I couldn't even sleep that night. The dim light flickering through my curtains, casting dancing shadows on the walls of my bedroom. As I lay there, the coolness of the sheets against my skin provided little comfort to me. The city sounds gradually faded into silence as the night races to it's peak , leaving only the rhythmic ticking of my bedside clock to keep me company.
When the sleep finally came, it was anything but peaceful. As reality blurred and faded, and suddenly I went back to three years in the past. The memory was vivid, painfully so. Rosy stood before me, her face beaming with joy as her hands cradled her protruded belly. "Gianna, I'm pregnant with his child!" Her voice was giddy with excitement. The rage that filled me then was just as real as in my dream. "How could you do this to me?" I shouted in sorrow, and before I could stop myself, my palm connected with her cheek. The sharp sound of the slap hung in took the moment by hands a bit for a while before being drowned out by an even more horrifying sight - blood pooling on the ground at Rosy's feet. The scene shifted, and another slap echoed - this time from Margaret, my mother-in-law. Her voice was venomous as she spat out, "Bitch, you this fruitless tree, and that simply can't allow others to do in your stead what you've failed to achieve, right,ahn?" The lawyer's cruel voice cut through the chaos: "This is the divorce agreement. Please look through well and sign your name on it." Marino, the man I had loved for five years, couldn't even look at me as he said impatiently, "Mr. Myers doesn't have the time to spare. Stop wasting time. Hurry and sign it. It's best for all of us." The pain that sliced through my heart was searing in and jolted me awake, my body drenched in cold sweat. As I Gasp for air, I sat up in my bed, my heart still pounding. Why did I keep dreaming of this, again and again? The clock read 4 a.m., and the early morning light was already starting to creep in through my window. My skin felt clammy and damp against the cool air of the morning. Unable to face the prospect of more nightmares, I slipped out of bed and headed for the shower. The sound of running water helped wash away the remnants of the dreams trauma. Choosing my clothes carefully - bright colors that stood out against the drab morning, a stark contrast to my usual attire. In the kitchen, I made coffee, letting in its rich aroma engrane me in the present. Arriving at the office early, I hoped for peace before the demon of a day truly began. But Thane was already here.. waiting and his face lit up with that mischievous grin I'd grown to dread now. "Gianna, were you hoping that I'll give you more bonus for coming in early? Fat hope!" He laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "You see, I'd rather give my money to a beautiful woman than to an ugly monster like you. It'd be a waste of my resources." Taking a deep breath, my heartbeat sped up but I willed myself to ignore him. I was grateful for the conservative clothing and glasses I wore specifically to keep him at bay. In the three months since Nathan had introduced me to this job, I'd learned that Thane was a lustful man. The glasses, the modest clothes - they were my armor. And after three months of his harsh words, I'd grown almost immune to his insults. Just as I was settling into my work, trying to forget Thane's presence, David's voice cut through the office tension. "Mr. Reed, I heard that Marino will be getting engaged soon. What should we get him for his engagement gift?" My heart skipped a beat, and I looked up, stunned. What? Engaged? The words echoed in my mind, bringing back all the memories I buried deep a long time ago . I forced myself to look back at my computer screen, but the words blurred before my eyes. The office sounds faded away as my mind raced. Marino is getting engaged. Of course he was. So he already moved on, just as he'd expected me to. Just as everyone had expected of me too . The coffee I'd earlier churned in my stomach. I could feel Thane's gaze on me, probably waiting for my reaction, some sign that this words stung me. But I wouldn't give him that satisfaction. Instead, I straightened my shoulders and focused on my breathing - in and out, slow and steady."Trying to prove strong huh?" I heard Thane's voice say from behind me. "Proving strong? I don't understand. Why should I try to prove to be something I already am?" I said, trying to hide how pained I was.He walked away slowly, as I kept my gaze fixed on my computer. I was indeed trying to be strong. Thane's words got to me. But I wasn't about to show any iota of weakness.A flood of tears bubbled on the inside of me, eager to gush out. I fought my tears, swallowing saliva as if that could dry the flood of surging tears.I prayed the day would run by, it did eventually. I was drenched in my own emotions. I needed to clear my head; when I arrived home, rested and freshened up, I headed to the bar just across the road."Can I snatch you?" A coarse voice said behind me, the baritone sound of his voice sending chills down my spine."Snatch me if you can!" I added, followed by a melodious chuckle. I could already notice he was in awe. "What are you looking at?" I joked, giving his glass
I and Thanes seemed like we didn't get along. But in actuality, we were starting to get closer than we were ready to admit. I also loved that he was always ready to help me in different ways.Thanes and Thorne didn't quite get along, but their father insisted they both run the company. The mansion was outrageously beautiful. I could see a little glimpse of attraction in Thorne's eyes, but I dismissed that as the normal attraction I received from guys; I was gorgeous, so that was expected.I guessed it'd all fade off with time, so to me, it counted for nothing. "Thank you so much, Gianna, for honouring my invite," I hear him say to me, casting his glance on us; he greeted them as well.We had finally seen him after walking for minutes into the main hall. I noticed a slight decline in his exciting demeanour, and immediately, his eyes landed on Thanes. The party progressed beautifully.We sat at our table, it was a sumptuous party, so much to eat and drink. But I noticed Thanes was now
