CHAPTER 001

OLIVIA'S POV

I lit the last candle, adjusting it slightly to balance the warm glow across the room. Soft music played in the background, and the bedside table was set with Adrian’s favorite wine.

Tonight had to be perfect.

I smoothed the silk lingerie which I had bought just for tonight with my trembling hands as I checked myself in the mirror one last time.

The sound of the door opening downstairs sent a chill down my spine. My heart raced.

Adrian was home.

I hurried to the edge of the bed, holding my cold hands together.

The door to the bedroom swung open, and there he was, he never ceases to take my breath away. His perfect angelic figure filled the doorway, his tie loose and suit wrinkled which was a rare sight for my always composed husband.

“What are you doing in my room?” His cold voice echoed in the room interrupting my thoughts.

I quickly stood up from the edge of the bed and my hands gripped a small portion of the fabric of my silk lingerie suddenly felt ridiculous in the outfit that I'd spent hours picking at the mall.

“I… I thought we could spend some time together,” I stammered.

His gaze swept across the room from the flickering candles, the soft music, the wine and finally landed on me.

His expression hardened and became darker causing me to shiver.

“I didn’t ask for an explanation,” he said coldly. “Blow out the candles and get out.”

I froze, his words hitting harder than they should have.

“Adrian,” I said quietly, forcing a smile that felt fragile. “It’s been a month since you’ve been home. Can’t we just talk for a moment?”

He let out a deep breath, rubbing his forehead as though I were an inconvenience. “I’m tired, Olivia. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

“I’ve waited for you for one month!” My voice cracked, and I hated how desperate I sounded. “I thought…”

“I said I’m tired. Are you deaf?” His tone was final and harsh.

I bit back the lump in my throat.

I was in love and this is what love does, it makes you foolish. It makes you endure things you never thought you would.

You might ask me why I married him when I knew this was how he behaved towards me. It would shock you to know that Adrian wasn't always like this.

When we were dating, Adrian was sweet, thoughtful and caring. He made me believe I was the only woman meant for him and I fell for it. I agreed to marry him but the night we got married Adrian changed.

He became cold and distant, he even left me alone in the suites on our wedding night and went off to God knows where. I didn't see my husband until a week later.

No intimacy, no honeymoon, nothing!

I took a shaky breath and decided to try again. “Maybe I can help you relax just like the night before you travelled. We could…”

His dry, cold laugh cut me off. “Help me? Do you think I’d want to have anything to do with you? The last time was a drunken mistake.”

He shook his head. “Stop trying so hard, Olivia. It’s pathetic.”

Drunken mistake? Pathetic?

The words felt like a slap that stung so bad on my cheeks. My fists clenched at my sides as I fought back tears in my eyes.

“Is it pathetic to want my husband to care? To hope that after one month, you might want to be with me tonight?” My voice rose despite the lump in my throat.

He sneered, gesturing to the room. “This…” he waved a hand at the candles, the wine, the silk lingerie.

“This isn’t going to fix anything. It only makes me hate you more. Stop embarrassing yourself.”

My chest tightened. “Hate me?” I whispered, barely able to get the words out.

He sighed, glaring at me. “I think you should stop holding on to something that never existed.”

He once swore that he loved me and now he is saying nothing ever existed?

How could someone who used to love me so much turned into this cold heartless person? I just… I don't get it.

If he claims nothing ever existed between us why then did he marry me?

My chest ached, but I refused to let the tears welled up in my eyes fall.

“For three years you've been hurting my emotions time after time, and you act like you don’t care.”

Adrian scoffed. “Olivia, don’t get me wrong, I’m not acting. I actually don’t care. I never did, and I never will. Get that into your thick, empty skull. Do you understand?”

My breath caught in my throat as I stared at him in disbelief. How could he say such hurtful things to me?

“Then why did you ask for my hand in marriage?” I shouted, my voice shook. “Why marry me, Adrian? Why?”

Adrian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he turned his back at me and headed toward the bathroom.

