Chapter 10“I'll tell you everything. Promise you'll help me gain back my freedom, please Dahlia…” “What the hell are you rambling about?” I asked, taking steps away from her to have a better view of her face.“Dahlia, please. Let's find somewhere and talk. I promise I'll clear up all of this madness,” Anita kept pleading, almost at the verge of breaking down.“You're my only hope right now, Dahlia. You have to listen to me, please,” she kept pleading.Thinking about how I might have been played, used for a fool and deceived for over five years, made me weak. Yes, Desmond is a cheat, yes, he is trying to kick me out of my company, and yes his family are greedy. I thought that was all there was to it. But now, that wasn't even all.“Come with me,” I mumbled the moment the elevator dinged.We found our way to the waiting area on the obstetrics floor.I settled down and Anita wasted no time taking a seat.“Before I say anything, Dahlia. Promise me you will set me free, please. That's th
DAHLIA“Dahlia, please wake up. I'm sorry for shaking you that way,” The sound of someone sobbing made my eyes flutter open.The first person that came into view was Anita, holding onto my hand and crying terribly.“What are you doing?” I mumbled, pulling my hand away from her hold.“You're finally awake,” she said upon looking at me and then she began to cry even more loudly.“I thought I lost you, Dahlia. I'm sorry for telling you those things and making you pass out,” she kept crying.“Hey, hey. I'm fine.” I tried to pacify her, but heck she just kept crying and blaming herself. In the end, I gave up and let her do her thing.“How long was I unconscious?” I asked when she finally stopped being dramatic.“Three hours, the doctor said you're stressed and starving and it's bad for your pregnancy….”“I swear Dahlia. I didn't know you're pregnant. I wouldn't have stressed you out and made you pass out if I had known. I'm so sorry,” she began crying yet again.I sighed. I never knew Anit
Chapter 1DAHLIA “You're pregnant,” my gynaecologist announced, smiling very broadly at me. “Congratulations Dahlia, you'll become a mother soon,” she kept smiling. I sat there, glued to the seat and speechless. “She is playing a prank on me,” I repeatedly told myself, finding it hard to believe the sudden revelation. Suddenly getting pregnant after being told I'll never be able to have a child of my own felt like a dream. “Yo…you should redo the test…Have you forgotten, I can't get pregnant,” I reminded her, stuttering and trying not to give myself high hopes. “That would mean redoing the pregnancy test for the sixth time. You're pregnant Dahlia. This is your reality!” She said louder this time, full of smiles. I shook my head in denial, but then she placed the fifth result of the pregnancy test on my palm. “See for yourself…” I glanced down at the paper, then my face slowly contoured in shock. “I'm pregnant,” I mumbled, trying to come to terms with it. “I'm pregnant!” I
Chapter 2DAHLIA “What is she doing here?” I asked, my eyes never leaving hers. “Are you cheating on me with her?” I detached my hand from Desmond's shoulders and gazed right at him. “What…What are you saying?” Desmond quickly pulled his headset off his head, flinging it away. Then he quickly grabbed me, holding onto my waist. “Leave us, Sophia,” he instructed. My eyes never left Sophia's as she walked away, she sent a glare in my direction and just before she closed the door, I noticed she missed a button on her shirt. The moment the door shut, I pulled away from Desmond's hold, glaring at him. “Dahl, you're over thinking,” he said, looking at me. “I met another woman all sweaty and looking like that in your office, she even missed a button on her shirt…And you’re telling me I’m overthinking?” I couldn’t hold back the hurt, anger and disappointment. “Calm down, Dahl,” Desmond quickly pulled me into his arms and began to stroke my back like he always did each time I get off
Chapter 3DAHLIA Walking from the coffee shop to my car suddenly felt like an extreme sport. My heart was in turmoil. I was exhausted by everything. “Who do I believe? My husband or a woman who I’m sure badly wants to seduce him?” Never have I been this confused and drained. Today was supposed to be a big day for me, I can’t believe I’m ending it with worries and restlessness. Getting into my car, I drove back home with an unclear head, deciding to pull myself together before Desmond gets home. But then, by the time I got home, Desmond was already back. “You're finally back,” he exclaimed in excitement the moment I walked in. He was still on his work shirt, a clear indication that he just got home. He wore an apron and was making dinner. “You said you'd get something on your way home,” I pointed out, staring at him. “Oh, about that. I decided to just make you something myself. It's better than eating out,” he smiled yet again. I stood there, staring at him. All doubts sudde
Chapter 4DAHLIA Throughout the entire ride to the Knights Cooperation, I kept having an internal war with myself. “Was my marriage going to fall apart?” I couldn't stop worrying. I met Desmond when he was at his lowest. I could never forget that eventful day. I was driving home from work after a late night shift, when I was suddenly flagged down by a yelling man, it was Desmond. His mum was in a critical condition and needed urgent medical care. I drove them to the hospital that day and even went as far as helping pay the medical bills, having figured out he had no money. After that day, Desmond and I became really close and in less than a month, he asked me out. I brought his family out of the slums and gave them an apartment, started a business for his father, made sure his mum got the best medical care and even put his siblings who were dropped out, back into school. Then offered Desmond a place in my company. Desmond and I got closer and closer after these and eventually go
