Marietta’s POV
“I can’t believe you are still in bed!”
“And why haven’t you packed up earlier?” he questioned, with a furrowed brow.
“Michael, I’m sick,” I responded weakly.
“Are you aware that your flight is scheduled to take off five hours from now?!”
“I think I might have caught a fever last night.”
“Stop lying, Etta." Michael retorted.
“I’m not, I snapped.
You are leaving this afternoon. I’ll drive you to the airport and you must leave even if you don’t want to!” Michael flared up and left in anger.
I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. I cannot believe Michael would volunteer to drive me to the airport in person.
“C’mon Marietta, don’t be stupid. He just wants to make sure you get to the airport,” I scoffed in disbelief before closing the door.
I dragged myself towards the bed since I felt so tired, maybe a nap would do.
“A hundred degrees?” I exclaimed upon seeing the result on my thermometer.
“My fever is getting out of hand,” I whispered.
Dropping my traveling bag, I reached out for my locker to get some medicine to make me feel better.
“Jesus! I almost forgot. I can’t use this,” I quickly spit out the medicine.
It struck me that I might hurt my baby. I can’t take chances for my baby’s health.
I was about to g****e if it was safe to use medicine while pregnant but I suddenly felt like throwing up.
I raced towards the bathroom without thinking. I wasn’t looking when I slipped on the wet tiles and slumped.
“Jeez! Fuck!” I winced in pain. Taking a moment to catch my breath.
“My ankle! Damn it!” I cried out in pain.
Trying to get up on my feet, I heard Michael’s angry voice from the bathroom.
“What the hell is keeping her late? Marietta, aren’t you supposed to be done with the packing by now?!” Michael shouted.
Just as I heard the door open, I managed to walk out of the bathroom, looking exhausted.
“I can’t even believe you are not dressed yet?” Michael stared in disbelief.
Right now, I’m too weak to respond.
“You know what, get dressed! You are leaving now!” He commanded.
I watched him throw some clothes and a few random items into my suitcase while I got dressed to leave.
He grabbed my hand in no time and dragged me downstairs.
Just as we got downstairs, I was still feeling dizzy which caused me not to remember to ask Michael if he had picked the baby’s things.
But on second thought, with me being half awake, I knew better that Michael didn’t even want the baby.
I don’t think letting Michael know about the baby’s existence is the right thing.
He might suggest an abortion, and I don’t think I’m down for that.
Upon getting to the airport, Michael didn’t even step one foot out of the car.
“Alex, walk her down,” he ordered his personal assistant, who did exactly as he was told.
Just as I was about to leave, Alex bowed to me before adding. “According to my boss, he asked me to tell you that Granny Lorette will put some money in your bank account,”
“Oh, okay.” I blinked in disbelief. But at the same time, I was happy and relieved.
At least I’ll be able to keep some money for raising my baby. And also to survive abroad.
“And she hopes you could place a call to her when you arrive over there,” Alex replied and left.
A MONTH LATER
Just as I waited for my bitchy roommate to finish her phone call, I heaved a sigh.
“Valerie, please could you help me with my house rent? Just this time alone. I promise I’m going to pay back.”
I watched Valerie roll her eyes in frustration. “Seriously? I’ve helped you with one month's rent, Etta. If you are this poor, then you are disqualified from acting already! Jeez!” Valerie lashed.
I’ve always loved to act, right from when I was young–I have a passion for it.
And as I watched Valerie leave the room I could hear her mutter some embarrassing words.
“I just hope she didn’t steal the money she used to pay her tuition f*e,”
I heaved a sigh, picked up my phone, and checked my bank app countless times but still, I couldn’t find any transferred money.
“I have no clue as to why my bank account got frozen either,” I whispered.
I’ve been doing part-time jobs for a whole month now, and I’ve managed to sell some cherished things but I could barely even survive now.
“I guess this is not even working. Maybe I should quit my studies. I’m so confused.” I teared up instantly.
I wiped off my tears and reached out for my phone’s contact list again, and again.
“She’s not picking,” I covered my mouth, so I wouldn’t have to cry out loud.
I’ve been calling Granny Lorette for some time now, but no reply.
