Reiner's POV: Back in Laura's office, it was raining fire and brimstones. Laura was acting up and it wasn't a pleasant sight. After she slapped me, she marched to her office but I followed her, calling after her like my life depended on it. Clair returned back to her seat and waited patiently in the reception hall. Now I'm trying to calm Laura's jumping nerves. She was pacing around her office, swearing, cursing and crying. Suddenly she began regaining her composure. She leaned her weight on the edge of her desk and stared directly at me. The look she gave me was cold and scary. I had to keep my cool because I have absolutely no idea what she was going to do next. "Is it true?" She asked. "That you had a one night stand with her behind my back?" As much as I hated to admit it, I had no other choice but to speak the truth. "Yes I did. But trust me. It was just this one time. I haven't done it ever since." "You slept with her?"she chuckled bitterly. "How? How could you d
Reiner's POV:The next day Laura and I didn't head to work. We took the day off. I did the regular, took Billy to school and returned home to spend some time with my wife but Laura wouldn't speak to me. Since the news about Clair's pregnancy broke, she started avoiding me. She was more distant than she'd ever been. I tried to touch her but she warned me not to. We had both accepted not to let anyone know about Clair's pregnancy. We would keep it between us while I keep the welfare of Clair and her unborn baby my top priority. The tension in the house grew so intensed that Laura had to step out for a bit, leaving me alone in the house. Alone on my own, I took my time to reflect on my actions. It had happened some months back but the memory remained vivid in my mind like it was yesterday. I had gone out to supervise one of the clubs on Sun island. A bunch of new show girls were hired all the way from Las Vegas. Then I met Clair. She was cheerful and bright with a sexiness that
Laura's POV:"I want you to file a divorce. Leave his ass and I'll marry him in your place."That was what Clair said to me. The audacity. I couldn't even react. Just who does she thinks she is to make such demands?"Are you crazy?" I blurted out, visibly angry now. "Do you seriously mean I should leave the family Reiner and I built together just so you could waltz in and do whatever you like? Just because he got you pregnant?"Clair retorted. "Call it whatever you want, Laura. Fact remains that I love your husband, and I believe he loves me too."I glanced sharply at Reiner, daggers in my eyes. "Is this true? Do you love her?"Reiner shook his head, his body tensed. "You're the only one I love, Laura. I love no one else."Clair didn't wanna take the tip. Instead she went on. "I understand if you feel adamant at sticking to your marriage despite what's happened, but I hope you will consider divorcing him so that he and I can be together and raise this child together. I can't afford
Laura's POV:I stood at the front door of the guest bedroom, my hand resting on the gold-plated handle as I prepared to reveal the luxurious interior to the woman standing in front of me. This woman, Clair, my husband's one night stand, was pregnant with his child."I believe you'll like it here," I said through gritted teeth, trying to mask the anger and hurt that boiled inside of me. "This is your room for the duration of your stay."I swung open the doors to reveal a spacious and opulent bedroom, complete with a four-poster bed, antique furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the sprawling gardens.Clair's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the lavish surroundings. "This is incredible," she breathed, unable to contain her awe.I managed to force a smile. "I'm glad you like it. If you need anything, just press the button on the bedside table and one of the servants will assist you."Clair turned to face me. "Why are you doing this?"I didn't know how long I
Reiner's POV:How did it come to this?I couldn't concentrate at work. All I could think about was Laura and the unwanted woman at my house. Earlier this morning, Laura had laid out the table and served breakfast. She acted all normal around Billy as if nothing happened. She didn't speak to me though. She was very upset. I knew Billy had lots of questions but from the looks he gave us both, it was evident he didn't know how to bring it up. Of course he would be wondering why his mommy and daddy weren't speaking to each other in the morning like they used to. Also, he was bound to wonder why we had breakfast for four people instead of three. Then Clair walked out of her room and got down the stairs. She looks bright and full of energy. "Good morning, everyone," she said, walking around to where I sat. To the surprise of everyone present on the table, she leaned over and kissed my cheeks, her arm wrapped around my shoulder. I shoved her roughly away and stood up but I didn't ma
Reiner's POV:Laura and I were frantically searching for our missing son, Billy had failed to return home from school. We had contacted the school, the police, and even our friends and family, but nobody had seen or heard from the young boy.Neither did we hear from Clair. Laura kept biting her nails as she gaze frantically through the windows in search of Billy. "I'm such a bloody fool," she bemoaned. "Why did I let that woman in our house in the first place?"I didn't want to say anything that might provoke her. Although she has her faults but this wasn't the right moment to wail over them. "We'll find him," I said, reassuringly as I placed my hand on hers. "I believe Billy's just fine."She nodded, sobbing quietly. As we were driving around the city, scouring the streets for any sign of our son, we suddenly spotted him sitting on a bench outside of an ice cream shop.Actually it was Laura whom spotted him. She screamed when she found him and yelled at me to stop. I hastily pu