Chapter 5“You have just two days, Dahlia. Bring me a better proposal,” Ronan Knight solemnly declared.I just sat there, staring at him, not even a single word coming from me. I was in so much shock and confusion that I forgot I had to thank him.“You may leave,” he said, pointing at the door.I rose to my feet.“Thank you, Mr. Knight,” I managed to let out, then headed for the door.But then he called me back.“Take your proposal with you. It's of no use to me.”The instant he uttered those words, I lowered my head in shame. Never in my years of running a company have I faced an embarrassment like this, even as a rookie, something like this never happened, not even once.I retraced my step with my head bowed, picked up the files and walked out.My head was lowered as I walked from Ronan Knight's office to my car. “Dahlia!” The last voice I wanted to hear at the moment called out to me. It was Sophia.I ignored her, unlocked my car and got in, but then she stepped right in front of
Chapter 6“I should have sent Tony. You've lost your touch, Dahlia. How could you mess this up? You know how much this means to me. You lost a deal that could change our lives, Dahlia….fuck!” Desmond complained, taking a step away from me. My heart wrenched, the harsh reality hitting me so hard, that I almost lost my balance. I held onto the sofa, gripping it so hard, and gnashing my teeth, afraid I’d reveal my true emotions.“You know how much I was looking forward to this deal, Dahl. I sent you because I thought you’d get it, but you flopped it. The business deal was meant to change our whole life, Dahlia. How could you?” he kept complaining, walking around the house and nearly ripping his hair off.His act was so convincing that I almost found myself kneeling to apologize. But then, the fact that everything was playing out exactly the same way Sophia said it would, made me hold back.This man has changed a lot. He isn’t the man I helped up from the slums. He isn’t the man that I’v
DAHLIA“Dahlia, please wake up. I'm sorry for shaking you that way,” The sound of someone sobbing made my eyes flutter open.The first person that came into view was Anita, holding onto my hand and crying terribly.“What are you doing?” I mumbled, pulling my hand away from her hold.“You're finally awake,” she said upon looking at me and then she began to cry even more loudly.“I thought I lost you, Dahlia. I'm sorry for telling you those things and making you pass out,” she kept crying.“Hey, hey. I'm fine.” I tried to pacify her, but heck she just kept crying and blaming herself. In the end, I gave up and let her do her thing.“How long was I unconscious?” I asked when she finally stopped being dramatic.“Three hours, the doctor said you're stressed and starving and it's bad for your pregnancy….”“I swear Dahlia. I didn't know you're pregnant. I wouldn't have stressed you out and made you pass out if I had known. I'm so sorry,” she began crying yet again.I sighed. I never knew Anit
Chapter 10“I'll tell you everything. Promise you'll help me gain back my freedom, please Dahlia…” “What the hell are you rambling about?” I asked, taking steps away from her to have a better view of her face.“Dahlia, please. Let's find somewhere and talk. I promise I'll clear up all of this madness,” Anita kept pleading, almost at the verge of breaking down.“You're my only hope right now, Dahlia. You have to listen to me, please,” she kept pleading.Thinking about how I might have been played, used for a fool and deceived for over five years, made me weak. Yes, Desmond is a cheat, yes, he is trying to kick me out of my company, and yes his family are greedy. I thought that was all there was to it. But now, that wasn't even all.“Come with me,” I mumbled the moment the elevator dinged.We found our way to the waiting area on the obstetrics floor.I settled down and Anita wasted no time taking a seat.“Before I say anything, Dahlia. Promise me you will set me free, please. That's th
Chapter 9DAHLIAOnce I hung up, I unlocked the door and found my way back into the living room. Martha was in the dining area serving some dishes, Anita was right next to her while a pissed off Frank and Gideon were seated on the couch, talking to each other in hushed tones. I wasn't able to grasp what they were saying, but I could swear I heard my name.“Can I have a word with you?” I called out to Martha.She paused and turned in my direction, so did every single person in the room.“You're finally out after disrespecting me!” Frank thundered.But then I wasted no time shushing him. I didn't have his time.“I'm married to your brother, not you Frank. And do not forget you're in my house, one more nonsense from you, I'll be forced to throw you out,” I didn't bother sugarcoating my words.“You!” Frank rose from his seat, but was held back by Gideon.“You don't talk that way to the men in this family!” Gideon was quick to reprimand me.“Remind me how I ended up with these people again
