CHAPTER FOUR
DIANA'S POV
(Trigger warning ⚠️:Rape)
I've been so restless since I got up this morning, trying to make up a good and convincing story for Steve to make sure he believes me. True to my assumptions Steve returned at noon the next day, and I saw him through the window packing the Porsche in the driveway, where my drama took place.
I pulled out my menthol rub and applied it at the tip of my tear duct and in seconds I teared up and began pacing the room so I could run out of breath.
I ruffled my hair and looked like a mess, I knew he couldn't bear to see me in that state. Immediately I heard the door knob turn I rushed to the door and flung myself onto his body the moment I caught sight of him.
I was taken aback when he hugged me back and started patting my hair, "that was too easy" I thought. After a few minutes, I pulled my face from his chest and faced him, he moved me aside walked up to the couch, and sat down, I stood fixed at the spot we hugged and simply turned to face him
"I am so sorry baby, please give me a chance to explain" I pleaded as I walked to the bed and crouched down to the floor.
"You have a second to pour whatever explanation you have made up and it better be reasonable," he said without looking at me. before I could say anything else he said
"Was the baby you aborted mine?" I looked at him and he was looking directly at me not even blinking making me put my face down
"No," I said fidgeting with her fingers
"So you cheated on me? For How long? With who?" I could see he was struggling with his rage, I saw him squeeze his palm and shut his eyes in anticipation of the information I was about to give.
"I never cheated on you and I would never, I love you, Steve," she said faking a cracked voice
Still shutting his eyes, he asked again "Then whose child did you abort?"
"I was raped!" his eyes immediately shot open and that was my cue to start crying again.
"RAPED? When? How? Where?" he asked all at once not believing his ears.
"Remember 10 years ago when Armed robbers attacked my parent's house?" I said and he nodded probably recalling that period,
I was always faking being scared, and never wanted him to touch me as I was just recovering from the surgery, it went on for months before I finally accepted to go for therapy just so he could let me be.
"One of the men who came that day raped me"
"Why didn't you tell me, you were acting off that period, always getting startled, you became suspicious to me, but I thought it was fright from the robbery incident"
He had left the couch and crouched on the floor with me and his hands on my shoulder looking at me with concern.
"I couldn't tell anyone because initially my mum and I didn't add that information to the report the police got from us, my mum was scared the press would get to hear it and it would tarnish the family's image" he nodded and looked at me making me increase my tears as he wiped my face and patted my hair.
"When I found out I was pregnant, I was three months already, I told my mum and she insisted I abort since we didn't know who it was for and I was scared you would abandon me if you found out I was pregnant from an unknown source, so I agreed, she took me to her private doctor who performed a D&C, it was successful but on my three months check up it was discovered that the lining of my womb was affected, hence I was diagnosed with the Asherman Syndrome"
Suddenly he hugged me so tightly, I never knew it would be this easy to convince him, I couldn't help but smile behind him. I wish Mum would see the movie I just put up.
"I was so scared that you would leave me that's why I never told you, I am so sorry baby," I said pretending to sniff and cry again
"It's okay my Love, I love you and it would take more than this to make me leave you, we will find a way around it, I promise"
His words assured me that my spot was secured. After I had calmed down he took me out and ordered so much food, we returned in the evening and we spent the entire evening curled up into each other's arms till we slept off.
