Elena
Where am I? A soft bed, white ceiling, the smell of medicine, disinfectants… I’m in a hospital. At least I’m not dead, but I was in my room at dawn. How…
“First of all, congratulations, Mrs. Simpson. You’re pregnant.” A young doctor walked into the room, dressed in a white coat, broke the news with a gentleman's smile, looking handsome.
“Calm down, ma’am. Just take a deep breath, okay? You’re in the hospital.”
“Doctor, you said I’m pregnant? Are you sure you have the right diagnosis? How did I get here?” I can’t believe this. When was the last time Ronan even touched me?
“Mrs. Simpson, you passed out in your room last night. Your housekeeper brought you here. He’s waiting outside as we speak.” Oh, so that’s what happened, huh?
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but we need to abort the baby. It’s the only way to keep you safe.”
...?
I just found out about my pregnancy, and now I need to abort the baby to keep me safe. Safe from what? Did I have an ectopic pregnancy? Was that why I didn’t feel any symptoms of pregnancy?
“Doctor… What’s wrong with me?”
“Due to your unconscious state, we ran several tests when you arrived—including a CT scan. We found an irregular shadow in your brain.”
What’s all this? I just need to understand what’s wrong with me.
“Doctor, please speak plainly. What’s wrong with me?” This couldn’t be good news. His look said it all.
“You have a third-stage brain tumor, Mrs. Simpson. We can remove it through surgery, but we need to abort your baby and start the treatment immediately. Your child cannot survive such treatment.”
"What are my chances?"
"If we start treatment now, your chances are seventy percent." There's still a thirty percent probability that I wouldn't make it. even if I started treatment immediately. Tsk!
As I walked out of the ward, I stumbled and nearly fell. I was unable to come to terms with anything the doctor said. It’s impossible! How could they ask me to hurt my child so easily? Meanwhile, if I didn’t have an abortion, I would die.
“You have about ten to eighteen months to live, but without treatment, you may be unable to carry the pregnancy to full term. There are no certainties if you refuse treatment, and I can’t even promise you’d live for the next ten months…” Those were his words that won’t leave my head.
A brain tumor... I’m pregnant and dying. Sweet and painful. Could anyone be as unfortunate as me?
“Madam…” The housekeeper called out, snapping me from my trance.
“Thank you for bringing me here, Benson. I just collapsed due to low blood sugar. You don’t need to look so scared.” I tried to act normal, as I couldn’t tell anyone about this.
___
Old mansion
“My child, what do you mean by that? Are you angry with Ronan? Did that brat bully you again? Just tell me. I’ll give him a piece of my mind, okay? Don’t joke with such words.”
My father-in-law probably thought I was just throwing a tantrum. Was there ever a time I threw a tantrum since marrying Ronan? Tsk! I guess they won’t blame me for doing that now. I need Ronan now more than ever. He could at least accompany me in my final moments.
“Uncle Simpson, it’s not like that. The divorce is already settled. I only came to say goodbye to you and Auntie since I’ll be leaving town.”
“Elena…”
“Uncle Simpson, I still remember how kindly you and Auntie treated me since my father became a vegetable. You gave me a home I could call my own. You became my family, and I am forever grateful.” This has been my home for close to a decade. How could I forget it in a hurry?
“If she wants to leave, just allow her to go. After all, she already said no one bullied her. She chose to marry my son, and unlike him, she was never forced into the union. Why must you force her to stay when she doesn’t wish to?” My mother-in-law must be doing a break dance in her head because she thought I was finally divorcing her son.
I really didn’t have it in me to be angry with her. This woman has been the closest thing I knew to a mother all my life. She only treated me with contempt when she convinced herself that I was barren and couldn’t give her any grandchildren. Ronan was her only son, after all, whereas I was a charity case who could never match up to her beloved son.
Well, I would be gone before they knew it.
“Shut up, Delores! If you don’t have anything to say, just keep quiet. How do you expect her to report your son when Elena is so kind?” I don’t want a fight to break out between the couple because of me. I think it’s best I left here already. Mission accomplished!
