Racheal’s breath hitched as she was left there, alone and forgotten. The injustice of it all was suffocating. Tears streamed down her face, not just from the physical pain but from the crushing weight of Victor’s betrayal. He had chosen Evelyn without a second thought, as if Racheal and her baby were nothing more than an afterthought, expendable.“How could he do this?” she thought, her mind a swirl of anger, hurt, and disbelief. “I’m here too. I’m in pain too. Our baby needs help too.” But her pleas were drowned out by the sterile beeps and bustling footsteps around her. No one was listening. No one cared.She gritted her teeth, trying to push down the rage that bubbled within her. “You’re stronger than this, Racheal. You don’t need him. You don’t need anyone.” But even as she thought it, her resolve wavered. She was scared, more scared than she’d ever been. The pain was becoming unbearable, her body screaming for the care that was being denied to her.Chloe rushed to her side, pan
The hospital hallway feels suffocating, each sterile breath scraping against Victor’s lungs like sandpaper. He’s been pacing back and forth for what feels like hours, but the weight pressing down on his chest doesn’t lighten. The scent of antiseptic hangs in the air, mingling with the distant hum of medical machines and the occasional hurried footsteps of nurses. But all Victor can hear are the echoes of his own regrets, bouncing relentlessly inside his mind.Through the glass window, he catches a glimpse of Evelyn, his wife, surrounded by doctors and nurses.They work urgently, their movements synchronized and efficient, but all Victor sees is her face contorted in pain, a stark reminder of the precariousness of their situation.The doctors had mentioned placental abruption earlier—a serious complication that could risk both Evelyn’s life and their baby’s. Victor’s chest tightens at the thought; he can’t afford to lose them, not now.He clenches his fists, his nails digging into his
***Five Years Later***You might be wondering about the young man who showed up at the hospital four years ago. Yes, that was Rachael’s uncle, Clark. But you might be thinking, “Rachael was an orphan!” And you’d be right. However, miracles do happen. Clark, Rachael’s father’s brother, had been searching for her tirelessly, determined to find her so she could inherit her father’s substantial estate. When Clark finally found her, he fulfilled his promise, handing over every property and asset her father had left behind. Rachael wasn’t the same woman who had been humiliated and oppressed. She had transformed into someone powerful and determined, ready to confront anyone who had wronged her.Rachael stood in front of the mirror in her master bedroom, the soft hum of her makeup brush punctuating the contours of her face. Her hair, styled in glossy waves, framed her face perfectly. The tailored designer dress she wore accentuated her transformation into a figure of elegance and strength
Rachael and Damian raced forward, their hearts pounding as they watched Jamal teeter on the edge of a fall. But just before he could hit the ground, Jamal managed to catch himself, landing on one knee instead. He quickly popped back up, dusting off his pants with a proud grin on his face. "I’m Superman! Nothing can hurt me!" Jamal declared, puffing out his chest like a little hero, his eyes sparkling with a mix of triumph and childish innocence.Rachael, breathless with relief, placed a hand over her heart and shook her head. “Jamal, you scared me to death!” she scolded gently, her voice still trembling slightly. She knelt down to his level, brushing a stray curl away from his forehead. “You’ve got to be more careful, okay? Even Superman has to watch his step.”Jamal nodded earnestly, but the cheeky smile never left his face. “Okay, Mama. I promise!” He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, the playful sparkle in his eyes melting her frustration instantly.Damian stepped
Rachael stepped away from the noise, finding a quieter corner away from the laughter and splashing water. She pulled out her phone, dialing Damian’s number, and impatiently waited for him to pick up.“Hey, babe,” Damian’s voice came through, slightly muffled but still warm and familiar.Rachael let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Hey, you’ve been gone for a while. I was starting to worry. Everything okay?”Damian chuckled, the sound easing some of her tension. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just a little drama with a business partner trying to play smart. It got sorted, though. I’m wrapping things up here, and I’ll be back soon.”Rachael smiled, relieved to hear his voice and that everything was under control. “Good. I miss you,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.Damian’s tone shifted, becoming more teasing and playful. “Oh, you miss me, huh? Well, I’ve been thinking about you too, baby. And when I get back tonight…” He paused, his voice dropping low
Rachael’s world tilted as she stared at Victor, memories flooding back with a vengeance, hitting her like a ray of light.She could still remember that day—the sterile scent of the hospital room, the ache in her heart, and the cold, empty spot beside her where Victor was supposed to be. He hadn’t even bothered to stay; he’d walked out as if she were nothing, as if their son meant nothing. The pain of his betrayal was still fresh, festering like an open wound that had never quite healed. Rachael’s mind spun back to that fateful day: the tears she had shed, begging him not to leave, the way he had brushed her off with a callous indifference that cut deeper than any physical wound. And then the cruelest blow—the image of Victor tangled with Evelyn in their bed, her moans echoing like a cruel symphony of deceit. She had watched, frozen and shattered, her heart splintering as she saw them together, the man she once loved choosing another woman over her and their unborn child.Rachael’
