Olivia's POV
I felt a mix of excitement as I pulled open the door to the mansion, holding the brown envelope containing the results in my hands. “Honey, I’m…” I trailed off, my gaze meeting his angry expression, etched with frustration. “What’s the issue?” I inquired, the envelope slipping from my hand and landing on the couch as I walked up to him, placing my hands on his shoulders. “Take those filthy hands off me,” he barked, taking my hands forcefully off his shoulders. I winced in pain, clutching my wrist. “What have I done?” I asked, perplexed. I had just left the house to go to the hospital and confirm if I was truly pregnant. We shared a happy, beautiful moment together before I left. So why the sudden change? It was unlike him. “I want a divorce,” he snapped. His words making my feet to tremble, and I paused to regain my composure, taking a deep breath. “What did you say?” I asked, not sure if I had heard him correctly, those words weren't adding up. “Are you deaf? I said I want a divorce. What don’t you understand?” he retorted, his face contorted, forming a thin line. I groaned, holding my chest, it felt like my heart was shredded into pieces. “Tell me it's a joke,” I managed to speak up admist the lumb that had formed in my throat, my voice stuttering. “Does it look like I’m joking?” he yelled., Startling the living life off me. I noticed my palms trembling. “You’re not just silly; you’re a cheap cheat who sleeps with anything in trousers,” he spat angrily. “What's all these?” I asked, I couldn't understood any of what he was saying. He remained silent for a moment, then grabbed the brown envelope by his side I was oblivious to, and tossed it at me with a darkened glare. Still perplexed, I crouched low to pick it up and slowly opened it, my heart racing like a sprinter. “What!” I gasped, stunned by the contents. “I didn’t do this. This isn’t me," I cried out, feeling hurt deep in my heart. fears welling at the corner of my eyes. I couldn’t believe what was staring back at me — my naked body with another man on top of me? How? when? “For goodness' sake, it’s fabricated! I’ve never cheated on you, never!” I shouted, clutching my stomach. “I just came back to tell you that we’re expecting a child,” I said bitterly, devastated. He looked at me, his anger still evident. “Aren’t you pathetic? Trying to impose another man’s child on me? How dumb do you think I am to believe that the child is mine, after seeing this?” “Then you can do a DNA test when the child is born. Please, don’t throw me out. This child is yours, and I’ve never cheated on you,” I pleaded, crouching low on my knees . He remained quiet, and I prayed deeply that he would consider my plea. “It’s too late because I’m done with this marriage. It’s time you moved on with your miserable life and leave me the heck alone. I’m done,” he snapped angrily, his hand slammed on the armrest of the couch, the noise echoing the entire space. “Why are you doing this to me? I have loved you, sacrificing my life for you, yet you can’t trust me?” I said bitterly, my heart shredding into pieces. “Hi, babe,” a familiar voice called from behind. I turned to confirm my suspicions. It was her, Fiona Adams. I could never mistake that voice, not for a second. “You didn’t tell me you were coming this soon,” Liam, my husband, said, opening his arms to embrace her and planting a kiss on her neck. “Liam!” I shouted in pain. How dare he disregard me like this in front of her? “Yes, what do you want?” he asked sarcastically. The hurt intensified as I watched them. He pulled away from the embrace and kissed her affectionately, throwing me off guard. “So that’s why you pulled that stunt earlier, ahh? Answer me! You fabricated pictures just to accuse me falsely and throw me out of your house, didn’t you?” I retorted, raising my brow. It was glaring obviously that he planned all of these. “Please, don’t you ever raise your silly voice at my man,” Fiona snapped, pointing her slender fingers at me. My fury heightened. “Babe, don’t worry. I can handle it,” Liam said, patting her shoulder. His angry gaze fixed on me, and I snickered. “For your information, Fiona has always been my first love. I only married you to secure my inheritance because Dad insisted. But now that she’s back, I’m not going back on my decision. I’m done with you. You can go fix your life with your other lovers,” he blurted, tilting his head towards Fiona. “Oh, and just so you know,” he turned to me, “those pictures