CHAPTER 140LILY’S POVAfter we dropped the kids off at school, I headed to the office. Robert had wanted to take me in his sedan but I refused bluntly, having no other choice but to board a taxi. The last thing I wanted was to keep being close to him. If I didn’t have to see him again then the lingering feelings I had for him will dissipate completely. Worse, if he dropped me off at the company and Noah saw him, it could spark another fallout between them—something I wasn’t willing to risk after seeing how badly they both injured themselves yesterday.Robert persisted, even instructing his driver to tail me as I walked down the road, attracting a few people’s attention. The only way I was able to ward him off was by threatening to scream and alert nearby policemen that he was harassing me. The fear of those made him give up, although reluctantly.Just because he took the kids to school today and will be bringing them back home doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. I made that clear to h
CHAPTER 1 “Congratulations Mrs. Wilson,” the nurse said with a soft smile. “The test came out positive, you’re a month pregnant.” I felt a cold wave of shock wash over me as though someone poured a bucketful of ice water on me. My heart jolted painfully in my chest and my lips parted involuntarily as the memories that led to this unexpected event came rushing back at me like a violent wind. Robert, my childhood crush and husband who I was in a contract marriage with returned that night drunk and overjoyed, the reason being the advertising company landed a huge advertising deal with one of the biggest luxury establishments in the city. I knew he was drunk. I knew he wasn’t in control of his actions. I shouldn’t have let that night happen. But I have loved him dearly for a very long time and was unable to resist him. I was willing to do anything for his satisfaction and happiness. For a long time, I have craved to have such intimate moments with him. Since we got married two an
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
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 140LILY’S POVAfter we dropped the kids off at school, I headed to the office. Robert had wanted to take me in his sedan but I refused bluntly, having no other choice but to board a taxi. The last thing I wanted was to keep being close to him. If I didn’t have to see him again then the lingering feelings I had for him will dissipate completely. Worse, if he dropped me off at the company and Noah saw him, it could spark another fallout between them—something I wasn’t willing to risk after seeing how badly they both injured themselves yesterday.Robert persisted, even instructing his driver to tail me as I walked down the road, attracting a few people’s attention. The only way I was able to ward him off was by threatening to scream and alert nearby policemen that he was harassing me. The fear of those made him give up, although reluctantly.Just because he took the kids to school today and will be bringing them back home doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. I made that clear to h
CHAPTER 139LILY’S POV~ “I have to talk to you about something,” I said, breaking the silence because it was becoming unbearable for me.“What?” He raised his brows.“Can we talk over there?” I tilted my head towards the back of my car. “I don’t want the kids to hear it.” ~“Ok…” His eyes flickered with puzzlement as he followed me.Once we were settled, I brought out the DNA test results Liam was holding last night and showed it to him. I had taken it from him last night without him knowing. That’s the reason I wanted to talk to Robert in a secluded area because I didn’t want Liam to see it. I didn’t know how he’d feel if he knew I took it without him knowing. From the way he held it tightly in his sleep last night, it was obvious it was important to him. But at least, he hasn’t realized it’s missing.“How were you able to get this DNA test done?” I asked, my hard gaze unflinching on his. “Have you been seeing the kids long before now?... Did you take their samples without them
CHAPTER 138LILY’S POV~ “I want you and your fancy toy car off my property and this estate for good. I won’t say it again.” I said sternly, fishing out my phone to call the estate security. Maybe he thought I was joking about calling them.However, the door to the house flew open, stopping me. The kids came rushing to him with big smiles on their faces, shouting “Daddy! Daddy! You’re back.” ~Before I could react, Liam and Lila thudded him with a tight hug as if he were their long-lost father who finally came home after years of being away.My eyes burned seeing how much body contact they were making with him. But there was nothing I could do about it. Ripping them off of him will make me seem like the wicked mother, denying them a chance at happiness. Not to mention they were still angry with me for yesterday, the ultimatum they gave me was a cruel reminder I should tread carefully with them to avoid any further escalation.I didn’t make the call to the estate security again. My b
