The nurses have moved Athara to a private room. The three of us are now walking with mommy and daddy towards her room. The maids were ordered by mommy to get Athara's things and buy fruits for her. I feel they are all favouring my wife. They see me as a villain in Athara's life. I could hear mommy's giggles of great joy when she found out that Athara was pregnant. I was afraid that they might find out that my wife was pregnant before but the child was miscarried. I know they will scold me when they find out what happened to Athara's first pregnancy. "Honey, I am rejoicing now because of the very good news I heard earlier. Can you imagine that? A child would be calling me grandmom and will be calling you granddad. That would be fun! Isn't it, honey?!" mommy said happily to daddy. Daddy laughed because he was happy with what mommy said. "Yes, honey! We will be having our first grandchild soon! You know what? I really want Athara to have five in her womb so that we can have a team
I could see the multicoloured lights hanging from the poles on the side of the road. The raindrops started to fall one by one in front of my car. The two non-stretchable plastic sticks move to spread the raindrops in front of my car. My phone rang so I thought of connecting it to my bluetooth earphone before answering the call so that even if I was talking to someone I would be able to drive. "Hello," I answered."Theron."I smiled sadly when I heard her voice. Actually, we should be the ones who should be together and living under the same roof now. She should have been my wife now and not Athara if that accident hadn't happened. The tragedy caused by the Swans took us away and put gap in the middle of us. I had already prepared for the future with her but suddenly our story got twisted. She is not another woman in my life, she would have been my wife. "Theron, how are you? You don't visit me here at the condominium anymore. I miss you," she said to meWe were childhood sweethea
"Theron, speak up. Do you have a problem?"I sighed. "I don't have a problem, Sam. Why were you calling?""Theron, come on. You don't come here to the condominium anymore so I called you. You can't even text me or send me an email about what happened to you."I heard in her voice that she was sulking. I almost forgot that I was supposed to visit her three times a week. "Sorry, Sam. I'm just too busy with the company. There are lots of things that need to be fixed," I reasoned. "Just make sure that the problem is with the company and not your wife!" She emphasized the two words at the end of his line. "Sam, don't talk like that. I'm already torturing Athara for you. It isn't that what you want?" I told her. She laughed sarcastically. "Because that's what you should do. Let her suffer in your hands! I can't forgive her parents for what they did to me. They all deserve death! They took a life and their lives must be the payment."I feel sorry for Samantha. Almost three years have p
I am driving off to the hospital again. If daddy didn't negotiate with me about giving the bet of what to choose I would be still sitting down and enjoying how Samantha would be giving me the best sex she could offer. I answered the call again coming from my mom who was fond of her finally met daughter-in-law. I don't know what they see on her. She's just completely useless and a woman with nothing. "Why the hell are you calling again, mommy?" I asked with annoyance."Where are you now? Can't you make it hurry?""Mom, tell her to fucking wait! I am still driving off to the hospital again. Can't she wait? Damn!""You must watch your mouth, Theron! You are really disrespecting her! What the hell is your problem why can't you give her the respect she deserves?"I shook my gead after hearing the words that my mommy told. It seems that she wasn't aware about the fact why I am doing bullshit things to Athara. "Don't play the innocent part, mommy. You are aware about why I couldn't give h
We stayed in the hospital for almost a week. Yesterday I processed everything so that we could get home. My parents are now living with us and everything that I'm doing is under their supervision. It feels like I was thrown back during my elementary days. They told me to do this and not to do that. I'm getting nuts because of this. Athara's attitude while in this early stage of pregnancy worsened. She goes with me wherever I go and stays with me wherever I am. That sucks but I'm adjusting myself because I am in fear of losing my child and she might hurt herself if I oppose what she wants. Athara gets pissed off frequently if I can't give her what she is demanding. She became more sensitive and she cried over simple things. She always gets angry if she can't eat what her mouth is craving to take in. And sometimes she just wants to eat some food while it's not there but when the food is there she vomits to see it. I am now in the kitchen and I'm slicing this green mango because she
I am solitary now on the veranda of our house. My hand is holding the goblet that has red wine in it. I stare at the heavens, where stars are scattered in no particular order. The big dipper is making a difference among the constellations that are formed in the sky. It looks wonderful. It looks peaceful. It looks like the peace I am looking for, but it seemed to be taken away from me as the falling leaves took it away from the tree.A heavy sigh came out of my mouth and nose after I took a sip from the goblet I was holding. The wine tastes sweet, and there's a little bitterness in its taste, but it's tolerable. Well, I have read that the bitterness of wine matches its sweetness. Life is like that. Bitterness, which is the thing that makes us feel awful, and sweetness, which symbolizes happiness, are well mixed to make life balanced.My eyes closed their lids, and a couple of tears raced to the tip of my chin.Shit! I don't understand it anymore. I don't get the feelings that I have fo
