About an hour later, Janet arrived with the envelope. I thanked her and quickly closed the door, ripping it open. My eyes scanned the letter, my breath catching in my throat. It was from the private detective I had hired to file a case against Stella, using the proof my private investigator had provided. Lizzy, I reviewed the evidence provided by your investigator regarding Stella’s activities. Unfortunately, the proof isn’t sufficient to file a solid case against her. Without stronger evidence, pursuing this case is not advisable. I recommend putting this matter aside unless more substantial proof can be obtained. Sincerely, Detective Harris My hands trembled as I read the letter again. So, despite everything, there wasn’t enough to bring Stella down legally. Frustration bubbled up inside me. I had hoped this would be the breakthrough I needed, something to finally open Ethan’s eyes. I stared at the documents, my mind racing. What should I do now? How could I get more proof?
ETHAN I sat on my comfy chair in the sitting room, staring at the two letters on the table before me: the promotion offer letter on the right and the resignation letter on the left. This promotion was a fantastic chance, a huge step up in my career, and something I had always wanted—but it came with strings attached. Memories of that night with Lizzy kept flashing in my mind, making my decision even harder. I sighed, rubbing my temple, an act I do whenever I was indecisive and stressed. I needed to make a decision quickly. Today marks the end of the submission deadline for the promotion. Uncertain of what to do, I decided to reach out to Mike for advice. I picked up my phone, dialing his number. After several rings, it connected, and I could hear his husky voice behind the phone. "Hey, Ethan! What's up?" Mike answered, sounding like I had just woken him up from a deep sleep. "Hey, man. Got a minute? I need your advice on something," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
LIZZY POV What did you say? I hear my father's voice, calm yet commanding. There was no time to back down now; I had started a lie, and I had to keep up with it. "I said I'm pregnant with Ethan's child." I repeated, but this time confidently. I stared at Ethan's face, hoping for a reaction from him, but his face was blank, with no iota of emotion. He stood there like a log of wood struck by lightning. I averted my gaze back to my father. I watched as he rearranged his seat, relaxing further. For the first time in what felt like forever, my father raised his head to look at me, not with the soft, loving eyes I had wished for but with disappointment. My heart sank in shame. I wonder what must be running through his mind right now. I sighed, waiting for one of them to say something or ask questions at least. It was not like I had an answer prepared; this was all a facade. Something I had blurted out foolishly, the same way I requested that Ethan marry me. "So, where's the pregnancy r
We arrived at the cafe a few miles away from the office. The ever-busy environment added to the already lingering tension between Ethan and me. The smell of the brewed coffee graced the environment with its presence, calming my tensed nerve. I sat in front of Ethan this time, without regard for his manly gesture. Ethan took a seat, and we both stared at the menu, waiting for the other to break the ice. The silence between us, which was unwelcoming, was broken by the young, charming barista, Lui, who approached us with a bright smile. "Ahhh! It's good to see you again, Miss Douglas. What's your order today?" He asked politely, ready to pen our orders down. "Hey, Liu. I'll have my usual." "thanks." "That would be an iced mocha." He confirmed, as he noted my favorite on his tablet. "And you, Mr.?" Liu asked, turning to face Ethan, who looked so lost in a world of his own. "Ethan," I called out, notifying him of the presence of the barista, Liu." "Uhhh?" "Sir, would you lik
"What do i want from you?" She sneered at me. "Yes Chloe! What do you want from me?" I repeated, colder than before. "You think I want something from you." Chloe let out a demeaning chuckle. "Ahhh! You're such a silly fool to think you have anything to offer me." "Everything you own is mine, Elizabeth. EVERYTHING." "I'm here to collect what's rightfully mine, starting from your seat right here." She stated, her hands resting on my chair, swirling me slowly. "Chloe, we're sisters. We shouldn't be doing this." I sighed, trying to be rational. I didn't want to stoop to her level or compete with her. "Sisters?" "Who? Me, you?" "You must be delusional to think I consider you my sister." "I can see this pregnancy is getting to your head." "I can and will never be your sister, Elizabeth." "You're just an illegitimate child, who will suffer the consequences of her mother's actions." "That's enough, Chloe," I roared angrily. I hated when my mother's name was mentioned in such manner. I
I looked at Grandma, her stern eyes brooking no arguments. I knew her decision was final. I was the puppet after all, and I didn't want this to linger any longer.For peace to reign, I began going on my knees slowly, the cold floor graced my skin mockingly. I turned to face Chloe, whose lips curled into a snug smile despite the fake tears in her eyes. Her smile felt like a slap on my face.I couldn't take it anymore. I was halfway down my knees. The injustice of it all burned in my chest. I suddenly felt stupid. I was no longer a child to be pushed over by Chloe and Grandma.I immediately straightened myself back up and turned to Grandma. She cocked her brows, confused as to why I wasn't adhering to her order."Didn't you hear what I said, Elizabeth?" Grandma's eyes burned with fury as she spoke."No, Grandma. I won't do it," I replied.Grandma's eyes widened in shock. "What did you say?""I said no," I repeated, my voice stronger than the last. "I'm done apologizing for things I didn
Apart from Dad, Aunt Martha was the only one who considered me a part of the family. Since childhood, whenever Grandma locked me up or starved me unjustly, she would sneak in food for me. She treated me like a daughter when others were absent. "Aunt Martha, you heard everything, right?" I shrugged her shoulder, wondering why she hadn't said anything yet. She stood still with the tray of food in her hands, her eyes darting at me, then at Grandma, then back at me again. She walked forward, freeing herself from my grasp, and dropped the tray beside Grandma before she began to speak. "Hear what, Elizabeth?" My eyes widened in awe, my ears couldn't believe what she had said. "Aunt Marth—" "At this point, I think you need to stop. You're being selfish," she blurted out. "But, Aunty— I was certain you heard." "Is the damage you've caused not enough? Don't involve me in your mess. How shameless can you be, Elizabeth?" She pointed at me with a disappointed look. I watched as the
"Hello Lizzy"? Ethan's voice floated through the phone like a gentle breeze, soothing the ache in my chest. His words were a balm to my wounded heart. "Hey, Ethan. What's up?" I tried to sound casual, hiding my emotions. "How are you doing? And how's our baby?" His voice sparked with excitement, the kind that made everything feel like it would be alright. His concern warmed me, a comfort I didn't realize I needed. "We're both fine," I sniffled, with my hand instinctively resting on my flat tummy, a subconscious act I developed whenever the baby was asked after. "Well, I called to let you know I found a gynecologist..." My heart sank. The word "gynecologist" filled me with panic. I remember telling him I would get one myself, why bother? I couldn't let him continue. "Ethan, I don't think that will be necessary. The baby and I are fine," I interrupted quickly, trying to end the conversation before it went further. A gynecologist would see through my lie instantly, and that