Jamal’s laughter echoed as he ran toward Damian, his little legs moving as fast as they could carry him. “Uncle Damian!” he called out, his voice filled with joy that made the tension in the air feel momentarily lighter. Damian crouched just in time to catch him, lifting Jamal effortlessly, ruffling his curly hair with a playful smile.“There’s my Superman!” Damian grinned, holding the boy close. “How was the party, champ?”Jamal beamed, his excitement bubbling over. “The party was really great, Uncle Damian! I swam and ate lots of candies!” His voice dropped suddenly, his smile fading as he looked down. “But... I made Mommy cry.”Damian’s smile faltered, his brow furrowing with concern as he glanced over at Rachael, who stood a few steps away, her expression guarded. “Why was that, buddy?” he asked gently, his gaze flicking between Jamal and Rachael. He could sense something wasn’t right.Before Jamal could answer, Rachael stepped in quickly, her voice tight and strained. “Nothing h
Damian glanced at Rachael as he drove, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter with each mile.He could sense the quiet tremors in her breath, the faint sobs she was trying to hide. Today’s events had stirred something deep within her, reopening wounds that were never truly healed.Jamal, seated in the back, was lost in his little world, playing with his favorite toy car. But even in his innocence, he could sense the tension in the air.He looked up at his mum, his big, curious eyes filled with concern. “Mummy, you cry more often. What’s the problem? Was it that man’s fault? Tell me what he did. I’ll beat him up with my fists, Mummy!”Rachael couldn’t help but smile, a bittersweet warmth washing over her as she turned in her seat. She reached back, gently cupping Jamal’s cheek, and planted a tender kiss on his forehead.“My brave little boy,” she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. “Mummy loves you so much. But listen to me, okay? I need you to stay away from that man. I
“I can’t believe Victor would say such a thing to you! How!” Sarah’s voice broke the silence. Evelyn had told her what victor said concerning bringing Jamal in. She turned to face Evelyn fully, her expression hard, disbelieving. “He wants to bring Rachael’s son into your home? That’s wrong—so wrong!” Her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white against her pale skin.Evelyn sighed, her gaze dropping to the ground where fallen leaves crunched underfoot. She drew her cardigan tighter around herself, as though it could shield her from the ugliness that had invaded her life. “He’s made up his mind, Sarah,” she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and exhaustion. “Victor said he’s bringing the boy into our lives, and I can’t do anything to stop him.”Evelyn glanced toward the playground, watching Daisy’s small figure dart between the swings, her bright pink dress fluttering in the breeze. She blinked back tears, her heart aching. “What choice do I have? If I try to fig
Daisy seemed to sense the change in her mother's face, her bright smile fading as she glanced at her mother in the mirror. Her little brows furrowed, and she bit her lip, hesitant. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice soft and unsure.“Mummy… are you and Daddy okay now?” Her question hung in the air like a fragile thread, delicate but weighted. “He’s not… he’s not hitting you anymore, right?”Evelyn’s heart stopped, her hands freezing mid-comb. She felt the blood drain from her face, a knot of emotions tightening in her throat. She hadn’t realized how much Daisy had noticed, how much her little girl had been affected by the things she’d tried so hard to shield her from.For a moment, she couldn’t find her voice. The reality of the situation—of everything Daisy had seen and heard—settled over her like a cold blanket. Her chest tightened, and she forced herself to swallow the rising lump of guilt. Daisy was just a child, too young to carry the burden of her parents' brokenn
"Please, Mummy! I want to go to Daddy's place!" Jamal's small voice pierced the quiet of Rachael's room as he bounced energetically beside her desk.His chubby hands gripped the edge of her chair, tugging at her sleeve with urgency. Meanwhile, Rachael's fingers flew over the keyboard, the relentless clicking of the keys filling the air as she focused on the screen, trying to meet a pressing deadline. She barely had time to breathe, let alone indulge her son's sudden request. Not today."Mummy, you're not even listening to me!" Jamal whines louder, frustration bubbling in his voice.Rachael's shoulders tensed, but she didn’t break her focus. The document in front of her was demanding, her thoughts juggling between work and the weight of her emotions. It was almost too much. After days in the hospital and finally having Jamal discharged, she'd hoped for some peace. But peace was elusive, much like her strained patience. Jamal had grown close to Victor—too close, she thought bitterly—
Mummy? Uncle Damian? Why are you all shouting?"The room fell silent, as if time itself had stopped. Racheal’s heart skipped a beat, her body freezing for a moment as she slowly turned toward the hospital bed. There, staring back at her with groggy but familiar brown eyes, was Jamal. Her son. Awake.Her hands flew to her mouth, and her breath came in short, sharp gasps. "Oh, Lord have mercy!" she cried out, rushing to his side as tears welled in her eyes. "My baby! You're finally awake!" Her voice cracked with emotion as she sank into the chair beside his bed, grasping his small hand in hers as though afraid to let go. "Oh my God, Jamal, where’s hurting you? Tell mummy, baby!"Her tears spilled freely now, streaking down her cheeks as she smoothed his hair back, overwhelmed by the miracle of him being awake after so many dark, uncertain days.Racheal’s hands trembled as she clutched Jamal’s, her voice still shaky with disbelief. She leaned closer, trying to keep her emotions in check.