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving me alone with the flickering candles. Their warm light mocking the effort I had put into this night.

I sank onto the bed, I couldn't hold back the tears anymore as they streamed down my cheeks. My heart ached and I clutched my chest tightly hoping to relieve the pain.

Adrian’s phone buzzed on the nightstand bringing me back from my emotions.

Normally, I wouldn’t touch it. He was always so protective of it. But tonight, something compelled me. Maybe it was the pain, the betrayal, or the small voice in my head telling me not to mind my own business this time.

I picked up the phone, my hands trembled as I read the message.

Dora ❤️: “I enjoyed the vacation with you. Sweet dreams 💋.”

Vacation?

My heart stopped and I was unable to breathe properly for a while.

Adrian had told me he was on a business trip and I'd waited for him for one whole month only to discover that he was with another woman.

The phone slipped from my hands as the truth settled in my chest like a ton of blocks.

Adrian stepped out of the bathroom, a towel draped over his shoulders, I couldn't stop myself. “Who is Dora?”

CHAPTER 002

OLIVIA'S POV

My body felt heavy as I woke up the next day, the events of last night came flooding back. Adrian’s cruel words echoed in my head like a noise I just couldn't get rid of.

Even after I confronted him about who Dora was he just snatched his phone and left the room without giving me any explanation, leaving me with a broken heart.

But I couldn't conclude yet, Adrian might not really be cheating on me, the text message wasn't enough evidence.

But one thing was certain, I was determined to find out who Dora was.

I sat up slowly, the ache in my chest sharper than ever. I reached for my phone and checked the time. It was 9:30 am.

My heart sank.

I was never one to wake up late, but I guess the emotional hurt I experienced the previous night had clearly drained me.

I gripped the edge of the bed to steady myself. “You're his wife,” I reminded myself. “You made vows. You can’t give up yet.”

I decided to make breakfast for Adrian. I deceived my brain into thinking that if I kept on trying Adrian would one day notice my efforts.

When I stepped into the kitchen, Martha, our housekeeper, was already there, humming softly as she whisked eggs in a bowl.

She looked up when she heard me enter. “Good morning, Mrs. Westwood,” she greeted politely, though concern flickered in her eyes. “You’re up late today. Should I prepare breakfast for you and Mr. Westwood?”

I shook my head. “No, Martha. I’ll handle it.”

Her brows furrowed. “Are you sure? I…”

“I just… I want to do this myself today.” I said softly, cutting her short with a faint smile.

She hesitated but eventually nodded. “All right, ma’am. I’ll be in the garden if you need me.”

I turned to the stove, cooked an omelet, toasted bread, and poured coffee. Maybe Adrian would appreciate the effort, maybe he would see I was trying.

When Adrian appeared, he was already dressed up for work, he didn't even glance at me. He sat at the table, scrolling through his phone as if I weren't there.

I approached cautiously, setting the plate in front of him. “Good morning,” I said, a small smile spread across my face. “I made breakfast.”

He didn’t look up, but his hand reached for the fork. I stood there, watching anxiously as he took a bite.

The moment the food touched his tongue, his expression twisted in disgust. He spat it out into a napkin, glaring at me.

“What is this?” he yelled, pushing the plate away.

“It’s…” My voice trembled. “I thought I’d make you breakfast.”

He stood, grabbing a glass of water and rinsing his mouth. “Don’t bother next time,” he said coldly. “If I wanted to die of food poisoning, I'd let you know.”

I bit my lower lips so hard in a bid to suppress the pain his words caused me.

After speaking, he grabbed his briefcase and strode toward the door without another word.

And I broke down in tears. My tears were the only thing that has been consistent in my marriage.

I heard a footstep approaching and I knew it was Martha. I quickly used the back of my hands to wipe off my tears.

I knew Martha was aware of the situation in my marriage but I still couldn't let her see me cry. I didn't want to receive pity from her, because that would hurt even more.

Martha wore a sympathetic look as she approached. “Mr. Westwood told me to inform you that you should be ready by 7 pm. He’ll pick you up for the gala.”

