My voice caught them unaware, the lady was the first to look back at me. She seemed pissed which got me gasping at her audacity. Adrian responded next, throwing her off him and finding his feet. His shirt was revealing far too much with four buttons out of place. His chest rose and fell, our gaze locked. “Adrian…” I finally found my voice yet the words felt so hard to utter like they were lumps in my throat. The atmosphere around us densed by the second. My dead eyes staring at them as my anger boiled to the point of tipping over. “Lana, this-” he pointed at the whore on the bed. “It is not what it looks like. This is all just a big mistake.” He said, desperately trying to explain himself but i would not hear it. “Last night, Adrian. We slept together last night and now you are off to another one. Is that what I am to you, just a chick for the night?!!” “Lana, it's not it and you know with.” His voice pitched, edged with distress and remorse. But I didn't care. He cheated on m
“It's alright. I am just glad you are safe. We all are. I am gonna take you to the station to have you cleared. It will only take a while-” he placed his hands on mine and he held my gaze. His pupils had an odd grey color. Unique and extremely attractive. “After that, I will drive you some where safe. Is that alright with you?” I nodded in affirmation. He got out of the back and hopped into the front seat, driving off. Just like he promised, I was interviewed for a while, let go on a warning and then he drove me personally to Sofia’s house. “You are good from here, right?” He asked. It was then that I noticed his mustang accent. It only made him even more appealing. “Yes. Yes, I am.” He gave me a soft but surveying stare before he flashed a reassuring smile and then, left. I would have watched his cop car leave but I was interrupted by Sofia, bursting out of her house. She threw her arms around me. I had planned to stay strong but I found myself crying again. Sofia helped me
“Please leave Adrian. Return to your mistress.” I said coldy. My words must have hit him hard because he sprang a confession at me. “There is no such thing. I love only you. From the day I heard your voice. I loved you even when I was comatosed.” Sofia jaw-dropped. Quickly, she rose on her feet. “I think I will leave you two alone.” She tried to flee. “No. Stay Sofi.” I said, walking back in, heightening how awkward Sofia feeling. “If you really do feel what you claim then what did I see last night?” i stared right at him. “It was a mistake.” “Really?” I scoffed, finding his absurd answer laughable. “So she tripped and fell on you. The impact ripping your buttons open and then you two decide to complete what ‘a mistake’ had caused?” there was heavy sarcasm in my voice. His lips parted and shut. He took short uneasy breaths, stealing uncomfortable glances at Sofia. It was just like I wanted it. Since these men dared to reck me, humiliate me, they would get a taste of their
Adrian guided me back into the house. I was mad about what happened in Sophia’s house and he was apologetic but I knew he wasn't sincere. As much as I wanted hated it, the pleasure would always get the best of me, I knew it. While imwas busy with my thoughts, standing in the sitting room waiting for Adrian to join me so we would go upstairs together. Someone roughly brushed me aside. It happened so quick, I lost my balance on those high heels and found myself on the ground.The fall made my head woozy a bit and while I tried to recollect myself. I heard a loud disgusted scoff.“Get up will you. I barely touched you and you ass already on the floor. Such a drama queen.”I furrowed my brow. Still trying to make sense of what I just heard. I was pretty sure I was literally pushed just now.“It seems you like the floor so much. Well, I guess filt and dirt will always want to be together.”That last part, sparked aggression inside me. Ok, I had to know who was mouthing this shit. I rose my
“Yeah. But don't take too long.” I said. He promised and walked off. I turned to make my way upstairs, a hand grabbed me. The grip so tight. I winced.Before I could think, Clara had me face to face with her. Her eyes wide as if we were out for a cat fight.“You listen and you listen good.” She spoke aggressively. I yanked, trying to pull my arm away. Shocked by her stunt.“Adrian was never yours. You are just a replacement. A substitute for me. If I were you, I fuck off now while things are still cool. This is your final warning.”She flung my arm off and stormed away. I stood there, a hand on my arm, staring back at her. The audacity stunned me to absolute stillness. Oh, I wasn't leaving this for another day. I would tell Adrian now, while the matter was still and whatever bruise she left on my arm, was still visible.I walked into the corner, stopping right in front of Evelyn’s room, deciding to wait for him ro step out. A loud response caught my attention.“Mother stop!”It was A
I went on, wilder than before. Perhaps it was because I liked that enjoying it or because I felt like I was marking my territory and letting Adrian know that he couldn't get think kind of treatment anywhere else.When I finally stepped out of the room, the day has surprisingly wrapped and I was somewhat feeling all sweet about how long we were inside and what were doing.I waltz downstairs with a smile tugging on my lips. Deciding to cook dinner tonight. Since I came here, I hadn't done anything like that. I choose pasta and pulled up several vegetables and seasonings the sauce. Halfway through, the aroma was already enveloping the entire kitchen.When the entire house had sat for dinner, everyone was surprised that I would be serving it as chef. Adrian was eager to taste it while the others started at me like I was dishing out body parts.Adrian commented immediately he took a bit.“What other secrets have you got, woman.”I poured him a glass of wine. “If I tell you, I will spoil t
