Does this mean I have two mothers?" he inquired.I was taken aback when Marco asked me, his brows furrowed with confusion as he asked about Sofia, whom he referred to as "mom."My heart skipped a beat, and my blood began to boil beneath my skin. I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself before responding."Marco," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and frustration, "Sofia is not your mother. I am your real mother."His eyes widened in surprise, and I could see the flicker of doubt crossing his face. It was as if the foundation of his existence had been shaken, leaving him unsure of the truth he had believed for so long."Dad told me to call her mom. But she’s so very strict and bad," he said.Unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I leaned forward and blurted out, "How did Sofia...how did she treat you?"Marco's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions before he finally met my gaze. His voice was tinged with a hint of sadness as he began to recount of the events.Marc
Marcus narrowed his eyes, his expression morphing into a mix of disbelief and anger. He glanced at Elijah, who stood beside me, his face etched with confusion. I could see the wheels turning in Marcus's mind, trying to make sense of the situation."Well, Samantha," Marcus sneered, "I didn't expect you to stoop so low." His voice dripped with disdain.I swallowed hard, pushing down the guilt that threatened to consume me. This lie was necessary – a desperate attempt to protect Elijah from Marcus's wrath. I had learned Marcus manipulate and control those around him before. But today, I had made up my mind. No longer would I allow him to hurt the people I cared about.Elijah's grip tightened around my hand, providing me with the strength I needed. "Why don't you just leave us alone, Marcus?" he shot back defiantly.But suddenly, Marco's voice echoed through the air, catching both our attention. We turned to see him sprinting towards us, with Lydia close behind. My brows furrowed in disap
After days had gone by, Marcus had fully recovered from the car accident. Samantha's promise to stand by him had filled him with a sense of warmth and comfort. She had vowed to never believe Elijah's lies again, after he had cunningly framed Marcus and made him believe he was the father of Sofia's child. This revelation had caused Samantha and Marcus to break up, but now they both realized that Sofia and Elijah had manipulated their lives out of an unhealthy obsession.One evening, as Marcus and Samantha sat together in their old house, the doorbell rang. Samantha got up to answer it, and when she opened the door, she was met with the sight of Elijah standing on the doorstep.“What do you want?” Samantha asked, frowning.“I need to talk to you,” Elijah said, his voice filled with desperation.“There's nothing to talk about,” Samantha replied.“You've already caused enough damage.”“Please, just give me a chance to explain,” Elijah pleaded.Samantha hesitated, her eyes fixed on Elijah
AUTHOR’S POVSamantha's face twisted in a mix of confusion and anger as she stormed out of bed towards the door, her heart pounding with emotion. When she laid eyes on Sofia, a sharp word escaped her lips."What brings you here, Sofia?"she demanded, her tone dripping with frustration.Sofia met her gaze, her eyes betraying a sense of remorse."I came to talk to Marcus," she murmured softly."I know what went down."Samantha's anger flared even more."Why are you even here?" she pressed, her voice rising."You know exactly why. You and Elijah orchestrated that whole mess, making Marcus think he cheated on me and got you pregnant. How could you do something like that?"Sofia's gaze dropped, tears welling up."I'm truly sorry, Samantha," she whispered, her voice trembling."None of this was supposed to happen. Elijah and I just wanted to split you and Marcus up. We never imagined it would spiral out of control like this. I never wanted to cause you or Marcus any pain."As Samantha absorb
As I diced onions for dinner, my thoughts drifted to the day's events. The presentation went smoothly, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with Elijah over a delicious meal. The scent of garlic cooking promised a tasty dinner.Just as I grabbed the salt, my phone rang, interrupting my focus. The unknown number made me pause, expecting a sales call. But a gut feeling urged me to answer.“Hello?”I answered cautiously.“Is this Mr. Johnson’s wife ?” a woman's voice inquired urgently.“Marcus Johnson?” I clarified, feeling a sudden unease.“Yes. I'm calling from Mercy Hospital. Your husband, Marcus Johnson, was in a car accident and is in critical condition.”The news hit me like a ton of bricks. 'What?' I gasped, barely able to speak. “Marcus?”“Yes, Ms. Johnson. He's in the ER with serious injuries. We stabilized him, but he needs surgery.”Tears welled up as panic set in. 'I'll be there,' I managed to say, my hands trembling.“Third floor operating room. Come to the front desk,” the nurse
