Vivian’s POV…
I stand in the brightly lit hallway of the hospital, clutching the positive pregnancy test in my trembling hands. My heart races with a mix of excitement and disbelief as I gaze down at the life-changing news before me.
A surge of happiness and anticipation courses through my veins, filling me with an indescribable sense of wonder.
With newfound purpose, I walk briskly towards the exit, each step filled with renewed energy and hope. A radiant smile graces my lips, growing wider with each passing moment, as I carry the precious secret within me. It feels as though I'm floating, with the joy in my heart propelling me forward.
This is our first marriage anniversary, and I find out that I am pregnant. I wonder how George will react.
I swiftly take out the phone from my purse and dial his number, my heart leaping to my throat with a mixture of hope and nervousness. Thoughts of our journey together, the shared laughter, and quiet moments of connection flood my mind.
As the phone rings, each passing ring feels like an eternity, amplifying the anticipation that courses through me.
I can barely contain my sheer happiness, knowing that in just a few short moments, I will share the most incredible news of our lives.
But the call goes unanswered, and a flicker of disappointment momentarily clouds my expression.
‘No worries. I will go to his office,’ I murmur to myself, smiling.
‘No, you can’t go there,’ my inner voice whispers.
My smile wanes instantly. I recall George's caution against visiting his office, a reminder that our marriage remains a secret.
Taking a deep breath, I remind myself to be patient and to wait for him to return home.
I long for the moment when I can look into his eyes and share the immense joy that now fills my heart.
"It’s okay. I will go home and cook dinner for him." With renewed hope and excitement, I exit the hospital and drive home.
Returning home, I step into the cozy living room, basking in the warm afternoon light that fills the space. The familiar surroundings offer a comforting embrace, reflecting the love and warmth that have blossomed within our home.
Settling onto the couch, I can hardly contain my excitement as I place a gentle hand on my still-flat belly, feeling a connection to the tiny life that grows within.
Whispers of love and protection escape my lips, a promise to care for and nurture the precious gift that now resides in me.
"I know your dad will be as excited as I am," I whisper.
I make my way to the kitchen, the anticipation bubbling within me like a wellspring of happiness. The familiar tasks of preparing a celebratory dinner bring me a sense of calm and serenity, even as my mind races with dreams of our future as a family.
Each slice of vegetable and each stir of the simmering pot becomes an act of love and devotion. I move with a lightness in my step, and a sense of nostalgia washes over me, mingling with the joy that fills my heart.
Memories of how our journey began a year ago flood my mind, intermingling with the aromas of the simmering food.
It started with a contract.
The agreement was clear: if we couldn't fall in love with each other within a year, it would come to an end. I couldn't help but worry at first, knowing that George still carried a lingering attachment to his ex-girlfriend. Doubts would occasionally cloud my mind, casting a shadow on our connection.
Yet, amidst the challenges and doubts, we shared beautiful moments together. We rarely argued with each other.
Those peaceful moments offer glimpses of hope, reminding me that love has the power to grow and flourish.
And now, since I am pregnant with his child, my deepest desire is to preserve the sacred bond we have forged. I wish, with every fiber of my being, that this pregnancy will be the catalyst to cement our love and transform our contract marriage into something everlasting.
The flickering flames on the stove mirror the flickering hope in my heart. The soft melodies playing in the background seem to underscore my longing for a future filled with love and stability.
The anticipation of George's return grew stronger as I finished cooking. My heart is beating faster. I imagine his reaction to the news that awaits him.
Will he be happy? Will he jump with joy?
I yearn for the moment when I will share the news that will forever alter the course of our lives. With a lot of hope in my mind, I get ready. I put on a red tube dress and apply light makeup.
I sit on the sofa in the hall, impatiently waiting for him.
The minutes turn into hours, and anticipation slowly transforms into disappointment. George is late again.
Doubts creep into my mind, whispering fears that he has forgotten about our anniversary or perhaps chosen not to return.
Feeling the weight of exhaustion settle upon me, I contemplate retiring to bed, the hope for a joyful reunion dwindling. But just as I resign myself to sleep, the sound of the front door creaking open pierces the silence. Hope flickers to life once more, dispelling the darkness that has settled within me.
