The sound echoed through the room as my palm connected with Clara's cheeks. Her head snapped to the side, a shocked gasp escaping her lips.
A dark viscous satisfaction curled inside me at the sight of my stunned expression. But before I could say another word, Nicholas retaliate the slap back at me. “Enough “ he shouted at me . I stared at him as I held my face, my breath caught in my chest. And in that moment, I saw it, the truth I had been too blind to see before. Nich wasn't sorry. He wasn't ashamed.. He had never loved me. Not the way I had loved him. Clara also holding her cheek, then smiled, she actually smiled like she was enjoying this. “You should leave iris, you don't belong here.” My stomach twisted. She was right, I didn't belong here. Not in this house. Not with this man. Not in a life that had never really been mine to begin with. Slowly, I pried my hand from my face, my face has already become pale red. Without another word, I stormed toward my wardrobe, my chest rising and falling with ragged breath. Every step felt like fire under my skin, anger curling around my veins like a slow burning fuse. I needed to leave now. Yanking open the wardrobe, I grabbed my biggest suitcase and threw it onto the bed. The same bed which Nicholas and I had once laid together, whispered secrets, made love. The same bed he just defiled with Clara. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing the tears back. Not now, not for them. Clothes were pulled off my hanger , tossed into the suitcase with no care. I didn't think about what I was talking, I just grabbed whatever my hands founds shoes, jeans, dresses. It didn't matter. I just needed to go. I reached for the drawer, pulling it open so hard it nearly came off the hinges. Insides were memory, out wedding bands, frames photos, a love letter Nich had once written to me. Lies all of it .” My finger hovered over the letter for a second. Then, with a sharp inhale I crushed it in my first and throw it across the room. A small, bitter laughed escaped me.”what a joke” Slamming the suitcase shut, I zipped it up and pulled it off the bed my arms trembling from the weight, not just of the luggage but of everything. When I steppped out of the bedroom, dragging suitcase behind me, I half expected Nicholas to stop me to chase after me. To say something anything. But no. He was still in bed with Clara. Causally Lying there, as if my leaving meant nothing. Clara smirked at me, completely unashamed. Nich just watched, expression unreadable, arms drapped behind his head. That hurt more than anything. I clenched my jaw. Fine. If he wasn't going to fight for me, then I wouldn't fight for him either. Without a word, I turned and walked out of the house, slamming the door behind me. And just like that , I left behind the man , I had given my heart to . The man who never deserved it in the first places. I gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckle turned white, my foot pressing harder on the accelerator as if I could outrun the pain clawing at my chest. But no matter how fast I drove, the betrayal replayed in my mind like a cruel never ending reel. Nicholas. Clara. Together. In our bed.in our home. On our anniversary. I blinked rapidly, willing back the year threatening to spill. Not while driving. Not yet, I tried to hold the tears. But where was i even going. There was no place for me to go. The thought of my parent flickered through my mind. I could go to them. They were my family after all and I was their first child. Maybe they would take me in, offer me comfort, a place to figure what to do next. But then, the bitter truth crashed over me like a wave. They were the one who sold me if to Nicholas family. Not for love, not for happiness. For business. For their reputation. Their status. My finger trembled as I exhaled shakily, shaking my head of the thought . No they didn't car then. They wouldn't care now. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pulled out my phone and dialed the only person who had ever truly been there for me. She picked up in the second ring. “Iris? What's up?” “Cecilia, I breathed when she picked up. “Are you still at work?” “Yeah, but I can leave what's wrong?” Her voice sharpened, instantly alert. Cecilia knew me too well, se could hear it. I swallowed, “I need to stay with you for a while” A pause. Then without hesitation “of course come home, I'll be leaving the office now” I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. “Thank you.” Hanging up I forced myself to focus on the road, on the city lights flickering past me. I didn't know how I made it to Cecilia place without crashing, but somehow i did By the time I pulled into her driveway, my body drained. I got out of the car and dragged my suitcase to her doorstep, standing there like a lost child. The evening air was cold, but I barely felt it. Minutes passed. Then headlight flashed down the street. Cecilia car pulled up, and the moment she stepped out, our eyes met. And just like that I broke. A strangled sob tore from my throat as tears spilled down my face. My cis blurred as I clutched my chest, gasping, unable to hold it anymore Cecilia was in front door for some seconds “ Iris” I didn't let her finish . I collapsed into her arms, my entire body shaking as sob after sob wracked through me. She held me tight, one hand stroking my hair, the other gripping me like she'd never let go. “I got you,” she murmured. “I got you” I finally let myself fall apart.I couldn't stand up from the bed the next morning. My body felt weak, my head pounding like