“Auntie, Uncle, there is nothing to be so worked up about. Even though I’m divorcing Ronan, you’ll always be my family. I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for me."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
“I knew you’d be here doing what you do best, Elena. When will you stop manipulating people to do your bidding?” Ronan suddenly joined us in the living room, spitting venom when he spotted me. What’s more noticeable was the scornful gaze he fixed on me. It was as if I were an enemy he’d rather avoid.
How long has he been eavesdropping on our conversation? Well, it changed nothing, because Uncle Simpson would ensure he wouldn’t go through with the divorce. I know this is selfish of me, but they could take it as a dying woman’s last wish.
[Pa!!!]
Uncle landed a harsh slap on Ronan’s right cheek, leaving a ghastly handprint. There was absolute silence. “You scoundrel! How dare you! He spat in anger, pointing a trembling finger toward Ronan.
“No one is getting a divorce, and that is final!” Uncle Simpson declared authoritatively, and Ronan gave me a scornful look.
“What happened three years ago was a mistake, Dad. You will no longer force me to marry someone I never loved. This time around, I'll chase my happiness, and you won't stop me from being with Darcy!”
Ronan’s jab pierced my heart like a knife, but I chose to be silent. I would not show him my tears. Who cares if he never loved me? I still wish for him to accompany me in my last days. They could wait for ten months.
“Dad…” Ronan rushed to support his father from hitting the floor.
“Wake up… Wake up… Gerald…” Aunt Delores whiffled him, trying to wake him up, but Uncle Simpson just wouldn’t move. I hope nothing bad happened to him; otherwise, I would never forgive myself for coming here.
The mother and son pushed me aside, but I didn’t care. I needed to get the ambulance!
___
Uncle Simpson has been in the emergency room for almost an hour, yet no one has come to tell us anything. The corridor was eerily quiet, reminding me of my diagnosis. This whole place was so stifling. I wish Uncle would wake up soon.
“I don’t care what your endgame is, Elena, but pray nothing happens to my father. If he comes to any harm, I’ll make sure you regret it." Ronan had no qualms about threatening me, even though I regretted my selfish actions.
“You heard my son, Elena. Ronan's already divorced you. So why did you come to my house to agitate my husband? You should have walked out of our lives peacefully, but no. You wanted to take my husband down with you.”
Auntie hasn’t been nice to me since I couldn’t give her any grandchildren, but why must she be so biased? Would they regret everything they did to me when I was finally gone? Would they even attend my funeral? I wish I could tell them I was dying so that I could witness their expressions.
“Spare me that innocent look. Have we not paid you enough for your father’s sacrifice? You evil child! Just pray to the heavens. Pray nothing happens to my husband, or else I won’t let you off!”
Elena"You should have walked out of our lives peacefully, but no. You wanted to take my husband down with you.” Those words coming from Auntie felt like a slap in the face. Am I so forgettable? Why do I always get rejected by the people I’ve come to trust so much?My father was a military man in the same unit as Uncle Simpson. The two were so close that my father didn’t think twice about saving Uncle Simpson when they went on a very dangerous mission. After that incident, Uncle Simpson felt like he owed his life to him. We were also neighbours, which made our relationship even closer.I grew up considering Aunt Delores my mother. We were incredibly close, even more so than she was with her daughter. I didn’t have a mother while growing up, and for the longest time, it was Dad and I. Mom left when I was only five, and I never heard of her again since then. Now, the person I grew to love as a mother was telling me to get out of her life.Why must Auntie treat me this way just because
Elena“Madam, welcome home.” I just got back to our home, but before I could walk through the front door, the butler rushed toward me and greeted me too enthusiastically for my liking. I didn't know what he was trying to do or say, but I was too exhausted to pay attention to anything else. I felt lightheaded and weak, hence, I only wished to take a warm bath, eat something, and have a shut eye. I need the peace and quiet for my peace of mind right now. “Benson, you're standing in my way. What's happening?” I could hear how faint my voice was. My situation was that bad, and I could pass out at any moment if care wasn't taken. I haven't had a single bite since yesterday's breakfast. “Madam, forgive my impudence, but it's not advisable that you go in right now. In fact, I suggest you sleep outside tonight.”What the heck! Could someone tell me what was happening here? “Benson!” I used all the energy I could muster in calling out to him, and he could tell I was exhausted. More so, I