weren’t fabricated. She caught you in the very act,” he added, and I huffed. “They aren’t real! Look closely; they were fabricated,” I defended desperately. “I choose to believe her because I know she wouldn’t lie about something like this. The divorce papers are on the table. Sign them. I don’t want to find you still here when I come back down,” he said, his voice icy. He held Fiona by the waist and led her up the stairs. At that moment, I felt the urge to plead. I couldn’t let him throw me out like this for something I knew nothing about. Even if it took apologizing a million times, I would do it to get my husband back. I hurried over, holding his legs while crouching low. “Please, honey, forgive me. I’m so sorry if I’ve hurt you in any way, but believe me, I’ve never cheated on you, I have never done that. This child is yours. Please don’t throw us away,” I begged, still holding onto his legs. I could sense the coldness behind his harsh demeanor, that vulnerability visible. “Look who’s pretending to be innocent. Are you calling me a liar now?” Fiona sneered. “Get those filthy hands of yours off me this minute,” he growled, pulling his legs away forcefully. I held on tightly. “I said get your filthy hands off me this minute!” he shouted, kicking my hand. I hit the wall hard and slammed my stomach against the tiled floor, that was when the reality dawn on me. A sharp, severe pain tore through my abdomen. I clutched my stomach in agony. “Ahh,” I groaned. He moved closer, and I thought he might feel pity for what he had done. Instead, he grabbed my jaw harshly, gazing directly into my eyes, all I could see was disgust. “The next time you come close and touch me with those filthy hands of yours, I’ll make sure it’s your last day on earth,” he threatened, pushing my jaw away before turning to leave with his lover. The pain increased, and I tried to stand up but couldn’t. That was when I realized blood was already coming out of me. “No, no!” I screamed, holding my stomach. “Liam, I am bleeding!” I shouted, my voice already wavering. “You can bleed to death; I don't care,” I heard his harsh voice from afar, echoing off the steps. How heartless and cruel could he be? To think I never knew this side of him in all the years we have been married was bad enough. I managed to get up, my hands pressing firmly against the wall as I crouched out of the building and into the car I had just arrived in minutes ago. The pain intensified with each passing minute, and my back was sore, but I held on to the steering wheel and the brakes tight, even though my vision was growing dim and my heart numb. “No, I can't die. My child cannot die,” were the last words I remembered saying before collapsing to the floor at the hospital entrance. I could still hear faint voices approaching before they gradually faded away. ***** The shimmers of light nearly blinded me as I struggled to open my eyes admist the pains I felt. “Ma'am, thank goodness you're awake,” a familiar voice pulled me back to reality, and I turned to see the warm, smiling face of Dr. Benita. “Doctor, what…” I trailed off as the memories came rushing back. Panic gripped my entire being, and I trembled. “Don't worry, Mrs. Moore. Your child is safe,” she reassured me. But then, a frown creased her face. “What's wrong, Doctor?” I managed to ask despite the sudden sting of fear enveloping my heart. “Whatever happened before your arrival should never happen again. It was a miracle that you and your baby survived. I advise you to take care of yourself and this baby. It's a blessing, and I believe you know that,” she said clearly, and I nodded. “Good. Then prioritize your safety and that of your child,” she advised. My heart bled even more. I couldn't believe Liam had done this to me and our child. He was probably with his lover right now while I fought for our lives. “How long have I been here?” I inquired. “Two days.” “Two days?” “Yes.” “Has anyone come looking for me? My husband, Liam?” “No, he hasn't, and no one else has,” she replied, turning to check the IV drip. That was when it dawned on me that he had moved on, and I was utterly alone in this world. I thought I had found solace in marrying Liam after the death of my false parents, but it seemed I was wrong. I had always been alone, with no one to hold on to. It hurt, but then I realised I still had my child. I was discharged the next day, and I had one last thing to do—go to the mansion, sign the papers, and leave the city. After