She looked at me for a long moment before speaking again.
"I am willing to give you another chance." She announced.A surprised cough escaped my lips. "A chance?" I repeated, narrowing my eyes. "A chance to do what, exactly?""A chance to prove that you have wished no ill for your sister," she said firmly. "To prove that you actually are part of this family."A disbelieving chuckle slipped past my lips, but my mother didn’t flinch. She pressed on as if she truly believed she held all the power in this conversation."You’re going to call Eric," she continued. "You’re going to tell him that everything that happened with Trey was wrong. You're going to talk to Trey and convince him to tell Eric that maybe he was lying. Just… find something. Make up anything. But make sure that Eric calls Rita, apologizes, and takes your sister back home where she belongs."She said it as if the matter was settled as if she had the final say.She looked at me with that twisted, dark smile, the one that told me she thought she had won. As if she had accomplished exactly what she came here to do. But she was still standing in my room, still breathing the same air as me, still existing in my space, and I couldn’t take it. The anger, the pain, the years of resentment came over me. My voice came out in a scream, raw and filled with fury. "Get out! Get out, get out, get out!" The door burst open. A nurse rushed in, followed closely by Trey. His eyes darted between me and my mother, concern into his face. "What’s going on?" he demanded. "Mina, what happened?" I pointed a shaking hand at Kristy. "I don’t want to see this woman ever again in my life!" My voice was hoarse, but I didn’t care. "I’ll get a restraining order if I have to. If I ever see you again, I swear I will make you regret it." The words cut through the air.
"Thank you," I said, smiling genuinely at Madeline. Her response was a soft laugh as if she couldn’t help herself. I wasn’t upset by her questions, though, and I didn’t think much of it.Emmerson's voice cut through the silence. "Mina has been through a lot, so I’m going to get her to bed upstairs to relax." He turned towards Madeline. "Madeline, I’m sure you’ve prepared the soup, can you bring it up in about 15 minutes so I can help her get showered and changed?"Madeline nodded, looking at me. "Of course."With that, Madeline left towards the kitchen, and everyone else dispersed. Emerson then carried me up the stairs. He prepared the bath for me, making sure the water temperature was just right. We then found ourselves in a debate about whether he should give me a bath. Of course, he won, insisting that I needed help.There was something tender in the way he handled me, every movement was made with love and care. After the bath, he helped me apply oil to my skin, the sensation soo
"Eric, I have no idea what you're talking about. I am—""No!" He cut me off sharply, his voice urgent. "Shhh! Mina, just listen to me, okay? Listen to me."I stiffened at the intensity in his voice."Think about you and me. Think of us as kids. Think of us as grown-ups. We have always been together. We have always done things together. You and I… we could have been the most powerful couple in the world," he said, his eyes locking onto mine.I opened my mouth to protest, but he didn’t let me."Just think of our plans," he urged, his voice filled with desperation. "Think of our plans when we were together. Think of our plans when we were at university. Think of the future we wanted.""Eric, no, wait—""Just think of those as you listen to me, okay?" He moved closer. "We had plans to conquer the world. You and I… we were going to be the richest couple on this planet. You are just so smart. And you're so amazing and intelligent. And when you focus on something, you actually make wonders,
"Of course, I am serious, Mina," Eric said, unwavering. "I have never been serious about something as much as I am serious about this—about us."He leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my skin crawl. "Mina, what’s stopping you? What’s keeping you back?"I opened my mouth, ready to tell him exactly what was stopping me, but he cut me off before I could even form the words."I know you don’t love my father," he pressed on. "I mean, you two weren't even together a few days ago. And suddenly, the moment he finds out you’re pregnant, you’re back together? Just like that?" He scoffed. "You and I both know that’s not real. You weren’t with him because you loved him. You were with him for revenge—because of me. Because you still love me."I clenched my fists, as I forced myself to stay calm.He wasn’t finished. "Do you really want to start a family with my father? For God’s sake, Mina, he’s an old man!" His voice
Eric opened his mouth, hesitating. "I was just—1... We ...."But he seemed stuck. His usual confidence wavered, and I could see the turmoil in his eyes. So, I took the initiative for him."Eric just came to see me," I said, keeping my voice light. "He heard I was pregnant and wanted to tell me how happy and excited he was that he’s getting a sibling."I turned to Eric and gave him a small smile."We were just hashing out our little differences," I continued, "because now, we’re going to be a real family."Eric stood up abruptly, nodding his head. "Yeah, yeah, yeah… I’m just gonna— I’m gonna go."Emerson watched him closely. "Okay. Did you need anything?"Eric didn’t look fine. His usual sharp presence was replaced by something… lost.He just kept nodding. "I just— I have to clear my head. I’m just— I’m going to go."Emerson stepped aside, allowing him to pass. Eric walked out without another word.
