1
Anna's POV
I paced around the hospital ward restlessly. The smell of sterile water and antibiotics makes me feel disgusting and throwing up at the spot. The hum of the fluorescent lights above mingling with my anxious thoughts. I have been here for the past 2 hours, this has been my daily routine in this painful journey of being a mother. Missed periods, running countless tests and taking all sorts of medicines for the past years now. Nagging from mother-in-law seems unending.
I have been struggling with polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) which hurts like hell when tests are run.
I watched as the woman next to me is called into the examination room. My heart skips a beat. My palms became sweaty out of nervousness.
After what seemed like a very long time, the door slowly opened and Dr. Reynolds walked into the room. He wore a formal shirt and tie and had a serious look in his face, he was professional but did not smile. There was just shame, disappointment and I tensed myself for the potential bad news which I didn’t want to listen to.
“Anna, I think it’s time we talked about your results,” he sat down across the table form me.
I could feel my throat constrict as I looked at her and nodded. “Alright,”He glanced at the papers clamped to his clipboard, and his forehead crinkled. The room fell quiet – or perhaps it was only their breathing that I could hear even my own pulse throbbing. Dr. Reynolds at last glanced up and I attempted to assess his feelings, however, he showed none on his face at all.
“Well” He said slowly, “Your uterine condition is excellent for conception, you are expected to ovulate in the next 48 hours. ”
The words were said as a cold reminder and they really struck me hard, I momentarily blanked. Suddenly my mouth became very dry, I felt as though I was going to faint so I tightly griped the edge of the chair. “Therefore, we could begin with the attempt? Like, trying to conceive?”
Dr. Reynolds occularly agreed, his eyes looked into mine in reassurance “It is, indeed, the best opportunity you’ve been been waiting for so long. We both advise that you and Michael grasp this chance.”
It was as if the pent up tension which seems to have been growing inside me suddenly released. I heaved a sign of relief but this was embellished by disbelief. “You sure? Everything …”
Lingering for a while on the contemptuous gaze of the man sitting opposite him, he slightly tilted his head forward and fixed it. “Anna, this is a perfect condition as far as one can expect under the given circumstances, it is time to start.”
I caught my breath to take the implication of what she said. “I. … I never thought that this day would come.” My eyes are filled with tears of relief and joy. The news I had longed for was finally here!
I clutched the ultrasound report to her chest, feeling as if I'm holding a precious gift that could change my life forever.
“Thank you so much Doctor!” I managed to say happily. My voice is noticeably trembling with emotions.
“You’re welcome,” The Doctor replied, with a warm and supportive tone.
“Remember to keep track of your ovulation, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.” He added with a smile. I nodded repeatedly covering my mouth with the test results in tears of joy.
I stood up, my legs are feeling weak but the joy in my heart knew no bound. I left the hospital with a renewed sense of hope, the report clutched tightly in my hand.
The cool December air hit my curly hair blowing it upwards as I stepped outside.
I felt a sudden burst of energy. Everything seemed to sparkle with possibilities. The walked to the car with a replenishing smile spreading across my face.
The thought of sharing this incredible news with Michael filled me with so much excitement. We have been through a lot of situations and this moment felt like a victory that we had both earned.
I got into my car and hit the road heading home. But then, I decided to stop by a nearby shopping center to pick up gifts for Michael and my mother-in-law, Rachel.
I strolled around the mall with so much joy.The mall is decorated beautifully with holiday decorations and cheerful music played calmly. It instantly added to my festive mood.
I picked out a beautiful Rolex watch for Michael, something I knew he would love, and a delicate bracelet for Rachel. I hope she likes this though.
Throughout this journey of being a mother, my mother-in-law has been a pain on my neck. But I has to forgive her though, at least for the fact that I will be conceiving soon!
“How much?” I asked the cashier in the counter after she checked the items I bought.
“$20,000 ma'am.” The cashier responded politely. I checked out immediately and left for my car. My mind raced with thoughts of the future. The idea of finally starting a family felt surreal but thrilling.
I imagined Michael’s reaction when I let him know about this, his face lighting up with the same joy I felt. It was a dream we had held close for so long, and now it was within reach.