Laura's POV:Wendy sat at the head of the large dining room table, her stern expression indicating that she meant business. The rest of us sat around the table, excluding my parents whom were still on the way. Reiner and I were fidgeting nervously in our seats but Clair remained surprisingly calm. Wendy's voice filled the room as she began to speak."I called this meeting because I just finally learnt that my grandson, Reiner, has gotten a girl pregnant from a one night stand."No one said anything. We listened as she continued. "What's more surprising is that I also learnt that you, Laura, were aware of this and yet chose to keep this a secret from me."I sat still, my eyes downcast. Wendy continued, her tone becoming more severe."Laura, I want to know why you kept this from me. You know how much I value family honesty and transparency."I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I didn't know how to tell you, MOTHER. It just came unexpectedly. I honestly wasn't prepared for th
Laura's POV:Mom approached Clair, pointing at the birth mark at her thigh. "You've got a distinct birthmark on your thigh, just like the one my own twin daughter had," mom said. I stiffened when she said that. I couldn't believe it. I felt my heart race as she walked up to Clair and asked, "Excuse me, what is your name?"Clair turned to her, surprised and a little irritated. "Clair. My name's Clair," she replied. Mom took her hand and turned it over, revealing the birthmark on her thigh. "I'm your mother," mom said, her voice shaking with emotion.Clair looked down at her thigh, and then back up at mom. "I've always wondered about my birth family," she said, her eyes widening. "Are you truly my mother?"Mom hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face. "I never thought I would find you. I've always loved you," she said. "And I've always wondered where you were and what you were doing."Everyone aside my father was shocked to their bone marrow. What is this? What's happening
Reiner's POV:I arrived at Greene's penthouse, where I was greeted with a warm welcome from my host. We made our way to the living room where I was entertained by the magnificent view of the city.As we sat, Greene brought out a bottle of wine and we toasted to our friendship and future business endeavors.We drank the wine, savoring its rich flavor, as we talked about life and business.I then brought up the topic of Laura. Since Greene wanted me to test her, to see if she was truly the woman I thought she was, I had come prepared with a plot in mind. I challenged him to try to convince her to divorce me and marry him instead. That was his role. Greene was taken aback by my boldness, but I could tell he couldn't resist the opportunity to show his skills.I then reminded him of the eight hundred million dollars he had placed on the bet and Greene couldn't help but laugh. "I can never forget the large sum of money at stake, Reiner," Greene said. "Trust me. I won't back down on thi
Reiner's POV: Reiner," Laura began, her voice suddenly hardening. "Tell me what is going on."I sat across from Laura in a small bamboo cabin by the beach. The warm air and the sound of the rain tapping against the roof set a calming ambiance as we were about to enjoy the dinner for two I had prepared.The table was set with a crisp white tablecloth and adorned with a vase of tropical flowers. Our plates were filled with grilled seafood and vegetables, paired with a smooth red wine. The romantic mood was palpable, as the soft light from the candles cast a warm glow over the room.I took a deep breath and reached across the table to take Laura's hand. "Laura, there's something I need to tell you," I began. "I know this may come as a surprise, but I have a confession to make."Laura's eyes lit up with expectation, and she leaned forward, eager to hear what I had to say. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, trying to find the right words to say what I needed to say."Laura, I've b
Laura's POV:As I got out of the taxi and made my way to the penthouse elevator of Greene, my heart was pounding with nerves and anticipation. I had to see him, no matter what it took. I must see Greene. When I reached the penthouse, the guards outside stopped me, asking who I was. This wasn't the time for this. These Meatheads should get out of my way. But I decide to play it cool else they might think I'm some psychopath. I took a deep breath and told them my name, and demanded to see Greene. At first they were hesitatant but then they made a call to their boss and I could hear him yelling at them to let me in.The guards reluctantly led me to Greene's suite, and left me alone in the room. As I waited, I heard a sound coming from the bathroom. Before I knew it, Greene stepped out of the shower, wearing nothing but a bathrobe. I felt uncomfortable and guilty, as a married woman, being in such close proximity to another man."Well, well, well," Greene grinned lustfully at me.
