Chapter 1

Diya

I was living a fairy tale life and I would never ask for a better husband than my Ace. He is thoughtful, warm and the kindest man I have ever met. He is the love of my life and the only man I have ever set my eyes on. 

We met over two years ago when I left the church with the blessings of the nuns. I might have been twenty-two then, but I will never forget the excitement I had when I left the church with my one suitcase in hand. I knew I would miss everyone dearly, but I knew there was more for me out there, which led me to my good husband.

I remember the day we met like it was yesterday because he had helped me clean up a flower pot I had dropped outside the flower shop where I worked. Mrs. Dani had always warned me about my flared floral dress.

‘Diya Wanda, Port Elizabeth is a windy city. One day that dress will be the end of you,’ she had said. I, of course, refused the kind warning because the dress was my first purchase with my first paycheck. It was my favorite, and I wore it constantly. Since I was not mindful of her words, the wind made sure I would listen because when I bent down with the dustpan and brush, I was left on display.

The wind was making the dress fly up, and I was trying to pull it down. I have never been embarrassed because people were laughing while one guy shouted granny pants at me. I was glad I had worn a bra because that wind was nasty to me. I’m more grateful because sweet Ace rushed over and held down the dress for me and led me back into the shop. He looked too clean with his charcoal suit as he swept the entrance and I believe that’s when I fell in love.

Mrs. Dani missed my embarrassing moment and after Ace had left, I had told her, and she shook her head disapprovingly with her, ‘I told you so, look.’ I wanted to quit and never show my face again, but she wouldn’t have it and because of her, Ace came back again and soon he had swept me off my feet and we were married in less than four months. I was happy to be married at the Cathedral I grew up in because they were my family since I never knew mine. I was three days old when I was dropped at the entrance.

I have never really taken the abandonment to heart because I was raised well by the church. Sister Josephine was the one who found me and told me I was strong to have survived the winter night with a flimsy blanket. She said I was special and always believed in that enough to not hate or blame my parents for rejecting me. I have felt special always and from day one had told Ace I would love to have children who I can love and cherish.

After two years of trying, I was happy the day had finally arrived, and I was excited to share the wonderful news with him. I had taken a test, and it showed I was pregnant, but I had to go to the doctor and confirm since we had false-positive tests before.

Ace will arrive from his business trip today and he had told me he would go to work first before coming home. I was excited that I ended up going through a baby shop and impulsively bought the cutest onesie written ‘best dad ever’. I haven't told him about my recent discovery yet. He would want to have every moment with me, so I had to leave after hours of browsing.

By the time I arrived home, the sun was already set, and I had hoped he would have been home, but when I arrived, the guards told me he was not in yet. I walked over and rang him to check when he would be back because I couldn’t contain myself, but I was sent to voicemail. I pouted before deciding to ring the office first to check if he was there.

“Mr. Torane’s office,” a voice spoke.

“Carrie, hi,” I said, a little too excitedly. “It’s Diya. Is my husband in the office?”

“Hi, Mrs. Torane,” she paused, and I could hear her tapping, “He is in. He will be here for the next hour.”

“Does he have an important meeting?” I asked, shifting from feet to feet. Giddy.

She hummed and tapped. “His meeting should be done in twenty.”

“Thanks, Carrie,” I answered quickly, a smile enveloping my lips.

I hung up and tapped on my phone, thinking. He had twenty minutes until his meeting was over, which was enough time to drive there without disturbing his meeting. I couldn’t wait to tell him the great news because I was about to burst. I will convince him to bring the files he has to sign or look over here. He is going to be over the moon and pepper me with kisses after I tell him the great news.

I walked to the kitchen with a smile on my face.

“Evening,” I sang to Linda.

“Hello dear,” she smiled back. “I’m making your favorite casserole tonight.”

“Umm,” I looked at her as she was cutting some veggies, “Have you already started?” I looked at the oven which was on.

“Not yet,” she shook her head.

“Great,” I clamped my hands. “Can you make a roast instead, please?” I grinned at her.

“Are we expecting visitors? Should I call for extra help?”

“I’m going to fetch Ace at the office and I think he would be happy to have a roast,” I added, “but can you please make some roast veggies for me?” I asked, still grinning.

“Anything for the lady of the house,” Linda acknowledged. “I know you missed him.”

I walked over and kissed her cheek before she smiled. “That’s why I need to go drag him back home. He works too hard.”

She chuckled lightly, rubbing her hand on her apron as she rang the staff room to call one girl to help her prepare. I skipped out of the kitchen in a jovial mood before walking to the table where I had left the gift bag. I grabbed the bag and walked out before one guard rushed to my aid. It was ridiculous how efficient they were.

