When he mentioned my pregnancy, I narrowed my eyes at him and wondered how the Hell he knew about my condition. For several days, I tried to ignore the issue. As soon as I noticed the delay in my monthly period, I purchased a pregnancy kit that could help me confirm my suspicion.
When it was time to use it, I waited patiently, and when it turned out to be positive, I nearly collapsed inside the bathroom. It was such a shocking turn of events, but I couldn't blame anyone for my negligence. I wasn't taking birth control pills when I allowed him to sleep with me. It was reckless, but I was not thinking correctly during those times and let my emotions take over my mind. I let my emotions control me, so I had to bear the consequences of my actions.
"I am going to raise my child alone," I declared in front of my father.
"Says who? I won't let you ruin our reputation," he stated in a monotone which was even scarier.
"Daddy! What about my life? Is it more important than our name? Are you willing to ruin me to save your blasted name? How heartless you can you be to your only daughter?" Numerous questions wanted to come out of my mouth, but then it was too hard to speak even a single word, and just let my tears fall, and turned around without saying anything! I was aware of his treatment, but it was the least I had expected from my father.
"Selena! Open the damn door!" He shouted outside my room, but I ignored him. I didn't listen to him, and I didn't cringe even when he kicked the door.
He shouted for my name several times, but I didn't give a damn. I tried to play some music to block every sound coming from outside, but later on, I was pissed at listening to those hurtful lyrics and turned it off.
However, the silence was deafening, and it was even worse!
"No, I'm not going to marry him!"
When I woke up in the morning, I refused to look at my reflection in the mirror because I knew that I would only look horrible after crying all night. When I went downstairs for breakfast, I immediately searched for my aunt, but she was not around.
"Good morning, Selena!"
I glared at the man who greeted me first, and his wide grin faded immediately upon seeing my expression. "What's good in the morning, Robert?" I asked him, and the darn man just ignored my crankiness and acted calmly. Robert Dixon has been a friend from the university where I took Business Management, and he was related to Layla. I wondered if his businesses have suffered financially or if he wouldn't be desperate to offer himself as a sacrificial lamb.
"Well, it's good to see your pretty face again," he declared, and my father was pleased with his casual remark.
"Did my father tell you that I am carrying another man's child?" The inquiry shocked both men who were at the table, but I couldn't be stopped. I should put an end to his delusion that some would be willing to raise another man's child without raising a concern.
"Yes," Robert replied without changing his expression. He remained calm, and I couldn't tell if he was disappointed at the news.
"And yet, you want to proceed with this ridiculous wedding," I told him while taking a sip of the coffee that was served, but Robert suddenly took the cup away.
"If you're pregnant, then you should minimize drinking coffee. It's not good for the baby," he stated with sincerity in his voice.
"Oh, my God! Are you going to do this?" I was disappointed at Robert's nonchalant attitude early in the morning.
"Why not? It's a good partnership, and both of us can benefit from it," he answered without considering future events.
"What if you will fall in love with another woman while being married to me? It would be a disaster!"
"If she's richer than you, then I may consider voiding our marriage."
"W-what?"
"Darling, this is a business arrangement," he added, and I felt so disgusted at every word coming out of his mouth.
When I glanced at my father, he was oblivious to the harsh exchange of words between Robert and me. "You will regret it, I assure you," I warned him that marrying me would be similar to living in Hell, and he just chuckled.
"You should be happy about this, Selena."
"Happy? Never! Daddy, please don't force me into this…again!" I ended up begging at Felix Montes, but he was so heartless, just like the last time. "Sometimes, I wonder if you are truly my father," I murmured, and the response I got from him was shocking. After he slammed the table, he stood up and left.
"You are a scumbag if you're going to proceed with this, Robert. Please, don't waste your future with me," I told him.
"Practically speaking, my future is brighter if I am going to do this. After all, you are the only heir of Felix Montes," he stated the obvious on why he agreed to marry me.