drum. My stomach churned violently, forcing me to stay curled up under the covers. I had barely slept, replaying Nicholas and Clara's betrayal over and over in my head. Cecilia stood by the doorway, arms crossed, watching me with concern. “ Iris, you're not going to work like this.” I groaned, burying my face into the pillow. “ I'll be fine.” “ No, you won't,” she shot back. “You've been sick for days. You barely eat, you look pale, and now you can't even get out of bed. I sighed heavily. “Cecilia, I just need rest.” “No , you need a doctor.” She stepped closer holding her waist. “Come on, get up. We’re going to the hospital.” I shook my head stubbornly. “I don't want to.” Cecilia narrowed her eyes. “Iris” “I said I'm fine.” “You're clearly not!” She snapped, frustration creeping into my voice. “I get that you're heartbroken, but this isn't just about that. What if it'
The hospital's sterile air felt suffocating as Cecilia and I walked down the corridor toward the exit. My mind was still spinning from the doctor's word. Pregnant. I was pregnant with Nicholas child. I hadn't even begin to process what that meant for me, for my future, when a voice sharp and commanding, sliced through the air. “Iris” I froze. Cecilia stiffened beside me as we turned to the voice. Mrs Robinson. Nicholas mother stood at the end of the hallway her piercing gaze locked onto me Ike a predator that had just found his prey. Even in her well designer dress and beautiful styled hair, there was something cold and calculating about the way she looked at me. My stomach twisted, she must have seen us coming from the doctor's office. She approached us with slow deliberate steps stopping just inches away. Her eyes flickered to my stomach, then back to my face. “You're pregnant,” she said. It wasn't a question, it was a confirmation statement, a claim. I swallowed
I trudged through the empty hallway, my stomach growling with a hunger that seemed to echo through every cell in my body. The baby inside me stirred, as if sensing my distress. I rubbed my belly, trying to soothe both of us. It was getting late, and I knew I needed to find something to eat before I could even think about sleeping. I made my way to the kitchen, hoping against hope that I would find something, anything, to satiate my hunger. But as I pushed open the door, my heart sank. The kitchen was spotless, but it was also empty. No pots simmered on the stove, no raw ingredients lay on the counter, and the fridge was as barren as the rest of the kitchen. A wave of bitterness washed over me, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. How could they do this to me? I was pregnant, for crying out loud! Didn't they care that I needed to eat, that my baby needed nourishment? I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. Maybe they just forgot that I'm here no
I woke up to the bright morning light streaming to my eye, laying on the floor. I sat up, rubbed my eyes, by the time it was wide open, I realized I'm still outside Nicholas's door. I knocked, and Nicholas opened the door, looking shocked to see me. "Iris, where are you coming from?" he asked, but I brushed past him and went straight to my room to use the bathroom. Clara was coming downstairs and asked Nicholas what was happening. But Nicholas just shook his head and didn't say anything. After I used the bathroom, I went back to my room. But soon I heard Nicholas and Clara leaving the house. I assumed they were going out. When they got to the restaurant, Nicholas bought the same food for Iris and Clara but he bought different food for himself. Clara noticed this but she didn't say a word. As they were driving back home, Clara asked Nicholas why he got them the same food. Nicholas didn't answer, and Clara got angry. "Answer me!" she shouted. Nicholas still didn't say anythin
As Alex and I walked around the park, I noticed he didn't like talking about himself. I asked him where he was from, but he just smiled and changed the subject.I was curious, but I didn't want to push him. I figured he'd tell me more about himself when he was ready. But as we kept talking, I realized he was deliberately keeping his past a secret."Hey, can I ask you something?" I said, looking at him curiously."Sure, what's up?" he replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement."Why don't you like talking about yourself?" I asked, my voice gentle.Alex’s expression turned serious, and he looked away for a moment before responding. "To be honest, I've been burned before," he said, his voice low. "People have used me and my connections. Even some of my friends and...other people I've trusted."I nodded understandingly, feeling bad for him. "Sorry to hear that," I said. "That must have been really tough for you."Alex smiled wryly. "Yeah, it was. But I've learned to be careful. I don't
I walked into the hospital room, carrying a bag of food for Nicholas. I waited at the entrance to look at him. He was still sleeping, and I was relieved to see that he was getting the rest he needed. But as entered and I approached his bedside, I noticed a familiar figure sitting over him - Mrs. Robinson, Nicholas's mother. As I approached, Mrs. Robinson stood up and her eyes narrowed at me. She raised her purse, looking like she was about to hit me with it. I was shocked and didn't know what to do. Luckily, one of the nurses saw what was happening and rushed over to stop Mrs. Robinson. "Ma'am, please!" the nurse said, holding Mrs. Robinson back. I quickly dropped the food I was carrying and turned to leave. I didn't want to cause any more trouble. But as I turned, I saw the doctor standing in the doorway, looking at me with concern. "What happened?" he asked me, his voice calm. I shook my head, still feeling a bit shaken. "I don't know," I said. "I just came to bring som
