They were still talking when Desmond walked in with Daniella, holding hands like couples.
"Wow! My son and my potential daughter-in-law is here already! They look like a perfect match from heaven." Desmond's mother stepped forward and embraces her son.
"Desmond!" Anabel called. "How can you cheat on me?"
He turned his attention to Anabel. "I don't understand. What are you talking about?"
"Do you want to deny it? Don't even try to. I called you this afternoon to share a good news with you, only to find out that you are cheating on me. I guess the husband snatcher picked up the call and left it so I could listen to her sick moans."
"I've warned you to desist from calling my potential daughter-in-law a husband snatcher!" Desmond's mother intervened. "What good news do you have for him other than telling him that you found another sex style that will make you pregnant."
"Son." She turned to Desmond. "You don't have to be hiding it from her. You are doing the right thing. Daniella is perfect for you. You two look good together."
"I'm still waiting for your answer, Desmond." Anabel alerted.
"Why are you disturbing me? Even if I cheated, It's not my fault. For two years, you have not giving me a child. Not even a miscarriage."
"But it's not my fault..I'm perfectly okay."
"Oh! It's my son's fault? Is that what you are trying to say? You mean my son is impotent?" Desmond mother asked.
"I didn't day that."
"Anyway, Even if it's what she mean." Daniella spoke up. "I have an evidence to prove that Desmond is perfectly okay. Yesterday, I got my test result. I'm 2 months pregnant for Desmond."
"Wow! This is a great news! You are pregnant with my son's child?"
"You didn't tell me." Desmond said.
"I want it to be a surprise, and i think that this is the right time. To prove that you are a real man." She dipped her hand in her handbag and slot out the test result. "Here is the test result."
"Wow! This is great! I'm going to be a father." Desmond hugged her.
"Yes, very soon. What gender do you wish? A boy or a girl?" Daniella asked.
"Any gender. I don't care if it's a boy or a girl. What matters is that you are pregnant and I'm going to be a father soon," Desmond replied and gave her another hug.
"Now! I think it's time for you to sign the divorce letter. It's now obvious that you are barren." Mrs. Elizabeth turned to Desmond. "I think you will support me this time and divorce her for good. You can confirm that she's barren. You had been wasting your money and strength on her. Divorce her immediately."
"What if I'm pregnant?" Anabel countered, and the room went silent, then Bella burst out in laughter.
"You? Pregnant? No way! So because Daniella is pregnant, you too want to claim to be pregnant as well. Brother, don't listen to her. She's lying."
"You pathetic liar." Desmond's mother sneered at her. "You were never pregnant for two whole years. Now you have become pregnant all of a sudden. Do you take us for fools?"
"But I'm telling the truth. That is the good news I was talking about."
"Anabel, Why are you lying." Daniella spoke up. "I know you don't want to loose Desmond because of his money but it shouldn't make you to lie. Just accept the fact that you are barren. You cannot be pregnant."
"How could you? You think I will fell for your cheap lies?" Desmond asked.
"I'm not lying. I'm with the test result." She picked it out of her handbag and stretched out her hand to give it to Desmond and Daniella snatched it from her."
She scanned through it and shook her head in disgust. "This must be a fake test result. I won't let Desmond fall for this." She teared the paper into pieces and threw it at Anabel.
"Why will you tear that report. It's regit and not fake."
"Just shut up! I can't believe you can do this. So you have become so desperate to the point of forging a fake pregnancy report." Desmond asked.
"You all have to believe me. The test result is not fake."
"Desmond, Will you stand there and listen to this pathetic lair? This is the perfect time to divorce her. Daniella is the perfect wife for you. You can see that she's pregnant for you." The mother said.
"What if the child she's carrying is not his own?" Anabel question and Desmond turned to her in anger.
"How dare you!" Desmond slapped her hard across the face and she losed balance and fell on the floor. "How can you accuse my future wife of infidelity? I can tolerate any other thing but not this."
"Can you stop this drama and divorce her?" Mrs. Elizabeth couldn't wait for Desmond to divorce her.
"I don't think it's good. Let her stay. She don't have anywhere to go." Desmond replied.
"What are you saying?"
"Let her stay. She will be good as a house help." The word pierced into Anabel like an arrow. She couldn't believe he just called her a maid.
Daniella frowned her face and held his arm. "But I don't need a maid. She can poison me out of jealousy. You know she's angry you are bringing me in.
"Don't say that about her." Desmond cautioned her. "Anabel is not like that."
"Are you defending Anabel?" Bella asked "Daniella is right. Send Anabel away. She's a parasite."
"Anabel, get back to the room. We will talk later." Desmond said, and Anabel hesitated before leaving. She knew she was free to go back to her father's house, but she didn't want to lose Desmond, even after the humiliations.
