CHAPTER 2
The other woman was Scarlett Johnson, who I learnt was Robert’s first love and ex-girlfriend. She had just returned after a long time of being away to who knows where. And since then, has been all over Robert like a moth to a flame. Even though I didn’t know much about her, I hated her. She seemed fake. But Robert can’t see through her façade. I know she was his first love, beautiful with doll-like features and enchanting figure but she wasn’t worth the kindness and care he was giving her. I could tell she was taking advantage of that side of him. If she could leave him hanging years back, there was every chance she could leave him again. I wish Robert would open his eyes and see that. See she wasn’t good for him or the company. Ever since he offered her job at the advertising firm without going through the normal procedures, she has been treating me like trash and trying to make me look bad in front of him and everyone because of how close I was to him as his personal assistant. “It’s you,” she said disdainfully, her heavily painted lips curling with contempt and mockery as she looked at me. “Aren’t you Robert’s secretary or whatever back at the office? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at work cleaning his office and fetching coffee?” I wanted to scowl at her but Robert’s presence made me not to. I ignored that she ever existed and looked at Robert. “Lily…” Robert’s called coldly, his brows furrowing “What are you doing here so early in the morning.” He was always formal, cold and unwelcoming towards me. But I forgot all about that as I unknowingly lost myself in the depths of his eyes. They were like a creamy pool of dark brown chocolate I wanted to swim in all year long. Robert was impossibly handsome with his tall broad figure and striking features. He was every woman’s dream. You can’t walk past him without turning to look again. His charming looks, the undying love I had nurtured for him over the years and most importantly, the fact that this contract marriage with him provided me with all the financial assistance I needed was what was keeping me entangled with him. ***How it all started*** It all started years back in high school. I harboured a secret crush for Robert but never got the courage and chance to reveal my feelings to him because of the tragic turn my life took at that time. My father declared bankruptcy due to the folding of his multi-million dollar company and committed suicide. My mother unable to live with that pain and heartache, fell ill with depression and a partial stroke. This forced me to leave my prestigious school to a less prestigious one which I managed to get into on a scholarship. I left behind a love I never got the chance to experience but it was for the best. I had to set my feelings for him aside and focus on survival. Focus on taking care of my sick mother. But years later, fate brought us back together, but not in a fairytale kind of way. My academic excellence and determination helped me secure a job as a secretary in his advertising firm. I worked diligently and was later promoted to the position of his personal assistant, concealing my struggles and the undying love I had for him all these years. My life took another unexpected turn when I accidentally met his grandfather. His grandfather recognized me to be his best friend’s daughter who was surprisingly my late grandfather. He was very happy seeing me and praised me for being decent and well-mannered. As a result, he insisted on Robert marrying me to fulfil a long-standing promise he made to my late grandfather. Robert couldn’t say no to his grandfather. Left with no other option, he offered me a loveless marriage based on a contract. I had no other choice than to give in to it because it provided me with the financial support to care for my sick mother and a chance to be closer to him; my lifelong crush. We kept it a secret from everyone including his grandfather, displaying acts of superficial affection in their presence. We have been able to maintain that for the past two and half years and still running. I loved him very much to leave or say no to anything he wanted. Even though he didn’t return the love, I overlooked that. The mere sight of him was enough to keep my heart at ease. My heart unregrettably beats for this man. ****** “I….I’m here to….” I stammered, my head spinning wildly with an excuse to cover up. I can’t tell him about the accidental pregnancy. I promised never to. “You’re here for what?!” Scarlett snapped at me, growing impatient and irritable. “Are you suddenly dumb? You’re wasting our time…” Robert held her hand gently to calm her and she snorted, looking away defiantly. I could feel Jane boiling with rage beside me. This was her first time seeing Scarlett, but I could tell she hated her much as I did, and if given the chance, would put her in her place. The test reports were in my bag. Jane wanted to grab it and obviously show it to them, breaking the news of the pregnancy to them. But I couldn’t let her do that so I discreetly restrained her. And she stopped reluctantly, understanding the message