I nodded, numb. The gala. Of course. That must have been why he came home last night so that we could deceive the world into believing that we were a perfect couple.

It wasn't about me. It was never about me.

The thought crushed me, but I forced myself to remain calm.

By 6:45 pm, I was ready. Staring at myself in the mirror I noticed a slight change in my body but I shrugged it off.

I wore a white gown that hugged my figure. It was Adrian’s favorite color then when we were dating, though I doubted he’d notice it this evening.

When he arrived, he barely glanced at me. “Let’s go,” he said plainly, heading toward the car.

My heart dropped to my stomach, stupid of me to be expecting a compliment.

The ride to the gala was silent, the tension in the air was so thick that I felt suffocated. I was uncomfortable and feeling a bit nauseous.

I needed fresh air so I wound down the car window and stared out, clutching my bag tightly as I tried to calm the storm inside me.

When we arrived, cameras flashed, capturing the image of us as the world's perfect couple.

Adrian stepped out first, extending a hand to help me, acting like a perfect husband for the camera.

What a hypocrite he is!

Everyone never missed a chance to remind me of how lucky I was to marry Adrian.

Lol, only if they knew what I faced in my marriage every day. This is one of the reasons you shouldn't always envy couples who seem sweet on the internet.

Inside, the ballroom glittered with chandeliers and laughter, but I felt invisible. Adrian was the center of attention, charming the guests with his charisma while I trailed behind him like a shadow.

No one acknowledged me. No one asked how I was doing.

It was as if I didn’t exist.

I was about to excuse myself to the ladies’ room when a voice cut through the hum of conversation.

“Adrian!”

I turned toward the source of the voice. She was stunning, her red gown hugged her curves in all the right places. Her radiant smile lit the room and I must admit she looked like she had just stepped out of a magazine.

I won't lie, I felt slightly intimidated.

Adrian’s face lit up in a way I hadn’t seen in three years. “Dora,” he said, his tone warm, almost affectionate.

My breath ceased.

Dora? Could it be the Dora from the text message last night? The one he went on a vacation with?

My heart raced in my chest, I stared at them, my stomach churning.

Adrian didn’t even bother introducing me.

“Adrian,” I said softly, hoping to remind him of my existence.

But he ignored me completely and pretended as if he didn't hear me call out his name.

He leaned closer to Dora and whispered something in her ears, and she laughed, the sound caused a sharp pain in my chest.

She rested her hand on Adrian’s arm in a way that made my blood boil.

“You haven’t changed at all,” she teased. “Still so charming.”

“And you’re as beautiful as ever,” Adrian replied, his smile genuine – a smile I hadn’t seen or had even been directed at me in years.

It was as if a knife had been driven into my chest and was continuously being twisted as I watched them chat.

They chatted like lovers, her hand lingered on his arm, her gaze filled with something possessive.

I stood there, a ghost, as they flirted openly and I couldn't do anything about it. And it hurts.

Dora glanced at me, her lips curling into a sly smirk. “Oh, Adrian, I didn’t realize you had company.”

Huh… She didn't notice? Even a toddler would know I was his company.

I turned towards Adrian hoping to hear his response but his response was like a punch to my face.

“She’s just here for the gala, nothing more,” he said dismissively.

Just here for the gala?

Dora's smirk deepened. “Oh… well, Adrian. Since you don't have any company, why don't we find somewhere quiet to continue our discussion? It’s so noisy here.”

Adrian didn’t hesitate. “That sounds like a good idea.”

I couldn't believe my ears, was he going to leave me here alone?

No, he can't! He knows I don't know anyone here so he might ask me to join them.

Adrian turned to me briefly. “Book a ride home,” he said coldly.

I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces right at that spot.

And with that, he walked away, Dora's hand on his arm, leaving me standing there in the middle of the crowded room where I knew no one.

CHAPTER 003

OLIVIA'S POV

Adrian didn’t come home that night and I wasn't comfortable since I knew he left with HER. I waited in bed, staring at the clock as hours passed. Midnight approached and still, there was no sign of him.