I pulled into the garage saw Michael’s car parked in the garage. My heart fluttered with anticipation. As I walked through the front door, I heard Michael’s voice from the living room. He was on the phone, his was talking so seriously.
“We will meet up later. My wife will be back soon!” He said with almost a whisper. I heard him from the dinning room.
I took a deep breath and carefully placed my mother-in-law's gift on the dining table, ensuring it was perfectly arranged.
“I will gift Micheal his watch later on…it should be on a Christmas Eve!” I smiled at myself.
I moved to the living room, my heart pounding with excitement. Michael looked up, he smile as he saw me. He ended the call and walked over to me, wrapping his arms around me in a tender embrace.
“I heard you arguing on phone. Who was that?” I asked with a concerned face.
“Ugh, just a business partner. Nothing to worry about.” He said and kissed me.
“So love. How was the appointment?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
I looked up at him, my eyes shining with tears of happiness. “Michael, you won’t believe it. Dr. Reynolds says that my uterine condition is perfect for conception, and I’m going to ovulate in the next 48 hours.”
His eyes widened in surprise and joy. He pulled me closer to himself, his hands gently cupping my face. “Really? That’s amazing news, Anna! I’m so proud of you.”
I nodded, my emotions overflowing. “I’ve been thinking about how much this means to us, and I wanted to get Mom something for Christmas celebration.”
Michael’s gaze softened as he looked at the neatly wrapped gifts on the table. He took my hand and led me to the dining area, where we unwrapped the present together.
“This is incredible,” Michael said, his voice filled with emotion. “You’ve made this day even more special. Mom will love this!”
“Where is she? I want to give it to her by myself.” I asked calmly.
“I think she is in the kitchen. Go ahead while I finish up what I have here and get to you.” Micheal responded.
2Anna's POVI walked to the kitchen and took a deep breath before I clutched the handle of the kitchen door. I got in and found her in the kitchen, she was backing the door and slicing some tomatoes for dinner preparation. The kitchen smelled of roasted turkey and spiced apples, a comforting aroma that immediately heightened my anticipation.“Hi mom, Good evening mom.” I greeted calmly putting on a smile. She slammed the knife causing me to flinch. My heart beats fast as I gulped hard. I brought out the gift and placed in front of her.“Ugh, mom…I have a little something for you,” I said, trying to sound as cheerful as I felt.She turned around, her expression barely masking her surprise. I held out the small, elegantly wrapped box. “Merry Christmas,” I added, hoping to see an atom of joy in her eyes.She took the box with a sigh, her eyes scanning me briefly before she set it aside on the counter without another word again. Her reactions felt so cold, and I struggled to hide my dis
3Anna's POV We finished at the gym house and I dropped Jessica off in front of her house, we bade farewell and hit the road heading home. It was already late by the time I got home, my heart filled with so much excitement as I thought about surprising Michael with the gift I had bought him the other day at the mall. The Rolex watch! I had saved it specifically for tonight, Christmas Eve, because I wanted this moment to be special between us. The watch was more than just a present—it was a symbol of the love I still wanted and will always want it forever. A symbol of our eternal marriage vows, the love I hoped would bring us closer. I slowly walked through the front door, I smiled at myself and our wedding pictures hanging on the wall, but something felt off. I shook off the thoughts immediately.The whole door was open ajar,Mom wasn't home yet and Michael doesn't do that.My excitement dimmed as I noticed the faint sound of voices coming from upstairs. I paused, my heart pounding
4Anna's POV My hands trembled as I stared at the papers again, his harsh words make me cry more. I swallowed hard with determination and signed the papers.I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe that the man I had loved so much was now treating me like an ordinary strangers and freak, something to be discarded."You’re a coward," I spat, throwing the papers back at him. "You want a divorce right? Fine. But don’t you dare blame me for this. You’re the one who destroyed us, Michael. You destroyed our marriage with your lies.”He didn’t even flinch a bit. The papers scattered around the floor. Instead, he turned to Sophie, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and kissing her right in front of me. "I’m sorry it had to be like this, Anna. But this is what’s best for both of us. You’ll understand that one day. But for now…deal with your heart break"I felt sick to my stomach as I watched them together, doing crazy things in front of me. The reality of my situation hits
