Chapter 016Esther's POV I was lying on the bed, my gaze fixed on the ceiling fan as my heart weighed down with a deep suffocating sadness. The weight of yesterday's tension and pressure pressed down on me. I could have been in my marital home with my baby and my husband living our best lives. My child could have been walking by now. My child would have started calling me ‘Mom’ or ‘mama’. Maya took everything away from me. My husband, my happiness, my child and the trust I had in her. Michael foolishly fell for it. Who knows, maybe Maya was already carrying Michael's child, or she had probably given birth. “fuck!” it felt like someone stuck me in my chest, shattering the emotions I had so carefully built.Yes! Someone stuck with me and it was Michael. I thought the love we shared was real. I thought he would investigate deeply before making the decision he made. All my life I had been nothing more than an obedient wife to Michael, never wanting to trouble him. Enduring his excu
Chapter 017Esther's POV I woke up as early as 4 in the morning and did a little bit of research on the CEO who wanted to help us with forty million dollars. I found out that aside from being a CEO, he owns luxurious hotels and villas in America, the UK and England. I wonder why such a man with so much money would want something in return when he could just give us the complete fifty million dollars without even feeling anything. Well, maybe he needed what money couldn't buy from us. I just hoped it was something that wouldn't be beyond our power. My stomach flipped just thinking I would have to meet him in person. After a few minutes of research, I went back to bed, to take a nap before the sun rose, but the sleep wouldn't come. I kept rolling back and forth in bed. The curiosity of meeting such a successful person kept playing in my mind. I quickly opened my eyes when I heard my alarm ring. It was already 7:30 in the morning. It felt like I was lying there for 30 hours. I qui
Chapter 018Mrs Williams, (Esther's Mom's) POV It felt late. I rose from the bed, yawning and stretching. My body has been rough and heavy lately. It's getting dusky outside as I open the window curtains. Still groggy from the long sleep, I changed into jeans and a t-shirt, then headed straight down to the kitchen to make some food before Esther returned. I started washing that pot when I heard Esther's voice from behind. It was almost a snarl. I sensed something was wrong. I swallowed the lump in my throat before turning. I saw her eyes darkened, the expression she wore was grim. Her eyes pierced through me. I could feel that the meeting wasn't successful. “He agreed to help us only if I had sex with him, mom,” her voice, barely audible, makes me shudder from head to toe. A wave of shame ran through me. “What the fuck,” I murmured, my eyes widened. I could see the pain and anger all over Esther's face. “Esther, it's OK,” I consoled as she turned her face away, allowing tears to
Chapter 019Michael's POV Fifty million dollars? Is she seriously asking me for fifty million dollars? What has gotten into her? Does she think she could get something from me after what her daughter did to me? “Are you alright, Mr Michael?” Mr Ethan, my manager, interrupted my train of thought, bringing me back to life. “ahh, yeah, yeah it's just….. Yeah, I'm fine,” I replied. “I noticed that for the past few minutes you weren't concentrating. Well the meeting is over sir, did you have anything to say?” he asked. “ohh…. No, you should all stick to what we have discussed earlier and make corrections where necessary,” I stood up before walking to my office. I stormed into my office and went and sank in my chair. I raked my hands through my dark hair, something weird had been going on with my gut since I divorced Esther. It was gnarling. I caught her cheating on me and I forced a divorce, and that was all I wanted. So why does it bother me so much? It was not that I didn't love
Chapter 20Esther's POV “Why are all men like this?” I asked, leaning against the couch, arms crossed tightly over my chest. Uncle Nathan, who came to inquire how the meeting went because I wasn't picking his calls, shook his head sympathetically. “What do we do now? Because we just have a week or so to return his money and if the court gets involved, it would be something else.” I let out a heavy sigh before pushing a strand of my blonde hair behind my ears.“I fucking don't know for now, I have no fucking idea,” I murmured before shaking my head. A mixture of anger and depression ran through my bloodstream. John was not the person I could risk marrying. I hated him. Not because he owed us money or the way his expensive suit clung to his broad shoulders.It was because of his arrogance, the way he walked around like he owned the entire world, the way he treated me like I was beneath him. Mom suddenly came down and sat next to me, worried. “Good morning, ma'am,” uncle Nathan gr
Chapter 21John's POV I laid in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to take the image of sex I had with Victoria off my head. It was really ridiculous, how I made up my mind that I was having sex with Victoria just to quench the desire in me. Victoria wasn't perfect but I enjoyed her. I knew Esther hated me because of how I had acted and treated her, but I promise I did it for a purpose I was never like that. I needed to be feared to get back what I wanted even though Esther never showed an atom of fear. My thoughts kept circulating back to Esther's sexy figure, her blonde hair and beautiful lips. Esther was all I needed in my life. I shifted uncomfortably, squeezing my eyes shut in frustration. Everytime I remembered Esther I got turned on. I felt the heat rising in my chest, an unwanted ache stirring in my stomach which made breathing hard for me. Almost impossible. My hands twisted against the pillow and all of a sudden my hands were sliding beneath the waistband of m
