Share

CHAPTER 3

Author: Temmy
last update Last Updated: 2024-07-06 19:40:27

Mother had suggested that I spend a few more days in the hospital so I would be able to recuperate and possibly stay away from any judgmental and pitiful looks I might likely attract in the neighborhood. My neighborhood isn’t a really pleasant one, and I’m sure I’ll be the topic of gossip for some months.

While at the hospital, I managed to relax and feel a little better. I didn’t forget my ordeal, but I was able to accept that Felix and I weren’t meant to be after all.

“Now, I just have to get better and move on with my life,” I thought, gazing out the window at the scene of a newly born baby and his family taking a picture with some nurses in the garden. The mother of the child seemed really excited because her face was lit up with a contagious smile. 

“I hope to have a baby, somebody,” I said with a dry smile as I made my way out of the room to go look for my mother.

She had initially told me she was going to see the doctor earlier, and her absence was longer than expected. Even when I felt too weak to walk down there, I was determined to go find out what was going on. Something about her and the doctor seemed off.

I wasn’t suspicious of my mother or anything, but I could sense she was hiding something from me. I couldn’t bring myself to ask her, but deep down, I wanted to know what it was.

Following the path that led to the doctor’s office slowly, I reached the door and was about to knock on it when I faintly heard my mother's familiar voice, weeping and pleading with the doctor as though making a request.

This instantly left me speechless. “What could they be talking about?” I wondered as I moved closer quietly and placed my ear on the door. I was trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t hear them clearly, but from the intense tone they spoke, I knew it was something serious.

The doctor then blurted out, “Abort it? I think you should tell her first. And I won’t alter my beliefs because of you. I don’t want something that would cause a nuisance or dent my reputation in the future.”

His statement left me shocked and numb. So I had been pregnant? And the mother is trying to abort the baby without my consent? My whole body began trembling, and I could not resist letting out a silent cry, but I was able to control my emotions. 

“Please do this for me, doctor, and I will forever be grateful to you. It’s the best for her. I’d rather have her hate me later than give birth to this baby, which will make her life miserable. She deserves to be happy again; this will benefit her and won’t have any impact on her in case she wants to get married again.” 

“How would I even do that without her suspecting? What about the procedures and post-treatment? How would I take care of that? The doctor asked.

“Hmmm, we can just come up with a fake medical condition that requires surgery. That way she wouldn’t suspect a thing,” Mother ested.

Everywhere became silent for a while when I heard the doctor say it in agreement. “Alright, let’s do that.” 

I couldn’t bear to listen further. Having no strength left and a mix of emotions swirling within me, I struggled out of the path and staggered into the garden.

“Oh God, I said as I placed my hand on my racing heart. I held on to it tightly, like I was preventing it from leaping out of my chest. 

Everything that unfolded before was something I couldn’t have predestined in a thousand years.

“How could I be pregnant with that bastard’s child? I touched my tummy, feeling a surge of hatred and pain in my heart. This baby was supposed to be the undeniable connection that bound us together, but it turned out to be a burden for me.

I’m not thrilled by the news of this pregnancy, as I am well aware of the circumstances surrounding it, but I would have at least been appreciative if my mother had told me about it and sought my opinion. I think I deserved to know. 

I cried for a while in the garden, reminiscing over that night and how my life had gone so wrong and bitter that it made my mom think of such drastic measures. It must have been hard for her to make such a decision, and it must have been terrifying for her to contemplate ending her grandchild’s life to protect me.

“What a messy life I have,” I thought as I left the garden and made my way to the toilet to clean my already swollen face before heading to the room.

“Where have you been, Judith? I have been waiting for you," my mother asked immediately as I entered the room. She was indifferent to her usual self. She was able to put her act together and still put on a smile—a fake one, though.

“I was bored, so I went to the garden to get some fresh air,” I said, avoiding any eye contact. I don’t want her to suspect that I have been crying. “Why do you stay too long at the doctor’s office?” I asked her even when I knew she wouldn’t tell me the real reason.

“Nothing; we were discussing you,” she said, wrapping a muffler around my neck to keep me warm and kissing my forehead.