Was he spending the night with her? Was Adrian really cheating on me?

My chest felt hollow, the silence of the house taunting me. Sleep refused to come, so I sat up, hugging my knees, wondering if I’d ever truly mattered to him.

The next morning, I decided I couldn’t wait around in the house for him anymore. I needed to see him, to talk to him, to get to know who Dora was to him even if it meant facing his anger or indifference.

I didn't care anymore.

I told myself this was my right as his wife, even if he seemed to forget that fact.

I arrived at his office, my heart pounding as I approached the desk of his secretary, a chubby woman named Rita. She looked up from her computer, her expression neutral.

“Good morning, Mrs. Westwood,” she greeted politely, though her tone was quite different.

“I need to see Adrian,” I said, my voice calm despite the storm building inside me.

Rita hesitated, her fingers placed on her keyboard. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but Mr. Westwood has given strict instructions not to be disturbed.”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I could feel the humiliation crawling up my spine. She knew I was his wife, yet she still denied me entry.

This is the humiliation I constantly have to endure ever since I married Adrian.

“Please,” I said, lowering my voice. “It’s important.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m afraid I can’t, ma’am. Mr. Westwood doesn’t want to see anyone right now.”

Before I could respond, the door to Adrian’s office swung open. My breathing stopped for a moment as I saw him step out, his deep laugh filling the hallway.

He wasn’t alone.

Walking beside him was Dora, her heels clicking confidently against the marble floor.

What was she doing here?

Adrian’s expression was the same as hers – light, carefree, so unlike the cold mask he wore around me.

I remain rooted to my spot, unsure whether to stay or walk away. They were lost in conversation, their voices low but filled with warmth. I wondered if they saw me or were pretending not to have.

When they reached the lobby, Adrian turned to Dora with a smile. “I’ll see you later,” he said, his tone easy and familiar like how he talked to me before our marriage.

Dora leaned closer, brushing a hand against his arm. “Don’t forget about our plans.”

What plans?

He nodded, his smile unwavering.

As she walked off, her eyes darted to me for a brief moment, her lips curving into a knowing smirk before she disappeared into the elevator.

My hands clenched into fists, my knuckles turning white. Adrian turned to head back into his office, but I stepped forward, blocking his path.

“Adrian,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stopped, his gaze cold as it settled on me.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone devoid of any emotion.

“I came to talk,” I replied, fighting the anger in my voice. “Why didn't you come…”

“Not now,” he cut me off, signaling to Rita with his hand. “Make sure no one disturbs me.”

Rita stepped forward, her presence creating a distance between us.

“But…” I started, only for him to turn and walk back into his office, the door clicking shut behind him.

The humiliation burned like fire in my chest. I didn’t argue further. I couldn't keep on embarrassing myself there was no point. I made my way to the car garage.

My marriage was supposed to be my shield, my safe place, but here, it was nothing more than a badge of shame.

In the dimly lit garage, I spotted Dora standing by her car, her posture relaxed as she waited. When our eyes met, her smirk returned, sharper this time.

“You look upset,” she said, her tone dripping with mock concern. “Rough day?”

I ignored her, walking to my car, but she stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“You know, Olivia,” she began, her voice sweet but laced with venom, “you really shouldn’t cling to a man who clearly doesn’t want you. It’s… sad and pathetic.”

I told myself to calm down, I refused to let her see my pain. “Is there something you want?” I asked, keeping my tone as steady as I could.

She laughed, a sound that made my chest tighten. “I just thought I’d give you some girly advice.”

I clenched my fists, biting back the urge to lash out. “Are you done?” I asked, but didn't wait for her response.

As I opened my car door, her parting words reached me. “You’re fighting a losing battle, Olivia. You should know when to quit.”

I drove home in silence, her words settling over me like a dark cloud.

That night, Adrian didn’t come home early which had become a routine ever since he came back from his supposed business trip.