I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The hospital room was a blur, but the pain in my head was all too real. I tried to sit up, but a sharp, stabbing pain shot through my head, forcing me back onto the pillow.One of the nurses rushed over to me, her face etched with concern. "Welcome back, Iris," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "You were hit by a car outside the hospital. But don't worry, you're going to be okay."I tried to remember what had happened, but my memories were hazy and unclear. And then, like a tidal wave, it all came flooding back - Clara's tears, her apology, and her shocking announcement. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, and I couldn't breathe.The doctor came over to me, his face serious and concerned. "Iris, I'm glad to see you're awake," he said. "You're going to be okay. You'll be discharged tomorrow, but if you want to see your husband, we can arrange for you to visit him."I felt a wave of emotion wash over me, and I s
I lay in the hospital bed, watching as my mom cried and worried about me. She had no idea what had been going on, no idea about the pain and the heartache I had been through. I hadn't told her about the day my cousin, Clara, had cheated with my husband on our wedding anniversary. I hadn't told her about the way my husband's mother, Mrs. Robinson, had treated me. I hadn't told her about how my husband, Nicholas, had ended up in the hospital, or about my own pregnancy. And I definitely hadn't told her about Clara's shocking announcement that she was pregnant too.My mom's tears fell harder, and I felt a lump form in my throat. I wanted to tell her everything, to let it all out. But I couldn't. Not yet.Just then, the doctor walked in, a smile on his face. "Iris, I have some good news," he said. "Your husband is awake."My mom's face went white, shock written all over her features. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I had kept so much from her.The doctor continued, "If you'd like
Iris, Iris…. Nicholas was screaming my name, coming down from upstairs. I know it will be like this and I don't even bothered to answer, I was still on my bed laying down.Open this door now before I break it down….. Nicholas shouted barging at the door like it should come down immediately.I don't bothered to stand up but it is not that I enjoyed the noises, the houses has so much noise that I couldn't even close my eyes.Iris, you witch and idiot….open this door now. I told you, you will get out of this house when my husband arrived…Clara said sounding slowly like someone that has been crying.I stood up immediately, I needed to confirm if Nicholas will send me out again with his child, I opened the door and they were still at the door.Clara, what exactly did you want from me? I asked moving closer to her.Iris, what are you looking for again in my house? What is your problem? You came to my house again to disturb my life, my wife and my unborn child. Did you want to take my life?
My heart ache when I saw it was Cecilia, my friend that he was talking about, I looked so curious maybe there was a mixep up somewhere.Is this person you are talking about? I asked.Yes, she is the one….he replied.No, it can't be her. She can't be the one you are saying…I replied with lower voice.Iris, did you know her? He asked.My heart beats faster and I couldn't build up the reply to give him but I starred at him instead.Em, em, no, I don't think so. But I think she looks familiar, maybe someone I know or someone I have seen before….I replied slowly.Yes, maybe. You might have seen her before,she works at KLO company and I asked her not to work again but she won't listen…..he said.Alex don't know that I worked In a company before I got pregnant and I don't even bother to tell him, he won't even believe if I told him I have worked there before and Ceciliia is my friend. So I decided to keep quiet about it.You asked her not to work? Why? I asked.Because I can take care of he
I missed my bed so much that I slept comfortably and I wake up with smile on my face, my mum was already prepared to leave for work and she called my attention that she is leaving me at home alone.I replied to her and she left, I slept back and I don't want to wake up till I'm fully okay with my sleep not until I remembered I need to talk to my friend. Cecilia has been an amazing friend for a very long time and I can't just forget her, I need to call her to know where she was transferred to.I picked up my phone to dail her contact, it was ringing for 2 mins before it was forwarded to voicemail.“Hello, Cecilia’s contact is busy right now. Drop a voicemail or you call back later”. I dropped the call and tried to call back.I called her many times and she doesn't pick, it was forwarded to voicemail. I was really worried about what is going on with her and I just keep on calling till it will be forwarded.Is she very busy at work? Did her phone got lost? What could have happened to my