The next few days were better. I was feeling stronger, and Emerson was spending more time at home. But as much as I loved having him around, I couldn't shake the guilt of knowing he was neglecting work.Jason was here more than he wanted to be, and I could see the frustration in his eyes every time he and Emerson spoke. They had been arguing more than usual, and I knew why—Jason wanted him back at the office. Emerson was slacking, and projects weren’t getting his full attention.And to make matters worse, Eric hadn’t been going to work either after his situation with Rita. Emmerson told me that Eric had filed for divorce and kicked Rita out of the house. I didn't want to stress myself with their issues but I didn't ask questions.But now the weight of the company was falling squarely on Jason’s shoulders, and I could tell it was wearing on him.So that night, as Emerson massaged my feet in bed, I decided to bring it up."Emerson, I think you should go back to work."He didn't look up.
After a tense silence, Madeline looked between Emerson and me, waiting for an answer. Finally, Emerson spoke."Why don't you give us a few minutes, Madeline?"She frowned, crossing her arms. "What are you even going to discuss? Can't you just say it here? I thought I was a part of this family."I exhaled, trying to ease the tension. "It's fine," I said, my voice softer now. "If Madeline feels like she can handle it, I trust her. She's been there my whole life. She's a great mom—we all know that." I looked at Emerson. "And you know what? I think… fine. It’s okay."Emerson glanced at me, then back at Madeline. "Okay. But anytime you feel like it's too much, Madeline, don’t feel indebted because of what my family and I have done for you. Just tell me, and we’ll get you help."Madeline nodded. "I know that, Emerson. Don’t worry about it."Just then, Jason walked in, looking impatient. "Aren’t you finished with breakfast? I really want to get through these candidates so we can go back to
Tina and I continued chatting about normal things—pregnancy, fashion, makeup. She gave me a few tips from her own pregnancy and shared stories about when Trey was young, and the struggles she had raising him. It was a surprisingly good time with her.As we talked, Madeleine came out with some snacks she had prepared. She placed them down on the table, and as she did, Tina turned to her."Maria, right? Is that your name again?"Madeleine straightened slightly. "It’s Madeleine."I could tell she didn’t like Tina much, but Tina was undeterred."Yes, Madeleine! I remember you. You’ve been with Emerson for the longest time, haven’t you?"Madeleine nodded. "Yes."Tina smiled, her eyes lighting up. "Well, that gives me an idea." She turned to me. "How far along are you now, Mina?""About six months.""Okay! So, have you thought about having a baby shower?"I blinked at her. "A baby shower? No, I’m not really planning anything. I’m still on bed rest, so I can’t be all bubbly and throw a part
Mina I was in the delivery room about to bring my baby into this world, and who knew it hurt like hell? Mmh! I was very lucky and very grateful to have my husband here with me. He kept holding my hand, telling me sweet things, and encouraging me when the doctors told me to push. He pushed with me, breathed with me. It was kind of crazy. I don't know, maybe after I was done here I would think about this moment and laugh about it. It was a moment in my life when I really needed him, and I was so, so happy and so grateful to have him here beside me. The two doctors that Mr. Emerson insisted on having here were top in their fields. He didn’t care, he had to fly one in as long as I got everything and I was in great hands. The doctors were great, they were encouraging. I just wanted this moment to be over and for my baby to come into this world so I could hear their cry. We were still in the dark; we didn’t know if we were having a girl or a boy. I was just waiting for that moment wh
EmmersonThe next morning, I decided to handle things myself. I know Mina’s already been through enough trauma with her family, so I don’t want to involve her in this. She’s still asleep, and I slip out quietly to deal with Eric.I find him at the hotel, slumped over, still asleep. I nudge him with the toe of my shoe, the force making him stir. Slowly, his eyes flicker open, and the haze of sleep and alcohol makes him groggy. He rises, blinking and groaning, his hand clutching his head."Wake up, Eric," I tell him as I open the curtains, letting the bright light flood the room. He immediately shields his eyes, groaning louder."My head... hurts," he mutters, his voice thick with a hangover. He grabs the bottle of water on the bedside table and gulps down a large portion in one go."Last night," he laments, "I didn't like how your men dragged me out of that nightclub.""You call that a nightclub? It was a strip
EmmersonOh yeah?” Mina’s voice is a little high-pitched.And then Rita says something that makes my blood cold.“Of course,” she replies, her voice dripping with arrogance. “I mean if I could take Eric from you so easily before… When you weren’t this heavily pregnant, and we weren’t even living in the same house. Just think how simple it would be to take his father from you now.”Her voice is low and suggestive. Mina scoffs, maybe out of shock, but Rita doesn’t stop.“I mean, look at you,” she continues, mockingly. “You’re pregnant. You can’t even walk properly without someone holding you. You have to be carried just to get around.” She chuckles,“And me?” she adds. “I’m just getting started. The exercises I’ll do, the maintenance I’ll keep up… You know I won't be breastfeeding, right? This baby is feeding from the bottle. Nothing is messing up this....hot body.”In my mind, I can already picture her motioning to her bo