I was passing across. I took in a deep breath and got myself together, the perfect excuse finally coming to mind. “Yes,” I glanced at Scarlett who looked in my direction with a condescending glare. “I’m his personal assistant. It’s weekend, and I don’t work on weekends. Mr. Robert knows that well,” then I looked at Robert, forcing a smile. “I came to visit my mother. She was admitted to this hospital. Remember I told you she’s sick and receiving medical care here." Briefly, he glanced up in thought before looking back at me and shaking his head, appearing somewhat unconvinced. From his expression, it was clear he didn’t remember. He hardly remembers things concerning me and at times, it breaks my heart, making me feel irrelevant. That was how he forgot we went to the same high school and were classmates. I had to jog his memory to make him remember. I swallowed nervously, feeling unsettled. I just hoped he wasn’t suspecting anything or thinking I was lying to him. “We were just leaving,” I said without looking him in the eyes. “It was nice seeing you two.” I bowed slightly before quickly taking Jane’s hand and hurrying off. I took a glance over my shoulder as I was hurrying off only to see Robert’s hands wrapped around Scarlett’s waist affectionately. The sight of that cut deeper than a knife. He had never held me that way before. Maybe what my colleagues back at the office said about him never ceasing to love Scarlett all this while she’d been away was true. Maybe her return was the real reason he’s been treating me much colder than before recently. I squeezed my eyes shut till they stung. I tried to resist the pain in my chest as I focused ahead. A loud groan escaped Jane’s lips as if she was holding back her anger. That briefly attracted the attention of the people around who looked at us curiously as we reached the lobby. “Who’s that bitch? I hate her,” she said as she looked at me, scoffing in disbelief. “Why was she talking to you like that?...you shouldn’t let anyone talk to you like that…I can’t believe Robert kept calm about it…Why is she even with him?...” I scratched the back of my neck, looking away in embarrassment. I couldn’t tell her who Scarlett was. I hated that I was keeping things from my best friend, but it was for the best. I didn’t want to complicate things further. “She’s the wife of a very good friend and business partner of Robert,” I said as I looked back at her, managing a persuasive smile. “He’s out of the city on an important business trip and so asked for Robert’s help in taking her for a checkup.” Her resigned exhale was proof she believed me. I heaved a subtle sigh of relief, knowing that the issue had been resolved. “What’s the problem, Lily?” she asked in concern, holding my shoulders comfortingly which made my brows crease slightly in confusion. “Ever since we got the results you seem to be so…. Distant. Is anything the problem? You should be the happiest woman on earth right now.” I took a deep calming breath. “I’m just a bit overwhelmed,” I said softly. “The pregnancy is a lot to take in.” She nodded in empathy. “I understand. I felt the same way too when I first found out I was pregnant. But think about it, Lily. A baby could bring so much joy into your life. Into your marriage,” she stressed. I nodded in a feigned agreement. I wanted to believe that. I wanted to share in her optimism, but the reality was too far-fetched. It was beyond her understanding and everyone else around me. “But then I didn’t understand why you didn’t break the news to Robert?” She asked, confused and agitated. “Why didn’t let me take the test reports and show Robert that you're pregnant with his child?"CHAPTER 3 “Now isn’t the right time. I’m planning to surprise him and everyone back at the family house during an important dinner,” I lied to her again, managing another smile. She shrugged, believing me anyway. I was full of lies today. This was my third lie today. And to Jane, I have been lying to her ever since I got into this marriage with Robert, always defending him and trying to paint the perfect picture of everything being alright while they weren’t. I hated myself more than anything now. Shortly after, Jane left to pick up her child from school and make lunch for her family. My mum was admitted to the same hospital, but in a different ward a bit further away. I wanted to take the pregnancy test first before visiting her because I knew I’d spend a long time with her. I still couldn’t believe Robert didn’t recall me mentioning she was sick to him at some point. I did tell him several times this week when I wanted to leave work early to visit her. Despite that, I