5Xavier's POVIt's late around 8pm, I closed late today for work being the CEO of a huge company has never been so easy. I hit the road heading home with my car. I was driving through the lonely streets, this has been a daily route after a late -night work at the company.I spotted someone who looks exactly like Anna by the roadside. It's her!The cold air turned her cheeks red and her eyes are looking red and puffy as if she cried throughout the day for a long time. She was staggering as if she could barely carry herself up. Something is truly off. I quickly pulled over with so much concern.As I stepped out, I saw two men surrounding her and probably trying to harasse her. I walked to her in panic.“Hey!” I shouted, trying to draw their attention away from her. My mind was racing in anger.The men turned, and their surprise quickly advanced to me.“And who are you? What's your business with her.” They asked. They staggered towards me.Before they could finish talking,I was on them
6Anna's POV What the hell was he talking about? Getting married to him right after his step brother broke my heart?“I…I…” I stammered slowly and panicked about what exactly to respond kindly with. The door cracked open and the nurse walked in, she was dressed in pink scrubs and white Crocs, holding a file in her hand.“Mr Xavier, the doctor wants to speak privately with you.” She said politely with a smile. I heaved a sigh of relief.“I will be back soon.” Xavier said and with that, he left.My phone rang loudly, it was Jessica calling. I shifted the drip rope and picked up the phone beside me.“Hello girl! Where the hell are you? I heard about what happened and I'm in the hospital. But which ward? The nurse I met here is so saucy!” Jessica shrilled on the phone.I let out a soft chuckle. “Room 406.” I responded without talking much. Not less than 10 minutes later the door sprang open and she rushed in and hugged me.“What the ... .what actually happened?” She asked hastily.I held
7Anna's POV“Michael! Get your fucking hands off her!” Someone said from behind. It was Xavier. He rushed to him immediately and landed a punch on his face. Micheal fell to the ground.“Oh my goodness Anna! It's him! Xavier Rolland.” Jessica shouted and covered her mouth with her palms.“Yeah, he was actually the one that saved me and Michael's step brother.” I responded still focused on the men.“You idiot! What the hell are you doing here stepbrother!? Long time no see and seeing me with a punch. Did you two know each other?” Micheal asked on the floor, his nose was bleeding. Yes! I smiled at myself in victory.“Shocked huh? You fucking divorced your wife Micheal! I saved her at the point of death! You don't have any right to ask questions about her life!” Xavier yelled.“So it was you? She's my wife! You don't have the right to be with this barren woman!” Micheal said and my eyes widened.“Shut the hell up Micheal! I'm not your wife! Now get out.” I said angrily. He stood up from
8“Yeah, for now.” He responded, Anna's eyes Caught pictures on the table slabs looking exactly like her, she made to take a closer look but he immediately swept her off her foot and she laid on his hands in a bridal style. Their eyes locked together, their faces almost closer to each other.What the heck?“I..um..my place is really messy. I don't want you to see it like this, that's why ummm…” He stammered, Anna chuckled softly and nodded. He was still holding her tightly in the bridal style.“Um, yeah. I think I understand.” she nodded nervously. “If you don't mind, you're holding me tightly.” she added.“Oh that's right. Cool.” He said and lifted her immediately. The anxiety in his eyes could be clearly seen which made Anna laugh inwardly.“You know what, I will leave you here now. You can freshen up, and then we can talk about dinner.” He said hastily.“Yeah, sounds good.” Anna said and left for the inner room to pick out something to wear. Xavier quickly picked up the pictures o