Chapter 8DAHLIA“Why are they suddenly here?”Seeing them at that moment, the realization of what I've been tolerating all in the name of love for Desmond flashed on my mind.I had completely forgotten that they had a key to my home. Desmond had given it to them in the past. I never had an issue with it, because I was so focused on being a good wife and daughter in-law to them. But thinking of it now, that was so stupid of me.“Dahlia….I didn't want to come here today, but I needed some cash. Desmond didn't give me any, can you help me out?” Anita, Desmond's younger sister asked, holding my hand.Mind you, I was still standing outside the door.“I need money too, Dahlia…the allowances you send me are barely enough these days,” Frank, his brother added.“You should increase our allowances too. It's barely enough,” Gideon, Desmond's father added.“Dahlia dear…Can you take me to the hospital later, that's….” Martha was speaking, but then I cut her off, fed up and tired of being treated
Chapter 7DAHLIAI drove behind Desmond from a safe distance and soon, he came to a stop in front of a hotel.I turned off my car and watched him walk into the hotel. I couldn't possibly follow him in there to avoid being discovered. So, I stayed back, never letting my eyes leave the hotel's entrance.Over 30 minutes later, he still wasn't out. I was getting hungry and was already exhausted. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet.My stomach growled, reminding me that I haven't had breakfast yet.I sighed, lowering my head on the steering wheel.“Classic that I'm finding out about all of this while pregnant,” I was nearly in tears.My pregnancy was supposed to be a thing of excitement for Desmond and I. Now, I'm not even sure.“This isn't the time to break down,” I reminded myself.Pulling myself together, I looked towards the hotel's entrance.The sight before me, made me question all I've heard and believed these few days.Outside the hotel was Desmond, walking hand in hand with Sophi
Chapter 6“I should have sent Tony. You've lost your touch, Dahlia. How could you mess this up? You know how much this means to me. You lost a deal that could change our lives, Dahlia….fuck!” Desmond complained, taking a step away from me. My heart wrenched, the harsh reality hitting me so hard, that I almost lost my balance. I held onto the sofa, gripping it so hard, and gnashing my teeth, afraid I’d reveal my true emotions.“You know how much I was looking forward to this deal, Dahl. I sent you because I thought you’d get it, but you flopped it. The business deal was meant to change our whole life, Dahlia. How could you?” he kept complaining, walking around the house and nearly ripping his hair off.His act was so convincing that I almost found myself kneeling to apologize. But then, the fact that everything was playing out exactly the same way Sophia said it would, made me hold back.This man has changed a lot. He isn’t the man I helped up from the slums. He isn’t the man that I’v
Chapter 5“You have just two days, Dahlia. Bring me a better proposal,” Ronan Knight solemnly declared.I just sat there, staring at him, not even a single word coming from me. I was in so much shock and confusion that I forgot I had to thank him.“You may leave,” he said, pointing at the door.I rose to my feet.“Thank you, Mr. Knight,” I managed to let out, then headed for the door.But then he called me back.“Take your proposal with you. It's of no use to me.”The instant he uttered those words, I lowered my head in shame. Never in my years of running a company have I faced an embarrassment like this, even as a rookie, something like this never happened, not even once.I retraced my step with my head bowed, picked up the files and walked out.My head was lowered as I walked from Ronan Knight's office to my car. “Dahlia!” The last voice I wanted to hear at the moment called out to me. It was Sophia.I ignored her, unlocked my car and got in, but then she stepped right in front of
Chapter 4DAHLIA Throughout the entire ride to the Knights Cooperation, I kept having an internal war with myself. “Was my marriage going to fall apart?” I couldn't stop worrying. I met Desmond when he was at his lowest. I could never forget that eventful day. I was driving home from work after a late night shift, when I was suddenly flagged down by a yelling man, it was Desmond. His mum was in a critical condition and needed urgent medical care. I drove them to the hospital that day and even went as far as helping pay the medical bills, having figured out he had no money. After that day, Desmond and I became really close and in less than a month, he asked me out. I brought his family out of the slums and gave them an apartment, started a business for his father, made sure his mum got the best medical care and even put his siblings who were dropped out, back into school. Then offered Desmond a place in my company. Desmond and I got closer and closer after these and eventually go
Chapter 3DAHLIA Walking from the coffee shop to my car suddenly felt like an extreme sport. My heart was in turmoil. I was exhausted by everything. “Who do I believe? My husband or a woman who I’m sure badly wants to seduce him?” Never have I been this confused and drained. Today was supposed to be a big day for me, I can’t believe I’m ending it with worries and restlessness. Getting into my car, I drove back home with an unclear head, deciding to pull myself together before Desmond gets home. But then, by the time I got home, Desmond was already back. “You're finally back,” he exclaimed in excitement the moment I walked in. He was still on his work shirt, a clear indication that he just got home. He wore an apron and was making dinner. “You said you'd get something on your way home,” I pointed out, staring at him. “Oh, about that. I decided to just make you something myself. It's better than eating out,” he smiled yet again. I stood there, staring at him. All doubts sudde