ElenaThe charity gala was still being discussed online. I felt like a discarded shoe when I saw all the blessings and well wishes the two received. What broke me more was a comment that Darcy and Ronan should just get married already. “Dear, I’m so sorry; my boss just assigned me an impromptu client, so I can’t accompany you today. I’ll make it up to you, Elena. I’m truly sorry.” We haven’t seen each other in the past three years, and I was looking forward to having a good time with Nancy. “It’s okay, Nancy. Take care of yourself. I’ll be fine here.” Being a busy lawyer was much better than being a desperate housewife trapped in marriage.I was soon at a maternity and baby products store. The TV displayed pictures of babies and the various baby items available. It was so cute that I couldn’t help but walk in.“Welcome, madam.” A cheerful sales attendant approached me with a contagious smile plastered across her face. I smiled unconsciously, getting pulled into her jolly mood. Sp
ElenaThe clouds began to gather, and the streets of Lockwood were soon becoming empty. Everyone was hurrying toward their destinations, but a certain individual walked among the sea of people like a headless chicken. Her steps were sloppy, her eyes looked puffy, and her whole appearance screamed one word-pitiful! The lonely figure was none other than myself, Elena Jones. I didn’t know what direction my life would take from now?The more unloved I felt, the more confused I was about bringing a child into this cruel world, or should I just leave with the baby? Suddenly, I was jolted to my senses and moved out of the way reflexively. A few young men on motorcycles began to cackle provocatively while surrounding me. One of the riders nearly ran over me. Landing butt-down on the ground, my senses kicked in.I was in trouble!There were three men in total, and each one was scarier than the next. One of them had scorpion tattoos spanning from the right side of his face down to his nec
RonanSeveral Hours Ago: “What! Are you serious?” I blurted in shock, grabbing my phone tightly. I didn’t wish to believe what I was hearing, but it’s Elena and David Spencer we’re talking about here.“Calm down, Ronan. A college friend just gave me the information. I don’t know if that’s true, but many people know how close they were. Maybe someone just overreacted. Go and see for yourself..” Darcy’s voice sounded hesitant, and I felt it as she tried to hold back more information. Even at a time like this, she still tried to speak up for Elena. How could Elena despise someone as accommodating as Darcy?I disconnected the call without bidding Darcy goodbye, because her attempts at defending Elena were getting on my nerves. Those two had history, and I would be a fool to believe that this was merely a coincidence. Opening my tracker app, I quickly found where Elena was, and drove to the hospital after entering the GPS coordinates. Along the way, a thousand and one thoughts run thro
RonanMy mind conjured images of Elena in David’s embrace. How dare she do this to me? Yes, I don’t love her. However, I never led her on. In our three years of marriage, I never tried to raise her hopes. Elena, on the other hand, didn’t stop reminding me how much she loved me. She always told me I was her first and last in everything, and I felt my heart swell whenever she made those comments. I guess the only thing I beat that Spencer guy in was being the first man to take her virginity.“Why am I so pissed off about Elena being in the hands of her old flame?” It must be because she had been lying to me for the longest time. I wished I could get to hit that David guy once again. I should have beaten him to a pulp and broke some bones, even. Then I’ll see how he’d dare to touch my woman again. “Shit!”I quickly swerved an oncoming vehicle just now, and would have been involved in an accident if I didn’t react fast enough.“How dare you occupy my head like this, Elena Jones?” I pack