CHAPTER 4 Though I had an apartment I stayed in at times, I lived here. With Robert when it was necessary to play our parts as a couple. The mansion was a sophisticated one situated in the upscale part of the city, surrounded by luxury and servants. I got in and quickly prepared myself for the dinner. As I was making my way to the dining area, I stopped by the mirror in the hallway to adjust my cocktail dress; the sapphire blue colour brought out the blue in my eyes. I also adjusted the wealth of my long brown hair, making sure my appearance was intact before his mother could see me. I learnt his mum was a star actress while young. She has been away since Robert and I got married. We only met briefly, so I didn’t know much about her. Though I overheard the servants once complaining of her being too excessive, easily irritated and difficult to please. So I was in for one heck of a ride. I didn’t understand why she called for such an abrupt dinner. But whatever the reason, I jus
CHAPTER 5 That evening, immediately after what occurred at the dinner table, I took a ride to my apartment. I didn’t have the heart to stay in that mansion after the last statement Robert made. It hurt more than his mum’s own, and I could tell he wasn’t going to spend the night there either. I was so stupid to think he was standing up for me. I should have known better. After undressing and getting ready for bed, I suddenly felt sick, coming down with a fever. I took something to slow the fever and pain and decided to sleep early so I could wake up early for work tomorrow morning. I had a lot on my table this week so I can’t afford to be late or worse, fall sick. Gently, I wrapped my hands around my belly, shaking off every bad thought and feeling. Shaking off everything Robert’s mum said about me. I wasn’t a barren desert. I was a real woman with no fertility issue, and sooner or later I’ll prove it to her. That night as I dozed off without knowing, I had a dream. A sweet d
CHAPTER 6 At the office, I was going through the details of my presentation, and putting everything together when I received an SMS from Robert through the company’s private line, informing me to schedule all his meetings and visits till after the presentation later that evening. I took note of that, and just then saw Scarlett making her way past me like a proud peacock to his office. As much as I didn’t want to admit, she looked radiant in her professionally done makeup but her gown was way too skimpy and seductive to be worn in a workplace such as this. Quickly, I left what I was doing to stop her from going in. “Miss Scarlett you can’t go in now. Come back later in the evening. Mr. Robert is busy.” She washed me head to toe with an icy glare, snorting derisively in disbelief. “Excuse me, and what are you supposed to be? Have you forgotten who I am? Because it seems you have. How dare you stop me going to see the love of my life!” she growled. I sighed nonchalantly and ro
Chapter 7 LILY'S POV "What's going on here?" Robert's gruff, provoked voice sounded as he came out of his office. Quickly, as Scarlett looked at him, I wiped the teardrops threatening to spill from my eyes and held back the sobs forming at the back of my throat. I summoned the courage to lift my gaze to Robert's eyes. The eyes of the boy I fell in love with the first time I saw him walk into our class. The eyes of the man I longed for his love and wanted to spend the rest of my life with even though he was so dumb he couldn't see it that way. It was hard to believe that one day those eyes would be seeing me out of his house and life forever, welcoming Scarlett as his new wife. No doubt his family members will approve especially his mum since Scarlett will be giving her what I couldn't - a child. A child that didn't come about by mistake. A child Robert approves of. "Nothing is happening," I said and forced a smile, my heart as heavy as a rock in my chest. "Everything's fine. I wa
Chapter 8 LILY'S POV My heart raced as I paced restlessly like a mad scientist in Robert's office after the disaster that just happened in the conference room. Robert told me to wait for him here. The only time he does this, especially with that tone of voice is when a worker behaves badly or does something wrong. In this case, not only did I do something wrong, I messed up like no one else has in the company. This was our company's biggest campaign project for the month and I blew it. Panic welled up in my chest as I awaited the inevitable, my mind racing with what Robert would do to me when he got back. He was still in the conference room with the clients and some of the board members. He was trying to address the issue and calm them but I doubted he was making any progress. I could hear their raised voices from where I was and it only made me more anxious. I didn't know how Scarlett managed to get access to my slides and swap them with those embarrassing sex memes and p**n adve
CHAPTER 9 LILY'S POV "You must be out of your mind!" Scarlett roared as she came at me fiercely from outside the door, shocked at what I just said. "How dare you blame me for your mess-up? Everyone knows this was all you. You have hated this company from the start and have been waiting for the right opportunity to paint it black. Since you deliberately did this, how sure are we you don't have other bad intentions?" "Ever since you got into this company, all you have ever tried to do is make me look bad in front of everyone because you're jealous of me," I shot back at her. "Goodness knows I have been working my ass out for this company and will never do anything to sabotage it. You, on the other hand, don't contribute anything. Since you arrived, all you do is nothing but look pretty and follow Robert around like a puppy. There is no doubt you did this. Who helped you? Because I know you're too dumb to pull it off on your own...who helped you get access to my laptop and replace m