9“Finally. I really have to move on with my life now.” she said and scooped some food in her mouth.Xavier twisted and rolled all over the bed, he could sleep he laid down straight up facing the ceiling as his whole thoughts drifted to Anna.***Flashbacks***Xavier paced around the room rehearsing the best words to tell Anna about his feelings for her. “Anna, I've loved you ever since the very first moment I've seen you, I know that you're with my brother. And that you're happy but I think that I can make you so much more happy.” He recited. “Yes!” He rejoiced at his winning, his heart beating so fast, he nodded in so much confidence and stepped out to meet her.“Yeah, I will marry you Michael!” Anna said happily, Micheal slid the ring in-between her finger and they kissed happily. Xavier's eyes widened and he stopped halfway. Tears were already forming in his eyes.Michael disengaged the kiss and turned to him smiling broadly “Xavier…look! She finally agreed to marry me!” He rejoi
Greg's face was plastered with worry and panic, his brow furrowed and lips trembling as he fidgeted nervously. “Could it be that they’ve rekindled their old feelings, sir?” he ventured, hesitating as he spoke. His voice wavered, unsure whether he should even suggest such a thing.Leo’s reaction was immediate. His eyes darkened, the veins in his neck bulging as fury built inside him like a storm. His fists slammed onto the table, rattling the objects on it. “It’s *not possible!*” His voice exploded, raw and full of venom. His breathing quickened, each intake of air sharp and strained, the very idea of betrayal igniting something fierce in him.Greg stepped back, eyes wide with fear as he instinctively raised his hands in a defensive gesture. “S-sorry, sir,” he stammered, bowing his head to avoid Leo’s searing gaze. His heart raced, pounding against his ribs. Leo clenched his jaw so tightly his teeth ached, but the pain in his chest was far worse. His eyes darted back and forth as his
THIRTY FOURFear gripped Talia as she looked around the dark, suffocating room. Her heart pounded like a drum, her palms slick with cold sweat. She pounded on the door, her fists aching from the effort. “Mother! Mother! Please, open the door! Open the door for me! I know you're out there!" Her voice cracked with desperation as she slammed her body against the heavy door again, the sound echoing in the suffocating space.Outside, her stepmother smirked, her lips curling into a cruel grin. Her hand gripped the door knob tightly, fingers lingering as if savoring Talia’s agony. "Shut up, Talia!" she hissed, her voice dripping with malice. "Stay inside and let the matter settle. When everything falls into place, only then will I open the door for you. Do you hear me?!" Her voice was sharp, echoing through the cold, silent house.Talia’s heart dropped. She backed away from the door, chest heaving, her breath ragged. She fumbled for her phone, hands shaking, and frantically dialed the guards
THIRTY THREE Talia immediately stiffened, her name echoing through the hallway, spoken by a voice she didn’t recognize. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she turned slowly toward Leo, her heartbeat quickening with a mix of fear and frustration. “Let me finish this conversation with my mother tonight, Leo,” she said, her voice barely concealing the exhaustion that weighed heavily in her chest. Her eyes flitted away from his, avoiding the intensity in his gaze. “We’ll talk about this later.”She ran a hand through her hair, trying to soothe the tension pounding in her head. “And I think we both need time to calm down, to think clearly before we take any action.”Leo’s hand lingered on her arm, his touch soft yet filled with restraint. His lips pressed together as he held back the words he truly wanted to say. His eyes, though dark and stormy, flickered with something more tender—something Talia refused to acknowledge right now."Al
THIRTY TWOMr. Diego's eyes widened, confusion and disbelief etched on his face as Leo’s bold claim hung in the air. The room fell silent, all eyes shifting to Leo and Talia, their tension palpable. Talia’s heart thudded in her chest as she avoided her father’s questioning gaze, desperately trying to maintain her composure.“Wait… you’re married?” Mr. Diego asked, his voice thick with curiosity, as if struggling to grasp the reality.Leo’s lips curled into a mischievous smirk, his sharp gaze fixed on Talia, who stood rigid beside him. Her pulse quickened under his stare, a storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. He seemed to take pleasure in the subtle discomfort he was causing her. “Yes. I got married as soon as I returned to the country,” Leo responded smoothly, his voice laced with arrogance. “I just haven’t announced it yet.”Mr. Diego raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled by the sudden revelation. “It’s quite a rush! I wonder if one of the people here is your fiancée?” His wo
