《Claiming her babies》


 Chapter 1 – Double Betrayal

    Monica¡¯s POV


    I climbed up the stairs hurriedly that led to the room Ethan and I shared to tell him the good news. Over the past few months, I haven¡¯t been feeling welltely. I slept a lot, ate a lot, and vomited a lot but I never suspected that I was pregnant.


    Coming from the hospital and finding out I was pregnant after two years of marriage was something that I wasn¡¯t expecting. The closer I got to the room, the louder I heard strange noisesing from the room.


    My heart was hammering in my chest as I gathered up the courage to turn the doorknob. I finally turned the doorknob and my eyes instantly couldn¡¯t believe what I was seeing as I stood frozen.


    A chill immediately ran down my spine seeing the event in front of me. ¡°Ethan¡± my lips trembled as the word got out. My housekeeper justy there on our matrimonial bed with a smirk stered on her face. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± I asked as I staggered and took three steps forward into the room.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Ethan got off the bed and put on his boxers. He walked to the table, took a piece of paper with a pen, and ced it on the table by my side ¡°Sign this¡± Ethan buttered coldly and he didn¡¯t even spare me a nce.


    I walked slowly to the table and picked up the paper with my trembling hands. Pain, heart-wrenching pain was what my heart felt the moment I read what was written on the paper. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Are you blind? Can¡¯t you read?¡± My eyes widened as I heard the tone in which Mia spoke to me.


    Tears cling on myshes as they crawled down my cheeks ¡°You want a divorce?¡± I stammered, looking at Ethan as I grabbed onto the table by my side for support because I felt my legs beginning to shake.


    ¡°Sign it¡± Ethan¡¯s cold gaze pierced my heart even more. All I saw was hate and resentment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this Monica but I don¡¯t love you anymore. You bore me and I can¡¯t be with a woman who can¡¯t give me an heir. Mia here is already pregnant and I n to marry her so please make this easy for yourself and sign the papers¡±


    My knees finally failed me as I crashed on the floor speechless. This would have never happened if I had gotten pregnant on time. I looked at the man who was my first love. My husband and the one I cared about and all I could see in his eyes were hate and resentment.


    I watched Ethan walk to the ss cup on themp table he took the ss cup filled with wine and took a long sip ¡°I¡¯m done with this marriage¡±


    ¡°Please no darling don¡¯t do this to me. Don¡¯t do this to us¡± I bellowed, my sobs getting louder as I crawled on the floor as I made my way to him. As soon as I got to where he was, I broke down in tears as I held his left leg tightly like a two-year-old child ¡°Please don¡¯t do this Ethan. I love you so much and I know you know this. We can work things out, darling. I¡¯ll do anything you want but don¡¯t leave me, please. I can¡¯t live without you¡±


    Ethan just looked at me coldly, shocked his left leg violently, and kicked me. I fell backward and my elbownded hard on the floor, bruising it.


    ¡°This¡± Ethan shouted, gesturing to himself and me ¡°This is over and that¡¯s final,¡± He said furiously.


    I jumped instantly and held his hand after realizing that he was leaving the room. ¡°Darling please, don¡¯t do this. I love you¡± Tears clung to my cheeks as I held his big palm tightly and sobbed profusely.


    ¡°Let him go b***h¡± I heard mia voice behind me and before I knew it, she pushed me away from Ethan. I saw Mia walk up to Ethan and hold him gently on his wrist ¡± Are you hurt, babe?¡±


    My heart tugged in terror at what I was seeing. ¡°Mia¡± I yelled as I raised my index finger and pointed it at her ¡°How could you do this to me? I trusted you and shared my things with you even when I knew you were a maid. I took you in Mia. I cared for you because I thought you were my friend. How could you do such a heartless thing?¡± I didn¡¯t know I was yelling until I started feeling slight pain in my throat.


    ¡°Took me in? You never took me in dummy. Ethan brought me to this house and convinced you that I was good at my job. Ethan and I nned this strategically and it worked out well¡± Mia said with a snide smile on her face. ¡°You see¡­.. my lovely Monica, I and Ethan have been having an affair for a year now. He would alwaysin about how you weren¡¯t giving him attention but always trying to try every way possible to get pregnant¡±


    ¡°Affair?¡± I looked at Ethan and Mia interchangeably ¡°No that¡¯s not possible. You¡¯re lying¡± I screamed, refusing to believe what Mia was saying. ¡°She¡¯s lying right?¡± I asked as I stared sadly at Ethan, hoping that all this was a s lie or a prank.


    Ethan just smirked as he held Mia by her waist from behind and kissed her passionately in front of me.


    Mia broke the kiss and smiled when she saw the tears rushing down my cheeks ¡± I¡¯ve never seen you cry before but seeing you cry now makes my heart beat in happiness. I think you look prettier when you cry¡± Mia¡¯s words brought out all the tears that were hidden in my eyes. I couldn¡¯t even control myself or try to y hard guy. I just couldn¡¯t believe this.


    ¡°But you said you loved me?¡± I said, staring at Ethan with my blurred vision.


    ¡°Yes I said that and I meant it but you suddenly became uninteresting. I lost my interest in you a long time ago and I got what I was looking for in my lovely ex standing right here ¡± Ethan said with a smile as he ced a kiss on mia forehead.


    I felt my heart had been divided into two by a sharp sword. ¡°She is your ex?¡± I asked as I felt weak my voice shaking.


    ¡°Yes, dummy. I¡¯m his ex-girlfriend and soon-to-be wife. I¡¯m pregnant with his child and there¡¯s nothing you can do about it. It was because of you that I and Ethan got separated. I don¡¯t know what he saw in you but I¡¯m d to have my man back to me¡± Mia said, flipping her hair backward as she went to sit on the bed.


    ¡°Is this true?¡± I asked in disbelief as I held eye contact with him, his once mesmerizing hazel eyes that I loved looking at.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true. I broke up with her because I thought I loved you and I wanted to marry you¡± Ethan uttered, agreeing to everything Mia just told me.


    Loud sobs and hups left my mouth as I came to terms with everything I was hearing. This new piece of information did nothing but shatter my heart into unmendable pieces. My two years old marriage were a farce and the man I loved betrayed me by sleeping with my housekeeper, someone whom I called a friend.


    Mia tilted my chin up to meet her gaze ¡°Oh poor Monica. Look at how puffy your eyes are. Don¡¯t make this any harder for yourself. Just sign the damn divorce papers and leave¡± Mia uttered harshly.

 Chapter 2 – The company

    NICHOLAS POV


    THE NEXT DAY


    ¡°We aren¡¯t challenging you or trying to take your inheritance from you Nichs. We are just saying that you should try to fulfill your father¡¯sst wish¡± Mr Karl, myte father¡¯s best friend and one of my board directors stated.


    We just concluded our meeting and the board directors all refuse to leave the conference until they say what they have to say.


    They want me to get married and have a child that will continue my father¡¯s lineage. They are afraid that I might die one day without leaving someone to take over after me.


    ¡°I need to rest and I¡¯m sick and tired of hearing this every time Ie to the office¡± I yelled angrily.


    ¡°Nichs, please try to understand what we are saying. If you can¡¯t get married and have a child in two months, we will be forced to do what we have in mind.¡± Paul, another board director, uttered.


    ¡°And what would that be?¡± I yelled clenching my fist as rage boiled inside me


    ¡°Listen, Nichs, we have no intention of threatening you with your inheritance. All we want is for you to do what yourte father requested before he died. Get married to anydy of your choice and produce us someone who will take over thispany after you¡¯re gone. You¡¯re the chairman of thispany because your father gave birth to you so do the same thing and follow in his footsteps¡±


    ¡°How dare you challenge me to produce an heir or lose my position as the chairman? I own thispany and I inherited it from my father. It¡¯s my birthright and I¡¯ll never give it up¡± I insisted as I stared daggers at the five elderly men that were present in the room.


    ¡°We are not trying to challenge but we simply want that you take this issue seriously¡± Paul sighed as he took the pen from the table and ced it in his breast pocket as he rose to his feet ¡°We¡¯ve decided amongst ourselves that if you don¡¯t get married in a two month, then thispany will no longer be yours ¡±


    ¡°And if I don¡¯tply with your terms, who will be in charge of my father¡¯spany?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°Greg¡± John replied and his words pissed me off.


    ¡°Are you joking? You can¡¯t do that. I won¡¯t allow you to give my father¡¯spany to my step brother¡± My jaw clenched as I stared angrily at all the men who didn¡¯t even feel threatened by my state.


    ¡°We can and we will. Yourte father¡¯s instructions were clear: if you didn¡¯t have a wife within two years of overseeing thepany, it would be passed to your stepbrother. He appears more suitable to take over, being married with a child, unlike you, who has chosen not to start a family. All you do is go home and have several women waiting for you on your bed¡± The one director who always had a way of getting on my nerves was Mr Benjamin and his words made me clenched my hands in a fist.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tolerate you insulting me Mr Ben. That¡¯s my life and not yours¡± I warned sternly as I looked at Mr Benjamin in the eyes unfazed.


    ¡°Hey, son,¡± Mr. Karl said, cing his hands on my shoulders. ¡°Look at me, son,¡± he ordered, and out of respect, I met his gaze. ¡°We won¡¯t have to take any action if you find a wife within two months. This was your father¡¯s wish, and I hope you honor it. I know my best friend wouldn¡¯t want to see his son break the family lineage. He¡¯d be deeply disappointed if you surrendered thepany to your stepbrother. Your name is in my father¡¯s will to inherit thispany, so do the right thing and preserve his legacy.¡± Mr. Karl¡¯s words melted my cold heart, and I found wisdom in his advice.


    ¡°But two months is too short? Where on earth will I find ady who will marry me in two months?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the famous CEO of Sterling Group. Any woman will kill you if have you as a husband¡± John, another board director said


    ¡°But I can¡¯t just go into the street, pick any woman and make my wife besides I¡¯m not ready to have a family now¡±


    ¡°Your call son. Lose thepany or get a wife and keep it. As for me, I have a dinner date with my lovely wife and I can¡¯t keep her waiting. See you all tomorrow¡± Mr Karl said as he walked out of the room and left me with the other four board directors.


    ¡°I need more time. I need to find a good woman then we know each other more before we could even think of marriage. I can¡¯t do all these in two months ¡± I said but the board of directors all seemed to find my words boring as they weren¡¯t even listening to me. ¡°Are you even listening?¡±


    ¡°Look, Nichs, we have been singing this issue to you for the past six months but you never took us seriously. Now we can¡¯t do anything but watch how everything will unfold and I hope you make the right decision Nichs¡± Paul said as he rose to his feet and walked out of the conference room.


    *****


    I sat on a chair by the window as I waited patiently for Andrea. ¡°You¡¯rete,¡± I said with a serious gaze as I looked at my ex-girlfriend.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. I was trying out my wedding gown when you called. So what¡¯s it? Why this meeting?¡± Andrea said and I froze when I heard her words.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting married?¡± I asked in disbelief. I wasn¡¯t expecting her to be getting married so soon and though I never liked her so much I was thinking she could help with the n I had in mind.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, unting her diamond ring on her face. ¡°And I¡¯m excited about it¡±


    I couldn¡¯t believe my ears. Andrea was a popr model in the country and my ex-girlfriend. I called her to meet me up in this restaurant for us to talk. I wanted to see if we could pretend to be together and after all this is over, we can pretend to divorce but I wasn¡¯t expecting that she would be engaged already.


    ¡°Congrattions¡± I faked a smile as I managed to say. It seems like the universe was not on my side.


    ¡°Thank you. So what is it you wanted to discuss? You sounded so urgent on the phone. Is anything the problem?¡± Andrea asked concerned.


    ¡°No not at all. I will ask James to drive you back. I¡¯m sorry for disturbing you and congrattions once again on your uing wedding ¡± I uttered as I rose to my feet and walked to the restroom, leaving Andrea alone in the VIP room

 Chapter 3 – A chance

    MONICA POV


    IN THE AFTERNOON


    ¡± Where do they expect him to get a woman to get married to? Mr. Nichs has always shown his distaste formitment but forcing him to find a woman that he will get married to and have kids within two months is ridiculous¡± A deep male voice uttered and I became curious.  I heard two men whispering, sitting on the table in front of me and curiosity made me begin to eavesdrop


    ¡°And he had a n to escape all these but it looks like his n wasn¡¯t going to fall in ce after all¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± The young man who was dressed casually said.


    ¡°Model Andrea was here in the morning and Mr Nichs wanted to  make her his bride but she was already engaged and ns to get married soon¡±


    ¡°He wanted to make her his bride?¡± I could hear the shock in the other man¡¯s voice ¡°Does that mean he now has feelings for her?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. All of his ns were just to get the directors off his back¡± the other voice exined.


    ¡°Oh, now I understand, ¡± the other voice responded. ¡°Let¡¯s quickly go to him before he screams our names and leaves us like he always does when pissed¡± I saw them standing up and I instantly turned my face and pretended to be sipping my coffee on the table I sat on in the restaurant.


    Their footsteps fade away slowly. Connecting the dots, I finally realized that this could be a chance for me. I wouldn¡¯t be able to provide a good life for this child if I eventually give birth to the child and I needed a way to do that.     I realized that Mr Nichs made a VIP reservation and I waited patiently for about an hour before I saw himing out.


    I instantly rushed to stand in front of him and I wasn¡¯t even close to him when three security guards stood in front of me, obstructing my view.


    Mr Nichs just walked past me, didn¡¯t spare me a nce but walked past me with his hands in his pants pocket.


    ¡°Mr Nichs¡± I yelled as all eyes turned to me but I didn¡¯t care. I didn¡¯t know what to do and I desperately needed his attention. He paused on his track and turned slowly as his cold and piercing gaze fell on me. I swallowed hard and anxiously, avoiding his eyes. ¡°I can help you¡± I uttered the first thing that came to my mind.


    Mr Nichs chuckled and that chuckle instantly turned into a loudughter and I instantly felt embarrassed. I didn¡¯t know why he wasughing or what I might have said that amused him. ¡°You?¡± He said, looking at me in disgust from head to toe ¡°Help me? Who do you think you¡¯re¡±


    Mr Nichs walked up to where I stood and his presence caused chills to run down my spine. I gathered courage and rushed my words without looking at him ¡°I know you need help with keeping yourpany and I can help with that¡±


    His amused and piercing look instantly turned serious and he took a quick look at me again from head to toe ¡°Bring her in¡± he said as he walked back to the VIP room he earlier walked out of.


    I fumbled with my fingers nervously as I walked behind Nichs with the two gentlemen I saw discussing earlier. ¡°Where did you hear that from?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that matters now. What matters now is that_¡± I couldn¡¯tplete my statement when he interrupted me.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Answer me¡± His sharp and distant voice sounded loudly in the room.


    ¡°I¡­. I heard it from some men¡± I responded.


    I could feel Mr Nichs¡¯s gaze on the two young men I heard talking earlier and I instantly felt pity for them.


    ¡°Leave us¡± he ordered and in less than two seconds, no one was in the room except me and him.


    He rose to his feet, his back facing me as he seemed to be thinking about something. I started checking him out and I must say I was stunned. I looked at him in awe as I stared at the drop-dead gorgeous and charming young man in front of me. He was alluring with his broad shoulders and gorgeous blue eyes.


    ¡°Are you done staring¡± his question jolted me back to reality and Iposed myself.


    ¡°I can help you,¡± I said, not knowing what to say to hide my embarrassment.


    ¡°Help with what?¡± His voice asked.


    ¡± I know you need a woman and I can help you with that. We could have an agreement and nobody would know it was nned¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a woman just so you know. What I need is someone I could fake a marriage with and have mypany all to myself. Can you do that?¡± I nodded my head in agreement ¡± I need words¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can¡± I responded instantly.


    ¡°And what do you want? What¡¯s your gain in all these? Surely there must be something you want from all these¡± He asked curious to know why this whole n.


    ¡°Yes I want something in return,¡± I said


    ¡°Just as I suspected,¡± he said, raising his eyebrows as he took a seat and folded his arms on his chest, staring at. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it?¡± I instantly proceeded to take the seat opposite him and had sessfully achieved that when his words made me freeze on my spot ¡± And who told you to sit?¡±


    I was speechless as I stared at this man in shock. My back was arching and my legs hurt from standing but I just tolerated him and gently stood up from the seat. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that¡±


    ¡°Speak,¡± he said.


    ¡°I want a ce where I and my child would be protected. I want my child to grow knowing he has a father and a mother.¡± I started sadly as memories of everything that had happened for thest few days flooded my mind.


    For a few seconds, he looked at me suspiciously. The silence was what apanied my ears and then his gaze went to my stomach ¡°Are you pregnant¡±. His eyes looked at my stomach as he made this statement out of the blue.


    ¡°Yes I am¡± I responded quietly.


    ¡°What!¡± He eximed ¡± And you want me to take care of your child?¡± My world came crashing down at his words. I felt like a failure and my face dropped.


    ¡°Yes please¡± I whispered sadly as tears began gathering in my eyes. ¡°I just need to provide a good life for my child¡±


    ¡°Then you would have thought of that before opening your legs for any random piece of shit and allowing that bastard in your womb toe into this world¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what came over me but the next thing I knew, my right palm came in contact with his left cheek. My eyes widened in realization as fear instantly gripped me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t mean to_¡±  I uttered but he interrupted instantly.

 Chapter 4 – A huge mess

    NICHOLAS POV


    ¡°How dare you¡± I asked, ring at the blonde-haireddy whose hands were trembling by her side and looked stunned by what she just did.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know what came over me and I _¡±


    ¡°Get out of my presence and never show yourself to me again¡± I didn¡¯t let her finish her sentence when I cut her short.


    Tears began rushing down her cheeks as she stared at me in shock ¡°Are you telling me to leave¡± her voice trembling slightly.


    I didn¡¯t reply to her but took instant action ¡°Luke¡± I called out loudly as I sat on the empty seat meant for me.


    ¡± you called sir¡± Luke hurried into the VIP room, looking at me and the cryingdy with me.


    ¡°Take this pigass out of my sight before I lose it,¡± I said, breathing rapidly to control myself from exploding.


    ¡°Please sir, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t intend to annoy you. I just lost control of myself and got angry¡± She went on her knees as she tried to reach out to me but I took several steps from her, ring at her hands in disgust.


    ¡°Getting angry for telling the truth? Isn¡¯t it true? You opened your filthy legs and now you¡¯re looking for someone to take responsibility for the result of opening your legs¡± I stated furiously.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not the truth. Yes I¡¯m looking for someone to take responsibility for my child because I won¡¯t be able to give my child the life it deserves but I never opened my for just anyone to_¡± she said but I cut her off again


    ¡°You know what, just get out,¡± I said, tired of her voice that kept pissing me off and I moved my gaze to Luke ¡°Get her out of here now¡± I ordered and Luke instantly forced her to stand on her feet and ushered her out of the room.     LATE IN THE NIGHT


    ¡°Sir, Mr. Greg is here to see you,¡± the maid rushed to me the moment she saw me stepping out of the car. I had just arrived home and couldn¡¯t seem to forget the p that the blondedy gave me


    ¡°Tell him I¡¯m not home¡± I instructed the housemaid coldly and she rushed out of my sight.


    I stepped into the house and sniffed in the air that filled my nostrils. The aromaing from the kitchen was the only thing calming my nerves.


    ¡°Brother brother dearest brother¡± My eyes snapped open as I heard the one voice I wasn¡¯t really in the mood to hear. ¡°Nice to see you again after ourst heated argument¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked coldly, disying my anger for his sudden presence in my house and furrowing my eyebrows


    ¡°Hey bro chill,¡± he said ¡°I just came to ask you how far you¡¯ve gone in finding the bride who¡¯s going to help you remain as CEO ¡± I looked at Greg and saw a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Are you trying to mock me?¡± I asked, my jaw clenched as I red at my young brother whom I¡¯ve never considered family.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I¡¯m just here to ask if your search for a bride is going smoothly or if will I end up taking over your seat¡± Greg uttered, a broad mocking smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°Hear me very clearly. Dad wrote in his will that I take over hispany and that seat will never belong to anyone except me¡± I walked closer to Greg and stared at him deep in the eye ¡°I will look for a bride in two months and keep my seat in thatpany. You will never be the CEO of Sterlings Group. You will just be a side thing just like your mother¡± I uttered, not breaking eye contact.


    I could see his clenched fist and I was happy that I wasn¡¯t the only one who was going to leave this ce pissed.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°My mother is not a side thing¡± I could hear the rage in his voice and I knew my words pierced his heart but I didn¡¯t care. He suddenly smiled and looked at me ¡°Well brother, I¡¯m sorry to be the one to break this to you but the board of directors is no longer giving you two months but a month¡± Greg¡¯s words made a frown appear on my face.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, annoyed but just then my phone rang in my right hand, and looking at that caller¡¯s ID, I saw Mr Karl appear on the screen.


    Greg also saw the caller¡¯s ID and smiled devilishly ¡°Why don¡¯t you find out from the call. See you in one month¡¯s time brother¡± he said as he walked out of my house with his hands in his pocket.


    ¡°Hello Mr Karl¡±


    ¡°Nichs I have something to tell you¡± I frowned when I heard his statement.


    ¡°What is it¡± I asked, a part of my heart hoping what Greg said wasn¡¯t true.


    ¡°You have only a month to get married or lose thepany to_¡± I didn¡¯t wait for Mr. Karl to finish speaking when I smashed the phone angrily on the floor and matched it with my shoes until it was unrecognizable.


    ¡°Luke, where is Luke?¡± I asked, turning around to find my bodyguards all standing and staring forward.


    ¡°He is outside, sir¡± Felix responded.


    ¡°Call him now¡± I ordered, my voice soundingmanding and urgent. Felix rushed outside and in no time, came back in with Luke behind him.


    ¡°Sir you called for_¡±


    ¡°Find her and bring her here,¡± I said, interrupting his speech.


    ¡°What? Who?¡± He asked confusingly.


    ¡°The blondedy of today¡± his eyes popped as he stared at me in shock.


    ¡°But sir, it¡¯s veryte and I don¡¯t think it¡¯s going to be possible to find her tonight. I can¡¯t even go back to the restaurant because I¡¯m sure they¡¯re closed by now¡± heined.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Find her and bring her to me¡± I ordered sternly.

 Chapter 5 – A lie

    MONICA POV


    THE NEXT DAY


    my stomach growled as I looked at the cakes from the opposite side of the street. They looked delicious and I craved to have a taste but I knew that wasn¡¯t going to be possible.


    I had a chance of making my life better yesterday and I messed things up. I regret everything. I regret not going to college, I regret marrying Ethan, and I regret ever trusting Mia.


    Remembering everything that happened fee says back just made tears gather in my eyes ¡°No Monica, you don¡¯t have to cry for that asshole. He doesn¡¯t deserve you¡± I muttered under my breath but my eyes and heart seemed to disagree with what my lips were saying.


    I¡¯m grateful that I¡¯m wearing a hoodie that can cover my face so no one can see that I¡¯m crying. I walked to a corner and rested my head on the wall as I sobbed heavily. I just couldn¡¯t control myself and my emotions were all over the ce. ¡°I¡¯m a failure¡± I muttered to myself, using myself of not being able to convince Mr Nichs to ept my proposal.


    ¡°Hey you¡± I heard a sharp voice from across the street and I looked over the road to find the same man who took me out of the restaurant yesterday calling out to me but my heart began racing in fear.


    I took three steps backward and I hit a hard wall or so I thought ¡°Ouch¡± I turned around to see a huge tall man standing and looking at me ¡°What do you want from me?¡± I asked in a panic, seeing I was caged by two men in an empty street.


    ¡°Come with us¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked, crossing my hands in an X pattern on my chest intending to defend myself.


    ¡°Because Mr Nichs wants to see you¡± his response made a glimpse of Hope flick in my eyes.     ¡°Sir she is here¡± I heard the man announce the instant we entered into a huge well well-furnished study.


    ¡°Leave us¡± I heard Mr Nichs¡¯s deep voice and for some strange reason, it sent chills down my spine. I looked at his eyes and his piercing gaze just made my hands tremble slightly. I instantly hid my hands behind my back so he didn¡¯t notice my hands shaking. ¡°Sit down¡± he ordered and I instantlyplied.


    He brought out a paper and pushed it towards me.¡±what¡¯s this?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°Read it¡± he replied and I instantly began to read it and my eyes popped out at the words on the paper. ¡°A contract?¡± I asked surprisingly.


    ¡°You will not share the same bed with me. You will not share the same room with me. You will not interfere in anything I do in this house. Don¡¯t try to act like a good wife because your duty here is to pretend to be my wife and my baby¡¯s mother. The child you¡¯re carrying will be mine. I¡¯m responsible for this child till when he is old but I¡¯m not responsible for you¡±


    ¡°But that is impossible. You can¡¯t_¡± I tried to say something but he just cut me short.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done talking,¡± he said and I instantly fell silent. ¡°I will only be responsible for you as long as you¡¯re pregnant but once that baby is out, I¡¯m no longer responsible for you but the baby. That child will be mine forever and everyone will know it as my child¡±


    ¡°So what if you get married or something ¡± I asked, trying to understand him clearly.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I have no intentions of marrying anyone in forty years so iming your baby as my child is a very big advantage to me¡± he responded. ¡°The contract is just for a year and after one year, we¡¯re out of each other¡¯s life for good¡±


    I read through the contract carefully and I saw something that made me almost jump for joy ¡°Thirty thousand dors a month?¡± I asked in shock, trying to contain my happiness.


    He smirked ¡°Thirty thousand dors as long as you¡¯re pregnant with that child¡±


    My smile instantly dropped as I looked at the paper again and realized he was saying facts. I continued reading the paper and got bored of reading it so I just sighed in the space that needed my signature and handed the paper over to him.


    ¡°Good so now let¡¯s go to the hospital¡± Mr Nichs¡¯s words made me frown slightly as I couldn¡¯t understand what we were going to the hospital for.     ¡°Okay, Mr Nichs the results are out¡± I heard the doctor as he reached out to Mr Nichs with a neatly folded white paper in his hand.


    ¡°Open it¡± Mr Nichs ordered with a serious gaze.


    ¡°Sir I think it will be preferable if you opened it yourself¡± The doctor¡¯s constant curious gaze towards me made me ufortable as I shifted in my seat.


    ¡°Open it or lose your job¡± Nichs¡¯s response made the doctor¡¯s eyes widenened as he instantly retracted his hands and opened the folded paper.


    ¡°Mr. Nichs, ording to the test carried out on_¡± He looked at me and didn¡¯t know what to say but turned the paper and looked at my name ¡± on Ms Monica, the result shows negative¡± My heart instantly stopped beating as the world around me seemed to pause.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Mr. Nichs asked his eyes brows already furrowing


    ¡°It means she is not pregnant sir ¡°Nichs¡¯s gazended on me and it suddenly felt cold in the room. I started shaking like someone who was poured a bucket of cold water.


    ¡°Exin yourself¡± he ordered and I just fumbled with my hands as confusion took over my mind.


    ¡°I_I I don¡¯t understand what he is saying¡± I blurted out slowly.


    ¡°He said you¡¯re not pregnant. Is that true?¡± Mr Nichs clenched his fist and I knew he was just trying to keep himself from exploding.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not true. You have to believe me, sir. I¡¯m pregnant¡± I uttered with uncertainty. The test result from Jason showed I was two months gone and now, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on but I knew that this new piece of information wasn¡¯t going to favour me.

 Chapter 6 – A safe place

    NICHOLAS POV


    I could see her trembling and I wondered if I¡¯d been yed all along. ¡°So this was your n, right? You just signed the contract and pretended to be pregnant right?¡± I red at her as she avoided my gaze in every way possible.


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t do any of these. I¡¯m pregnant and I¡¯m sure of it¡±


    ¡°Then how do you exin the result?¡± I asked furiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but I¡¯m surprised and shocked as you,¡± she replied and began sobbing in front of me.


    ¡°That¡¯s all you do. Cry like someone is beating you¡± I yelled as I rose to my feet in anger and paced up and down the room and she instantly went mute but still sobbed silently.


    The silence in the doctor¡¯s office was very deafening and I looked over at the doctor who shifted ufortably in his seat. I knew he wasn¡¯tfortable with the silence and dead stare I kept throwing his way.


    ¡°You¡± I pointed at him and walked towards him. ¡°If I ever find out that this result is false, keep in mind that you will lose your job¡± I warned with a firm tone, maintaining strong eye contact with him


    ¡°Get up and let¡¯s go¡± I ordered thedy who still wasn¡¯t done crying as I stormed to the door and walked out of the doctor¡¯s office.     ¡°Take those clothes off and leave,¡± I said the moment I entered my house. No one deceives me and goes Scott-free.


    ¡°What!¡± She eximed in shock.


    ¡°Go upstairs, wear those rags you first wore when you came to my house, drop these clothes you wore to the hospital, and leave¡± I ordered again and walked out on her but what I didn¡¯t expect was her next action.


    ¡°Please sir, you have to believe me. I¡¯m not lying about being pregnant and I never lied¡± She grabbed my leg tightly and that halted my movement.


    ¡°Get your filthy hands off my pants,¡± I said with an ear-piercing scream but she just held me tighter.


    ¡°Please just listen to me. I¡¯m not lying¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for any exnation and I don¡¯t need your exnation. Leave my house¡± I said but she still didn¡¯t let me go ¡°Are you deaf or something? Are my words too difficult to understand ¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anywhere to go. This is the only safe ce for me and my child. Please don¡¯t do this. I promise to do anything you want but don¡¯t throw me out please¡± Her words melted my angry side a little and I looked at her in pity.


    If she wasn¡¯t pregnant, she wouldn¡¯t have wanted to talk to me in the first ce and if she was lying, she wouldn¡¯t have had that confidence to follow me to the hospital. Judging from the first ce I saw her, she may have nowhere to go   I thought in my mind and I made a huge decision that I won¡¯t be making on a normal day but she just seemed to get my sympathy.


    ¡°You can stay here until I¡¯m tired of seeing your face¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much. Thank you¡± Her loud and rough voice made me realize that she was crying all this while and might have even stained my pants with her tears. This made me instantly shake my legs violently from her grip and just as I thought, her wet tears were all over my sky blue pants.


    ¡°Don¡¯te close to me again and for the thank you, you¡¯re wee. Know that you won¡¯t be staying in my house for free. You will work as long as you¡¯re staying under my roof¡± I further exined and I could see her puffy blue eyes stare at me in confusion.


    ¡°But I¡¯m pregnant and can¡¯t do heavy jobs like_¡± she uttered.


    ¡°And who is talking about doing heavy jobs?¡± I asked, cutting her words short. ¡°Don¡¯t forget you promised to do anything I want¡±


    ¡°So what do you want?¡± She asked as she nervously yed with her fingers.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet but when I think of something, I¡¯ll let you know but for now, anything I tell you to do, you do without questioning me. Is that understood?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes sir¡± I smiled at her reply and I can¡¯t lie how it feels good to be in control.


    ¡°Firstly, we have to cancel the contract¡± I saw her face drop in sadness and that made me frown. ¡°Why that look? I¡¯m not the one who lied about being pregnant¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie about _¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it¡± I uttered instantly, interrupting her from speaking any further. ¡°Go to your room and when I need you, I¡¯ll call you¡±     ¡°Permit me to ask a question¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked Anthony who sat at my right-hand side in my study.


    ¡°Why are you canceling the contract and how do you intend to look for a better way to keep thepany and prevent it from going to Greg¡¯s hands¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still thinking of a better way but be rest assured that I¡¯ll never allow my stepbrother to take over my father¡¯spany,¡± I said confidently.


    ¡°But you do know that he is also your father¡¯s son¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that. He and his mother are the reason Dad left me and Mum. My mother died of a heart attack when she realized that my Dad had another bastard son somewhere. I can¡¯t forgive Greg and his mother for_¡±


    ¡°You called me sir¡± The blonde-haireddy walked into the room, interrupting me and Anthony¡¯s discussion and that pissed me so much.


    ¡°Let this be a strong warning that should be printed in your brain. Never you walk into my room without knocking again¡± I uttered coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that sir¡± she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper but I heard her.


    ¡°Mrs Knight¡± Anthony uttered in shock as he looked at thedy who also stared back at him in shock. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°You two know each other?¡± I asked as I stared at Anthony who stared at the blondedy in shock but something clicked in my brain and Anthony words rang continuously in my mind. ¡°Mrs Knight? Wait, she is married?¡± I thought to myself.

 Chapter 7 – Another test

    MONICA¡¯S POV


    ¡°Mrs Knight? You¡¯re married?¡± Mr Nichs asked as he stared at me in shock and disbelief.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not¡± I quickly responded to Mr Nichs then looked at Anthony who wore a confused look ¡°I¡¯m here so I can survive¡± I responded to Anthony whose frown deepened.


    ¡°Survive? I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re trying to say, Ms Ethan. Last time I saw you, you were in the mansion with Mr Ethan and we all had dinner together¡±


    ¡°Yes that¡¯s true but I and Ethan are no longer together. We are now divorced¡± I responded to Anthony who was my ex-husband¡¯swyer


    ¡°What! What the heck happened?¡± Anthony asked and I knew this was going to be a long discussion.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were married?¡± Mr Nichs asked and I rolled my eyes instantly.


    ¡°You never asked and you never allowed me to exin myself besides I¡¯m not married. I¡¯m now a divorcee¡± I said again with rity.


    Anthony looked at Mr Nichs and me interchangeably and his eyes instantly widened ¡°Is she the woman you said you prepared this contract for?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ¡± Mr Nichs replied.


    ¡°That means¡­ That means she is pregnant¡± Anthony said in a loud voice and with the expression he had on his face, I could tell that realization had just hit his brain.


    ¡°Yes, I am¡± I responded and went closer to the table ¡°You called me,¡± I said to Mr Nichs, trying to remind him that he called me earlier on.


    ¡°So you¡¯re the wife of Ethan Knight whom no one knew of,¡± Nichs asked, trying to


    ¡°Ex-wife of Ethan Knight ¡± I corrected. Ethan always advised me to stay indoors. He said he didn¡¯t want me to be exposed to cameras and because of that, many didn¡¯t know that I was his wife. I never followed him to parties, conferences, meetings, and even balls.


    Everyone knew he was married because of the ring on his finger and he confirmed it in an interview but no one knew I was his wife except the maids, bodyguards,wyer Anthony, and his best friend and family doctor Jason.


    ¡°Why are you canceling the contract? This is a good opportunity for you¡± Anthony asked Mr Nichs and they just discussed as if I wasn¡¯t there


    ¡°How is this good for me?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°She is pregnant and no one knows she was once married to Ethan. You im her baby as yours and everyone will buy your story of falling in love with her and once you marry her pretentiously, no one will ask questions because no one knows her¡± Anthony exined and I had a strong urge to hug him and thank him but I justposed myself.


    Mr Nichs fell silent like he was deep in thought. I prayed silently within me that he would change his mind. ¡°But we both went to the hospital and the doctor examined her and the result stated that she wasn¡¯t pregnant¡±


    ¡°You have to believe me, Anthony. I¡¯m pregnant but I don¡¯t know how the result from the hospital turned out negative. I¡¯m sure I¡¯m pregnant but Mr Nichs just doesn¡¯t want to believe me or listen to what I have to say.


    ¡°I know Mrs Knight very well and I can tell you that if she says she¡¯s pregnant then she is. No one knows her and no one knows she¡¯s pregnant. This is an easy way for you to keep thepany so I strongly advise you to take it¡± Anthony said.


    ¡°You¡¯re right about that. No one knows her and that means no one will ask silly questions about why I took someone else¡¯s wife but what if her ex-husbandes back and says he wants custody of his child?¡± Mr. Nichs asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem ¡± I uttered hastily ¡°he doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m pregnant and I couldn¡¯t tell him because I found him in bed with my housekeeper¡±


    ¡°Mia?¡± Anthony asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes Mia,¡± I said sadly.


    ¡°So that means Ethan your ex has no idea about this baby¡±


    ¡°No he doesn¡¯t¡± he responded.


    ¡°This seems to be very interesting. It seems like the universe is strongly on your side Nichs so don¡¯t waste this opportunity¡± Anthony uttered, sighing as he rxed further into his chair.


    ¡°Okay I¡¯m only going to do this onest time and if the result is the same, then I¡¯m kicking her out of my house and that¡¯s final¡± Mr Nichs¡¯s words made him swallow hard.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she is lying either. I advise we go to another doctor in another hospital ¡± Anthony suggested.


    ¡°Certainly ¡± Mr Nichs agreed and I rushed to give Anthony a warm hug. I just couldn¡¯t contain my excitement.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee and this is nothing. I just want my best friend to keep mepany. That¡¯s all¡± Anthony said and my smile faded slowly.


    ¡°Best friend?¡± I chuckled while asking ¡°This man is your best friend? How the hell do you cope with his cold attitude¡± I uttered mistakenly and my eyes widened when I realized what I just heard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I quickly uttered as I looked at Mr Nichs whose eyebrows were deeply frowned.


    Mr Nichs didn¡¯t respond but stood up and stormed out of the study. I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me he was angry.     ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping you waiting Mr Nichs and I¡¯m happy to have you visit our hospital. It¡¯s an honor to have you here¡± The doctor who wore a huge pair of sses uttered as he walked into the room.


    ¡°Get straight to the point. You¡¯re wasting my time¡± Mr. Nichs¡¯s reply did nothing but wipe off the smile on the doctor¡¯s lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir¡± he apologized and his apology made me frown. Everyone just respected Mr Nichs even with his arrogant and rude attitude and it pisses me off. ¡°ording to the test conducted on Ms. Monica, the result here shows that_¡± The doctor¡¯s speech was cut short by the loud ringing of Mr Nichs¡¯ phone and I wanted nothing more than to take the phone out of his ear and smash it on the wall.


    This result was more important than the stupid call he was about to make. I watched him carefully and his eyes kept on looking at my stomach and I knew this call involved me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± he said the instant the call ended and ced the phone in his pocket.


    ¡°What! Why? You haven¡¯t heard what the doctor is about to say¡± I asked, rushing my words as fear gripped me. This was my only chance to prove I was pregnant but he just didn¡¯t want to listen to the doctor about the result.


    Going home now meant we weren¡¯t going to listen to what the doctor had to say and that wasn¡¯t a good sign at all. I wasn¡¯t going to let this second chance go and I¡¯m determined to make sure Mr Nichs listens to the doctor.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I just received a phone call from Doctor us that your result was switched with someone who had the same first name as you so now I believe you and there¡¯s no need to listen to what Doctor Thomas has to say¡±


    A sudden smile broke out of my lips as all my worries, dear, and anxiousness evaporated in an instant. Tears gathered in my eyes as this sudden good news rang in my ears. This was the best news since I left Ethan and all thanks to Anthony who convinced his devil of a best friend to take another test.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, holding his hands tightly and he smiled back and that surprised me greatly. ¡°I never knew you had a charming smile,¡± I said and his smile dropped instantly and he forcefully took his hands off my grip.


    ¡°If you¡¯re willing tost long in my house and continue this contract then I suggest you learn to control your mouth¡± His wordsced with anger and I knew this was a warning.

 Chapter 8 – Words of encouragement

    Monica¡¯s POV


    Returning from the hospital, a mix of relief and anxiety surged through me. While the positive result of my pregnancy was a victory, Nichs¡¯s mood swings left me anxious. I had to look at this carefully, especially for my unborn child¡¯s sake.


    As we entered the mansion, the realization of my new surroundings struck me again. But I couldn¡¯t dwell on it. I had to ensure this arrangement worked, no matter what. This was a chance I wasn¡¯t ready to let go.


    ¡°Monica,¡± Nichs uttered as he headed towards his study. His tone is calm but carries an edge ofmand. ¡°We need to discuss the next steps. Meet me in the study in ten minutes.¡±


    I nodded, watching him disappear down the hallway after taking the stairs. I knew this was more of a business arrangement for him, but it wasn¡¯t the same for me. It was more of a life preparation for myself and the baby.


    Remembering that I was instructed to meet him in his study, I quickly took the stairs, two at a time as I prayed quietly in my heart that I wasn¡¯tte.


    Nichs sat behind hisrge wooden desk, drumming his fingers as I entered. He motioned with his hands for me to sit, his gaze piercing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made arrangements for you to be publicly introduced as my fiancee in tomorrow¡¯s meeting,¡± he said, getting straight to the point. ¡°There¡¯s a charity ging up soon and we¡¯ll attend together. This will solidify our story leaving no room for doubt¡±


    ¡°Publicly introduced?¡± I echoed the reality of our agreement sinking deeper. ¡°But what if someone recognizes me from my past life with Ethan?¡±


    ¡°Unlikely,¡± Nichs responded, dismissing my concern. ¡°You¡¯ve been out of the public eye. No one knows you and that is a big advantage for me¡±


    I nodded, my mind racing. This was happening fast. But before I could voice any more concerns, the study door burst open.