Laura's POV:It's been a whole month since then. Reiner and I never had an argument again but we were at it again and it started out of nowhere. Unexpected, like a trap. I was at home nursing the kids when Reiner walked in and announced that he wants to take me out on a date. I couldn't help but feel a wave of happiness wash over me. It had been a while since we went out together, and I was looking forward to some alone time with my husband."Laura, get dressed, I'm taking you out," Reiner said with a smile. I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my stomach at the thought of getting dressed up and going out with my husband.I walked to my closet and picked out my favorite dress. It was a beautiful, red, off-the-shoulder dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. I paired it with a pair of strappy heels and some simple jewelry.As I got ready, I couldn't help but think about the hardships our family was facing. We were still struggling financially, and it had been a diff
Laura's POV:I was sitting beside Greene in his luxury car, staring out the window in shock. We were driving on the road when he made a shocking offer - to divorce my husband and become his wife. "How about you leave Reiner and become my wife?"He made it sound so easy. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was so shocked I couldn't say a word. Greene and I had what you might call a good business-relationship. He's one of Griffen Groups elite clients and he thinks so highly of me. Due to our strong bond, Reiner always lets me to handle him. If someone had told me Greene had more in mind for me aside business, I wouldn't have believed it. Greene's the only child of his family. As such, he inherited everything his father left behind. He's one spoilt rich kid but he's got a sharp mind for business and how he runs the family company. Green was four years younger than me. I learnt earlier on he's got a big taste for older women. I don't like this. How could his eyes fall on me s
Laura's POV:It's been three months since Reiner and I moved into our new home. I never could have imagined that living in poverty would be such a difficult experience.The house itself is not the problem, but the challenges it brings are numerous. For one, we can barely afford to put food on the table. We're constantly cutting back on meals and going without things we used to take for granted. The kids are always hungry and I can see it in their faces.But that's not the worst of it. Wendy, who also lives with us now, has suddenly turned against me. She blames me for our financial problems and calls me the cause of all our troubles. It's not fair, but I can't shake the feeling that she may be right. Ever since I put to bed, it's been one problem from another. I couldn't shake it. Last night, Reiner and I were in bed and I couldn't help but voice my frustrations."Reiner, we've got to talk," I said as he got on the bed beside me. "Honey I'm tired. Can we have this talk some
Laura's POV:Three weeks later, I put to bed. I had just given birth to my twin babies and my parents were by my side, congratulating me on a safe delivery. "Look at them," mom said, brightly. "They're both girls. Isn't that such a blessing?""Reminds me of the good old days," Dad complemented. "You gave me twins and now Laura's given Reiner the same.""And they're identical," mom noticed. "I feel so proud to be a grandmother."Billy stood in front of the baby's crib, watching quietly as he stared at his twin sisters. I was tired but elated, and couldn't wait to hold my little ones in my arms. I wished Reiner had stayed longer to see these babies but he had been called to an urgent meeting. Wendy said it was an emergency which was why he took off after dropping me at the hospital while I was in labour. I hope he makes it back here, real quick. He's my husband and I'd like him to name the twins. Just as I was basking in the joy of becoming a mother of my lovely twins, Reiner, wa
Laura's POV:I was seated in the midst of my family as we talked about Jerry and what had transpired last night. Having kidnapped each of us individually, it seemed a miracle we were all back together safe and sound. Everyone shared their story, each person taking their time to give an accounted details. Mom started first. It appears Jerry had been watching Clair and mom since she put to bed. He had his men followed them on their way to the airport and that was how he kidnapped them. Dad was at home when a group of men bursted into his house and took him that same day.As for me, Jerry appeared in our home with two men who blindfolded me and took me away. Jerry told me how it happened.The house he locked Clair and I in was the basement of an old winery. He didn't disclose the address to me. And I never cared to know the address either. Mom was taken to a warehouse while Dad was taken to a different location. The beach cabins were rented out by Jerry to ensure his game was saf
Reiner's POV:"You monster," I heard Laura yelled. "You will pay for what you've done to my family."Jerry laughed, "The game's just getting started. You might get a heart attach from what comes next."I pulled away from Clair, breaking our kiss as I glared at my phone which was still on FaceTime with Jerry. My heart was racing as I glared at the call, feeling a mix of anger and fear."I did it," I said, my voice cold and menacing. "Now it's time to release my wife."But Jerry just laughed. "It's not over yet," he said. "You remember that little moment where you forced me to watch that recorded sex video of you and my fiancée, Laura? Well, I've still haven't gotten over it and I'm not afraid to use it against you now."I felt a knot form in my stomach as I heard Laura gasp in shock from beside Jerry. "Reiner, is that true?" she asked, her voice trembling.I bowed my head, unable to look her in the eyes. "Yes," I whispered. "It's true."Jerry laughed again, a cruel, victorious sound.