ElenaIt’s the third day of being admitted to the Saint City General Hospital, and I must say I had a lot of rest. My mind hasn’t been so at peace in a long time. I feared I might even grow too many pounds from lying here and eating all the good food that Benson brought daily.The doctor didn’t want me to go home until everything was okay with both the baby and myself. I wouldn’t blame him for trying to be careful. After all, whenever we met, I was in terrible shape.“Okay, Mrs Simpson. You are free to go home now.” Finally! I get to get to leave this bed. It’s so funny how the doctor hasn’t allowed me to step an inch out of my ward or watch television. He even made Benson cease my phone, saying I only needed to sleep and get my pressure to reduce before I left the hospital. Now he was finally ready to release me.“Thank you, doctor.” “Don’t thank me, Mrs Simpson. Just take good care of yourself. I really wish I could say I don’t want to see you here again.” We both chuckled at his at
Elena“Elena, dear, it’s so good to see you.” As soon as I stepped through the door, Uncle Simpson’s exaggerated reaction alerted everyone to my arrival. He looked much more relaxed, as compared to how I met him five days ago. Standing before my father-in-law right now, I felt guilty for not visiting him since we left the hospital. “Uncle, I’m so sorry for not coming to see you all…” I was about to say more when he beat me to it. “Come on, Elena. Why must you be so hard on yourself? You’ve brought me flowers every single day I spent in this hospital. Who cares if you couldn’t be here for only two days?” What? Me? Flowers? When did I send him the flowers, and how did I only leave out two days? This man! He was clearly lying with such a straight face. Even I wouldn’t have detected the lie, if I didn’t know better. “Come over here, my child. Don’t just stand there.” Uncle Simpson held my hand tenderly, unconsciously taking my mind to how my father used to hold my hands. “Don’t be too
ElenaI walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed. I had to take a bath, since my sweat soaked the bed and I couldn’t hide what was happening to my body either. My thighs felt sticky, and I felt like I had a bad itch down there that needed to be scratched-just that my husband could only do this scratch. The urge to get laid got so bad that I could have sworn someone drugged me if I had been outside the house. I have never touched myself before, but for the first time tonight, I felt like I could only get a peace of mind if I did so. I couldn’t tell if the next few months would be this difficult, but I was ready to sail through. Doctor Harold already informed me about how some pregnant women become extra sensitive and honey. I hoped I wouldn’t experience that, but I realized tonight that this prayer of mine hadn’t been answered. I couldn’t have everything, after all. I felt so ashamed of how my libido controlled me tonight, yet I was still grateful that no one else was here to wi
ElenaI lay motionless on the bed, shrouded in lust and confusion. My gaze was still a little clouded, but I could see everything. I knew who it was. I knew what she did, and I could see the conflict in Ronan’s eyes. I had never been this embarrassed in my whole life. Not only that but I was also unsatiated. These emotions made me frustrated, and angry, but not stupid. I quickly reached for the duvet and covered myself, taking time to allow Ronan to deal with the situation. How dare Darcy enter our room uninvited! A thousand emotions flashed through my head, but none of these made me angrier than the complicated look in Ronan's eyes. The woman he was about to make love to was lying silently in his bed, but his thousand percent attention was on Darcy Taylor-the person who rudely interrupted our couple moments. I was angry, but I didn’t cry. Darcy, on the other hand quickly began her waterworks. “Why did you do this to me, Ronan? Why did you touch her?” She began, and I could se
ElenaI didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. Here I was, walking into my house as if I was a stranger. I stared at the back of the young boy who startled me in the elevator, wondering if David had succeeded in making me paranoid.“I’m sorry we scared you, boss. It wasn’t my intention.” Ruth stood beside me, fidgeting uncomfortably. I knew my silence was stifling, but I was speechless. I was too embarrassed to say anything. However, the innocent woman felt I was too angry to respond.“Boss, Blake is really not a bad kid. He only looks so muscular because he’s on the football team and spends too much time at the gym. Please, don’t be offended.” If I didn’t stop Ruth, she wouldn’t stop talking about my non-existent anger. ‘What’s he doing here?” That just did it, huh? The woman was already startled, and I had to make her feel like her son wasn’t welcome in my house. I only wanted to know why he came around. “B… Boss, Blake lives here. With me. I promise he won’t cross your path again.