With an eager heart, I hurry towards the entrance, ready to embrace George in my arms. But my steps come to a halt as I see his unsteady steps. The smell of alcohol wafts in the air.
I am a little disappointed, but I still smile and welcome him.
"You are back." I take his briefcase from his hand. "I will help you wash up, and then we will eat."
I reach out to hold his arm, fearing he will tumble with his unsteady steps. Before I can say another word, George pulls me into a tight embrace, his lips crashing against mine in a flurry of passionate kisses.
The briefcase slips from my grasp.
Conflicting emotions surge within me. Part of me yearns for his touch, for the love and intimacy we shared in the past. But another part of me hesitates, worried about the repercussions of our actions, especially with my pregnancy.
I want him to stop. Yet George's intensity refuses to waver. A surge of memories and emotions wash over me, momentarily overshadowing the disappointment and concern that has plagued my heart.
In that intimate embrace, I feel the familiar warmth of our connection, the tenderness that has woven its way into the fabric of our relationship.
Despite the effects of alcohol, his touch carries a hint of kindness and affection.
My fingers instinctively find their place against his cheek, gently caressing his stubble. The taste of familiarity lingers on his lips, evoking a flood of emotions. I longed for the reassurance of his love.
He sweeps me off my feet, carrying me effortlessly toward our bedroom. His strength and the touch of his lips on mine ignite a spark of desire within me, a reminder of the passionate bond we have cultivated over time.
At that moment, I allow myself to surrender to the intensity of our connection and embrace the tenderness that still lingers beneath the surface.
The room around us seems to fade into the background, with the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm and intimate ambiance. Each touch, each caress, speaks volumes of the love that has blossomed between us.
He is covering me with kisses. I cannot help but moan.
Our bodies moved in harmony, a dance of longing and affection.
I find joy and solace in his arms, and the fear leaves my heart. I only relish the sweetness of this moment.
After crazy sex, I lay motionless like a dead fish and watch him go into the bathroom. A smile tugs on the corners of my lips as I wait for him to come out. I can’t wait to see his reaction.
He exits the bathroom a few minutes later and starts dressing up.
I sit up, wondering where he is going at this hour.
"Are you not going to eat?" I ask.
He pauses and glances at me over his shoulder. "I want to end this marriage," he says without a trace of emotion.
As I lay there, naked, with his marks all over my body and a lingering warmth from our intimate encounter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. However, that blissful state quickly shatters when I hear him say those cold, detached words.Confusion and a growing unease settle within me, like a dark cloud looming over our shared intimacy.I search his eyes, hoping to find a trace of the love and tenderness that have just enveloped us. But what I find instead is an icy distance, a void that sends a chill down my spine.His words seem to cut through the air like shards of glass, slicing through the fragile bubble of hope that has momentarily surrounded us."I want a divorce." His voice rings out, devoid of any emotion.The impact of his words hit me like a physical blow, stealing the breath from my lungs. My mind races, trying to comprehend what I have just heard.Why is he saying this? Was it something I had done wrong? Did I fail to please him just now?At that moment, I cli
George’s POV…Vivian’s response annoys me. I cannot believe that she readily agrees to end this marriage. She didn’t ask me a question. She didn’t even cry."Ugh…" I slam my fist on the steering wheel. "Why am I thinking about her? It’s good she agrees to the divorce readily."As I continue driving, I cannot stop recalling the time we have shared over the year.Our marriage indeed held its share of beautiful moments. Vivian had been a devoted wife, tending to my needs both inside and outside the bedroom. If it weren't for Megan's sudden return, I might have considered continuing this contract for another year.But Vivian's rapid acceptance of the divorce catches me off guard. Instead of the expected sadness or a hint of hesitation, her readiness to part ways seems almost eager. It is as if she has been counting down the days, waiting for me to bring up the topic so she can swiftly sign the papers. The thought gnaws at me, igniting a spark of frustration within.The scene of our intima
"George, please. Give us another chance. I regret what I've done, and I'm willing to make it right. I love you." Megan tightens her grip on my hands, urging me to answer.I keep looking into her eyes, speechless. Maybe I am searching for answers in the depths of her gaze."Say something," she urges."Megan, you are thinking too much." I finally find my voice. I can’t believe that I am avoiding answering her. "It’s late. We will talk later. I will first go check the lights you asked me to check."I walk away, feeling her gaze on me.Megan grabs my wrist, pulls me over, and makes me turn around and face her. Her disappointment radiates from her eyes, penetrating my heart. I want to console her and alleviate the pain I have unintentionally caused.As she wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace, her words spill forth."I know I made mistakes in the past," she says, "and caused you distress. I shouldn’t have left you. I agree that I was selfish… a moron who failed to cherish the love.