    ¡°So what did the result say?¡± Anthony eximed as he burst into the room, taking a loud bite from the apple in his hand. The crisp sound echoed, and I couldn¡¯t help but notice Nichs¡¯s eyebrows slowlying together in a deep frown.


    Nichs turned his re towards Anthony, his voice dripping with irritation. ¡°Who gave you the right to go into the fridge and take what¡¯s mine?¡± His fists clenched as his eyes shed with anger. ¡°What are you still doing here?¡±


    Anthony, seemingly oblivious to the tension, continued to chew on the apple, savoring each bite. He nced at Nichs, then back at me, and leaned in ¡°That¡¯s how he is whenever someone takes his apples,¡± Anthony whispered in my ear, his tone light and teasing. ¡°Apples are his favorite.¡±


    ¡°Anthony,¡± Nichs¡¯s voice was low and dangerous, a clear warning that his patience was wearing thin. ¡°I won¡¯t warn you again. Put the apple down.¡±


    Anthony finally turned to face Nichs fully, the mischievous glint in his eye not fading. ¡°Rx, Nichs,¡± he said, holding up the apple as if in a toast. ¡°It¡¯s just an apple.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Nichs took a deep breath, visibly struggling to maintain hisposure. His eyes locked onto Anthony¡¯s, and the room seemed to shrink around us. The tension was almost palpable, and I found myself holding my breath, waiting for one of them to break the silence.


    In an attempt to diffuse the situation, I quickly stepped in. ¡°Anthony, perhaps we should focus on the results,¡± I suggested, trying to steer the conversation back to our main discussion.


    Anthony nodded, taking onest bite of the apple before setting it down on the nearest table. ¡°You¡¯re right, Monica. So, what did the results say?¡± he repeated, his tone now more serious.


    Nichs exhaled slowly, unclenching his fists. He gave Anthony onest stern look before turning his attention back to me. ¡°The results confirmed that Monica is indeed pregnant,¡± he said, his voice still carrying an edge of irritation but now mixed with a note of resignation.


    Anthony¡¯s face lit up with genuine happiness and I couldn¡¯t help but smile broadly ¡°That¡¯s great news!¡± he eximed, all traces of his earlier mischief gone. ¡°Congrattions, Monica.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, relieved that the focus was now on the positive news.


    Nichs, still visibly annoyed, gave a curt nod. ¡°Just make sure you stay professional from now on. You know the rules and you just found out about one which says no touching of Nichs apples¡± he said, his gaze lingering on Anthony for a moment longer before turning away.


    As Anthony and I exchanged a knowing look, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of amusement. Despite the tension, it was clear that Anthony had his unique way of lightening the mood, even if it did involve pushing Nichs¡¯s buttons.


    I find it amusing that Anthony and Nichs are best friends. Their previous argument some minutes ago about an apple did nothing but make me chuckle as I imagined what it would feel like to watch my kids argue over something that simple.


    ¡°Your room is at the end of the hallway and far from mine. I love peace and quietness and I won¡¯t tolerate any form of noise from you. The noise Anthony makes in this house is already enough and I won¡¯t bear it if you also constitute more nuisance.¡± Nichs rose to his feet as he adjusted his sleeve and walked out of the room, leaving both me and Anthony alone I¡¯m his study.


    ¡°I¡¯m sometimes a pain in his ass but also an asset to him,¡± Anthony said. ¡°I¡¯m happy everything went well,¡± Anthony said, sighing in relief.


    ¡°Better, thanks to you,¡± I replied, feeling a warmth of gratitude. Nichs wouldn¡¯t have listened to me and I¡¯m grateful to him for showing up at the perfect time ¡°But I¡¯m worried about the meeting.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Anthony reassured. ¡°Just remember why you¡¯re doing this. You¡¯re stronger than you think.¡±


    His words built up my courage. I needed to focus on the bigger picture-securing a future for my child.

 Chapter 9 – heated argument

    Nichs POV


    THE NEXT DAY


    NICHOLAS¡¯S POV


    The tension in the boardroom was noticeable. Mr. Benjamin¡¯s incessant drumming on the table echoed in the silence. The other directors watched me expectantly, their eyes boring into me with thinly veiled impatience.


    ¡°So where is she?¡± Mr. Benjamin repeated, his toneced with irritation. The sternness in his voice made it clear that he wouldn¡¯t tolerate much more dy.


    I forced a calm smile and stood, trying to hide my own growing anxiety mixed with anger ¡°A minute, please,¡± I said, excusing myself. I walked to the far side of the room, my back turned to the directors and pulled out my phone. Monica should have been here twenty minutes ago. I had made it clear how crucial this meeting was, but there was no sign of her. Sweat began to bead on my forehead as I imagined the repercussions of her not showing up.


    I dialed her number, my fingers trembling slightly and that was when it dawned on me. I haven¡¯t given her a phone yet.  ¡°Monica, where are you? You need to be here now,¡± I whispered urgently to no one, trying to keep my voice steady.


    I took a deep breath, ncing back at the board members. They were watching me, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. I couldn¡¯t let them see my fear.


    As I returned to the table, I tried to think of a way to stall for more time. ¡°Gentlemen, I apologize for the dy. Monica had an urgent matter to attend to, but she will be here shortly,¡± I lied, hoping to buy a few more minutes.


    Mr. Karl raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. ¡°This better not be another one of your stunts, Nichs. We¡¯re not here to y games. You said you¡¯ve found someone you were willing to get married to and we all agreed to this meeting but here we are with no one present¡±


    Just as I was about to respond, the door to the boardroom opened, and Monica walked in. My heart lifted with a mix of relief and surprise. She looked stunning in a bodycon blue cooperate gown, yet an elegant outfit that exuded confidence. Her eyes met mine, and I could see a flicker of apology in them.


    ¡°Sorry I¡¯mte,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°There was an unexpected dy.¡±


    The director¡¯s eyes followed her as she moved to stand beside me. I saw their expressions shift from skepticism to intrigue and I couldn¡¯t help but feel proud of how things were going.


    Monica had a natural presence thatmanded attention, and I knew this was our chance to turn things around. Monica stered a kiss on my cheeks and I couldn¡¯t help but stare at her in shock but I was quick to regain myposure. That wasn¡¯t part of the n but I knew she was doing this to convince the directors.


    ¡°Monica,¡± I said, cing a reassuring hand on her waist ¡°This is Mr. Karl, the head of the board, and our other esteemed directors.¡±


    She nodded respectfully to each of them, her demeanor professional. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for your patience.¡±


    Mr. Paul gave a curt nod. ¡°Nice to meet you too dear. You look stunning¡± I red at Mr paul who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Monica¡¯s body as I felt possessive of Monica.


    We took our seats, and I could feel the tension easing slightly. Monica¡¯s presence seemed to have a calming effect on the room.


    ¡°So what do you do dear?¡± Mr Paul¡¯s question caught us both off guard as I and Monica looked at each other, waiting for the other to utter a word.


    ¡°Nothing sir¡± Her reply didn¡¯t go well with the directors and I felt like pping my forehead.


    ¡°Nothing? What do you mean by nothing? How do you take care of yourself if you don¡¯t do anything?¡± Monica bit her lips as she anxiously yed with her finger under the table.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t employed because she relies on me full time. She is one of my ythings¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see¡± Mr John raised an eyebrow as she looked intently at Monica whose face was down.


    ¡°So you couldn¡¯t find any other woman. You decided you wanted to be with a whore? Do you think that is what your father would want? To have a whore as a daughter-inw or are you just doing this just so you could keep thepany?¡± Mr. Benjamin¡¯s voice was dripping with disdain, each wordced with a venomous mix of contempt and incredulity.


    I felt a surge of anger rises within me, but I forced myself to remain calm. ¡°Mr. Benjamin, please show some respect,¡± I said through gritted teeth. ¡°Monica is not what you think she is and she is pregnant with my child. She¡¯s intelligent and capable of being the next firstdy of thispany¡± I instantly regretted saying Monica was my whore. I never thought they were going to ask these many questions.


    ¡°Pregnant?¡± Mr Paul asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes. She is pregnant with my child. I had nned on making things work with Ang when Monica told me that she was expecting my child and I knew this was my father¡¯s way of letting me know that thispany is meant to be mine¡±


    Mr. Benjamin scoffed, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. ¡± I can¡¯t believe my ears. you¡¯ve brought this¡­ this disgrace into our midst? Your father built thispany from the ground up, and you¡¯re tarnishing his legacy by getting married to one of your ythings.¡± His words made me realize once more that I should have thought of a better way of introducing Monica than saying she was one of the women I randomly slept with.


    Monica, sitting beside me, remained stoic, her eyes fixed on Mr. Benjamin. I could see the hurt and anger shing in her eyes, but she didn¡¯t flinch.


    Mr. Benjamin¡¯s gaze shifted to Monica, his expression hardening. ¡°And what about you, Monica? What do you have to say for yourself? Do you think you¡¯re fit to be part of thispany, let alone this family?¡±


    Monica lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on. ¡°I¡¯m not here to justify my worth to you,¡± she said, her voice clear and unwavering. ¡°I¡¯m here because I am carrying the future heir of the Sterlings group. I never wanted this to be my fate but as soon as I figured out that I was pregnant, I knew the man responsible had to know about his baby¡±


    ¡°And how do we know you¡¯re not making all these up? We are talking about the richest and youngest billionaire in the country and women will kill to have his baby. How sure are we that the child is his? How sure are we that you aren¡¯t just here for his money¡± Mr John questioned, his piercing gaze not leaving Monica as he stared at her like an investigating officer.


    Mr. Benjamin snorted, clearly unimpressed. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that. But know this, Nichs: if anything goes wrong, it won¡¯t just be your reputation you¡¯re destroying. It¡¯ll be your father¡¯s legacy, too.¡±


    I felt a pang of guilt at his words, but I pushed it aside. ¡°I won¡¯t fail,¡± I said firmly. ¡°We won¡¯t fail.¡±


    With a final disgusting look at Monica, Mr. Benjamin turned on his heel and walked out of the room, leaving us standing there in the aftermath of the discussion. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked Monica, turning to her.


    She nodded, though I could see the strain in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said softly. ¡°But we have a lot of work to do.¡±


    ¡°We do,¡± I agreed.


    ¡°Nichs ¡± Mr Karl called and I shifted my gaze to him. He stared at me deeply and then shifted his gaze to Monica ¡°Are you sure this is the woman you¡¯re willing to spend your life with?¡±


    ¡°Yes, uncle. She is already carrying my child and I can¡¯t just leave her like that. You all said I should find someone to get married to and have a child with and here she is¡±


    Mr Karl sighed and looked once more at Monica ¡°Don¡¯t make us regret this Nichs ¡± he uttered, his eyes not leaving Monica.

 Chapter 10 – Meeting him

    MONICA POV


    THREE DAYS LATER


    The days flew by in a blur of preparations for the charity g. My nerves were constantly on edge as I rehearsed every possible scenario in my head. The mansion, with its vast rooms and elegant decor, felt like a gilded cage. I knew this event would be a turning point, but the uncertainty of whaty ahead kept me awake at night.


    After much thought on what happened in the office some days ago, I knew that I had lots of work to do. Being engaged to a billionaire wasn¡¯t something anyone would just believe especially when I¡¯m someone no one knew of and I perfectly understood why those directors felt Nichs was stupid.


    The night of the g arrived sooner than I had hoped. As I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, adjusting the shimmering gown Nichs had provided, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of doubt. Could I pull this off? Pretending to be the loving fiancee and soon-to-be fake wife of a man who saw me as nothing more than a business arrangement?


    A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I opened it to find Nichs standing there, looking impossibly handsome in his tailored suit. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something softer in his gaze. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.


    ¡°Ready?¡± he asked, his voice neutral.


    ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be,¡± I replied, trying to mask my anxiety with a smile as we both took the stairs and made our way to the car.     The drive to the g was silent, the tension between us solid. As we arrived and stepped out of the car, the sh of cameras and the murmur of the crowd engulfed us. Nichs¡¯s hand found the small of my back, guiding me with a firm but gentle touch. The warmth of his hand was oddly reassuring.


    ¡°Remember what we discussed, if anyone asks you any sort of question that you know could get us in any form of trouble, all you have to do is speak harshly and walk out on them. Don¡¯t tell anyone anything¡± he instructed and I nodded my head in agreement.


    Inside, the ballroom was a dazzling disy of wealth and opulence. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the air was filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of sses. Nichs introduced me to several key figures, each exchange a test of my ability to y my role convincingly.


    But as the night progressed, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off. Something just didn¡¯t feel right and I had this strong gut feeling that this night wasn¡¯t going to be as smooth as we nned.


    ¡°Monica, are you all right?¡± Nichs¡¯s voice pulled me back to the present. His concern seemed genuine, but I couldn¡¯t be sure.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I lied, forcing a smile. ¡°Just a bit overwhelmed.¡±


    Nichs nodded, his eyes scanning the room. ¡°Let¡¯s get some fresh air.¡±


    We stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air a wee relief from the stifling atmosphere inside. The city lights twinkled below us, a stark contrast to the dark thoughts swirling in my mind.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Nichs asked, his tone softer than I had ever heard it. For a split second, I tried to read his facial expression to see what he might be thinking about or if he was genuinely concerned but his serious gaze just made me brush my thoughts aside.


    ¡°I just¡­ I feel like things might not go as nned,¡± I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.


    Nichs¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re safe with me.¡±


    Before I could respond, the balcony door opened, and Anthony stepped out, his usual mischievous grin reced by a look of concern.


    ¡°Nichs, we have a problem,¡± he said, his eyes darting towards me. ¡°Ethan is here.¡±


    My heart skipped a beat at the mention of my ex-husband¡¯s name. ¡°What? How? Why?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Anthony replied, his tone urgent. ¡°But he¡¯s here, and he¡¯s looking for you Nichs. We need to leave, now.¡±


    Nichs¡¯s grip on my arm tightened, his jaw set in determination. ¡°Stay close to me,¡± he instructed, leading me back inside.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    As we made our way through the crowded ballroom, I spotted Ethan across the room, his eyes locking onto mine with a look of surprise and anger. Panic surged through me, and I clutched Nichs¡¯s arm tighter.


    ¡°Keep walking,¡± Nichs murmured, his pace quickening.


    We reached the exit just as Ethan began making his way towards us, pushing through the crowd with a determined look on his face. My heart pounded in my chest as we stepped outside, the night air hitting my face like a ssh of cold water.


    ¡°Get in the car,¡± Nichs ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    ¡°Monica¡± Ethan¡¯s voice made me halt on my track and I stood frozen. ¡°What¡¯re you doing here?¡± He asked and I could feel Nichs cold re at me.


    ¡°And who do you think you¡¯re to ask questions?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me but I wasn¡¯t talking to you. I¡¯m talking to my good-for-nothing ex-wife¡± Ethan¡¯s words hurt me so much that tears began to gather in my eyes.


    I could feel Nichs¡¯ eyes on me but I was too weak to even look at him.¡±Very well said. Your ex-wife but my future firstdy. She is my fiancee you mother*****r¡±


    ¡°Your fiancee? This barren vessel is your fiancee? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Ethan said, his disbelief evident as he stared at me in astonishment. ¡°How did you do it, Monica? One day we¡¯re no longer together, and the next, you¡¯re engaged to an affluent man like Nichs?¡±


    ¡°Monica get in now¡± Nichs ordered coldly, ring at me and I instantly went inside the car. I knew that this was the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter in my life but I wasn¡¯t sure if I was prepared for it.

 Chapter 11 – Hurtful words

    Nichs POV


    I stormed out of the car and walked into the house angrily. ¡°Sir, dinner is ready and getting cold. Should I bring it to your-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry, Patricia,¡± I responded coldly to my cook as I took the stairs, my hands busy taking off my suit jacket.


    ¡°Nichs,¡± Monica called out from the bottom of the stairs, and I paused in my tracks. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± she asked, her voice uncertain and filled with anxiety.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Of course you did. I gave a simple instruction, but you decided to flout my order,¡± I turned, staring down at her with a piercing gaze.


    ¡°But I did everything you asked me to, Nichs,¡± she uttered, looking everywhere and avoiding my stern re.


    ¡°No, you did not. I asked you to get into the car so we could leave and avoid Ethan, but you stood there like a lost moron, gazing at him like a confused puppy,¡± I yelled, my voice echoing through the hall.


    ¡°What?¡± Monica eximed, her voice trembling as tears began to gather in her eyes. ¡°I¡­ I was just trying to-¡±


    ¡°Trying to what, Monica?!¡± I cut her off, my voice harsh and unyielding. ¡°Trying to let him find out about our arrangement? Trying to let him know you¡¯re pregnant? Do you have any idea what that could mean for both of us?¡±


    Monica¡¯s lip quivered as she struggled to hold back her tears. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to, Nichs. I was just¡­ I was overwhelmed. Seeing him again after all this time, I-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your feelings!¡± I snapped, my anger boiling over. ¡°This is a business arrangement, not some fairytale where you get to wallow in your emotions. You have to be smarter than this.¡±


    Her eyes widened in shock at my words, and she took a step back as if my anger physically pushed her. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that?¡± she shot back, her voice gaining strength despite her tears. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know what this is about? I¡¯m doing this for my baby, for our future. But it¡¯s not easy seeing the man who destroyed my life and having to pretend like nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°Then get over it!¡± I demanded, my patience wearing thin. ¡°If you can¡¯t handle this, then maybe you¡¯re not cut out for this arrangement.¡±


    Monica¡¯s tears finally spilled over, but she squared her shoulders, refusing to let me see her breakpletely. ¡°I am doing everything I can, Nichs. I¡¯m trying my best to keep up with your demands, but I need your support too. You can¡¯t just keep treating me like I¡¯m disposable.¡±


    ¡°Disposable?¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°You think this is about support? This is about survival. For you, for your baby, and mypany. There¡¯s no room for mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe if you showed a little morepassion, it would be easier to avoid mistakes,¡± she retorted, fire in her eyes now. ¡°I¡¯m not a machine, Nichs. I¡¯m a human being with feelings, and I¡¯m pregnant. I need more than just orders barked at me.¡±


    I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my temper in check. ¡°This isn¡¯t aboutpassion, Monica. This is about keeping Ethan in the dark. If he finds out about the baby, he¡¯lle after you. And then where will we be? He¡¯ll ruin everything.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not going to find out,¡± she said firmly, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. ¡°I won¡¯t let him. But you need to trust me, Nichs. You need to believe that I¡¯m capable of handling this.¡±


    ¡°Trust?¡± I echoed, shaking my head. ¡°How can I trust you when you can¡¯t even follow a simple instruction?¡±


    ¡°Because I had a moment of weakness!¡± she cried out, her voice breaking. ¡°Because I¡¯m human, and seeing Ethan again brought back a flood of memories I wasn¡¯t prepared for. But that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t do this. It just means I need a moment to adjust.¡±


    I turned away, the weight of the day¡¯s events pressing down on me. ¡°Get some rest,¡± I said over my shoulder. ¡°Tomorrow is a new day, and we need to be ready.¡±


    As I walked to my study, I couldn¡¯t shake the image of Ethan¡¯s face when he saw Monica. The recognition in his eyes, the anger, and the disbelief. He was onto us, and if we weren¡¯t careful, he would uncover everything. I needed Monica to be strong, to be unwavering. Because if she faltered, it wouldn¡¯t just be her future at stake-it would be mine as well.


    Inside the study, I poured myself a drink, the amber liquid swirling in the ss. I had to think of a way to strengthen our cover, to sure the directors didn¡¯t suspect anything and that meant tightening the leash on Monica, whether she liked it or not.


    Suddenly, a knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. ¡°Nichs?¡± Anthony¡¯s voice came through the door, hesitant and soft. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    I sighed, downing the drink in one gulp. ¡°Come in,¡± I called, my voice steady.


    He entered, her eyes calm but having some hints of sadness. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re treating Monica well,¡± he began, ¡°I followed you two home and wasn¡¯t d to find you yelling angrily at her. She was only stunned to see her ex again and from the look of things, she is yet to forget about Ethan¡±


    I nodded, setting the ss down. ¡°I understand but I need her to be stronger than this, Anthony. We can¡¯t afford any slip-ups.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he said, taking a deep breath. ¡± But you need to do something too, Nichs. Monica can¡¯t do this alone. She needs your support, even if it¡¯s just a little. She is pregnant and prone to feel lots of emotions at the same time so at least don¡¯t make things hard for her. She is keeping up with all of your arrogance because she just wants to be able to provide a good life for her child¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of guilt. he was right-I had been too harsh. But this was my world, and in my world, there was no room for error. I just hope Monica can rise to the challenge because if she can¡¯t, I will be doomed.


    ¡°All right Mr chief Adviser,¡± I said nonchntly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back home?¡± I asked, finally realizing that Anthony was beginning to gradually turn my house into his.


    ¡°Well you do know my house is too big and lonely and I don¡¯t mind spending some time with my best friend and his new contract fiancee¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± I said as I gulped the remaining wine.

 Chapter 12 – Hurtful words

    Monica¡¯s POV


    The next morning dawned with an uneasy calm. I woke up early, unable to shake off the events of the previous night. Nichs¡¯s harsh words still echoed in my mind. I had to be stronger, not just for myself but for my unborn child.


    As I dressed for the day, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ethan. His sudden reappearance had thrown me off bnce. The memories of our past together were unforgettable, and the sight of him yesterday had brought all those emotions rushing back. But I couldn¡¯t afford to let my feelings get in the way. I had to focus on the present and the future I was trying to build.


    I made my way downstairs, determined to start the day on a positive note. I found Nichs in the dining room, already dressed and reading the morning paper. He nced up as I entered, his expression unreadable.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± I said, forcing a smile.


    ¡°Morning,¡± he replied, his tone neutral. ¡°We need to talk about the board meeting today. We must present a united front.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± I said, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll be ready.¡±


    As we sat opposite each other in silence, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of foreboding. I had to prove to everyone, including Nichs, that I was capable of handling this.


    ¡°Monica¡± I heard Nichs calling out and that jolted me out of my thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about my actions yesterday. I am just trying to be careful with the n so our cover won¡¯t be blown and I need you to be focused. I need thepany to be permanently mine and I can¡¯t do that on my own. I shouldn¡¯t have yelled at you and I¡¯m sorry about that¡±


    I froze as I stared at Nichs without blinking. I couldn¡¯t believe that this cold and arrogant handsome man could apologize for this sincerely.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything?¡± He uttered, waiting for my response


    ¡°Apology epted¡± I replied, saying the only thing that came to my mind with my gaze still on him.


    Patricia brought the food for us and I couldn¡¯t help but have the huge to throw up. The food looked good but the smell was something else. ¡°Excuse me¡± I uttered as I rose to my feet and left the dining room.     Nichs and I drove to the office together. The awkwardness between us was solid, but I tried to focus on the task at hand. We entered the boardroom, where the directors were already gathered. Mr. Benjamin was there, along with the other members, all waiting expectantly.


    ¡°We just called you here son to ask about when you¡¯re going to start your wedding preparations,¡± Mr. Karl began, his tone jovial yet firm.


    ¡°Wedding preparations?¡± I was stunned by Mr. Karl¡¯s statement. I didn¡¯t expect to get married.


    ¡°Of course, marriage. For Nichs to fully have ess to thispany, you two have to get married,¡± Mr. Paul said with a knowing smile.


    ¡°And I look forward to seeing the child soon. I wonder what gender the child is,¡± Mr. Karl added, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    ¡°Ok. We will discuss it at home ande up with a date,¡± Nichs said, trying to end the conversation as smoothly as possible.


    ¡°Come up with a date? We¡¯ve decided on the date already,¡± Mr. John uttered excitedly, his enthusiasm palpable. ¡°And I look forward to your wedding.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°What?¡± Nichs¡¯s exmation echoed in the room, his shock evident.


    Mr. John pulled out a piece of paper from his briefcase, handing it over to Nichs. ¡°We thought it would be best to set a date, considering the importance of this union for thepany¡¯s future.¡±


    Nichs took the paper, his eyes scanning the text. ¡°Two months from now?¡± He looked up, his face pale. ¡°That¡¯s too soon.¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Mr. Benjamin said, leaning back in his chair. ¡°It¡¯s perfect timing. It gives enough time for preparations and aligns with thepany¡¯s strategic goals.¡±


    I nced at Nichs, sensing his frustration and the weight of the situation. ¡°We¡¯ll make it work,¡± I said, stepping in to diffuse the tension. ¡°We appreciate the board¡¯s support and enthusiasm.¡±


    Nichs shot me a look, his eyes questioning me ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll make it work,¡± he echoed, though his voicecked conviction.     After we left the meeting, Nichs and I returned to his office. He closed the door behind us, his expression hard. ¡°We need to talk,¡± he said, his voice low.


    ¡°I know,¡± I replied, sinking into one of the chairs. ¡°This changes everything. You didn¡¯t tell me we were going to get married¡±


    Nichs paced the room, his frustration was evident. ¡± I didn¡¯t know about that. I thought if they knew I had a child then they would be off my back for good. They¡¯re forcing our hand. Two months is hardly any time to n a wedding¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice,¡± I said, trying to stay calm. ¡°If we refuse, they¡¯ll question ourmitment and say we were just not serious from the beginning ¡±


    He stopped pacing, looking at me with a mix of determination and desperation. ¡°We have to make this work, Monica. We have to convince everyone that this is real.¡±


    I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. ¡°We will. But we need to be prepared for the wedding ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle the details,¡± he said, determined to make this work. ¡°But we need to discuss the guest list. We can¡¯t afford to invite many people. The board of directors, some friends and families and that¡¯s it ¡±


    I nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll keep it small and selective. Just a few people¡±


    As we continued nning, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of unease. This wedding wasn¡¯t supposed to happen but for us, it was a calcted move in a dangerous game. One misstep and everything coulde crashing down.


    I suddenly felt like I was losing strength and I began to breathe in and out slowly. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Nichs asked, noticing my actions. ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just feel-¡± I couldn¡¯tplete my words as darkness consumed me and thest thing I saw was Nichs running towards me with fear and confusion evident on his face.

 Chapter 13 – Uninvited guest

    NICHOLAS POV


    ¡°How is she doing, doctor? Is she okay?¡± I asked, worry etched on my face as I stood beside Monica¡¯s hospital bed, watching her pale, unconscious form.


    ¡°She is fine,¡± the doctor assured me, removing the stethoscope from his ears and cing it around his neck. ¡°She just needs to eat and rest more. Pregnancy can be taxing, and it appears the stress she¡¯s been under isn¡¯t helping.¡±


    I sighed in relief, though the doctor¡¯s words about stress hit a nerve. I knew I had been too harsh on her, pushing her too hard. But with everything at stake, I didn¡¯t see any other way. I needed her to be strong, and yet, seeing her like this made me question my approach.


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor,¡± I said, trying to regain myposure. ¡°Is there anything else I should know or do to help her?¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Make sure she follows a nutritious diet and avoids stressful situations as much as possible,¡± the doctor replied. ¡°Her health and the baby¡¯s well-being depend on it.¡±


    I nodded, absorbing the information. The doctor gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving the room. I turned back to Monica, feeling a pang of guilt. She had been through so much, and now, my relentless demands hadnded her in the hospital.


    I sat down next to her bed, taking her hand in mine. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Monica,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll try to do better. We¡¯ll get through this together.¡± I frowned instantly after realizing what I just uttered. I smirked as I couldn¡¯t believe what I said.


    As I sat there, lost in thought, the door to the room opened. I looked up, expecting the nurse, but instead, I was met with a sight that sent a jolt through me.


    ¡°Well, well, well, if it isn¡¯t my dear stepbrother ying the concerned fiance,¡± Greg said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Greg?¡± I asked, standing up to face him, my tone wary and defensive.


    Greg strolled into the room, his eyes flicking over to Monica before settling back on me. ¡°I brought Luke for a checkup and heard about an incident involving a pregnant woman being rushed to the hospital. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was you who rushed in with her.¡±


    My jaw clenched. Greg had always had a knack for showing up at the worst possible times, and his interest in thepany had only made our rtionship more strained. ¡°What do you want, Greg?¡± I asked, not in the mood for his games.


    He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°Just checking on the family. It¡¯s not every day I find out my stepbrother is about to be a father. Congrattions, by the way. Or should I say, congrattions on keeping this little secret hidden so well from me?¡±


    I narrowed my eyes on him. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, Greg. Stay out of it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but it is my business,¡± he said, stepping closer. ¡°You see, Nichs, the board is very interested in the stability of our family¡¯s leadership. And suddenly a strangedy and pregnancy? It raises questions.¡±


    ¡°Questions you have no right to ask,¡± I shot back. ¡°Monica and I are fine. The baby is fine. My ns to remain the CEO are unchanged .¡±


    Greg raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. ¡°Unchanged, huh? We¡¯ll see about that. The board might not be so convinced yet. They¡¯re going to want assurances, Nichs. Assurances that everything is as true as you im and if all these isn¡¯t true, I¡¯ll be the first to know and tell them.¡±


    I felt a surge of anger but forced myself to stay calm. ¡°Is that a threat, Greg?¡±


    He chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Not at all, dear brother. Just a friendly reminder. Make sure everything stays perfect. Because if it doesn¡¯t, the board might start looking for new leadership.¡±


    Before I could respond, Monica stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around, confused, then focused on me. ¡°Nichs?¡± she murmured, her voice weak.


    I immediately turned my attention to her, leaning down to take her hand again. ¡°I¡¯m here, Monica. You¡¯re okay. The doctor said you need rest.¡± I said, trying to act like a perfect fiance and not raise any suspicion from Greg.


    She nodded slightly, her gaze shifting to Greg. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    I nced back at Greg, who was watching the scene with a calcting expression. ¡°This is my stepbrother, Greg,¡± I said, my voice tight. ¡°He was just leaving.¡±


    Greg¡¯s smile widened as he stepped closer to the bed. ¡°Nice to meet you. Congrattions on the baby. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be seeing more of each other. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    Monica looked at me, confusion and concern in her eyes. I gave her a reassuring smile, though inside I was seething. ¡°Get some rest, Monica. I¡¯ll handle everything.¡±


    Greg finally turned to leave, but not before giving me a pointed look. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to know her name?¡± Greg asked but got no response from me. Resigning, he turned around as he walked to the door ¡°Take care, Nichs. Remember what I said.¡±


    As the door closed behind him, I felt a heavy weight settle on my shoulders. Greg¡¯s appearance hadplicated things even more. Now, not only did I have to deal with convincing the directors but also Greg¡¯s meddling. I looked back at Monica, who had already drifted back to sleep.


    I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my gaze list on her spotless white skin and this was the first time I was looking her up this close. She looked so peaceful with her perfect pink lips. My eyes instantly widened at the realization of my thought but as I sat there, watching over her, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the walls were closing in. The fight for thepany was heating up, and I had to be ready for whatever came next. This was harder than I thought.

 Chapter 14 – Eating his favorite

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡°Wow, I never knew Nichs could be this caring,¡± Anthony teased the instant he saw us both stepping down from the car with Nichs by my side, helping me take each step.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up, Anthony,¡± Nichs fired back, and I saw a deep frown on his face. It was the kind of frown that meant business, and I could tell he was still on edge after everything that had happened.


    We walked inside the house, and the aroma from the kitchen hit me so hard that I inhaled deeply with my eyes closed. Theforting smells of home-cooked food made my stomach growl despite myck of appetite.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s eat,¡± Nichs said beside me, ushering me to take a seat at the dining table. His tone was calmer now, but the underlying tension was still there.


    ¡°Wee, sir. Wee, ma,¡± Patricia greeted us with a bright smile as she began serving the food. Patricia was an elderly woman in herte fifties, her hair a mixture of ck and white strands that showed how old she was getting. Her presence was aforting constant in the household.


    I looked at the food-a spread of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables. It all looked delicious, but I just didn¡¯t have the appetite to eat. My stomach churned, and I turned my face away, trying to suppress the nausea that was bubbling up.


    ¡°Open your mouth,¡± Nichs ordered calmly, holding a spoonful of mashed potatoes in front of my mouth. ¡°You know you can¡¯t just remain like this. You have to eat something to keep your energy.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± I said, turning my face to the other side. The food smelled wonderful, but the thought of eating it made my stomach turn.


    ¡°But you have to at least do it for the sake of the child in your womb,¡± Nichs yelled, his patience wearing thin. I knew I had pissed him off again by disobeying him, but I couldn¡¯t help it. The very sight of food made me nauseous.


    ¡°Hey, chill, Nichs,¡± Anthony said, chewing on his food with enthusiasm. ¡°She¡¯ll eat when she¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t feel like it,¡± I responded, my voice barely above a whisper. The fatigue and stress of the past few days had taken a toll on me.


    ¡°But this food tastes so good, Monica. Just have a spoon,¡± Anthony suggested, his mouth full.


    ¡°No,¡± I replied, shaking my head. The more they insisted, the less I wanted to eat.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking from my precious time to try and make you eat, and you¡¯re refusing. If you don¡¯t eat, you will starve my baby,¡± Nichs said coldly. His words stung, but I knew he was right. I had to eat for the baby¡¯s sake.


    ¡°You fainted today, and the doctor said you need food and rest. Here you are, refusing to eat just because you have no appetite,¡± he continued, frustration clear in his voice.


    ¡°Nichs, you don¡¯t shout at a pregnantdy like that. Have some dignity,¡± a stern voice from the door interrupted, and everyone turned to see an elderly woman in her mid-sixties walking into the dining room.


    ¡°Hi, Aunt,¡± Nichs greeted, running his hands through his hair. It was clear he was frustrated, and his aunt¡¯s unexpected arrival had thrown him off bnce.


    ¡°This must be our bride,¡± the elderly woman said, her gaze shifting to me. I forced a smile, though my strength was waning. ¡°I¡¯m Mrs. E, and I¡¯m Karl¡¯s wife.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you, ma,¡± I said politely.


    ¡°You¡¯re so pretty. Now I see why Nichs couldn¡¯t leave you,¡± sheplimented, her warm hands softly holding my chin up to meet her gaze.


    ¡°Thank you, ma,¡± I said, feeling my cheeks heat up.


    ¡°Call me Aunt,¡± she suggested, and I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Why are you yelling at her, Nichs?¡± Mrs. E shifted her gaze to Nichs, who just went mute, staring back at her speechless.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like the food, honey?¡± she asked, turning her attention back to me.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. It smells nice, but I don¡¯t feel like eating,¡± I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    ¡°You better eat something because I¡¯m not ready to lose my baby,¡± Nichs barked, but Mrs. E¡¯s stern look made him mute instantly.


    ¡°What do you want to eat, honey?¡± she asked with a soothing and lovely voice. The attention she was giving me wasforting. I thought deeply about what I wanted to eat, and instantly apples came to mind. The moment I thought about apples, I had a deep craving for them. But looking at the murderous gaze Nichs kept shooting at me, I swallowed hard and became nervous about asking for apples. ¡°Come on, honey, whatever you want to eat will be brought to you.¡±


    ¡°Apples,¡± I blurted out, surprising myself. Anthony choked on the water he was drinking, shooting me a surprised look. ¡°I want apples,¡± I repeated, more anxiously this time.


    ¡°Wrong move, Monica,¡± Anthony said, shaking his head.


    ¡°Shut up, Anthony, and what are you even doing in Nichs¡¯s house?¡± Mrs. E asked, her tone sharp.


    ¡°Nichs, get her some apples,¡± she ordered.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t do that. Aunt, you know that apples are my favorite, and I don¡¯t share my apples with anyone,¡± Nichs protested, just as I had predicted.


    ¡°Will you stop behaving like a five-year-old kid and get your wife an apple,¡± Mrs. E said sternly.


    ¡°She is not my wife,¡± he spat angrily.


    ¡°She will be soon, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m teaching you how to share your things with her. Very soon, you both will have to start sharing everything.¡±


    ¡°Aunt, I¡¯m not doing it,¡± Nichs replied stubbornly.


    Mrs. E walked past him and, after a few seconds, returned with a knife, te, and four apples. The sight of the apples made me salivate as I started imagining how they would taste. She peeled them and sliced them into tiny bits, and I ate them all in one go. After eating five extra apples, my stomach was so tight that I had no space for any other fruit or food.


    ¡°See, that wasn¡¯t so hard, was it?¡± Mrs. E said, smiling warmly at me.


    I nodded, feeling a bit better. ¡°Thank you, Aunt,¡± I said, genuinely grateful for her intervention.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, dear. Now, Nichs, take better care of her. She¡¯s carrying your child, and she needs your support,¡± Mrs. E admonished, giving him a stern look.


    Nichs nodded, looking a bit chastened. ¡°She is just too_¡±


    ¡°Hard to control?¡± Mrs E asked and Nichs just sighed. Mrs. E patted his shoulder. ¡°Do you want her to lose the baby?¡±


    ¡°Of course not¡± Nichs responded with his eyes widened.


    ¡°Good then do what a good fiance and father would do. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to have a word with your uncle. Monica, if you need anything, just let me know.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, watching her leave the room. The warmth of her presence lingered even after she was gone.


    Anthony leaned back in his chair, still chewing. ¡°Well, that was entertaining. Apples, huh? Never would have guessed.¡±


    Nichs rolled my eyes at him. ¡°You¡¯re such an idiot, Anthony.¡±


    He grinned. ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯m a well-fed idiot.¡±


    Nichs shook his head, a small smile ying on his lips. ¡°Please, go home and give us some peace.¡±


    Anthony saluted yfully. ¡°Aye, aye, Captain. Call me if you need anything, Monica.¡±


    I nodded, smiling at him. ¡°Thanks, Anthony.¡±


    As he left, Nichs turned to me, his expression neutral. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for yelling at you earlier but you were being a pain in the ass. I just¡­ I worry about the baby. This baby means a lot to me and I can¡¯t risk losing it so please cooperate and make this easy for both of us¡±


    ¡°I know, but please, try to understand what I¡¯m going through. It¡¯s not easy. Being pregnant with a child does a lot to the body and messes with our emotions. If you ask me why I wanted apples, I have no idea but I guess the baby wanted it¡±


    ¡°I understand. We¡¯re in this together.¡± Nichs responded.


    I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. For the first time in a while, I felt like we were truly a team.


    The doorbell rang but Nichs just sat back unbothered. Momentster, Greg walked in, a smug look on his face.


    ¡°Greg, what are you doing here?¡± Nichs asked, his voice tense.


    ¡°Just checking on my favorite brother and his lovely fiancee,¡± Greg said, his eyes glinting with mischief.


    I felt a chill run down my spine. Greg¡¯s presence always made me uneasy. There was something about him that I didn¡¯t trust, that I also didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve checked. Now, you can leave,¡± Nichs said, his tone cold.


    ¡°Oh,e on, Nichs. Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Greg said, stepping further into the dining. ¡°I just wanted to see how Monica is doing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said, forcing a smile. ¡°Thank you for your concern.¡±


    Greg¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at me. ¡°I heard you had a bit of a scare today. Fainted, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    I nodded, feeling the tension in the room escte. ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m feeling much better now.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear,¡± Greg said, his gaze shifting to Nichs. ¡°You must be thrilled, brother. A baby on the way and a beautiful fiancee by your side.¡±


    Nichs¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Yes, I am. Now, if you don¡¯t mind, we were just about to rx for the evening.¡±


    Of course,¡± Greg said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. ¡°But I¡¯m just curious as to why Ethan Knight keepsing to my office to ask about Monica.¡±

 Chapter 15 – Harder than he thought

    Monica POV


    Chills ran down my spine, and I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead. I sat frozen in my seat, my heart pounding in my chest.


    The room seemed to close in around me, and I could feel Nichs tense beside me.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Nichs asked, his voice dangerously low. His eyes bore into Greg, who seemed to be pleased by the difort he was causing.


    ¡°Ethan Knight has been quite persistent,¡± Greg continued, ignoring Nichs¡¯s tone. ¡°He¡¯s very interested in Monica. Keeps asking questions, trying to dig up information. I thought you should know.¡±


    I felt my stomach drop. The memories of Ethan and the past I was trying so hard to forget came flooding back. Thest thing I needed was for him to stir up trouble now.


    Nichs¡¯s hand clenched into a fist. ¡°What did you tell him?¡±


    Greg shrugged nonchntly. ¡°Nothing, of course. I have nothing to tell him, but he¡¯s not the type to give up easily.¡±


    Greg¡¯s silent gaze on Nichs made me shift ufortably in my seat. ¡°What are you hiding, brother?¡± Greg asked, narrowing his eyes.