all, there was nothing left for me here, and I couldn't heal while staying in the same space as Liam and his lover, Fiona. I needed to leave, to search for a greener pasture for myself and my unborn child. Hopefully, I still had enough savings in my account. I arrived at the mansion a few minutes later. No one was home, which was perfect. Taking the divorce papers, I scanned through them, and tears welled up in my eyes. But I had to do this. It was glaringly obvious he no longer cared about me or our child. My palms grew sweaty. However, I signed the papers. I could feel the floor trembling beneath me, but it didn’t swallow me up like I anticipated. I reassured myself that tomorrow was going to be great as I stormed out of the mansion with my luggage. One last look at the once-beautiful home I called mine. The tears streamed down my face again, but I knew no amount of crying could bring him back to his senses. It had always been about her, always. Nothing could change that; not even me or our unborn child. His heart was cruel and disheartening, but I vowed that he would pay for every one of his actions, no matter the cost…FOUR YEARS AFTERLiam's POV“Son, come over. We are already seated,” Mum called out as soon as I opened the door.A slight grin formed on my face as I walked over to the dining room where they were seated. I greeted everyone before taking my seat next to Dad.Dad groaned, clearing his throat, and I flinched, already knowing what he wanted to say each time he made that sound.“Liam, when are you going to marry again? It's been four years since you divorced Olivia, and yet you've refused to remarry. Do you know the consequences of your negligence?” he spewed, and I almost repeated his words verbatim. He had said this over a thousand times since Olivia left.“Honey, just let him be. He's just arrived and hasn't even touched his food,” Mum said, feeling concerned.My gaze shifted to Dominic. I knew he was going to say something, and as usual, he didn’t disappoint.“Mum, let Dad speak. I just don’t like how he chooses to be one-sided. Am I not also his son? If Liam has refused to remarry,
Olivia's POV“Sweetie, what kept you so long in the washroom?” I asked, a bit worried that he had spent so much time inside. I had wanted to walk in when I had the sudden restraint to, and besides, I had to make sure Becky brought out all the luggage from the lot.“Mum, I’m sorry I took so long in there. I met a man who looked just like me,” he snapped, and I flinched. I hadn’t raised him to talk to strangers.“Why would you engage in a conversation with him? Haven’t I told you not to speak to strangers?” I asked, and he frowned.“Mum, I’m sorry,” he muttered.I crouched to his level, cupping his face in my hands. “Mum isn’t angry with you, alright? But Mum wants you to be safe at all times. Remember, you won’t talk to strangers again, alright?” I said, and he nodded.“Now smile for Mummy,” I teased, a playful glint in my eye, and he giggled.“But Mum, you said my real dad was in New York. What if he was my dad?” he asserted, and I shuddered.“Uncle James will be your dad soon, alrigh
Liam's POVI wasn't sure she was the one. We had arrived a few minutes after the opening ceremony, and I was stunned when I saw her from behind.When she turned, something tugged at my heart. Gosh, she looked completely different—almost unrecognizable from the Olivia I knew four years ago. Her skin was lighter, her brows perfectly shaped, and her figure was stunning. But what was she doing at such a grand event? Or did she come with someone?"And who are you?" she asked, jolting me out of my thoughts. Did she not recognize me, or was she just pretending?"It's me, Liam. Are you pretending not to know me?" I asked, a bit perplexed as she looked me over from head to toe. My heart sank. I scanned myself quickly, trying to figure out if something was off about my appearance after a rough day."I don't know you, and please, don't ever stand in my way again," she snapped, turning to leave. I instinctively grabbed her hand, feeling utterly broken by her reaction."I'm so sorry for everything