CHAPTER 10LILY'S POVRobert came closer. Though I was crumbling on the inside, I strengthened and braced myself for whatever scolding I might receive. If he could lash out at me the way he did when Scarlett lied that I had hit her on the stomach, who knew what he could do now that I accused her of something this serious?"Lily..." He pronounced. I know I wasn't supposed to feel this way now but the way he called my name ignited a spark I didn't know existed inside me for some time now. I took in a deep breath, trying to maintain my feeble control as I waited for whatever it was he had for me.I realized that no matter how much he pissed me off or how far he pushed me away, no matter what he did to me, I still...loved him. I can't help loving him and I can't stop loving him. I hate him for everything he's doing to me. I hate him for not noticing me since high school. I hate him for seeing me as nothing more than his secretary and a wife to please his grandpa. Despite all that, I lo
CHAPTER 153LILY’S POV~ I didn’t respond to her, acting as though she wasn’t even there. I wanted to grab my purse, my phone, my car keys, my coat, anything that’ll help me locate Robert when the door squeaked open and Noah walked in.My breath glitched and I froze as I saw him. He was holding a bouquet of fresh flowers and carrying a plastic probably filled with other goodies. I wasn’t expecting him at all. What was he doing here?However, his reaction wasn’t one I expected. He stood frozen on the spot, his face paling with shock as though he’d seen a ghost as his gaze flicked from mine to Robert’s mum and again and again. Suddenly, he dropped everything he carrying like they didn’t matter and ran out the door. ~ My brows furrowed deeply as I couldn’t understand the reason Noah reacted that way. “Noah… Noah…” Leaving everything else, I darted towards the door to chase after him, hoping to call him back.But before I could, he was already in his car. The tyres of his car screec
CHAPTER 152LILY’S POV~ Pushing all that to the back of my mind, as I had something more serious to ask her, I took a deep breath and leaned slightly forward. “Earlier, you mentioned something about you and your family finding out the truth.”She nodded slightly, paying close attention to understand me better.“Please, hope you don’t mind me asking what it was you guys found out about exactly?” ~“Robert didn’t tell you?” She asked, staring at me in surprise.“No, he didn’t,” I shook my head. I could have sworn Robert didn’t tell me anything about the truth they found out. If he did, then I won’t be asking. My brows pulled in and I further leaned slightly forward as my interest piqued. I couldn’t wait to hear what it was that made the entire Wilson feel sorry for what they did to me and for her to take a 10-hour flight just to come apologize to me.“We found out that Scarlett was behind it all,” she blurted, her jaw tightening as fury flickered in her eyes. “If only she were stil
CHAPTER 151LILY’S POV~ “Please…” she said with a squeaky voice, seeing how indecisive I was. “I took an eight-hour flight to this place. It wouldn’t be nice if you left a poor old lady standing out here in the sun after such a long journey. Please let me in. Just a little talk, I promise I won’t take much of your time.”I looked away defiantly and after much thought, let out a sigh like one who didn’t have a choice, opening the door wider and stepping aside for her to come in. It wouldn’t be bad to hear whatever she had to say. What’s the worst that could happen? But if things took a turn for the worse and she dared to disrespect me in any way, I wouldn’t hesitate to kick her ass out. ~“You have such a lovely home,” she remarked casually as she walked into the house, her eyes roaming around the interiors, taking in every feature. Even though my house was neat and well-kept, I knew it lacked the elegance and luxury she was accustomed to because she had very high taste. But it wasn
CHAPTER 150LILY'S POV It’s been a week since that incident at the hospital, and I must say, I haven’t felt the same ever since. I should be happy Robert was finally leaving our lives for good. I wanted this. It was what was best for me and the kids. But why did I feel so empty on the inside? Why did I feel like I was making the wrong choice and I’ll come to regret it eventually?I barely have the strength and will to do anything nowadays. All I do all day is sit on the couch like a potato scrolling through my phone, drag myself to the kitchen to cook and check up on Liam. He was discharged from the hospital hours after the surgery that same day and had to be on constant monitoring during this recovery phase. Because of this, he won’t be going back to school for some time. Lila was the only one going to school now.I hadn’t gone to work ever since, using Liam’s condition as an excuse because I had to stay back and take care of him. Though that was enough reason for me to stay away f