“I’ve got the regular pregnancy check-up next week. And I’ve got no money,” I felt tears rolling down my cheeks as I hugged my pregnancy bump.
At this point, I think I need to reach out to Michael.
As I anxiously waited for Michael to answer the call, I was shocked when he picks the call on the fourth ring.
“Michael?” I called.
“Yes, what do you want?” Michael answered.
Upon hearing the voice of the man I’ve been in love with for years, I almost cried.
But I knew I had to control myself.
“Did Grandmother change her number? I have something to tell her, please,” I asked calmly.
“Well, just so you know, I asked her to change her number because of you! ” He sneered, making me feel more bad.
“I did that so you can stop disturbing my Grandmother! Thanks to Katty who gave me this wise advice” he raged.
“Why did you call?”
Marietta’s POVEIGHT MONTHS LATERIt's been nine month of pain, severe discomfort, and hard work. “The baby is here. One last push.” The nurse encouraged me.With sweats dripping off my body, I made the last push in screams.Tears rolloed out of my eyes, as I felt at ease. The baby had came early, I thought I was going to die, since this was my first time. Also luckily for me, the baby seemed healthy in the nurse’s arms.Staring at my baby weakly, I couldn’t help but mutter to myself “Finally I have a family in this world now,” Having said that, I passed out. The knock on the door had woken me up from my sleep–it was a nurse.“Hi. How are you feeling?” The nurse smiled at me.“I’m fine. What about my baby?” I quickly asked.“Trust me your baby is fine. A nurse will bring your baby soon,” she replied, checking my drip.“I don’t know if I should do this, but I don’t have a choice.” She replied.“What is it?” I stuttered in fear.“The hospital bills need…” the nurse hesitated.The h
Marietta's POVWith the whole camera flash, I fell short of words. Lately, I've been trying to keep my personal life secret. But one way or the other, I still couldn't curb it."Ms. Etta, is it true you have a daughter?" Another report asked, but I ignored it."Boss," My personal assistant, Clara called from afar and I felt relieved. Quickly my bodyguards swung into action, helping me towards the car.Just as I got into the car, my phone rang. "Hi, Etta. I saw the news. How are you doing?" “Hi, Bella. I’m okay thanks. It's nothing,” I responded, taking off my glasses.“Well, Valerie her is save and happy here with me. But, just one thing– she asks of Mommy every time.” Bella replied.“Thanks, Bella. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me. From taking care of Valerie to helping me during my antenatal. I feel so indebted to you.” I heaved a sigh.“C’mon, Etta. You don’t have to be like this. Since the first time I met you at the subway train station. I knew we’d be best of
Marietta's POVI could tell Michael could see the anger in my eyes. "Thank you, sir, for coming." Katty's voice interrupted our conversation. Michael lingered for some minutes before turning towards the crowd. I blinked back my tears. "You are strong, Etta." I reminded myself."Thank you for coming," Mr. Lucian climbed the stage. Giving each of the star representatives from different countries a handshake."Ms. Etta, I would love to meet with you after the party," Mr. Lucian shook my hand while I nodded.Walking out of the stage, I made my way outside. "Are you okay" Clara my assistant asked."Yes. I just need some air," I heaved a sigh. "Do you need me to come with you?" Clara questioned.Looking around, I felt relieved seeing that Michael had gone. "No, I'll be fine on my own,"Upon getting outside, a masculine voice echoed from behind. At first, I thought it was one of those disturbing reporters. But I was wrong. "Michael? What the hell do you want from me?!" I flinched. "I w
Michael's POVTWO DAYS TO MARIETTA'S ARRIVAL "What's the latest update, Alex?" "It appears that she's the latest movie star in France right now," Alex answered."Here are photos of her, and her baby," Alex added.With shaky hands, I took one of the photos Alex had placed on my table."This is Etta now?" I asked in disbelief. "She looks-""Beautiful?" Alex responded.I thought I was the only one who noticed that. It's been three years, and I could not believe I left her all by herself."She's a movie star now," Alex broke the silence."I can see that Alex. You don't need to remind me," I shut my eyes close.The last time she called me, I had lied to her. Letting her know Granny Lorette will send some money."God! Why did I do that?" I whispered, shutting my laptop closed."She will be back in America in the next two days," Alex reported. "Is she married?" I quickly chipped in. I'm sure she wasn't with child when she left. Could she have gotten another man? Am I regretting everythin