Chapter 022John's POV Today was the day I anticipated for long, my fucking wedding day with Esther. I was dressed in my wedding suit which was designed by a famous designer in California, and it took a year for it to be completed. It was initially for my wedding with Anna, the woman I loved years ago, but she later broke my heart. “I pronounce you husband and wife, please, the groom may now kiss his bride,” the pastor announced, as a round of applause rang across the church. “It wouldn't be necessary!” Esther's voice filled the church. Everyone looked in the direction of Esther as the clap faded almost instantly. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” I tilted my neck and whispered to her. She turned and looked at me with her tears stirring in her eyes, looking every bit as dainty and beautiful as always. She was wearing her wedding gown that complimented her petite figure. Her tall brown hair was pulled into a tight ponytail, defining her pretty face. “You know the reason why I
Chapter 23Esther's POV “I don't love you, I'm just trying to help your life, little doll,” John said. “I suppose you don't, so please stop making me feel otherwise because it irritates me,” I replied before snapping my head away in frustration. I leaned back on the couch and rolled my eyes. I swallowed hard my saliva. Perhaps he doesn't love me because if he does, he won't have treated me that way. How could I get away with this birth stuff? My heartfelt heaven, like a boulder, was sitting on it, suffocating me. I couldn't shake off the sadness and hopelessness that became my constant companion. What would happen if he found out that I couldn't give birth to a child again? I can't be in this marriage for the rest of my life. John is not someone I love. Should I fake a pregnancy after some months? No! I couldn't do that, a child is what he needed. Tears began streaming down my face like a river. I had imagined what it would be like to hold my child's hand in mine, to feel a hu
Chapter 034Esther's POVI had thought about mom's maid's suggestion and I tried going to the hospital to meet the doctor and discuss if there is any way I can give birth again. It was hard to outsmart John. I told him I wanted to visit a friend of mine in the hospital, and luckily he agreed without suspecting anything. I told him I wanted to go alone and, without a protest, he agreed. I arrived at the hospital about 30 minutes ago, and I was already waiting for the doctor who was busy with patients. Just then, the door cracked open, and the doctor came in.“Heyyy, Esther, how are you?” he asked, plastering a smile on his face. I cleared my throat as my heart kept pounding. “I'm fine Doc, thanks. I came about my inability to give birth… Is there anything you could do… Maybe surgery or something?” I asked, my gaze fixed on his lips. He leaned back in his chair and let out a heavy sigh. His expression already told me what I needed to know. I know there was no way out. I just can't
Chapter 033John's POV I sat impatient in my office, seconds gave way to minutes, minutes gave way to hours, but there was no call from Esther. I told her to call or text me when she was done with the office, but she didn't. I dug out my phone from my pocket, angry and frustrated, I dialed her number. It rang but there was no response. My heart skipped a beat as multiple thoughts crossed my mind. I raked my hands through my hair trying to brush it off. I dialed her number again and luckily she picked up. “Hello, aren't you done with work? You should have told me you would be late,” I asked, worried. “I'm at mom's house,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. What! She wasn't even in the office. I gritted my teeth as a mix of anger and frustration pressed down on me. Why didn't she tell me? If she knew how worried I was at that moment she wouldn't dare to shift an inch without telling me.“What the fuck. Why didn't you tell me? I'll come and pick you up now,” I restored. I
Chapter 32Esther's POV “Here we are, ma'am,” the chauffeur announced before the car came to a halt. “Alright,” I said. As I was about to carry my handbag that was between us, I felt John's eyes on me, which made my heart skip two beats. Yes! My instincts were right, he would definitely look at me. I raised my head and my gaze fixed on his face. “Wow! You look beautiful, little doll,” he said, his voice soft and soothing. Hearing those words alone, my nipples began to harden, I was just so consumed with John's handsome face that I didn't even thank him for the compliment. His strong jawline, the distinctive shape of his face, and his commanding presence pulled me in.Despite my heartache and turmoil, I felt I still had a room for love.As he put a smile on his face, my breath caught, the horns and sound of vehicles passing by faded into the background. It was as if we were the only two people in the world. “Are you OK, little doll?” John tugged at my arm.I barely registered hi