The shock of the punch left him dizzy for a moment, but the anger rising inside him burned just as fiercely.“Damian!” Racheal’s voice cut through the room, sharp and filled with panic. She rushed between them, pushing against Damian’s chest with both hands, trying to stop him from going in for another punch. Her face was flushed, her eyes wide with shock and anger. “What the hell are you doing?!”“What am I doing?” Damian spat, his chest heaving as he glared over Racheal’s shoulder at Victor. His nostrils flared, fists still clenched tightly at his sides. “What the hell is *he* doing here?”His voice was laced with venom, his finger jabbing toward Victor like an accusation. “He left you. He abandoned Jamal! And now he just thinks he can waltz back in here? Like he deserves to be here?”Victor wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand, his jaw throbbing from the punch, but he refused to back down. His eyes locked onto Damian’s, a dark fury simmering beneath the surface.
Racheal sped down the highway, her knuckles white as she gripped the steering wheel, her mind racing as fast as the car. Jamal. Her son. Her world.The thought of something happening to him was unbearable. She tried to steady her breath, but it came out shaky, the anxiety gnawing at her insides. Victor, in his own car a few lengths behind, could barely keep his composure. His mind was flooded with thoughts. he was never there for the young boy all his life, he couldn't afford to loose a son.He hated himself for what he did in the past, but now wasn't the time to dwell on his failures.As they neared the hospital, Racheal’s phone buzzed again. Her hands fumbled to grab it, and she quickly put it on speaker. “Dr. Collins?” she asked, her voice barely holding together.“Yes, it’s me,” the doctor responded, the seriousness in his tone making her stomach drop further. “We’ve had to move Jamal to the ICU. He’s stable for now, but it’s touch and go. You should prepare yourself.”Racheal’s
"By Thursday, I want everything finalized,” she stated coldly, her voice cutting through the low hum of the room. “We can't afford delays. The last quarter was barely acceptable, and I will not tolerate another slip-up. Am I understood?”“Yes, ma’am,” came the chorus of voices, though most of them avoided meeting her eyes. The tension was thick. Racheal’s reputation for ruthlessness preceded her, and no one wanted to be the one who disappointed her.“I need this wrapped up before Thursday,” she said abruptly, standing up from her seat. “I have personal matters to attend to, so everything must be prepared by then. No exceptions.”She dismissed the meeting with a swift gesture, her mind already racing ahead to the hospital visit she had to make. Her son had been on her mind all morning, and the growing knot of anxiety in her chest was impossible to ignore.As she strode out of the boardroom, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors, Racheal’s pace quickened. She was halfway
**Warning Trigger: Explicit Content***“Whiskey. Double.”The burn of the liquor was a welcome distraction from the thoughts brewing in his chest and mind. But the alcohol wasn’t enough to calm him. He needed more. Something physical, primal. His fists tightened on the glass as he downed the last of his drink, the dark thoughts swirling in his head like a whirlpool pulling him deeper.Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted her. A woman in a tight black dress, her legs crossed, heels sharp enough to cut, her eyes smoldering under the low lights. She was watching him, her gaze raking over him with unmistakable hunger.Victor’s jaw clenched. His anger, his guilt, the gnawing ache of Daisy’s words—it all collided into something dangerous. He didn’t care anymore. He wanted to forget. And she was offering an escape.He walked over, towering over her as she looked up at him, her lips curling into a seductive smirk. “You look like you need a release,” she purred, her voice low and sultry, h
As Racheal was dealing with everything in the hospital, Victor’s house was figuratively on fire. Victor leaned against the window, staring out at the meticulously landscaped garden, his face set in a hardened expression. He had made up his mind. The house, with its three excessive living rooms and an enormous master bedroom, had become a burden.“We need to sell this house,” Victor said abruptly, breaking the strained silence that had settled between them. His voice was firm, but beneath it, there was a simmering anger, a frustration that had been building for months, maybe years. “It’s too much. We don’t need this space anymore.”Evelyn, perched on the edge of the velvet sofa painting her toenails, snapped her head toward him, her eyes blazing with an intensity that matched the fire brewing in his chest.“Sell the house? Are you insane, Victor?” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade as she walked towards him like he had lost his mind. “This is our home! Our sta