“What about me?” I asked, even though I knew the topic of their secret discussion.

“Nothing much, my love. This is just a small problem that will be resolved soon. Just relax. You know I always got you.” She said it with a sad gaze at me. Our eyes met, and then she looked away. “Go to bed; it’s late already.” She added, and then she helped me lie comfortably on the bed, covering me with a thick duvet.

I decided to pretend to be unaware of the conversation between my mother and the doctor and plan to abort the child because asking her might shatter her further. There was total darkness and silence in the room as we just lay on our respective beds. 

I will just act along with them, but there was also a question in my mind as to whether this was the right thing to do or not. After all that has happened, I have no hope of loving anyone, and I plan to be alone for the rest of her life, but if I have a child to look forward to in my life, maybe I won’t be too lonely. Moreover, the child is innocent.

I was lost in thousands of thoughts that tormented me late into the night, making me insomniac, and I wasn't the only one suffering; in fact, my mother had it worse.

I saw her getting up in the middle of the night to sit alone in the hospital garden. I trailed her and stood behind her, and I could hear her confessing, chanting that none of this had anything to do with me and that although the child was innocent, my happiness was more important. She said that if there had to be karma, then it should come to her; it shouldn’t get back at me, who had already lived a hard enough life.

When I heard this, my heart ached. I crawled down with shaky legs, burying my face between my legs and crying silently with hot tears dripping down my face. I feel really terrible about it and wish I could just travel back to the past to set things right.

Returning to the room, I made a decision, more like a gamble. It wasn't just for me but also for her mother; I don’t want her to be guilt-tripping for the rest of her life. I needed to stand up for myself and make a choice, even if it was a hard one, but I just hope I haven’t gambled wrongly.

Related chapters

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 4

    Judith’s POV Eight months later, I was wheeled into the operating room. Yes, I decided to keep the baby. When I told my mother and the doctor that I had overheard their secret conversation about the pregnancy, their shock was palpable. They were at a loss for words, clearly stunned that I had found out. My mother tried to change my mind and justify her decision, but I was already resolute and unwavering. During the prenatal period, I struggled with conflicting thoughts in my head. On one side, the scene of that night replayed, and on the other side, it flashed back to her mother's slightly hunched yet determined figure sitting alone on a garden bench; the sound of her own agonized despair and reverent confessions intertwined with the echoes of that night. As the operating lights came on, I closed her eyes and made a life-changing decision. A few years later... “Mommy!!!” The twins ran up to me in the school parking lot. “How was school today?” I scooped both of them into my ar

    Last Updated : 2024-07-06
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 5

    “Good morning, ma'am," I greeted the receptionist, trying to sound as polite as possible. “I'm here for the interview,” I told the receptionist at the front desk on the ground floor. “We don't interview for cleaners here. Just go to the back of the building; you'll see the office of the chief cleaner.” I was taken aback by what she said. Cleaner? Is that what she thinks I'm here for? “I think you're mistaken; I'm not here for the cleaning job; I sent an email to the hospital last night,” I corrected her. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't check; what’s the name?” She still seemed unconvinced, critically glancing at me. I noticed that she didn't really seem convinced, so I had to speak up for myself: “It's Judith, Judith Summers, “I applied for...” She cut me off before I could even finish. “PA?” she asked in disbelief. “I'm sorry, is there a problem?” I asked, feeling embarrassed and sensing my confidence slipping away. “No ma'am. Here’s your tag. I think you're already late,” she ad

    Last Updated : 2024-07-06
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 6

    Nathan’s POV I sat on my bed for a few minutes after I woke up, needing to recollect all the energy I lost the previous day and then lose it all today again. That’s how my life has been lately, and today, being the day of the job interview, I already predicted what the future of stress had in store for me. I painted my room dark gray to ease tensions for mornings like this. When I wake up, I don't seem to remember who I am. They calm me and remind me of my purpose, making me feel better. “That shouldn't be what's on my mind now,” I muttered to myself as I struggled to stand up and picked up my laptop to check for any new mail that I might have gotten the previous day. “Argh, I have an interview to host too.” I lamented inwardly and undressed before walking into the en-suite bathroom. I went into the bathroom, did all the necessary preparations, got into my car, and drove off. Stopping in front of my office has always given me stress and anxiety attacks, but it was different today.