Marietta’s POV I don't know why my heart keeps racing when I see Michael. “You can't possibly tell me you still love him? After everything he's done,” Bella yelled over the phone. “I don't know, Bella. I'm confused. I saw him today. He asked after his daughter,” I whispered. Turning on the air conditioner, I lay on the bed exhausted. “He knows you have a daughter?” Bella questioned in surprise. “My personal life has been getting out somehow. I don't know what to do, Bella. I'm now a star, remember?” I heaved a sigh. “What do you want to do? What if he wants to claim Valerie?” Bella asked further. “Valerie is sleeping, right?” I questioned. Valerie is just three years old, but she is smarter than any kids I know of. “You know what, just make sure her face isn't seen by anyone. Stick to the plan.” I warned Bella. “I've got a lot of events ahead of me in the morning. And I need to wake up early.” I thanked Bella, hung the call, and dosed off. ******Clara’s call had woken me u
Michael’s POV “I'm sorry, Etta,” I repeat. “Don't come closer!” She yelled.“I know what I did was wrong. Please,” I tried to hold her, but she seemed to be disgusted by my presence. “It's been three years, Michael.” She started.“You and granny left me for three good years in an unknown land.” She took a step back.“I know I did really bad. Please give me a chance to correct my mistakes. Please,” I pleaded further. “I didn't come here for this. So, please, leave! You are dead to me already,” she closed her eyes and was about to walk away. “I'm sorry, but I can't let you go. Consider Valerie,” I proposed. “Valerie?” She yanked her hand off. “She was never yours, and will never be!” She spat. “Now let me go!” She snapped.“I'm sorry, Etta.” I held her hand tighter. “Michael, Leave me alone!” she struggled with my grip. “Let the woman go, young man. I believe you to be a gentleman,” a masculine voice echoed from behind.Isn't this the man who was flirting with her a couple of m
Marietta's POV “Etta, please. Don’t do this,” Michael pleaded.“Don’t come closer, please,” I yelled. “Etty, sweetheart. I know we’ve wronged you, But please, let’s make amends,” Granny Lorette almost knelt.“I’ve forgiven you. But I don’t want to have anything to do with any of you again,” I charged and left immediately.“Etta!” Michael called. “Clara, get the car door, now!” I ordered.I was in the car before Michael could get a hold of me.As I watched him through the car’s rare mirror, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had done too much. “Ma’am,” Clara broke the chain of my thoughts.“Yes, what is it?” I questioned.“It’s Mr. Felix. He said you cannot cancel the deal with the Whitmore,” Clara cleared her throat.“What do you mean by that?” I frowned in confusion.“He said they are one of the largest stakeholders in the company,” Clara explained.“I don’t want to have anything to do with those people!” I cried.“You have a call,” Clara passed my phone to me. It was Bella.“Bella
Marietta’s POV“Cancel every meeting for tomorrow. Book a flight to France. Now Clara!” I ordered.“Hey, Etta. Calm down.” Elsie grabbed my face.“It’s alright,” he patted my head.Placing my head on his chest, I wept.“I promise you, she’ll be fine,” Elsie assured me.“Do you want me to come with you?” Elsie asked.“Someone needs to be here. We’ve got a movie cast in a few days to Christmas, Elsie.” I wiped off my tears.“I have to go,” I said. “I’ll always call you. If you need anything from me, don’t hesitate to let me know, okay?” Elsie shouted from behind.It took me two hours before I got to the airport. “Clara, you won’t be going with me. But please, give Elsie all the support he needs.” “Yes, ma’am,” Clara bowed.My flight was a very tiring one. I couldn’t help myself.All through the journey, I was just tearing up. Making use of my scarf to cover my face. Since I was in first class, there was less disturbance from fans.It took me ten hours to get off the plane. I didn’t wa