    Nichs¡¯s eyes shed with anger, and I could feel the tension radiating off him. ¡°Stay out of this, Greg, and just so you know, I¡¯m not hiding anything.¡±


    ¡°Just trying to help, brother,¡± Greg said with a smirk. ¡°After all, family looks out for each other, right?¡±


    ¡°Get out,¡± Nichs said through gritted teeth, his control slipping.


    Greg gave a mock salute. ¡°As you wish, but remember, dearest Brother, that whatever you¡¯re hiding won¡¯t stay hidden forever.¡±


    With that, Greg turned and left, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. I felt tears prick at my eyes, and I looked away, not wanting to meet Nichs¡¯s gaze, which was already fixed on me.


    ¡°I think I made a wrong move,¡± Nichs said, rising to his feet as he paced about in worry.


    ¡°What?¡± I eximed in confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even a month since you signed those contracts, and here your ex-husband is trying to poke his nose where it doesn¡¯t belong. This is all your fault.¡±


    ¡°What? How is this all my fault?¡± I asked in shock.


    ¡°Why is Ethan asking questions about you?¡± Nichs asked angrily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I responded honestly.


    ¡°And you expect me to believe all you just said? You told me he drove you away, but now here he is, asking crazy questions about you,¡± Nichs said, running his hands through his hair and pacing about.


    Silence lingered for a few minutes, then he suddenly halted in one spot. ¡°Or did you see him at any time? Did you talk to Ethan?¡±


    ¡°No, no I didn¡¯t. I haven¡¯t seen Ethan since the charity g, and I haven¡¯t spoken to him since he drove me away.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s making him suspicious?¡± Nichs asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I responded, tears already gathering in my eyes.


    ¡°Suspicious of what?¡± I froze when I heard E¡¯s voice behind us as she took steps to where we were. ¡°Who¡¯s suspicious and what are they suspicious of?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Aunt,¡± Nichs replied, and her gaze shifted to me, making me bow my head even more.


    The silence after E¡¯s question was heavy. I could feel Nichs¡¯s frustration emanating from him, and my nerves were frayed. E¡¯s presence was both a relief and an additional source of tension. Her sharp eyes seemed to take in everything.


    ¡°Nichs, it¡¯s not ¡®nothing,''¡± E insisted, her voice firm yet gentle. ¡°You need to tell me what¡¯s going on. Stop keeping secrets¡±


    Nichs sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. ¡°Aunt E, it¡¯s just¡­plications with the business. Nothing to worry about.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Complications with the business can¡¯t make Monica cry. I¡¯ve known you long enough to recognize when something is not okay with you, Nichs.¡±


    Nichs nced at me, then back at E. E¡¯s face softened as she turned to me. ¡°Monica, sweetheart, what¡¯s going on? Is Nichs giving you a hard time?¡±


    I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. ¡°Yes, he is. He keeps yelling and_¡± I broke down as I started crying again in front of E.


    E nodded, her expression thoughtful. ¡°Nichs, please stop stressing her and making her cry. I beg of you¡±


    Nichs ran a hand through his hair again. ¡°Why are you turning me into the bad guy here, Monica? I¡¯m not stressing her, Aunt. Look at her, she just ate some minutes ago and she is sitting down, so how am I stressing her?¡±


    E raised a brow. ¡°You¡¯re stressing her emotionally, and that¡¯s not good for a pregnant woman.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Nichs sighed as he crashed into the seat beside me. ¡°Living with a pregnant woman is harder than I thought,¡± Nichs whispered, but I heard him because I was sitting close to him.


    E¡¯s face registered surprise, then understanding. ¡°I see. So you think it¡¯s easy to look after a pregnant woman, right? Well, sorry to disappoint you, son, but a pregnant woman needs more than yelling and scolding.¡±


    E sighed. ¡°You both are in a precarious situation. But you need to stay strong and united. Nichs, yelling at Monica won¡¯t help. She¡¯s carrying your child and needs your support now more than ever.¡±


    Nichs¡¯s face softened slightly. ¡°I know, Aunt E. It¡¯s just¡­ everything is so overwhelming, and I¡¯m trying my best.¡±


    E moved closer and ced a hand on his arm. ¡°I understand, Nichs. But you need to remember why you¡¯re doing this. It¡¯s for the future, for thepany, and for your family. You wouldn¡¯t be getting married to Monica if your dad hadn¡¯t stated it as a necessity.¡±


    ¡°Please bear with him. He¡¯s a hard nut and a stubborn man,¡± E stated, looking at me apologetically.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± I responded, faking a smile.


    E smiled warmly. ¡°Good. Now, let¡¯s all have some tea and calm our nerves. We¡¯ll tackle this together.¡±


    Just then, the front door opened, and Anthony walked in, carrying an apple in his hands. He took one look at the scene and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did I miss something?¡±


    E shook her head. ¡°Just some family drama. What have you got there?¡±


    Anthony waved the apple. ¡°Wrong move, Anthony,¡± I said, echoing the exact words he uttered when I requested to eat an apple.


    Nichs¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Why are you eating my apples?¡±


    E poured the tea, her movements calm and deliberate. ¡°What¡¯s with you and apples, Nichs? You should be focusing on keeping thepany stable and focusing on Monica too. Monica, you need to focus on staying healthy.¡±


    We all nodded, feeling a bit more unified in our purpose. The tea was a soothing balm to our frayed nerves, and for a moment, it felt like we had a handle on things.


    ¡°So what are your ns for the wedding, Monica? Have you chosen a wedding gown yet?¡± E asked.


    ¡°Yes, about that, Aunt,¡± Nichs interjected before I could answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you could help talk to Uncle about Judy organizing a short court wedding for me and Monica. nning a wedding right now would stress her a lot, and I don¡¯t want that for her.¡±


    I looked at Nichs, who sounded genuinely concerned about me, but I knew this was just a strategy to make E listen to him and do what he wanted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he will listen to me, son. Besides, I suggest you talk to him yourself,¡± E replied.


    Nichs sighed, looking defeated. ¡°I understand, Aunt E. I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    E¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Good. And remember, Nichs, Monica needs you now more than ever. Be there for her, support her, and everything else will fall into ce.¡±


    We sat in silence for a while, sipping our tea. The weight of the situation still hung heavy in the air, but at least we had a n. Nichs and I would face this together and with E¡¯s support, I felt a renewed sense of strength and determination.


    After a while, Anthony spoke up. ¡°Nichs, about the board meeting tomorrow, we need to make sure everything is in order. We can¡¯t afford any mistakes for the contract we are signing tomorrow¡±


    Nichs nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. We need to focus on tomorrow¡¯s meeting.¡±


    E stood up, her demeanor resolute. ¡°Then I think you guys need to get to work. We have a lot to do, but we¡¯ll get through this together.¡±


    As the evening wore on, Anthony and Nichs worked on the preparations for the meeting. The sense of unity and purpose helped ease some of the tension.


    Later that night, as Iy in bed, I felt a sense of fear. Despite the challenges ahead, I hoped everything in our n worked out fine. Securing a life for my child for my major priority and I was ready to do what it took. As I drifted off to sleep, I knew I could ovee anything, as long as I had my baby with me and determination unpunched.

 Chapter 16 – NIGHTMARE

    Nichs POV


    IN THE NIGHTContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I have just finished arranging and signing all the necessary contracts avable for tomorrow¡¯s meeting. I yawned as I stretched my arms, as tiredness weighed on me. I closed myptop and decided it was time to sleep as I stepped out of my study. Tomorrow was a big day for thepany and I didn¡¯t want to look tired in front of our new investors.


    Walking down the hallway, I halted in my tracks when I heard a loud piercing scream emanating from Monica¡¯s room. I wondered what could have prompted such a distressing outburst from Monica, who should have been asleep at this hour.


    Is she all right? What¡¯s going on? Isn¡¯t she supposed to be sleeping by now? Different questions filled my head as I walked closer to her door to be sure the noise wasing from her room and just as I expected, she was screaming.


    I instantly burst open to find her trembling as shey on the bed. Her grip on the sheets was white-knuckled, and sweat glistened on her forehead. Her head moved from side to side, sweat on her forehead.


    ¡°Monica¡± I called out but she didn¡¯t respond. I gazed at her in confusion as I didn¡¯t know what to do. I knew she was having a bad dream but how do I get her to wake up? I had no idea. ¡°Monica¡± I called again, poking her arm with my index finger as a deep frown appeared on her face and her scream persisted.


    ¡°No no no please¡± she started screaming at the top of her lungs and I instantly began to hit her on her arm, trying to wake her up as I sat on the edge of her bed.


    ¡°Monica wake up¡± I uttered in panic and she instantly opened her eyes. I stared at her as she continuously looked around the room in fear. She started struggling to get herself out of my hold ¡°Hey hey Monica it¡¯s me¡± I uttered quickly and her gaze instantly shifted to me ¡°It¡¯s me, Nichs. I¡¯m here¡± Tears gathered in her eyes as they began to stream down her face.


    Monica¡¯s trembling grew more violent as she clung to me, her fingers digging into my shoulders as if I were her lifeline. Her sobs were heartbreaking, each one a reminder of how fragile she was in this moment. I stroked her hair gently, trying to soothe her, but my mind was racing with worry.


    ¡°Shh, it¡¯s okay, I¡¯m here,¡± I murmured. ¡°You¡¯re safe now.¡±


    She pulled back slightly, her eyes wide and still filled with terror. ¡°It_ it was so real. There was blood everywhere¡­ and the car¡­ it crashed¡­ I could hear the metal crunching and¡­¡± Her voice trailed off into a whisper as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.


    I felt a chill run down my spine at her words. Monica was a strong woman but this sounded like a nightmare pulled straight from a horror movie. I needed to calm her down because this condition certainly wasn¡¯t good for the baby. I needed to make her feel safe again.


    ¡°It was just a dream,¡± I said firmly, though my voice wavered slightly. ¡°You¡¯re here with me now, and nothing¡¯s going to hurt you.¡±


    She nodded, but I could see the doubt in her eyes. Her grip on me loosened slightly, and she took a deep, shuddering breath. ¡°It felt so real, Nichs. I don¡¯t know how to shake it off.¡±


    I cupped her face in my hands, forcing her to look at me. ¡°Listen to me, Monica. Dreams can¡¯t hurt you. They might feel real, but they aren¡¯t. Whatever you saw, whatever you heard, it can¡¯t touch you here. Okay?¡±


    She sniffled and nodded again, her breathing slowly returning to normal. I wiped away her tears with my thumbs, feeling a knot of protectiveness tighten in my chest, and for a slight second, I wondered what I was doing and why I was saying all these things but I didn¡¯t have an answer to myself. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable and scared tugged at my heartstrings.


    ¡°Do you want to talk about it more?¡± I asked gently. ¡°Sometimes it helps to get it out.¡±


    Monica shook her head. ¡°No, I just¡­ I want to forget it. Can you stay with me for a while?¡±


    My eyes widened at her question ¡°No I can¡¯t Monica. I have to get back to my_,¡± I replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Please Nichs I can¡¯t sleep alone this night. Just stay with me please¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll stay till you fall asleep¡± I settled onto the bed beside her, and she pulled her into my arms, not letting go. She rested her head on my chest, her breathing gradually evening out.


    I looked at her hair and craved to feel its softness. I stroked her hair in slow, soothing motions, hoping my movement would lull her back to sleep.


    Minutes passed in silence, the only sound the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. I could feel Monica¡¯s body slowly rxing against mine, the tension easing out of her muscles. Her grip on my shirt loosened, her hands resting lightly on my chest.


    As I held her, my mind wandered back to the contracts waiting in my study. Tomorrow was crucial for thepany, but right now, all I could think about was Monica and making sure she was okay. She was more important than any meeting or business deal at this point.


    I felt her breathing slow, bing deeper and more even. She was finally drifting back to sleep. I stayed with her, not daring to move until I was sure she was resting peacefully. The night¡¯s events reyed in my mind, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what had triggered such a horrific nightmare.


    Eventually, I eased myself off the bed, careful not to wake her. I watched her for a moment, ensuring she was still sleeping soundly, then quietly left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.


    Back in the hallway, I leaned against the wall and let out a deep breath. My exhaustion was catching up to me, but I knew I wouldn¡¯t get much sleep tonight. Monica¡¯s nightmare had shaken me as well. I couldn¡¯t shake the image of her terrified face, the sheer panic in her eyes.


    I made my way to the kitchen and poured myself a ss of water, hoping to calm my nerves. As I sipped, I stared out the window into the night, the city lights twinkling in the distance.


    I knew I had to be strong for myself, thepany and for Monica. To reassure her that everything was okay. But deep down, I couldn¡¯t help but worry. What if the nightmare was more than just a dream? What if it was a warning of something toe?


    I shook my head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts. There was no use in worrying about what-ifs. Right now, I need to focus on the present.


    I finished my water and headed back to my study, hoping to get a few hours of sleep before the meeting. As Iy on the couch, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Monica¡¯s words. Blood. Car crash. Screaming. They echoed in my mind, a haunting refrain that made it impossible to find any peace.


    Eventually, exhaustion took over and I drifted into a restless sleep, my dreams filled with fragmented images of Monica¡¯s nightmare. The sound of her screams lingered in the back of my mind, a chilling reminder of the night¡¯s events.     IN NICHOLAS¡¯ OFFICE


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re prepared for today¡¯s meeting?¡± I heard Mr. Karl¡¯s voice behind me, and I turned to face him.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready, uncle. This is a contract I¡¯ve been trying to sign with them for months, and I won¡¯t let it slip through my hands,¡± I replied with determination.


    Uncle Karl patted my shoulders with a proud smile on his lips. ¡°I trust you, Nichs. I know everything will go smoothly.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± I said, feeling a mix of gratitude and nervous anticipation.


    The door opened as my secretary walked in. ¡°Sir, the investors are already in the conference room waiting for you,¡± she informed me.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± I said, gesturing for Uncle Karl to step out first as I followed behind him. We took the elevator to the conference room, and as I entered with my best smile, I addressed the investors. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping you all waiting, and thank you for finding the time to be with us today. So, if we may proceed?¡±


    Just then, someone walked into the conference room, and the instant our eyes locked, a deep frown appeared on my face. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked Ethan, who wore a smirk on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Nichs,¡± Ethan replied, his wordsced with a hint of mischief and a touch of tension.

 Chapter 17 – A sacrifice

    Nichs POV


    Just then, someone walked into the conference room, and the instant our eyes locked, a deep frown appeared on my face. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked Ethan, who wore a smirk on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Nichs,¡± Ethan replied, his wordsced with a hint of mischief and a touch of tension.


    ¡°You two know each other?¡± Mr. Benjamin asked as Ethan and I gazed at each other intently.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Benjamin. We do,¡± Ethan uttered with a happy smile on his face.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s great news. This meeting wouldn¡¯t be hard after all,¡± Mr. Benjamin said with a happy expression.


    I clenched my fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms. Ethan was thest person I wanted to see today.


    ¡°Nichs,¡± Mr. Benjamin continued, ¡°Ethan is here to discuss the merger. Hispany is very interested in partnering with us, and given our history together, I thought it would be beneficial.¡±


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. ¡°Yes, Nichs and I haven¡¯t worked together, but I hope we work soon,¡± he said, his tone deceptively light.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I forced myself to take a deep breath and then spoke as calmly as I could manage. ¡°I don¡¯t think this meeting should continue.¡±


    Mr. Paul, who was engrossed in the paper before him, instantly averted his gaze to me and looked confused. ¡°Why not, Nichs? Ethan¡¯spany has a lot to offer. This merger could be very beneficial for us.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s smirk grew wider, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. ¡°Come on, Nichs. This will yield good profit after all.¡±


    I looked at Uncle Karl, who seemed genuinely puzzled. He had no idea about the connection between Monica and Ethan, and I couldn¡¯t me him; it wasn¡¯t something I advertised. But the thought of working with Ethan again was not negotiable.


    ¡°Ethan and I have¡­ unresolved issues,¡± I said finally, choosing my words carefully.


    Mr. Benjamin frowned. ¡°Unresolved issues? Can they not be set aside for the good of thepany?¡±


    Ethan chuckled ¡°Nichs, please do you mind exining the issue we both have with each other? Surely we can be professional about this.¡±


    I shot him a re. ¡°I¡¯m not answering to you, Ethan. I¡¯m no longer interested in this contract, and that¡¯s final.¡±


    Mr. Benjamin¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Is there something I should know about Mr. Ethan?¡±


    I opened my mouth to respond, but Ethan beat me to it. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Mr. Benjamin, but I assure you, I¡¯m here with the best intentions.¡±


    ¡°Good intentions? I doubt,¡± I chuckled as I responded to Ethan¡¯s statement.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes hardened, his smirk fading. ¡°Yes, Nichs, I¡¯m here with good intentions. Now, can we get on with this meeting, or do you need more time to think?¡±


    I took a deep breath, struggling to maintain myposure. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s get this over with. I¡¯m not going ahead with this meeting, and that¡¯s final. It was nice having you, Mr. Ethan, at ourpany, and I look forward to future contracts with you.¡±


    ¡°What! Are you out of your mind, Nichs? What the hell is wrong with you? Do you realize what you¡¯re about to lose?¡± Mr. John rose to his feet as he said in anger, and I kept quiet to think twice about this decision.


    My mind wandered back to Monica, and I found myself worried about her well-being. Signing this contract with Ethan¡¯spany would mean seeing more of Ethan, and that could blow up our secret. I had been working for months to get Sterlings Group to have a contract with us, but now that it was finally here, I knew that it would just be better if I didn¡¯t go ahead with it.


    ¡°Nichs?¡± Mr. Benjamin¡¯s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. ¡°Say something and stop keeping us quiet.¡±


    I nced at Ethan, who was watching me with a smug expression. ¡°I¡¯m still standing on my words,¡± I said, my voice steady. ¡°I don¡¯t want to cooperate with Sterling Group.¡±


    Mr. Paul¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What do you mean? Why don¡¯t you want to go ahead with the contract? This contract would very much benefit thepany.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust Ethan. He can¡¯t be trusted,¡± I uttered the very first word that came to my mind. I didn¡¯t have any solid reason for refusing to go ahead with the contract, but Monica had enough reason not to go ahead with it, though I couldn¡¯t tell them that.


    Ethan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°That¡¯s not a reason, Nichs. We haven¡¯t worked together before, so what makes you think I can¡¯t be trusted?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I just can¡¯t go ahead with our reason for being here.¡±


    Mr. Benjamin looked disappointed as he stared daggers at me. ¡°I can¡¯t believe my ears.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about how everything turned out, but I¡¯m standing on my words,¡± I said finally. ¡°The meeting is over.¡±


    Mr. Benjamin stormed out of the room, looking like a disappointed father. Soon all the directors walked out, but Uncle Karl remained.


    I stood and walked out of the conference room, needing some air, and Uncle Karl followed me into the hallway.


    ¡°Nichs,¡± he called out softly. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    I turned to face him, my anger still simmering just below the surface. ¡°Yes, Uncle.¡±


    He sighed, his hands in his pocket. ¡°Is there something you¡¯re not telling me?¡±


    ¡°No, there isn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then why will you cancel a meeting and a contract we all worked hard to get?¡± I fell silent at his question. I had no response for him and I averted my gaze from his. He stepped closer, his expression earnest. ¡°I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°I hope so too, Uncle,¡± I responded sincerely. I didn¡¯t know what I was doing, but I knew signing that contract would bring Ethan closer to discovering Monica and me, and that isn¡¯t a show I¡¯m ready for.


    He nodded a look of understanding in his eyes. ¡°Think carefully, son. Don¡¯t do anything stupid that you¡¯ll regretter,¡± he uttered as he sighed, then walked away, leaving me standing there lost, sad, and exhausted.


    As he walked away, I leaned against the wall, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. I hated Ethan for always showing up unexpectedly and ruining everything. His connection with Monica was affecting everything.     ¡°Nichs,¡± a voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Monica herself standing in front of me. Her expression was one of concern. ¡°I heard about the meeting. What happened?¡±


    I nced around to ensure no one heard us. ¡°Ethan was at the office earlier today,¡± I said, my voice low. ¡°We were supposed to sign a contract that would benefit both hispany and ours.¡±


    Her face paled. ¡°But you didn¡¯t sign it because of our secret, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied, frustration evident in my voice.


    Monica¡¯s eyes darted nervously. ¡°What are we going to do?¡±


    I sighed, running a hand through my hair. ¡°I shut down the meeting. I can¡¯t work with him, Monica. It¡¯s too risky. He could find out about us.¡±


    She looked relieved but also worried. ¡°But what about thepany? This contract was important, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was,¡± I admitted. ¡°But not as important as making sure no one knew that we were deceiving them.¡±


    Monica¡¯s hand found mine, squeezing it gently, and my heart tugged at the warmth my hands felt. ¡°I know this isn¡¯t easy.¡±


    ¡°Of course, this isn¡¯t easy?¡± I scoffed. ¡°Nothing about this is easy. I just lost a three-month contract I¡¯ve been working on. The board directors are pissed and probably talking about how stupid I am,¡± I said as I rxed more on the sofa and sighed, closing my eyes in exhaustion.


    ¡°But we¡¯re doing this for a reason. Always bear that in mind. I¡¯m sorry for causing you so much trouble. If you hadn¡¯t signed that contract with me, you wouldn¡¯t have to cancel your contract with Ethan.¡±


    I opened my eyes and looked at her blue, mesmerizing eyes, which had me glued to them. ¡°Can I hug you?¡± I asked, and I could see her eyes widening in shock. I knew this was a huge request but right now, I need a hug. I needed to feel that someone was with me and not against me.


    ¡°Are you sure? Is that okay with you?¡± she said, but I just pulled her to myself and hugged her tightly.


    She melted into the embrace, her warmth calming my nerves. ¡°Thank you, Nichs,¡± she whispered, her voice calm and soothing. I held her tighter, feeling the weight of the world lift off my shoulders, if only for a moment. She pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at me, her eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper.


    I nodded. ¡°I hope so.¡±


    We stayed like that for a few precious moments as I drew strength from her but I soon let her go because I began thinking naughty things about her lips. Letting her go made me lose the feeling of her warmth immediately.

 Chapter 18 – Wedding bells

    MONICA POV


    A WEEK LATER


    ¡°Dear you look stunning¡± I heard Aunt E behind me as I stared at her through the high feet mirror.


    ¡°Thank you Aunt¡± I responded as I gazed at my reflection again, looking adorably at the white gown with delicatece all over it. The gown was rented but I couldn¡¯t help but gush at how perfectly it brought out all my curves.


    The loud and long blowing of a trumpet indicated it was time to take the stairs and go to the aisle. ¡°Shall we?¡± Aunt asked, gesturing for our arms to be interlocked.


    I simply nodded as we both carefully threaded down the stairs and Aunt E didn¡¯t fail to make sure my long veil trailed behind me and this little gesture of hers made my heart beat in happiness.


    The wedding was organized in the house and I couldn¡¯t even recognize the environment anymore. The wedding nner really did a nice job. As I walked to the aisle, red petals were seated on the ground with chairs on my right and left.


    I was a bit nervous because of the stares I kept receiving. Some were lovingly, calm but others somehow showed jealousy.


    I decided not to look at anyone anymore and I raised my eyes to look forward, and that was when my eyes saw him. Standing perfectly in his white tailored suit, his presence seemed to glow in a way I couldn¡¯t prehend.


    His eyes, full of warmth and love, locked onto mine, and in that moment, the world around us faded away. The nervous flutter in my stomach transformed into a soothing calm as his blue mesmerizing eyes bore into mine.


    His hair, perfectly styled, framed his strong yet handsome features, and I could see the depth of his emotions evident in his gaze.


    As I took a step forward, every nervousness and worry melted away, reced by a strong feeling of connection with Nichs. A strong feeling that I couldn¡¯t understand.


    I didn¡¯t realize that I was already standing with him at the altar until Anthony coughed, getting our attention back to the priest who just gazed at us with a loving smile on his lips.


    My mind wasn¡¯t on whatever the priest was saying because I just couldn¡¯t get my eyes off the man who was about to be my husband or rather my fake husband and his reluctance to take his eyes off me didn¡¯t help at all.


    ¡°Do you Nichs Sterling take Monica Mayer to be yourwful_¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I do¡± Nichs responded instantly and the whole crowd cheered and pped with smiles on their face.


    ¡°That was quick and please try to blink so your eyes don¡¯t hurt from too much staring¡± Anthony whispered in Nichs¡¯s ears and that made my cheeks heat up in a blush.


    ¡°Do you, Monica Mayer, take Nichs Sterling to be yourwfully wedded husband?¡± the priest asked, and I went mute.


    Looking at Nichs, I saw a handsome man who had agreed to take care of my baby because of our contract, but I knew deep down that I wanted more than just that. What exactly did I want? I had no idea, but I was ready to find out more.


    Taking a deep breath, I felt a surge of emotions swirling within me. The uncertainty of our future mixed with a glimmer of hope for something deeper.


    My heart pounded as I realized this moment was not just about fulfilling an agreement but the beginning of a new journey.


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± I finally responded, my voice steady and resolute.


    ¡°You may now kiss the bride,¡± the priest announced.


    Nichs gently removed the veil that covered my face and stared intently at me, his captivating blue eyes reflecting a mix of emotions-tenderness, and care. For a moment, time stood still.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,¡± he whispered, his voice soft and sincere.


    Those words sent a rush of warmth through me, making butterflies flutter in my stomach. As he leaned in to kiss me, I felt a spark of connection that went beyond our contract and revealed something deep and real.


    And in that kiss, I knew I wanted more than just the contract we signed. Nichs ended the kid and I slowly opened my eyes to meet the mesmerizing blue eyes I still can¡¯t get over.


    ¡°I now present to you, Mr and Mrs Nichs Sterling¡± the priest announced and everyone pped with smiles on their face.


    Just as Nichs had said, the invited guests weren¡¯t so many. All the board directors were present with their families, some of Anthony¡¯s friends were also present, and of course Greg.


    ¡°That was intense¡± Anthony uttered as he stood in between me and Nichs who weren¡¯t done with staring at each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Congrattions son. I¡¯m proud of you¡± Uncle Karl hugged Nichs happily and hugged me too ¡°Wee to the family Monica¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee and I¡¯d love to ask why your families aren¡¯t here,¡± Uncle Karl asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any family, sir. I¡¯m an orphan ¡± I managed to say, showing a bold front.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry for poking into your personal life. I had no idea¡± Uncle Karl said apologetically


    ¡°You¡¯re an orphan?¡± Nichs asked in shock, his voiceced with disbelief. I nodded in response. ¡°I didn¡¯t know about that.¡±


    ¡°You never asked,¡± I replied softly, my voice carrying a hint of sadness. I watched as his expression shifted swiftly from surprise to guilt, his eyes clouding with regret.


    ¡°You¡¯re a bad fiance, Nichs,¡± Uncle Karl scolded, his tone sharp and disapproving.


    Nichs¡¯s face fell, and he looked away, his shoulders slumping slightly. I could see the remorse in his blue sad eyes, the way he struggled to find the right words to apologize.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Monica,¡± he finally whispered, his voice tinged with genuine regret. ¡°I should have known, should have asked.¡± His sincerity at that moment touched me, and despite the hurt, I felt a little empathy.


    As I looked at Nichs, I saw not just a fiance bound by contract, but a man capable of growth and understanding and I hoped deeply that I was right.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s all in the past. Let¡¯s just ce our focus on today¡¯s event¡± I chipped in, trying to lighten the situation.     AT THE RECEPTION


    ¡°Congrattions sir¡± Somedies came to congratte us but their strength and the continuous look they threw at me already let me know that they didn¡¯t like me.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I responded to them and saw Nichs chuckle.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± I asked annoyed by the way they looked at Nichs seductively


    ¡°Jealous?¡± He asked with a smirk on his face. ¡°That¡¯s my secretary and the other is one of my ythings¡± he responded and I felt hurt a little by his response.


    ¡°Do you still have fun with your ythings?¡± I asked, sadness slowly creeping into my heart.


    Nichs looked at me with a calm gaze for some seconds then his attitude just changed instantly I do but I haven¡¯t had anything with them for a while now¡± he responded coldly.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said, faking a smile as I saw more peoplee to congratte us. His response hurt me a little but I didn¡¯t know why it did. This was all a show. All this wasn¡¯t real so I wasn¡¯t expected to like Nichs in anyways but I couldn¡¯t help myself from liking him and getting jealous.


    It was time for our first dance and the floor was empty for us. Nichs held my hand gently as we both slowly had our first dance. His blue eyes shined brightly as he stared at me with an undetected emotion in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous and you look stunning¡±


    I blushed as I averted my gaze from his ¡°Thank you¡± I replied, trying to look everywhere else but ended up looking at the envious eye of some guest so I just decided to look at Nichs.


    The world seemed to have stopped as we both looked at each other¡¯s eyes lovingly. Looking at us from afar, one would have thought we were so much in love but that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Can I steal your bride for some minutes?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡± Nichs replied but still held onto my hand, not letting go.


    ¡°Nichs, I can¡¯t dance with her when her hands are in yours¡± Anthony¡¯s words instantly made Nichs realize his actions as he instantly let go of my hands as if they burned him.


    ¡± My best friend seems to be falling in love with you¡±


    ¡°Oh please ¡± I rolled my eyes at the impossibility of Anthony¡¯s words even when I knew deep down in my heart that something was growing between us.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be sincere with you Monica, I¡¯ve never seen Nichs look at any otherdy like the way he looks at you. He has a lot of women he has fun with but he doesn¡¯t look at them in any way¡± And at that moment, the music stopped and Anthony and I stopped dancing.


    I looked around to see other people also dancing but I couldn¡¯t find Nichs. ¡°Aunt, have you seen Nichs?¡± I asked Aunt E who was having a good time dancing with her husband, Uncle Karl.


    ¡°Oh dear I really don¡¯t know where he went but thest time I saw him, he was going to the men¡¯s bathroom¡± she responded I started going to the men¡¯s bathroom but I halted on my steps to find Nichs passionately kissing the woman who was seducing him earlier in a corner.


    ¡°Nichs¡± I uttered and his eyes fell on me and he pushed thedy away instantly.


    ¡°Monica it¡¯s not what you think¡± he responded and I turned back as I ran out of the hall, with tears already gathering in my eyes.

 Chapter 19 – brother’s fight

    NICHOLAS POV


    I pushed Harley off me as I saw Monica standing behind us. ¡°Monica, it¡¯s not what you think,¡± I blurted out, desperationcing my voice.


    I tried to reach out to her, but she had already turned and bolted out of the hall. My heart sank as I saw the devastation in her eyes.


    Thankfully, the rest of the party continued, the guests too engrossed in their conversations and the soft music to notice the drama unfolding. I rushed outside, my mind racing, following the trail of Monica¡¯s hurried steps. ¡°Monica, wait!¡± I called out, my voice echoing in the cool night air, but she didn¡¯t stop. Her pace quickened.


    ¡°Monica!¡± I shouted again, this time with more urgency, increasing my steps to catch up with her. My heart pounded, each beat a reminder of what I just did.


    She finally stopped, her back to me, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs. The sight felt like a dagger was on my chest.


    ¡°Please, just listen,¡± I begged as I approached her. She turned slowly, her face a mask of hurt and pain. I felt a pang of guilt so intense it almost brought me to my knees.


    ¡°Listen to what, Nichs? That you are passionately kissing your ything on our wedding day¡± Her voice, was barely above a whisper, each word dripping with pain. ¡°I saw you Nichs so you can¡¯t lie about it. How could you do this to me on our wedding day? Of course, I know all this is fake but what if someone had seen you¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t what it looked like,¡± I said, my own voice cracking. ¡°She came onto me and started kissing me, and I didn¡¯t-¡± I felt mute as I suddenly started realizing I was apologizing. For what exactly? I had no idea


    ¡°And how does all this concern you? I remember saying that I still had things to do with my ythings, or didn¡¯t I? All this is fake, Monica, so stop behaving like someone whose husband just cheated on her because I¡¯m not your husband. Keep that in mind.¡± My voice was icy, each word a dagger aimed at her already wounded heart.


    Her eyes widened in shock, the pain in them deepening. For a moment, she looked as if she had been physically struck, her body trembling from the harshness of my words. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she just stared at me, disbelief mingling with the sadness in her gaze.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she turned away, hugging herself as if trying to shield her heart from further harm. The sight broke my heart but I didn¡¯t let it show in my expression. She recoiled, taking a step back, and her hand fell uselessly to her side.


    ¡°Why, Nichs?¡± Her voice finally broke the silence, weak and trembling. ¡°Why would you say something like that? I thought¡­?¡±


    I kept my back to her, not trusting myself to maintain my cold demeanor if I saw her face. ¡°Thought what?¡± I said, my voice hard and unyielding. ¡°This was never going to be anything serious. You should know that Monica.¡±


    There was a heavy silence, broken only by the distant sounds of the city.


    ¡°I thought we were getting to know each other. I thought this could be something more because I feel sparks whenever I touch you Nichs and I know you feel those sparks too¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    I closed my eyes, the weight of her words pressing down on me. ¡°You thought wrong,¡± I said, forcing the words out through gritted teeth. ¡°Love was never part of the deal.¡±


    A choked sob escaped her lips, and I heard her footsteps retreating. Each step she took felt like a nail being driven into my heart, but I remained still, my hands clenched into fists in my pockets. I had to do this for our sake.


    With a heavy heart, I turned and walked away, leaving behind the remnants of something that could never be. Walking back to the hall, I took a ss of wine and gulped it in one go. ¡°Where is your bride?¡± I heard Greg say behind me as I dropped the ss of wine back onto the tray, my patience already wearing thin. Without acknowledging him, I started to walk away.


    ¡°Did you two fight?¡± he pressed, and I instantly paused, my fists clenching at my sides.


    I turned slowly to face him, my eyes zing with anger. ¡°Get lost,¡± I muttered coldly, each word dripping with rage that was about to explode.


    Greg smirked, unfazed. ¡°Congrattions to you, son,¡± I heard Elena say as she walked up to us, her smile warm but tinged with concern. ¡°I¡¯m finally happy you¡¯ve decided to settle down with one woman and not with those whores of yours.¡±


    Greg¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Oh, Mum, you didn¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t know what?¡± Elena, my stepmother, asked in confusion, her eyes darting between us.


    Greg kept his gaze locked with mine, a cunning gleam in his eyes. ¡°That Nichs¡¯ bride was one of his whores.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Elena looked at me, shock and disappointment clouding her features. But I was too angry to even meet her gaze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever call her that,¡± I growled, stepping closer to Greg and shoving him hard in the chest. The force of my push caused him to stumble back, his serious face emitting fury.


    ¡°Alright, boys, this is not the time to fight,¡± Elena said, trying to position herself between us. ¡°We are celebrating something huge today, and everyone-¡±


    Greg pushed her aside roughly, his attention solely on me. Without warning, he swung his fist,nding a hard punch on my face. Pain exploded through my jaw, and I staggered back, tasting blood.


    The room seemed to freeze for a moment, all eyes on us. I wiped the blood from my lip, the crowd¡¯s whispers grew louder, the once joyous celebration turning tense and ufortable.


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± I taunted, stepping forward again, my body tense with adrenaline. Greg¡¯s eyes narrowed, his fists clenched, ready for another strike.


    ¡°Stop it, both of you!¡± Elena shouted, her voice trembling with desperation. She grabbed Greg¡¯s arm, trying to pull him away. ¡°This is not how we solve things.¡±


    Greg shrugged her off, his re never leaving mine. ¡°I¡¯m not done with him,¡± he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.


    Before another punch could be thrown, several guests rushed forward, pulling us apart. The room buzzed with tension, the earlier festive atmosphere changing instantly.


    Monica walked to me, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and tiredness¡±Nichs, what is going on?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. ¡°Ask him,¡± I said, nodding towards Greg, who was being restrained by two other guests. ¡°He¡¯s the one causing all this.¡±


    Greg sneered, struggling against the hands holding him back. ¡°The truth hurts, doesn¡¯t it, Nichs?¡±


    I tightened my fist once more as I aimed to hit him again but my fist ended upnding on someone I didn¡¯t expect.


    Fear gripped me as I saw Monica fall hard on the ground as she held her stomach tightly. ¡°My stomach¡± she groaned in pain as she tried to stand up but couldn¡¯t. I began seeing blood flowing through her legs and it seemed like my heart had stopped beating.


    ¡°Monica oh my GOD what happened to you. Anthony call the ambnce now¡± Aunt E screamed with urgency in her voice.

 Chapter 20 – Losing the baby

    Nichs POV


    IN THE HOSPITAL


    Two nurses rushed out with a gurney, their faces a mask of professional urgency. They carefully lifted Monica onto it, her body trembling with pain. Her face was flushed red, sweat beading on her forehead as she clutched her stomach, her groans filling the corridor. The sound was heart-wrenching, each groan a testament to her agony.


    ¡°My baby, I don¡¯t want to lose my baby,¡± Monica repeated over and over, her voice cracked and filled with desperation. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the sweat, as she looked up at the ceiling with pleading eyes.


    I followed closely behind, my heart pounding in my chest. Fear gripped me like a vice, each of Monica¡¯s cries slicing through me like a knife. The world seemed to blur around us, the sterile white walls of the hospital closing in as we moved through the hallways.


    ¡°Please, help her,¡± I begged the nurses, my voice barely more than a whisper. They nodded, their expressions calm but focused, as they guided the gurney into an examination room.


    The female doctor with kind eyes, ced a reassuring hand on my shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll do everything we can,¡± she said before disappearing behind the swinging doors.


    I, E, Anthony, Elena, and Greg were left standing there, feeling utterly helpless. The seconds dragged on, and my mind raced with a thousand thoughts, none of themforting. The fear of losing the unborn child was a suffocating and fearful feeling.


    Finally, I sank onto one of the hard stic chairs lining the corridor, burying my face in my hand. I tried to steady my breathing, but the panic was relentless.


    Every agonized cry from Monica felt like a punch to my gut. I clenched my fists, wishing there was something, anything, I could do to ease her pain. The thought of losing that baby, of seeing Monica¡¯s heartbreak, was unbearable.


    Minutes felt like hours, but the doctor still hasn¡¯t given us any word. I could notice the continuous re Elena kept throwing at her son but I just brushed it off and looked elsewhere.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, mum. I didn¡¯t know she was pregnant and besides, it wasn¡¯t my fist thatnded on her stomach¡± Greg uttered shamelessly defending himself.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shut up Greg¡± E yelled sternly as she rose to her feet and I knew she wasn¡¯t happy with the current situation. I remember the constant fear I saw in her eyes when we wereing to the hospital with Monica. ¡°And you, all you had to do was to avoid your brother but you couldn¡¯t and you let your anger control you¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry aunt. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt Monica¡± I apologized sincerely, avoiding Aunt E¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Of course, I know that but you¡¯re supposed to be wise enough to know that nothing goodes out of anger. You angrily intended to punch Greg and you punched Monica instead¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault. Greg started it. He called her a whore and_¡± I tried exining but Greg interrupted my speech


    ¡°You started it, Nichs. You pushed me first and that made me_¡±


    ¡°Enough both of you¡± E yelled angrily, cutting Greg short ¡± I¡¯m ashamed of you both. Arguing and fighting like kids in kindergarten¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Aunt¡± Greg apologized.


    An hourter, The doctor emerged from the room. Her face was serious, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. I instantly rose to my feet as I rushed to stand close to the doctor.


    ¡°She¡¯s stable for now,¡± he said, his voice calm and measured. ¡°We¡¯re monitoring her and the baby closely. It¡¯s a delicate situation, but we¡¯re doing everything we can. I¡¯m thankful you were quick to bring her here because if you had dyed any minute than you did, she would have lost the baby.¡±


    I nodded, swallowing hard, my throat dry. ¡°Can I see her?¡± I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.


    He nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but you can¡¯t. Right now, she needs a lot of rest¡±


    ¡°Thank you doctor ¡± Elena uttered as she red at Greg who just sat on one of the stic chairs with a serious face.


    ¡°Thank you doctor¡± I uttered, feeling relieved that everything was okay. I couldn¡¯t imagine losing the baby or even losing Monica. Losing any of them would damage my chances of remaining the CEO and I couldn¡¯t risk that.


    Monica and the baby were the only ticket to keeping thepany and I almost ruined it with my anger. The memories of our dance, the spark, the kiss, and our argument flooded my head instantly and I instantly regretted why I said those things to her.


    I sighed as I ced my hands in my pocket, intending to leave the hospital and rest but E¡¯s stern voice paused me on my tracks.


    ¡°And where do you think you¡¯re going to young man?¡±


    ¡°Aunt I¡¯m really tired and I want to go home and rest¡± My response earned a strange look from E, Anthony, and Elena.


    ¡°You want to do what? Are you serious?¡±Anthony asked in shock and disbelief.


