9

Valeria sat in the plush, sunlit lounge of the manor, the delicate teacup in her hands trembling slightly as she took a sip. Across from her, Mrs. Stella observed her closely, her sharp eyes softened by a rare warmth. The older woman had always carried herself with an air of authority, but in moments like these, she exuded genuine care.

“How are you feeling today, Valeria?” Mrs. Stella asked, setting her teacup on the table with an elegant clink.

“I’m fine,” Valeria replied with a faint smile, though the tightness in her chest betrayed her. “The treatment has been progressing well. I feel… hopeful.”

Mrs. Stella leaned forward, her hands clasped together on her lap. “That’s good to hear. I know this hasn’t been easy for you, but you’ve handled it with grace. I’m proud of you.”

Valeria’s smile widened slightly, touched by the unexpected praise. “Thank you, Mrs. Stella. That means a lot.”

Before their conversation could continue, Valeria’s phone buzzed on the side table. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the doctor’s name.

“Excuse me,” she said softly, placing her cup down and picking up the phone. She stood and stepped a few paces away for privacy, her back to Mrs. Stella.

“Hello, Dr. Elwyn,” Valeria greeted, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.

“Mrs. Valeria,” the doctor’s voice came through, calm yet tinged with excitement. “I have the results of your recent tests.”

Valeria clutched the phone tighter, her breath hitching. “Yes, Doctor?”

There was a brief pause, and then Dr. Elwyn spoke the words that would change everything. “Congratulations, Mrs. Valeria. You’re pregnant.”

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Valeria’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears as a flood of emotions coursed through her—joy, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

“Are… are you sure?” she stammered, her voice trembling.

“Quite sure,” Dr. Elwyn confirmed warmly. “Your tests show positive results. I recommend scheduling an appointment soon so we can monitor everything closely.”

“Thank you,” Valeria whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “Thank you so much.”

When the call ended, Valeria turned back toward Mrs. Stella, her eyes shining with tears. Mrs. Stella rose from her seat, her brows knitting together in concern.

“Valeria, what’s the matter?” she asked, stepping closer.

Valeria shook her head, a tear slipping down her cheek as she placed a trembling hand over her stomach. “I’m… I’m pregnant,” she said, her voice a mix of wonder and emotion.

Mrs. Stella’s eyes widened, and for a moment, she was speechless. Then a radiant smile spread across her face, and she reached out to pull Valeria into a warm embrace.

“Oh, my dear, this is wonderful news!” Mrs. Stella exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine joy. “I told you the treatment would work! This is a blessing.”

Valeria clung to her mother-in-law, her tears falling freely now. “I can’t believe it,” she murmured. “I was so scared it wouldn’t happen.”

Mrs. Stella pulled back slightly, cupping Valeria’s face in her hands. “You’ve been through so much, and now look—this is your moment, Valeria. You’re going to be a mother. And Markus… Markus will come around. He has to.”

At the mention of Markus, Valeria’s heart ached. She wasn’t sure how he would react to the news, but for now, she allowed herself to bask in the joy of this moment.

“I hope so,” she said softly, her hand still resting protectively over her stomach. “I really hope so.”

Mrs. Stella nodded, her confidence unwavering. “He will. Trust me, my dear. Everything will fall into place.”

The two women sat back down, their conversation shifting to the future and the preparations they would need to make. For the first time in what felt like forever, Valeria felt a glimmer of hope—a fragile but beautiful promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Mrs. Stella’s joy was uncontainable as she clutched Valeria’s hands, her excitement brimming over. “We need to share this wonderful news!” she exclaimed, already reaching for her phone on the nearby table. “This is a moment for celebration, Valeria. Markus’s child—our family’s future!”

Valeria watched her mother-in-law with a faint smile, but her mind was elsewhere. As Mrs. Stella began dialing numbers with practiced efficiency, Valeria’s thoughts drifted to Markus.

How will he take this news? Will it change anything? Will he see me differently—or will he still look at me with the same disdain?

Mrs. Stella’s voice pulled her from her thoughts as she spoke into the phone, her tone brimming with pride. “Hello, Margaret! You’ll never believe it. Markus and Valeria are expecting! Yes, I just heard the news—confirmed by the doctor herself!”