Marietta’s POV“Cancel every meeting for tomorrow. Book a flight to France. Now Clara!” I ordered.“Hey, Etta. Calm down.” Elsie grabbed my face.“It’s alright,” he patted my head.Placing my head on his chest, I wept.“I promise you, she’ll be fine,” Elsie assured me.“Do you want me to come with you?” Elsie asked.“Someone needs to be here. We’ve got a movie cast in a few days to Christmas, Elsie.” I wiped off my tears.“I have to go,” I said. “I’ll always call you. If you need anything from me, don’t hesitate to let me know, okay?” Elsie shouted from behind.It took me two hours before I got to the airport. “Clara, you won’t be going with me. But please, give Elsie all the support he needs.” “Yes, ma’am,” Clara bowed.My flight was a very tiring one. I couldn’t help myself.All through the journey, I was just tearing up. Making use of my scarf to cover my face. Since I was in first class, there was less disturbance from fans.It took me ten hours to get off the plane. I didn’t wa
Marietta's POV “Etta, please. Don’t do this,” Michael pleaded.“Don’t come closer, please,” I yelled. “Etty, sweetheart. I know we’ve wronged you, But please, let’s make amends,” Granny Lorette almost knelt.“I’ve forgiven you. But I don’t want to have anything to do with any of you again,” I charged and left immediately.“Etta!” Michael called. “Clara, get the car door, now!” I ordered.I was in the car before Michael could get a hold of me.As I watched him through the car’s rare mirror, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had done too much. “Ma’am,” Clara broke the chain of my thoughts.“Yes, what is it?” I questioned.“It’s Mr. Felix. He said you cannot cancel the deal with the Whitmore,” Clara cleared her throat.“What do you mean by that?” I frowned in confusion.“He said they are one of the largest stakeholders in the company,” Clara explained.“I don’t want to have anything to do with those people!” I cried.“You have a call,” Clara passed my phone to me. It was Bella.“Bella
Michael’s POV “I'm sorry, Etta,” I repeat. “Don't come closer!” She yelled.“I know what I did was wrong. Please,” I tried to hold her, but she seemed to be disgusted by my presence. “It's been three years, Michael.” She started.“You and granny left me for three good years in an unknown land.” She took a step back.“I know I did really bad. Please give me a chance to correct my mistakes. Please,” I pleaded further. “I didn't come here for this. So, please, leave! You are dead to me already,” she closed her eyes and was about to walk away. “I'm sorry, but I can't let you go. Consider Valerie,” I proposed. “Valerie?” She yanked her hand off. “She was never yours, and will never be!” She spat. “Now let me go!” She snapped.“I'm sorry, Etta.” I held her hand tighter. “Michael, Leave me alone!” she struggled with my grip. “Let the woman go, young man. I believe you to be a gentleman,” a masculine voice echoed from behind.Isn't this the man who was flirting with her a couple of m
Marietta’s POV I don't know why my heart keeps racing when I see Michael. “You can't possibly tell me you still love him? After everything he's done,” Bella yelled over the phone. “I don't know, Bella. I'm confused. I saw him today. He asked after his daughter,” I whispered. Turning on the air conditioner, I lay on the bed exhausted. “He knows you have a daughter?” Bella questioned in surprise. “My personal life has been getting out somehow. I don't know what to do, Bella. I'm now a star, remember?” I heaved a sigh. “What do you want to do? What if he wants to claim Valerie?” Bella asked further. “Valerie is sleeping, right?” I questioned. Valerie is just three years old, but she is smarter than any kids I know of. “You know what, just make sure her face isn't seen by anyone. Stick to the plan.” I warned Bella. “I've got a lot of events ahead of me in the morning. And I need to wake up early.” I thanked Bella, hung the call, and dosed off. ******Clara’s call had woken me u
Michael's POVTWO DAYS TO MARIETTA'S ARRIVAL "What's the latest update, Alex?" "It appears that she's the latest movie star in France right now," Alex answered."Here are photos of her, and her baby," Alex added.With shaky hands, I took one of the photos Alex had placed on my table."This is Etta now?" I asked in disbelief. "She looks-""Beautiful?" Alex responded.I thought I was the only one who noticed that. It's been three years, and I could not believe I left her all by herself."She's a movie star now," Alex broke the silence."I can see that Alex. You don't need to remind me," I shut my eyes close.The last time she called me, I had lied to her. Letting her know Granny Lorette will send some money."God! Why did I do that?" I whispered, shutting my laptop closed."She will be back in America in the next two days," Alex reported. "Is she married?" I quickly chipped in. I'm sure she wasn't with child when she left. Could she have gotten another man? Am I regretting everythin