    ¡°Your wife is lying there alone and it¡¯s because of you that she is in that position but all you¡¯re thinking of right now is the fact that you need to rest? Are you serious Nichs?¡± E yelled, ring hard at me but I still didn¡¯t understand why they were all angry.


    ¡°I know that I¡¯m responsible for what happened but I¡¯m tired and I want to rest aunt¡± I uttered, defending myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m highly disappointed in you Nichs. Monica is your wife and the mother of your unborn child and all these while, you¡¯ve been harsh and cold towards her¡± Aunt E raised her index finger at me as she red at me ¡°If anything should happen to her or that baby, I¡¯ll never forgive you¡±


    I raised my head instantly as my eyes widened. Looking at Aunt E, I could see the seriousness in her eyes. She took her clutch and walked out on all of us, leaving the hospital in sadness.

 Chapter 21 – Confession

    Nichs POV


    It¡¯s been ten minutes since Aunt E left and no one spoke a word to anyone. Anthony took me to a corner and we both talked in whispers.


    ¡°Look I know you and Monica aren¡¯t serious but you have to stay behind Nichs. That¡¯s what married people do. They stay by each other¡¯s side ¡±


    ¡°But all these are fake Anthony? We aren¡¯t tight¡± I said, emphasizing what I and Monica had.


    ¡°Do you want to tell them that?¡± Anthony asked, referring to everyone who knew about Monica and me. I stared at the floor, unable to meet his gaze.  ¡°Then I suggest you behave like a loving husband and stop being so cold,¡± he continued, his voice softer now but still firm. ¡°Loosen up a little, Nichs. Give yourself a chance to love and feel how it is to be loved.¡± I felt a lump form in my throat, my mind racing. Anthony¡¯s words struck a chord deep within me, challenging the walls I had built around my heart.


    ¡°I see the way you look at Monica,¡± Anthony said, stepping closer, his eyes searching mine. ¡°I know you feel something for her, but you¡¯re just too afraid to admit it. Too afraid to let your guard down.¡±


    I clenched my fists, the truth of his words piercing through my defenses.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re protecting yourself by keeping everyone at arm¡¯s length,¡± Anthony continued, his tone both gentle and insistent. ¡°But in reality, you¡¯re just hurting the people who care about you the most. You¡¯re hurting Monica.¡±


    I looked up, meeting his gaze for the first time. His eyes were filled with concern and a deep understanding that made me feel exposed.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible. ¡°I am scared. Scared of losing the baby, scared of being hurt by a woman. You know how much my mum was hurt when she found out that my dad had another child outside¡±


    I could remember the pain in my mother¡¯s eyes when she found out from the private investigator that my father¡¯s secretary had a son for him. Love made a mess out of her and I always med her for falling in love with my dad because if she wasn¡¯t in love with him, she wouldn¡¯t have been hurt that he cheated on her and wouldn¡¯t have died from a heart attack.


    Anthony nodded, a small, encouraging smile on his lips. ¡°Monica is falling in love with you, Nichs. Can¡¯t you see that?¡± He paused, sighing deeply before continuing, ¡°I know the story, Nichs. Aunt was hurt because she loved Uncle so much, and hearing that he cheated on her broke her heart. But you can¡¯t let the past of yourte parents prevent you from feeling loved.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Anthony. I don¡¯t know what to do. All this is new to me,¡± I admitted, my voice low and filled with uncertainty. ¡°I can¡¯t end up like myte mum. I don¡¯t want to be hurt because of a simple thing like love.¡±


    Anthony¡¯s expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. ¡°I understand, Nichs. But you have to learn. If you want to change, then you have to learn how to love. Let her in, Nichs. Show her that you care. Be the husband she deserves.¡±


    Seeing how my mother ended up made me realize that love wasn¡¯t worth it. The experience of my mother¡¯s heartbreak had kept me guarded and distant. But seeing Monica in pain was tearing me apart.


    Anthony stepped closer, cing a hand on my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you think. Love isn¡¯t a weakness, Nichs. It¡¯s a strength. It¡¯s what makes us human, what makes life worth living. Don¡¯t let the past keep you from experiencing it.¡±


    I met his gaze, the conviction in his eyes striking a chord deep within me. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I whispered, the realization dawning on me. ¡°I can¡¯t keep living in the past. I have to give Monica-and myself-a chance.¡±


    I took a deep breath, feeling all my emotions pressing down on me but I knew the fear of the past wasn¡¯t that great anymore. Monica deserved better, and I knew this from the onset but I just didn¡¯t want to be the man she wanted.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, my voice steadier now. ¡°I¡¯m not promising anything but I¡¯ll try to be a good man for her.¡±


    Anthony pped a hand on my shoulder, his smile widening. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. Now go to her. Show her that you¡¯re in this together, no matter what.¡±


    I nodded, turning towards the door that led back to Monica¡¯s room. Each step felt like shedding ayer of the cold armor I had wrapped around my heart. As I reached the door, I paused, taking onest deep breath before pushing it open.


    Monicay in the hospital bed, her face still pale and drawn, but her eyes flickered open as I entered. She looked at me, a mixture of sadness and uncertainty in her gaze. She turned her face to the other side clearly stating the fact that she didn¡¯t want to look or see me.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I asked in worry.


    ¡°Pain¡± she responded ¡°Pain is all I feel¡± I felt guilt move around my body and I wished I could turn back the hand of time to correct my mistakes.


    Silence lingered in the room as I thought hard about how to begin another conversation.


    ¡°I¡¯ve something to say to_¡± I tried saying but she cut me short


    ¡°Can I speak first?¡± she said slowly and calmly as her eyes slowly filled with tears ¡°I can¡¯t Nichs. I can¡¯t do this anymore¡±


    At that moment, the fear and doubt that was lost before began to resurface as I stared at her in fear, hoping what I was thinking wasn¡¯t what she was saying.


    ¡°What do_ you_mean? I uttered, fear evident in my words as I stammered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s end the contract, Nichs. It¡¯s not working. Everything isn¡¯t going as nned. This is my request and I hope you grant it¡± she uttered, her voice trembling as she averted her gaze.

 Chapter 22 – Canceling the contract

    Nichs POV


    In that moment, the fear and doubt that I thought I had conquered resurfaced once again. I stared at her, my heart pounding, hoping desperately that what I feared wasn¡¯t what she was about to say.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I stammered, my once bold voice trembling with fear.


    Monica looked away, her gaze fixed on the beeping machine by her side as if gathering the strength to continue. ¡°Let¡¯s end the contract, Nichs. It¡¯s not working. Everything isn¡¯t going as nned. This is my request, and I hope you grant it,¡± she said, her voice trembling.


    Her words hit me like a punch, the air rushing out of my lungs. The contract, the arrangement that had brought us together, was supposed to help with thepany and it did but somewhere along the way, I started having feelings and my feelings had be real.


    ¡°Monica, please,¡± I began, my voice desperate, ¡°don¡¯t do this. We can make it work. I know I¡¯ve been cold and harsh, and I haven¡¯t been the husband or partner you deserve, but I¡¯m trying. I want to try.¡±


    She shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. ¡°Nichs, it¡¯s not just about you. It¡¯s about me too. I can¡¯t keep pretending. It¡¯s hard for me. It hurts too much to think that you like someone and they like you too but find them in the arms of_¡± she sighed then closed her eyes before continuing ¡°I thought I could handle this contract but I can¡¯t.¡±


    I felt a lump in my throat, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. ¡°I understand that you¡¯re hurting,¡± I said, my voice thick with fear. ¡°But please, give me a chance to make it right. I care about you, Monica and I¡¯m sure about what I¡¯m saying right now. More than I ever thought I could. Don¡¯t walk away from this Monica, don¡¯t walk away from our contract and thepany, from what we could be. I want to fix things, to fix everything¡± I said desperately, hoping she could see my reasons and listen to me.


    She finally met my gaze, her eyes filled with sadness and pain. ¡°Nichs, it¡¯s not just about fixing things. It¡¯s about trusting each other, about feeling secure. And right now, I don¡¯t feel that with you. I can¡¯t continue living in a state of constant doubt, fear, and yelling. It breaks my heart whenever you yell at me¡±


    Her words cut deep, each one a reminder of the ways I had hurt her with my actions and words. I wanted to reach out, to hold her and promise her that I¡¯d changed, but I knew words alone wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    ¡°Monica,¡± I whispered my voice breaking, ¡°I love you. I didn¡¯t realize it until now, but I do. Please, don¡¯t leave. Let¡¯s try to start all over please¡±


    She looked at me, her expression torn. ¡°Nichs, I can¡¯t. I¡¯m tired of your constant coldness towards me¡± she uttered as she turned to stare at me ¡°I need time. Time to heal, time to figure out what I want. Maybe one day, we can try again, but right now, I need to be alone.¡±


    The finality in her voice was like a dagger to my heart. I nodded slowly, tears blurring my vision. ¡°If that¡¯s what you need, I¡¯ll respect it. But know that I¡¯ll be here, waiting, hoping that you¡¯ll change your mind about all of this.¡±


    She nodded, taking a deep breath as if summoning the strength to talk ¡°Thank you for at least letting me do what I want¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The silence that followed was deafening as I sank into the chair, the weight of the loss pressing down on me, realizing that I messed up big time. I rose to my feet as I paced about the room thinking about what I could lose if this contract was cancelled.


    I could lose my position, thepany, or even my reputation and all these were one of the reasons I had the contract in the first ce.


    ¡°What about the contract?¡± I asked in a panic


    ¡°I want it cancelled Nichs ¡± she replied softly.


    I instantly walked up to the bed and summoned up the courage to hold her hand ¡°Monica I know I¡¯m asking for too much but I can¡¯t lose mypany please¡± I said desperately


    ¡°Yourpany? That all you care about and you¡¯re saying you want me to believe that you¡¯ve changed when all you think about is yourself?¡± Monica uttered angrily as she tore her hands off my grip.


    ¡°Monica please you¡¯ve got to understand me. This is my father¡¯spany, my inheritance. I can¡¯t lose it to my stepbrother¡±


    ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t he your brother? Why can¡¯t he be the CEO just like you? Why do you have to be the only one that controls thepany? Why can¡¯t Greg also be _¡±


    ¡°Because my mother died because of him¡± I yelled in anger as pain filled my heart, remembering the pain and agony my mother passed through day and night ¡± His mother had an affair with my father and the result of that affair is Greg. When my mother found out about my father¡¯s affair, she became miserable and eventually had a heart attack whichter led to her death. I cannot and will not let the reason for my mum¡¯s death be above me. Greg will never be CEO not when am alive¡± I said in one go and when I was done, I breathed in and out heavily.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t know about that¡±


    ¡°I know you didn¡¯t but I need your help in securing thepany Monica so I ask again, please Monica don¡¯t cancel the contract¡± I uttered, her eyes shing with a mixture of pity and sadness.


    ¡°I¡­need time Nichs¡± Monica struggled to say as she avoided my gaze.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I responded, my voice slowly dropping ¡°I understand but don¡¯t end the contract Monica please,¡± I said desperately.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise that Nichs¡± Monica¡¯s response only made the fear in me skyrocket.

 Chapter 23 – A step forward

    NICHOLAS POV


    ¡°What happened? What did she say? Did she believe you?¡± Anthony asked the instant I stepped out of Monica¡¯s room. I looked around and realized that Greg wasn¡¯t present anymore.


    ¡°The bastard and his mum are gone?¡± I asked coldly.


    ¡°You mean Greg? Yes, he left already with Aunt Elena. So how did it get there?¡± Anthony asked, his voiceced with curiosity.


    I walked past him sluggishly and crashed onto the visitor¡¯s chair facing Monica¡¯s room. ¡°It¡¯s over, Anthony.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, confusion evident in his voice. ¡°Nichs, say something,¡± he demanded, his tone sharp and impatient.


    ¡°She said she wanted to end the contract. That she was tired of everything and can¡¯t continue.¡±


    ¡°S**t, Nichs,¡± Anthony cursed. ¡°This is not good news.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it isn¡¯t. The main purpose of all this was to retain thepany, but now, with each passing second, I can see it slipping through my hands, gradually going to that b*****d of a brother.¡±


    ¡°Nichs, we have to do something. We can¡¯t fold our hands and allow Monica to walk away from our lives. She is an asset to us.¡±


    I chuckled at Anthony¡¯s words. ¡°Don¡¯t let her hear you say that, though. She¡¯ll be pissed if she hears that,¡± I warned.


    ¡°I understand, but you need to understand what I¡¯m saying,¡± Anthony insisted, rushing to sit by my side on the chair.


    ¡°See man, I don¡¯t know what to do. I¡¯m confused, sad, and helpless. I feel lost. This is the first time I¡¯m in a situation, and I have no solution on how to get myself out of it,¡± I said, crashing my head into my palms as I sighed deeply.


    ¡°Of course, you know what to do, Nichs. Think,¡± Anthony said, and I raised my head, gazing at him like a lost puppy.


    ¡°If I knew what to do, I wouldn¡¯t be having this discussion,¡± I retorted.


    ¡°What did she say in the room?¡± Anthony asked.


    ¡°She said something about being tired and in pain and so many things. I just don¡¯t want to remember them right now because I know I¡¯m the reason she said those things. I caused her so many tears and-¡±


    ¡°But we can fix it. We can fix this, Nichs,¡± Anthony reassured.


    ¡°How? Tell me, Anthony, because right now, my heart hurts, and my head is void of any ideas.¡±


    ¡°Do you love her?¡± Anthony asked, and I went mute. ¡°Nichs.¡± He called again


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, man. I don¡¯t know,¡± I responded, rising to my feet and running my hands through my hair in frustration.


    ¡°What do you feel when you look at her?¡± he asked, his voice filled with interest.


    Silence lingered for a few seconds. I started imagining her smile, the color of her cheeks when she blushed, and her dazzling blue eyes. ¡°I feel a lot of things, man. I feel like the world has stopped, with only me and her in it. I feel like looking at her all day and not leaving her side. I even sometimes have the urge to kiss her,¡± I admitted, then looked at Anthony, who was smirking ridiculously. ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± I asked, frowning deeply.


    ¡°You¡¯re in love, man, and I¡¯m proud of you,¡± Anthony said proudly.


    ¡°Shut the f**k up, Anthony. That¡¯s not love,¡± I said, my mind refusing to agree with what Anthony said.


    ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ maybe some sort of attraction,¡± I responded. ¡°How is this even a solution?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It is, Nichs. You have to show her how you feel about her,¡± Anthony¡¯s words made my eyes widen.


    ¡°Anthony, all I feel is attraction, not love,¡± I stated again.


    ¡°You know you¡¯re wrong, bro. I know deep down that your heart disagrees with you,¡± Anthony said, ignoring my re. He sat back down beside me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think I like her, but how do I show it to her? I¡¯ve never done these things before.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m here to help you,¡± Anthony said, but his statement only made me feel more exhausted.


    ¡°You? You¡¯re no different from me. The only difference between us is that you¡¯re funny and free with thedies while I¡¯m cold. You¡¯re a flirt, Anthony.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you just broke my heart. That hurts so much,¡± Anthony said, cing his hand on his chest and giving me a fake heartbroken look.


    ¡°Do you think it will work?¡± I asked, his idea slowly bing a possibility for me. I didn¡¯t know how I felt about Monica, but I knew I wasn¡¯t ready for her to leave.


    ¡°Yes, it definitely will. Show her you care about her, Nichs. Show her you love her. Tell her how you feel. Buy her gifts, pamper her, and showcase your love for her without shame.¡±


    ¡°How do I showcase my love for her?¡± I asked, curious and eager to know more as Anthony¡¯s advice seemed to captivate me.


    ¡°Buy her gifts, get her favorite things, hold hands, kiss her in public, y with her sometimes, spend time with her, cook her favorite-¡± Anthony paused as he looked at the pen and paper in my hand. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked, puzzled.


    ¡°I¡¯m jotting down everything you¡¯re saying. It¡¯s too much to memorize in one go,¡± I replied, and Anthony instantly burst outughing, drawing the attention of anyone walking along the hallway.


    I didn¡¯t know why he wasughing, so I waited for the idiot to finish embarrassing himself. ¡°Are you serious, dude? You¡¯re acting like a businessman about to start a new trade. Hell, man.¡±


    ¡°I just want to make sure I don¡¯t forget what you¡¯re saying.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to write them down, Nichs. Just show her how much you¡¯ve changed and how much she means to you,¡± Anthony said, and I sighed, putting the pen and paper back in my pocket.


    ¡°When do I start?¡±


    ¡°As soon as possible. Don¡¯t beat yourself up, Nichs. I¡¯ll help you.¡±     **TWO DAYS LATER**


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you this nervous before. Calm down, bro,¡± Anthony said, cing his hands on my shoulder as we both stood outside, waiting for Monica to arrive.


    I watched as my ck SUV drove into thepound. My driver stepped down and opened the door for Monica. My heart raced as she stepped down, looking pale but beautiful.


    With a mix of nervousness and happiness, I walked up to her, my smile genuine. ¡°Hey,¡± I greeted softly.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she replied, her smile wavering slightly, a hint of surprise in her eyes.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Wee home,¡± I said, extending the bouquet of rose flowers I had brought for her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, her cheeks lifting in a genuine smile as she epted the flowers.


    Anthony stepped back, giving us space as I led Monica inside the house, determined to make things right and show her how much she meant to me.

 Chapter 24 – Finally home

    Monica¡¯s POV


    I wasn¡¯t happy that Nichs wasn¡¯t at the hospital to pick me up and when I asked his driver where he was, he said Nichs was at the office but seeing him standing here with a bouquet for me, I couldn¡¯t help but blush.


    As we walked through the front door, he nced at me and I knew he was trying to gauge my mood. ¡°I hope you¡¯re feeling better,¡± he said, his voice low and filled with genuine concern.


    I nodded, my eyes still wary but softening slightly. ¡°A bit. I still feel pain here and there but the doctor assured me that I will get myself back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything, Monica,¡± he said, stopping at the entrance of the and turning to face me. ¡°I know I haven¡¯t been the best husband, friend, or even partner, and I¡¯ve made things difficult for you. But I want to change that. I want to make it up to you.¡±


    I looked at him, my eyes searching his for sincerity. ¡°Nichs, I don¡¯t know if words are enough anymore. I¡¯ve been through so much, and I don¡¯t want to get hurt again.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± he replied, his voice trembling slightly with a lot of emotions in his eyes, emotions I couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°But I¡¯m not just saying this. I want to prove it to you. I want to be there for you and our baby. I want to be the husband you deserve.¡±


    ¡°Our baby? It¡¯s my baby, not ours Nichs. I¡¯m not interested in this contract anymore Nichs and till I leave this ce, this baby is mine, not ours¡± I uttered sternly as tears welled up in my eyes, and I looked away, biting my lip.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I understand Monica but give me a chance to prove myself. I want to be with you, Monica¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe that after everything,¡± I said.


    ¡°I know it is,¡± he said, stepping closer and gently taking my hand. ¡°But please, give me a chance to show you. Let me earn your trust again.¡± Nichs¡¯s words made me look back at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and hope.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that Nichs. I can¡¯t_¡±


    ¡°Please please just one chance ¡± Nichs¡¯ soft gaze melted the walls I was beginning to build around my heart.


    ¡°All right, Nichs. I¡¯ll give you a chance. But you have to understand, this is yourst one. If you hurt me again, I won¡¯t stay.¡± I uttered softly.


    ¡°I promise, Monica. I¡¯ll do everything I can to make this work,¡± Nichs uttered with a hint of determination. ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. ¡°Thank you for giving me this chance.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond but stood frozen because I wasn¡¯t expecting a kiss on my forehead. His touch lingered, leaving me both shocked and touched.


    ¡°Oh, Monica, thank goodness you¡¯re all right,¡± Aunt Elsa walked towards us with her arms wide open. As soon as she reached me, she engulfed me in a warm hug. ¡°I¡¯m happy you¡¯re okay, dear,¡± she uttered cheerfully.


    ¡°Thank you, Aunt,¡± I replied, a small smile forming on my face despite the tiredness inside me.


    ¡°Come, dear, I¡¯ve prepared a lot of dishes for you,¡± she said, gesturing for me to follow her into the house. I nced back at Nichs, who gave me an encouraging nod, before following Aunt Elsa inside.


    As we entered the dining room, the delicious aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air. Uncle Karl was already seated at the table, a weing smile on his face.


    ¡°How are you feeling, dear?¡± he asked warmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Uncle,¡± I replied, taking a seat across from him.


    ¡°We¡¯re both sorry for Nichs and Greg¡¯s behavior. Please don¡¯t take their actions to heart, dear,¡± he said sincerely.


    I nced at Nichs, who had followed us into the room and was now standing awkwardly by the door. His eyes met mine, filled with a mix of regret. It was clear he was trying to prove himself to me, but the wounds of the past still lingered in my heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Uncle. I¡¯m trying to move past it,¡± I said, offering a reassuring smile.


    Aunt Elsa began serving the dishes, and the table was soon filled with an array of delicious food. ¡°You need to eat well and regain your strength,¡± she said, cing a bowl of steaming soup in front of me.


    As we began to eat, the atmosphere gradually rxed. Aunt Elsa and Uncle Karl kept the conversation light and cheerful, trying to create a sense of normalcy. Nichs, sitting next to me, asionally nced my way, his presence a constant reminder of the promise he had made.


    ¡°So, Monica,¡± Aunt Elsa said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, ¡°tell us, what are your ns now? Honeymoon or just to stay behind or_¡±


    I hesitated, ncing at Nichs before answering. ¡°I think I need some time to figure things out,¡± I said honestly. ¡°It¡¯s been a lot to process.¡±


    ¡°Take all the time you need, dear,¡± Uncle Karl said, his tone gentle. ¡°We¡¯re here for you.¡±


    Nichs reached under the table and gently squeezed my hand. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. I looked at him, and for the first time, I saw a glimpse of the man he could be-the man he wanted to be for me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said softly and that made my heart warm slightly but I didn¡¯t want to believe him, not now. I needed to see that he had changed. I can¡¯t afford to get hurt again. I was tired of it.


    After lunch, Aunt Elsa insisted I rest. ¡°You¡¯ve been through a lot, Monica. Go upstairs and lie down for a while.¡±


    I nodded, grateful for her concern. As I made my way to the bedroom, Nichs followed me. ¡°Monica,¡± he called softly, stopping me at the foot of the stairs. ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, anything at all, just let me know.¡±


    I met his gaze, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. ¡°I will, Nichs. Thank you.¡±


    As Iy down, exhaustion finally catching up with me, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things could change between us.

 Chapter 25 – First KISS

    MONICA¡¯S POV


    LATER AT NIGHT


    I turned about on the soft bed Iy on. I couldn¡¯t sleep and I didn¡¯t know why. I sat upright on the bed and sighed deeply. I was restless. I stepped down from the bed, walked out of my room, and took the stairs to the kitchen, hoping a ss of water might calm my mind.


    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡± I heard Nichs¡¯s voice behind me, and I almost ran out of the kitchen in fear. I didn¡¯t expect to meet him here either.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I responded, trying to regain myposure. ¡°I keep on turning. What about you?¡± I asked curiosity tinged with a bit of awkwardness.


    Nichs went silent, staring at me deeply, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. I wondered why he was looking at me like that. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of a way to prove myself to you,¡± he replied, and I could hear the sincerity in his voice, though I still had some doubt.


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± I uttered awkwardly, walking to the fridge. I took out a bottle of water, poured a ss, and gulped it in one go, hoping to ease the tension in the room.


    ¡°How¡¯s the baby?¡± he asked, his eyes lingering on my stomach, a hint of concern in his voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I said softly, rubbing my right hand on my stomach with a small, tender smile. ¡°The baby is fine.¡±


    Nichs stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. ¡°Can I touch it?¡±


    ¡°Touch what?¡± I asked in curiosity.


    ¡°The baby¡± Nichs uttered then gulped hard as he looked at me with hope and hesitation. I had an inner battle in me as I looked at him. Letting him touch my tummy was going to make me feel emotions I didn¡¯t want to feel but it wasn¡¯t a bad idea allowing him to touch my tummy.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want_¡± Nichs started to say but was quick to cut him short.


    ¡°You can if you still want to,¡± I said nervously.


    Nichs ced his right hand on my stomach and smiled warmly. I watched him, seeing a side of Nichs I hadn¡¯t seen before. Maybe there was hope for us after all, but only time would tell.


    Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he stared at me instantly. ¡°The baby moved.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡°The baby just moved. Here, feel it,¡± he uttered, then ced my hand on the same spot his hand had been. He gently ced his hand on mine.


    I chuckled as I looked at him. ¡°It didn¡¯t move, Nichs. It only kicked.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said, embarrassed. ¡°Maybe I got it wrong then.¡± He raised his deep blue eyes to meet mine, a mixture of sheepishness and tenderness in his gaze.


    I looked at him, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. There was something undeniably sincere in his eyes, a vulnerability that I hadn¡¯t seen before. His hand on mine felt reassuring. My heart pounded, and I waspelled to lean in closer, the space between us growing smaller.


    Our eyes locked, and the air around us seemed to thicken with unspoken words and emotions. Nichs¡¯s breath hitched slightly, and I could see the uncertainty mixed with hope in his eyes. It was as if he was waiting for a sign, a signal that it was okay to bridge the gap between us.


    I took a deep breath, my heart racing, and slowly closed the distance. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips.


    Nichs¡¯s hand reached my waist as it tightened slightly, a gentle but firm reminder of his presence. Then, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine with a featherlight touch.


    It was a slow kiss, filled with hesitation and a longing to make things right. My eyes fluttered closed as I leaned into the kiss, my free hand reaching up to rest on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. The kiss deepened, growing more urgent yet still tender as if we were both afraid to break the fragile bond that was forming.


    His lips were warm and soft, moving against mine with a gentleness that made my heart ache. This kiss was different from any I¡¯ve ever shared.


    ¡°What if all this could be a strategy?¡± I thought to myself as realization dawned on me and I pulled away, we both taking a moment to catch our breath as we stared at each other.


    Nichs¡¯s eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and vulnerability, and I could see that he was hurt that I broke the kiss.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. That wasn¡¯t meant to happen. I don¡¯t know what came over me¡±


    ¡°Good night¡± I uttered, rushing out of the awkward situation.


    ¡°Monica¡± he called and I paused in my tracks ¡± I know I¡¯ve made a mess of things, and I can¡¯t undo the past, but I want to make things right. I want to be here for you and the child, our child.¡±


    His words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. I wanted to believe him, but the hurt was still fresh in my mind. ¡°Nichs, it¡¯s not that simple,¡± I said, my voice trembling slightly. ¡°This isn¡¯t something you can just rebuild overnight.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I know,¡± he admitted, his voice breaking a little. ¡°But I¡¯m willing to do whatever it takes¡±


    I turned away, my mind racing as I rushed back to my bedroom. Could I really let him back in after everything? Could I risk getting hurt again? But then, I remembered the look in his eyes earlier, the genuine regret and sadness. Maybe he really had changed.


    I ced my hands on my lips as I remembered his touch. His touch was gentle, tender, and careful, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel the warmth of his lips on mine. I enjoyed every part of it. ¡°Going downstairs wasn¡¯t a bad idea after all¡± I muttered as Iy back down on the bed, giggling and smiling to myself all night long

 Chapter 26 – Taking care of Monica

    MONICA POV


    THE NEXT DAY


    I frowned on my bed, my eyes closed as difort twisted in my stomach. Slowly opening my eyes, I sat upright when a strong urge to puke hit me.


    I rushed to the toilet and then started vomiting continuously, my body heaving with effort. ¡°Monica,¡± I heard my name from the door, but I didn¡¯t bother to look back. I had no strength left.


    I ced my head over the toilet again, retching loudly. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± Nichs asked, his voice filled with concern as he held my hair back, preventing it from being stained.


    I rose to my feet, flushed the toilet, and washed my mouth. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I managed to say, though I could hardly stand. As we entered the room, Nichs was closely behind me, and a pounding headache suddenly hit me.


    ¡°Hey, this way,¡± Nichs said, guiding me to the bed. He held me close, his touch steadying me.


    ¡°You look pale, Monica. Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± he asked, his concern deepening.


    I nodded, trying to reassure him. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Nichs. It¡¯s just morning sickness.¡± I felt a strong urge to go back to sleep, my body craving rest.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Nichs gently helped me lie down, his touch careful and tender. He pulled the nket over me, tucking me in as if I were something precious. ¡°Do you need anything? Water? Tea?¡± he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.


    I shook my head. ¡°No¡±


    He nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, his hand resting on my stomach and in as much it felt weird, I still like his hands on my tummy.


    The warmth of his touch wasforting, a steady presence amid my difort.


    As Iy there, I opened my eyes slightly as I saw his face. His face was etched with worry, but also something softer, something that looked like care. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my forehead. ¡°I¡¯m here, Monica. For whatever you need.¡±


    I closed my eyes finally, letting the sound of his voice soothe me. Despite the nausea, despite the headache, I felt a bit better. Maybe Nichs was really trying. Maybe we could make this work.


    Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I felt Nichs¡¯s hand squeeze mine gently. ¡°Rest now. I¡¯ll be here when you wake up,¡± he whispered.


    His words were thest thing I heard before sleep imed me, and for the first time in a long while, I felt so safe and loved genuinely.     I opened my eyes slowly, my gazending on Nichs¡¯s half-open shirt. The first three buttons were undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest. I couldn¡¯t help but blush as I took in the sight. Suddenly, his phone rang, startling him awake. I quickly closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep.


    ¡°Hey, Anthony,¡± Nichs answered, his voice groggy.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing to work today?¡± Anthony¡¯s voice sounded clear from the other end of the line.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. Monica isn¡¯t feeling well, and I can¡¯t just leave her on her own. I need to make sure she¡¯s alright,¡± Nichs replied.


    ¡°Alright, lover boy. Stay with your damsel in distress,¡± Anthony teased.


    ¡°Fuck off, Anthony,¡± Nichs muttered, ending the call. He ced the phone on themp table and turned to face me. I kept my eyes closed, trying to maintain the facade of sleep.


    ¡°You look so peaceful and beautiful when you sleep,¡± he whispered softly. His words sent a warm rush through me, and it took all my willpower not to react.


    He gently brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering. ¡°I hope you know how much I care about you,¡± he continued, his voice filled with sincerity.


    I could feel my heart racing, a mix of emotions swirling within me. His unexpected tenderness made me question myself to keep my distance.


    Minutes passed in silence, and I felt Nichs¡¯s gaze on me, protective and concerned. I slowly opened my eyes, unable to pretend any longer.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said, a gentle smile spreading across his face. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°A bit better,¡± I replied, my voice calm. ¡°Thank you for staying with me.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Monica. I¡¯ll always be here for you,¡± he said, his eyes searching mine for any sign of difort.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to stay home because of me. I knew you were supposed to be at work¡± I said.


    ¡°I wanted to,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Your well-being is more important to me than anything else right now.¡±


    I looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. ¡°Thank you, Nichs. I appreciate this¡±


    He reached out and took my hand in his. ¡°Let¡¯s get you something to eat. You need to keep your strength up.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I agreed, feeling a warmth spread through me at his concern. ¡°But I¡¯ll think I would take a shower first¡±     ¡°Hey, you¡¯ve not started,¡± I asked,ing down the stairs in a knee-length blue silk gown.


    ¡°No. I was waiting for you¡± Nichs replied, his eyes not leaving my body. I wasn¡¯tfortable with his stare and I just rushed to sit on a chair opposite him.


    ¡°Is something wrong with the dress?¡± I asked, ufortable with his continuous stare.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said, blinking his eyes repeatedly as he gulped a small ss of water ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with the dress. It¡¯s just kinda tight¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. The other clothes seemed to have be very tight for me and_¡± I tried to exin but he interrupted me, avoiding my gaze.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize Monica. I think it¡¯s about time you had new clothes seeing your stomach is already getting bigger¡±


    ¡°Okay thanks in advance¡± I responded timidly.     ¡°Is this okay?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Do you like it because I do?¡± Nichs said, standing up and walking to where I was. Standing behind me, he looked at my eyes in the mirror and for the first time since I knew Nichs, I realized that we had the same colour of eyes.


    ¡°I think the dress is supposed to be worn this way¡± he uttered, taking the hand of the dress and dragging it down a little to give an off-shoulder style that actually perfected the dress.


    The way he stared at me through the mirror was indescribable. I just coughed awkwardly as I walked away from the mirror. ¡°Okay I¡¯ll just add it to the others,¡±  I said as I went back inside the dressing room with my heart pounding hard in my chest.


    My feelings for Nichs were beginning to get stronger and I was restless about it. The sales manager who couldn¡¯t get her eyes off Nichs happily took the clothes from me and went to package them ahead.


    ¡°Do you like the clothes?¡±


    ¡°Yes I do¡± I answered, faking a smile ¡°Please excuse me,¡± I said as I excused myself to the restroom.


    I breathe in and out continuously to calm my nerves. I wanted to end this contract but Nichs was making things hard for me and I was gettingfortable with being with him.


    ¡°Monica?¡± Hearing my name pulled me out of my thoughts as I saw the face of someone I wasn¡¯t ready to see, standing there with her big tummy and staring at me in disgust ¡°Long time no see¡±

 Chapter 27 – naturally beautiful

    NICHOLAS POV


    I waited patiently for about 10 minutes and began to get worried. Monica wasn¡¯ting out and I wondered what was wrong.


    ¡°Did I make her ufortable? Is she angry?¡± I asked myself, confused about the whole situation.


    I rose to my feet and tookrge steps toward the female restroom, my heart pounding with concern. As I approached, I heard a voice dripping with venom.


    ¡°And do you know why he chose me? Because I¡¯m more beautiful and capable than you¡¯ll ever be,¡± a youngdy sneered.


    I walked into the bathroom just in time to see Monica¡¯s face flush with anger. Before I could process what was happening, Monicanded a sharp p on thedy¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°How dare you, Mia!¡± Monica spat, her eyes zing with fury. The youngdy, Mia, raised her hand to retaliate, but I rushed forward, grabbing her wrist mid-air.


    ¡°I won¡¯t watch you hurt my wife,¡± I growled, my grip tightening as Mia struggled to free herself.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± she demanded, her eyes wide with anger and fear.


    ¡°Apologize first,¡± I ordered sternly, my voice cold and unyielding.


    ¡°What? I will never do such a thing. Why should I apologize to this whore?¡± Her words sent a surge of rage through me, and I instinctively tightened my grip on her wrist.


    I didn¡¯t realize how tightly I was holding her until I felt Monica¡¯s gentle touch on my other hand. ¡°Nichs, please, that¡¯s enough. Let her go,¡± she said softly, her soothing voice breaking through my anger.


    Reluctantly, I released Mia, who immediately had fear on her face, rubbing her wrist. She red at both of us, but there was fear in her eyes now.


    ¡°You¡¯re not worth it,¡± she spat, backing away. ¡°This isn¡¯t over.¡± With that, she stormed out of the restroom in fear and anger.


    I turned to Monica, who was still trembling with anger and shock. ¡°Are you all right?¡± I asked, concern evident in my voice.


    She nodded slowly, her eyes meeting mine. ¡°Yes, I am now. Thank you¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I pulled her into a gentle embrace, feeling her rx against me. ¡°No one will ever hurt you as long as I¡¯m here,¡± I promised, my voice firm with resolve.


    Monica pulled back slightly, looking up at me with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. ¡°Let¡¯s just go home¡± she uttered sadly as she walked out of the restroom.


    I rushed out too, walking behind her as I tried to read her expression. She was avoiding me and I didn¡¯t like it. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± I asked as I paid for the clothes we bought, my gaze solely on her.


    ¡°No there isn¡¯t¡± she responded, walking out of the mall and going straight inside the car.


    ¡°Thank you Mr Nichs for stopping by¡± the cashier gave me back my card with a little paper underneath. I took out the paper and saw it was a note.


    Call me whenever you feel lonely


    The note read and under was a phone number which I presumed was her phone number. I just squeezed the paper and threw it into the waste bin before stepping out of the mall. Having fun was the least of my worries right now.     ¡°Hey are you sure you¡¯re okay¡± I asked, holding her hands and stopping her from rushing into the house but she didn¡¯t even look at me.


    ¡°Yes I¡¯m fine¡± she replied as she pulled her hands off my grip and hastily rushed into the house.


    Monica hasn¡¯t been herself since her encounter with thedy in the bathroom. She was avoiding me and even refusing to look at me. I couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious over the whole situation.


    I dialed Anthony¡¯s number to speak with him but he wasn¡¯t picking up. I had no idea what I should do. Monica was avoiding me and I had no idea what to do. I looked up the stairs and decided to speak with her even if she was pushing me away.


    ¡°Hey Monica, I need to_¡± my words caught up in my throat as I saw Monica standing in front of her mirror naked.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She asked yelling as she quickly wore back her bathrobe and covered her chest with her hands crossed against each other.


    I could feel my body beginning to react to what I just saw but Iposed myself. ¡°I just wanted to check up on you¡± I uttered, trying to sound confident andposed.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, avoiding my eyes again and looking for something in her room. She sniffed continuously and I frowned as realization dawned on me.


    ¡°Have you been crying?¡± I asked, but she didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Monica,¡± I called her name again, but she just ignored me. I walked up to her and gently cupped her chin, turning her face towards mine. Her gaze met mine, and the sadness in her eyes broke the frown on my face. ¡°What is it, Monica? Did I say anything that hurt you at the mall?¡±


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t, Nichs. It¡¯s not you, it¡¯s just me,¡± she stated, averting her eyes from mine and looking elsewhere.


    ¡°What is it, Monica?¡± I asked, my voice softening.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she responded, her tone unconvincing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not nothing, Monica. You haven¡¯t been yourself since you left the mall,¡± I said, my concern growing sharper. ¡°Please talk to me. Your silence is not helping.¡±


    ¡°Am I ugly?¡± she asked, raising her eyes slowly to meet mine.


    ¡°What!¡± I eximed in confusion.


    ¡°Do I look ugly to you, Nichs?¡± she asked again, her eyes searching mine for the truth.


    ¡°Of course not. You¡¯re one of the most naturally beautiful women I¡¯ve ever seen, Monica,¡± I said earnestly, remembering how striking she looked even through her tears.


    ¡°You think so?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.


    ¡°I know so, Monica. Is that why you¡¯ve been avoiding me?¡± I asked gently.


    ¡°Yes. Mia said I wasn¡¯t beautiful or capable, and that was why Ethan left me for her. It hurt me so much that I started staring at myself in the mirror. I noticed I¡¯d gained weight and my face looked puffy. When I saw Mia today, she still had her curves in shape and her beauty intact-¡±


    ¡°Shhh,¡± I interrupted, cing my index finger on her lips to stop her from speaking further. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful and amazing Monica. Don¡¯t everpare yourself to anyone else, okay?¡±


    She nodded her head slightly, and a small smile tugged at her lips. I couldn¡¯t help but smile back. My eyes were drawn to her plump, inviting lips, and I swallowed hard. The only thought running through my mind was how those lips would feel if I kissed her, and our closeness wasn¡¯t helping me.


    I gently traced her lips with my index finger, feeling their softness. Her breath hitched slightly as I leaned in, closing the distance between us. Our lips met in a tender, hesitant kiss at first, but then deepened into a passionate embrace.


    Her hands found their way to my chest, and I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer.


    The kiss was filled with unspoken emotions-longing, reassurance. It became faster and more urgent, and my hands found their way to her bare skin beneath the robe. I couldn¡¯t keep my hands off her as I lifted her and gentlyid her on the bed, our lips never disconnecting.


    ¡°I think we should stop,¡± I managed to say, breaking the kiss for a moment, but she captured my lips again, her desire mirroring my own.


    I was losing myself in her. I untied the robe and yed with her nipples, my kisses trailing down her neck. Her breathing grew faster, and soft moans escaped her lips. My mouth moved to her other breast, and she threw her head back, moaning my name, her hands tangled in my hair.


    ¡°Hey, Monica, have you seen-¡± I raised my head to see Anthony standing at the door, his expression one of shock. ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡±


    Monica¡¯s eyes widened in horror. She quickly pulled her robe back on and pushed me away, dashing into the bathroom in embarrassment.

 Chapter 28 – cravings

    Monica.


    ¡°I know, and I¡¯m grateful you showed up when you did. I was moving too fast, and if you hadn¡¯t intervened, I might¡¯ve done something that could have shattered what I¡¯m trying to prove to Monica¡± I admitted.


    ¡°Is sex even safe for the baby?¡± Anthony asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about that,¡± I confessed, realizing what I overlooked all this while.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the doctor when I see him,¡± I resolved.


    ¡°Just make sure you ask in time,¡± Anthony warned, ¡°or you might find yourself in a situation you didn¡¯t anticipate and that situation is you finding yourself buried inside her.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Anthony? Couldn¡¯t you think of anything else to say?¡± I asked him, taken aback by his bluntness.