I and Herodotus had a drink. We talked about how our lives have gone for the several months that have passed."Theron, take care of your wife because she's genuine to you," he said.I gulped down the last amount of alcohol from my glass. I asked him many things to at least make him leave the topic of Athara."How's it going to manage this bar?""Oh, damn, it's not easy, Theron. I don't know why you signed the contract and you negotiated with me, but you are not helping me at all."I laughed. "You and the boys are the ones who've been so excited for this and not me, dude. I helped you make it, and it's not my job to do the stuff of managing this.""But you are receiving profits," he said."That's what my signature could do. I signed, and I should receive profits."Herodotus shook his head before he drank the alcohol in his glass. I feel sorry for him because he likes someone who can't even like him back.I am proud now because of what he said. Athara loves me, and she chose me. She di
••Athara••I am hiding the fact that I'm thinking about my parents because all of them are saying that I should not think about them. They were saying that I must focus on the child that I am carrying.I sighed with a heavy heart. I am now heading to the kitchen because I am craving a mango that is to be dipped into a tomato sauce. I know that it's a weird craving, but what else can I do if my child seeks the combined taste of mango and tomato sauce?I opened the refrigerator, and the freezing temperature inside it kissed my face. I took two mangoes. I peeled the mangoes and sliced them into cubes. I took a bottle of tomato sauce and poured a large amount of sauce into my mango.Theron's parents were not around. They told me that they would visit their home in South Carolina and return here next week. Theron was on a business trip, and he'll return here tomorrow. Only Maid Tanna is with her.I looked for her earlier, and I saw her in the garden watering the flowers.I started to eat m
Two years had come and gone since the untimely passing of my beloved husband, Theron. The pain of his absence still reverberated within me, but life went on, as it always does. I found solace in the comforting arms of our three children, Wisdom, Triumph, and Athro. Together, we stood strong, leaning on one another as we navigated the unpredictable journey of grief.In this time of sorrow, there was one constant source of support that held us all together: Mother Tanna. She had been my rock throughout this tumultuous period, offering her unwavering love and guidance when I needed it the most. Tanna had known Theron since we were young, and her bond with our family was unbreakable.On a sunny afternoon, as rays of golden light filtered through a canopy of trees, I found myself standing before Theron's grave. The marble headstone, etched with his name and the dates that bookended his life, stood as a somber reminder of our loss. I gently traced his name with my fingertips, a bittersweet
My heart was beating even faster than before. Earlier, the police with Theron were shooting against Herod's men. "Athara, are you still there?""Y-Yes, Theron. Are there more enemies?""Ugh...damn," Theron moaned weakly but surely in pain, making me stand up without thinking that an enemy might see me."Theron? What happened to you? Are you hurt?!" I asked him worriedly. "I-I am not," he said even though it was obvious that he was hurt. I held tightly to the end of the cement beds. Now I realize where I am. I was inside the morgue of this abandoned hospital. "Theron, do not lie! Are you hurt? Don't hide anything from me, Theron! What's happening to you?!""N-Nothing! Don't worry because I'm fine. The best thing you can do is to stay there and not come out!"I walked out of the morgue, my heart pounding in my chest. The sound of gunshots still echoed through the empty halls of the abandoned hospital, but my thoughts were solely focused on Theron. I knew deep down that he had been s
My right hand trembled as it swam inside my bag. I pulled my hand back when I caught the object I intended to pick up from it. It was my phone. I let out a sigh when my phone was in front of my face. "Love, we can not go ahead with the plan if you hesitate. We'll just find another way to catch Herodotus," Theron said to me as he grabbed my left hand that had fallen to the side of my body. I looked at him and smiled. "Theron, I don't hesitate. I just can't help but feel nervous and scared."He positioned himself behind me. He hugged me while his chin rested on my shoulder. "We can talk to Officer Lucas," he continued. I shook my head before facing him. I know that he was full of concern for me. The worries in his eyes were readable."I can't back down, Theron. It's here. We're here. If Herodotus doesn't put an end to his evil, I ... we will."He just smiled and pulled me closer to him. He gave me a tight hug. My nervousness and fear gradually disappeared because of my husband's hu