I stormed out of the hospital. My Face flush red in anger and tears threatening to fall out. Adrian and I had neve had that sort of argument before. He looked pretty upset. I was mad at myself for losing it the way I did. Well, I guess Clara can thank her heavens because I just ruined things myself. I puffed, pacing all the way to the car park. It was then I remembered that I hadn't come with my car and Evelyn was with the car. Exhaustion washed over me, my body resting on a car behind me. ‘Great. Just great.’ I thought of about going upstairs but then, the atmosphere must have gone all warm and homely when I left. I would be a fool to go in and ruin it. I sucked in a breath and exhaled. This was so not my week. Ever since that girl showed up, all the tides had turned against me and Evelyn went from nice to hostile in just days. I puffed, shutting my eyes for a moment.Suddenly, a car horn blared at me. I jumped, grabbing my chest In shock.“Get off my car.” Some one yelled.I tur
He offered to stay with me while I felt the need to hang around outside but I politely turned him down. He gave me a police bow and strode off. I let out a deep exhaled. Adrian use to be that much of a gentleman.I looked at the hospital entrance. A surge of energy suddenly coursed through me. A desire to return inside and show them I wasn't backing down. I hurried back in, and straight for Clara's ward. Halfway through, I stumbled on Evelyn. Adrian was right behind her, Clara in his arms. She snuggled in nicely, her face buried in his chest.I stepped aside for Evelyn and followed Adrian behind. It was like a spell of silence was cast on everyone because of me. I chose to hold the peace until Clara was lain in her room and Adrian and I were finally alone.“Ad-”“I am tired. Whatever you have to say, I will hear it in the morning.”He slipped out of his shirt.“I'm sorry.”He paused. There was this uneasy quiet that followed, Just out breathing could be heard.Adrian turned to me, th
I arrived in the new city just as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the skyline with shades of orange and purple. Everything about this place felt unfamiliar, which was exactly what I needed—a fresh start. I had nothing but a suitcase, a dwindling bank account, and a fierce determination to protect the life growing inside me. The chaos I’d left behind was like a dark shadow, but here, I was resolved to step into the light.The first few weeks were tough. I took on odd jobs—waitressing during the day and helping out at a small bookstore in the evenings. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work, and it gave me a sense of stability, however fragile. I found a small studio apartment on the edge of the city, barely big enough to turn around in, but it was mine. At night, I’d sit by the window, staring out at the city lights, trying to imagine the kind of life I wanted to build for my child and me.One evening, as I walked home from the bookstore, a strange sensation crept over
I sat on the hard bench at the nearly deserted train station, clutching my ticket like it was my lifeline. The soft hum of the city faded into the background as the occasional train announcement echoed through the terminal. I could hear the distant rumble of an approaching train, but the sound did nothing to ease my nerves. My heart raced with anticipation, fear, and an overwhelming sense of finality. This was it—the moment I was finally breaking free.Sophia had wanted to come with me, but I’d insisted on doing this alone. I needed to prove to myself that I could. My suitcase sat at my feet, a silent witness to the chaos of the past few days. I tried to focus on the end goal—a new city, a new life, a clean slate—but the knot in my stomach refused to loosen.I glanced at my phone. No new messages. I had turned off location sharing and left no clues about where I was going. I thought I’d done everything right to ensure a clean break, but the feeling of being watched lingered, a persist
I stood in the middle of Sophia’s living room, staring at the suitcase that held what little I was taking with me. It didn’t feel real yet. Everything I owned—everything that tied me to this city, to my past—was reduced to a single piece of luggage. Sophia was in the kitchen, finishing a phone call, likely confirming arrangements for my flight. My heart pounded as I tried to ignore the growing sense of unease.This was the right decision. I had to remind myself of that. Staying here meant constant battles with Adrian and James. Neither of them could accept my boundaries, and the tension between them had become unbearable. I needed to leave—not just for my own sanity, but for the sake of my unborn child.Sophia re-entered the room, her expression calm but serious. "Everything’s set. Your flight leaves at 8 a.m. tomorrow. We’ll head to the airport early, just in case."I nodded, sitting down on the couch. "Thank you, Sophia. For everything. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.