And I knew it was because of Dora.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I found myself walking toward the one place Adrian had forbidden me to enter – his study.

I had a strong feeling that I might find something there that would reveal more about Dora and her relationship with Adrian.

I hesitated in front of the door, my pulse racing, but Dora’s smug smile flashed in my mind and I found myself breaking the rules I hadn't broken in three years.

While going through his drawers, I stumbled upon an old, slightly worn-out photograph that made my heartbeat slow and froze me in place.

It was a picture of young Adrian, a pretty woman holding him close, whom I assumed to be his mother because of the resemblance, and my parents, all smiling at the camera.

Everything in me screamed confusion. Why were they together? How was this possible?

My parents never seemed to know Adrian when I first introduced him to them, and even Adrian never mentioned knowing my parents.

My head was filled with different questions, each one adding to the headache that was starting to build.

Why hadn’t Adrian mentioned knowing my parents? Was he hiding something from me? Or was there something my parents had kept from me?

I was snapped back to reality when I heard the door click open downstairs. My heart leaped, and I quickly shoved the photograph back into the drawer, my hands trembling as I hurried back to the bedroom.

Adrian walked in without a word, and the room was filled with the stench of alcohol. I stood awkwardly by the bed, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.

Without warning, he closed the distance between us, his hands gripped my waist.

I hated the way my heart leaped, I knew I should have pushed him, yelled at him, or better still slapped him but I found myself yearning for more.

My heart thumped faster as he kissed me, his movements hungry like a lion that had been starved for days.

“Adrian,” I whispered, but he silenced me, pulling me closer and undressing me.

I knew I shouldn't enjoy it but I did.

That night, he touched me for the second time in three years.

I remembered the first time we were intimate a month ago he was drunk and tonight he was also drunk.

I knew what it meant but I deceived my mind into thinking that it was a hope that things might get better.

The next morning, Adrian acted as if nothing had happened. He stood by the dresser, buttoning his shirt while I lay in bed, watching him.

“Good morning,” I greeted, a blush creeping up my cheeks.

He didn’t respond, his focus was on his tie.

“Adrian,” I said softly, sitting up. “About last night…”

He turned to me, his expression cold. “What about it?”

I hesitated, unsure how to interpret his tone. “I… I just thought…”

“Don’t overthink it,” he interrupted. “I sent some money to your account. Consider it payment for your services.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. My lips parted, but no sound came out.

Without another glance, he grabbed his briefcase and left, leaving me sitting there in stunned silence.

Tears blurred my vision as I clutched the sheets, my heart bleeding.

Was this what I had become? A service to be paid for?

CHAPTER 004

OLIVIA'S POV

I gripped the steering wheel, my hands tight as I drove. I had no destination in mind I just needed to leave the house that constantly reminded me of my failing marriage and emotionally unavailable husband.

The words Adrian had said that morning kept playing in my head, no matter how much I tried to distract myself.

My chest hurt, and I wanted to scream. Three years of marriage, and yet, I was just something he could use. I didn’t know where I was going. I just needed to get away.

Eventually, hours later, I drove back home. I parked in the driveway but stayed in the car for a minute, taking deep breaths. My eyes were still red from crying, and everything felt heavy inside me.

When I finally walked inside, the first thing I saw was a pair of red heels by the door. They weren’t mine. My stomach dropped, and panic rushed in.

I took a deep breath and started walking upstairs. With every step, my heart beat faster. I wanted to turn around and run, but something inside me kept going forward, pushing me to face whatever was waiting.

When I reached the bedroom door, I hesitated. My hand gripped the handle for a while. But I pushed it open anyway.

What I saw froze me.

Dora was lying on the bed, half-dressed, her gown slipping off her shoulder. Adrian was next to her, still in his shirt and pants, fast asleep.

My stomach twisted. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. For a second, I just stood there, staring at them, still not believing my eyes.

Adrian cheating on me was something I could overlook because of love but what I could never take was him bringing his mistress to our home on our matrimonial bed.

That was a disrespect I could never tolerate.

