Chapter 2: Claire’s POV

I turned white at the thought of my husband in bed with another woman. Especially this one.

“Are you sleeping in the same bed?” I knew Leo saw to her personally but sleeping in the same bed was past unacceptable. It was out of line.

“Don’t blame him, Claire. He was just so tired after caring for me last night.” She lets out a chuckle. Charlotte had no regard for me or my marriage and had taken every opportunity to make that clear. “Why are you calling again?” She asks as if I’m disturbing her although she answered my husband’s phone.

“Please let Leo know that I’d like to meet him for dinner at that old restaurant we love when he wakes up.” I tried my best not to sound hurt as I tell her. It was my wedding anniversary, and he had run off to be with Charlotte once again. This time, even sleeping in her bed.

“I’ll let him know. Happy Anniversary, Claire.” She muttered my name in disgust and reminded me of my anniversary just to mock me and remind me that on my anniversary, my husband had run to her side. Not only that but slept in her bed and had forgotten about me.

“Thank -“ I start to say as Charlotte hangs up. I feel a heavy lump in my throat threatening to sink with my tears. I sat in bed alone for a moment and decided to get up and get dressed.

I plan on telling Leo about my pregnancy today. Even if his love for me is outweighed by my love for him and his love for Charlotte.

I walk to closet and begin dressing comfortable for the occasion and begin applying makeup to cover up my tired puffiness brought on by my tears. I then head over to Bennington - an old Dutch eatery we enjoyed going too and give my name for the reservation. It’s not a Michelin star location but it was where I first met Leo and he saved me from a little trouble I was having. I had been harassed by a group of men and he portrayed himself as my friend until I was able to leave safely.

A few years later, I finally finished my courses and graduated from the most prestige architecture school in the country but was at a stand-still in starting my career as most companies sought a male figure for the position. After a pressure-led search, I found that Leo’s company had posted a job opportunity as the secretary to the president and applied. After one short interview, I was given an offer that I gladly accepted.

I was excited to walk into his office on the very first day but he didn’t remember me. I expected him to at least recognize me and I was mildly disappointed to know that he didn’t. It probably didn’t helped that I was dressed like a boy in baggy clothes with a baseball hat. He had no idea of the admiration or love I held in my heart for him. I couldn’t tell him with the inferiority I felt.

I sat there waiting at the restaurant. It was noon which when I had met him in his office for the first time - all those years ago. He knew my dedication to important times and would be here any moment.

Only I’ve been waiting for over an hour and he hasn’t come. I decide to call him but I’m redirected to voicemail. So I resorted to call someone who I rarely spoke to and who had no interest in speaking to me.

“Hi Emilia, do you where I can find Leo?” Emilia is Leo’s sister. This meaning she’s also a part of his elite and successful family who have never liked the idea of a secretary becoming a billionaire’s wife.

“Of course, I do. He’s at our family home. I thought you would’ve accompanied him for the big celebration we’re hosting.”

I furrow my brows in confusion. “What celebration?”

Emilia answered in a condescending tone with a hint of amusement towards my confusion “Did Leonardo not tell you? Of course, he wouldn’t. Well, we are celebrating Charlotte’s big news. Happy Anniversary though.” I hear Emilia laugh for a moment and hang up as I try to ask what news she was referring to.

Charlotte?

I stood there feeling my heart sink. Leo had gone to Charlotte and missed our anniversary, and I was left feeling confused by Emilia’s information. I get up to leave hastily and call a cab - giving them the address for Leo’s family home.

Once I arrived at the family home, I was answered by their butler holding the door open for me - explaining everyone had taken to the living room for an important announcement. I head to the living room where I see Charlotte sitting in her wheelchair surrounded by Leo’s family and friends - all in excitement and anticipation of her news.

They all smiled, doted on and celebrated her with acceptance while I stood there as an unwanted guest or intruder.