I wake up early, the morning light casting a gentle glow across the room. I step into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The events of last night play on a loop in my mind, leaving me tangled in a web of confusion.Why hasn't George signed the divorce agreement I sent him? Wasn't he the one who said he wanted to end this marriage?I can't make sense of his contradictory actions and words. On one hand, he insists on demanding my intimacy and treating me as his wife; on the other, he claims he wants to sever our ties.The weight of his expectations burdens me. How can he ask me to fulfill the duties of a wife while simultaneously declaring his intention to leave? It's a paradox I can't decipher.Does he truly want to end this marriage, or is a part of him still yearning for something more?Confusion swirls within me like a storm, and I struggle to find solid ground amidst the tempest of my emotions. I thought I knew where we stood, but now I question everything.Ding-Dong…The sound of t
The shopping was done quickly. It seemed like George was rushing as if he couldn’t wait to get out of the mall.I didn’t like to follow them like an outsider. So, I am relieved when we come out."Megan, I won’t be able to drop you home," George says. "Can you please take a taxi?"This is surprising. I was not expecting him to say that. I anticipated that he would drop her off at her place first before taking me to the hospital.Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if he did that because I didn’t want to go for a check-up with him. But he actually asked Megan to leave on her own.I curiously peer at her, who has a sullen look on her face.Megan is certainly unhappy, and I know she is going to nag him to take her home first."It’s okay. I will take a taxi. You should look after Vivian."I am stunned yet again. I can clearly tell that she is not happy, but she is smiling.She is trying to show her empathy.I don’t need that. I am irritated and too lazy to see all this drama, so I hop into th
I hug my belly tightly, feeling the weight of the world crashing down on me. Tears stream down my face, a mix of sadness, frustration, and disbelief.A few hours ago, he was delaying signing the divorce agreement. But now he wants me to put the divorce before Grandma's birthday, just to please Megan! He even asked me to lie to Grandma and say that I wanted to end the marriage.The realization hits me like a thunderbolt, shattering the fragile hope I hold onto.My thoughts spin in disarray, my mind unable to grasp the magnitude of his cruelty.How could he be so calloused?Grandma always liked me, and the thought of her knowing about our impending divorce fills me with immense sorrow. I know she would be devastated.But I can't continue this charade any longer. I can't bear the pain and uncertainty that comes with loving a man who doesn’t even have a smidgeon of feelings for me. It's time to take control of my own happiness and protect myself from further hurt.Summoning every ounce of
Later that day…I sit on the edge of the bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on me. The events of the day replay in my mind—the hurtful words and the undeniable distance between George and me.It's clear that our marriage has reached a point of no return.George's lack of feelings for me has become painfully evident; his request for a divorce is a stark reminder of his indifference. I can no longer bear to stay in this place, where I am unwanted and unloved.Tomorrow, I will leave this house, this life that holds nothing but sorrow and unrequited love. With a heavy heart, I begin packing my remaining belongings into another suitcase.As I finish packing, weariness washes over me, pulling me toward sleep.Just as I close my eyes, my phone rings, jolting me back to reality. I check the phone and notice the name, Jason.It's George's friend.I wonder why he is calling me. I push away my questions and answer the phone."Hello…""George is drunk. He is unconscious in a bar. Please come quickl
‘Liar?’I am even more surprised as to why he is calling me a liar. I can feel my hair rising on my nape as I fear that he has found out about my pregnancy.‘Did he call the doctor?’I shiver under his gaze."You are a cheater… You deceived me and played with my emotions."He squeezes my arms hard enough to make me wince in pain.‘When did I cheat on him?’ I wonder.Certainly, he is talking about Megan. I now understand why he is upset. Megan must have done something to hurt him.I curl my lips slightly into a sneer. The woman he loves still deceives him, just like earlier. Yet he still wants to start his life with her, completely disregarding me. He never valued my affection for him.What an irony.I push away my discomfort and try to make him sit."George, please calm down and let me clean you first," I say, keeping my voice as gentle as I can."Shh…" He holds my jaw.I stop breathing and look into his eyes, searching for a glimmer of the man I fell in love with."Why? Why are you d