    Last Updated : 2024-07-25
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 7

    Judith’s POV “It was really awkward, Vanessa,” I said on a call with my best friend, explaining how strange today had been. The interview had caught me off guard, as I wasn’t expecting it to be so effortless. I had already picked up the children from school, and they were sound asleep. “How would you rate it on a scale of one to ten?” Vanessa asked, letting out a laugh. “Vanessa, it breaks that scale!” I screamed excitedly. “He was sweet and even had a conversation with me.” “The same man that people are scared of?” She asked in disbelief. “The same man, Vanessa. It was like a dream. He was really handsome too, but his eyes seemed familiar. But then, who do I know in London? It's a whole different continent. I couldn't possibly know him,” I said, munching on crackers. “You want some crackers, Vanessa?” I teased. “Are you teasing me on purpose?” she asked in an off-tone. “So, about him, from what you’ve said so far, I think I’ve grasped one or two things.” “Oh, tell me,” I said w

    Last Updated : 2024-07-31
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 8

    Nathan's POV I could hear my alarm blaring from the nightstand by my king-size bed. I was still feeling sleepy because I slept so late last night, working on the business proposal my father wanted me to come up with. “Oh God, it's 7 a.m. already.” A surge of irritation came on me: “I can legitimately swear that I slept just a few hours ago.” These days, rest has become such a luxury. This billionaire lifestyle is so difficult. The saying "money isn't everything" echoes within me deeply. I can't even remember the last time I had a proper rest or genuinely had fun. When I was a dirty and broke street thug, I was happier than I am now. I didn't have to worry about so many responsibilities. I didn't have to worry about business deals, proposals, or any investments. I didn't have to prove my capability to anyone. Somehow, I actually missed the days I lived without a care. Dragging myself out of the duvet, I ventured into the en-suite bathroom. After a quick shower, I walked into my cl

    Last Updated : 2024-07-31
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 9

    Judith’s POV I stood there, startled, as I watched him yell angrily and glare murderously at me as if I had wronged him in his previous life. Everything transpired in a blink of an eye, leaving me utterly dumbfounded and profoundly embarrassed by the attention he had garnered. Tears welled up in my eyes as he stormed into his office. "What an asshole," I thought bitterly. Reflecting on how he had interacted with me during the interview, I could have sworn to everyone that they were wrong about him, but I guess he merely pitied me; that’s probably why I got the job so easily. I blame myself for resuming work late. I lamented that had I been here earlier, I could have avoided all this mess by checking his preferences and making the coffee ahead of time. "Oh goodness, I'm already getting into trouble on my first day," I muttered, smacking my head in frustration. I wiped away my tears and sat down, feeling dejected. "Don't beat yourself too hard," I heard someone say in a whisper, w

    Last Updated : 2024-08-05
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 10

    Nathan's POV Oh fuck, there seems to be something fundamentally wrong with me. I hope my aunt wasn't right when she labeled me a harbinger of bad luck and disaster years ago, after my mom's death. Everything, even the universe, seems to be against me. I don't have peace within me; I always have this fear of the unknown. A wave of guilt weighed on me. It seems to me that I'm the architect of my own misery. I should have navigated life with more prudence and grace. Oh damn, I miss mom. London offers no solace—no love or warmth; everything just seemed off, like I just popped up in the middle of nowhere. Even the one person I love, the one whose forgiveness I desperately seek, I continue to alienate with my careless words and actions. "Should I just go back to Rome? If I go back, what would I do there?" I mused loudly. No one would want to associate with me, as everyone dreaded and avoided me like a plague. "Well, let me just stay here. At least I'm a billionaire and highly respecte

    Last Updated : 2024-08-05
  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 11