CHAPTER 137LILY’S POV~ Amid my frustration, a sleek black Sedan car, one of the latest models glided smoothly into my driveway, stopping just a few feet away from me as if in a showcase.I thought maybe Noah had somehow managed to find out the kids and I were stranded and sent someone. But as the passenger door opened, I was surprised to see Robert stepping out in style and approaching like a superhero coming to save the day.Seriously? Can this day get any worse? ~Rage quickly filled me. My lips pressed firmly together and my fist balled on seeing him.“Just what are you? A monitoring spirit?” I hissed, my voice laced with irritation. “Why won’t you leave us alone? I thought I made it very clear to you yesterday to stay away from us. It’s that so hard for you to understand? That’s it. I’ve had just about enough of your unwanted presence. I’m calling the estate security to kick your ass out and ban you from ever coming here. I don’t even know how you got access to this place in
CHAPTER 136LILY’S POVThe next morning, I got up earlier than usual because of two reasons. The first was that I couldn’t sleep even after feeling better after I talked to Jane. I kept thinking about how Robert managed to get the kids’ DNA samples and run that paternity test. Does it mean he’d been seeing them long before now because I know it takes quite some time before one can get their DNA results. Robert was just full of surprises. Just how desperate can he be?!The second was I needed to prepare the kids for school. It was hard doing it alone without Nana Mae’s help while also preparing for work. This made me realize how valuable she was and how much I needed her back. I have to get her back. I hope she agrees to come back even after what I did. I messed up big time and deeply regretted my actions.Coupled with the kids' attitude, the morning was torturous, one of my worst. It was clear they were still angry with me. Whenever I tried to make a conversation, they only remained
CHAPTER 135LILY’S POVNight approached fast and seemed to linger longer than usual. It felt like an eternity waiting for daybreak. I couldn’t sleep. I kept rolling and twisting on the bed, the ultimatum Liam and Lila had given me replaying over and over again like a horror movie in my head. What happened today has shown me they were growing fast and no longer the little kids I want them to be for me forever. Did they really mean what they said? Will I lose them forever or where they just making it up so I can get back with Robert? They were just nine; where would they go if they left home? Who will take care of them? We had no family relatives or anyone close enough for them to stay with, so how do they plan to survive on their own?The fear of losing them was overwhelming. I had experienced it firsthand for a short while and didn’t want to ever again. If I lost them forever I might just go crazy or worse, drop dead from the sheer agony of that. I don’t want that happening. I can’
CHAPTER 134 LILY’S POV ~ "And what exactly did ‘that man’ do?” Lila cut in as if that was the perfect cue for her to join in on the conversation, her expression mirroring Liam’s. ~ Occasionally, I glanced at the two of them, suddenly short of words and heartbroken from the way they were treating me. They no longer looked like my cute little angels but like strangers determined to judge me harshly and break me. If only they were aware of what Robert did to me while I was pregnant with them then they won’t be treating me this way. They’d be forever grateful that I protected them from him. That heart-wrenching past wasn’t something I could tell them. They were too young to understand. Maybe when they grow older and learn of it they’ll realize I was only protecting them, doing what was best for them. “I can’t tell you…” I said weakly. My gaze slumped and it was taking everything in me to hold back the tears stinging my eyes and threatening to fall my cheeks. “Maybe when you grow ol
CHAPTER 133LILY’S POVIt was hard cleaning the house and fixing everything. With Nana Mae gone, the task was now twice as hard. Noah did help but cleaning was definitely not his thing though his comforting presence helped make me feel better and less moody. He left after making sure I was okay. He had wanted to stay over for the night but I didn’t think it was a good idea because I needed some time alone with my kids.Fortunately, most of the pricey toys Robert bought for the kids didn’t shatter and were still in good condition. I stacked them in the store room and locked them away as punishment for what they did. They won’t be getting them back anytime soon. I also banned them from watching the TV and eating Pizza, their favourite food for a month.I wasn’t the type of parent who easily grounded their children but they left me without a choice. I wanted them to know that what they did was wrong and shouldn’t be repeated, leaving school when classes were still ongoing. What if an im
ROBERT’S POV~ On seeing me approach, my chauffeur quickly strengthened himself up and froze in shock as though he’d seen something his mouth couldn’t describe. My brows furrowed as I couldn’t understand why he was looking at me that way. ~“Boss… your arm…you’re bleeding…” He stuttered in a mix of alarm and bafflement.“Oh…” I feigned surprise like I hadn’t noticed all along. “This?...” I pointed at the bloodied cut on my right arm which I sustained from the broken splinters of that chair after I crashed into it. The bastard had pushed me really well. I won’t deny he was strong and had the perfect form. He probably works out every day. Due to how busy I am lately, I couldn’t even remember the last time I hit the gym. I’ll probably start when this issue with Lily is resolved and I have my family back with me. But it was kind of amusing to know I was bleeding this much yet I couldn’t feel the pain. I guess anger can make one numb to pain and a whole lot of other feelings.Fishing out