Chapter 031Esther's POV My eyes snapped open, my chest heaved as I gasped for air. I was drenched in cold sweat and the blankets were wrapped around my body.“shit, fucking bitch. fuck it,” I groaned, biting my lower lips before raking my hand through my hair. It was a terrible nightmare again. It has been almost two weeks since we returned from Dubai and I often see Maya in my dreams. She kept hunting me over and over again, trying to strangle me to death. It worsened to the extent that I had to find comfort in valium to cure insomnia.I gently swung the blanket off my body before jumping off the bed. I walked to the toilet and brushed my teeth.I headed downstairs, John was already dressed for work and he was having his breakfast. “Good morning, John,” I greeted him. “Morning,” he said. I could feel his gaze fixed on me. “Another nightmare?” he asked. My dark circles ratted me out for the umpteenth time. “ahh…. Ah…”“I heard you scream,” he cut me off, before I even thought of
Chapter 030John's POV The scent of the dinner wafted through the dining area as I focused on Esther, admiring her beautiful face, her brown hair falling just right, framing her pointed nose and sharp jawline. She was just… one in a million. That was the first time I tasted her food, and it was…. Lit. It was our first trip overseas together, and in commemoration of that, I suggested to Esther that we have an indoor dinner - just the two of us, and to my greatest surprise she agreed without protesting and that was a gesture I considered very lovely. I chose to sit across from her because I wanted to see and explore all her beauty more.I could see that Esther was already getting over all the burden, and she had started getting familiar with me. “Do you enjoy the meal?” Esther asked, interrupting my train of thought. I cleared my throat first. “This is the best food I have eaten since this year began. I'm awed by your culinary skills. You are really a great chef,” I complimented, p
Chapter 029Michael's POV After the entire event was over, I returned to the hotel we lugged. I couldn't believe what I saw on that occasion. Esther was already married to one of the most influential CEOs. “shit!” I groaned, gritting my teeth. I took hold of the vodka bottle I bought in the bar opposite the hotel, and poured a short into my glass, the strong scent wafting from my mouth, as I could perceive it.A gasp escaped from my mouth as I continued to consume one shot after another until a pounding stomach ache set in, I guess as a consequence of my over drinking. I struggled to focus on the surrounding clarity, but it offered little relief.“Esther, you have ruined my life. I just… Don't know what to say,” I spat, as if she was standing in front of me. The image of Esther's beautiful face pictured back in my mind. Damn it! Esther was called onto the stage, an opportunity that many CEOs and businessmen are looking for. “fuck!” I screamed, before shattering the vodka glass on
Chapter 28Esther's POV I hadn't seen him in years and the sight of him brought back lots of emotions. He must have been invited to the occasion. Who was beside him caught my attention. It was Maya standing next to him. The same woman he left me for. The same woman that ruined my life. The same woman I once called my best friend, and beside them was a little boy, who looked around five to six years old. I knew it, I knew Maya must have given birth to a child for Michael. My heart clenched as I stared at the little handsome boy. It could have been my son standing beside his dad, and me in place of Maya. I went straight to them as I felt an overwhelming urge to connect with the little boy. I looked at Maya, and she quickly lowered her gaze as it was written all over her that she was guilty. Conscience of her past actions. I rolled my eyes before squatting on the little boy's level, to talk to him. “Hey, what's your name?” I asked as I plastered a smile on my face. “I'm Joshua, an
Chapter 027Esther's POV I slowly opened my eyes as the sun's rays projected into my face. I blinked repeatedly trying to get accustomed to the lights. I stretched and yawned as I felt the weight of the journey, the great time I spent with John, and everything pressed down on me. It was the occasional day. John was already dressed, so I quickly took my bath and got dressed. After having my breakfast, we went out as the chauffeur was already waiting for us. We shoved in and drove away. We arrived right on time. I dressed in a sophisticated blue ensemble that screamed luxury and poise, matching John's blue suit. I stepped out of the sleek black car and onto the scorching asphalt with the sun beating down on me, nonstop. John came and held my arms as the chauffeur swiftly appeared by our side holding a blue umbrella above our heads, shielding us from the harsh rays. While we walked majestically like true couples towards the event hall, I noticed the diverse crowd gathered around us
Chapter 026John's POV “Please John, you can't come, it's a wedding, and you are….”“Then you are not going. If I am not going, you also have to stay with me,” I cut her off as I continued scrolling through my phone. Esther stood up from the dining room and came to sit next to me. I knew she would try to convince me to let her go, but I wouldn't. She was my wife. I can't allow her to travel to another country alone. If something happens to her, I won't forgive myself. I sensed something strange about her. I knew it wasn't a wedding, it must be something else. She must be planning something. Something very important must be the cause of the trip. “Look, John, please I really need to go alone,” she said, placing a hand on my chest. I shoved her hand immediately. “Look, you should tell me what you are going to do in Dubai. I'm your husband. At least let me know, I know it is not a wedding,” I said. She rolled her eyes and raked her hand through her hair. Just as I opened my mouth