“Adrian!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the room.

Adrian’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked and then looked at me.

A look of confusion crossed his face as he glanced over at Dora who was lying next to him but in a blink of an eye, his face went from that to something colder, more distant.

“Olivia,” he said, voice groggy. He rubbed his eyes like he was just waking from a nap.

I wanted to scream, but I kept my fists clenched and stared at him, waiting for an explanation. Then Dora moved beside him, stretching and smiling at me.

“Oh, Olivia,” she said sweetly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’re home early.”

Her smile, her tone – it made everything worse.

“What is this… Adrian?” I asked, my voice breaking.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, looking tired. “Calm down, Olivia,” he said like it was my fault.

“Calm down?” I repeated, my voice getting louder. “You brought her into our matrimonial bed, and now you want me to calm down?”

Dora laughed softly, wrapping the blanket around herself like she was perfectly at ease. “Oh, darling,” she said, her eyes sharp, “don’t make a scene.”

Her words made me sick, but I refused to let her see me lose control. I turned to Adrian. “You don’t even care enough to deny it?”

He looked at me with no emotion, then shrugged. “There’s nothing to deny,” he said, his voice cold.

That hit me like a punch. I felt weak, but I forced myself to stay standing.

He wasn't even remorseful of his action. Was this what I was going to keep on enduring?

No, not anymore. I was tired, tired of the insults and humiliation.

“I want a divorce,” I said. The words just came out.

Since he doesn't love me we can as well stop this hypocritical marriage.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Go ahead,” he said, not bothered at all.

My heart sank. I guess I expected him to beg me.

“But don’t forget who’s funding your parents’ company.”

His words hit me like a slap.

He continued voice like ice. “If you leave, Olivia, I will pull all the money I’ve put in. Let’s see how long they last without me.”

Tears blurred my vision. Without saying anything else, I turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me.

I collapsed on the couch downstairs, the weight of it all crushing me. The betrayal, the humiliation, the fact that he didn't want to let me go – it was too much.

He said he didn't love me, but now I offered to leave his life and he still wouldn't let me.

I covered my face with my hands and let the tears fall, knowing no matter what he did, he still had the upper hand.

CHAPTER 005

OLIVIA'S POV

I paced back and forth in my parent's living room, my fists clenched tightly, trying to control the overwhelming anger and hurt that swelled inside me.

My parents were sitting on the couch, looking at me as if I were the one in the wrong.

“Olivia, you have to understand,” my mother said, her voice calm and soothing like she always did when she was trying to manipulate me and make me do her bidding.

“Adrian’s investments in the company, the money, it’s all for the family. We can’t afford to lose that.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Was this really how they saw me? A tool to keep the business running?

After telling them what I was going through in that marriage and how I caught him cheating on me on our matrimonial bed without even feeling guilty about his actions after I caught him but instead threatened me.

This was what my biological mother could say to me.

I wanted to yell, but I didn’t. Instead, I clenched my jaw and spoke through gritted teeth. “What about me? What about my happiness?” My voice was barely a whisper, but the hurt was clear in every word.

My father shifted in his seat, avoiding my eyes. “You know how important the business is to this family, Olivia,” he said. “You need to put that first. Adrian’s not perfect, but… staying with him, it’s the only way forward.”

I couldn’t believe this. They weren’t even looking at the bigger picture, weren’t seeing how broken I was.

How every day with Adrian damaged my self-esteem, causing me emotional trauma.

“I’m not a business deal, Dad!” I snapped. “You’re telling me to sacrifice my life just so you can keep this empire afloat. What about me? What about my future?”

My mother’s expression hardened, and she stood up, walking over to me. “We’re trying to help you, Olivia,” she said, her tone now loud. “You have a responsibility to your family, to this company. Adrian’s your husband, whether you like it or not.”

I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m hurting Mom, I don’t even know who I am anymore. I’m not just some… accessory to this business. I'm your child – your blood”

My words hung in the air, but nothing changed. They were focused on the company, not me. I felt like I was suffocating.

