After Valeria’s groom dumped her right at the altar, she married a guy in the wheelchair from the next hall. Only to realise that he was just a decoy fulfilling the task. However, Valeria was married to Markos Moreno. The catch? He’s in a coma. It was only a matter of time for Valeria to become a widow and be kicked out. Unexpectedly, Markos wakes up and lashes out at her, assuming she did all this for money. His hatred increases upon knowing Valeria is the ex-girlfriend of his nephew. Will she stay with her wheelchair-ridden husband to become a prey of his cruelty? What will happen when she decides to leave without informing? Worst? She's pregnant with his child.
View MoreThe sun was just beginning to set as Valeria’s cab pulled up in front of Bella’s cozy house. The warm, inviting glow of the porch light was the first thing Valeria noticed, and it made her chest tighten with emotion. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like she was stepping into a place where she could truly breathe.Before she could even knock, the door swung open, and there stood Bella, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her friend. “Valeria!” Bella exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”Valeria smiled softly, the weight of the past few days momentarily lifting as she embraced Bella. “I missed you too,” she said, her voice laced with exhaustion.Bella stepped back, keeping her hands on Valeria’s shoulders as she gave her a once-over. “You look... tired,” Bella said gently. “Come in. Let’s get you settled.”Valeria nodded and followed Bella inside. The house smelled of freshly baked cookies a
Valeria sat in Markus's study while staring blankly, her hands trembling as she clutched the divorce papers. Her heart felt heavy, but her expression was calm and composed. This time, she wasn’t going to let him dictate everything.Markus leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching her with his usual air of indifference. “Well? Have you made up your mind?” he asked coolly, his gaze fixed on her as though he was scrutinizing her every move.She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Yes,” she said firmly. “I’ll sign the papers.” Markus raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden agreement. “That’s refreshing,” he said with a sarcastic smirk. “But I’m guessing there’s a condition?”Valeria stepped forward and placed the papers on the desk. “I want the house on Eastwood Hill,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. “And ten million dollars. That’s my price for signing these else i am not going to.”The room fell silent for a moment. Markus stared at her, his
Valeria’s lips parted, but no words came out. The lump in her throat grew tighter as she stared at him, her mind racing. She wanted to deny it, to tell him he was wrong, but the truth hung heavy between them, undeniable and suffocating.Markus sighed, leaning back in his chair again. “Look, I’m not blaming you,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “I didn’t exactly marry you out of love either. This was my mother’s doing, her grand plan to secure some ideal version of a family legacy. But that doesn’t mean we have to live like this—trapped, miserable, pretending this is something it’s not.”Valeria’s hands trembled as she looked down at her lap, her vision blurring with unshed tears. “What are you saying?” she asked, her voice shaky.“I’m saying you don’t have to do this anymore,” Markus said firmly. “You don’t have to stay in this marriage out of obligation to my mother or anyone else. If you want out, say the word, and I’ll make it happen. I’ll sign the papers, give you whatever y
Valeria stiffened slightly at the mention of the child, the words carrying both pride and weight. “While I’m away, I need you to take care of yourself—and this baby,” Mrs. Stella continued, her voice unwavering. “This family may have its challenges, but the child you’re carrying is a blessing, Valeria. You must remember that.”Valeria nodded, her throat tightening. She appreciated Mrs. Stella’s words, but they only served as a reminder of the complexities she faced. “I’ll do my best,” she said quietly, her hands resting protectively over her stomach.Mrs. Stella gave a small nod of approval, her sharp eyes softening as she stood. “Good. I trust you’ll handle everything here with grace. If you need anything, you can reach me, though I expect Markus will step up and be more present while I’m gone.”Valeria looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. She wasn’t sure how much faith she had in Markus stepping up, but she didn’t voice her doubts.Mrs. Stella leaned down, her expression
Her fingers brushed against the doorknob to her room, trembling slightly as she pushed it open. The room was spacious and luxurious, but it felt hollow—like a gilded cage designed to remind her of the distance between her and Markus.She closed the door behind her, the soft click echoing louder in her ears than she expected. She pressed her back against it, her body slowly sinking to the floor as the weight of her emotions bore down on her. She hugged her knees to her chest, burying her face as tears began to spill uncontrollably.Her breath hitched as she cursed herself under her breath. “Why did I think... why did I assume things would be different?” she whispered to the empty room, her voice thick with emotion. “Why did I ever think I could be someone important to him?”The words felt like shards of glass cutting through her heart. She had built up so many hopes when she married Markus, believing that love and respect would follow in time. But reality had crushed those dreams, leav