"So you are going to let her stay?" Daniella asked just as Anabel went out of view.
"She's my wife. I can't let her go. She don't have anywhere to go. She will be here, just like our maid. If you are afraid she will poison you, then be in charge of cooking." He said and left to meet Anabel.
"Mother, Do you know why Desmond is hesitating to divorce Anabel? I thought he would divorce her without a second thought. She's barren and unproductive." Daniella said in disgust."Yes, but I think Desmond believed she was blessed with good luck. Ever since he married her, things have been going well. He has achieved so many things easier and without stress.""I thought he picked her from the slum. How could he believe it was because of her? What if it's a coincidence?""I've tried to convince him, but he's been stubborn. He loved her, and I hate it. I don't know if she charmed my son.""Desmond, I can't stay with that woman. I will forgive you for cheating on me, but I won't tolerate you bringing her in this house." Anabel spoke up when Desmond walked on."The last time I checked, this is my house. I'm the man of the house, and I say what happens. Daniella is staying, whether you like it or not. She's carrying my child.""Then what happens to our marriage? I can't share my man with a
"Who are you calling?" Desmond asked."Why are you asking me who I'm calling? I'm no longer your wife. Who I'm calling is none of your business.""She must be calling her poor friends." Bella mocked."Mind how you talk to me, Bella. I'm never your mate. Though I don't blame you. I blame myself for reducing myself so low that you can talk to me anyhow you want. If not for the fact that I married your brother, you are not qualified to talk to me. People like you run errands for me.""Stop blabbing. It won't help you. You are leaving, and you are not coming back." Bella waved a mocking goodbye as Anabel made her way to leave with a small bag."Don't come back begging, Anabel. I won't listen to you. You have the privilege to stay and be our house help, other than going out to perish. All of us know that you don't have anywhere to go. I'm giving you a chance." Anabel heard Desmond speak from behind. She paused and twirled her head towards him. "The last thing I will do is to become your mai
"Take me to the best boutique. I need some new clothes." Anabel said just as she entered the car. The driver drove off without talking. He knew the best boutique in the city.In less than twenty minutes, they were there. They parked in the parking lot, and she came down."I will go inside by myself. I will call if I need any help." Anabel said before walking inside. The boutique is meant for the rich. A common person cannot afford the least collections in the boutique.Anabel got interested in one of the gowns and called the sales lady to get it from her."The gown is over there." She pointed at the gown. "I need it. Get it for me."The sales lady looked up and saw the cloth she was pointing at. It was one of the most expensive collections. She stared at Anabel and shook her head."Are you sure you know the cloth you are pointing at?" The sales lady asked."I'm not having an eye problem. Get the dress for me." Anabel replied."I'm sorry, I don't want to waste my energy. I cannot get it
The next day, Anabel logged into the company's dashboard and input all her details on the page of newly employed janitor. She didn't bother to change her name or anything. None of the employees, both high or minor, knew who she is. Her father has not introduced her to the public. Only the senior manager could identify her. She will be visiting the company as a janitor in disguise. She believed she would be able to fish out some offenders as a janitor.She entered a taxi and headed to the company. The company's main building loomed before her as she entered the main gate. She approached the entrance, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.She walked up to the female receptionist. "Good morning, ma'am. My name is Anabel. I'm a new employee.""Over there. You see that lady?" The receptionist pointed at a woman at the other end. "She's the recruiter. She will take care of you.""Thank you very much." She turned and walked up to the recruiter. "Good morning, ma'am.""Good morning, dear." T
"Who do you even think you are? For your information, Desmond was informed to come today for the final agreement and signing. You think you are a big deal? And you better watch your mouth. I can tell the senior manager to fire you." Daniella threatened."As if you are qualified to tell the senior manager what to do. Know your boundaries before you put yourself in trouble. For you, Desmond, you are far, very far from getting the contract.""Anabel, the supervisor is waiting." The young lady alerted her."Anyway, I don't even have your time. I need to go and start my work." Anabel said and followed the lady."This will be your first and last day of working here." Anabel heard Daniella ranting behind her back and ignored it."Let's forget about her and go. People are already looking at you." Desmond cautioned Daniella and pulled her to follow him."I will tell the senior manager to fire her. Who does she think she is?" Daniella mumbled."Calm down. Let's go." Desmond managed to pet her do
