Chapter 7 Wishful thought

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 strength I have left, I wipe away my tears and hail a taxi to the mansion.

As the taxi speeds through the city streets, my heart races with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The journey feels both long and short, with the seconds ticking away as my resolve strengthens.

Several minutes later, I arrive at my destination. The mansion looms ahead. With each step I take toward the front door, I brace myself for the challenges that lie ahead. I take a deep breath, steadying my trembling hands, and push open the grand entrance.

My eyes scan the familiar surroundings as I walk into Grandma’s room. But my heart skips a beat when I notice Megan standing there, by George's side.

Confusion and curiosity cloud my mind. Why is she here instead of going home?

I push the questions away for now, knowing that Grandma's well-being is my priority.

Approaching Grandma's bedside, I offer her a warm smile, masking the turmoil within me.

"You look good, Grandma… always beautiful." I try to make the atmosphere light. "How are you feeling now?"

I hold her hand.

However, she surprises me as she pushes my hand away.

"I don’t need all this. Tell me first, how are you?"

My gaze involuntarily shifts towards George, his penetrating stare making me uneasy. I suppress my pain and answer Grandma with a reassuring smile, "I am fine. What will happen to me? I am absolutely okay. Now let me check on you."

Grandma sighs deeply. She doesn’t push me away this time. Her expression turns cold as she turns her attention to Megan.

There is tension in the room, and I can sense Megan's discomfort. Grandma sternly reminds Megan that George is already married, emphasizing that I am his legal wife.

"You should keep your distance from him," she asserts. "Don’t keep clinging to him even in the presence of his wife."

Megan's face pales, her composure faltering. The truth hits her, and it's evident that Grandma's words have disturbed her deeply.

Trying to ease the situation, I speak up, my voice calm but determined.

"I have no issues with George and Megan's friendship, Grandma. There is no need to worry."

I attempt to reassure her that everything is well between me and George. Inside, my heart aches, but I maintain my facade, determined to show strength and maturity.

The air in the room feels heavy, charged with unspoken emotions and unfulfilled desires. I continue to attend to Grandma, focusing on her well-being while keeping a watchful eye on the dynamics unfolding before me.

I feel Grandma's annoyance wash over me as she shows her disinterest in talking to me, pouting and turning aside. I understand her dissatisfaction, and I desperately want to mend the situation and bring a smile back to her face.

With determination, I move over to George, taking his hand in mine and mustering a coquettish smile.

"Megan, can I borrow my husband for a while?" I ask, seeking a moment of connection with George.

Megan's irritation is evident, but in front of Grandma, she reluctantly nods in response.

"Thank you, Megan."

I walk out of the room to the hall and steal a glance back at Grandma, whose enthusiastic smile reassures me that I'm on the right path, trying to please her.

However, George scowls at me as we settle on the sofa in the hall. Confusion and hurt flicker in my eyes as he questions my behavior.

"What is it? I did expect such a childish and possessive act from you."

His words sting and I feel a pang of insecurity.

"Megan is his friend and a guest," he reminds me. "You shouldn't feel insecure if I engage in conversation with her."

I try to gather my thoughts, keeping my voice steady as I respond. "I... I didn't mean to appear possessive or insecure," I utter, searching for the right words. "It's just that... Grandma seemed disappointed, and I wanted to make her happy. I thought spending some time together would help bridge the gap."

I pause, taking a breath. "I didn't mean to overstep any boundaries or make you uncomfortable. I apologize if I did."

Inside, I wrestle with my conflicting emotions. I wanted to please Grandma and ensure her happiness, but I didn't want to strain my relationship with George in the process.

"Grandma is weak now and cannot take any tension. Another heart attack can be dangerous for her. We have to be careful around her."

As I meet George's gaze, searching for any sign of understanding, I silently hope that he sees the sincerity in my eyes. I long for a deeper connection, a bond that can weather the storm, and a shared understanding of the complexities that surround us.

But I can only see coldness. I sigh and turn my head away, trying to put on a brave face despite the ache in my heart.

"I know it is difficult for you. But can you act more intimately with me to make Grandma happy?"

I turn to face him, who nods slowly.

George's agreement brings a fleeting sense of relief, but I can't shake the underlying tension in his demeanor. It's as if every touch and every smile are forced, devoid of the warmth we once shared.

I can feel his uneasiness and even a trace of loathing directed toward me. It cuts deep, and tears threaten to spill from my eyes.

I fight to keep my emotions in check, to maintain a facade of strength. I blink away the tears, mustering a feeble smile that barely masks the pain within.

After the meal, George left with Megan. I stay with Grandma because I want to spend a little more time with her.

She holds my hands and smiles reassuringly. "Everything will be fine, darling. Don’t be concerned. George will understand your value and love you back as long as you get pregnant."

The mention of pregnancy catches me off guard, and my hand instinctively rests on my flat belly. There is a pang of uncertainty and fear.

Will having a baby truly be enough to mend the broken pieces of our relationship?

I look at Grandma, her eyes full of wisdom and understanding.

"If you give birth to a baby, George will dumb that bitch."

She believes in the power of new life, the transformative force it can wield. It's a comforting thought, but I know it's just wishful thinking.