"Bastard!" I cursed at him, but Robert was stubborn as a bull, and he just continued eating his breakfast without totally minding me.
"Calm down, dear. Sooner or later, you will find out that it's a win-win situation for both of us," he told me.
"A win-win situation? Who are you kidding? You are just going to use me and my money!"
"That and some other reasons," he replied.
"Does Layla know about you being a scheming bastard? I bet she would be shocked to know that his honorable cousin has gone too low to do this."
"Watch your mouth, Selena, or you will regret it," he warned me, and the intensity of his gaze caused me to shiver.
"Is that a threat? Why, Robert? Do you plan to kill me after the wedding? Hah, if you believe that you can have everything under my name after killing me, think again. There's no way I will proceed with this wedding without a prenuptial agreement!"
"What if you will think about the positive side of this union? Look at me, Selena. Am I not handsome? You knew me longer than that guy, and you used to like me!"
"Yeah, I used to like you, but it's all in the past, and I had no idea about this scary character of you. God, I regret having a crush on a guy like yourself!" Robert just laughed, as if the words coming out of my mouth were not spiteful and full of anger. I sighed in disappointment when I couldn't put some sense into Robert's thick skull and stood up to leave.
"Sit down and eat," he ordered.
"Did you just order me to sit down?" I was aghast at the way he said those words because it reminded me about Lee. I closed my eyes before I glowered them towards Robert. "Know your place in this household, sir!"
"Do you think I don't know that? In a few weeks, you are going to be my wife, and once it happened, you are bound to serve me day and night!"
"If you are trying to scare me right now, I'm shivering in fear," I made fun of his warning. When I looked at him again, I was shocked that he could look so menacing and scary, just like Lee when he's mad.
"Sit down, or I will not hesitate to spank you like an undisciplined toddler!"
"Scary," I replied and proceeded to walk away.
When Robert called my name again, I was worried he would do something terrible to me, so I ran away, and I heard him laugh from a distance. What's his deal? I tried to call Layla to ask her some questions about Robert, but her phone was turned off.With a heavy heart, I went outside for fresh air. From the balcony, I strolled towards our manicured garden and headed towards the swing. I missed spending time in the swing with Lee or my aunt. Speaking of which, I recalled I had something to discuss with Aunt Jenny, so I immediately dialed her phone number.However, it was out of the coverage area. I tried again, but I got the same result. Anyway, I gave up on calling her and shifted my focus to the surroundings. While staring at the budding flower close to me, I couldn't stop thinking about Lee. Every day, I have been checking for an article that would mention the union of Katherine Hamilton and Liam Salcedo, but I couldn't find any write-ups.For the nth time, I sighed in frustration. I
Robert was rendered speechless, but it didn't take him long to change his expression. In a split second, he stared daggers at me, and the way he looked at my neck, and I was worried he would strangle me to death. For a moment, I felt relieved that my father hired a new bodyguard who was probably lurking near us to save me anytime. "Are you looking for the bodyguard? I'm sorry to disappoint you, Selena, but he's not here now and wouldn't be able to save you. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?" "Yes!" I replied, and without any warning, I ran towards the safety of my room. When I heard him call my name again, my hands shook in fear. When I looked behind my shoulders, I saw him move a little, and as he got closer to me, I became so nervous and almost peed on my clothes. I pointed my finger at him and warned him incessantly not to come closer, but he merely grinned as if there was something funny going on. "Stop where you are right now!" I shouted at him. "Selena, what's
When Robert stared at me for a second, I thought he would rebut my accusation, but he remained staring at me, and it was uncomfortable. When he remained silent and just stared, I arched my brows at him and asked, “Are you not going to say anything?” “You used to like me when we were younger,” he said, implying that I had a crush on him in the past. I thought I would die of annoyance when he mentioned the ‘crush thing’ from the past. “It’s all in the past, Robert. While it is true that you are still good-looking, I don’t think I can survive living with you. You smelled like a dead person!” “Having body odour is normal, isn’t it?” “Oh, my God! Here we go again,” I let out a sigh of exasperation. When he tried to come closer to me, I yelled and turned around. I hurried towards the door, my hand covering my lips with the other hand. He had feet that smelled like a dead animal, and I felt sick to my stomach! Could he get any more repulsive? “Selena, wait!” “Stay where you are, please