CHAPTER FIVECELIA'S POVSaturdays are usually my free days, all I had to do were house chores and spend time with my siblings but today was one of those Saturdays I had to work for extra income.I have registered under Exquisite Event Planners for over a year now, I got a call two days ago enlisting me as one of the ushers for a very big company's handover ceremony in Baton Rouge, the pay was beyond anything I had made from ushering, it was a Four-hour job and I would receive $60 per hour, I couldn't pass up on this chance given I lost my fourth job two days ago.After leaving the man at the hotel suite, I didn't have enough money to take a cab since I was running late. I had to run to the bus station but unfortunately, the bus going to my town had left 5 minutes ago, I had to wait 15 minutes for another bus to arrive. When I got to work I was 45 minutes late hence the Store owner fired me.I took my time getting ready for my gig and after about 30 minutes of going back and forth in
CHAPTER SIXCELIA'S POV"My Bride," Mr Charlie said smiling at me sheepishly and raising his glass for me to fill it with wine, he looked a little tipsy though I ignored and refilled his glass, and his friend as I presume raised his glass towards me to fill, as I stretched my arm to reach his glass I felt another hand creeping into my thighs which sent shock through my body as I panicked and dropped the glassThis noise caught the attention of people close by as they all stared in my direction making me bow my head in shame.Luck being on my side, the wine I spilled was only enough to barely fill two glasses, had I broken a full bottle of wine, how would I pay for it, if the hosts asked me to payI glared at Mr Charlie in disgust as I walked away towards our stand to get a broom, I returned as fast as I could and cleaned up the mess, so I could get back to work and be productive to earn my pay but I could feel Mr Charlie's eye all over my legs, such a disgusting old fool.After carefu
Chapter SevenSTEVE'S POVI kept stealing glances at Celia all evening, i couldn't place my finger on why I was attracted to her but I needed to get a grip of myself, I most definitely am almost 9 years older than she is plus I am married, I shouldn't be thinking of another woman.I felt disoriented all through the event, luckily Diana didn't catch on to me, The event was a success, the moment I saw the last guests off I went into my room to freshen up,Standing before the wardrobe, the door screeched open and Diana walked in beaming at me."The Latest CEO of Williams Enterprise," she said in her usual seductive voice and came up to me from behind, she started caressing my bare chest."I pray I do well in this position," I said turning around to hold her by the waist"You have worked hard for this position, I know you are capable of handling it""Thank you, honey, for your support, you always know the right things to say to lighten my mood and build my confidence, I love you," I said
Chapter EightMRS ADRIANA'S POVI woke up right next to my husband, the man I fell in love with 40 years ago. The man I still loved with all my life. Our marriage wasn't that convincing, James had another lady he wanted to marry, but his parents and mine had long made a pact to get us married which they forced on him, I loved James but he didn't seem to share the same emotions with me, but that hasn't stopped me from loving him till dateI gave him a peck as I always did and left the bed for the bathroom, I would normally make breakfast but today I had so much, from meetings to routine business appointments.Not to brag but I am the secret behind my husband's business success. I am a graduate of Harvard Business School, my parents raised me just to be James' perfect partner hence my interest in business. I handled most of our successful five-star hotels and Resorts.Today was one of my inspection days. After getting dressed I went down to let the chef know what to make for breakfast a
Chapter NineCELIA'S POV"We got an Exclusive order this morning, Close up the Cafe by 2.30 pm, Please ask the already seated customers to finish up and leave by 2 pm, you will be in charge of the exclusive tables," Patrick said walking into the kitchen as I was sorting out orders.I knew something was different immediately after I got here. We sell only baked goods and drinks but chefs were preparing intercontinental dishes we didn't serve.I turned to Patrick looking confused."Why? When did we start getting exclusives? Why should I serve alone""The request was specific that you alone should serve them""How does this person know I work here?""You think too much Celia, this could be a recommendation after all you are my best staff"I liked Patrick for this, he owned Bake n Bites Cafe, he was in his 70's but barely looked over 60, and He treated all his employees like family.In no distant time. I found myself standing before a group of Sophisticated Women numbering at twelve. They
Chapter TenCELIA'S POVToday started to like my usual Wednesday, I woke up by 5 am and got myself ready for work and made sure my siblings were ready for school before 6.30, made breakfast and lunch for my siblings and mum, as I was about to leave I encountered my good for nothing father at the sitting room."Where's my allowance for the day?""What allowance? Please don't start this morning, I don't want to be late for work" I said trying to move past him but he blocked me yet again"I wouldn't want to ask you again Celia," he said holding out his hands again"Okay, tell me what's this money you are requesting for? Drinks? Gambling? Or both?""None of your business""None of my business, but when you bring debts it will be my business. Father I don't have any money to give to you today, please let me go"He held my arm harshly and said"It's either you give me some money or I would beat you till you can no longer move"I winced at the pain in my arm as he tightened his hold and I had