Valeria listened as Mrs. Stella continued the conversation, detailing every word with exuberance. The news would spread quickly now, she knew. The family would celebrate, congratulating Markus, offering their blessings and support. But would he even care?

Mrs. Stella hung up and immediately began dialing another number, her smile radiant. “This is just the beginning, Valeria,” she said between calls. “We’ll gather everyone for dinner—no, an entire celebration. Markus will be thrilled. He’ll see what a blessing this child is. Just wait.”

Valeria’s chest tightened. She wished she could share her mother-in-law’s optimism, but Markus’s harsh words from earlier still echoed in her mind. I’ll never accept you as my wife…

The thought stung, but Valeria forced herself to stay composed. She had to be strong—for herself and now for the life growing within her.

Mrs. Stella glanced at her, momentarily pausing her flurry of calls. “Valeria, my dear, are you all right? You look pale.”

“I’m fine,” Valeria said quickly, managing a smile. “It’s just… a lot to take in.”

Mrs. Stella nodded, her expression softening. “I understand. But trust me, this child will bring everything together. Markus may be stubborn, but he’s not heartless. Once he knows, he’ll change. You’ll see.”

Valeria wanted to believe her. She wanted to hold onto the hope that Markus would look at her differently, that he might finally see her as more than just an unwanted wife. But deep down, doubt lingered.

“Thank you, Mrs. Stella,” she said quietly.

Mrs. Stella reached over and squeezed Valeria’s hand. “You’re a wonderful woman, Valeria. And now, you’ll be a wonderful mother. Markus is lucky to have you—even if he doesn’t realize it yet.”

Valeria’s smile wavered, but she nodded, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. If only he could see me that way, she thought. For the sake of this child, I’ll keep trying. But how long can I hold on to hope if he never changes?

As Mrs. Stella resumed her phone calls, Valeria slipped into her own thoughts, her heart a conflicted mix of joy and uncertainty. The life within her was a gift, a new beginning—but whether it would mend her fractured relationship with Markus or deepen the divide between them remained to be seen.

As Mrs. Stella continued making calls, a maid entered the lounge carrying a silver tray with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. She approached Valeria with a respectful nod.

“Madam Valeria,” the maid said softly, placing the glass in front of her. “I brought this for you. Mrs. Stella requested it.”

Valeria looked up, her expression momentarily softening. “Thank you,” she murmured, taking the glass in her hands.

Mrs. Stella, pausing mid-call, looked over at Valeria with a maternal smile. “You should finish that and then go rest in your room, dear. You’ve had quite a day already, and you need to take care of yourself now more than ever.”

Valeria nodded, sipping the juice as Mrs. Stella returned to her conversation. The tangy sweetness of the juice felt refreshing, but it did little to ease the heaviness in her heart.

A few moments later, Valeria set the empty glass on the tray and stood up. “I think I’ll go lie down for a bit,” she said quietly.

Mrs. Stella glanced at her and nodded approvingly. “Good. Take it easy, my dear. And don’t worry about anything—I’ll handle the rest.”

Valeria forced a smile before leaving the lounge. As she walked through the grand halls of the manor, her steps slowed as she approached Markus’s room. She hesitated outside the door, her hand hovering over the handle. Maybe he’s calmed down by now…

Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open slightly and peeked inside. Markus was attempting to get out of bed, his face pale and strained with effort. He gripped the edge of the side table, his movements unsteady.

“Markus!” Valeria exclaimed, stepping into the room just as he swayed dangerously.

He didn’t respond, his legs trembling as he struggled to stay upright. Before he could collapse, Valeria rushed to his side and caught him, her arms wrapping around his waist to steady him.

“Let me help you,” she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Markus gritted his teeth, clearly frustrated by his own weakness. “I don’t need your help,” he muttered, though he leaned heavily against her.

“Don’t be stubborn,” Valeria replied, her voice tinged with concern. “You can’t even stand properly, let alone walk. You’re going to hurt yourself.”

She guided him back to the bed, easing him down carefully. Markus’s breathing was labored, and his brow was damp with sweat.

“I just… wanted to stretch,” he admitted reluctantly, his tone edged with irritation. “I hate lying around like this.”

Valeria knelt in front of him, her hands resting on his knees as she looked up at him. “I understand,” she said softly. “But you’re still recovering. You need to give yourself time to heal.”