    ¡°But it¡¯s true,¡± Anthony insisted. ¡°From what I saw, you were enjoying yourself.¡±


    ¡°Enough, Anthony,¡± I interrupted, feeling ufortable with the direction of the conversation.


    The door opened, and Monica¡¯s head peeked in. ¡°Can Ie in, Nichs?¡± she asked tentatively.


    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± I replied, unsure of what else to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let me ask Patricia to prepare the table for you so you_¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the food and I don¡¯t like it. It¡¯s good looking but I have no appetite to eat it¡± Monica exined, cutting me short.


    ¡°Okay. I could ask her to prepare what you want to eat¡± I said, going round the table to ring the bell which I used to call Patricia anytime I needed her in my study.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat any cooked food. That¡¯s not what I want¡± Monica said, and I realized she was here for something else.


    ¡°What do you want then?¡± I asked, not understanding what she needed from me exactly


    ¡°I want apples. Can I eat some apples?¡± I fell silent as I looked at her with a calm yet shocked expression. Apples were something I usually don¡¯t like to share


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. Anthony here could go buy some apples for you¡±


    ¡°No, I want a cold apple like the one in the refrigerator. The one Anthony will buy might not be cold¡± she stated further.


    ¡°Cold apples? I don¡¯t have cold apples ¡± I said, lying about the apples. I had apples in the fridge in the kitchen which only I had ess to but those apples were mine and no one else.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Of course you do. Patricia told me the apples in the kitchen were yours and that I should ask you first if I wanted to take any¡±


    ¡°Damn Patricia ¡± I muttered as I looked at anybody who wore a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Can I have some?¡± Monica asked again and I felt defeated as she gave me puppy eyes.


    If I wanted to prove to her that I¡¯ve changed, I needed to do this. ¡°of course you can. Take as many as you need¡± I said, faking a smile as she happily rushed out of the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let the apple hurt you, Nichs. Sharing is a part of loving¡± Anthony said and I just ignored him without saying a word.

 Chapter 29 – A bargain

    Monica¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s been two weeks since I came back from the hospital and Nichs has been the best man I could ever wish for.


    He has finally proven to be a changed man but I still wasn¡¯t sure. I needed something more convincing. I wasn¡¯t ready to be hurt again.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Nichs¡¯s voice sounded beside me, jolting me out of my thoughts as I faked a smile and stared at him.


    ¡°Yes, I am¡± I replied as I walked behind him into the car. We were on our way to the hospital for a scan because we hadn¡¯t had one ever since.


    In no time, we got to the hospital and I realized it was the same hospital that we both came to when I wanted to carry out a pregnancy test.


    Soon the doctor stepped into the office. ¡°Good day, Mr Nichs. It¡¯s nice to have you here with us. Please don¡¯t hesitate to tell me if you need anything¡±


    Nichs narrowed his eyes as he stared at him ¡°Are you the doctor who¡¯s going to do the scan?¡± Nichs asked all of a sudden and I just looked at Nichs, trying to figure out what was going through his mind.


    ¡°Yes sir¡±


    ¡°No that can¡¯t happen¡± Nichs uttered instantly. ¡°Go bring a female doctor toe carry out the scan. There is no way I¡¯m going to allow another man to touch my woman¡± Nichs¡¯s words made me roll my eyes and a small smile appeared on my lips.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s nothing to worry about sir. I won¡¯t be touching your wife in any way that will offend you. I will only be touching her stomach then_¡±


    ¡°You seem not to understand what I¡¯m saying. I don¡¯t want any man touching her in any way even if it¡¯s her nails you¡¯re touching. Get me a female doctor ¡± Nichs¡¯s sharp voice startled the doctor who rushed out instantly.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with what he is going to do Nichs. Let him do the scan besides it¡¯s his job¡± I said, rising to my feet as I ced my hands on his shoulders.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any man touching what¡¯s mine¡± he responded with a stern look and I knew Nichs was serious about this.


    ¡°All right. I have no problem with whosoever does the scan¡± I responded, trying to conclude the discussion and that was when something dawned on me ¡°What did you do to the doctor who carried out my pregnancy test thest time I was here?¡± I asked Nichs who just took a few steps backwards and crashed on a chair in the office.


    ¡°I fired him¡±


    ¡°You did what?¡± I asked, my eyes widening.


    ¡°I fired him, Monica. He didn¡¯t know how to do his job and I fired him. I remember telling him that day that if in any case, the result was a mistake, he would lose his job and I never fall on my words¡± Nichs exined and I just remembered his cold side never really went away, he only showed it to those he didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°Nichs,¡± I said as I moved to sit with him on the chair ¡°that wasn¡¯t necessary. What if the job was the only way of providing for his family¡± I asked, feeling a little bit of pity for the doctor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡± Nichs replied with a cold voice but his expression softened when he saw I wasn¡¯t happy with his attitude ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the way I acted but he didn¡¯t deserve to be a doctor if he couldn¡¯t carry out an urate pregnancy test¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping you both waiting and I¡¯m Doctor Helen. I¡¯m here to carry out the test on Mrs Monica¡± A female average-height doctor walked into the room, interrupting our discussion.     ¡°Your baby is safe and healthy,¡± the doctor said, handing Nichs and me a ck-and-white picture.


    ¡°Thank you, Helen,¡± I said, ncing at Nichs, who was gazing at the picture with adoration. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of warmth and affection as I watched him.


    ¡°Is this our baby?¡± He asked, his eyes not leaving the picture and I almostughed out loud because of the silly question.


    ¡°Yes Mr. Nichs thought Mrs. Monica camete for her first scan there is no still no problem¡±


    ¡± I camete for the scan?¡± I asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. Seeing that you¡¯re already six months gone, this ought to be your second scan¡± Doctor Helen exined and I became worried.


    ¡°Is that bad for the baby?¡± I asked worriedly


    ¡°It isn¡¯t but it¡¯s medically advised that at least two scans ought to be done but there¡¯s nothing to be worried about. Just eat a lot of fruits, rest, and don¡¯t engage in any physical activity that can stress you¡±


    ¡°Okay, doctor. Thank you for your time¡± I said looking at the picture in Nichs¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I think we should have this in a frame¡± Nichs suggested and I instantly agreed. This was my first child and I was happy it was healthy.


    ¡°I need to rush to the office for a meeting. So you mind Kelvin taking you home?¡± Nichs said, shoving the picture in my bag.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind but I want toe with you to the office,¡± I said.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Nichs asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied. Going home alone meant I was going to be alone till he got back from work and I didn¡¯t want to be alone.


    ¡°All right then,¡± Nichs said as he opened the door for us both to step out.     ¡°Harley, bring me a cup of coffee,¡± he ordered as he held my hand gently, guiding us both to his office.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Harley replied. I red at her, remembering she was the one I had caught kissing Nichs at the wedding. The fact that she still worked for him irked me.


    Minutester, she stepped into the office, and I noticed the first two buttons of her silk ck blouse were undone. I was sure they were fastened when we walked past her earlier. Clenching my fists in anger, I watched Nichs intently to see if he would look at her chest, but he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Nichs,¡± I called as soon as she was out of the office.


    ¡°Yes, honey?¡± he responded, his eyes not leaving hisptop.


    ¡°Why is Harley still working for you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like her, right?¡± he asked. I nodded, having a feeling of insecurity. ¡°You know you¡¯re the only woman after my heart. Nothing will make me look at any other woman the way I look at you.¡± His words instantly soothed my anger. I avoided his gaze, blushing like a high school kid. His adoring look made me blush even harder.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± I said, walking out of the office to escape his piercing gaze. I didn¡¯t want Nichs to know I liked what he just said or that I was blushing. I needed to regain myposure.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Stepping out of the office, I saw Harley, and my anger red up again. ¡°I see the way you look at Nichs. Can¡¯t you see he doesn¡¯t have any feelings for you?¡± I started, trying to intimidate her.


    ¡°Nichs and I have a long history together. I know he doesn¡¯t have feelings for me, and I also know he doesn¡¯t have anything for you. He¡¯s just with you probably because you¡¯re pregnant,¡± she retorted.


    ¡°You¡¯re a liar. Nichs loves and cares for me. You¡¯re just a jealous whore,¡± I said, frowning deeply.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m jealous. I used to be his favorite ything. I knew how to please him, and he always enjoyed himself whenever he was with me. We did a lot of things in so many ces-hotels, his house, even here in the office. But now, you just showed up, and he doesn¡¯t even look at me anymore. Yes, Monica, I¡¯m sorry to say but I¡¯m jealous.¡±


    ¡°You had sex here in the office?¡± I asked in shock, the pain slowly creeping into my heart.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal. I¡¯m going to try and seduce him one more time, and if he sleeps with me, I don¡¯t want you to ever show your face in this office again.¡±


    ¡°And if he doesn¡¯t fall for your seduction?¡± I asked,  my mind screaming at what I was bargaining for.


    ¡°That will prove he loves you, but trust me, Monica, Nichs has never rejected my offer.¡±


    I thought deeply about what she said, feeling conflicted. I¡¯ve been looking for a way to test Nichs and ensure he did love me, but the fear of what the oue might be was holding me back.


    ¡°Come on, Monica. This is a good deal. You¡¯re not going to lose anything, and this will prove that Nichs loves you. So, are you in?¡±


    I sighed deeply, finally deciding to face my fears and see if Nichs felt the same way I did. ¡°I¡¯m in,¡± I uttered, deciding to go along with Harley¡¯s n

 Chapter 30 – The set-up

    Nichs POV


    Soon, I finished everything I needed to do in the office and got home with Monica, who seemed a bit off. ¡°Are you all right?¡± I asked, noticing her distant expression.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied, but her voicecked its usual warmth. I could tell something was bothering her.


    ¡°Monica, you can tell me if something¡¯s wrong,¡± I pressed gently, taking her soft hands in mine.


    She hesitated, looking away. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s been a long day, that¡¯s all,¡± she said with a smile that I knew was fake.


    ¡°Are you sure? You seem¡­ different,¡± I said, genuinely concerned.


    She took a deep breath, finally meeting my eyes. ¡°Nichs, there¡¯s something I need to ask you. Do you care about me? I mean, truly care? Do you love me¡±


    I was taken aback by her question. ¡°Of course I do, Monica. You¡¯re the most important person in my life right now.¡±


    She nodded slowly, but I could see the doubt still lingering in her eyes. ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered, leaning into my touch.


    As we stood there, I vowed to myself to prove to her that my feelings were real, that she was the only one I wanted. No more doubts, no more insecurities. I would do whatever it took to make her believe in me.


    ¡°Hey people¡± Anthony walked into the house as he owned it. ¡°How are you, Monica?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± Monica replied as I hugged her from behind sniffing her scent.


    ¡°Nichs, I don¡¯t need to ask how you¡¯re doing because you seem to be enjoying yourself behind Monica,¡± Anthony said with a smirk. He always knew how to ruin my mood.


    ¡°What are you doing here? These past few weeks without you in my house have been peaceful and lovely,¡± I retorted, my irritation evident.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± Anthony replied, feigning hurt. I just red at him, not in the mood for whatever he came here to do.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that to your friend,¡± Monica scolded gently, releasing herself from my grip and walking closer to Anthony. ¡°You¡¯re always wee in our home.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Monica,¡± Anthony said, giving me a mockingly triumphant look. I could tell he was trying to get under my skin.


    ¡°Well, what brings you here today, Anthony?¡± I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.


    ¡°I just wanted to check on you two and see how things are going,¡± Anthony replied, his tone casual but his eyes gleaming with mischief.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine,¡± I said curtly, hoping he would take the hint and leave us alone.


    Monica smiled warmly at Anthony. ¡°It¡¯s always nice to have you around. Would you like something to drink?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take whatever you¡¯re having,¡± Anthony said, following Monica into the kitchen. I watched them go, feeling a mixture of annoyance and protectiveness.


    A few minutester, Monica returned with two sses of wine, handing one to Anthony and keeping one for herself. She sat down on the couch, and Anthony joined her, leaving me standing awkwardly.


    I rushed quickly to where Monica sat and took the ss of wine from her ¡°What is it?¡± She asked certainly not pleased with the way I took her wine.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should be taking wines at your condition?¡± I said.


    ¡°Come on Nichs, a sip won¡¯t hurt her¡± I red at Anthony who instantly averted his gaze ¡°Monica thinks Nichs is right. You¡¯re pregnant and we aren¡¯t sure if wine is good for the baby¡± Anthony uttered, shifting his point of discussion in my favor


    ¡°But I want wine. I feel like drinking wine¡± Monica uttered, pouting her lips like a baby and I found it cute.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think wine is good Monica. Let¡¯s just avoid this till the babyes okay¡± I said, cing the already half-filled ss of wine on the table, far from Monica¡¯s reach.


    ¡°So, how¡¯s work been?¡± Anthony asked, taking a sip of his wine.


    ¡°Busy, as usual,¡± I replied, sitting down next to Monica and cing a protective arm around her shoulders. ¡°But manageable.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear,¡± Anthony said, his tone light. ¡°And how¡¯s the baby?¡±


    Monica¡¯s face softened as her attention shifted from the wine a little, and she ced a hand on her belly. ¡°The baby is healthy and growing. We had a check-up today, and everything looks great.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful news,¡± Anthony said genuinely, his yful and annoying attitude reced with sincere happiness for us. ¡°I will be going to the clubhouse today Nichs, do you minding?¡± Anthony suddenly asked, his question directed to me.


    ¡°No, I have to be with Monica. She needs me¡± I uttered, declining Anthony¡¯s invitation.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t need you. You can go¡± Monica¡¯s instant reply to my statement shocked me.


    ¡°Are you sure? I want to be with you tonight and I also don¡¯t have any interest in going to the club¡± I said.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem Nichs. I want you to go have some fun¡± she said, smiling a little but her eyes saying something else.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you be lonely?¡± I asked worriedly. I didn¡¯t want to be anywhere far from Monica.


    ¡°No I won¡¯t ¡± she responded. Her answer seemed suspicious but I just brushed off the creeping feeling I had.     The club didn¡¯t change a bit as all thedies danced in front of Anthony and me. Though I was sitting in front of naked beautifuldies, my mind seemed elsewhere. I very much want to be with Monica. She is pregnant and needs my care and attention.


    I kept on checking my watch for the time and nning the next possible exit out of the club. I wasn¡¯tfortable with Monica being at home alone. I just wanted to hold her in my arms and kiss her to sleep.


    ¡°Hey Nichs¡± Harley came in front of me, her boobs pointing right in my face but my mind was clouded with Monica.


    ¡°You seem lonely¡± she uttered, cing her hands on my chest but I instantly red at her as I shoved her hands away.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood Harley¡± I uttered as I intended to stand but she pushed me back down on the chair and then sat on my thighs as she danced seductively on my thighs.


    I felt instantly disgusted as I frowned deeply. Lap dancing was a perfect way to turn me on but for some reason, I just didn¡¯t like Harley doing it for me. I didn¡¯t even like the fact that she was sitting on my thighs.


    ¡°Harley get off me¡± I uttered but she only widened her legs and even danced more, trying to guide my hands to touch her boobs but before she could do that, I pushed her off me with great force, and that caused her to crash on the table.


    ¡°Nichs¡± I heard her calling my name but I instantly rushed out of the club, intending to be with no one else but Monica.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Harley rushed outside following me.


    ¡°Home?¡± I said.


    ¡°Why?¡± She asked again, her voice shaky


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be here. I have a wife at home who I¡¯m sure is missing me right now¡± I said.


    ¡°So this is about Monica right?¡± she said but I paid no attention to her as I opened the door of the car when I heard her next question which made me pause ¡°What happened to us, Nichs? You used to like clubbing andp dancing and sex but now you¡¯ve changed. What happens to us?¡± Harley asked as tears streamed down her cheek but I felt no pity for her.


    ¡°There was never a US Harley and to your question about what happened to us? Nothing happened to you Harley but love happened to me. I love Monica and I¡¯m satisfied with her. Don¡¯t ever try to seduce orp dance me again. Whatever is going on between us or was going on between us is over and if you try to seduce me again like what you did in the office earlier today, you will lose your job at the office¡± I uttered icly as I noticed she swallowed hard in fear.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I got into the car and rushed home. I didn¡¯t want to be anywhere else except besides Monica. The whole hour I spent in the club was torture. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Monica. I applied more pressure on the car as I drove at high speed.


    Soon enough, I got home and stormed into the living room just to find Monica watching something on her phone ¡± Hey babe. What are you doing here¡± I asked and she raised her head to stare deeply at me.


    I looked closely at her to realize her eyes were puffy ¡°Have you been crying? Are you hurt? Why are your eyes so red and_¡±


    I went mute as Monica¡¯s lips crashed onto mine, and I stood frozen. She deepened the kiss, her hands snaking their way up my shoulders. I closed my eyes as our lips moved together, the passion of the moment exciting me gradually.


    My heart pounded in my chest as I felt the warmth and passion from her soft plump lips. Slowly, my arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.

 Chapter 31 – Feels so good

    Monica POV


    Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched the video. Harley recorded everything and sent it to me and I med myself for ever doubting Nichs.


    I med myself for joining forces with her to set him up. Now I know that he has changed and truly loves me.


    ¡°Hey babe what are you doing here?¡± His words drew my attention from the phone as I stared at him, looking at the handsome man who had now be mine.


    He looked closely at me, his concern evident as he noticed my puffy eyes. ¡°Have you been crying? Are you hurt? Why are your eyes so red and-¡± I silenced him by rising to my feet and pressing a kiss on his lips. The fact that this man pushed Harley away was all the proof I needed of his love.


    I ced my hands on his shoulders and moved closer, but my growing belly stood between us, preventing me from feeling his closeness as fully as I wanted.


    ¡°Nichs,¡± I whispered against his lips, my voice trembling with emotion. ¡°Thank you¡±


    He wrapped his arms around me, his touch gentle and reassuring. ¡°Monica, are you okay? You¡¯re scaring me¡±


    I looked up into his eyes, my heart swelling with love. ¡°I love you, Nichs.¡±


    His eyes softened as he cupped my face in his hands, wiping a tear away with his thumb. ¡°I love you too, more than words can express.¡±


    I stared at him once more, feeling an urge to kiss him again. Gently, I dragged him closer to myself, our bodies pressing together despite the gentle barrier of my pregnant belly. I captured his lips again, this time moving slowly, savoring every moment.


    Our kiss was tender and filled with the depth of our emotions. His hands moved from my face to my waist, pulling me as close as possible. My hands roamed up his shoulders and into his hair, fingers tangling in the soft strands.


    Nichs responded with equal passion, his lips moving against mine in perfect harmony. His hands caressed my back, tracing soothing circles that sent shivers down my spine. Each touch was slow and electric, deepening our connection.


    I felt his breath hitch as I traced my fingers traced their way down his chest, our kiss bing more fervent. I could feel his heartbeat against my chest, strong and steady.


    Our surroundings faded away as we lost ourselves in the kiss. His hands moved to my hips, gripping them gently but firmly, grounding me in the moment.


    We broke apart only to catch our breath, our foreheads resting against each other. ¡°Monica,¡± he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. ¡°I think we should stop here. You make me go crazy¡±


    ¡°And you make me feel loved,¡± I replied softly, my heart swelling with affection.


    He smiled, his eyes shining with adoration. Slowly, he leaned in again, his lips finding mine in gentle, lingering kisses. Each one showcased the depth of his love, leaving me breathless and yearning for more.


    As our lips parted, I held his hands and gestured for him to sit on the couch in the living room. Heplied and then sat, his eyes filled with lust, roaming my entire body.


    I walked closer to him then spread my legs as I sat on his thighs and I resumed kissing him. We started kissing again and I could feel my folding slowly soaking. Nichs held me tightly on my waist


    Soon our kiss became heated as neither of us wanted it to end. I wanted something more than just the kiss we were sharing ¡°I want you¡± I whispered in his ears as I ced kisses on his ear making him shudder.


    His lips traced my neck as his hand began to y with my nipples ¡°Nichs¡± I moaned as I closed my eyes while pleasure consumed me. His hands moved to my shoulders as he removed my strap off my shoulders then began to ster gentle kisses on my shoulders then slowly traced his tongue to my boobs.


    I began to unbuckle his pants in excitement. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Nichs said, holding my hand in ce


    ¡°I¡¯m horny and I want you¡± I struggled to take my hands off his grip but his grip tightened.


    ¡°No, we can¡¯t Monica. It¡¯s not safe¡±


    ¡°Not safe? Not safe for who? You or me?¡± I asked, frowning as I didn¡¯t understand why Nichs didn¡¯t want us to have some fun.


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe for you. You¡¯re pregnant honey and_¡± Nichs uttered but I quickly interrupted him.


    ¡°Did the doctor say so?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°No, she didn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t ask but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s going to hurt the baby¡± Nichs exined but my mind was already made up.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to touch me right? You don¡¯t want to have s*x with me?¡± I asked, my voice trembling as I looked at Nichs who I knew was holding himself back.


    ¡°Of course, I want to but_¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just forget all our sense of reason and enjoy ourselves¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think this is a good idea. We should see the_¡± Nichs fell silent as he saw that I had already taken off my gown, revealing the upper part of my body. I was horny and I wanted Nichs now.


    ¡°What were you saying?¡± I whispered in his ear, my boobs pressed hard on his chest. I ced my lips on him again as we both engaged in a passionate kiss, my hands on his pants trying to get rid of his belt.


    Soon enough I was done with his belt and thankfully, I wasn¡¯t wearing any panties because it wasn¡¯tfortable wearing one. I opened his zip and used my hands to find his little man. I was shocked to see how huge it stood and I swallowed hard, imagining how it would feel inside.


    ¡°You¡¯re huge,¡± I said, more like apliment than a question.


    ¡°Why do you think Harley still tries to seduce me? It¡¯s because she knows the amount of pleasure she will get if she gets this inside her¡± Nichs responded with a serious expression and I wondered if he looked forward to it.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I raised myself as I adjusted myself on the cap on his d**k, slowly taking him in. His breath hit Instantly as his blue eyes grew darker, staring back at me.


    I smirked in triumph as I saw his expression. ¡°F**k you¡¯re so tight¡± he uttered as he closed his eyes in pure pleasure. I began to ride him slowly, his grip on my waist going tighter. He began to ster kisses on my neck and I closed my eyes in ecstasy, feeling him going deeper inside me.


    I gasped in pleasure as I began to feel him at the pit of my stomach as I continued to ride him, increasing my speed slightly.


    ¡°Honey take it slow, don¡¯t go too deep, please. This might not be good for the baby¡± he said, stammering on his words. I could feel the worry in his words but I knew what I wanted and this was what I wanted.


    Soon enough I began to ride on him faster and for the first time, I needed to remove the pregnancy because my big stomach prevented me from feeling him closer. I began to feel a knot in my stomach and I knew I was close ¡°Ahh f**k, this feels so good¡± I said as I threw my head backward, riding him much faster.


    Nichs groaned as he closed his eyes again, moans escaping from his lips. I like the fact that he liked the way I was riding him and if not for this pregnancy, it wouldn¡¯t have been this position at all.


    I nced at Nichs who was staring at me with a mix of emotions passing through his eyes. One of passion and the other of love.


    My moans began to fill the living room as I joined my forehead with that of Nichs, riding him hard with sweat adorning our bodies in the dim light living room.


    ¡°Nich_s¡± I whispered and stammered at the same time as I held tightly to his shoulder and soon a wave of pleasure hit me so hard that I screamed in ecstasy.


    Nichs followed suit and we both tried to catch our breath while our foreheads were still joined together.

 Chapter 32 – Resigning

    MONICA¡¯S POV


    It¡¯s been nine months since I found out I was pregnant and seven months of being with Nichs.


    This man has been the best thing that ever happened to me. Memories of our heated arguments filled my mind, and I smiled, seeing where we were now.


    ¡°What¡¯s making you smile?¡± Nichs asked, capturing my lips in a slow but short kiss, an apron around his neck.


    ¡°Nothing serious, just thinking about how our first meeting wasn¡¯t a pleasant one. Who would have thought we¡¯d be this loving to each other?¡± I said, smiling happily.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s what fate wanted for us,¡± Nichs exined, as he ced a te of four golden brown pancakes in front of me. I closed my eyes as the soothing, sweet-smelling aroma hit my nostrils.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, wearing a broad smile as I looked at the handsomely gorgeous man who managed to be my husband.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    We both finished eating, and his driver took his bag and suit jacket to the car. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you,¡± I said, hugging him tightly. Nichs was going to another country for business, and I so much wanted to go with him, but I couldn¡¯t because of our baby.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you more,¡± he said, kissing my forehead gently.


    ¡°When will you be back?¡± I asked with curiosity. He hadn¡¯t even left yet, and I was already missing him.


    ¡°Just four days,¡± he replied, his voice soothing but filled with the same reluctance I felt. ¡°I¡¯ll be back before you know it.¡±


    I tried to put on a brave face, but the thought of being apart from him for even a day felt unbearable talking more than four days. ¡°Promise you¡¯ll call every day?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± he said, smiling softly. ¡°I can¡¯t go a day without hearing your voice and I won¡¯t go a day without hearing your voice.¡±


    Nichs bent down so his gaze could be on my already huge stomach ¡°Hey Macy, I hope you can hear me. Daddy is going to be back soon all right. Daddy loves you and Daddy hopes you don¡¯t stress mama¡±


    ¡°Macy?¡± I asked, raising my eyebrows as I stared at him with a smile on my face.


    ¡°Yes. I want a female child who is going to be just as beautiful as you¡± Nichs¡¯ response made my smile broaden on my lips.


    ¡°And I want a male child who¡¯s going to be as handsome as you¡± I uttered, looking into his eyes, feeling a swell of emotion. ¡°Nichs, I don¡¯t know how to say this, but¡­ I¡¯m going to miss you. How do I cope while you¡¯re away?¡±


    He cupped my face in his hands, his touch warm and reassuring. ¡°Hey, everything will be fine. Anthony woulde over to keep youpany and you could spend some time at Uncle Karl¡¯s ce. I¡¯ll be back before you know it. And if you need anything, I¡¯m just a phone call away.¡±


    ¡°Promise to be back before the baby arrives?¡± I asked even when he knew the baby wasing next month and he was certainly going to be there when the baby came.


    ¡°Of course honey. I won¡¯t miss it for anything¡± he said, his words sounding more like a promise.


    Tears welled up in my eyes, and I nodded, trying to hold them back. ¡°I love you so much,¡± I whispered, my voice trembling.


    ¡°I love you too, honey. More than anything,¡± he replied, pulling me into a deep,forting embrace. I felt his heartbeat against mine, steady and strong, and it gave me the little strength I needed.


    As we stood there, wrapped in each other¡¯s arms, the reality of his departure sank in. I knew it was just four days, but it felt like forever. His scent, his presence, his smile and touch, his warmth, everything about him was afort I didn¡¯t want to let go of.


    Finally, he pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes. ¡°I have to go now,¡± he said softly. ¡°But I¡¯ll be back soon. I promise.¡±


    I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat as I also took a small step backward. ¡°Safe travels,¡± I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.


    He kissed me onest time, a lingering kiss that spoke of love and longing, before stepping out the door. I watched him get into the car, my heart aching with each passing second.


    As the car drove away, I ced a hand on my belly, feeling a gentle kick. ¡°It¡¯s just four days,¡± I told myself, trying to let the idea sink in. ¡°Just four days, and he¡¯ll be back,¡± I uttered,forting myself.


    I went back inside, trying to keep myself busy so I don¡¯t have a feeling of loneliness. The house felt emptier without him, but I knew I had to stay strong-for myself and our baby.     ¡°Hello, madam. Miss Harley is here to see you,¡± the housekeeper informed me.


    ¡°Harley?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Should I let her in?¡±


    ¡°Sure, please do that,¡± I said as I walked back to the living room and gently threaded down the stairs.


    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Sterling. It¡¯s nice to see you again. I hope I¡¯m not in any way inconveniencing you with my presence,¡± Harley uttered, her lips pale and dry, and I knew she wasn¡¯t all right.


    ¡°Of course not, Harley. What brings you to my home?¡± I asked as I rxed on the sofa, staring at her with suspicious eyes. I¡¯d never liked Harley and never trusted her. Coming to my home when my husband was away was something to be suspicious about.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to let you know that I¡¯m no longer Mr. Nichs¡¯s secretary. I resigned.¡±


    I froze in my seat, refusing to blink as I stared at Harley in shock and confusion. ¡°You did what?¡±


    ¡°After ourst encounter, I tried to seduce Nichs as we had nned but was very shocked to find out that he didn¡¯t want me. In the club that day, he wore an irritated look as I danced on hisp, and it hurt me so much. ¡°Mr. Nichs is a very cold man but with you, he smiles often,ughs off and it¡¯s like the walls around his heart are broken down¡± Harley started to exin, but I found her actions confusing, disturbing, and unreasonable.


    ¡°Harley, why are you telling me all this?¡± I began to ask, but she interrupted me.


    ¡°Please, ma¡¯am, let me finish,¡± she said calmly and politely. ¡°Myst time with Mr. Nichs in the club made me realize I had feelings for him. I love Mr. Nichs, but that night, I also realized that he loved you too. Loved you so much that he couldn¡¯t stand my presence and everything I did irritated him. I¡¯m not going to lie about the fact that I wished and hoped that he fall into the trap. of that night. Though right now, I feel used and heartbroken, and I realize that staying far from him is the best.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you resigned?¡± I asked, staring at Harley with pity.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I can¡¯t stand the fact that the man I love isn¡¯t in love with me, so the best option for me is to stay far from him so that whatever I have for him would die gradually,¡± Harley said, tears already gathering in her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about-¡± I couldn¡¯tplete my statement because she interrupted again.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be sorry about, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m even envious of you,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes as she stared deeply into mine. ¡°In a good way, though. The way he stares at you is so genuine and full of love and desire. I wish to have someone like that one day. Someone who would stare at me like the only diamond he possesses,¡± Harley uttered, and I could see her daydreaming.


    ¡°So where will you be working soon?¡± I asked with genuine concern.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten another job at anotherpany, but I just wanted to let you know what I think about you and Mr. Nichs. He loves and adores you so much, ma¡¯am, and I wish to have the love you have with Nichs one day.¡±


    I looked at Harley, seeing the pain and longing in her eyes. Despite our not-so-pleasant past, I couldn¡¯t help but feel empathy for her. ¡°Thank you for telling me this, Harley. I truly hope you find someone who loves you as much as Nichs loves me. You deserve that kind of love.¡±


    Harley gave a small, sad smile. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Sterling. I hope so too. Take care of Mr. Nichs and yourself.¡± She uttered the rose to her feet as her eyesnded on my stomach¡± And of course the baby too¡±


    ¡°I will. Take care, Harley,¡± I replied, watching her as she turned and walked away, leaving behind a sense of closure.


    As she disappeared from view, I felt an appreciation for the love, trust, and support Nichs and I shared, and I silently vowed to cherish it till myst breath.

 Chapter 33 – The baby is here

    Monica POV


    Today makes it three days since Nichs left and I held my phone tightly, still thinking about the video call we just made. I miss him so much. ¡°Just a day remaining¡± I whispered, rubbish my huge stomach that seemed to be growing every day.


    ¡°Hey Monica, can you do me a favor?¡± Aunt E asked, holding a sleeping baby in her arms.


    ¡°Of course Aunt¡± I replied as I ced my phone inside my bag and walked out of the room with Aunt E. I walked into the reception to see kids all around. Some were ying, some reading a book, some were crying and others sleeping. It was a tiresome year amazing sight.


    ¡°I need your help, E. I need you to read a novel to the kids at least that will get their attention¡± Aunt E suggested, her pleading hazel eyes looking back at me.


    ¡°All right aunt¡± I agreed as she instantly handed me a little book which I knew was a kid¡¯s novel. Today was the children¡¯s day in the country and every year, Aunt E always hosts the kids of every worker in thepany, just to celebrate the kids. Aunt E and Uncle Karl didn¡¯t have kids and that increased Aunt E¡¯s love for children.


    ¡°All right kids who want to listen to a story,¡± I asked with a sharp yet yful voice as I stood at the center of the room, trying to get their attention.


    ¡°Me!¡± They all chorused in unison, raising their hands in the air and running to where I stood to take the closest seat close to me.


    I took some steps backward as I sat gently on the sofa, spreading my legs to get afortable position. The kids who sat on the floor in front of me all looked cute. I couldn¡¯t help but smile as I wondered how it was going to be when Macy finally came ¡°Macy¡± I whispered, finally realizing the name I called was the name Nichs said for the child


    ¡°What is the name of the story?¡± A tiny calm voice jolted me out of my thoughts as I looked at the book cover and checked out the name.


    ¡°The princess and her prince¡± I replied and then I continued ¡°Rachael was a beautiful flower girl who loved flowers. She was a princess and her father was a kid_¡± I began to tell the story while all the kid¡¯s eyes were on me.


    Their focus made me find delight in what I was doing for them. I began to enjoy myself and the story. Soon enough, I was done with the story and the kids all pped in unison except one kid who was shocked the story was over.


    ¡°It¡¯s too short¡± heined and I broke out in a smile.


    ¡°But it was interesting. I want to have a Prince one day¡± a girl uttered softly, daydreaming with her eyes closed, and that made meugh. She looked at me, smiling with her not-soplete teeth in disy ¡°Do you have a Prince?¡± She asked me.


    My cheeks raised even more as my thoughts drifted to Nichs. He was my Prince not just my Prince, but my Prince charming ¡°What¡¯s your name sweetie¡± I asked back.


    ¡°I¡¯m Reba ¡°she responded.


    ¡°Well Reba I¡¯m Monica and yes I have a Prince, a very handsome prince¡± I replied thinking about Nichs.


    ¡°Wow. I hope to grow up and be like you one day¡± Vanessa uttered excitedly.


    ¡°Me, me¡± I saw a little hang raised at the back and I knew someone wanted to ask another question.


    ¡°Yes dear,¡± I said, gesturing him to ask his questions.


    ¡°In the book, the princess¡¯s name was Rachael right,¡± he asked and I wondered why his question might be.


    ¡°Yes it was¡± I answer.


    ¡°So why was the prince¡¯s name, Jake? Why wasn¡¯t his name Raphael so his name could match the princess¡¯s name since theyter married¡± he asked in curiosity, demonstrating with his little short hands.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m John¡± he replied.


    ¡°Well John, I wasn¡¯t the one who wrote the story and the person who wrote the story maybe wanted them to have names that weren¡¯t close to each other. I and my Prince are together but we don¡¯t have simr names. I¡¯m Monica and he is Nichs¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But my mum and Dad are married and they have simr names¡±


    ¡°And what are their names?¡± I asked in curiosity.


    ¡°Babe¡± he responded and I looked at him in shock. My mum¡¯s name is Babe and my dad¡¯s name is Babe. They have simr names¡± he uttered and I just went mute. It was obvious he thought his parent¡¯s names were their real names.


    ¡°Well John, I think you should ask your parents for their real names. I don¡¯t think they have simr names and please when calling them, don¡¯t ever call them babe okay?¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said, positively shaking his head with a beautiful smile on his face which showed his cute dimples.


    ¡°You¡¯re very beautiful Miss Monica¡± a child uttered sharply from the back.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I replied, my eyes searching between the kids to find out who spoke a while ago.


    ¡°Can I ask another question Miss Monica¡± Vanessa said.


    ¡°Of course sweetie¡±


    ¡°Why is your stomach so big?¡± She asked, her eyes on my stomach and Iughed out loudly, amused by her question.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Can you tell us?¡± They whispered back in unison and I was shocked.


    ¡°Are they using the same brain or what?¡± I asked myself, amused at the fact that they replied almost at the same time. ¡°Well kids, I have something inside my stomach. It¡¯s a human¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Vanessa asked in excitement and I chuckled at her energy and yful attitude.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I responded.


    ¡°You have a baby¡± a young blonde girl uttered and I smiled even more.


    ¡°Yes love, I have a baby,¡± I said, smiling from face to face.


    ¡°Is it a boy or a girl¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a_¡± I couldn¡¯t finish my statement as I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen.


    I groaned as I held the sofa tightly then the pain slowly subsided. I breathe in and out, closing my eyes and wondering what just happened.


    ¡°Are you okay aunt?¡± John asked, his brown eyes filled with concern.


    ¡± Aunt is tired now and would like to rest¡± Aunt E uttered and I could see the disappointing look on the kid¡¯s faces.


    I tried to stand up and that was when I realized it was difficult for me to stand up. I tried once again, this time slowly but I felt a sharp pain in my back and that caused me to yell, drawing the attention of everyone present.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Aunt E rushed to my side as she helped me to stand up and that was when I felt something flowing down my legs.


    I looked at the floor to find it wet as realization suddenly dawned on me. ¡°My water just broke¡± I responded, my voice trembling as I wasn¡¯t ready for the baby toe now.

 Chapter 34 – Another baby

    Monica POV


    I felt so much pain in my back, my abdomen, and my pussy. It was as if I was experiencing extreme menstrual pain all over my waist region.


    I never expectedbor to be this painful. I couldn¡¯t even keep my legs closed in the car. I breathed in and out rapidly as sweat drenched down my face soaking the long gown I wore.


    I felt the baby trying toe out and I knew that I needed to get out of this car as soon as possible ¡°Anthony drive faster¡± I screamed at Anthony as I red at him through the front mirror in the car.


    We got to the hospital and I was instantly helped to a room. It seems like they already knew we wereing.


    Iy on the soft bed that was spread with a blue sheet and Anthony was not allowed inside with Aunt E too.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°She is already fully dted¡± I heard the doctor say


    The pressure at my lower back increased and I couldn¡¯t help but scream out loud.


    ¡°The baby is trying toe out. Ma¡¯am please I need you to push with all the strength you have¡± The doctor stared at me and I could see a pitiful expression pass through his eyes.


    I nodded my head in agreement with what she said as I pressed my upper and lower lips inside my mouth so I didn¡¯t shout too much.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± the doctor asked and I shut my eyes, preparing my mind and body for the pain that was about toe. ¡°One, two three push¡±


    I pushed with all the strength I had and didn¡¯t stop until I couldn¡¯t push anymore. I cursed Ethan in my heart for causing me so much pain right now.


    If he hadn¡¯t gotten me pregnant, then I would be here now. ¡°The baby¡¯s head hase out but ma¡¯am leaving the baby like this could kill the baby but please I need you to push again but this time harder¡±


    Does he think I am not pushing hard enough or does it look like I like screaming? I thought as I angrily stared at the doctor for making such ament but that expression didn¡¯t stay long on my sweating face.


    ¡°One two push¡± I heard her scream and I immediately pushed the baby out with all my strength. I was losing strength and I could feel it but I wanted my baby alive no matter what.


    My mind drifted to Nichs and the promise he made to be here when I was having the baby and I held onto that promise. If he was going toe back, then I and the baby needed to be alive to see him.


    ¡°We are almost ma¡¯am and you¡¯re doing just fine but just 2 more pushes and we are done¡±


    I was exhausted and thinking that I was going to go more than twice again made me just want to give up. I didn¡¯t think I could do this anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I can¡¯t do it. I can¡¯t push anymore¡±


    ¡°Hey honey¡± I heard Nichole¡¯s voice and I slowly opened my eyes to confirm.


    ¡°Nichs ¡± I whispered weakly ¡°Is that you?¡± I tried opening my eyes but couldn¡¯t open them fully because sweat from my forehead flowed to my eyes, giving me a stinging pain.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me. I came as soon as I heard from Anthony. I¡¯m here honey, I¡¯m here¡± he assured. His presence did nothing but give me the strength I needed.


    Seeing his face brought me joy and I was d he fulfilled his promise of being by my side when I was inbor.


    ¡°Sir y you¡¯re not supposed to be here¡± Someone uttered from amongst the doctors but neither I nor Nichs turned to look.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired Nichs. I don¡¯t think I can do this anymore. It¡¯s exhausting and my back ache. I might not be alive to see this baby¡± Iined weakly.


    ¡± No, don¡¯t say that. You¡¯ve got to be alive to see this baby. You can do it. You¡¯re going to gather all the strength you need and you¡¯re going to push this baby. Okay? ¡°he held my hand tightly as he stered a kiss on my hand.


    The encouragement I saw in his eyes gave me a little strength and I decided to just do this once and for all. ¡°Okay,¡± I replied as I closed my eyes, gathering the little strength remaining in me.


    ¡°We can do this, Monica. We can and we will¡± Nichs uttered as he gave me strength and a smile stered on my lips at the number of good people I was surrounded with. ¡°Yes I can do this¡± I assured myself and thought of only positive things.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am. One two push¡±


    ¡°Arghh¡± I screamed at the top of my lungs as I thought of Nichs¡¯s kisses, his smile, his touch, how he would be d if he saw me alive with this baby.