Chapter ElevenCelia's POVI felt weak to the bone, I moved aside to let her in which she did. She saw the kids and asked"What are they doing at home?""Sent out of school because of the arrears owed""Oh God, when will things return to normal in this house" Mom saidSuddenly I remembered what the principal said"Mother, did the principal ever propose to give me a scholarship?"My mum's eyes widened"How did you know?" she asked"so it's true?" I asked to which my mother's eyes shot to the ground."Why mother? I could have made it to college, why did you do this to me?""it was your father, he said no daughter of his would engage in sports, that's why I turned it down"I felt annoyed, if I said another word I might say hurtful things, hence I turned to my heels and entered the kitchen.As I returned to the kitchen, I decided to make Pb&J since there wasn't much in the refrigerator to cook when my phone rangI lazily walked over to the counter and picked it up, the number wasn't regist
Chapter TwelveADRIANA'S POVThis was a month since I made that Celia girl an offer and I am yet to hear from her, why was she being so stubborn?I expected she would leap for joy and grab my offer with both hands given their family situation but it seems she has too much pride to go around.But I would force her hand regardless, I can't let my plans go to waste. I can't stand that Diana lady my son is hovering around.I picked up my phone and put a call through to my PI"Good morning ma""Morning to you too, I need you to run a few errands for me," I said"Okay ma, what can I do for you?" he asked"Remember that Celia girl I asked you to bring me information about?" I asked him"Yes ma""I need you to force her hands""How should I do this?" he asked"Visit his sibling's school, speak with the board to send them out with immediate effect, also find her mother's employee and get him to fire her immediately, and finally for their Mortgage, ask the bank to close on them""Is that all ma'
CHAPTER THIRTY Steve's POVThe day Celia was discharged from the hospital felt like a turning point. It was a warm afternoon, the kind that made everything seem softer, more inviting. I stood by the entrance, waiting for her to appear, replaying the conversation I'd had with Diana earlier that morning before she left."I'm glad she's okay," Diana had said, her tone neutral. "Just… make sure she's comfortable in that new place."I nodded, not offering much in response. But there was something about her expression, the way her eyes lingered on mine, that had made me uneasy. Diana wasn't the type to be nice to Celia openly, but I could sense the suspicion simmering beneath her carefully composed exterior.When Celia finally emerged from the hospital, I couldn't help but smile. She looked healthier, more radiant than I'd seen her in weeks. Her hand rested gently on her stomach, though it wasn't visible yet but it was a protective gesture that tugged at something inside me. Our child was
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINEDIANAS POVDiana paced the length of their bedroom, her mind racing as anger and frustration coursed through her veins. Steve's words from the previous night echoed in her head like a broken record, haunting her every step. *" She's supposed to be carrying our baby, Diana. I can't just ignore her."* His voice had been calm, even reasonable, but to Diana, every syllable was a dagger to the heart.It wasn't just about the surrogacy anymore. It was about Celia—this stranger who had wormed her way into their lives, their home, and most importantly, into Steve's heart. Diana could feel the distance between them
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTSTEVE'S POVCLASHSteve pulled into the driveway, his mind heavy with the day's work and the weight of his personal life. The sprawling estate that usually provided him with a sense of pride now felt suffocating, each stone in the pathway a reminder of the complications waiting inside. His job had always been a refuge, numbers made sense, deals could be calculated, and outcomes predicted. But lately, nothing felt predictable, especially when it came to the two women inside the house.As he killed the engine, his eyes automatically shifted toward the guest room window on the far side of the mansion, where Celia was staying. After the break-in, he'd felt it was the only logical decision to bring her here. She was carrying his child, after all. Protecting her was protecting his future. But what he hadn't anticipated was how deeply this decision would unsettle everything else.Especially Diana.Steve sighed, gripping the steering wheel for a moment longer before stepp