Robert remained quiet and puckered his lips in response, and I frowned at him! Was he under the impression that he could intimidate me with a severe look on his face? He has to rethink his position! I stepped away as he walked towards me as if he was going to kiss me! As soon as he got close enough to kiss me, I ran upstairs like a coward and didn’t look back. An hour later, I went downstairs to talk to my father, who had just gotten home. It was up to me to persuade him that my marriage to Robert would be a complete catastrophe. The bodyguard stayed in the shadows but kept a close eye on me at all times. “Daddy, can we talk?” “Can you tell me what it is this time?” He inquired in a severe tone that made my palms shiver in terror every time he spoke. “I don’t get along with Robert, Daddy.” “You’re not required to do so. Just get married to him and let him save you from total humiliation! Your future is safe in Robert’s capable hands!” He said it in a matter-of-fact tone, which I
The skyline was dotted with towering buildings, many constructed within the previous ten years or less. The city was seeing unprecedented growth in employment, which has received a great deal of attention. Several distinct cultures have left their imprints on education and the personality of the city as a whole. What was once a city of little variety has evolved into a fusion of everything. The sense of belonging to a heterogeneous society has made its imprint. One may choose from hundreds of clubs, theme restaurants, and diners. Those looking for something different could go sightseeing, touring the city, doing aerobics, or visiting one of the numerous other recreational places. “My parents can be talkative sometimes,” he suddenly said while he turned left in the next corner. “Your parents? Wait, are you saying that we are going to dine with them?” “Yes. We are heading towards one of your restaurants,” he said. I slapped his arm to question his motive, but he just ignored it. Th
The majority of the female guests were taken aback by the edginess of my wedding dress, but the majority of the male attendees were drawn to my cleavages. I shook my head in surprise when I realised that even married guys were staring. When a marching song began to play in the background, my father appeared behind me, and the two of us went together toward the red carpet that had been spread out on the ground. Over the years, he practiced hypocrisy, and he successfully convinced everyone that we were on good terms. “You should get an award for being the finest actor in the world, Daddy,” I said with my teeth gritted, and when I turned to look at him, he grinned at me. “It will be over soon,” he whispered back as if his statement would make a difference. I was so preoccupied with my predicament that I completely missed the presence of the guy waiting for me at the altar. I looked around for my groom, but I couldn’t seem to locate him anywhere. “Can you tell me where Robert is?” “T
I was taken aback by the property where he took me after the wedding. From the exterior, this property seemed to be luxurious. It was constructed of grey brickwork and had white cedarwood ornamentation. Tall, circular windows allowed plenty of natural light to enter the residence, and they have been strategically placed throughout the structure in a reasonably symmetrical design. The property was furnished with a standard kitchen and three bathrooms, a large living room, two bedrooms, a small dining area, a library, and an oversized garage with plenty of parking spaces. The structure has a rectangular form to it, and beautifully landscaped grounds completely encircled it. A large number of smaller windows would let plenty of natural light enter the rooms below the roof. Besides the home itself, there was paved land around it with numerous party areas, such as a luxury grill and a campfire. I was amazed at the design, but it was expected for Liam to own something gorgeous. “Vera buil