The apartment felt eerily quiet after Adrian and James left. For the first time in days, I allowed myself to sit still, letting the tension ease from my shoulders. Sophia handed me a cup of tea, her expression calm but concerned."You know they’ll be back," she said after a long moment, breaking the silence.I nodded, staring down at the steam rising from the cup. "I know. And that’s why I need to leave."Sophia’s brow furrowed. "Are you sure about this, Lana? Running away might not solve everything. You’ve built something here—your career, your independence. Do you really want to give that up?"I set the cup down and leaned back against the couch, closing my eyes. "I don’t want to, but what choice do I have? Adrian won’t stop until he gets answers about the baby, and James... he’s just complicating things even more. I need space—real space—to figure out what’s best for me and the baby."Sophia sighed, her hands resting on her lap. "If you’re sure, I’ll help you. But this isn’t going
The knock at the door came just minutes after Adrian had left. I was still trying to catch my breath, leaning against the couch as Sophia sat beside me, shaking her head in disbelief."Did he seriously just say he’s not giving up on you?" Sophia muttered. "The man doesn’t understand boundaries."I sighed. "I don’t have the energy for this, Soph. I just want to leave and never deal with him again."Before she could reply, the knock came again, more insistent this time. Sophia stood, her brow furrowed in irritation. "If that’s Adrian again, I’m calling the police."She swung the door open, ready to unleash her frustration, but her words caught in her throat. Instead of Adrian, James stood there, his face a mix of anger and concern."Where is he?" James demanded, stepping past Sophia without an invitation."Excuse me?" Sophia snapped, trying to block his way. "What makes you think you can just barge in here?""Adrian," James said curtly, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me
The weight of everything that had happened pressed down on me like a suffocating fog. My mind was still racing from Adrian’s sudden appearance at Sophia’s apartment door the night before. I hadn’t slept; every time I closed my eyes, I imagined him barging into my life again, refusing to let me go.As I sat on the couch with a warm mug of tea that Sophia had made for me, I tried to push the memories of Adrian’s voice out of my head. Yet, deep down, I knew Adrian wouldn’t give up so easily. He wasn’t the type to walk away, especially now that he thought he had something to fight for. The thought made me shiver.Sophia plopped down next to me, her own cup in hand. “You look exhausted. Did you even get any sleep?”I shook my head, staring into the amber liquid. “How could I? Every time I start to think I’m getting my life together, Adrian shows up and turns everything upside down. And now he knows... about the baby.”Sophia gave me a sympathetic look. “He’s not going to stop, you know. Yo
I left the hospital against medical advice, my mind spinning with the weight of what had just happened. I couldn’t face Adrian or James again, not now, not with everything so raw and chaotic. Wrapping my coat tighter around me, I hailed a cab, giving Sophia’s address to the driver. She was the only person I trusted to help me think clearly.By the time I arrived at her apartment, my hands were trembling. I knocked frantically, praying she was home. Moments later, Sophia opened the door, her expression shifting from surprise to concern the moment she saw me.“Lana? What are you doing here? You should be resting—weren’t you in the hospital?” she asked, stepping aside to let me in.I walked past her into the living room, dropping onto her couch. “I couldn’t stay there. Adrian was hovering, and James... they both know, Sophia. They know I’m pregnant.”Her eyes widened as she slowly closed the door. “Wait, what? How did they find out?”“The doctor came in while they were arguing. He just..
The sound of the door clicking shut was the last thing I remembered before the world faded into darkness. When I opened my eyes again, I was in a hospital room. The sterile white walls, the faint hum of medical machines, and the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor made it clear where I was. I blinked a few times, trying to process what had happened.Then I saw Adrian. He sat by my bedside, his hands buried in his hair, looking more disheveled than I’d ever seen him. The sight of him stirred a mix of emotions I wasn’t ready to confront—anger, sadness, and, annoyingly, a flicker of concern."Adrian?" My voice came out raspy, barely audible.His head shot up, relief flooding his features. "Lana. You’re awake."I tried to sit up, but a sharp ache in my head stopped me. Adrian was by my side in an instant, gently pressing a hand to my shoulder to keep me still."Don’t move too much," he said softly. "You fainted at the gala. You’ve been out for hours."I stared at him, trying to gather m
As my eyes fluttered open, the stark white ceiling came into view, and the steady beep of monitors filled my ears. My body felt heavy, as though I’d been dragged through a storm. I blinked slowly, my gaze shifting to the figure slumped in a chair beside my bed. Adrian.His disheveled appearance told me he hadn’t left my side, and the guilt etched across his face was impossible to miss. When he realized I was awake, he sat upright, his eyes searching mine."Lana," he breathed, relief evident in his tone. "You’re awake. Thank God."I shifted slightly, wincing at the dull ache in my body. "What happened?""You collapsed," he said softly. "At the gala. I... I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t just leave you there."The memory of the evening came rushing back, and with it, a flood of emotions. The stress, his persistence, the way my body had finally given in.Before I could respond, the door burst open, and James stormed in, his eyes blazing with fury. He didn’t waste a second."What the