I walked up to the conference room where the scheduled meeting was supposed to take place, my heart longing to discover more about this child. Every bit of my being felt on edge, I felt restless in my spirit. Something kept pulling at me from the inside, the connection between Olivia and Jumia; the little boy had just met. Just when I couldn't hold on any longer, I announced the adjournment of the meeting and requested the presence of the principal in her office. “Sir, you called for me. What can…” she trailed off as I raised my hand to stop her. “I need the report and information on a certain child named Jumia, probably in kindergarten.” “Oh! That. You mean Jumia Peters, sir?” she inquired, a grin spreading across her face as she bent to open the computer on the table. “What’s that for?” I asked, feeling slightly awkward at her sudden grin. “He’s such a smart child and was just registered yesterday.” “Yesterday?” I cut in, almost stunned that Peters’ suspicions were actually t
I was just sitting in the meeting and getting acquainted with the new staff feeling elated to be with them when suddenly I got a call from an unsaved contact. I ignored the call, and moments later, I was done and heading to my car. Today was another day off work for me, but the Joy of acquaintance never dissipated.I knew Jumia should be out of school by now and would be patiently waiting for me. Just as I was about to start the engine, I got the same call again. I ignored it once more, the joy I felt replaced with bitterness. However, this time, the caller called back immediately, and I shrugged before answering. My instincts already told me it was Liam calling. I knew too well that after yesterday's confrontation at the grand opening, he would try to get my number and call. He appeared desperate.“Hello, don’t call me again. I don’t….”“This is the police. Your driver just had an accident. From the report, he was badly injured and has been taken to the hospital,” the voice asserted
The tables were set, and I made sure everything was arranged as expected while we awaited his arrival.Jumia seemed more excited as he glanced at his little wristwatch at intervals. I shot him a playful stare and continued with what I was doing while he sat in the living room, waiting for his guest.Shortly after, I heard a car horn at the entrance and suspected that his guest had arrived. His “Uncle Nice” had finally arrived. I assigned the remaining duties to the maid and hurried upstairs to change into something more decent and casual. I didn't want to appear undressed or unkempt before this fellow. I anticipated he was as nice as Jumia praised, even though I felt a little restrained about the whole issue. “Just a thank you for being nice to my son out there when he was in danger, wouldn't be a bad step” I assured myself, walking up the stairs. I wanted Jumia to be proud, as always, to have a classy mum by his side.Once in the bedroom, I quickly changed into a red crop top and a
Liam's POVI felt like a little child, terrified by a scary movie, when my gaze met hers. I never expected that the Olivia I knew was the same Olivia Peters who had borne him.At first, upon discovering the truth, I thought it was merely a coincidence because she was known as Smith. But today's encounter proved me wrong, it wasn’t just a coincidence; it was reality. She is the same as Jumia's mother, a reality that struck me real hard.It hurt to realize that I had come with a different motive, and now she was calling me a liar. I had arrived despite all doubts, just to see this little kid I was so fond of. I thought that honoring his request to see me would make him happy and also give me the opportunity to meet the lovely woman who had given birth to such a smart, adorable child; only to find out that it was her.I stormed out of the house, devastated that she had sent me away without even waiting to hear my side of the story. Instead, she went as far as denying that I wasn’t the fa
Olivia's POV A rush of excitement swept through my heart, a slight chuckle lingering on my lips throughout the ride as we drove in the direction of his school.It was my first time coming on my own after the accident, and I felt I should arrive a little earlier this time. Jumia was my joy and deserved every bit of care, affection, and protection I could offer. He would be pleased to have me pick him up alongside his uncle James, who had offered to come with me since he hadn't set eyes on Jumia in a long while. I could already picture the glint in his tender little face; that glint that made all the hard work worthwhile.I was pleased with James' offer, but even more so with the realization that soon, we would become one big happy family: James, Jumia, and me. I pictured the exciting moments we would share and the joy of being loved, a feeling I had cherished ever since I met James four years ago at the airport.My gaze momentarily darted towards James, who was carefully focused on t