Mrs Robinson keeps shouting my name till she saw a bottle of wine. She threw it at me and I screamed.This time around, I need to defend myself.Mrs Robinson, are you out of your mind? I shouted.Iris, you are out of your mind, how dare you? Mrs Robinson asked.How dare you carrying my grandchild for another man? She continued.I was scared and my heart beats faster before it will start again, not because of what she said but the wickedness in her grows everyday. I need to let her know that I'm tired of everything already.Your grandchild? I asked In case you haven't heard, my child doesn't belong to your family. It belongs to someone else, I don't know what is going on with me at the moment but I just have to say what I said.What?? Mrs Robinson and Clara exclaimed.So the lizard in your stomach doesn't belong to this family and you have been here frustrating my life and my husband, you even wanted to kill him….Clara said.Clara, you won't dare me and say rubbish about me or interf
Clara, you are the only beautiful girl I have ever seen in my entire life, you are my life, you are the only beautiful thing that have ever happens to me, you mean the whole world to me ever since you came into my life, if I known before I married Iris, I will have choose you over and over again…Nicholas said Thank you for giving me a child. If not the mistake I have made with Iris, I would have sent her away for all I care…he said.I love you very much Clara, he kissed her forehead and they hugged each other.I was standing at my door listening to Nicholas comments to Clara, Nicholas and Clara had been together after our wedding day.I want to go out to have some fresh air, I've been indoors all day. I needed to do something else apart from sleeping. When I heard all the comments from outside my door, I decided to stay and hear everything.Nicholas, can I ask for your help? Clara said.Yes my wife, go on…Nicholas replied.I need you to send Iris out of this house, I don't want her h
I could feel my head aching from my sleep, the traumatisms of everything makes me feel tired and frustrated. Before I slept off last night, I think through how I'm going to sort myself and my unborn child from the Robinson's family. I needed a phone to contact my friend and I still don't know her number without my sim, I know Cecilia would have been trying to reach me every day and every time but I won't be reachable.I was thinking about how to get to her new house she just relocated few days before the incident, it was my first time there before I realized I'm pregnant. I don't know how to get to her house and I don't know how to contact her, I just need someone to talk to.After so many thinking on how to reach Cecilia, I decided to go to my former office where I can find her or maybe to get her contact not knowing Mrs Robinson has done the worst.I woke up the following morning preparing to go to the office, I'm done preparing and I went out of my room to step out.I met Nichol
As I left Alex's grandmother's hospital room, my mind was racing with questions. I couldn't shake the feeling that Alex was hiding something from me. I decided to visit his grandmother again the next day and left the room.Alex followed me outside, and I thought he was just being kind by helping me get a cab. But to my surprise, he called a driver to take me home. I was stunned, and my suspicions about his wealth grew.As we waited for the driver to arrive, I couldn't help but think about the mysteries surrounding Alex. Who was he, really? And why was he being so kind to me?The driver arrived, and Alex helped me into the car. I waved goodbye to him, still lost in thought.When I arrived home, I was greeted by the sight of Clara cooking in the kitchen. She had just returned from visiting Nicholas at the hospital and was preparing a meal for him. I ignored her and went straight to my room, not wanting to have anything to do with her.As the evening wore on, I heard the sound of the
As I looked up, my eyes locked onto a familiar face, and for a moment, my anger melted away. It was Alex, standing in front of me with a look of shock and concern etched on his face."Iris, is that you?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise. "What are you doing here? Hope you're okay? Did you follow someone here?"I felt overwhelmed by his questions, and I knew I couldn't answer them all here. "It's a long story," I said, trying to brush it off.But Alex wasn't having it. He grabbed my hand, his touch sending a spark of electricity through my body, and pulled me towards a quiet corner of the hospital."Tell me everything," he said, his eyes burning with curiosity. "What's going on, Iris?"At first, I hesitated. We had promised each other to keep our secrets, and I didn't want to break that promise. But Alex's persistence wore me down, and I found myself wanting to open up to him."I had an accident," I said, trying to keep it simple.But Alex wouldn't let it go. "When did it happ
I lay in the hospital bed, watching as my mom cried and worried about me. She had no idea what had been going on, no idea about the pain and the heartache I had been through. I hadn't told her about the day my cousin, Clara, had cheated with my husband on our wedding anniversary. I hadn't told her about the way my husband's mother, Mrs. Robinson, had treated me. I hadn't told her about how my husband, Nicholas, had ended up in the hospital, or about my own pregnancy. And I definitely hadn't told her about Clara's shocking announcement that she was pregnant too.My mom's tears fell harder, and I felt a lump form in my throat. I wanted to tell her everything, to let it all out. But I couldn't. Not yet.Just then, the doctor walked in, a smile on his face. "Iris, I have some good news," he said. "Your husband is awake."My mom's face went white, shock written all over her features. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I had kept so much from her.The doctor continued, "If you'd like