A few months later…The narrator’s POV…The sun bathed the elegant garden in a soft, golden glow as George and Vivian stood beneath a pristine white gazebo, surrounded by a sea of vibrant flowers.The venue for their wedding was nothing short of breathtaking, with its lavish decorations and stunning floral arrangements that seemed to burst with color and life. It was as if the very earth itself was celebrating their union.Vivian, radiant in her ivory lace wedding gown, held a bouquet of exquisite roses in various shades of pink and white, their delicate fragrance filling the air. George, in his dashing black tuxedo, looked every bit the handsome groom, a broad smile gracing his lips.The gazebo was adorned with billowing white fabric, which fluttered gently in the warm breeze. Crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting a soft, enchanting glow over the entire scene. The aisle was strewn with rose petals, creating a path of delicate beauty for Vivian to walk down.As Vivian took her
In the meantime, Evan and Barbe enter. Their faces light up with a grin when they see me awake."Mommy!" The voices that reach my ears are filled with excitement and pure delight. They rush over to me.With open arms, I welcome them eagerly. The warmth of their tiny bodies envelops me, and tears of joy stream down my cheeks. Their presence is a balm to my soul, soothing away the lingering echoes of fear and pain. I hold them close, cherishing every moment of their embrace."My babies," I murmur, my voice quivering with emotion. "Mommy is here. Mommy is fine."Evan's eyes glisten with unshed tears as he speaks, his voice trembling with a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety. "You scared us," he admits, his emotions raw and unfiltered. "Barbe has been crying a lot."I brush away their tears, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Shhh, my darlings. Mommy is fine. Look, I'm smiling. Give me your precious smiles."Their grins are like radiant sunshine, and I revel in the warmth of their lo
The guards had been looking for the man who sprayed the powder on the wedding gowns. They finally caught him and interrogated him, and he revealed that Michael had paid him to do that to frame me.He confessed everything to the police.I ordered the PR department to make a statement. Finally, the crisis in the company has been resolved, but Vivian is still unconscious.Thirty-six long hours have elapsed, and her continued unconsciousness gnaws at my very core. I sit by her bedside, my hand clutching hers as if it could coax her back to consciousness. I long for her to awaken, to see those beautiful eyes once again, to hear her voice, and to feel her presence fill the room.Evan and Barbe are worried as well. Tears stain their young faces as they grapple with the fear that their mother may never awaken. It breaks my heart to see them in such despair, and I pull them close, enveloping them in a desperate attempt to offer solace."Why is she not waking up?" Barbe's voice trembles as she
On the way, I receive a video message on my phone from the chief security officer. It is the video recorded on the pendant.As the video message unfolds on my phone's screen, I am drawn into a vortex of shocking revelations. The images and sounds contained within this digital tape serve as a bitter pill to swallow, awakening me to the harsh truth that I've been living a carefully crafted lie for years.My eyes widen in disbelief. The guilt and regret that surge within me is like a turbulent sea, threatening to overwhelm my senses.Vivian, the woman who has always been there for me and who has loved me unconditionally, emerges as the true heroine of that fateful kidnapping incident.I thought it was Megan who saved me from the kidnappers back then, but it was Vivian. Megan twisted the facts and acted as if she risked her life to save me. In reality, she ran away, leaving me in danger while Vivian fought back with the goons. She even partially lost her memory.Tears well up in my eyes,