The charge leveled against me by my father was the most absurd thing I had ever heard in my life! His demeanor revealed a great deal about him, and I couldn't believe he was my father and shook my head in amazement. ”Scammed? He is not a con artist!” When I stood up for my boyfriend against his charges, he burst out laughing in response. The fact that he doubted my ability to assess a person's character was insulting to me! “So, who exactly is he? An opportunistic gold-digger?” He shouted. Despite my best efforts, he continued to degrade the man I loved the most, and every time he opened his blasted mouth, I wanted to slap him in the face to silence him, but I couldn't be violent towards my father. “I recently found out that you took a sizable sum of money out of your savings,” he added. “Dad, you're harsh and judgmental, to say the least! Just because someone is not well-off does not imply that he is an opportunist!!” Upon hearing my explanation, he grinned. “Wait till your ban
I was taken aback by the property where he took me after the wedding. From the exterior, this property seemed to be luxurious. It was constructed of grey brickwork and had white cedarwood ornamentation. Tall, circular windows allowed plenty of natural light to enter the residence, and they have been strategically placed throughout the structure in a reasonably symmetrical design. The property was furnished with a standard kitchen and three bathrooms, a large living room, two bedrooms, a small dining area, a library, and an oversized garage with plenty of parking spaces. The structure has a rectangular form to it, and beautifully landscaped grounds completely encircled it. A large number of smaller windows would let plenty of natural light enter the rooms below the roof. Besides the home itself, there was paved land around it with numerous party areas, such as a luxury grill and a campfire. I was amazed at the design, but it was expected for Liam to own something gorgeous. “Vera buil
The majority of the female guests were taken aback by the edginess of my wedding dress, but the majority of the male attendees were drawn to my cleavages. I shook my head in surprise when I realised that even married guys were staring. When a marching song began to play in the background, my father appeared behind me, and the two of us went together toward the red carpet that had been spread out on the ground. Over the years, he practiced hypocrisy, and he successfully convinced everyone that we were on good terms. “You should get an award for being the finest actor in the world, Daddy,” I said with my teeth gritted, and when I turned to look at him, he grinned at me. “It will be over soon,” he whispered back as if his statement would make a difference. I was so preoccupied with my predicament that I completely missed the presence of the guy waiting for me at the altar. I looked around for my groom, but I couldn’t seem to locate him anywhere. “Can you tell me where Robert is?” “T
The skyline was dotted with towering buildings, many constructed within the previous ten years or less. The city was seeing unprecedented growth in employment, which has received a great deal of attention. Several distinct cultures have left their imprints on education and the personality of the city as a whole. What was once a city of little variety has evolved into a fusion of everything. The sense of belonging to a heterogeneous society has made its imprint. One may choose from hundreds of clubs, theme restaurants, and diners. Those looking for something different could go sightseeing, touring the city, doing aerobics, or visiting one of the numerous other recreational places. “My parents can be talkative sometimes,” he suddenly said while he turned left in the next corner. “Your parents? Wait, are you saying that we are going to dine with them?” “Yes. We are heading towards one of your restaurants,” he said. I slapped his arm to question his motive, but he just ignored it. Th
Robert remained quiet and puckered his lips in response, and I frowned at him! Was he under the impression that he could intimidate me with a severe look on his face? He has to rethink his position! I stepped away as he walked towards me as if he was going to kiss me! As soon as he got close enough to kiss me, I ran upstairs like a coward and didn’t look back. An hour later, I went downstairs to talk to my father, who had just gotten home. It was up to me to persuade him that my marriage to Robert would be a complete catastrophe. The bodyguard stayed in the shadows but kept a close eye on me at all times. “Daddy, can we talk?” “Can you tell me what it is this time?” He inquired in a severe tone that made my palms shiver in terror every time he spoke. “I don’t get along with Robert, Daddy.” “You’re not required to do so. Just get married to him and let him save you from total humiliation! Your future is safe in Robert’s capable hands!” He said it in a matter-of-fact tone, which I