    I channeled my thoughts on thinking about only the good and lovely things that have happened to me since I and Nichs found each other.


    I thought of the children whom I excitedly read a story to today. Different lovely kids and I thought of how my child would be if he grew up to that age and level and for that to happen, this baby needed to be alive.


    ¡°Congrattions sir. It¡¯s a boy.¡± I smiled triumphantly as Iy on the bed with my eyes half closed. ¡°The centa came out with the child and the pain is over for now¡±


    ¡± We did it,¡± Nichs muttered as he gave me little strength to keep me up. ¡°I love you, honey. Thank you¡± he uttered and I was grateful that I was able to pull through this.


    I was exhausted as I closed my eyes but almost instantly, I felt like sleeping suddenly I felt another sharp pain and I screamed out again in fear.


    ¡°Oh No. It looks like we¡¯re not done yet. There is still another baby¡± I almost fainted after hearing what the doctor said. If this was a dream then I desperately wanted to wake up now.

 Chapter 35 – Twins

    NICHOLAS POV


    BEFORE GETTING TO THE HOSPITAL


    I promised Monica that I would be there when she was inbor and I wanted to fulfill that promise. I didn¡¯t wait for Anthony to end the call when I dashed into my car and drove it myself, leaving behind the chauffeur I hired.


    I have been feeling a lot of emotions since the conference ended. Sometimes I feel like she is calling my name but maybe I¡¯m hallucinating.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I had a deep feeling that Monica needed me. I just couldn¡¯t get my mind off her or even shake the feeling off.


    ¡°Nichs, where are you? Monica nee_¡± I heard Philip¡¯s voice through the phone call but it soon went silent and I knew something was wrong


    With the way he sounded troubled, I knew something was wrong instantly. I instantly took the next quick flight without thinking twice.     ¡°Oh No. It looks like we¡¯re not done yet. There is still another baby¡± I looked at the doctor in disbelief as I found his words funny but Monica¡¯s next scream made me begin to panic.


    ¡°But the doctor told us about only one baby?¡± I said.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m sorry about that but you have another baby in there Mr Sterling and we have to bring it out now¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t go on. I can¡¯t continue to push. I¡¯m tired ¡± she said, tears streaming down her face as she closed her eyes.


    If Monica couldn¡¯t push, it meant that she didn¡¯t have the strength anymore and that was dangerous to her health and that of the baby.


    Monica had already given birth to a baby but if one was still inside of her then it meant she had twins. A feeling of happiness and satisfaction washed over me, the thought of having twins filled my head but around those emotionsy a feeling of fear that I couldn¡¯t get rid of.


    ¡°She¡¯s losing strength, sir¡± the doctor instantly uttered, getting back my attention to the situation at hand.


    My heart sank the moment I saw Monica¡¯s weak gaze. She was pale and very sweaty. ¡°I¡¯m happy you¡¯re here¡± Her voice barely came out as a whisper as she raised her hand weakly.


    I held her hand in mine while I held the baby with my other hand. A nurse ran to me to take the other baby and I handed the baby to her.


    I went on my knees as I kissed Monica¡¯s sweaty head and removed the strands of hair that covered her face as a result of the excess sweat.


    She stared at me weakly as her eyes blinked slowly. ¡°It¡¯s a boy Nichs. I told you I was going to have a boy who will be as handsome as you¡± She still managed to smile in this state. Her words made meugh as tears began to gather in my eyes.


    I was scared and uncertain for the first time since I met her. I wasn¡¯t ready to lose her besides I just fell in love. I can¡¯t lose the love of my life again. NO. NEVER


    ¡°Sir she needs to push now. She is losing lots of blood and if she doesn¡¯t push now, she might lose her life and the baby¡± The doctor stared at me with terror in his face. He was scared of losing Monica.


    ording to what I know about this hospital, no one has ever died of childbearing and he surely didn¡¯t want Monica to be the first, it would stain his career and reputation.


    ¡°Monica look at me¡± She slowly turned her head and stared at me ¡°Now I want you to push hard as much as you can¡±


    Tricia shakes her head giving me a negative nod ¡± I can¡¯t I¡¯m tired¡±


    ¡°No Tricia, please do this for me. You can and you will.  Okay?¡±


    She fell silent as she stared at me and I gave her a reassuring smile ¡°Okay¡± She stared at me and kissed me on my lips weakly for just a second as she held my hand tightly and nced at the doctor ¡± I¡¯m ready¡± she uttered, her wordsced with a new determination and strength.


    The doctor looked at her then nced at me and I gave her the go-ahead by shaking my head slowly up and down. ¡°One two push¡±


    Monica pushed with all her might as I could see her vein popping out on her neck and on the hand, she used in holding me.


    The cry of a baby jolted me back to reality and I stared at Monica who stared weakly at the doctor, as a broad smile appeared on my lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s a girl sir¡± The doctor announced as we looked at the small creature in her hand.


    ¡°We did it¡± I heard Monica¡¯s voice and I turned to look at her as shey weakly on the bed, her eyes beginning to close slowly.


    Fear gripped me instantly and I began to call out her name but she wasn¡¯t moving anymore or breathing. ¡°Monica¡± I called out as I shook her gently but there was no response. The fear of her not being alive scared me to death as I shook her violently once more ¡°Monica open your eyes¡± I called out to her but she wasn¡¯t responding and I knew something was wrong.


    No, Monica can¡¯t just die like that. This can¡¯t be my fate. This wasn¡¯t what imagined for myself, the babies and her ¡°Do something¡± I yelled at the nurses and doctors who just stood there, sadness written on their faces as they began to walk up and down confusedly.


    ¡°Please please please Monica. Honey don¡¯t do this to me. Please wake up¡± I said, my voice shaking as my hands trembled and my heart pounded in fear seeing her eyes closed.


    ¡°Sit please you will have to excuse us and wait outside so we can_¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t do something to wake her up now in my presence, I will close down this hospital¡± I uttered angrily as I looked at the fearful and shocked expression they wore.

 Chapter 36 – Regrets

    Ethan¡¯s POV


    I walked into the living room, and just as I was about to take the stairs, Mia called out, but I didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Ethan, don¡¯t you dare walk away from me,¡± she yelled, her voice filled with anger, but I paid no attention to her. I continued taking the stairs and finally reached the guest room where I¡¯d been sleeping. Ever since I found out what Mia did, I decided to take a separate room. I still couldn¡¯t get her betrayal off my chest, and it hurt me deeply that Mia could do such a thing.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Mia asked, but I didn¡¯t respond as I dragged my tie down, loosening its grip on my neck. ¡°Can you just say something? Your silence is killing me,¡± she said calmly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    My hand fell from the tie at my neck to my side as I turned slowly and red at her. The memory of her betrayal resurfaced, fueling my anger. ¡°I¡¯ve been working,¡± I said icily.


    ¡°Working for three days withouting home? Do you now live in the office?¡± she asked, her eyebrows knitting into a deep frown.


    ¡°You¡¯re not in any position to ask me any questions, Mia. I cane to this house anytime I want,¡± I responded, my voice no longer calm and soothing.


    ¡°So it¡¯s Mia now and not dear,¡± she said, her eyes staring at me in sadness ¡°Why are you doing this to us? To me?¡± she asked, tears slowly gathering in her eyes.


    I scoffed, looking at her with disgust. ¡°To you? You¡¯re talking about you? What about what you did to me? Huh?¡± I asked, pointing my index finger at her usingly.


    ¡°I already apologized, Ethan. I did it because I love you. I wanted you back in my life and-¡±


    ¡°You wanted me back, and you went as far as sleeping with another man just so you could give me a child. Is that what you call love? You deceived me, Mia, and that is not love, that¡¯s maniption¡± I said, turning away, not wanting to see her sad eyes.


    ¡°I did it because I love you. Maybe I made a mistake, but I did it for you. I knew you wanted a child, and Monica couldn¡¯t give you that. I wanted you back in my life for good, but I couldn¡¯t have all of you because Monica was still a part of your life. I didn¡¯t want her anywhere close to us. Please, Ethan, let¡¯s just start fresh and forget everything, please.¡±


    ¡°You were jealous of Monica even when I told you I loved you. You still weren¡¯t satisfied. You went as far as getting pregnant and making me believe the child was mine so I could drive Monica away. That isn¡¯t something I can let go of, Mia. I will never forgive you for deceiving me¡± I said, walking out of the room, but she still followed me.


    ¡°So this is about Monica right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not mia. It¡¯s about my feelings. It¡¯s about how I felt when I realized that the baby wasn¡¯t mine. I loved you but you betrayed and hurt me. I¡¯m hurting Mia. I was so happy when I found out you were pregnant but it was all a lie. I¡¯m happy you lost the bastard child anyway¡± I uttered coldly, with a serious expression on my face. ¡°Get out. I want to be alone¡± I ordered finally, trying to conclude the issue.


    ¡°Why are you being so hard? I¡¯ve apologized and tried everything in my power to beg you, but you are just making things hard for me,¡± sheined, ranting and following me down the stairs, but I still didn¡¯t pay any attention to her. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that you¡¯re impotent,¡± she said harshly, and I paused in my tracks in shock.


    I turned to face her slowly, staring at her in disbelief. ¡°What did you just say?¡± I asked.


    ¡°You heard me right, Ethan. You¡¯re impotent, and that¡¯s the fact,¡± she said again confidently.


    I chuckled slowly, then soon opened my mouth andughed out loud in a mocking manner, my voice echoing in the silent, huge living room. ¡°You are sick. You need to see a psychiatrist.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t need a psychiatrist, and neither do you. What you need, Ethan, is a doctor,¡± she said, smiling mischievously. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever wondered why I had to sleep with your secretary just so I could get pregnant? Do you think I fell in love with that nagging secretary? No, Ethan, I didn¡¯t. I slept with him because, regardless of the number of times we had sex, I never got pregnant. I kept on seeing my period month after month, and I knew if I wanted Monica out of my life, then I had to do something fast. So, my dearest Ethan, it¡¯s not entirely my fault. You wanted to have a child, and I knew that was the only way to have you entirely to myself.¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    I stared at Mia in shock, frozen as my brain slowly processed what I just heard. ¡°It¡¯s a lie. That can¡¯t be possible.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I said you don¡¯t need a psychiatrist, dearest. What you need is a doctor. Carry out a test on yourself, and if I¡¯m wrong, I will pack my stuff and leave this house for good,¡± she said with confidence, and I instantly feared the possibility of her words.


    Monica and I had sex so many times, and yet, she never got pregnant. Mia and I had sex, but there was a baby, although the baby wasn¡¯t mine. Does that sum up the possibility that I might be impotent? I thought to myself as my heart pounded against my chest in trepidation.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong mia. You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re saying. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m impotent. I¡¯m fine and healthy so f**k off¡± I said as I climbed down the stairs and stormed out of the house, heading to my car


    ¡°Sir, where are you going?¡± Andrew, my driver, asked.


    ¡°Give me the keys¡± I ordered and he handed them to me ¡°Go home and rest Andrew. I won¡¯t be needing your service anymore today¡± I said as I dashed into my car and zoomed off, leaving a confused Andrew standing and watching as my car left.

 Chapter 37 – Good and bad news

    Ethan¡¯s POV


    ¡°Here are the results sir¡± Doctor Jackson handed me a white paper which I opened, my hands slightly trembling but I couldn¡¯t understand anything I was seeing.


    ¡°Can you exin this?¡± I asked. He sighed as he hesitated a little, staring at with in a mix of emotions which seemed like fear and sadness.


    ¡°I have both good news and bad news sir¡±


    ¡°Start with the good news¡± I uttered instantly.


    ¡°The good news is you¡¯re not impotent my eyes widened with disbelief then sparked with pure joy as I could feel my heart race slowly calming down. I could finally catch my breath in peace. My heart raced for joy over what the doctor just said.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed a good day today,¡± I said to myself, rxing fully in the soft chair I sat on in the doctor¡¯s office.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all sir¡± the dictionary uttered, his words reminding me of the bad newsing ahead.


    ¡°Yes least I forgot, what¡¯s the bad news?¡± I asked, my eyes on my phone as I started typing on my phone, intending to send a message to Mia that she was wrong about everything she said.


    ¡°You have a low sperm count sir and that could result in you never being able to pregnant a woman my hands froze as they couldn¡¯t type anymore.


    Raising my gaze to meet that of the doctor, I stared in shock ¡°What did you say?¡± I asked, uncertain of what I heard from him.


    ¡°Unfortunately, it means that while you are not impotent, the chances of you fathering a child naturally are still extremely low,¡± Dr. Jackson exined, his voice gentle but firm.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    My heart, which had just been soaring with relief, skyrocketed back to despair. The joy I felt moments ago vanished, reced by a heavy, suffocating realization that was a heavy and bitter truth for me to handle. ¡°What are the chances?¡± I asked, my voice barely a whisper.


    ¡°Less than 5% without medical intervention,¡± he replied. ¡°There are treatments avable and other options too, but they are not guaranteed.¡±


    I felt a sweat break out across my forehead as the realization of the situation slowly sank in. Mia¡¯s words echoed in my mind, getting louder with each passing second.


    Despite her deception and betrayal, she had been right about one thing: something was wrong. My throat tightened as I struggled to process every detail I just absorbed.


    Relief that I wasn¡¯t impotent shed with the crushing reality that I might never have a child of my own. ¡°So what was the difference? You said some minutes ago that I wasn¡¯t impotent and now you¡¯re saying I might never be able to father a child?¡±


    ¡°There is a difference sir¡±


    ¡°Do you mind exining the difference?¡± I asked, obviously angry that I was just yed on by my doctor.


    ¡°Being impotent means no matter how you touch a woman, she will never get pregnant but your case isn¡¯t like that Mr Ethan. You can still get a woman pregnant but the chances are extremely low and uncertain¡±


    ¡°Then there is no difference. It¡¯s almost the same thing ¡± I uttered thest part of my words in anger, using my right hand to remove everything that stood as an obstruction.


    The doctor gazed at me, fear shing through his eyes as he looked at his document andptop on the floor by his left. I closed my eyes as I tried to calm myself down, trying not to do anything I might regretter.


    ¡°What kind of treatments are we talking about?¡± I asked, forcing myself to focus on solutions rather than anger.


    The doctor averted his gaze, refusing to look at me as he swallowed a lump in his throat. ¡°Options such as medication to improve sperm count, lifestyle changes, and potentially IVF, which are assisted reproductive measures. These methods can help, but they are time-consuming and quite expensive,¡± Dr. Jackson exined quickly.


    I nodded numbly, barely registering his words. My mind raced with thoughts of Mia, our upside-down rtionship, and the secret she had kept. The betrayal was still fresh, but a small part of me now understood her desperation, even if her actions were unforgivable.


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor,¡± I said, standing up, my legs trembling. ¡°I need some time to process this.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mr. Ethan. If you have any questions or need support, please don¡¯t hesitate to reach out,¡± Dr. Jackson replied, his expression one of genuine concern but also of fear.


    I left the office in a daze, the air outside doing little to clear my confused mind. The bustling city around me seemed distant and muted. My phone buzzed in my pocket, jolting me back to reality. It was a message from Mia: ¡°What did the doctor say?¡±


    A surge of anger red within me as I stared at my phone. It took every sensible nerve and self-control in my body not to smash the phone across the road.  I couldn¡¯t let this defeat me. I needed answers and a n.


    Finally, back in my car, I stared at Mia¡¯s message for a long moment before typing a response: ¡°We need to talk¡± I typed then dropped my phone as I zoomed off to my house.     I entered my house to see Mia slowly sipping red wine from a ss. I clenched my hands into fists as I red at her.


    ¡°From the expression on your face, I¡¯m certain I was right about the result. Was I?¡± she asked, finally turning to stare at me, her face expressionless.


    ¡°You were right about one thing: I¡¯m not medically fit to have a child of my own,¡± I said, my voice steady.


    Mia¡¯s lips curled into a smug smile. ¡°I told you, Ethan but you didn¡¯t believe me.¡±


    I walked closer to her, my fists still clenched. ¡°You went too far, Mia. You manipted me, deceived me, and used my condition against me.¡±


    She shrugged, taking another sip of her wine. ¡°I did what I had to do. I wanted you, and I knew Monica was in the way so I had to do what I did just to have you for myself.¡±


    My heart pounded in my chest. ¡°And did it ever ur to you that there were other ways? Ways that didn¡¯t involve betrayal and lies?¡±


    Miaughed bitterly. ¡°Other ways? Ethan, you were always so focused on having a child. Whenever we were together, you would always talk about how wonderful it is to have a child of your own. You were desperate, and desperation makes people do crazy things.¡±


    I shook my head, disbelief washing over me. ¡°because I was desperate, you think you had the right to ruin everything? I never asked you to give me a child Mia. Yes, I wanted a child but not at the expense of your deception and betrayal¡± My words made her pause as she thought deeply about her actions.


    ¡°I did it for you, Ethan,¡± she said, her voice wavering as emotions filled her eyes. ¡°I thought you wanted a family.¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± I admitted. ¡°But not like this. Not built on lies.¡±


    Mia¡¯s eyes filled with tears, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of the woman I once loved. ¡°Ethan, I¡¯m sorry. I was wrong, but I didn¡¯t know what else to do. I just wanted to see you Happy and I wanted you to myself¡±


    I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. ¡°Sorry doesn¡¯t fix this, Mia. I can¡¯t just forget what you did. It still hurts so much¡±


    ¡°So what now?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    I looked at her, feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and exhaustion. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I need time to think. To figure out what to do next.¡± Mia nodded, tears streaming down her face.


    I turned away, unable to look at her any longer. ¡°I need to be alone right now. To process everything.¡±


    ¡°Then what about Monica?¡± She asked as her words made me halt in my tracks ¡°It wasn¡¯t her fault that she couldn¡¯t carry a child. It was your fault. You couldn¡¯t get her pregnant¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is true but what should I do now? There¡¯s nothing left to do. I¡¯m barely able to get a woman pregnant and you think I¡¯m happy about it. I feel nothing but guilt, sadness, and anger Mia. I sent Monica out of my house just because you had what I wanted. She was innocent but I still sent her out. Do you think I¡¯m happy with what I¡¯ve done?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to bring her back here or will you_¡±


    ¡°She is already married, Mia. I can¡¯t bring her back to my house¡±


    ¡°So what are you going to do?¡± Mia asked, her wordsced with concern and curiosity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Mia. Just let me be. I need to think¡± I uttered as I walked out of the house and boarded my car.


    As I entered the car, I felt the weight of the situation crushing me. My mind was a collision of emotions, and I knew that whatever decision I made, it wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    Staring at the dark sky from my car, I wondered how my life hade to this point but as the cool breeze from the A. C. washed over me, I knew one thing for certain: nothing would ever be the same between me and Mia again.

 Chapter 38 – surprise

    Monica¡¯s POV


    Standing in front of the mirror in the room, I smiled, happiness evident in my eyes as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. ording to what Nichs told me, I woke up four days after I had my kids.


    I can still remember when I held them in my hand, they looked so adorable and cut and I couldn¡¯t help but feel thankful for the loved ones around me. From Nichs to Anthony and Aunt E and Uncle Karl, they never left my side.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Nichs whispered in my ears as his hands went around my waist and he stared at me through the long mirror in front of us


    ¡°Just grateful I¡¯m alive¡± I responded to his question, his blue eyes staring back at me through the mirror.


    ¡°But you never died. You were only unconscious¡±


    ¡°Yes I know but I didn¡¯t remain unconscious. I woke up to see the beautiful kids I brought into this world and for that, I¡¯m happy I¡¯m fine¡± I said.


    ¡°I was so happy when the doctor called and told me you were awake. I couldn¡¯t contain my joy¡± Nichs uttered, his eyes sparking with excitement as memories of that day filled his mind.


    ¡°Yes, I remember. The day you almost crushed me because of your hug¡± I uttered, smiling back at him as I turned around to meet his eyes.


    Those blue eyes were thest thing I saw before I closed my eyes after pushing the second time and they were also the first pair of eyes I saw when I fully regained consciousness. Remembering the day of mybor suddenly made me realize the kids weren¡¯t with us ¡°Where are the kids?¡± I asked, looking around the room and finding their crib empty.


    ¡°They are home already¡± I stared in shock as I found Nichs¡¯s words confusing.


    ¡°When was that? Howe I didn¡¯t know they were home? What if they begin to cry and they need to eat or_¡±


    ¡°You worry over the kids too much. They are fine and even sleeping as we speak. Ready to go home?¡± He asked as he gently took my right hand in his.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home already. I¡¯m sick of this hospital¡± I uttered, rolling my eyes as we both began to leave the hospital VIP room.     ¡°Finally home sweet home¡± I muttered as I stepped down from the car and looked around thepound. ¡°I missed this house so much,¡± I said, d that I was home.


    The hospital had a particr smell that I didn¡¯t like and I was so d that I wasn¡¯t there anymore.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside,¡± Nichs said, holding my hand as I walked behind him.


    We got inside the house and I almost ran behind Nichs when I heard a loud trumpet sound behind my ear. I stood in the doorway, my eyes widening as I took in the scene before me.


    The living room was decorated with blue and pink balloons, and also a cake. I brought a hand to my mouth, my breath catching in my throat.


    ¡°Surprise!¡± Aunt E, Uncle Karl, Anthony, and Aunt Patricia all shouted in unison, their faces lighting up with joy and anticipation. My eyes were covered with tears, my heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and love.


    ¡°You all did this for me?¡± I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. I looked around the room, my gaze settling on each familiar face.


    From Anthony who had a toy stic trumpet in his hands and a clown colorful wig on his head to Aunt E who held pink balloons to Uncle Karl who also held a balloon coloured blue then to the cook, Aunt Patricia who held a cake.


    The pink balloon in Aunt E¡¯s hands had ¡°It¡¯s a girl¡± written on it, while the one in Uncle Karl¡¯s hands had ¡°It¡¯s a boy¡± written on it.


    I felt a warmth spread through her chest, a profound sense of being loved and cherished. Aunt E stepped forward, a wide smile on her face. ¡°Of course, we did, Monica. You deserve it. We wanted to show you how much you mean to us.¡±


    Tears crawled down my cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away with her index finger,ughing softly as she stared at me adorably. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say. This is the most wonderful surprise. No one has ever done this for me before. Thank you. I appreciate all of you. Thank you so much¡±


    As I hugged each person, I felt their love and appreciation in their warm embraces. Every detail and every thoughtful gesture touched me deeply. The surprise party was not just about the celebration, but about the effort and care that went into creating it. It was a reminder of the deep connections I had with the people around her.


    Feeling loved, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said once again, my voice filled with sincerity. ¡°Thank you all so much. This means more to me than I can ever express.¡±


    ¡°You forgot to thank one person. This was all Nichs¡¯s idea and you didn¡¯t hug him or thank him¡± Aunt E uttered and I remembered I walked into the house with someone.


    ¡°Ouch. Nichs this only proves that Monica loves me more than you¡± Anthony uttered, intending to tease Nichs who shot him a re. Aunt E spanked Anthony on his arm and I couldn¡¯t be more grateful for that spanking.


    I looked at the man who had finally captured my heart, soul, and body in ways I couldn¡¯tprehend. His re on Anthony changed the instant he looked at me. His blue eyes sparkled with a warmth that seemed to light up the room. I couldn¡¯t help but smile, her heart fluttering like the wings of a thousand butterflies.


    ¡°Go away¡± he uttered, pouting his lips like a child with his hands crossed against each other and I found his actions cute ¡°You hugged everyone here and didn¡¯t even acknowledge my presence and I¡¯m going to do the same,¡± he said, averting his gaze and looking elsewhere.


    I walked up to the man whopleted me as I snaked my hands around his waist and hugged him tightly, my head on his hands which he crossed.


    When he finally held me, a wave of peace washed over me, as if all the chaos of the world melted away. I found myself daydreaming about him, losing track of time, and cherishing every shared moment, no matter how small.


    I raised my head as I looked at him with eyes full of admiration and a heart brimming with affection. ¡°I love you and I appreciate you for this, for everything. Thank you¡± I said and his lips curved upwards in a smile.


    His smile was a delicate curve, soft and gentle, that reached his eyes and made them sparkle with a tender warmth. Dimples appeared on his cheeks, giving her an innocent, almost childlike charm and I couldn¡¯t help but fall in love again. He was just too handsome.


    His soft lips on mine jolted me out of my deep thoughts as I suddenly realized he was kissing me. I ced my hands on his shoulders as I reciprocated the kiss.


    The pping and cheering from Anthony was what made me break the kiss, slowly remembering the presence of others amongst us.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, Nichs is that a blush I see on your face? What has love done to you my friend¡± Anthony asked, his eyes mischievous as he smirked. His eyebrows arched yfully, and his lips curved into a grin.


    I looked closely at Nichs to realize that what Anthony was saying was true. Nichs avoided my eyes, his cheeks growing red as he stared at Anthony with a murderous gaze ¡°You always get on my nerves you this little bastardwyer godforsaken friend of mine¡±


    ¡°Ouch Nichs. I was just having some fun¡± Anthony uttered, with a mocking smile on his lips


    ¡°Hey Nichs don¡¯t mind him. It¡¯s normal to blush when you¡¯re in love. Anthony will never know what we¡¯re talking about and how you feel because he isn¡¯t there yet¡± Aunt E uttered, trying to take Nichs¡¯s attention from Anthony.


    ¡°And I will never be there. Love is trash well except Nichs and Monica¡¯s love¡±


    ¡°Never say never,¡± Uncle Karl said, as he moved to stand beside his wife ¡°Why don¡¯t you blow the candles on the cake Monica¡± he suggested and I finally remembered there was a pretty cake waiting for me.


    I took the cake from Aunt Patricia and looked at the words written on it ¡°Wee home mummy ¡± The words brought a smile to my lips and contentment to my heart. I blower the candles and everyone pped in pure happiness.


    Aunt Patricia took the cake from me ¡°Lunch is ready. Let¡¯s all go to the dining¡± she uttered as she turned around and made her way to the dining. Aunt E and Uncle Karl followed behind her as the atmosphere was calm, exciting, and wonderful.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Let go of me¡± I heard a sharp voice behind me but I didn¡¯t pay any attention to it ¡°Monica¡± I paused in my tracks as I and Nichs turned around to meet the eyes of the person who stood at the doorway.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir. He was adamant on seeing you and bossdy¡± Collins our security man said as he bowed his head in respect


    ¡°Monica please we need to talk¡±

 Chapter 39 – Mason and Macy

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir. He was adamant on seeing you and bossdy¡± Collins our security man said as he bowed his head in respect


    ¡°Monica please we need to talk,¡± Ethan said, his eyes red and his lips dry. He reeked of alcohol and I knew instantly that he had been drinking.


    ¡°What are you doing here Ethan?¡± I asked staring at him in shock.


    ¡°I need to talk to you, Monica. Please we need to talk¡± he responded, his wordsced with desperation.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to allow you to speak to my wife. You look unkept and you reek of alcohol. Get yourself together ande back another day Mr Ethan¡± Nichs said as he held my wrist as we both left the living room with Ethan behind.


    I had an urge to turn back and I did only to see Ethan staring at me with tears in his eyes. His eyes had a lot of emotions I didn¡¯t understand and I wondered what he might want to talk to me about.


    ¡°Please Mr Ethan, I advise you leave now ande another time. Don¡¯t make me lose my job¡± I heard Collins saying to Ethan who was staring at me and Nichs.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we listen to him? This might be urgent¡± I uttered, pausing in my tracks and struggling to get my hand off Nichs¡¯s grip but he didn¡¯t let go.


    ¡°No, we aren¡¯t listening to anything or anyone. What about he tried to do something stupid? You could smell the alcohol in him, honey. Ethan isn¡¯t in his best state of mind to speak to you right now and you need a lot of rest besides you just got back from the hospital¡±


    ¡°Okay I agree with you but when do we see him¡± I asked, staring at Nichs who I knew didn¡¯t like my sudden interest in speaking with Ethan.


    ¡°Okay I will fix a day and date but on one condition¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That I¡¯ll be there when he is speaking with you,¡± he said.


    ¡°Of course, you will be there. I have no problem with that¡± I said and he smiled in satisfaction. We both held hands as we joined the rest of our friends in the dining.     LATER IN THE NIGHT


    I had just put my baby to sleep when I walked out of the room to Nichs¡¯s study. Arriving at his room, he was so immersed in hisptop that he didn¡¯t notice I was already in his room.


    I went behind him and I ced my hands on his shoulder, massaging him ¡°It¡¯s time to sleep¡± I said as he instantly took off his sses and closed hisptop.


    ¡°Have you put Macy to sleep?¡± He asked, taking my hand off his shoulder as he gestured for me to sit on his thigh which I did.


    ¡°Macy? I never agreed to that name¡± I said, raising an eyebrow with my arms around his neck


    ¡°That¡¯s your concern but as for me, my baby¡¯s girl¡¯s name is Macy while my baby boy¡¯s name is Mason,¡± he said.


    ¡°Mason? You have already chosen a name for the boy? My boy?¡± I asked, shocked at how Nichs was already crossing names for our babies and I hadn¡¯t even thought of a name.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t the names cute?¡± He asked, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement ¡°Macy and Mason¡± he repeated, and I knew he liked the name.


    ¡°You do like the name don¡¯t you?¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I do,¡± he said but his smile slowly turned into a sad one ¡°It was my mum¡¯s name. Macy was myte mother¡¯s name and that was why I wanted to name my first girl child Macy ¡± he uttered and I engulfed him in aforting embrace.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about her death,¡± I said finally realizing why he insisted that the child be a female when I was still pregnant.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be sorry. It¡¯s all in the past. I¡¯ve gone past all that anger and pain and I¡¯m focusing on the current happiness in my life right now¡± Nichs said and I held him closer to myself, stering a kiss on his hair.


    Silence overtook the room as each of us stared at any part of the room in deep thought. ¡°Have you decided on a date to talk to Ethan? I still can¡¯t get my mind off the reason he came to our house¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to invite him to the office tomorrow and we will listen to him together. Is that okay with you?¡± Nichs asked, taking his head off my chest as he stared at me.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s better. Thank you¡± I said, smiling at the handsome man who somehow had a simr and striking resemnce with my kids.


    I stared deeply at Nichs and I also noticed that Nichs had the same colour of eyes as Macy and Mason. I knew Nichs couldn¡¯t be their father but I couldn¡¯t get my mind and thought of their striking resemnce.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Nichs¡¯s question jolted me out of my thoughts as he looked at me with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking myself how it¡¯s a coincidence that Macy and Mason have the same color of eyes as you do,¡± I said, voicing out my inner thoughts


    ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? I was with them while they were in your stomach. I sang for them, I yed with them and I even fed them my apple, surely they will have my eye color¡± he uttered and I let out a loud longugh.


    ¡°Please be serious for once in your life¡± I uttered as I tried to calm myself down fromughing too hard.


    ¡°Your eyes honey. They both took your eyes¡± Nichs said calmly making me remember that I had blue eyes, as he stared at me lovingly. ¡°How long did the doctor say we should abstain from s*x¡± Nichs asked suddenly and I instantly understood that he was in the mood for some bedroom time.


    Thinking about it just made me blush as I looked down, avoiding his eyes. ¡°He said six to eight weeks at most¡±


    ¡°And how long is that?¡± Nichs asked, his hands already caressing my ass


    ¡°I think that¡¯s two months maximum,¡± I responded.


    ¡°Gosh that¡¯s too long¡± Nichs uttered as he kissed me shortly on my lips. ¡°Let¡¯s go to bed before I do something else to you,¡± he said as he switched off themp beside hisptop and I stood up from his thigh. Hand in hand, we both walked out of his study, closed the door behind us, and walked to our room.


    I couldn¡¯t help but think more about the reason why Ethan desperately wanted to see me but I look forward to seeing and hearing him out tomorrow. Tomorrow was indeed going to be a long day. I rolled my eyes just thinking about it.

 Chapter 40 – Guilt

    NICHOLAS POV


    THE NEXT DAY


    ¡°So you are telling me Ethan was at that house yesterday and I didn¡¯t know,¡± Anthony asked for the fifth time since we left the conference meeting room and came into my office.


    I told him about Ethan¡¯s strange visitation yesterday and he couldn¡¯t believe that he wasn¡¯t aware until now.


    ¡°For the fifth time Anthony, yes¡± I responded as I entered the elevator that took me to my office floor.


    ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t notice? Howe no one noticed?¡± He asked, walking behind me as we both stepped out of the elevator and walked to my office.


    ¡°Because you were busy with the food in the dining,¡± I said, slowly getting annoyed with his numerous questions.


    ¡°What do you think he wants?¡± Anthony asked, sitting on the office chair across my seat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know man. I didn¡¯t have a good night¡¯s sleep yesterday because I couldn¡¯t get my mind off his sudden visitation¡± I responded, sighing as I rxed fully on my seat.


    ¡°What if he found out about that kid?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the case because if it was, then he wouldn¡¯t have asked the moment he came,¡± I said.


    ¡°You have a point there, Nichs,¡± Anthony said.


    There was silence for about five minutes before Anthony broke the silence with a question I wasn¡¯t expecting ¡°When are you going to put a ring on her finger?¡±


    I stared confusingly at him as I thought deeply about who he was talking about ¡°On whose finger?¡± I asked, my eyes narrowing as I stared at him in confusion and interest.


    ¡°On Monica¡¯s finger of course,¡± his reply made meugh hard as I found his statement amusing.


    ¡°But we are already married? Aren¡¯t we?¡± I asked Anthony who wore a deep frown on his face


    ¡°I¡¯m not cracking a joking Nichs so I don¡¯t know why you¡¯reughing hard. I¡¯m stating a fact here¡± Anthony uttered and Iughed even harder.


    He sighed as he drummed his fingers on my table, ring at me. When I was doneughing, I adjusted my suit jacket and looked at Anthony ¡°So what were you saying?¡± I asked, my wordsced with mockery


    ¡°Your marriage to Monica is fake


    Remember?¡± He said as the smile on my face gradually evaporated as I began to see sense in his words ¡°You love her don¡¯t you?¡± Anthony asked, his voice calm.


    ¡°Of course I do,¡± I said with certainty.


    ¡°Then I suggest you propose and marry her. You¡¯ve seeded in proving your love to her so what is keeping you from making a lifetime promise to her?¡± Anthony said, his statement-making more captivating with each passing second.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t that sudden? Proposing to her now is quite sudden seeing we are just getting to know each other ¡± I said.


    ¡°Getting to know each other? Bro, you¡¯ve been living with Monica for more than eight months now and you call that getting to know each other¡± Anthony uttered, staring at me in shock and disbelief ¡°Look man, Monica is a beautifuldy and a perfect match for you. Marry her and love happily with her. I see the way she makes you smile and I want that to be permanent¡± Anthony said and I could feel his sincerity through his words.


    ¡°What about the contract?¡± I asked, suddenly remembering the reason why we both started living together in the first ce.


    ¡°Cancel it. There¡¯s nothing to lose if you cancel it. Nobody on about the contract except you, me and Monica. Marry her and you¡¯re automatically the kid¡¯s dad¡± Anthony¡¯s words seemed to open my eyes every second.


    ¡°But how do I do that? I don¡¯t know how to start or what to do¡± I said finally realizing Monica was going to be the first woman I proposed marriage to


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about all that. I will help you with how to go about it but_¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry guys. I had to put Macy and Mason to sleep. It was pretty difficult to do all that and I apologize that I¡¯mte. Is Ethan here already?¡± Monica walked into the office and her presence startled us as we both looked at her, frozen in our seats. ¡°What¡¯s with the surprise look? You two look like you had just seen a ghost¡± Monica said and we instantlyposed ourselves as we awkwardly stared at each other.


    ¡°Have you been standing outside? Did you hear anything?¡± Anthony asked.


    ¡°Hear what? Why will I stand outside in the first ce? We are all here to see Ethan who isn¡¯t here yet so why would I stand outside?¡± Monica asked, looking interchangeably at me and Anthony in suspicion.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Nothing at all. Just asking¡± I said quickly, trying to end the topic. My office line rang and I picked up instantly


    ¡°Sir Mr Ethan is here and he says you¡¯re expecting him¡± my secretary¡¯s voice rang from the other side of the line.


    ¡°Let him in¡± I replied then ended the call, cing the telephone back on the table. ¡°Ethan is here ¡± I announced to both Monica and Anthony and in no time, Ethan was sitting with us in my office.


    ¡°So let¡¯s get to the business of today Mr. Ethan,¡± I said, trying to take his useless gaze off my woman as a feeling of possessiveness washed all over me.


    ¡°I came here to apologize to Monica. I know I treated you badly and horribly and I¡¯m sorry about that. I had some results done in the hospital some days ago and I found out that I had a 5% chance of getting a woman pregnant¡± Ethan said and I looked at Anthony in shock.


    ¡°What!¡± Monica eximed, her eyes fully opened. ¡°So that means it wasn¡¯t my_¡± Monica tried to speak but he interrupted her, gradually avoiding her eyes.


    ¡°Yes Monica, it wasn¡¯t your fault that we never had kids. It was all my fault. I couldn¡¯t get you pregnant and I med you for it. I¡¯m sorry about my past actions and every day of my life, I regret sending you out of the house¡± Ethan¡¯s words trembled as he sniffed, trying to hold back his tears. ¡°I also discovered that Mia¡¯s pregnancy was never mine but she only got pregnant just so I could send you out. I¡¯m deeply sorry Monica. For the pain, tears, humiliation, and everything I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°Wow that¡¯s a lot from karma for one person ¡± Anthony¡¯s uttered and I agreed with him. Indeed karma was teaching Ethan a bigger lesson.


    ¡°I forgive you Ethan and I¡¯m sorry about what has been happening to you recently,¡± Monica said, her hand on his shoulder as she tried tofort him.


    Ethan teary eyes sparkled with an emotion I was very familiar with: Regret and longing. I frowned deeply as he stared at my wife, my woman in a way that didn¡¯t sit right with me.


    ¡°Can I hug you for just one time? I just need a sincere hug¡± Ethan asked and I red at him.


    ¡°Honey?¡± Monica said, asking for my permission. I was d that she even considered asking me for permission because I didn¡¯t know why Ethan would want to hug my wife. If he needsfort, he should go hug a teddy and not my woman.


    ¡°Okay, Mr Ethan. Thank you foring over to tell us how you felt. Monica here has forgiven you and I think you should leave. It¡¯s already gettingte¡± I said quickly as I rose to my feet and stood between him and Monica, breaking his gaze on her.


    ¡°Thank you for your time, Monica, and thank you for forgiving me. I don¡¯t know if I would have been able to forgive myself if you hadn¡¯t forgiven me now. Thank you¡± Ethan said as he rose to his feet to meet my cold, distant eyes ¡°Thank you for allowing me to speak to her¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee ¡± I replied, my face wearing no expression as we all watched him leaving the office.

 Chapter 41 – A proposal

    Monica¡¯s POV


    I sat on the sofa closest to the window as I thought deeply about what Ethan said yesterday. Indeed karma was already teaching him a lesson and I wouldn¡¯t have forgiven him yesterday but my current joy, happiness, and peace of mind made me forget how he treated me in the past and because of that, it was easy to forgive him.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± I missed in pain as I spanked Mason on his butt. He was supposed to be sucking the milk but he decided to bite my nipples. ¡®Well that¡¯s what you get when you don¡¯t wake up early to drain their milk into their feeding bottle¡¯ my mind scolded and I rolled my eyes.


    A knock on the door shifted my attention from Mason who was on my thigh. ¡°Come in,¡± I said, staring at the door and waiting patiently for who was knocking to reveal itself.


    ¡°Good morning ma¡¯am. Mrs. Sterling is here to see you¡±


    ¡°Mrs Sterling?¡± I asked in uncertainty. I wasn¡¯t familiar with any other Mrs Sterling apart from myself.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. She is waiting in the living room¡± the maid responded.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be down shortly ¡± I said and the maid left the room, shutting the door behind her.


    As soon as Mason fell asleep, I ced him in his crib and adjusted my shirt as I looked at my reflection in the oval-shaped mirror.


    Satisfied with my reflection, I stepped out of the kid¡¯s room and took the stairs to the living room.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I said announcing my presence to the unfamiliar visitor who had just arrived.


    ¡°Hi, Monica. It¡¯s nice to finally meet you¡± the young beautiful slenderdy said, a gorgeous and happy smile dancing on her lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you too but do we know each other?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No, we don¡¯t. This will be the first time we are meeting each other¡± she said then she stretched out her hand for a handshake ¡°I¡¯m Fiona Greg Sterling¡± she said.