As the sun's rays gently filtered through the curtains, the room was bathed in a comforting warmth. Slowly awakening from my slumber, I couldn't shake off the heaviness in my chest. The absence of my son, Marco, was a constant ache that lingered within me. However, today was a new day, and I was determined to mend things with Sofia.Quietly slipping out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen, where the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Sofia was already there, her lustrous dark hair flowing over her shoulders as she poured herself a cup."Good morning," I greeted her softly, stepping closer.She turned towards me, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and warmth."Good morning, Marcus.""I've prepared breakfast," I announced, motioning towards the table."I hope you have an appetite."A smile graced Sofia's lips. "That's incredibly considerate of you."We took our seats at the table, and I observed her as she savored her meal, her eyes gleaming with pure satisfactio
1 month laterAs we arrived at our new home nestled in a charming countryside town, a mix of emotions flooded my heart. I had taken a leap of faith, leaving behind my painful past to embrace a fresh start in this unfamiliar land, accompanied by Elijah and my son.I couldn't help but notice a change in Marco's demeanor - a distant gaze and a loss of appetite. As he stepped out of the car, his small hand reaching for Elijah's, a wave of concern washed over me, gnawing at my thoughts."Are you alright, my love?" I asked, gently running my fingers through his hair.He looked up at me, his eyes holding a glimmer of sadness."I miss Daddy Marcus," he whispered.My heart sank at his words."I understand, sweetheart," I replied, trying to offer reassurance."But remember, Daddy will come to visit us soon, alright?" I fibbed, hoping to ease his longing.Marco's slow nod indicated that my attempt to console him had fallen short. Unloading the car, the contrast between our new home and the one
SAMANTHA POVFrom my veranda, I observed Marcus's car starting up outside the gate. A pang of envy hit me when I remembered he was staying at Sofia's place.Feeling bitter, I walked to my son Marco's room. He was sitting at his desk, deep in thought."Marco, honey," I started, "Did your daddy leave already? Are you finished playing?"Looking at me with his innocent eyes, Marco replied, "Yes, Mom. Mommy Sofia is sick in the hospital. That's why Daddy had to go."I was taken aback by a sudden wave of astonishment. "In the hospital? Why? What happened?"Marco nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea," he replied."Daddy didn't give me any details. But he assured me he'll be back soon."The gravity of the news hit me like a ton of bricks. Sofia, in the hospital? What could have transpired? Could it be a grave matter? Countless thoughts raced through my mind. Is the baby safe and sound?With a hint of uncertainty, Marco added, "He promised to call me later."The days stretched
As I hunched down, fingertips brushing against the edge of Marco's bed, the muted chuckles of my son resonated in the room, a melody of happiness in our modest abode."Marco!" I shouted, excitement coursing through me as I awaited his reply.The game of Marco Polo commenced, each call and response a ballet between father and son, a fleeting moment of joy amidst life's chaos.Suddenly, My phone buzzed persistently in my pocket.“Hello, who’s this?”I inquired."Mr.Johnson?" The voice on the other end was composed, yet tinged with urgency."This is Doctor Thompson from St. Michael’s Hospital. I’m calling about your wife, Sofia."Dread twisted in my stomach, a frigid wave of fear washing over me as I prepared for the worst."She’s not my wife but what happened? Is she okay?" I demanded, my voice betraying the turmoil within."She’s in the hospital. Your baby is unstable now," Doctor Nurse Thompson explained."Sofia was brought in a short while ago. We’re still evaluating her condition, bu
And now, as I watched Marco cry in anguish, I questioned whether it was right to uproot his life just to keep him away from his father. I’m so very confused at those times, torn between my anger and resentment towards Marcus and love for my son.Marcus had no right to be Marco's father after he impregnated Sofia. The words echoed in my mind, a bitter reminder of the pain and betrayal that had torn our family apart.I trusted him so much that he won’t going to cheat but he betrayed that trust, destroying everything we had built together.But even as I grappled with my anger and resentment, a part of me couldn't help but wonder if forgiveness was possible. Could I ever find it in my heart to forgive Marcus for his indiscretions? Could I let go of the pain and anger that had consumed me for so long, and move forward with my life?"It's okay, baby," I murmured, my voice trembling with emotion. "We'll figure this out together, I promise."Marco looked up at me with tear-filled eyes, his sm
Elijah's concern lingered in the air, weighing heavily on my mind as I sat at the migration office, diligently completing the necessary paperwork for myself, Marco, and Elijah. The pen felt like a burden in my hand, each stroke of ink a testament to the life-altering decision I was making.Leaning against the counter, Elijah observed me with a mixture of worry and curiosity. His voice pierced through the silence, cutting through my thoughts like a sharp knife."Are you absolutely certain about this, Sam?"His question hung in the air, laden with implications. Was I truly sure? It was a question that had plagued me for the past week, ever since I discovered that Marcus had impregnated Sofia. I couldn't bear the thought of him being near Marco while harboring a child with another woman."Yes, Elijah. I am sure," I responded, my voice unwavering despite the uncertainty that swirled within me."This is something I need. It's something we all need."I could see the worry etched on Elijah's