The smell of antiseptic hit me as soon as I stepped out of the door to the doctor’s office.It was clean and clinical — to remind me that I was still in the hospital. I clutched my test result tightly, my palms were damp with nervous excitement. The hallway felt cold to my finger's touch as I leaned against the wall, bracing myself for what was to come.My heart was racing. I couldn't wait to call Marino and share the news. But just as I was about to dial his number, my phone rang, I checked to see who could be calling. My Uncle —Vivid on the spot for caller ID“Gianna, is everything fine with you and Marino?” His voice was serious with a tinge of concern.I laughed, trying to brush off the awkwardness I felt along with his question. "We're fine. Why do you ask?"There was a momentary silence before he continued, his voice was a bit hesitant. "I heard... Marino brought a pregnant woman to the hospital for a prenatal checkup the other day."I laughed harder, but a seed of disbelief
The night was filled with activities outside the grand San Fetillo Hilton Hotel. I sat myself on the passenger seat of a sleek Maybach, as I watched the scenes unfold through tinted windows. Luxury cars gleam under the bright lights, and the air vibrates with the sound of reporters eagerly adjusting their cameras to juicy news. I can see their breath turn white in the chilly evening air. The scent of car fumes and suspense aura seems to seep through the car's sealed interior.Clicks and Flashes of light filled the nights, as photographers captured every moment of arrival with a snap of welcome. There's an electric excitement in the air, My stomach chums from the luxury and high classics. The glamour of it all was suffocating, and I fought the urge to shrink in my seat out of low esteem.The car's door opens, and Thane Reed steps out confidently in a suave white suit. His smile is refined but light as he turns to help his companion, supermodel Lulu, out of the car. She glides out in a
The luxurious atmosphere of the Golden Age Group party swirls about my sides. Soft clicks of champagne glasses and the murmurs of discussion filled the atmosphere, mingling with the scent of exotic flowers and rich aromas from the buffet. I stood awkwardly in my business attire, that couldn't match out with the glamorously dressed attendees. The glimmering chandeliers cast a warm glow over everything, Setting it to me how much I don't belong here.I'm here on a job, not to have fun. Words from Thane echo in my mind, reminding me to stay focused. But as I find my way to the buffet, a sharp, familiar voice cuts through the noise of the party:"Get me some food here!"I looked up, and my eyes fell on Freya Howard. She's plastered with heavy makeup, she stands in an aura of arrogance that makes my skin crawl. Our eyes met, and I saw hers widen briefly in recognition before a smirk found its way across her face. Tilting her chin up, sizing me up like she was some kind of predator."So it's
Though, I didn't mean for this to happen. Standing in that lavish hall, surrounded by crystal chandeliers and people draped in designer clothing worth more than my monthly rent, I felt like an outsider. My simple black dress, the nicest thing I owned, suddenly felt cheap and inadequate. The air was thick with the smell of expensive perfume mingling with the aroma of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, getting my head to spin slightly. Or maybe that was just me being anxious.I have been on the edge lately, trying to fit in in a crowd while keeping an eye out for Rosy too. Just as she had been watching me too, I could tell. Now and then, I'd catch her whispering to Freya, both of them throwing me glances from time to time. Their stares weighed heavy on me making my skin crawl all over.Earlier, I'd overheard snippets of their conversation as I passed by. "To think she showed up?" Rosy had whispered, loud enough for me to hear. "Oh my, look at her. She doesn't even belong here." With Freya's tinkli
The sun set on me as I stood in the police station parking lot, feeling small and exposed. Thane, leaning against his sleek black car, looking as smug as ever, couldn't help but get odd about it. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as his laughter rang out in my ears, harsh and sarcastic, bouncing off the concrete walls around us."Gianna, that was so fucking cool!" Thane's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You're so ugly and couldn't do anything well, but who would have imagined that you could be so fierce today? No man would dare to marry a woman like you, for real."I stood still, staring at him as my heart raced in my chest. Why did he always have to be so cruel? Thane had always had a sharp tongue, and despite knowing better, his words still sting me. I'd learned long ago that showing how much he hurts me only made things worse.He wasn't done yet. His face hardened as he continued, "It's all because of you. You wasted my time. I already had it planned to spend the night with Lulu, an
Dazzling lights buzzes relentlessly above, casting a not so pleasing glow across the interrogation room. I sat alone, my fingers absently tracing the rough edges of the wooden table that separates me and the guy on uniform . The table felt more like a protective barrier, though whether it was protecting me or them, I wasn't sure of what anymore.My evening gown, which had seemed so off at the party just hours ago, was stained and wrinkled all the more. I could feel my hair coming loose from its careful styling , going out of shape like an honest nest, adding to my wretched appearance. Outside the room, I could hear the steady rhythm of shoes hitting beats against the tiled floor and the murmur of voices discussing what they believe to be my fate. In all my efforts to calm myself, my heart raced against my ribcage threatening to break through.As I waited, my mind wandered to questions I'd been asking myself all night. Is Marino's heart really made of stone? Throughout our five years