Emmerson By nightfall, the police have already paid us a visit. It’s all over the news. Madeline had a little accident on the highway. Her car hit the side of a bridge and went down under. She suffocated. But I know the truth. Let her feel what it’s like to lose air. Anyway, the point is—she’s dead. The police came because, after her attack on Mina, there was already a record of her actions. They were just here to deliver the report. To tell us that she was gone. That also settled the issue with Rose. Mina had never been convinced that Rose was behind it, and now that Madeline was out of the picture, it was clear she had been wrongfully accused. Mina was shocked with the news, I never thought she would actually be upset after everything. Even though there’s still sadness in her eyes, I can see the difference. She’s no
EmmersonAfter I had taken Mina home, I gave her a bath, making sure she was okay and taken Care of. She was reluctant to eat at first, but I insisted. “You need nutrition,” I reminded her. “I know you don't want to but do it for the baby. You’re pregnant, you're doing it for our baby.”She sighed, but eventually gave in, taking small sips of the warm soup I had prepared. I watched her closely, ensuring she had everything she needed. Then, I sat her down and gently caressed her hair.I kept talking as I did it—about everything and nothing at the same time. Just filling the silence, making sure she felt covered and safe. My voice was low and comforting. I caressed her head, feeling the softness of her scalp, letting her know she wasn’t alone.And then, she fell asleep.Once I was sure she was deep in rest, I finally allowed myself to feel it all—the anger, the frustration, the overwhelming sense of failure.How could I h
As Emerson's voice continued on the phone, offering words of comfort, trying to calm me, I felt my tears flow faster. I couldn't hear him clearly anymore over the noise in my head, the panic, the certainty that I was going to die. I just listened to him, letting his voice be a thread tying me to something.Then, the banging stopped.I hadn't even realized it.Instead, a knock. A soft, reassuring knock."Mina, Mina, come on, open the door," Emerson's voice came through the phone, clearer now.I still didn’t understand what was happening. My mind was so clouded by fear, but hearing his voice… it soothed me in ways I couldn’t explain. I was barely aware of his words, just the sound of him calling my name, telling me it was okay."Emerson, is that you?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper."Yes, it's me. Open the door, Mina."The reality of it hit me. I had been trapped in a nightmare, my heart frozen with terror, bu
I started scribbling on the piece of paper.[I can't do this anymore. I'm going to kill myself.]I set the pen down and exhaled. "Okay, I'm done."Madeline narrowed her eyes. "What did you write so fast?"She stalked toward me, snatched the paper out of my hands, and read it. Her expression darkened, and before I could brace myself, she slapped me hard across the face. The force nearly knocked me out of the chair.A sharp sting spread across my cheek, my vision blurred for a second. My entire face tingled from the impact, and I gritted my teeth, refusing to let a single tear fall.Who knew I would ever be in this situation? Kidnapped at gunpoint. Forced to write my own suicide letter.Madeline took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. Then she smirked."You're smart, Mina. We can argue about a lot of things, but not that. You're a smart little thing, a devious little thing. That’s how you got Emerson i
Madeline’s grip on my arm became almost painful. I could feel the gun on my side, like a silent, invisible threat.I forced a laugh, shaking my head. "Oh, you know... My condition." I gestured vaguely at myself. "It’s still hard for me to get up, takes a while to get out of bed. I was sleeping."Tom stared at me, his eyes searching my face as if he was trying to read through my words.Then, finally, he gave a slow nod. "Okay."But he still didn’t leave."Can I come in?" he asked. "I can give you some company.""No!" The word shot out of my mouth too fast, too loud, too desperate.Madeline pressed the gun against my side, a silent threat, a warning that made my blood turn cold.Tom’s frown deepened.I forced another smile, shaking my head quickly. "I mean—no, it’s okay. I was sleeping. I don’t need company right now."I gave an awkward laugh, motioning toward the inside of the apartment. "If you came in, you’d just be sitting alone because I’m going back to bed."Tom didn’t look conv
"I'm sorry, Madeline, I swear I didn’t—""Just tell me why!" she shouted to my face, her voice filled with frustration.I was shaking, my throat dry, my mind running a mile a minute. "I don't know, okay? Maybe because he was there. He was nice. He was understanding, and he made me feel safe. He made me happy. He made me feel like I could be the person I wanted to be." My voice cracked, and I rushed to explain, desperate for her to believe me. "It was never about his age, Madeline. I always thought he was cute, you know? I always thought he was really handsome. And then when we slept together, I realized I could have everything I ever wanted with him, okay? I'm sorry. I really didn’t know—"She let out a cold laugh, cutting me off. "You're not sorry. Stop trying to act like some innocent girl who thought he was ‘the one.’"Her voice was mocking, twisting my words into something dirty."You don’t even love him. Not really. You love the things he represents." She took a step closer, he