"Yes." The senior manager answered. "The CEO will be involved. I can't change the policy without his approval. The CEO will review the contract and determine the best course of action.""How long will this take?""I will schedule a meeting with the CEO. I can't tell when you will receive a response.""This is becoming complicated. All because of Anabel?""I understand your concern, Desmond, but we must follow protocol. I will keep you informed."With that, the meeting concluded, leaving Desmond and Daniella uncertain about the contract.As they left the office, Desmond mumbled, "I wonder what kind of connection Anabel has with the senior manager. Why must he require Anabel's signature? I'm confused.""What else, if not that she's sleeping with him? She must have used her body to bag the contract for you. Can't you see it?" Daniella said."Are you sure of what you are saying?" Desmond asked."Are you doubting me? What else could she do if not to please him in bed?""Stop saying that. Do
"I can see you deliver joy in bullying others. What if I report you to the senior manager?" Anabel said."Ohh! I'm scared! She wants to report me to the senior manager!" She mocked her. "Reporting to the manager won't change anything. It will only get you into trouble. So don't even think of threatening me with that. I will deny you in front of the senior manager and file for false accusation. You know what it means.""We have CCTV camera here. It will expose you." Anabel pointed out…"Don't be stupid. I control the CCTV camera. None of these cameras is working. You are new here, so I'm not surprised."At this time, the older woman had finished cleaning."So I think it's time to know if you really need this job, because I can see that you are stubborn." The HR continued. "My shoe is dirty; kneel down and clean it.""Clean your shoe? Really?" Anabel asked, surprised at her odd request."Yes, kneel down and clean my shoe. I won't repeat myself again." The HR warned."Cleaning your shoe i
"Wow, Manager. What brings you here?" The HR asked."I heard your voice and decided to check what is happening. What is going on here?" The manager asked."Manager, thank God you are here. You are just in time. I'm going to expose the HR to you even though she's going to be fired by the end of today." Anabel said."Expose? Getting fired?" The manager asked. "What do you want to expose?""The HR is insulting and bullying us. This is not acceptable. She's abusing her powers as if she's a god over us. I think you should do something about it. Though she will be fired by the end of today, but now that you are here, maybe you should confront and fire her now.""Abuse of powers? Insult staff? How dare you say that to your HR!" The manager slapped her across the face. "The HR is a good lady who is doing her job perfectly. And you...a janitor... is saying she's abusing her powers? You even said she's going to be fired?""Sir, did you Just slapped me. I just reported a serious issue, and you sl
"Yeah, the doctor did a great job." Sylvester spoke up. "I was afraid I was going to lose my cousin sister. Thank God it was successful." Anabel smiled at him and rubbed on Vanessa's shoulder. "I'm happy nothing happened to her." Anabel stayed by Vanessa’s side, gently asking her questions about how she was feeling, whether she needed anything, and what the doctor had advised for her recovery. Vanessa answered slowly and carefully. Her every movement was slow and gentle. Just like someone who wouldn't be able to kill an ant. Starting from the way she adjusted her blanket to the way she leaned back against the pillows. For a while, the three of them chatted lightly. Desmond joined in occasionally, offering a few comments about how Vanessa needed to focus on resting and not push herself too hard. Not long after, the door creaked open, and the doctor stepped into the room. He was carrying a clipboard and had a stethoscope around his neck. He gave a polite nod to everyone in the roo
The following day after After Vanessa's fake surgery, Anabel woke up and made her way to the bathroom to take her bath. Visiting Vanessa had been on her mind all night. She was eager to see how Vanessa was recovering after the supposed surgery before going to her company for an important meeting. When she got to the hospital, she felt the need to call Sylvester. She didn't know the new room that they were staying in. "Hi dear, Which room is she staying in?" Anabel asked. "We are on the 5th floor, room 597." Sylvester replied with a panic. At that moment, Vanessa was very hungry and was about to take her breakfast. "Alright, babe, I'm coming." She hung up and made her way to the elevator. Sylvester dropped the phone and turned to Vanessa. "You need to keep the food and lay back on the bed." Sylvester said as Vanessa was about to take the first spoon. "But I'm very hungry." Vanessa replied. "Anabel is coming. I don't think it will be okay if she sees you eating. Remember you just
As his mother pulled back from the hug, she noticed that the sadness was still in his eyes. "But if this isn’t what’s been weighing on you, then why are you still sad? Why have you been so down?" "I'm depressed because I lost a gold for a wood. You called her bumpkin, but Daniella was the actual bumpkin. Losing Anabel had been tearing me apart. She loved me, but I stamped on it. It's as if I lost everything that made me who I am. Though I was rich when I met Anabel, I got richer and richer while with her.. I didn't realize this until she left. I was getting a lot of contracts when she was with me, but after she left, I began to lose even the ones I was about to sign. And ever since then, I've never signed a reasonable contract. She was a blessing to me." "Yeah, we were wrong about her. I thought it was just a coincidence. She was really a blessing to us. The problem was that she was barren. I was so desperate and in a hurry for a grandchild. I should not have brought Daniella. I