    I still looked at her hand in confusion then realization suddenly crashed on me as I opened my eyes wider ¡°You¡¯re Greg¡¯s wife?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, I am. You¡¯ve finally connected the dots¡± she said in amusement.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t recognize the name earlier. It¡¯s nice to finally meet my sister-inw¡± I said, happy that I wasn¡¯t going to be bored in the next couple of minutes or even hours ¡°So what brings you to my home this morning?¡±


    ¡°I heard you recently put to bed and I said I shoulde to say congrattions. I also brought some gifts¡± she responded.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s so thoughtful of you. Thank you so much¡± I said, taking the wrapped huge heavy gift from her and I wondered what was inside. I dropped it on the floor as I stared back at her ¡°Do you want to drink anything? Water, juice, wine, champagne or even_¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Monica. I don¡¯t need anything¡± she said.


    ¡°Okay, so how about your kids?¡± I asked and her smile dropped slowly but sheposed herself almost immediately and shed me a forced smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have kids of my own,¡± she said.


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± I asked in curiosity. From what I know, Greg got married even before his father died which meant that was already more than two years so why didn¡¯t she have kids?


    ¡°Greg has a kid with another woman outside our Marriage and that kid is the kid everywhere thinks I gave birth to. Greg has been so busy that we rarely have time to do those stuff that couples do¡± she said and I couldn¡¯t help but feel pity for her.


    ¡°Talk to him about it and if possible seduce him,¡± I said, winking at her and she finally blushed.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s is a good idea but I¡¯ve done that already. I¡¯ve even gone as far as buying lingerie just so he finds me attractive but he would always say I¡¯m disturbing him. He sometimes shouts at me that all I think of is s*x so I stopped making advances at him¡±


    ¡°Sorry I¡¯m priving into your personal life but When was thest time he touched you?¡± I asked in curiosity


    ¡°About ten months ago¡± she replied and I gasped in shock.


    ¡°Ten months? That is almost a year. I¡¯m deeply sorry about that. I can¡¯t even survive it if Nichs doesn¡¯t touch me in a month, talk more than ten months¡± I uttered, feeling pity for her.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be sorry. I¡¯m already used to it. We are just living like strangers under the same roof. The truth is that I¡¯ve never loved him but I wanted to make my marriage work and have kids but his attention on thepany hase between us¡± she said then she raised her eyes to meet my gaze ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m boring you with my private life but it feels so good talking with someone. I¡¯m always alone in that bi house and it¡¯s very boring¡± she said with a smile, a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem at all and I¡¯m even d you came. This house too is boring¡± I said and we bothughed loudly in unison. I looked at her and I saw a beautiful woman who felt sad and lonely.


    Just from our few minutes of discussion, I knew she wanted a child of her own. ¡°Do you want to see the kids?¡± I asked, unsure if she would want to see them.


    ¡°Yes of course I¡¯d love to¡± she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    We took the stairs and we both walked beside each other to the kid¡¯s room. I entered the room and I was surprised to see Mason awake, giggling. He stretched out his hands the instant he saw me ¡°Why don¡¯t you carry him?¡± I suggested.


    ¡± Me? No, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea¡± she said in hesitation


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t know how to carry a baby. I¡¯ve never done it before¡± she said stammering.


    ¡°Then start learning it from now¡± I suggested as I carried Mason and ced him in her arms. She went stiff and I knew she was scared. ¡°Rx and hold the baby gently¡± I corrected, trying to help her befortable around the baby.


    She breathed in and out as she hummed a song and stared lovingly at Mason. ¡°You¡¯re very good at this mother stuff. I think I need to learn from you¡± I said and a smile broke out of her lips.


    ¡°Thank you for this Monica. It means so much to me¡± she said as she dropped Mason who had fallen asleep back on his crib. ¡°I¡¯ll get going now. See you some other time¡±     I got out of the car and walked into the hotel. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Nichs¡±


    ¡°Nichs Sterling?¡± The receptionist asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied. The female receptionist came out of the counter and asked me to follow her which I did. Nichs hasn¡¯te home and when I called he said he was in a busy meeting that will take all night.


    I didn¡¯t like the idea of sleeping out so when he requested we spend the night together, I agreed and here I was, walking behind the receptionist.


    She suddenly stopped and opened a door for me, gesturing me to enter and I did. A little boy rushed to where I stood and handed me a rose flower ¡°Oh thank you¡±, I said, taking the flower from him and walking behind him.


    Another kid which was a girl stood at a spot as she smiled at me. As soon as I was close to where she was standing, she gave me another rose flower and I began to wonder what was going on.


    I walked forward a little and I saw Vanessa, the same Vanessa who asked me if my stomach was so big back then. Seeing her now, I realized knowing fully well that I was in safe hands.


    Then I met John, smiling sheepishly with his not-soplete set of teeth and he also handed me a rose flower. I remembered John very well because he said his parents had simr names. Seeing him again made me smile in amusement.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Soon enough, I had six roses in my hand and soon another door was opened for me to walk into. I walked through the door and felt the chill air hit my skin, causing goosebumps all over my body. It was thest floor of the building and it looked like a balcony.


    Walking forward, everywhere was dark and I couldn¡¯t see anything. Fear suddenly gripped but it vanished away as soon as lights came on.


    Closing my eyes instantly and trying slowly to open them to adjust to the light, I fully opened my eyes and there in the sky, I saw a beautiful light but as soon as I started to read the words, I couldn¡¯t finish.


    ¡°Will you marry me again?¡±

 Chapter 42 – A memorable night

    Monica POV


    ¡°Will you marry me again?¡± I instantly looked around and that was when I saw Nichs on his knees in his white sleeve and ck pant. I walked closer to him, still speechless and in shock as tears began to fall down my flushed cheeks.


    ¡°Hey honey¡±, he started and I giggled, feeling a lot of emotions at same time. ¡°I know this ising as a surprise but that was the n after all. Meeting you has done nothing but bring me happiness, peace,ughter and joy. You¡¯ve changed me to my better version and I wish for nothing more than you be a permanent part of my life. My life is iplete without you and I need you in it so Monica Sterling, would you marry this handsome dead dropping cold man?¡±


    Iughed, a sound filled with pure unfiltered happiness. Tears still steamed down my face as I covered my mouth, trying to prevent the sob that was threatening to escape as my heart pounded with overwhelming joy.


    ¡°Yes I¡¯ll marry this cold handsome man¡± I said, taking out the ring I had on and stretching out my hand for the new ring, a new ring which was a reminder of our love for each other.


    He ced the ring in my finger and rose to his feet as he used his index finger to wipe the tears off my eyes ¡°you cry too much¡± he teased and Iughed again. ¡°I love you,¡± he said.


    ¡°I love you too¡± I said as our lips connected, sparks flying all over my body.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ever since you showed up in Nichs¡¯s life, you two have been oppressing me just because I¡¯m single and that¡¯s not fair. I too deserve a kiss¡± Anthony said, interrupting our kiss and making us break it.


    ¡°Go get a wife jackass¡± Nichs said to Anthony who poured his lips even more.


    I smiled as I looked at the sky again to discover the colorful light changed from ¡°will you marry me again?¡± To ¡°she said yes¡±. It looked so captivating and beautiful in the sky that I had to ask what it was. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked Nichs as I pointed my index finger in the night dark sky


    ¡°They¡¯re drones¡± he said and I was stunned and speechless. They were so beautiful and captivating that they didn¡¯t look like drone maybe that¡¯s because they were far up in the sky.


    Nichs held me hand and led me to a small decorated beautiful table and a bottle of champagne sat pretty in a little bucket of ice. ¡°I wanted today to be memorable and special¡± he said, dragging a chair out for me to sit.


    As I sat, I blushed hard, my stomach fluttering with excitement ¡°I think you¡¯ve outdone yourself¡± I said staring at his soft perfect blue eyes.


    He poured me a champagne for me then himself ¡°you deserve more than this¡± he said, his blue eyes softening with love and affection. ¡°To us¡± he raised his ss up in the air for a toast and I joined as we both clicked our sses against each other for a toast.


    We stopped out champagne, each of us with our various thoughts and Nichs reached across the table to hold my hands ¡°Do you remember the first time we met?¡± He asked as a smile appeared on my lips as memories of that day filled my mind.


    ¡°Yes I do. You coldly told me that I couldn¡¯t help you¡± I said,


    Heughed, a deep sound that made my heart swell. ¡°Yes I remember those were my exact words. When I first saw you, I was blown away by your beauty. Even if you were looking thin and unkept, you were the most beautiful woman I¡¯d ever seen¡± he uttered and my heart swelked even more. This man knew how to make me blush.


    ¡°But here we are¡± I said squeezing his hands ¡°Wearing another set of rings and about to be married for the second time¡± I said.


    ¡°Here we are, stronger and together in love again, a love that¡¯s endless and passionate¡± he said.


    ¡°Do you also remember when I said I wanted to eat an apple, the look you had on your face was murderous ¡± I said,ughing hard as memories of that day filled my mind.


    ¡°Yes I remember but I could also remember you crying like a baby. I think Mason took after your crying attitude¡± he said and I spanked him hard in his arm.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t just crying because I like crying. Pregnancy hormones contributed too¡± I said, defending myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy you didn¡¯t leave me and the kids here on earth. I could still remember the fear and panic that engulfed my heart when I saw you weren¡¯t moving that day in the hospital and seeing you smile happily now, I¡¯m just grateful that you¡¯re here with me¡± Nichs said as he took my hands to his lips and ced a long kiss on it ¡°I love you¡± he said, his words exuding sincerity and affection.


    As we countined our dinner, we chatted effortlessly. We talked about our past, present and even our ns for the future. Everyugh, kiss, touch and every moment was something that I didn¡¯t want to end.


    Nichs instantly stood up from the chair in the middle of our conversation and I became worried that something was happening.


    ¡°May I have this dance?¡± He uttered with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    ¡°But there¡¯s no music¡± I pointed out but still took his hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for music. As far as I¡¯m here with you, everything fades away¡± he replied, whispering in my ears as we both began gi dance, staring lovingly at each others eyes.


    The night stars filled the sky as the air passed through our bodies and still not breaking our eyes contact with each other. This is a beautiful and perfect night. One I knew that I would never forget for the rest of my life.     AT NIGHT


    ¡°Ready to go home?¡± Nichs asked after we finished dancing with his hand are streched out.


    ¡°More than Ready¡± I replied, taking his hand.


    I looked around and noticed Anthony was no longer around. ¡°Where is Anthony?¡± I asked, looking around us but I didn¡¯t catch any sight of him.


    ¡°I sent him on errands¡± Nichs replied.


    We walked out of the hotel building and got into the car, the cool night air hitting our skin. Nichole opened the door for me and I slid into the passenger seat. As we drove home, I watched the city light and building blur past.


    When we finally got home, Nichs carried me in bridal style and Iughed ¡± you don¡¯t have to carry me. I can walk¡± I protested, though loving every part of it.


    ¡± I want to¡± he said, his deep voice full of tenderness ¡°I want to start treating you like a queen, my queen¡±.


    We soon arrived at our bedroom and he set me down on my feet. We took our showers, wore out pajamas and snuggled in each other embrace. I rested my head on his chest as we both engulfed in each other¡¯s warm embrace.


    As we both held each other, I couldn¡¯t help but rey the event of the night in my head. It was perfect from start to finish.


    ¡°What about those kids? Are they home already?¡± I asked, referring to Vanessa and John and other kids that gave me a rose flower today.


    ¡°Yes. I instructed Anthony to be in charge of taking them back home safely.


    ¡°How did you evene up with this idea in the first ce?¡± I asked in curiousity.


    ¡°It was all Anthony¡¯s idea well except the kids part. Vanessa saw meing down from the elevator yesterday and asked if I was your prince charming ¡± I raised my head as I stared at Nichs in shock.


    ¡°She asked?¡± I said.


    ¡°Yes she did and the idea of allowing them partake in the proposal instantly hit my head. I discussed it with Anthony and he said it was gorgeous idea. I spoke with the kids and they all agreed. I spoke with their parents for permission and they all agreed too¡±


    ¡°Wow. You really outdid yourself¡± I said, resting my head back on his chest.


    ¡°That¡¯s how much I love you¡± Nichs said as he pressed his lips on my head, stering a kiss on my head.


    ¡°Thank you for taking the kids to aunt E¡¯s. I really needed a break¡± I said.


    ¡°I know and you¡¯re wee¡± Nichs replied.


    ¡°Thank you for everything¡± I said, a sense of appreciation and love engulfing me.


    ¡°Thank you for saying yes¡± he said.


    ¡°Thank you for asking¡± I said again.


    As wey there, wrapped in each other¡¯s arms, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I knew that whatever challenges we faced, we would face them together. Our love was strong, and it would carry us through anything.


    ¡°Good night my love¡± Nichs said, pressing a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡°Goodnight honey¡± I said, closing my eyes and allowing sleep to to consume me.

 Chapter 43 – His EX

    Anthony¡¯s POV


    Finally dropping each kid safely at their house, I decided it was best I didn¡¯t go back to my empty house. I thought of going to Nichs¡¯s house but he would just suffocate me with love and I didn¡¯t want that.


    I was d my man Nichs was finally in love and doing everything he could to make Monica happy. I liked the love they shared and I hope for a love as pure as theirs one day.


    The buzzing of my phone jolted me back to reality as I searched my pocket and brought out the phone to see it was Justin calling.


    ¡°Hey man, where are you¡± Justin asked the instant I picked his call. Justin was someone I met at a party a month ago and ever since then, we have been hanging out.


    Nichs and I always hung out together but ever since he became a family man, he has forgotten about me.


    ¡°I¡¯m in my car. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Are you serious? I invited you to my mask party. It already starting and you¡¯re not here. Aren¡¯t youing?¡± Justin said and I saw this as an opportunity not to feel lonely.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± I said then hung up.     I arrived at the party to see everyone in a mask. I tried looking for Justin but I failed as too many bodies rubbed against each other dancing to the loud music in the club and I instantly regretted why I came.


    ¡°Hey Anthony¡± I heard someone call my name with a hand in the air waving at me and while walking closer to the person, I discovered it was Justin. ¡°Thanks foring man,¡± he said, shaking and hugging me.


    ¡°No problem¡± I replied looking around to see some strippers dancing on the pole, some ying games while others were drinking their wines.


    ¡°Here is your mask and have fun, my friend,¡± Justin said as he handed me the mask and vanished with a blonde who took his attention from me. Once again I was lonely and looking around, I didn¡¯t want to dance.


    I walked to the bar section of the club and ced an order ¡± Red wine please¡± I said, sitting on the empty barstool and in no time, I got the wine.


    ¡°Hey handsome¡± I heard a voice beside me and I turned to look at a redhead woman who seemed to be drunk ¡°What are you doing here all alone?¡±, she asked, stammering on her words as she took my ss of red wine from the barman and gulped it I one go.


    ¡°I was just about to drink that,¡± I said, pointing at the empty ss she ced back on the bar table.


    ¡°What about we go somewhere else and you drink something else¡± she said, smiling seductively as she bit her lips and stared at me in lust. S*x wasn¡¯t what I nned for but since she came to me first then I might as well take her offer.


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± I said, a smirk stered on my face.     As soon as we got into the room, the slenderdy instantly threw her hands on my shoulder as she captured my lips, kissing me passionately.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Her hands went down slowly to my chest then down to my trouser as she slid her finger down the bulge that was slowly growing in my trouser.


    I held her waist firmly and brought her down to sit on myp. I kissed her roughly and she moaned.


    We began taking our close-off in haste as my bulge kept increasing and screaming to be let out but I had to make sure she was wet first. I tore the top she wore off her body as her full soft breasts came into view begging to be ravished.


    I put my mouth on her breast and squeeze the other one gently ¡°Oh f**k¡± her head fell backward as she gasped in excitement. I picked her from the ground and ced her gently on the bed, my lips not leaving her breast.


    I moved to the second breast and used my other hand to slowly take off the leather pants she wore. I removed every fabric that stood in the way of me seeing her naked.


    I couldn¡¯t see her body well because of the dark room but the moonlight from the opened window cast some light on her soft.


    I took off her pants and my hungry eyes roamed her body as shey stiff on the bed.


    I was still fully clothed but I wanted to pleasure her first. ¡°Wish your legs¡± she ordered and she looked at me through her mask in hesitation.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± She asked, her voice calm yet hesitant.


    ¡°Just trust me. You¡¯ll like it¡± I assured her as she slowly opened her legs and I used my finger to feel her wetness. She shuddered and I could see her intimate part begging to be sucked though not very clearly because of the not-so-bright room.


    Iy on the bed, removed my mask, and used my tongue to lick out the juices that were on her intimate part ¡°Ahh¡± she shuddered again as she closed her legs instantly and went backward, keeping her legs to her chest.


    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± I asked, shocked at her expression. From what I know, women liked it whenever they were sucked in their intimate area but seeing how she reacted, it seemed she didn¡¯t like it.


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. I¡¯m not just used to these kinds of things¡± she said and I wondered if she was a virgin because she was behaving like one.


    ¡°Are you a virgin?¡± I asked in curiosity.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I¡¯m not just used to the forey before sex. It¡¯s always usually a small kissing session then pration¡± she said, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Okay but I want to make you feel good and I need you to trust me. Can you do that?¡± I said, staring at her through her mask that she still hasn¡¯t removed.


    She nodded her head and then came closer to me before opening her legs. I blew small air in her intimate area first then used my tongue to lick her once.

 Chapter 44 – HIS EX 2

    Anthony POV


    She shuddered and rxed on the bedpletely.


    I purged my tongue inside her most intimate part and sucked her as she shook and screamed. continued sucking, my tongue going deeper as my finger yed with her c******s.


    ¡°you taste very good¡± I uttered shortly as continued my torture on her.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t stop,¡± she said as I sucked harder and much faster, and when I noticed she was close, I stopped  ¡°Please please please no¡± she begged as she tried to reach out to me.


    I took a step back from her as I slowly removed my clothes, locking eyes with her and not losing eye contact.


    After removing thest cloth that I wore, I walked to her as I could see the rapid movement of her chest up and down. I used four of my fingers to slide up and down her intimate area. She closed her eyes


    ¡°eyes on me ¡± she looked at me lustfully with desires shing in her eyes. ¡°Remove your mask¡± I ordered and she removed her mask instantly.


    I couldn¡¯t see her dad well but I could tell that the colour of her hair was red. I held my dick as I rubbed it up and down her intimate area.


    ¡± please¡± Her pleas came out slowly as a whisper


    ¡°Tell me what you want¡± I continued the torture as I felt her fingers digging into my shoulder. She held me firmly on my shoulder.


    I knew I also wanted this but I wanted to satisfy both of us and that would only be achieved if we take it slow.


    ¡°I want_ I want. oh fuck¡± She found it difficult to say the words out and her moan hardened my length further.


    ¡°You want what?¡± I asked as I increased the friction of my cock on her intimate wet area.


    ¡°I want you to make me go crazy please¡± I instantly dived into her and a pleasurable and longing moan came out of our lips.


    I raised her right leg and ced it on my waist as I thrust into her insides smoothly. She moaned ecstasy as her voice filled the whole room


    I thrust in slowly then I didn¡¯t like the slow motion so I switched to thrusting in fast as I kissed her neck and groaned.


    ¡°You¡¯re very tight. How often do you have sex?¡± How my d**k slid inside her gave me great pleasure. and I thrust even faster inside Harley


    ¡°Not very often. ¡± She replied as Her head fell backward her eyes closed shut and she moaned in ecstasy. ¡°Faster¡± she moaned again.


    I groaned after hearing those words from her mouth. Her walls tightened around my cock and I knew she was close and I was close as well but I didn¡¯t want to cum now so I instantly pulled out.


    Her legs were shaking but I wanted to fuck her from behindContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°turn around¡± I ordered as she hesitated again and I wondered why she was always taking so much time to think before she acted ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it will be fun¡± I assured and she turned around slowly and ced her hands on the bedframe, her legs still shaking. ¡°Hold on to that tightly¡± I instructed as I made her bed get back, giving me the d***y position I wanted.


    She bent a little and that made my ess to her smooth. Her inside responded instantly to my cock as her juices weed me in.


    Her insides were warm, tight, and juicy which made it easy for me to slide in and out. I thrust into her again this time faster than usual as my other hand found her breast and I yed with it using my finger.


    I groaned as I felt getting close to orgasm and her wall getting tighter with each passing second.


    ¡°Fuck am close¡± I screamed in ecstasy as I held Her tightly to myself. Groaning in pleasure, her inside began to tighten me even more and I heard a pleasurable scream from her. I couldn¡¯t hold myself any longer so I followed suit.


    We both cummed at the same time. She copsed on the bed, her legs were still shaken from the previous moment.


    Still trying to catch my breath, I felt soft lips on my neck and I knew she wanted more which I was ready for.


    ¡°Can we go again?¡± I heard her whisper in my ears.     THE NEXT MORNING.


    My eyes slowly opened as I tried to adjust my vision to the bright blinding light of the sun. It turned my face away and that was when my gaze fell on her. The woman I slept with yesterday.


    Her red hair covered her face and the sun¡¯s rays made her look more radiant as she slept. I removed the hair covering half of her face as I stared at the beauty close to me.


    She turned around and I got a full view of her face but the instant I saw her face, I froze instantly. ¡°Fiona?¡± I uttered softly, frozen on the bed in shock.


    She grumbled as she turned to the other side then slowly opened her eyes before turning to face me. She looked at me sleepingly then her eyes instantly widened as she sat upright to look at me once more ¡°Anthony¡± she said, her voice trembling.


    I couldn¡¯t believe It was Fiona I had been with for a long. Howe I never thought of this? She instantly raised the duvet and seeing her naked body, she nodded her head in denial ¡°No no no this can¡¯t be happening ¡±


    ¡°Fiona¡± I called out but she instantly stood up from the bed she began wearing her clothes, ignoring mepletely.


    ¡°What the time?¡± She asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s 9:45 am¡± I responded and tears began to gather in her eyes.


    ¡°Oh s**t, I¡¯m in trouble¡± I could hear the panic and fear in her voice and I wondered what was going on.


    As soon as she gathered her things together, she walked to the door and I instantly got off the bed naked, standing in front of her. ¡°Fiona, where are you going? You just want to run off like that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Please Anthony I¡¯ve got to start going home now or my husband will kill me¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re married?¡± I asked in shock as I looked at her finger and saw a ring.


    ¡°Yes I am so please get out of the way¡± she pleaded, tears already gathering in her eyes and I walked away from her as she stormed out of the room.


    ¡°Did I just f**k a married woman?¡± I asked myself as the realization that Fiona was married hit me like a brick.

 Chapter 45 – Trouble at the door

    Monica POV


    I ced Macy on the couch in the living room as I yed with her while she giggled. Looking at the time, Nichs ought to have finished his meeting in the office by now and I looked forward to seeing him.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am please you can¡¯t just barge in like that¡± I heard a sharp voice yelling at someone and curiosity made me walk outside to find out what was going on. I ced Macy in my arms as I walked outside and I was stunned to see Fiona standing in front of my house dressed in a very tight top and leather pants.


    ¡°Fiona¡± I called out as she ran to where I was.


    ¡°Please Monica I need your help¡± she begged her ck heels in her hand.


    ¡°My help? What going on Fiona? You look restless and where are youing from dressed like this so early in the morning¡± I asked, in a state of shock and curiosity.


    ¡°Please I¡¯ll exinter but I need your help with something¡± I looked at her eyes and I could see visible fear in her eyes.


    ¡°Okay. What do you need from me¡± I asked, deciding within me to help her.     Fiona wore a knee-length gown I gave to her as she yed with Macy who giggled happily, holding Fiona¡¯s red hair in a fist.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me why you rushed to my house this morning looking like a hot college student who just came back from a party,¡± I said, opening the conversation so she could exin herself


    ¡°I spent a night with my random guy and we had sex. I was on my way home when Isabe my maid told me that Greg was already home and he was asking after me. I simply told her to tell him I was at your ce and right now, I expect him toe here and look for me¡± she said, averting her gaze and avoiding my eyes.


    ¡°You did what? Fiona, you¡¯re married. How could you have a one-night stand with a stranger¡± I asked, scolding her.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault Monica. I was horny and I haven¡¯t had sex in a long time. I couldn¡¯t hold myself anymore and I just did what my body wanted ¡± she said, tears gathering in her eyes ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this but you don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to be horny, and yet, your husband doesn¡¯t even look at you lustfully. I was dying inside Monica and I had to do it¡±  she said, her voice trembling and I engulfed her in aforting embrace.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the way I spoke. I¡¯m sorry for scolding you.¡± I apologized as I pat her back andforted her.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± The loud barking from the outside the door made Fiona begin to tremble in my arms.


    ¡°It¡¯s him, Monica. It¡¯s Greg¡± she said as fear shed through her eyes.


    The door burst open and Greg walked into the living room, walking straight to where she was ¡°Where have you been?¡± Greg¡¯s sharp gaze made Fiona shake and I instantly took Macy out of her hand.


    Fiona rose to her feet ¡°I was with Monica. I slept over and we_¡±


    ¡°Liar¡± Greg¡¯s voice thundered in the living room as his hands came in contact with her cheeks in a hot resounding p. The p interrupted her from speaking as tears spilled out of her eyes.


    ¡°I ask again, where were youst night¡± he said, his voice cold and distant.


    I instantly gave Macy to Aunt Patricia who came out of the kitchen because of the loud condition of the living room. She took Macy from me and went upstairs instantly.


    I rushed to stand in front of Fiona who was shaking like someone who had just been poured a bucket of ice water ¡°What right do you have to p her? You barge into my house and start screaming like a dog¡± I said, ring at him as he stared at me in anger


    ¡°I¡¯d advise you to stay out of this. This is between me and my wife¡± he said as he tried to push me away but I held Fiona¡¯s hand and went to the other corner of the living room.


    ¡± I won¡¯t watch you hurt her again,¡± I said, staring daggers at Greg who looked like a monster


    ¡°Then I might as well just hurt you. It won¡¯t be hard to deal with two weak vessels at once¡± he said as he started walking towards us and fear gripped me.


    ¡°Please Monica, I don¡¯t want to involve you in any of these. Just let him do what he wants with me¡±, Fiona begged, her voiceced with nothing but pain and fear.


    ¡°Never,¡± I said and Greg soon got to where we were and pushed me aside as he dragged Fiona by her hair.


    I watched as Fiona yelled in pain, holding Greg¡¯s hands and trying to remove his hold on her hair ¡°Let her go¡± I said as I took a flower vase from the corner of the room and used it to hit Greg¡¯s head.


    He groaned in pain and fell on the floor. I took hold of Fiona¡¯s hand again and stood in front of her as we watched Greg slowly stand up. He turned around, his gaze fierce and his hands clenched in fists.


    ¡°You leave me no choice,¡± he said as he walked towards us again and panic seized me as I didn¡¯t know what to do. Closing my eyes, I braced myself for what wasing.


    ¡°Let them go asshole¡± I heard Anthony¡¯s voice and I instantly opened my eyes to see him punching Greg hard in his face ¡°You¡¯re a useless and worthless husband¡±


    Anthony stood up took out his phone and started recording ¡°I¡¯m going to show the whole world who you are. Sterling group managing director was seen attacking his wife and and his brother¡¯s wife. I think that will make a good headline¡±, Anthony said as he recorded with his phone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you a lesson¡± Greg spat angrily, pointing his index finger at Fiona.


    ¡°The next time you touch her, I¡¯ll show the world the real monster that you¡¯re with this video¡± Greg gritted his teeth as his lips cracked open, oozing blood because of Anthony¡¯s punch.


    ncing at us onest time, he walked out of the living room, leaping on one foot.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± I asked Fiona but Anthony rushed to where we were and gently pushed me aside.


    ¡°Are you hurt? Should we take you to the hospital? Do you feel pain anywhere¡± I was stunned to see Anthony concerned about Fiona this much.


    ¡°Do you two know each other?¡± I asked in curiosity and Fiona stepped away from him instantly.


    ¡°He is the guy I had sex with,¡± Fiona said


    ¡°She is my ex-girlfriend,¡± Anthony said.


    I stood frozen as I looked at them both in shock ¡°What!¡± I eximed in shock staring at both of them in disbelief.

 Chapter 46 – A little about Anthony’s past

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡°He is the guy I had sex with,¡± Fiona said


    ¡°She is my ex-girlfriend,¡± Anthony said.


    I stood frozen as I looked at them both in shock ¡°What!¡± I eximed in shock staring at both of them in disbelief.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say these earlier,¡± I said, staring at Fiona who avoided my gaze.


    I turned to look at Anthony whose eyes were fixed on Fiona, filled with longing ¡°You slept with a married woman Anthony?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing. I didn¡¯t know she was married and I also didn¡¯t even know that it was Fiona¡± Anthony said, running his hand through his hair in frustration.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t see each otherst night because the room was dark but this morning, we realized that we knew each other and that¡¯s how I found that that it was Anthony I slept with¡± Fiona exined further.


    ¡°As soon as I saw your red hair, I should have suspected,¡± Anthony said, obviously scolding himself for not recognizing his ex and I wondered why he would want to recognize her.


    ¡°But you saw her this morning and you knew she was Greg¡¯s wife so why didn¡¯t you help her too_¡± I said but Anthony interrupted.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was Greg¡¯s wife,¡± Anthony said.


    ¡°What! That¡¯s not possible. You¡¯re close to Nichs and you also know Greg so how is it possible that you don¡¯t know Fiona is Greg¡¯s wife¡± I asked, confusion evident on my face.


    ¡°I knew Greg was married but I never knew his wife. I didn¡¯t go to his wedding because at that period Fiona had broken up with me for no reason and that made me take a break. I traveled out and took a vacation to clear my head and then when I came back and asked her friend about her, I was told she was married¡± Anthony exined and as he exined, I could see the hurt in his eyes.


    ¡°Why did you guys break up?¡± I asked, looking at them interchangeably


    ¡°It was my fault. I ended the rtionship and I¡¯m sorry about hurting you, Anthony. At that point, my father needed money for urgent surgery and Greg was interested in marrying me back then so I_¡±


    ¡°You would have just asked me for the money. You knew fully well that I¡¯ll never say no to you so why didn¡¯t you ask?¡± Anthony said, interrupting her frompleting her statement.


    ¡°Ask you? Anthony, you were doing so much for my family back then. You were the one paying our rent and you were also the one who helped Philip in school. What type of greedy person would I be if I asked you to help again? What would that make me? A perfect girlfriend?¡± Fiona asked, tears gathering in her eyes again as she exined herself to Anthony who was also hurt.


    ¡°Yes, Fiona. You would have asked as I would never have said no. I loved you too much to say no to you but instead of exining all these to me, you broke up with me out of the blue¡± Anthony snapped, tears I¡¯m his eyes and my heart ache for him.


    Anthony is always funny and cheerful and has a way of making people smile, but seeing him hurt this much, only meant he wasn¡¯tpletely over Fiona.


    ¡°I felt like I was a burden to you, Anthony. I wanted to be independent. I never wanted to continue burdening you with my problems. You were already doing a lot, and I knew that as long as I was with you, I would be a burden,¡± Fiona exined, her voice trembling as she stared at her feet.


    ¡°Fiona, you were never a burden to me. You were my everything. I had enough money for both of us together with your family. I was ready to make you happy. Do you know how much it hurt when you left without an exnation?¡± Anthony¡¯s voice cracked as he poured out his feelings.


    ¡°I know you loved me and I loved you too but back then, I thought it was for the best. I¡¯m sorry¡±. She said, tears storming down her face.


    Silence lingered in the air as I watched the two ex-lovers wallowing in the past that they¡¯d refused to let go.


    ¡°Fiona¡± I called and she looked at me, her eyes full of regret ¡°Did your dad still make it alive after the surgery?¡± I asked, trying to divert their attention from theirst with each other.


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t make it¡± Fiona sobbed as I instantly engulfed her in a warm hug, patting her back softly as I consoled her. I knew how it felt to lose a loved one.


    From losing my mum who walked out of my life with no exnation to losing my dad who died then losing Ethan who I thought loved me could cause someone to be depressed. I¡¯ve been there before and I wouldn¡¯t want anyone to experience what I had experienced.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your loss¡± I whispered in her ears and she sobbed even more.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going back to that monster¡± Anthony uttered, gritting his teeth as he made his intention clear.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Finally, Fiona spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Anthony, that won¡¯t be happening. He is my husband and I have to go back to him¡±


    ¡°Your husband? A man who abused you?¡± Anthony said, obviously hurt and angered by her Statement.


    ¡°I know¡± she admitted, her voice breaking. ¡°I  made my choice years back, and I have to live with it.¡±


    Anthony took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. ¡°Yes you can¡¯t change the past, Fiona but you could change the future. Greg is a monster who doesn¡¯t care about your feelings.¡±


    Fiona nodded, wiping her tears away. ¡°You¡¯re right. He doesn¡¯t care about me but he is still my husband. As long as I behave myself, he won¡¯t hurt me¡±


    Anthony stared at Fiona, stunned by what she was saying ¡°That beast of a husband was ready to hurt you and my best friend¡¯s wife. Is that who you want to go back to?¡±


    ¡°Whose wife are you talking about?¡± We all heard a voice from the door as we turned to it ¡°Greg was here?¡± The person asked again, his hands clenching into fists.

 Chapter 47 – Anthony’s past

    Nichs POV


    ¡°That beast of a husband was ready to hurt you and my best friend¡¯s wife. Is that who you want to go back to?¡± I heard Anthony yelling at Fiona who stood frozen to the spot.


    ¡°Whose wife are you talking about?¡± I noticed their bodies going still as they all turned around to look at me ¡°Greg was here?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°Hey honey wee home¡± Monica walked to where I was and looking at the smile on her face, I knew she was faking it.


    I looked around the living room to see shattered pieces of the flower vase and some blood stains on the floor ¡°What happened here?¡± I ask again, the blood stains sending chills down my spine.


    ¡°Greg was here earlier. He was looking for Fiona¡± Anthony finally said, breaking the tension in the air.


    ¡°Okay but why is the living room scattered? Why is there blood on the floor?¡± I asked, waiting patiently for their exnation but they just kept on staring at each other, refusing to utter a word.


    ¡°Would someone say something?¡± I said with a sharp tone, their quietness not keeping me at ease.


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault, Nichs. I¡¯m sorry I caused all this¡± Fiona apologized and Anthony rushed to where she stood.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not to me for all of these. Stop ming yourself¡± Anthony said, wiping the tears on her cheeks with his fingers as he hugged her with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Anthony, what the f**k are you doing? That¡¯s my brother¡¯s wife for f**k sake¡± I said, shocked at his attitude and closeness to Fiona.


    Anthony pulled back slightly, still holding Fiona¡¯s shoulders as he turned to face me. ¡°Nichs, it¡¯s not what it looks like. Fiona needed help, and I was just trying tofort her.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes, ncing between the two of them. ¡°Comfort her? It looks a lot more than that, Anthony.¡±


    Fiona stepped forward, her eyes pleading. ¡°Please, Nichs I¡¯m sorry for everything. I was the one who brought trouble into your peaceful home and I¡¯m deeply sorry. you have to understand. I came here to escape Greg. He¡­ he was angry, violent. I had nowhere else to go.¡±


    I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. ¡°So, Greg came here and caused all this mess?¡± I asked looking around and still trying to understand what exactly happened just in thest two hours of my absence.


    Anthony nodded. ¡°He was furious. He tried to drag Fiona out of there and even wanted to hurt Monica because she was protecting Fiona.  Things got out of hand. I had to step in to protect them and that¡¯s when the vase got shattered, and¡­ and there was a bit of a struggle.¡±


    ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± I asked, ncing around the room once more, my eyes lingering on the bloodstains and the shattered flower vase.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± Monica said softly, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her fear. ¡°But Greg¡­ he didn¡¯t take it well. He left, but not before making some threats.¡±


    ¡°Everyone better be okay especially you Monica because if you weren¡¯t okay, I would have killed someone with my bare hands,¡± I said with a serious stern face.


    I sighed as I looked at Monica, Anthony then my gazended on Fiona whose face was swollen ¡°What happened to you?¡± I asked Fiona, my gaze lingering on the red marks on her cheeks.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Greg pped her¡± Monica replied and I raised an eyebrow in shock.


    ¡°So the jerk also abused his wife. Interesting¡± I muttered to myself as I still didn¡¯t understand what happened. ¡°Greg can¡¯t just walk into my house unless he wants something and I¡¯m sure that something must have been you so what did you do to Greg? What did you do that made Greg almost hurt my wife¡± I said, my sharp gaze on Fiona as I waited for her exnation.


    ¡°We spent a night together¡± Anthony uttered, dropping a bomb that I didn¡¯t expect.


    ¡°You did what!¡± I eximed in shock.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t know man. We met at a club yesterday and we had sex only for me this morning to find out that she was Fiona¡±


    ¡°Of course Fiona, my stepbrother¡¯s wife,¡± I said, staring daggers at Anthony who chose to sleep with my brother¡¯s wife.


    ¡°No. Fiona my ex¡± Anthony replied. I stared at my best friend in shock and looked at Fiona again.


    ¡°You mean the same ex who broke up with you and made you almost lose yourself¡± Anthony avoided my eyes and I instantly got my answer.


    I never met Anthony¡¯s girlfriend back then. I was always busy and felt it wasn¡¯t necessary. I never believed in love so when Anthony told me he was in love, I felt he was being stupid.


    Some monthster, I couldn¡¯t recognize my best friend who for the first time cried in front of me and said his girlfriend had broken up with him. That shattered Anthony back then but little did I know that thedy Greg married was the samedy that broke up with Anthony.


    ¡°So you¡¯re Fiona. The same Fiona who made my best friend almostmit suicide¡± I spat out in anger


    ¡°Nichs that¡¯s unnecessary,¡± Anthony said, pissed by my words


    ¡°Well, she has to know Anthony. I almost lost you back then. Your situation with her was also one of the reasons I swore I wasn¡¯t going to fall in love¡± I said then turned to Monica who frowned after hearing me ¡°Well until Monica stepped into my life¡± I said, clearing the air.


    ¡°I think I should go,¡± Fiona said, struggling to get herself out of Anthony¡¯s grip.


    ¡°No Fiona. It¡¯s too risky. Greg might hurt you again¡± Anthony said, refusing to let her go, and looking at him made me realize that he was still in love with Fiona.


    ¡°He won¡¯t. He will only be pissed about what happened today but he will not hurt me¡± she said, staring at Anthony with her eyes sparkling with an emotion I knew very well _ hurt mixed with a lingering affection.


    My best friend¡¯s eyes softened with love as he looked at Fiona ¡°If that¡¯s what you want then I¡¯ll let you go. Please take care¡±


    Fiona stared at him and then smiled weakly ¡°Thank you¡± she said then she turned to my wife ¡°Thanks for your help today and I¡¯m sorry for causing trouble ¡± she said as she nced at me then walked to the chair, took her bag and turned to leave.


    The door closed behind her and Anthony¡¯s gaze remained fixed at the door. Looking at Monica, she stared at me in worry and I knew she was thinking about Anthony and Fiona.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will both be fine¡± I said assurably.

 Chapter 48 – Married again

    Nichs POV


    THREE WEEKS LATER


    It¡¯s been three good weeks since Fiona and Anthony¡¯s drama disy in my house. Monica and I finally decided to get married in court.


    I booked the full day in the court and we decided to use a small court in another city. We didn¡¯t want anyone to know of the marriage because if they knew, they would ask questions.


    I waited patiently at the door, waiting for her to show up. I kept looking at the watch on my hand as I saw seconds turning into minutes and minutes turning into hours.


    ¡°Hey, chill. She will be here soon¡± Anthony said, his hand patting my shoulders infort.


    A few hourster, after what seemed like an eternity, a ck car drove into thepound. My heart leaped for joy, pounding with excitement and relief. She stepped out looking breathtaking. Her knee-length cream-colored gown fitted her body perfectly, announcing the curves that she had gained since she put to bed.


    Her ck stiletto heels made little sounds as she walked towards me, exuding confidence and elegance. As she approached, my breath caught in my throat. Her hair was styled in loose waves, dropping on her shoulders and framing her beautiful face.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Her makeup was simple yet wless announcing her natural beauty even more. Then her deep blue eyes were filled with a mixture of love, happiness, and a hint of nervousness.


    ¡°You¡¯re staring too much bro¡± Anthony whispered, jolting me out of my daze and thoughts.


    ¡°You look incredible¡± I whispered in Monica¡¯s ears, my voice thick with emotions.


    Monica¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m d you like it¡± she said, her cheeks raised as she gave me a full smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it. I love it just as I love you¡± I uttered as I took hold of her hand and ced a kiss on the back of her hand.


    We stood there, lost in each other gaze before Anthony cleared his throat, bringing us back to the real world. ¡°I think we have to go in now,¡± he said as we both walked behind him into the courtroom, hand in hand.