I decided to give him a call to book me a nice place to rest my head for the night. Picking up my phone, I realized it was off, which was unusual. I turned it on, only to receive numerous voicemail messages and redirected calls. ID: Olivia… I gasped, feeling unease as I played the voice messages. My heart clung to a tiny strand of hope that it wasn't over yet. I just couldn't stand losing her now; just as I couldn't stand the thought of Nina trying to ruin my image, and now, my mom's threat. Everything lingered in my heart as I finally gathered the strength to make the call. ***** It was still early when I arrived in New York, driving through the quiet hours of the morning so I could meet my schedule. First, I had to visit her. I arrived at her building exactly at seven a.m. I knew they were still preparing for work and school. That was the perfect time to come over. Taking a deep breath, I stretched out my muscles, they felt sore from the long drive and the previous day's e
James POV I drove into the compound about three hours later, my entire body sore from the long drive.Taking a deep breath and holding my wrist, my hands trailed down to my ankle, massaging the aching spot.Pain coursed through my body. It had been a long drive, and I had to do it alone this time.I yanked my neck to release the lingering tension, my heart still unsteady.After a long wait in the car, I finally stepped out. It was already getting late.The evening breeze blew past, carrying a bittersweet sensation; its gentle touch soothing, yet unable to erase the pain within me.“Son, I'm right here,” I heard Mum's voice from the first floor. I lifted my gaze to meet hers.“Alright, Mum,” I replied, moving into the mansion.My mind was already set on what I needed to do.Soon, I was up on the balcony where Mum sat, her legs crossed. A small side stool beside her held a glass cup, half-filled with orange-colored juice. A magazine lay on her lap, its pages flipping under her fingers.
Olivia's POV He had such an amazing personality, with a way of getting to my heart. Somehow, I felt I would have forgiven him immediately.But I didn’t want my decisions to be based on mere gifts, I wanted them to come from my heart. Infidelity was something I despised deeply. It reminded me of my past wounds.It wasn’t his fault, after all.I glanced at the necklace. Its sparkles lit up my heart. My chest filled with excitement, and I blinked repeatedly, placing a hand over my chest, feeling blessed.The door creaked open, drawing my attention. My gaze shifted toward Becky as she approached.Her urgency and the curious expression in her eyes as she stared at the tablet she held caught my attention."Ma’am, you won’t believe what’s in the news right now," she blurted, bending down to show me the screen.A sudden hot sting shot through my body."James Smith, the billionaire and CEO of Stanbic Group of Companies, denied any involvement in the tragic incident that happened to his suppos
“I certainly don't know what this is all about,” I replied, already turning to move away from the cameras, but something happened.“We have proof to support our claims. You arranged the incident that led to his predicament,” a lady's voice surged from the crowd.My heart quickened. What proof was she talking about?I tried to ignore it, but the stunned gazes from my staff caught my attention, drilling into my heart.I turned toward the cameras. “I certainly don't have a hand whatsoever in his predicament. I just didn't like his closeness to my fiance, that's all,” I addressed, feeling increasingly drained inside.Hot sweat swirled on my forehead.“Then what about the phone calls? How do you explain them?” That same voice asked again.I narrowed my gaze into the crowd, trying to grasp the identity of this person attempting to ruin me, but I couldn't figure out who she was.The eagerness of the media personnel, the cameras all focusing on me, fighting to be the first to capture my react