Markus scoffed, setting his glass down with a loud clink. “Home?” He let out a humorless laugh. “That place hasn’t felt like home in a long time. Everyone is wearing a facade, a mask of empathy.” The woman beside him smirked, her fingers trailing lightly down Markus’s arm. “Oh, let the man have some fun,” she purred, her voice smooth and coaxing. “He deserves a break, doesn’t he?”Lars’s jaw tightened, but he kept his expression neutral. “Your health and your responsibilities, sir, are more important than this… diversion.”Markus’s glare shifted to Lars, his lips curling into a sneer. “Responsibilities?” he repeated mockingly. “Is that what she told you? That I’m shirking my duties?” He shook his head, downing the rest of his drink in one go.Lars held his ground, his patience thinning. “No, sir. But it’s my duty to ensure your safety and to inform you that your actions have consequences. Especially for those waiting for you at home.”Markus stared at him for a long moment, his jaw ti
The dining room was eerily quiet, save for the soft clinking of silverware against fine china. Valeria sat across from Markus at the long table, her appetite subdued by the tension that always seemed to linger between them. She kept her eyes on her plate, taking small bites of the pasta in front of her, while Markus ate in his usual, methodical manner.He barely glanced in her direction, his expression neutral yet distant. The strained silence was heavy, each moment stretching longer than the last. Valeria wondered if he would leave the table without a word, as he often did, but to her surprise, he reached for his napkin.Markus wiped his mouth with the crisp white cloth and stood, the legs of his chair scraping softly against the polished floor. He folded the napkin neatly and placed it beside his empty plate, his movements deliberate and precise.“I need to discuss something important with you,” he said, his voice low and even as he looked at her. Valeria’s fork paused mid-air, her
The grand hallway was silent, lit only by the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the tall windows. Valeria stood near the corner, her delicate hands clutching the edge of a decorative column as she watched Lars support Markus down the corridor. Her breath hitched as she took in the sight of her husband. His steps were unsteady, his head drooping as if the weight of the world—or perhaps the liquor—was too much to bear.Lars had one of Markus’s arms slung over his broad shoulder, his other hand gripping his waist to keep him upright. The bodyguard’s expression was neutral, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes as he guided Markus carefully toward the room.Valeria’s heart clenched at the sight. She wanted to step forward, to help, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. She wasn’t sure if it was the memory of Markus’s harsh words or the fear of rejection that held her back. Instead, she watched silently, her fingers digging into the smooth marble of the column for support.
“No, i shouldn’t tell him about the child. He will react the same way I have imagined.” Valeria’s heart pounded as she stood outside Markus’s door, her fingers lingering on the handle. She had imagined every possible reaction he might have, and her thoughts had spiraled into a worst-case scenario. Her mind replayed vivid scenes of his anger, his rejection, and the bitterness in his voice.With a shaky breath, she shook herself out of the harrowing daydream. “No.” she thought. “I can’t tell him—not yet. He hasn’t accepted me as his wife and this will make him hate me more.” She straightened her posture, forcing a neutral expression onto her face before turning the handle and stepping inside. The sight that greeted her made her pause. Markus was standing by the wardrobe, pulling on a crisp white shirt. He looked as composed and distant as ever, his movements sharp and deliberate. “You’re up early,” she said softly, trying to mask the nervous quiver in her voice.Markus glanced at her b
Standing at the altar, James glanced at his phone and watched a video. “Where are you going, James? You cannot leave me like this." At the wedding, Valeria Hayden was in a panic. “It is our wedding day, James. What do you think you are doing?” As she grabbed James Moreno's wrist to stop him from leaving, her eyes filled with pleading.The venue was filled with the family and friends of both parties, all seated and waiting. “Why don’t you understand, Val? This isn’t about you.” Just then his phone rang and his ex-fiance Clara called. James ignored Valeria and answered his phone, and then abruptly attempted to leave."Clara knows about our wedding, she’s not happy. Now she's threatening to jump off a building. You are aware of her depression and craziness, aren't you? I have to go save her, Valeria." James explained impatiently and pushed Valeria aside.“Argh!” The push caused Valeria to sprain her ankle, and as she fell to the floor, she awkwardly stretched out her hand, trying to hold...
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