    Judith’s POV I was truly dumbfounded when the mighty and sophisticated Nathan Everton extended a heartfelt apology to me. He has always been known for his rude personality and nasty temper; everyone feared him, and his sudden apology left me speechless and thoroughly stunned for a while. I guess he isn't that bad after all; he must have an iota of conscience and human feelings. "It's okay, sir. I'm partly to blame too," I said, stuttering a little. "I will strive to be more professional, and I hope you can offer some assistance too. It’s my first time working in such an environment like this," I added. "Okay, you may get back to work then," he responded. Just as I was about to leave, I turned back and said, "I really appreciate your apology, sir. It made me feel better. Thank you so much." He merely nodded and flashed a smile that could have floored anyone before I hastily exited his office. "Oh goodness, the job can't be that bad,” I giggled as I stepped into my own office. L

    Last Updated : 2024-08-06

Latest chapter

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 43

    Judith's POVThe astonishment on his face as I kissed him was unparalled. He, along with everyone else in the office, were left speechless. As my eyes drifted to where Felix was seated, I could see anger deposited on his face."Who are you?" The chief asked, his tone laced with curiosity."Oh, apologies, sir. I'm Judith Summers, Nathan's fiancé, and the supposed victim of the alleged assault."Oh, Mrs. Summers. I was under the impression, according to Mr. Felix's statements, that you were out of town, hence the reason we did not summon you for questioning," he said, directing a scrutinising glare at Felix. By this time, Felix's expression exhibited utter disappointment."Oh, I found it peculiar that I wasn't called in. The fact that he told you I was out of town should tell you that he's a despicable liar," I spat, wondering how I managed to keep my act together."I wanted to wait for your return, but these were serious allegations that necessitated urgent attention. That was why I c

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 42

    Judith's POV Immediately, I called Nathan, and he came running over and arrived even before I knew it. It was so comforting to have him around. I could feel the sympathy and regret in his voice and eyes as he occasionally shot glares at me.Throughout his stay, my heart kept racing. I could feel his heart beat too, especially when I cried on his shoulders. I kept wondering why the universe is so unfair to us. We both loved each other, but we can't be together.The solution Nathan had come up with wasn't exactly a good one, and I couldn't help but imagine the worst-case scenario that would emerge from this whole situation. This could end him and everything he had worked hard for.The choice he made was a hard one, but he did it anyway. He did it to protect us and take responsibility for his past actions. I felt pity for him and wished there was another way out of this problem.Convincing him to look for a better solution seemed futile as he became resolute, explaining that he didn't w

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 41

    Nathan's POV Despite all the humiliation I had felt from the broken engagement, I was able to swallow it all, and only the thoughts of Judith's forgiveness filled my mind. I stopped calling or visiting her, not because I had moved on but because I wanted her to heal. Constantly seeing me might hurt her further.The last thing I had ever expected from her was for her to get back with me. Everything I had done to her was enough to make her miserable for a lifetime. I just wanted her forgiveness, and that's all.Lately, my life has been a rollercoaster of bad news. Judith's casting me aside has affected my whole being. I couldn't function and focus properly on work. It had gotten so bad that I even lost a business deal because I kept discussing it absentmindedly while the meeting was ongoing. The investor got angry and cancelled the whole project.Father had gotten so angry at me over the phone when he heard that I had lost a project worth millions of euros. He yelled, telling me to mov

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 40

    Felix's POVThe bombshell I dropped cast an eerie pall over the environment. She stared at me with a mixture of confusion and hatred. However, my mind was resolute, and I felt no remorse for my actions. Her behaviour had driven me to the point where I forgot everything we had shared in the past.Despite my efforts to be considerate and avoid making things difficult for her, she seemed determined to shut me out of her life completely."What did you mean, Felix?" she asked, her voice barely masking the pain."You have to marry me, or the world will know how your kids came into existence. They will know they are a product of assault," I declared harshly.She was speechless for a while, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Overwhelmed and anxious, she stood up from the couch, paced around the living room, then sat down again.I could feel her uneasiness as she asked, "And how do you intend to do that? Felix, you're making my blood boil. I just want you out of my sight.""You must think I