THIRTY ONE Malia sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixated on the floor, as her mother gently combed through her hair. The rhythmic strokes of the brush were meant to soothe, but the tension in Malia’s clenched fists betrayed her frustration. “You look absolutely stunning, Malia,” her mother, Mrs. Lyra, said, a smile playing on her lips. “I’m telling you, no man will be able to walk past without turning his head.” She admired her daughter’s reflection in the mirror, her voice dripping with pride. Malia’s lips tightened into a thin line, her eyes dark with jealousy as she met her mother’s gaze in the mirror. “That’s only if my idiotic stepsister doesn’t decide to crash the night and ruin everything, like she always does,” she muttered bitterly, venom seeping into her tone. Mrs. Lyra’s fingers paused for a second, her face twisting with a knowing smirk before she resumed brushing. “Oh, that’s right, Talia. The ever-perfect golden child. But did you hear?” Her voice lowered, al
THIRTY Talia glared at Marco, the heat of her anger burning in her chest as she avoided eye contact. She clenched her fists, every muscle in her body screaming with frustration. She didn’t want to be near him, let alone listen to whatever nonsense he had to say. “What do you want?” she snapped, her voice sharp and cold. Her expression remained hardened as she shifted her weight uncomfortably, wishing he would just disappear. Marco’s face tightened, his jaw clenching as he took a step forward, his hand reaching for hers. “Let’s go,” he demanded, his voice devoid of emotion as though he had the right to still control her. Talia flung his hand off her wrist as if his touch burned her skin, her heart pounding with irritation. “Just tell me what you want, Marco!” Her voice rose, shaking slightly from the mixture of hurt and anger coursing through her veins. “Stop touching me!” Marco’s eyes flashed with a hint of frustration, the calm facade slipping for a brief second before he compos
TWENTY NINE Talia’s face was a mask of forced calm as she walked over to Leo's table. Inside, however, her stomach churned with discomfort. She sat down across from him, plastering on a fake smile, hoping this encounter would be quick."Mr. Leo, what a coincidence seeing you here!" she said, her voice bright, but her eyes carried a glimmer of frustration she struggled to hide.Leo leaned back in his chair, a sly smile curling on his lips as he met her gaze. “Yes, Miss Talia. Funny thing though, my wife cooked for me today, so I didn’t even need to come here.”Talia froze mid-bite, her throat tightening as she swallowed her food a bit too forcefully. She quickly reached for her water, taking a sip to mask her growing irritation. *Oh please, stop talking nonsense,* she thought, resisting the urge to roll her eyes."Then why aren't you eating what your wife cooked?" she asked, her voice filled with false curiosity a
TWENTY EIGHT Lisa's face flushed with anger, her lips pressed into a thin line as she stormed toward Malia, her eyes blazing with indignation. She moved so quickly and forcefully that the tension in the air crackled around her, completely ignoring Marco who stood nearby, his gaze shifting between the two women with a quiet intensity.“Malia, I thought you were fired?” Lisa spat, her voice sharp and accusatory, her eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. Her fists clenched at her sides as she squared off with Malia, her anger palpable.Malia let out a slow, sarcastic laugh, her lips curling into a smug smirk. She stood tall, shoulders back, exuding a cocky confidence that only made Lisa’s blood boil more. “Fired?” she repeated, her voice dripping with mockery as she raised an eyebrow. “No, darling. I wasn’t fired. I was *demoted,* yes, but I’m still your supervisor.” Her smirk widened as her eyes flicked over to Marco, who gave her a small nod of approval, his expression unreadable but approv
Lisa finished talking, letting out a long sigh as her head drooped back onto the desk. The exhaustion in her eyes was evident, dark circles framing them. Her shoulders sagged, and within seconds, she dozed off.“Lisa, don’t sleep!” Talia’s voice broke through the silence as she barged into the office, her hand dramatically placed on her growling stomach. “Let’s go eat. I’m *famished*,” she added with a playful groan. Her eyes scanned Lisa’s sleeping form before she walked over, lightly tapping her on the shoulder.Lisa jolted awake, her eyes fluttering open, squinting in confusion before she realized where she was. She groaned, stretching her arms above her head as a tired smile curled on her lips. “Ugh, Talia, I was in the middle of such a good dream,” she mumbled, but the moment she caught sight of her phone, her grogginess faded. Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she reached for it. “Girl! I have some juicy gossip for you!” she exclaimed dramatically,