When Robert stared at me for a second, I thought he would rebut my accusation, but he remained staring at me, and it was uncomfortable. When he remained silent and just stared, I arched my brows at him and asked, “Are you not going to say anything?” “You used to like me when we were younger,” he said, implying that I had a crush on him in the past. I thought I would die of annoyance when he mentioned the ‘crush thing’ from the past. “It’s all in the past, Robert. While it is true that you are still good-looking, I don’t think I can survive living with you. You smelled like a dead person!” “Having body odour is normal, isn’t it?” “Oh, my God! Here we go again,” I let out a sigh of exasperation. When he tried to come closer to me, I yelled and turned around. I hurried towards the door, my hand covering my lips with the other hand. He had feet that smelled like a dead animal, and I felt sick to my stomach! Could he get any more repulsive? “Selena, wait!” “Stay where you are, please
Robert was rendered speechless, but it didn't take him long to change his expression. In a split second, he stared daggers at me, and the way he looked at my neck, and I was worried he would strangle me to death. For a moment, I felt relieved that my father hired a new bodyguard who was probably lurking near us to save me anytime. "Are you looking for the bodyguard? I'm sorry to disappoint you, Selena, but he's not here now and wouldn't be able to save you. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?" "Yes!" I replied, and without any warning, I ran towards the safety of my room. When I heard him call my name again, my hands shook in fear. When I looked behind my shoulders, I saw him move a little, and as he got closer to me, I became so nervous and almost peed on my clothes. I pointed my finger at him and warned him incessantly not to come closer, but he merely grinned as if there was something funny going on. "Stop where you are right now!" I shouted at him. "Selena, what's
When Robert called my name again, I was worried he would do something terrible to me, so I ran away, and I heard him laugh from a distance. What's his deal? I tried to call Layla to ask her some questions about Robert, but her phone was turned off.With a heavy heart, I went outside for fresh air. From the balcony, I strolled towards our manicured garden and headed towards the swing. I missed spending time in the swing with Lee or my aunt. Speaking of which, I recalled I had something to discuss with Aunt Jenny, so I immediately dialed her phone number.However, it was out of the coverage area. I tried again, but I got the same result. Anyway, I gave up on calling her and shifted my focus to the surroundings. While staring at the budding flower close to me, I couldn't stop thinking about Lee. Every day, I have been checking for an article that would mention the union of Katherine Hamilton and Liam Salcedo, but I couldn't find any write-ups.For the nth time, I sighed in frustration. I
When he mentioned my pregnancy, I narrowed my eyes at him and wondered how the Hell he knew about my condition. For several days, I tried to ignore the issue. As soon as I noticed the delay in my monthly period, I purchased a pregnancy kit that could help me confirm my suspicion. When it was time to use it, I waited patiently, and when it turned out to be positive, I nearly collapsed inside the bathroom. It was such a shocking turn of events, but I couldn't blame anyone for my negligence. I wasn't taking birth control pills when I allowed him to sleep with me. It was reckless, but I was not thinking correctly during those times and let my emotions take over my mind. I let my emotions control me, so I had to bear the consequences of my actions. "I am going to raise my child alone," I declared in front of my father. "Says who? I won't let you ruin our reputation," he stated in a monotone which was even scarier. "Daddy! What about my life? Is it more important than our name? Are you
There was no announcement about Katherine Hamilton’s engagement with Liam Salcedo on news outlets and television, but I knew they were planning their wedding. Some of our common friends mentioned it, and except for Layla, they were all happy about the upcoming union of Katherine Hamilton and Liam Salcedo. Since I was not in the mood to go back to work, I asked my father to lend one of his managers to manage mine for the time being. It was a risky move, especially when my sea freight business had been doing well in the previous months, and we were headed to expansion. I tried so hard to convince myself and go to work, but my mind and heart wouldn’t cooperate! I knew I was wallowing in self-pity and self-destruction, but I couldn’t stop myself from being so melodramatic. I was aware that forgetting him and moving on were the only options to survive the recent heartbreak, but everything about Liam Salcedo haunted me! At night, I would see him in my dreams! During the daytime, I was a