Marietta's POVI could tell Michael could see the anger in my eyes. "Thank you, sir, for coming." Katty's voice interrupted our conversation. Michael lingered for some minutes before turning towards the crowd. I blinked back my tears. "You are strong, Etta." I reminded myself."Thank you for coming," Mr. Lucian climbed the stage. Giving each of the star representatives from different countries a handshake."Ms. Etta, I would love to meet with you after the party," Mr. Lucian shook my hand while I nodded.Walking out of the stage, I made my way outside. "Are you okay" Clara my assistant asked."Yes. I just need some air," I heaved a sigh. "Do you need me to come with you?" Clara questioned.Looking around, I felt relieved seeing that Michael had gone. "No, I'll be fine on my own,"Upon getting outside, a masculine voice echoed from behind. At first, I thought it was one of those disturbing reporters. But I was wrong. "Michael? What the hell do you want from me?!" I flinched. "I w
Marietta's POVWith the whole camera flash, I fell short of words. Lately, I've been trying to keep my personal life secret. But one way or the other, I still couldn't curb it."Ms. Etta, is it true you have a daughter?" Another report asked, but I ignored it."Boss," My personal assistant, Clara called from afar and I felt relieved. Quickly my bodyguards swung into action, helping me towards the car.Just as I got into the car, my phone rang. "Hi, Etta. I saw the news. How are you doing?" “Hi, Bella. I’m okay thanks. It's nothing,” I responded, taking off my glasses.“Well, Valerie her is save and happy here with me. But, just one thing– she asks of Mommy every time.” Bella replied.“Thanks, Bella. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me. From taking care of Valerie to helping me during my antenatal. I feel so indebted to you.” I heaved a sigh.“C’mon, Etta. You don’t have to be like this. Since the first time I met you at the subway train station. I knew we’d be best of
Marietta’s POVEIGHT MONTHS LATERIt's been nine month of pain, severe discomfort, and hard work. “The baby is here. One last push.” The nurse encouraged me.With sweats dripping off my body, I made the last push in screams.Tears rolloed out of my eyes, as I felt at ease. The baby had came early, I thought I was going to die, since this was my first time. Also luckily for me, the baby seemed healthy in the nurse’s arms.Staring at my baby weakly, I couldn’t help but mutter to myself “Finally I have a family in this world now,” Having said that, I passed out. The knock on the door had woken me up from my sleep–it was a nurse.“Hi. How are you feeling?” The nurse smiled at me.“I’m fine. What about my baby?” I quickly asked.“Trust me your baby is fine. A nurse will bring your baby soon,” she replied, checking my drip.“I don’t know if I should do this, but I don’t have a choice.” She replied.“What is it?” I stuttered in fear.“The hospital bills need…” the nurse hesitated.The h
Marietta’s POV“I can’t believe you are still in bed!” “And why haven’t you packed up earlier?” he questioned, with a furrowed brow.“Michael, I’m sick,” I responded weakly.“Are you aware that your flight is scheduled to take off five hours from now?!” “I think I might have caught a fever last night.” “Stop lying, Etta." Michael retorted.“I’m not, I snapped.You are leaving this afternoon. I’ll drive you to the airport and you must leave even if you don’t want to!” Michael flared up and left in anger.I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. I cannot believe Michael would volunteer to drive me to the airport in person.“C’mon Marietta, don’t be stupid. He just wants to make sure you get to the airport,” I scoffed in disbelief before closing the door. I dragged myself towards the bed since I felt so tired, maybe a nap would do.“A hundred degrees?” I exclaimed upon seeing the result on my thermometer.“My fever is getting out of hand,” I whispered.Dropping my traveling bag, I reached