“Can you call Ben to bring the car over?” he nodded and was gone just as quickly as he came.

Ace had made sure I was taken care of from day one. I have a car and driver always waiting for me and Linda helps in the house, which leaves me with nothing to do. The only thing that keeps me sane is reading and helping Linda in the kitchen. She was hesitant at first, but I love cooking and we ended up bonding.

She is like a mother to me and I know she is going to be happy when we tell everyone about the baby. I bet after tonight my dear husband is going to fuss and cover the entire house. I smiled as my hand landed on my belly as I walked to the car.

“Where to?'' Ben asked as I set the gift bag on the seat.

“The office,” I replied, shutting the door, the smile not leaving my lips.

He nodded through the mirror and I sighed as I set my head back happily. Ben wasn’t chatty unless I started the conversation, so I let him drive. The drive felt like I was in slow motion as I gazed outside the window for a while before I grabbed my phone. I sent Ace a quick text that I was on my way and had a surprise for him. I knew he wouldn’t text back because of the meeting, but I had to. We were about to be the best parents.

I was excited, and I knew tomorrow I would go to the church and tell my best friend Ruby and the sisters. I could already see our little baby in our arms at church as we christened him/her. The baby was going to get a lot of love and I was overjoyed. I brought back my thoughts to the present in time to see Ben rounding in the parking lot to a stop.

“You can go home. I will come back with Ace,” I looked at him, grinning.

“He had asked me to pick him up anyway, so I will be here,” he said.

“See you soon,” I smiled, grabbing my gift bag with the onesie.

I walked in and was directed to the elevator before I could even utter a word. The reception knew me and was already calling Carrie for a heads up. I was up on the top floor in no time, and Carrie was already waiting for me before I stepped out. She gave me a tight smile, eying me like I shouldn’t be in the building, but I brushed it off.

“Carrie,” I grinned.

“I wasn’t expecting you tonight,” she stated.

“I thought I would pop in and surprise him,” I smiled. “Is he still in a meeting?”

“The meeting is over, but he is not in his office,” I frowned before she added, “He is still in the building, so you are welcome to wait in his office.” 

I smiled relieved, “Great, thanks,” I spoke as I walked toward his office.

“And I will be in mine,” she added as I nodded.

I walked into the office and smiled before I set the gift bag on his desk. I couldn’t resist as I took it out to admire the little thing. We made a baby and in almost seven months he/she will wear this. I placed it back, not wanting to spoil the surprise because I wanted him to be the one to take it out of the bag. I walked over to the big mirror glass behind his desk looking out at the lights that were illuminating rubbing my belly.

“Daddy will be here soon, baby,” I whispered to myself.

I fished my phone out and set it next to the bag because I wanted to take a video of him opening the bag. I couldn’t wait for him to walk in any minute. His face lit up like mine every time we saw each other. The attraction between us was still there with all the sparks and after tonight, there was going to be joy all around.

I went to the bathroom inside his office to freshen up and the moment I walked in, I could hear noises that seemed to come through the ventilator from the rooftop. It sounded as if someone was in danger and as I rushed out. I heard my husband’s voice, which made me panic and run to where I heard the sound. I looked for Carrie, but she was not in her office, so I ran through the stairs to the roof. There were a few steps to the roof since I was already on the top floor. The door was open, and I could see the outside as I turned on the final second stairs and I paused in horror.

My hand flew to my mouth to stifle a scream as I saw my husband with a gun in his hand, shooting a man down. Filip came into view and I pushed my body against the wall with my hand still on my mouth so they could not see me. I thought my mind was playing tricks before I heard them speak.

“What message do you want to send, boss?” Filip’s voice came over first.

“This is enough,” Ace spoke. “If his dead son is not an obvious message, we will go for his wife and daughter.”

I felt sick and pushed my body against the wall as I moved back. I had heard enough and looking back one last time was the worst mistake I did because I saw his blood-stained shirt. It was as if my body was driving itself as I sped down the last stairs. I walked to the elevator and was glad Carrie didn’t see or try to stop me because right here was the last place I wanted to be.

I rushed out of the building and spotted Ben and rushed over, knocking on the window. He unlocked the door, and I practically pushed in like I was being forced in.

“Are you alright, miss?” he asked as I opened the door. 

“Drive. NOW?” I demanded hysterically. My shouting must have shocked him, but he never argued or questioned me as he drove. I let out a cracked sound from my throat as I looked at my shaking hands. All I could see was blood. I felt ill.