"Yes, I think Mom is making sense. We won't remain calm and watch her take anything from you. Losing your properties, your money... everything you worked so hard for. There was never a marriage. Not even up to one week. The court will see the truth and support you. I'm sure we will win.""You think all these things will work? When the judge is a woman?" Desmond asked. "Anyway, losing my properties to her was never part of my problem. It's never a threat to me. My frustration is losing the one that really loved me." As he said that, both his mother and Bella blinked in surprise, exchanging puzzled glances. They were confused. How is it not bothering him? That's a lot to lose to the thief. "Wait....I don't understand. What do you mean by that? She’s acting like she’s already won, and you are saying this?" Bella asked. "You mean you are not bothered that she's taking everything from you?" His mother asked, adding to what Bella said."Let her say whatever she wants. I was ahead of
"I made the mistake, and if I could go back and undo it all, I would without hesitation. You may not believe me but It hurts me more than you. Please forgive us, son. Let us be here for you now. Let us support you and help you. We are still family." The mom continued to plead. Bella stepped beside her mother as her tears threatened to spill over. "Desmond, we are sorry. We will do whatever it takes to make things right." Desmond closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm raging within him. For a long moment, the room was silent. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at them both. "Fine. You guys are still my family and very precious to me. I forgive you both." He finally said, and the mother stepped forward and hugged him. "Thank you, son. Thank you." Bella joined and hugged him as well. "We will be here for you, no matter what." She said, and just then, his phone began to ring. He checked, and it was an unsaved number. He picked it up and placed it over his left ear. "Who is
"Uh, who’s this?" Bella asked in surprise. "And what is she doing here with you?" Desmond's mother looked at Grace and then at Desmond, waiting for an explanation. Desmond didn't say anything. He was wondering what they were even doing in his house. Grace stepped aside, clutching her washing equipment. "Nothing, I’m just a cleaner. Mr. Desmond hired me to clean the house. I'm leaving now. Thank you again, Mr. Desmond." She gave a polite nod to Bella and Mrs. Elizabeth before stepping out the door. Mrs. Elizabeth continued to stare at her from the back, as if trying to gauge whether there was more to the story. As soon as the door closed, Desmond spoke up. "And what are you guys doing in my house? I didn't remember inviting two of you. What the hell are both of you doing in my house!" "We....we came to see you. We heard what happened." His mother answered. "Now that you have seen me, can you leave my house now?" "Oh, son. It hadn't gotten to that. I know we have wronged y
"Come with me." Desmond said, and she followed him. When they got to the kitchen, she was surprised to see how beautiful and well furnished it looked. It was the most furnished kitchen she had ever seen. "Use what can find and prepare a delicious meal. Don't burn down my house." He said and left. After checking the kitchen out, she began to rummage through the cabinets and fridge. Though the fridge was a little sparse, she managed to find enough ingredients to whip up a nice meal. She was giving all she had so she may have a chance of getting hired again. She has never cooked in that kind of kitchen. There were some gadgets she couldn't use. There are some she couldn't even tell what they were used for. She went on to use the ones she could use. When the food was ready, she plated it carefully and set it on the dining table. "Here you go. I hope it’s to your liking." Desmond sat down, took a bite and nodded his head. "This is really good. Thank you." "You’re welcome," Grace r
Desmond remained on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone while waiting for the cleaning service agent to arrive. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang, pulling him out of his thoughts. He stood up and walked over to the door to answer it."Who is that?" He asked while holding the door handle."Grace. I'm here for house cleaning." A feminine voice answered. When he opened the door, he was met with the sight of a young lady, who was probably in her mid-twenties. Her long, dark hair was tied back into a neat ponytail. She looked like a university student who was working part-time for the agency.For a moment, Desmond noticed her stare. Her gaze was flicking between his face and his athletic build. She hadn’t expected the client to look like that. Most of the houses she cleaned belonged to older people."Good morning, sir," she greeted. "I’m from Sparkling Solutions Cleaning Agency. My name is Grace.""Alright. You can come in." Desmond replied, stepping aside to let he
"I forget to tell you. She said that Desmond is not responsible for her pregnancy." "This can't be true! Desmond is the father. She got pregnant while dating him. I'm sure of that." "I'm serious. Her boyfriend is the father of the baby. They planned and put it on Desmond so she could easily get into our family." Bella said, and her mother felt a sharp pain in her chest. The pregnancy was the main reason she made him divorce Anabel to marry her. Now, it looked as if she had lost everything. Anabel was a perfect daughter-in-law. She respects and takes care of her like her mother even when she treats her bad. "I made him divorce Anabel because I thought Daniella was pregnant for him. All this time, she was playing us... playing my son. How could I have been so blind? How could I have let this happen? Desmond must be very mad at me now." "What do we do now, Mom?" Bella leaned back. "How do we fix this? Daniella is going to take half of everything Desmond owns." Bella said, and