I couldn’t take it anymore. With my heart racing, I stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind me. I needed to get away, to think, to know my next step.

I walked out onto the estate, trying to clear my head. I was so lost, so trapped. My feet took me further down the long driveway, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and anger.

That’s when I saw her.

Dora. 

The woman Adrian cheated on me with.

She was standing by the entrance to the estate like she’d been waiting for me. A smirk curled on her lips when she saw me.

What was she doing here? Was she also living here?

The White estate was quite expensive to afford. The apartment my parents lived in was bought by Adrian after we got married as a gift. I wondered how she could afford it, well I didn't know much about her.

Dora didn’t have to say anything, I could feel the challenge in the air between us.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling every nerve in my body tense. I didn’t have the energy for this, not now. But I knew she wasn’t going to make it easy for me.

“Olivia,” she said, her voice dripping with venom and a fake smile etched on her face. “I didn’t expect to see you out here. Is everything okay at home? Or are you just too embarrassed to face Adrian after all that happened?”

My heart raced at the mention of Adrian. I wanted to walk away, but her words felt like a slap in the face. I stood my ground, meeting her gaze. “What do you want?”

She stepped closer, her heels clicking on the pavement. “What do I want? Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to see if you were still playing the dutiful wife… making a fool out of yourself.”

I could feel the anger boiling up inside me. And I was tempted to slap her across the face, but I held back. “Don’t think you’re better than me,” I spat. “You’re just a pathetic little whore.”

Smack!

Her hands landed on my cheeks and I must admit it stung so bad. I also retaliated and slapped her too then started walking towards my car.

I was done trying to be gentle.

One minute I was walking to my car, the next I found myself falling face down, and I crashed to the pavement.

Dora pushed me.

Pain shot up my spine, and I gasped, but it was nothing compared to the sharp, burning pain in my abdomen.

I tried to lift myself, but something was wrong. I could feel the blood, the warmth spreading across my legs. My breath caught in my throat, panic flooding my senses and I could feel myself losing consciousness.

“Help me” I managed to whisper.

Dora stood there, her expression now more smug than ever, like she’d won some game.

“Oops… Guess you’re just too fragile for this,” she said, her tone mocking. But even her words seemed distant now. I could barely hear her.

Everything felt blurry like I was sinking. I didn’t know how long I lay there.

Then I heard someone shouting for help before I blacked out completely.

CHAPTER 006

OLIVIA'S POV

Beep. Beep.

Those were the first sounds I heard as my consciousness slowly returned. My eyelids felt impossibly heavy, and every part of my body ached as if I had been run over by a truck. 

I blinked several times, my vision blurry and unfocused, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The harsh fluorescent lights above me were blinding, forcing me to shut my eyes momentarily before attempting to open them again.

I was in a hospital.

The scent of antiseptics and the faint humming of machines confirmed it before I could fully process my memories. Panic gripped me as flashes of what had happened resurfaced in my mind.

Dora.

I gasped softly, my fingers twitching against the cool sheets of the hospital bed. The memory of her smug expression, her taunting words, the pain that followed after she deliberately pushed me everything came crashing down at once. My breathing became shallow as fear and rage swirled in my chest.

A soft rustling sound drew my attention, and I sluggishly turned my head. A couple of nurses were standing near my bed, their expressions unreadable as they monitored the machines around me. One of them noticed my movement and immediately hurried out of the room, presumably to call the doctor.

I tried to sit up, but an intense wave of dizziness crashed over me, forcing me to fall back onto the pillows with a sharp exhale. My body felt weak, more exhausted than I had ever been in my life.

Moments later, the doctor walked in, his expression professional yet kind. He quickly checked my vitals, his brows furrowing slightly as he made notes on his clipboard. I wanted to speak, to ask what had happened to me, but my throat was dry, and my voice refused to come out.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his tone calm and reassuring.

I tried to respond, but my lips barely moved. Seeing my struggle, he shook his head gently. “Relax. There’s no need to stress yourself. You’re still recovering, and your body needs rest.”