James POV I flinched at her inquiry."She's just a friend from my past who wouldn't let go. She came over and seduced me. At that point, I didn't know what got over me," I replied, my gaze fixed on her."I'm so sorry. No amount of words could mend your broken heart or undo what I’ve done. Please, just find it in your heart to forgive me," I pleaded yet again."Why haven't you told me about her all these years?" she asked, her gaze locked on mine."That's because I thought I had successfully put her behind me, but I never knew she would come back," I replied defiantly.My gaze remained on her for a while before she looked away.I stayed crouched, lifting the parcel I had gotten for her."This isn't a bribe or a way of buying myself back into your heart; it's a gift of my love for you. It is boundless," I asserted, stretching the parcel toward her.She held her gaze on the gift for a while before looking away.My heart quickened. I just wanted her to forgive me. ‘I am so sorry,’ I mutt
Olivia's POV My hands were placed on my cheeks as I reflected about the encounters I had gone through at their hands.They asked for an immediate transfer once he was awake, and it hurt me deeply that they never appreciated my efforts. But I gave in to their demands.What hurt me most was the fact that he didn't recognize me or anyone else except his mom.It damn well hurts.I swallowed hard, my gaze fixed on the door as it creaked open, revealing Doctor Kaley.He had been on leave for a week, and the wait for his return had worn me down the most. He was one of the best in the neurosurgical field and had extensive knowledge when it came to his area of expertise.All research proved inadequate."Have a good day, ma’am," he greeted, and I reciprocate the gesture, motioning for him to sit."The patient from the previous surgery seems to be suffering from severe amnesia," I said as soon as he sat down.He smiled a little, then lifted his head to meet my gaze. "That’s what I meant by 'wor
Liam's POV Darkness!Everything became numb. No sign of life. The air around me thickened. I couldn't understand what was happening. Everything seemed faded.The noise around me increased. I tried to open my eyes, but they were so damn heavy.“What's happening?” I asked myself.My entire body felt numb; I could barely lift a finger. I tried, and just then, one finger moved. Then another. Finally, my palm.The noises around me grew louder, a slight surge of pain coursing from my head down to my toes.I tried to blink, to open my eyes, but my eyelids quivered. Then, I finally managed to open one eye. A sudden, consuming brightness nearly blinded me, forcing me to shut it quickly.It was too bright.Brighter than I could handle.I absorbed the light and slowly opened my eyes again, adjusting to the brightness.As my vision cleared, I took in my surroundings. A white ceiling stretched above me. My gaze drifted toward the source of the noise, but suddenly, everything fell silent.A woma
“Please, can you let me in?” His voice was soft and cold, its coolness almost sinking into my heart as always.I shook my head vigorously. “Get the heck out of this place now!” I barked yet again, moving over to my bed and collapsing onto it.His pleas, words, and excuses all drowned in my unconscious state. I pressed my hands against my ears, my head buried in the pillows…******Few days laterI slowly opened my eyes, my body weak beneath the duvet. I tried to lift myself, but I fell back hard against the bed.Three days, yet it hadn’t been easy letting go of the pain. It was too much. I hissed, rolling onto my side.I held my hands to my face, yawned, and glanced toward the window.Shocked, I snapped my head toward the clock, which hung perfectly on the nightstand.I gasped, forcing my body up despite the lingering weakness. Hurrying through my morning routine, I freshened up and soon found myself in the living room.“Cutie,” I called out. “Mum’s waiting for you,” I added, putting
My ears pressed against the door of the room, my heart racing as curiosity surged through me. I gasped, wondering who the hell was defiling such a large working atmosphere as this.The whimpers continued. Soft and wild groans filling the air.They broke through my resolve, unexpectedly filling me with bitterness.A desire to break through this door.As I pressed my ear closer, leaning against the door, my entire body froze. My hands clutched at my chest, and the heavy beats of my heart echoed in my ears.I reached up, covering my mouth with one hand to stifle my gasp.“What?” I screamed aloud, unable to hold back my words.I was certain, that was his voice when he spoke.“You’re enjoying it, right?”That voice couldn’t be mistaken. It was certainly his.I fought the compelling urge to run; to flee as fast as my legs could carry me. My instincts screamed at me, but I struggled against the storm of emotions swirling inside me, my heart aching with hurt and betrayal.Still, I remained ro