It was noticeable that my husband was not very energetic. I didn't talk to him and I didn't apologize after I slapped him. I'm tired of the setup of our life. It's tiring to hide. I think it's better to live like other people, that's why I've made up my mind to coordinate with the police to make Herodotus' greed over. I informed Mother Tanna of my plan. We are now sitting on a sofa. We are next to each other. My right hand was locked between her two palms. We stared at each other at this time. "Have you really made up your mind to do this thing, child?""Mother Tanna, I'm not backing down anymore. This is for my family. This is for all of us. I know it's scary but it's not right that we'll be afraid forever. I've always wanted all of this to end," I said. You can see the fear in Mother Tanna's eyes. He pressed holding my hand. "Child, how about your husband?"I pressed my lips together. I breathed deeply. "He's against my decision, mother. We haven't spoken for a few days after I
I kept staring at Lucas. I just saw his mouth open but what he was saying didn't sink into my mind. "What?"He adjusted his seat. "What I said is let's make your wife a bait. Athara is what he wanted to get from you, right? If he agrees to meet Athara, then surely that will be our chance to catch him completely."I stood up and immediately shook my head. His way of arresting Herodotus was wrong. My wife will be destroyed the way he wants. There's nonway I would let Athara be in that unsecured plan! "I'm sorry, Lucas. I won't bet my wife on this. What if my wife gets hurt? No way. I can't afford to lose Athara."Lucas gave me a blank look. I know he wants to go ahead with the plan. It was obvious to him that he wanted to convince me. "Look, Theron. Athara is the only way we can catch Herodotus. Security is tight at his house and I'm sure it will be difficult for us to get close to him because he is cunning.""I don't want Athara to be involved—""I will allow myself to be the bait
The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm golden glow across the city streets. It had been a long day, and I was eager to head home and find solace in the sanctuary of my humble abode. I stepped out of the office building, briefcase in hand, ready to leave this chaotic world behind.As I made my way towards the parking lot, a familiar unease nestled in the pit of my stomach. Glancing in the side mirror of my car, I caught a glimpse of a sleek, black sedan parked a few meters away. A chill ran down my spine as I recognized the license plate – it was Herodotus' car.Herodotus. The name alone sent shivers down my spine and evoked memories of a painful past. He was a man filled with darkness, an insidious force who sought to claim what was rightfully mine. And now, it seemed that he was lurking in the shadows once again, like a wolf patiently stalking its prey.I knew I couldn't afford to be complacent. Herodotus was relentless, a force to be reckoned with. He wouldn't stop until
I glanced over at Athara as she fastened her seatbelt. The worry etched on her face was plain to see. Herodotus's relentless pursuit had reached a dangerous level, and it was imperative that we stay together, even on a simple trip to the store. With a deep breath, I mustered up the courage to voice my concerns."Athara," I began softly, "we need to stick together. I don't want to alarm you, but Herodotus is looking for you. He's become obsessed, and I fear he might try to take you away."Athara's eyes widened, and I could see fear creeping into her gaze. I reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her arm, hoping to convey some semblance of comfort."I will, Theron. Don't worry" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What does he want with me anymore? He got your company and the trust of the board."I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. The truth was too complicated, too painful. Herodotus's motives remained shrouded in mystery, his obsession with Athara unfathomable."S
The water kissed my skin as I was under the shower. Tears were sprouting in the corner of my eyes and slowly forming transparent balls before they were rolling down my face. I knew that it would come to happen. I already accepted the fact that I couldn't please the board and they would wish me to leave my position, but I am not used to it. I remembered the moment that Mommy Thaira and Daddy Rondelle gave me the power to take care of the company. I poured my whole being into the company to improve it and achieve goals. I was the reason why the company was on top now. There are many things I want to happen and achieve as the CEO of the company, but I know they will never happen. I no longer have the right to decide what is good for the company because I am no longer in charge of it. I don't know why the board didn't want daddy to be the CEO again. What they really wanted was Herodotus. They chose Herodotus who was greedy and a traitor to lead the company. After I finished taking a
As the sun stretched its golden rays across the room, casting a warm glow over the embrace between Mommy Thaira, Daddy Rondelle, and our children, my heart swelled with a mixture of joy and apprehension. It had been days since their visit, and I had been eagerly awaiting this moment, longing to be in the presence of the ones who had showered me with love and affection. Little did I know that their visit would bring unsuspected turns, unraveling a tangled web of emotions.The laughter of our children echoed in the air as they clung tightly to their grandparents, their innocent faces filled with pure delight. "We miss you so much, kiddos!""We miss you too, granny and grappa!"It was a beautiful sight, one that filled my soul with immense gratitude that they had found such unconditional love in Mommy and Daddy. But beneath the joyous reunion, an underlying tension pulsed, making my heart race with anticipation.After the initial flurry of affectionate greetings, Mommy and Daddy asked f