Chapter Twenty-sevenDiana's POVDiana spent the night in her husband's private study just to avoid Steve, she only returned to their room this morning after she was sure he had left the house!As she paced, the muted sounds of the world outside barely penetrated the room's walls. She could feel the anger simmering just beneath her composed exterior. Her foot tapped rhythmically against the floor as her eyes fixated on the phone screen before her. She was furious—furious that Celia was here, in her home, under her roof. Steve had brought that woman in like she was some helpless victim, and now Diana had to deal with it.The phone on her desk lit up, the word "Mother" flashing across the screen. Of course. As if on cue. She snatched the phone up, her voice sharp as she answered."Did you do it?" she asked without preamble, her tone accusatory, cutting through any pleasantries.There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, a silence that made Diana's blood boil further. Her mo
Chapter twenty-sixCelia's POVTERRORThe night was eerily quiet when I was abruptly woken by a series of unsettling noises. The sounds were coming from the sitting room, but before I could make sense of them, the house security alarm blared to life, casting harsh red flashes across the room. My heart raced uncontrollably as panic surged through me. I stumbled out of bed, my legs feeling like lead, and reached for my phone with trembling fingers.I dialed Steve's number, my hands shaking as I struggled to press the screen. The phone rang twice before Steve's concerned voice came through. "Celia? What's wrong?""There's someone in the house," I whispered, barely able to get the words out. "The alarm is going off, and I'm terrified.""Stay put and lock yourself in a room," Steve instructed firmly. "I'm calling the police and coming over right away."I ended the call, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts. I quickly chose the closet in my bedroom as my hiding place. Crawling inside,
Chapter twenty-five Just BeginningDiana's POVThe morning sun streamed through the windows of our room, casting a warm glow that did nothing to lift the chill I felt inside. The surrogacy process was about to begin and despite my best efforts to maintain a facade of calm, a storm of insecurities brewed beneath my composed exterior.Steve had been unusually gummy lately. Our weekend had passed in a rare, peaceful silence, filled with romantic gestures from Steve, a reprieve from our new normal. I had hoped this fragile peace would continue, but with Celia Garcia stepping into our lives as our surrogate or should I say "Steve's mistress", it seemed like every sense of normalcy was about to be disrupted. I was determined to regain control of the situation and ensure that Steve knew where his loyalties lay—right beside me, despite the unsettling presence of the surrogate."Steve, I'm coming with you," I declared firmly, as he prepared to drive Celia to his mother's selected fertility cli
Chapter Twenty-Four Steve's POVIt's been a week since I cheated on Diana with Celia, though I regret it greatly I couldn't help but desire more time with Celia.She was still angry at me because at the hospital four days ago I didn't give her a chance to talk to me. More because I was being hounded by Diana who has been asking why I didn't return home a week ago until morning.I sat in my office going through some files when I heard a knock thrice and I raised my head from the files and muttered"Come in"The door gradually opened to reveal my secretary. I had asked her not to disturb me for any reason so I sighed and asked"Is anything the matter?""Sir, your wife is here to see you," she says"What kind of office drama did she bring with her now?" I mumbled"Ask her to go, I have piles of work to sort through, and I can't have any guests when I return we can talk" I instruct"Okay sir," she says and walks out.I shook my head and returned to my work. In a few seconds, I began hear
Chapter Twenty-Three - "Can We Talk"Celia's POVIt's been two days since I lost my virginity to him yet I hadn't seen him, he hadn't called nor had he texted. Today was our doctor's first appointment day and I hoped he would come to pick me up.I walked into the shower to take a warm bath, I still felt sore down there after the night's experience.I turned on the water and it began to fall on me. I started with my hair as I shampooed it and washed off the Mint shampoo then applying my conditioner I covered it with a shower cap to let it sit while I scrubbed my body.As I took my bath I thought about the fragments of the night as I remembered them. He hadn't forced me. I have been fantasizing about him from the day we met at the event.What happened may have happened out of the influence of alcohol but I do not regret it. I needed to speak with him so he wouldn't think I was still angry at him.I rinsed off my hair and body before walking out of the bathroom. I plugged my hand dryer a
Chapter Twenty-Two - She Was PureSteve's POVI groan as I search for my phone to turn off the beeping noise. My hands grab a hold of it and I subconsciously press the power button to turn off the alarm before dropping the phone back onto the nightstand.I feel someone steer beside me drawing the Duvet to themselves. I try to open my eyes only to be hit by a pounding headache."Ughh!" I groan again as I rub my forehead in a bid to soothe the ache.I slowly sit up, resting my back on the headrest. I felt cold as the duvet was no longer covering me.I slowly opened my eyes and welcomed an eye-blinding flash of sunlight from the window. I look around the room not sure I know where I ended up.I glanced at my body to see I was naked out of shock I looked at the person steering beside me. There lay Celia Sleeping peacefully with light snores leaving her lips."Shit!" I hit my palm on my face not wanting to wake her"How did this happen?" I beat myself up inwardlyI may be having a bit of a