Elena“Mmmm!” My head hurts like hell. Ouch! What is happening to me?This pain is on a different level. I didn’t even do anything to aggravate my condition, so why would I feel this way? Remembering the last thing I saw, I lifted my hand to my nose and noticed the bleeding had stopped. However, I couldn’t tell where I was.“Where am I?” Shit! It was the familiar smell of disinfectants, the white ceiling, a bed, and a drip hanging up there. When I tried to raise my left hand, the pain from the needle finally registered in my mind. How could I be back at the hospital in such a short time? Why did my nose bleed? Was I deteriorating too fast? Lately, I haven’t stressed myself, and nothing stressful has happened to me. Why then would this happen again? How did I end up here?“Boss, you’re awake.” I turned my gaze toward the excited voice, and in came my housekeeper. I could tell she looked both flustered and relieved at the same time. Was she the one who brought me here? That made a
Elena“Yes, David. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I reported the case to the police in Saint City. It was a good thing we reported it back in Lockwood. They just need to compare the case files and confirm my statement. You know I already gave them a portrait of the thugs, especially the leader.” David called earlier and said he wanted to check on me, However, after I mentioned that the thugs who attacked me were the same ones who vandalized the Saint City Number 1 High School, he couldn’t stop fretting. “I meant every word, Elena. You need to be extra careful. Those thugs may seem ordinary, but they are more connected than you can imagine. They got away with hitting you the other day, so what wouldn’t they do if they chose to destroy the CCTV footage that could incriminate them? Remember we had nothing on them at the time we went to the police station. It was only our word against theirs. You choosing to allow the police to do their thing because you didn’t wish to invo
Ronan“Dad, what are you saying? I didn’t do anything to her.”I just now got wind of the trending news about Darcy and me, only to have Dad call my line in the next minute. No matter what I said, he wasn’t ready to listen. “Why would a woman pack her bags and come to your matrimonial home if you didn’t encourage her? Ronan Simpson, is marriage a joke, or has Elena been too soft for you?” Why would Dad believe I did this just because Darcy showed up at my house? She came unannounced. I didn’t even know she was coming to my house. How could I say this without getting him more agitated than he already was?“Dad, please calm down. I didn’t invite her to my house. Trust me, Dad, I wouldn't...”“I am taking Elena out of your house, Ronan. She was my daughter before she became your wife. This has got to stop!” What the! I could feel a headache coming, but there was no way to make Dad stop his train of thought.“I’m sorry, Dad. Can we talk about this later? Please, I really need to go. I’
RonanI couldn’t call Darcy after she left. There were no other words to explain what happened, and why I took such a firm stance. Even though I had my reasons, I knew she wouldn’t understand.Even though I didn’t allow Darcy into the house, I had my driver drop her home. His only task was to drive me, and no one else. Even Elena was never driven by my personal driver, but Darcy was an exception last night. I expected Darcy’s mind to be at peace after extending my goodwill, but she was still angry because I didn’t allow her into the house. I can’t believe she chose to put me in such a tight spot without speaking to me first.Well, I was only comforted with the thought that the paparazzi wouldn’t blow this out of proportion. Even when I met Darcy for our lunch date earlier today, she didn’t look happy. I tried everything to make her smile, but Darcy still didn’t talk to me. When I had to leave for an emergency meeting, she didn’t even bother to acknowledge me. Throughout our lunch,
RonanI was here thinking about what Elena was doing at the moment—if she was in the arms of David Spencer or whether she was planning something major against me...What else could she be doing if not to be snuggled in the damn professor's embrace? I lay on her side of the bed, wondering if I could get an inkling of where she was. I needed to find Elena as soon as possible. My peace of mind depends on it. Elena’s mobile phone was proof enough that she planned to torment me as much as she wanted. I must get this phone working soon enough. The blaring sound of a phone’s ringtone jolted me up. I hastily grabbed the broken phone and stared at it from all directions, yet there was nothing in it that showed the sound was coming from within this crap. I looked around the bed and the headboard, wondering if Elena left some other phone that I overlooked. However, the call cut abruptly, and I couldn’t search for the phone. “Ronan, you fool! That was your ringtone. Shit!” Why was I so messed
RonanI drove back to the house I shared with Elena for three years, my thoughts on nothing else but Elena. How could she fill my head this way when she wasn’t even here? I had no urge to decorate the house, as no one else could do it better than her. She was the only one who took care of things here, and now that she wasn’t around, I had no reason to design the house. I could just leave this place and stay with Darcy if I wanted to. However, I felt a little hesitant, because Elena could come home and meet my absence. Who could tell what she would do if she returned and didn’t find me here. Anything was possible with Elena Jones. I bypassed the quiet Benson, who looked like he wanted to ask me something. However, when he noticed my icy gaze, he backed away. I knew what he wanted to ask. How could I tell my housekeeper that my wife left home without finding it necessary to inform me about her plans? Elena even left everything I gave her. No. She burned everything I ever got for her