CHAPTER 149LILY’S POV~ “You don’t have to worry about them running away again because they won’t. They only gave you that ultimatum because they wanted to bring us back together.” He let out a wistful chuckle. ~“What?...” I squinted at him, baffled. “A…are you serious about this?”“Yes,” he nodded softly. “I don’t blame them for what they did. They just wanted us to stop fighting and get back together. And before you think that I made them do it, I didn’t.” I knew he wasn’t lying about this because his expression was genuine. I couldn’t believe Liam and Lila put me up to this. I was thrown off balance and nearly lost my sense of living because of that ultimatum, thinking I might just wake up one morning and not see them again.They had given me a week, and this was the fifth day with just two days remaining for the time to elapse. With every day that went by, I felt more desperate, more lost and more afraid. But now that Liam was severely injured and wouldn’t be able to use his r
CHAPTER 148LILY’S POVI knew he’d be persistent but I didn’t think it’ll be in a place like this. I hated staying close to him. Because when I do, I find it hard to keep my feelings in check. While in the ambulance van, the thought of Liam had helped keep my mind off him. Helped keep me from thinking about our closeness in the van, our bodies almost touching due to the limited space.I hate him. The hatred I felt towards him was unlike any other. I hate him for what he did to me. I hate him because ever since his arrival things haven’t been going well for me. I let him know about that and I was sure it crushed his soul to a pulp. Despite all that hatred and anger I felt toward him, I still hadn’t gotten over him, which was so pathetic and hypocritical of me. I was one heck of a fucking mess and it was all his fault! Seeing his face every day, hearing that deep, infuriating voice that sent tingles running through me no matter how hard I tried to fight it was driving me crazy. He had
CHAPTER 147ROBERT’S POVWhile in the van, the medics checked for Liam’s pulse and vitals. I was relieved to know they were all stable with nothing seeming to be out of the ordinary.Arriving at the hospital, Liam was immediately checked into the emergency ward. Lily and I stayed outside the room while the doctor entered to assess him, our hearts thundering so loudly in our chests it could be heard by anyone passing.After some time, the doctor came out with a rather unreadable expression on his face. On seeing him, we rushed to him immediately. He was going to give a statement on Liam’s condition.“How is he doctor?” Lily asked desperately, palming her hand against her chest as if to steady her thumping heart. “Is he going to be okay? Please tell me this is something minor and he’s going to walk again…”I nodded in agreement to what she said, my expression mirroring hers, praying for the doctor to say the yes word. With the way Lily was staring at him intently, it seemed like she mi
CHAPTER 146ROBERT’S POV~ I looked back at my son who seemed like he was going to die in my arms, biting hard on my lips till I almost tasted that metallic tang of blood.“Please don’t die on me, Liam,” I prayed silently in desperation. “Don’t die on your daddy. We still have a lot of things we haven’t done yet. So, please stay put for me and your mummy.” ~It didn’t take long for the ambulance van to arrive. The back of the van was opened and two young female medics putting on matching medical gloves and uniforms alighted. One had short dark hair with large cartoonish eyes while the other was an auburn with freckles splattered all over her cheeks, giving her a somewhat unique look. The wheels of a stretcher squeaked as they pulled it down from the van.Gently as though he was the most fragile thing ever, Liam was lifted off the floor and onto the stretcher and strapped in place. His fever had gone down like the middle-aged medic said it would but his eyes were shut, no longer flick
CHAPTER 145ROBERT’S POV~ Maybe it was truly time to leave. If leaving will bring them peace and free them from the troubles that came with me being around, then I guess it’s time to walk away for good. I don’t want them suffering because of me. ~With my head lowered in shame, I wanted to get up and leave but Liam held my hand to stop me.“Please don’t go, Daddy,” he pleaded with his tear-soaked eyes, holding onto my hand tight despite the pain he was experiencing as though it was a lifeline. “Don’t leave me again please…”My heart was melting in my chest seeing him beg me like that. There was no way I could say no to him, not while he was in this state. So, I brought his fingers close to my lips, even though they were covered in a bit of dirt, and planted a deep kiss on them before rubbing them soothingly.“What are you doing?” Lily glared at me in disgust, irked by what I was doing. “Shouldn’t you be leaving by now?”“Please mum stop..” Liam’s voice was barely above a whisper, ge