My body twists and jerks in an attempt to evade the blows, but her strikes find their mark, the impact sending shockwaves of agony through me.Blood drips down my face. I cry out in pain and fear. Each blow feels like a stab of darkness, threatening to extinguish any hope of survival.Megan has gone crazy. She won’t stop until she kills me. But I don’t want to die, not like this, until I punish her. I need to tell George everything."George…" My voice is a raw scream of pain as I plead for George, hoping that somehow my cry will reach him and that he will come to my rescue.Everything is turning black. My eyes are getting closed. I feel a sense of lightness as if I am flying."Vivian…" His voice echoes in my ears, a lifeline that seems just out of reach. Is he truly here, or is he a mirage born from my desperation?The room blurs and the edges of my vision grow hazy as if reality is slipping through my fingers. My body is weakening with every passing minute. I feel like I am leaving t
All the scenes are playing as a recording in front of my eyes. I feel like I am reliving the terror of the past.The goons take us to an abandoned house on the hilltop. They throw us on the cold floor and close the door. The room we're trapped in feels like a desolate prison, cold and damp. The muffled sounds of the outside world barely penetrate the thick walls.George is still unconscious. His forehead is bleeding. I'm driven by a fierce determination to protect him. I tear my dress with my teeth and use the fabric as an impromptu bandage to staunch the bleeding. His vulnerability, lying there unconscious, tugs at my heartstrings.I glance around the room, my eyes landing on the meager comforts of a mattress and a blanket. Gently, I drag George over to the mattress, huddling close to him and pulling the blanket around us, seeking whatever warmth and reassurance it can provide.As the night wears on, George's condition worsens. His fever rises, and he trembles in his fitful sleep.In
Her eyes blazed with a mad intensity, her pupils dilating as she spoke. "I loved him since I was a child," she said, her voice low and even. "I always wanted to be around him, play with him, and marry him. But he liked to play with you. I hated you for grabbing his attention."Megan's confession is both unsettling and tragic. Her childhood infatuation with George has festered into a twisted obsession, and her jealousy of my connection with him has fueled her hatred. Her admission paints a grim picture of her psyche, revealing the depths of her delusion.I feel a cold dread creeping up my spine as she continues to speak. Her words are laced with venom, her anger and resentment palpable.Why is she saying such things? Has she mistaken me for someone else?I have no recollection of playing with George. George and I had never met before high school. I narrow my eyes, trying to process her words.I struggle again, trying to break free from her grasp. But Megan is too strong, her hold too s
As my consciousness gradually returns, the world around me materializes in fragments. The grimy, dilapidated surroundings of the room come into focus, casting an eerie atmosphere that matches the unsettling situation I'm in. Cobwebs cling to corners; shadows dance on the walls of my vision.My head feels heavy, and my ears still ring from the blow I received. I blink, trying to clear my vision, and my heart skips a beat when I realize I'm bound to a chair.The voices, hushed but audible, pierce through the haze in my mind. My senses sharpen, and I strain to listen, piecing together the conversation unfolding before me."I told you to stay away from here. Why did you come here?"I squint as I find this voice familiar. It’s Michael’s voice. Who is he talking with?"Ugh…" I groan and try to free my hands from the ropes that are restraining me.A second voice joins the conversation, and my heart sinks as I recognize it.Megan.The pieces fall into place, and I'm struck by the cruel revela
A few days later…Megan visits me when Vivian is away. I can't help but feel a wave of annoyance wash over me.She is so shameless. She has the nerve to show up in front of me again."George, oh, my God. Look at you, how badly you have been injured." She comes closer to me with tears in her eyes.I used to feel sad whenever I saw her cry. But now I can see through her malicious nature hidden beneath this pitiful exterior. Megan is pretentious. Her tears and sweet words can’t change my perception of her anymore. I now know how cunning she is.She tries to reach out and touch my face, but I swat her hand away instinctively. I don't want her touching me; doesn't she understand that? I glare at her, my eyes flashing with warning."I have completely lost my patience with you, Megan," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "Stop trying to get closer to me. Get lost."She gives me a hurt look as if she is the one who has been wronged. "How could you say such a thing to me?" she asks, her voice