Markus averted his gaze, his jaw tightening. He hated feeling vulnerable, and Valeria’s kindness only made his inner turmoil worse.

“Why do you care so much?” he asked bitterly. “After everything I’ve said to you, why are you still here, trying to help me?”

Valeria’s eyes glistened, but she refused to look away. “Because I made a vow—to love and support you, no matter what. And because I believe… I believe there’s more to you than the man you’ve shown me so far.”

Markus flinched at her words, a flicker of guilt flashing across his face before he quickly masked it.

“Just… leave me alone,” he muttered, leaning back against the pillows.

Valeria stood slowly, her heart aching but her resolve unbroken. “I’ll leave for now,” she said, her voice steady. “But I won’t give up on you, Markus. Not yet.”

With that, she turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. Once in the hallway, she leaned against the wall, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach.

“For the sake of this child,” she whispered to herself, “I’ll keep trying. Even if it feels impossible.”

As Valeria turned to leave the room, Markus’s hand shot out, gripping her arm firmly. The sudden movement made her gasp, and she spun back to face him, her eyes wide with surprise.

“What did you just say?” Markus demanded, his voice sharp and edged with disbelief. His gaze bore into her, and for a moment, she couldn’t find her voice.

“Markus, let go,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Answer me!” he barked, his grip tightening slightly. “How can you be pregnant? I was in a coma for weeks! How… how is that even possible?”

Tears welled in Valeria’s eyes, and she tried to pull her arm free, but Markus held her fast. “Markus, please, let me go. You’re hurting me.”

His gaze flickered to her arm, and he immediately released her, though his expression remained dark and suspicious. “Explain,” he demanded, his tone lower but no less intense.

Valeria took a shaky step back, her hands clutching her arms as if to shield herself. “I… I don’t know how to tell you this,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your mother… she arranged for the treatment while you were in the coma. She said it was for our future.”

Markus’s eyes narrowed, his brows knitting together as a storm of emotions crossed his face—confusion, anger, and betrayal. “Treatment? What treatment?” he asked, his tone dangerous.

“She… she told me that it was to help us conceive,” Valeria said, her tears spilling over now. “She wanted to ensure we had a child, Markus. She said it was for the family’s legacy, for you.”

Markus stood up abruptly, his towering frame unsteady but fueled by his growing rage. “You’re telling me my mother orchestrated this behind my back? That she went so far as to manipulate you into… into this?”

“It wasn’t manipulation!” Valeria cried, her voice breaking. “She said it was what you would’ve wanted. She made it sound like it was the only way to secure our future!”

Markus ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room as his fury mounted. “And you just went along with it? You didn’t think to question it, to stop her?”

“I didn’t know what else to do!” Valeria sobbed, her hands trembling. “I thought I was doing the right thing, Markus. I thought… I thought it might bring us closer.”

He stopped abruptly, turning to face her with a cold, disbelieving expression. “Closer? You thought this would bring us closer? Valeria, I never wanted this marriage in the first place, let alone a child born out of lies and deceit!”

His words struck her like a physical blow, and she staggered back, her sobs growing louder. “Markus, I… I didn’t know it would hurt you like this. I just wanted to make things better…”

Markus clenched his fists, his knuckles white as he fought to contain his anger. “Better? You’ve made everything worse! And now you’re carrying my child, a child I didn’t even consent to creating!”

Valeria’s knees buckled, and she sank to the floor, her tears falling freely. “I’m sorry,” she choked out. “I didn’t mean for it to be this way. I didn’t…”

For a moment, Markus said nothing, his chest rising and falling as he stared down at her, his emotions warring within him. Then, with a bitter scoff, he turned away, his voice cold.

“You should’ve known better,” he said. “You and my mother both.”

Valeria looked up at him, her face streaked with tears. “Markus, please…”

“Just leave,” he said, his back still to her. “I need time to think. And don’t expect me to forgive this—not easily.”

Valeria hesitated, her heart breaking all over again, but she forced herself to her feet and stumbled out of the room. Once the door closed behind her, she pressed her back against it and slid down to the floor, her sobs muffled by her trembling hands.

Inside the room, Markus stood motionless, his mind a storm of anger and betrayal. For the first time in years, he felt powerless—trapped in a web spun by the very people he should have been able to trust the most.