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 39

    Judith's POV Constantly consumed by an unexplainable feeling of dread. I became more sensitive than ever. For no tangible reason, I kept feeling insecure and sometimes trembling like a fragile leaf. I grew suspicious of everything and everyone, especially strangers. It was alarming at the rate my heart raced, and I kept praying I wouldn't succumb to a heart attack.An unknown feeling lingered within me, telling me that Felix hasn't given up yet. He is so blinded by rage that he won't stop until he gets what he desires.Despite the hurtful things Nathan has done, I never cease to love him. The feeling has extended so much that I miss him badly and also dream about him occasionally. The thoughts of him lingered in my head, day or night.Downcast and unsure of what to do to make the thoughts go away, I vowed never to get back with him, no matter how much or how long the feeling lingered.I ran my hands through my hair and walked outside to the balcony, hoping to enjoy the sun that shone

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 38

    Felix's POVTruthfully, John's plan doesn't seem like the wisest course of action. I would have opted for a better and safer option on how to make her bend to my will, but deep down inside me, I knew it was the only card I had left to play in order to reclaim her affections.The desperation I'm feeling isn't something to be proud of; it is highly disgraceful. I know fully well that I have become too desperate or probably obsessed with her, but at this point, I no longer mind. We compliment each other perfectly, yet it seems she is blind to see that.Perhaps, against my better judgement, I have to agree with John's suggestion. Since the woman I'm trying to be considerate of isn't reciprocating the same feeling to me, she isn't interested in me; despite the fact that she knew I wasn't to blame for the wedding that crashed, I still didn't pique her interest, and that saddened me a lot.Still devastated, I recalled all the affectionate words and stares she gave Nathan the other day; they

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 37

    Judith POVI find myself utterly bewildered by Felix. He looks totally different from what I had presumed him to be. The man whom I loved in the past was a better man who had good morals and virtue. It amazes me to the point that I felt like his soul was switched, and he has now been replaced with that of a spiteful entity.I'm shocked at how I never sensed the shift in his demeanour in the past. Perhaps he was pretending then and now to be his true self because he kept saying and doing hurtful things without feeling any form of remorse."Thank goodness, we didn't get married. I would have been married to the devil, unaware and headed to peril, I murmured as I tucked the kids to sleep.As I gazed upon the kids tear-streaked faces, a wave of pity washed over me. Their small, tender hearts had been burdened by the events of the evening. They keep getting more mature every day, and now they are even protective of me. I will eternally be grateful for the gift of them. I'm really lucky to

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 36

    I'm still struggling to understand how Judith can still be so naive and foolish. I had anticipated that she would demand his arrest and let him rot in prison, but instead she's still very much in love with him. It still baffles me that she cannot sever her ties with him completely. I need to act fast and exploit this situation wisely to my advantage; otherwise, all of my efforts would be futile.I'm so frustrated at the moment. I feel like a loser who can't seem to get anything right. I don't regret addressing her in such a rash manner. She should feel the same pains I'm going through."Hi, can we meet at the Essence Palace Club House?" I said this over the phone to John while parked at the clubhouse."Alright, I will meet you there in a while," he replied and hung up.I headed inside the clubhouse. The inside of the club house is furnished with neon lights that cast vibrant colours into the room. The air is filled with a mixture of perfumes, colognes, and a thick hint of smoke.In a

  • THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE    CHAPTER 35

    Felix's POV I have been visiting Judith regularly in an attempt to console her and rekindle our love, but all my efforts proved futile. It was as if she was resolutely unwilling to give me a second chance at all. I recognised that she was still grieving, so I decided to give her the time she needed to heal before approaching her with the possibility of rekindling our love."I'm not giving up because I'm sure we are fated to be. It's only a matter of time before she realises I'm the only man for her," I muttered with a determined smile as I navigated through the heavy traffic.However, my determination wavered as soon as I parked in front of Judith's house. I saw Nathan emerging from her front door, which sent a wave of fury crashing on me. He was tall and handsome; he appeared gaunt and a shadow of his former self—haggard and unkempt."Why would she still allow him into her home after everything he has done to her? I questioned him as I got out of the car and walked towards him. He g

DMCA.com Protection Status