I swallowed dryly and rubbed my eyes with trembling fingers, still trying to sit up properly. I felt so disoriented, so lost. Something was nagging at the back of my mind – a deep, unsettling feeling that I was forgetting something crucial.

Then, the doctor continued speaking, explaining the extent of my injuries. My head was still spinning, making it difficult to fully grasp his words, but then I caught a sentence that sent ice shooting through my veins.

“I’m sorry, Miss, but you lost your baby.”

My eyes snapped open in shock. My heart stopped for a moment as my mind struggled to comprehend his words.

Baby?

I was pregnant?

And I lost it?

The words felt foreign, unreal like I had stepped into someone else’s nightmare.

“What…what did you just say?” I forced the words out, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor’s expression softened. “The little accident you were involved in caused you to lose your pregnancy. I’m truly sorry for your loss.”

I felt my heart clench, an unbearable weight pressing down on my chest. My hands instinctively moved to my abdomen, but there was nothing there – nothing but the dull ache of loss. 

My baby was gone. A child I hadn’t even known existed had been taken from me before I could even dream of its future.

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as the reality of it all settled in. The walls of the hospital room seemed to close in on me, suffocating me. My breath hitched, and the machine beside me began to beep faster and faster as my heart rate spiked.

“Miss, you need to calm down,” the doctor urged his hands checking my pulse as the nurse adjusted the IV in my arm.

But how could I calm down? How could I just accept this?

The doctor continued speaking, but his voice faded into the background as my thoughts spiraled. My entire life had been a cycle of pain and disappointment. For three years, I had endured nothing but sorrow, and now this? How much more could the world take from me before it decided I had suffered enough?

I sobbed silently, gripping the sheets tightly, my body shaking as grief consumed me.

Then, another emotion began to take root, burning through my sorrow like fire consuming dry wood.

Rage.

Dora.

That witch had taken everything from me – my dignity, my pride, and now, my child. This wasn’t just an accident. It was her doing. She had done this to me, and she was going to pay.

Through my tears, I heard the doctor and the nurse discussing something a few feet away. I forced myself to listen despite the pounding in my head.

“Were you able to get in touch with any of her contacts?” the doctor asked the nurse.

“Yes, I called her husband and informed him,” the nurse responded.

There was a pause before the doctor spoke again. “So, he should be on his way then?”

The nurse hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “Actually…he said he wasn’t coming.”

A bitter laugh almost escaped my lips.

Of course, Adrian wouldn’t come. What was I expecting? He had never cared about me. Why would he start now?

The doctor frowned. “Are you sure he said that?”

“Absolutely. Even I was shocked by his response. I honestly don’t know how he can leave his wife alone in a situation like this,” the nurse replied, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The doctor sighed. “Try reaching out to another one of her contacts perhaps her parents or a close friend.”

“Alright, sir,” the nurse responded, scrolling through my phone.

I shut my eyes, forcing myself to push past the fresh wave of pain. I knew my parents would show up. They had to. Despite our differences, they wouldn’t abandon me in a moment like this.

At least, that was what I hoped.

Eventually, exhaustion overtook my body, and I slipped into a restless sleep, my mind haunted by the loss I had suffered.

Hours later, I was woken by the sound of a familiar, deep voice beside me. My eyelids fluttered open, my vision still a bit blurry from sleep.

For a fleeting moment, I thought it was Adrian, that maybe just maybe he had decided to come after all. But as my vision cleared, I saw that it wasn’t him.

It was Julian.

My heart clenched at the sight of him. Julian, my best friend, the one person who had always been there for me no matter what. We had known each other since college, our bond unshaken despite the chaos Adrian had thrown our way in a bid to seperate our friendship.

He was sitting beside my bed, his sharp blue eyes filled with worry as he studied me.

“Liv,” he murmured, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it before. “Thank God you’re awake.”

Tears welled up in my eyes again, but this time, they weren’t just from pain.They were from relief.

I wasn’t alone after all.