    Soon it was time to exchange vows and we both exchanged vows, promising to live and support each other.


    ¡°I know this sounds absurd but I wished I had met you sooner. You light up my world and I want to spend the rest of my days with you. To love you, to hold you, and support you. I love you Monica Sterling¡± I said as she blinked rapidly trying to control the tears gathering in her eyes.


    ¡°Is there anything you would love to say to the groom?¡±  the judge said to Monica.


    ¡°I love you more,¡± Monica said to me as she dragged me closer to herself and captured my lips in hers. I wasn¡¯t expecting that to happen but Iposed myself, leaned in, and kissed her back. A kiss filled with promise and love.


    When we pulled away, Anthony was there pping loudly and cheering as he grinned from ear to ear. ¡°Congrattions man. I¡¯m happy for you. Who wouldn¡¯t have thought that my ice king of a friend would get married before me¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your congrattions and your unnecessarypliment,¡± I said, hugging Anthony.


    We broke the hug and I held Monica¡¯s hand as we both walked out of the courtroom. The sky was blue and the sun poured on us, blessing our union with her rays.


    ¡°Okay guys, I think this is where we go separate ways. See youter fes¡± Anthony said as he took off his suit jacket and entered his car, zooming off.


    ¡°Why is he leaving on his own? I thought we were all going back home together¡± Monica asked.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re not going back home. I¡¯ve paid for a room in one of the best hotels here and I¡¯ve also instructed that some of our important stuff be brought over here¡± I said and Monica¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°What! Why are you just telling me now? Why didn¡¯t you say these earlier? What about the kids?¡± She asked, all at once.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the kids, they¡¯re at Aunt E¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t be too far from them Nichs. I need to feed them¡± Monica said, worry etched on their face.


    ¡°I already bought enough baby milk and other food for them so stop worrying,¡± I said, trying to calm her down as panic showed in her face.


    ¡°But you would have told me all about this first. Breast milk is still the best for babies¡±  Monica grumbled and I knew she was worried about the babies.


    ¡°Just one week Monica. We are only spending one week here and we will be back. I just wanted to spend time with you alone. Time without any drama or babiesing between us. You¡¯ve been so focused on the babies and you barely have time for me¡± I said, pouting my lips like a child and giving her puppy eyes.


    ¡°Fine¡± she agreed instantly, her voiceced with resignation. ¡°But only one week,¡± she said, raising her index finger to emphasize the limit.


    ¡°Yes, just one week¡± I reassured.     We got into the room to see everything already arranged and I was impressed. Earlier on, I instructed the maids that everything be arranged in the hotel room before we arrived and they did everything perfectly.


    ¡°Hey honey, help me with the corset of this dress,¡± Monica said, trying to loose the corset and I went behind her as I removed each rope that was used in the corset.


    Seeing her bare skin, I couldn¡¯t help but swallow a lump as I had a strong desire to feel her bare body with my hands.


    I brushed the back of my fingers against her bare back and she shuddered. ¡°It¡¯s already four weeks since you delivered the twins and we haven¡¯t had our own time¡± I whispered in her ears, my bulge already screaming to be let out.


    ¡°So this was the reason you wanted toe here right ?¡± She asked a small smile stered on her lips as she ran her hands through my hair.


    ¡°No¡± I stammered ¡°Yes,¡± I said then sighed in frustration ¡°Can we just have a little fun, I promise it won¡¯t be long¡± I begged and hoped she agreed.

 Chapter 49 – Great time together

    Monica POV


    ¡°No¡± he stammered ¡°Yes,¡± he said again and he then sighed in frustration ¡°Can we just have a little fun, I promise it won¡¯t be long¡± he begged.


    Looking at his sea-blue eyes, I found hope mixed with desire and longing. ¡°Okay,¡± I said, agreeing to what he asked for.


    I and Nichs haven¡¯t had time for ourselves for a long time. Most of the time, I sleep in the kid¡¯s room because they always wake up crying in the middle of the night.


    I dragged Nichs closer to myself as I captured his lips again, closing my eyes as he carried me in bridal style. We continued kissing then he broke the kiss as he began taking off his clothes.


    Standing naked in front of me was my husband who stared at me lustfully. He removed the remaining pieces of my clothes and began kissing me again.


    Still kissing me, he gently gazed at my open front with his finger and a soft moan escaped my lips. My core was throbbing in expectation of what he was going to do. His hands went further down as he caressed my p***y hole which was already very juicy.


    ¡°Can I ?¡± He asked, breaking the kiss as he stared at me. I nodded my head, wanting nothing but to feel his finger inside me.


    As he dipped his finger inside me, I felt a strong adrenaline course through my body as my head went backward and I shut my eyes. He hadn¡¯t even started thrusting in but I felt I was going to lose my mind.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡± I moaned as he started thrusting his finger inside me, more desires igniting within me.


    ¡°Open your eyes and look at me¡± he ordered and I found his face a few miles away from mine ¡± Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I whispered, trying to keep my eyes open while tightly holding the bedsheets.


    He continued fingering me and soon, his pace grew faster as realized the bedsheets and held onto his shoulder. The speed at which he continued fingering me grew faster ¡°f**k..¡± I cursed while digging my nails in his shoulder.


    He withdrew his hand and I didn¡¯t miss the way his eyes darkened, staring at my p***y  ¡°Part your legs¡± he ordered and I didn¡¯t waste timeplying.


    I closed my eyes instantly as I felt his tongue doing magic in my p***y. I couldn¡¯t control myself as I moaned loudly, my right hand on his hair.


    ¡°F**k Nichs yes, yes honey,¡± I said as he continued his magic. His warm tongue caressed my p***y and set my body on fire.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    He deepened his tongue more and I almost lost myself, gripping his hair tightly ¡°I want to cum¡± I whispered, my eyes closed in pleasure.


    ¡°Cum for me honey,¡± he said and I found myself jerking as I moaned in ecstasy. Nichs continued sucking until I was dry down there.


    ¡°Did you enjoy it?¡± He asked as he copsed beside me on the bed.


    ¡°Yes, I did,¡± I said, trying to catch my breath as my gazended on his little man who was still very much active. ¡°Should I help?¡± I said gesturing at his long rod that stood erect.


    ¡°Can you?¡± He asked, surprised by my request.


    ¡°I can try my best,¡± I said as I sat upright and moved closer to him. I slowly stretched my hand as I took hold of it.


    ¡°F**k..¡± he cursed as he closed his eyes. A smile curved up my lips seeing the way he reacted as my hand wobbled up and down his c**k. A low moan escaped from his lips and he gripped the hard on the bedsheet. ¡°Faster¡± he muffled and I wasted no time increasing my pace up and down.


    I continued to caress his rock-hard c**k while my p***y screamed to be touched. Another moan escaped his lips and before I knew it, he spurned me around with my back on the bed as he inserted two fingers inside me at once.


    ¡°Look at me¡± hemanded as he continued thrusting his fingers in and out of my p***y. I stared at him, meeting his gaze. Nothing dancing in his eyes except his desires for me.


    I was enjoying the pleasure he was making me feel but I wanted something more. I wanted to feel him buried deep inside me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯repletely healed for us to have s*x,¡± he said, his voice deep and rough.


    ¡°Your finger is buried inside me and you remember that now?¡± I asked, amazed at the fact that he was now worried about what the doctor said.


    ¡°I want to bury myself inside you but at the same time, I don¡¯t want to hurt you. I like it fast and deep but I¡¯m worried if you can take all of me¡± he said, his fingers still going faster inside me.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try and see,¡± I said, urging him to go ahead with what he wants to do to me.


    ¡°Are you sure you can take all of me?¡± He asked, his eyes darkening with desire.


    ¡°You seem to be underestimating your wife¡± I whispered, wanting tough but I couldn¡¯t because of the pleasures his fingers were giving me.


    My head jerked backward as I moaned. His teases were getting too much and I wanted him to be buried inside me so I stretched my hand as I ced his c**k in front of my p***y intending to bury it inside me but he instantly removed his hand from my p***y and stepped backward.


    I frowned at his actions and he came forward again and captured my lips in his, positioning himself at my entrance and slowly teasing my entrance with his c**k


    ¡°Are you sure of this?¡± He asked again.


    ¡°Yes I am but I don¡¯t want any more kids,¡± I said.


    He smiled ¡± I too don¡¯t want kids, at least not for now¡±.

 Chapter 50 – pleasure at its peak

    Monica POV


    ¡°Should I just use a condom?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want a condom. I want to feel youpletely¡± I said and his tease on my entrance grew faster. He instantly entered me so fast and moaned loudly. My body went rigid as I didn¡¯t know how to react to his length inside me.


    ¡°F**k¡± he moaned then he pulled out then entered me again, this time slowly. Goosebumps appeared on my skin as I tried getting used to his length.


    ¡°F**k you¡¯re so huge,¡± I said.


    ¡°And you¡¯re so tight¡± he responded, his mouth opened slightly.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He pulled outpletely again and entered me slowly as he started to thrust in me slowly while I tried to get used to his length. He began mming in and out of me and when I finally got used to his length, he increased his pace.


    ¡°Ahh f**k honey, you¡¯re so sweet¡±  he moaned as he closed his eyes while pounding inside me. He captured my lips in a hot rough kiss as he kissed me very fast, his kiss filled with need.


    His lips moved from my mouth to my neck as he continued stering kisses on my neck. ¡°Mm¡­ah¡­yes¡± I moaned as pleasure began to consume me.


    Sweat coursed through our bodies, our moans filling the room. The way Nichs was pounding inside me made me almost lose all my sense of reasoning. Ethan was never this good in bed and I was once again grateful that Mia took him from me.


    ¡°Faster¡± I muffled, my whole body on fire as I held onto him tightly while moving my hips to match his pace.


    His hands moved to my chest as he gripped my breast, ying with my nipples ¡°Ahhh f**k, moni_ca¡± he stammered as his pace got faster.


    ¡°Please please Nichs go faster ¡± I pleaded, my voice trembling as I felt my inside begin to twist and I knew I was close.


    He pounded faster, igniting mes in my body as our moans giggled together topped with the sweat and heat oozing out of our joined bodies. He panted hard as he opened his eyes to stare at me, staring lustfully at my other breast which danced on my chest.


    ¡°Nichs I want to c*m¡± I pleaded as I dug my nails deeper on his back.


    ¡°No don¡¯t c*m yet or I wouldn¡¯t be able to hold myself anymore,¡± Nichs said, his voice trembling. ¡°Ahh Monica I love you. I love you so much¡± he confessed as he continued his pounding.


    It was hard trying to hold myself but I also wanted him to keep on going. I didn¡¯t want this pleasurable moment to end because I was f*****g enjoying it.


    Ethan wasn¡¯t this good. He couldn¡¯t evenst this long and didn¡¯t know how to please me. Now I know why it was easy for Harley to fall in love with Nichs. He was damn good in bed. His way of f*****g me was extraordinary.


    My p***y was throbbing with his c**k inside me and I couldn¡¯t hold myself anymore ¡°Nichs I can¡¯t _ I¡¯m close¡± I tried to form aplete meaningful sentence but I couldn¡¯t as I was almost exploding with pleasure.


    ¡°Okay honey, c*m for me baby¡± his voice was the only thing I needed as I moaned, gripping his body tightly as I released myself, my legs shaking.


    As soon as I c*m, he followed suit as he kissed me hard on my neck, trying not to groan loudly while releasing himself inside me.


    We finally reached our climax as he pulled out of me and copsed beside me on the bed. ¡°That was_¡±


    ¡°Extraordinary,¡± he said, cutting me short and I smiled, surprised he knew what I was about to say. ¡°You¡¯re one sweet wife. you know that?¡± He said as he turned his head to look at me, trying to catch his breath.


    I looked over at Nichs, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath, a satisfied smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°And your little man is very good at performing wonders¡± I responded, a yful grin spreading across my face.


    Wey there in a blissful silence, our bodies filled with sweat. I could still feel the pleasure and warmth even after we were done. The room was filled with the heavy scent of our passion, a reminder of the intense moment we had just shared.


    Nichs chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that, Mrs. Sterling. I aim to please the only woman that makes me happy¡±


    Nichs had a way of making me feel cherished and desired in a way I had never experienced before, not even with Ethan.


    ¡°Do you remember our first night together?¡± Nichs asked, his voice soft.


    I smiled, thinking back to that night. ¡°I remember the night. I had that dream about an ident. It was so scary.¡±


    He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. ¡°And I came to save you from that dream by waking you up,¡± he said then started at me lovingly¡±Look at us now, naked and building a life together, one filled with love and passion.¡±


    My heart swelled at his words. I reached out, taking his hand in mine and squeezing it tightly. ¡°I love you, Nichs. More than words can ever express.¡±


    Wey there in each other¡¯s arms, the outside world forgotten as I went closer to him and ced my head on his chest, my body still naked. At that moment, it was just the two of us, wrapped up in our love for each other.


    Soon Nichs drifted off to sleep and I stared at him adorably, smiling like a college kid who couldn¡¯t get enough of her crush. Was I happy? Yes, I was.


    This man hase to stay and nothing was ever going to separate me from him. I loved Nichs so much and I¡¯m d I met him.

 Chapter 51 – A little misunderstanding

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡°Here is your ice cream honey¡± Nichs whispered in my ears as I stood, watching the sea and kids ying. We weren¡¯t done with our honeymoon and have only spent four days here and yet it looks like we haven¡¯t even done anything.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said as I collected the ice cream from him, smiling happily. We both held hands as the beach breeze blew past us. ¡°I would want Mason and Macy toe here with us one day¡±, I said turning again to Nichs whose gaze was on the sea.


    ¡°Yes, this would be a great ce for them. They could build sand castles and also try to swim. I thought about it too yesterday¡± Nichs responded, his gaze now solely on me.


    ¡°maybe when they are about five or six years old,¡± I said, imagining how the kids would look when they grow much younger.


    Nichs walked behind me as he hugged me from behind ¡°How about we talk less of the kids and talk more of eating some of those sweet cream between your legs¡± Nichs whispered in my ears, sending chills down my spine as images of yesterday filled my head.


    I struggled out of his hold and turned to look at him, his eyes already saturated with desire ¡°Stop looking at me that way and behave yourself, kids are around¡±


    ¡°How am I looking at you?¡± He asked, his eyebrows slightly raised.


    ¡°Like you want to eat me,¡± I said.


    ¡°You bet I do¡± he agreed, holding me by the waist again and trying to kiss me but I turned my face away.


    ¡°Nichs we are outside,¡± I said, conscious of some innocent and curious eyes staring at me and Nichs.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    There were still other parents and couples walking about but no one was kissing and I was too shy to do it, especially in front of kids besides, it isn¡¯t appropriate.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go somewhere else,¡± Nichs said, grinning with a hint of mischievous smirk.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said this before and I¡¯m going to repeat it, I don¡¯t want any more kids Nichs. The ones I have tore my vagina and I¡¯m not ready for that kind of experience again. I¡¯m taking a break¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you, honey. I understand you perfectly¡± Nichs said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you do. You seem very active these days and I¡¯m scared you might get me pregnant if we aren¡¯t careful¡±


    I could see Nichs frown deeply ¡°Are you scared of getting pregnant or you just don¡¯t want to have a baby with me¡± I fell speechless as I stared at Nichs.


    ¡°What?¡± I said, stunned.


    ¡°Yes because you¡¯re always talking about not wanting to get pregnant because you aren¡¯t ready to have a child but you seem to forget that Mason and Macy are Ethan¡¯s kids and I don¡¯t have a child of my own,¡± Nichs said, his voice sharp


    ¡°Nichs calm down. People are watching. Let¡¯s talk about this in_¡±


    ¡°Why? Why can¡¯t we discuss this here?¡± Nichs yelled, drawing the attention of some kids on us as their eyes stared at us, some in fear others in shock.


    Feeling embarrassed, hurt, and disappointed, I walked away, leaving Nichs standing alone. ¡°Honey¡± he whispered as I walked past him but I didn¡¯t stop but just continued walking towards the hotel, intending to hide myself in the four corners of the room.


    Tears gathered in my eyes as I increased my pace. I hate it when someone I love is yelling at me and refusing to hear me out. It was one of the reasons I was always scared of speaking with Ethan. I couldn¡¯t tell him what I wanted or share how I feel with him because of his reaction.


    I stormed into the room and just when I was about to lock the door with the key, Nichs ced his leg between the door and the wall ¡°Please honey let¡¯s talk. I¡¯m sorry I yelled¡± he uttered but I just didn¡¯t want to look at him.


    I turned away, moving from the door as I walked to our bed and crashed on it. ¡°Honey please can we talk¡± I didn¡¯t respond as I turned my back and faced the wall in front of me, preventing myself from looking at him


    ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry about what I said. It¡¯s just sometimes I feel insecure about the kids¡±, he confessed, his voice low and calm.


    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you said anything all the while? You didn¡¯t say anything to me and you suddenly air out your view in a public ce, with adults and kids¡¯ eyes on us¡± I say, turning to him with tears gathering in my eyes ¡°You didn¡¯t even want to listen to me¡± I said, finally allowing a tear to crawl down my left cheek


    Nichs¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at me ¡°Hey honey I¡¯m sorry. I was just angry. Please don¡¯t cry¡± he said, walking towards me and taking my hands in his as he knelt in front of me on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what I said. I¡¯m always just very conscious about the twins. They aren¡¯t mine and if something happens in the future then I might lose them and lose you too¡± he said, sadnessced in his voice


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be scared about Nichs. We¡¯re happy and together. You will not lose me. I¡¯m always talking about not getting pregnant again because I almost lost my life while giving birth to the twins and I don¡¯t want to experience that anytime soon. I just want to enjoy myself with you and be there for the twins. I¡¯m not ready for another kid at least, not for now¡± I exined, trying to let him know what I think and how I feel.


    ¡°I know and I¡¯m sorry. I was just being childish. I just wanted to have a child of my own with you but it doesn¡¯t matter anymore, I¡¯m okay as far as I¡¯m with you¡± Nichs said apologetically


    ¡°Mason and Macy are your kids, honey. You gave them their names and you¡¯re their father. You were there when they came into this world so don¡¯t ever feel insecure around them. Don¡¯t think of anything that might happen. They are yours and they will bear yourst name. I and the kids belong to you and no one else, not even Ethan ¡± I said, reminding him of his ce in my life and that of the kids.


    ¡°Okay, Mrs Sterling so how about we go back to the beach and enjoy the view¡± he said cing small kisses on my neck while I giggled.


    ¡°All right,¡± I said, grinning from ear to ear.

 Chapter 52 – comforting embrace

    Fiona POV


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am but your card has been blocked,¡± the shopping mall cashier said, handing me back my card.


    ¡°What!¡± I said, shocked by the sudden revtion ¡°That¡¯s not possible. That card has been working perfectly fine so howe it¡¯s suddenly blocked¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know ma¡¯am but you can¡¯t pay with this card,¡± the cashier said.


    ¡°Hey if you can¡¯t pay then return what you bought and allow those in the line to pay for their goods. You can¡¯t keep us here waiting. We all have ces to be at¡± someone yelled from the back and I instantly felt embarrassed. I dipped my hand into a handbag and brought out another card as I handed it to the cashier.


    ¡°It¡¯s also blocked ma¡¯aHerher response made my heart pound loudly in my chest.


    ¡°Did Greg block my card?¡± Just thinking about it now, I suddenly realized that he did it. He always does this whenever we have any issues or misunderstandings. He would block my card, seize my car, and even sometimes order me to step out of the house.


    ¡°Do you have another card ma¡¯am or perhaps do you have cash?¡± She asked softly, throwing a warm smile at me and trying as much as possible to make me feel rxed andfortable.


    I forced a smile as I looked at her, embarrassment slowly creeping into me ¡°No I don¡¯t. I will just have to drop the clothes and other things back¡± I said shamefully.


    Turning back to return everything I bought, tears gathered in my eyes as I thought deeply about how my life had suddenly turned into a loveless marriage with an upassionate, unkind, and abusive husband.


    ¡°These poor folks will juste into any mall they sew when they know they don¡¯t have the money to buy anything¡± I heard someone say as I walked past them and I only increased my pace, leaving the payment counter.     I wiped the tears from my eyes as I looked at myself in the restroom mirror, looking at how far my life hade because of a wrong decision I made.


    I sluggishly walked out of the restroom and took another door out of the mall, staring at my feet. I bumped into someone and their phone fell ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡± I said hastily, not looking at the person I bumped into as I tried to wake past the person.


    ¡°Fiona¡± I heard a familiar voice calling my name, and as I raised my head, my eyes fell on the man who I ought to have married.


    ¡°Anthony,¡± I said weakly, my voice barely above a whisper as I stared at him in shock.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay? You look pale¡± he said, his two hands on both sides of my shoulder with his eyes staring at me in concern.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m sorry about your phone. Please excuse me ¡± I said as I struggled myself out of his hold and walked away, heading to my car.


    I searched for my car key in my bag, my hands trembling when I heard the car engine starting. I raised my head from my bag to my car as I saw my driver whom I didn¡¯te to the mall with driving the car away.


    Fear gripped me as I dropped my bag on the ground and rushed to the car but I was toote as he already drove away. I went back to my bag and brought out my phone.


    Dialling Greg¡¯s number, I ced the phone on my ears but there wasn¡¯t any sound of ringing. Removing the phone from my ear, I looked at the screen and found out that mywork connection had been cut.


    I sighed as I ced the phone back in my bag and sat on a bench close by. This was all Greg¡¯s doing. He was doing all this to punish me. First, he blocked all my cards then told my driver to take my car and now disconnected mywork.


    ¡°Hey¡± I heard Anthony¡¯s voice behind me and I instantly cleaned the tears on my cheeks and turned away from him. I didn¡¯t want him seeing me like this and I hated to be a burden. ¡°Does he always do this?¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡± I asked, trying to pretend that I didn¡¯t know what he was talking about.


    ¡°Take away your car and block your card¡± My eyes widenened as I turned to stare at him.


    ¡°You saw all of that?¡± I asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes Fiona, I saw everything and Greg isn¡¯t someone you should still be with. He is a heartless animal and he doesn¡¯t deserve you¡± Anthony said, his words opening the wounds in my heart a tear spilled out of my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m exhausted and I just want to be far from here, be far from all these¡± I mumbled as Anthony engulfed me in aforting embrace and I leaned into his arms.


    His arms wrapped around me tightly, giving me the sce I desperately craved for. His hand gently strokes my back and I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheeks.


    Eventually feeling a bit better, I slowly pulled away. His hands loosened their grip but still hung on my shoulders.


    I looked into his eyes, filled with affection, concern, and understanding and I managed a small warty smile ¡°Thank you¡± I uttered, expressing how grateful I was for hisfort.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me. I will always be here for you because I love you¡± I could see and hear the sincerity in his voice but I blinked away as I shifted far from him on the bench.


    ¡°Can you take me home please?¡± I said, averting my gaze from his.


    Anthony sighed the shook his head positively as he rose to his feet and stretched his hand for me to take but I ignored him and stood on my own. I was already married and even if I wanted to be with Anthony, I couldn¡¯t because I would just be a burden to him and nothing more.


    He opened the passenger door for me and I boarded the car. He closed the door, walked around, and entered the car. Starting the car engine, his phone rang and he picked up the call putting it on loudspeaker.


    ¡°Sir you have toe to the office right now. There is a problem¡± I heard a rushed female voice from the other end of the line.

 Chapter 53 – Rumors

    Anthony POV


    Getting to thepany, I saw reporters all over the ce. I had to go inside the building with Fiona using the back door.


    We both entered the elevator that led to my office and I called my secretary toe to my office as soon as I entered.


    ¡°What the problem Juliet? Why are they reporters outside the building?¡±


    She just stared at Fiona who sat at the corner of the room, narrowing her eyes ¡°Is that Fiona Sterling? The wife of Mr Greg?¡± Juliet asked in curiousity and I wondered why she was asking.


    ¡°Yes she is¡±


    ¡°Sir the reporters are here because of her. There has been a rumor that you are having an affair with her and the reporters are here to confirm ¡± she said, her eyes not leaving Fiona who fidgeted under Juliet¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°What! That¡¯s not true. She is Nichs¡¯s sister-inw sn she is married too. Why would I be having an affair with her? Do you think that I would do such a thing, Juliet?¡± I said, trying to push Juliet¡¯s attention on me.


    ¡°No sir. I know you don¡¯t have an interest in women¡± Julie responded, her gaze on me. ¡± What do we tell the reporters?¡±


    ¡°Just tell them to go away. Make sure none enters this building. Make that clear to the security¡± I ordered as she walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± I asked as I sat beside Fiona whose hands were trembling.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for everything I¡¯ve caused. I know I¡¯ve brought so much trouble since I showed up again and_¡± she said stammering at her words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that¡± I said as I ced my index finger on her lips which I hadn¡¯t noticed before. My gaze remained on her lips as I swallowed a lump while naughty images began to fill my mind.


    Fiona leaned in as she kissed me, her mouth seeking entrance. I sat frozen in my seat, my brain suddenly going nk.


    She instantly broke the kiss, her eyes staring at me in shock ¡°I¡¯m sorry_¡±


    I cut her off as I captured her pink plump lips in mine and kissed her passionately. I wanted her. I wanted to feel her, to touch her, to kiss her, to hear her say my name. I wanted to feel myself buried inside her.


    My lips went to her neck as I began losing the buttons on her shirt. She ced her hands on my shoulders as my hands hastily got rid of her shirt, giving me full ess to her bra which I didn¡¯t take time to get rid of.


    I moved my lips to her naked round b***s as I sucked on them. ¡°Anthony what of the door?¡± Fiona asked breathlessly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry it¡¯s locked¡± I said, assuredly as I began removing the knee-length jeans skirt she wore. Sessful in removing her skirt, I caressed her fold from her underwear as I kissed her on her lips.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be doing this?¡± She said breaking the kiss.


    ¡°Why? You want it don¡¯t you?¡± I asked but she avoided my eyes and tried to push me off her. ¡°Tell me you don¡¯t want this and I¡¯ll let you go¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want this,¡± she said, averting her gaze to the floor. I continued caressing her on her fold through her underwear and a moan escaped from her lips.


    ¡°Look at me and tell me you don¡¯t want this and I will let you go now,¡± I said, my voiceced with desire. She looked at me and I could see desire dancing in her eyes. ¡°I think of you every day and I can¡¯t get my mind off you. Ever since we had sex at the club, I haven¡¯t been able to forget about that day. It¡¯s still as fresh as day in my head¡± I said.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She looked at me, searching my eyes for what I couldn¡¯t ce my finger on. ¡°I want you,¡± she said instantly and I took off her panties while cing my lips on her and kissing her.


    I broke the kiss and started taking off my clothes, my eyes not leaving hers. She stared at me, her eyes filled with hunger, nervousness, and fear.


    I stood naked before her and smirked when I saw her eyes on my c**k. ¡°Will that fit in?¡± She asked, her voice timid.


    ¡°It did before so it should be able to again,¡± I said as I hovered over her and positioned myself at her entrance.


    Going in slowly, my breath hitched as I closed my eyes in pleasure. Her p***y was tight before and it¡¯s still tight. I could feel her hands climbing my shoulder as she held me tightly.


    Opening my eyes, I saw a frown on her face¡± If you¡¯re notfortable, tell me¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯m just trying to adjust¡± she said, closing her eyes as her head fell backward ¡°Yes¡­mm¡­ there¡± she moaned as I began to increase my pace.


    I began thrusting into her faster and deeper as I lost all my sense of thinking. ¡°Ahh Fiona, this is mine and not for Greg. No one is allowed to go in here ever again except me¡± I said, a feeling of possessiveness taking over my reasoning.


    ¡°Yes Daddy faster please¡± she began to moan as she tried to keep up with my pace.


    We haven¡¯t even gone far but I know I was close, I know I was almost losing myself. She was just too juicy, warm, tight, just too perfect ¡°Ahh f**k¡± I groaned as I began cing kisses on her neck, sucking and kissing as I tried to hold onto the remaining strand of self-control I had. I didn¡¯t want to c*m now, I wanted to make her feel good.


    ¡°Anthony¡­ I¡¯m close¡± Our moans filled my office as we both joined our bodies in perfect bliss. ¡°F**k I¡¯m close¡± she repeated as she dug her nails into my back then her legs began shaking and she released a loud moan.


    I instantly ced my lips on her to prevent her from moaning too loud when my release hit me and I groaned in ecstasy, unable to keep my voice down.


    We stayed in that position with our bodies still joined together while we caught our breath. ¡°Did you enjoy it?¡± I asked her, wanting to hear her reply.


    She blushed as she used her palm to cover her face while nodding her head positively. Her childish attitude made me smile as I looked at the woman who was my first love.


    She was the first woman who managed to take my breath away the first time I saw her. I loved Fiona and I knew I wasn¡¯t going to be happy with any other woman except her ¡°Marry me, Fiona. I love you and I know you feel the same way for me so marry me¡± I could feel her go stiff beneath me as she stared at me in shock.

 Chapter 54 – A guest waiting for them

    NICHOLAS POV


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand your love for apples. Why do you love apples so much?¡± Monica asked as she watched me eat the slices of apples I had prepared for myself with an amused smile on her face.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know. It started when I was a kid and my mum usually always put apples in my lunch box and gradually, I began to grow a deep love for apples that I could eat only apples the whole day and feel satisfied¡± I exined and the smile on her lips broadened.


    ¡°There¡¯s this saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away,¡± she said.


    ¡°Yes, and I kind of believe them because I eat apples almost every day and I haven¡¯t been to the hospital for years now. The only time I visited the hospital was when you were there¡± I said.


    A knock on the door caught our attention and our gazended on the white-painted door ¡°Come in¡± I said.


    ¡°Good evening sir, ma¡¯am¡± my driver greeted as he bowed his head politely ¡°The car is ready and all your belongings have been moved back to town,¡± he said, his eyes on his shoe.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Okay thank you. We will be down soon¡± I said, my eyes on him as I watched him exit the room and shut the door behind him.


    It¡¯s alreadyplete a week since we decided to leave town ande here but now, we are going back to town and I can¡¯t help but wish that we stayed a little longer.


    This past week has built my rtionship with Monica. Weughed, yed, danced, ate together, and even quarreled. Going back home now meant she would have to focus all her attention on the twins once again and I felt jealous just thinking about it.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± She asked, disying her perfectly arranged white teeth at me and I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Just sad that we are going back home. You won¡¯t have time for me anymore because even before you can kiss me, Mason is already screaming at the top of his lungs, taking your attention from me¡± I said, pouting my lips at her.


    We rarely have time for ourselves when we are at home. She usually falls asleep while breastfeeding the twins and sometimes I don¡¯t even see her before going to work because she is always in the kid¡¯s room.


    ¡°Okay I admit that I haven¡¯t been the best wife since Mason and Macy came into our lives but I promise to do better. I will spend more time with you and I won¡¯t allow the kids toe between us¡± she said.


    ¡°You¡¯re been the best wife and I can¡¯t wish for anything more than you. You¡¯re the best so don¡¯t ever think I¡¯m not grateful for having you or I¡¯m not happy that you¡¯re in my life. You¡¯re my source of joy¡± I said cing a quick short kiss on her lips.


    ¡°I thought of what we argued about a few days back and I know how you might be feeling about Mason and Macy but I want you to know that even if you aren¡¯t their biology father, to me you¡¯re their father so don¡¯t feel insecure or ufortable around them,¡± she said, her hands on my cheeks as she stared at me with affection in her eyes ¡± I know I said I¡¯m not ready for kids anytime soon but just so we can have a child together, I¡¯ve decided that we can have another child but just one¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± I asked in shock as my heart began to pound in happiness, delight shining in my eyes


    ¡°Yes but not now, maybe when Mason and Macy are three or four years older¡±


    I took a step closer to her and held her gently on her waist ¡°Thank you for this. I¡¯m excited about this and whenever you¡¯re ready, I¡¯m ready¡± I said as I engulfed her in an embrace.


    ¡°Okay I think it¡¯s time we start going home,¡± Monica said breaking the hug as she ced a kiss on my cheeks with a smile on her face.     We soon got inside the car and the driver started the engine. We sat silently in the car, Monica ced her head on my chest as we both enjoyed each otherpany.


    ¡°Aunt E is crying,¡± I said and Monica instantly raised her head off my chest, staring at me in shock.


    ¡°Why? What happened that she is crying?¡± she asked.


    ¡°She is sad that we are going to take the kids back. She said she had a lovely time with them and she will miss them¡± I exined,


    ¡°She is doing her grandmother¡¯s duties well,¡± Monica said the silence lingered ¡°Does aunt have kids of her own?¡±


    ¡°No, she doesn¡¯t¡± I replied.


    ¡°Now I see why she is so fond of kids. She so much loves being around Mason and Macy and even the twins to get excited whenever they see her¡±


    ¡°She had always wanted to have a child of her own but she couldn¡¯t get pregnant and Uncle Karl didn¡¯t want to adopt so they stayed that way. She was there for me after I lost my mother. She is the best mother anyone can ever wish for. Always caring andpassionate¡± I exined further, grateful to have had someone like Aunt E in my life.


    The car suddenly stopped and taking my eyes off Monica and staring through the window, I realized we had gotten home. ¡°Home already? That was quick?¡± Monica said, her eyes outside.


    The driver stepped down and walked around to open the door for us. We both jumped from the car and walked hand in hand into the house.


    ¡°Wee ma¡¯am sir,¡± Patricia said, with a smile on her face ¡°It¡¯s good to have you two back¡±


    ¡°Well I¡¯m not happy abouting back home but I made a promise to Monica that we were going to only spend a week on our vacation so here we are,¡± I said to Patricia whoughed at my exnation.


    ¡°There¡¯s a guest inside the living room. He said he wanted to meet you ma¡¯am¡± Patricia mentioned, her eyes on Monica.


    ¡°A guest?¡± Monica asked in confusion ¡°Who?¡± she asked again as she walked inside the living room and I walked beside her, wondering who the guest was. ¡°Ethan?¡± Monica said, her voice trembling as she stared at Ethan who ced his hands in his pocket as he stood up from the chair he sat in.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were pregnant Monica?¡± Ethan asked, staring sadly at Monica whose hands were trembling in mine.

 Chapter 55 – Discovering the truth

    ETHAN POVContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    A DAY EARLIER


    I was done with the day¡¯s work and decided to head home. I haven¡¯t been myself ever since the doctor¡¯s result about my ability to have a child.


    The realization makes my heart ache whenever I think of it. The fact that I maltreated and med Monica for our inability to have a child for years makes me want to creep into a hole and hide there forever.


    Every memory of my harsh words and cold behavior feels like a knife twisting in my gut. I was so desperate for a child that I was blinded to see the pain, emotional hurt, and suffering I was inflicting on her.


    I can¡¯t even stand erect and stare at her eyes. She was always supportive and would always smile at me but I always have her cold shoulders. She didn¡¯t get pregnant because I wasn¡¯t capable of getting her pregnant and not because she couldn¡¯t get pregnant.


    This guilt presses heavily every day on my shoulders reminding me of my past mistakes and failures as a husband.


    Soon enough, I got home and walked in to see an unexpected visitor sipping my best wine from his wine cup with his legs folded. ¡°Jason?¡± I asked, the figure slowly turning himself to me and revealing himself ¡°Jason¡± I said again as my once dull eyes shone with happiness.


    ¡°Hey man I¡¯m back,¡± Jason said, his hands widely spread as he walked towards me with a big smile on my face ¡°I missed my buddy,¡± he said as he finally came close to me and engulfed me in a warm tight hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you. How long have you been back?¡± I asked, wanting to hear all about him at least something to get my mind off my current predicament and misery.


    Jason was my best friend and family doctor. We went to the same university and from there, our rtionship blossomed into something tight and trustworthy. He left a year ago to go further his studies in Germany and now, he was back.


    He broke the hug ¡°Just a few weeks. I¡¯ve missed you and everyone in this house. I missed the cook food and I also missed Monica¡¯s pancakes. Speaking of Monica, where is she? I¡¯ve been asking the maids about her but they seem to suddenly go mute whenever I ask about Monica¡± My smile instantly dropped as his words brought back the lingering sadness in my heart.


    ¡°Monica isn¡¯t here. We¡¯re not together anymore¡±


    ¡°Not together anymore? What do you mean?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Look man, a lot has happened since you left and I don¡¯t think I can tell you everything today. I¡¯m just d that you¡¯re around. Life hasn¡¯t been fair with your buddy¡± I said, my voice tinged with weariness.


    ¡°You can start from somewhere Ethan. You talk as if Monica is dead or is she dead?¡± he asked, fear evident in his eyes.


    ¡°No of course she is not,¡± I said instantly, clearing his negative thoughts. ¡°But things have been tough. I and Monica are no longer together. We got a divorce¡± I said, running a hand through my hair as the guilt of how I treated her haunted me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry man. I wish I were here for you. I didn¡¯t know things were this bad. I lost your phone number and I couldn¡¯t call you throughout my stay in Germany. I¡¯m sorry about everything¡± I looked at Jason whose eyes stared at me with concern.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s all in the past. I was the one who wanted a divorce and every day of my life, I keep on seeing a reason to regret my actions¡± I uttered sadly.


    ¡°What?¡± He yelled in shock Why would you do that? You divorced her even when she was pregnant?¡± Jason said, his eyes widened.


    ¡°Pregnant?¡± I said, sadness instantly evaporating from my mind as shock took over ¡°Monica was pregnant¡±


    ¡°Yes, man. What¡¯s with this expression on your face? You want to tell me you didn¡¯t know Monica was pregnant?¡± Jason asked, staring at me in disbelief.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know Jason. I had no idea¡± I said, defending myself.


    ¡°What! She didn¡¯t tell you? How the hell is it possible that your wife was pregnant and you didn¡¯t know? What the f**k man¡± Jason said, disbelief evident on his face.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware and maybe she tried to tell me but I never listened to her. I was always at work or with Mia and I rarely spent time with Monica so I think she_¡±


    ¡°Hold up! Wait a minute. You mean Mia, like Mia, your housekeeper?¡± Jason asked in disbelief and the sad expression on my face made him freeze on his spot ¡°What the heck Ethan? Mia is very desperate and cunning and I remember telling you to stay away from her and you let her back into your life. Why would you choose your ex over your wife?¡±


    I ran my head through my hair again as I sighed in frustration. This new revtion just made things worse as the Guilt, sadness, and regret washed over me.


    ¡°Where is she now?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°She is married, man. She got married to Nichs Sterling¡± I responded.


    ¡°You mean Nichs Sterling of Sterling group?¡± I nodded my head at Jason¡¯s question and he looked at me in disappointment  ¡°Oh man I¡¯m sorry to say this but you f****d up. You lost her and you lost your kids. How could you allow miae between you and Monica? I warned you about allowing Mia back into your life but you didn¡¯t listen¡± Jason said as he walked to the table and gulped his wine at once.


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I never treated her right and I hurt her so much¡±


    ¡°You have to see Monica Ethan. You have to talk to her and ask about the babies. She was pregnant when she came to the hospital and I confirmed it with the results that she was two months pregnant. You guys have to talk¡± Jason said, his voiceced with disappointment.


    ¡°I feel so stupid and ashamed of myself ¡± I muttered under my breath as I closed my eyes, sadness lingering and sinking in deeper in my heart.

 Chapter 56 – causing trouble

    Monica¡¯s POV


    A DAY LATER


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were pregnant Monica?¡± Ethan asked, staring sadly at me and my hands began to tremble in Nichs¡¯s hand. He nced at me and held my hand tighter, a silent reminder of his presence there.


    I looked at my husband and all fear flew away. ¡°What do you mean Ethan?¡± Nichs asked, feigning ignorance.


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you Mr Nichs¡± Ethan said, ring daggers at Nichs whose jaw was already clenched.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just walk into my home and start asking my wife silly questions¡± Nichs yelled, staring hard at Ethan whose eyes never left me.


    ¡°Hey honey calm down,¡± I said to Nichs who instantly closed his eyes and sighed, trying to hold onto any strand of self-control left.


    ¡°Ethan I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about and I suggest you leave,¡± I said, frowning deeply as I stared hard at him.


    ¡°Then how do you exin this?¡± Ethan took out a paper from his pocket and opened it, throwing it into the air


    ¡°Exin that result¡± he said, gesturing to the squeezed white paper on the marble-tiled floor


    I picked up the paper and stared at it in shock ¡°Who gave this to you?¡± I asked, panic slowly seeping in as I stared back at Ethan.


    ¡°Jason. Jason gave that to me and told me you were pregnant before we got divorced¡± Ethan said, his voice mixed with anger and sadness.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± I said with a serious expression on my face, trying to keep my emotions in check.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes shed with a mix of frustration and hurt as he red at me ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, Monica. I deserve to know the truth. I deserve to know if I have a child out there¡±


    I breathe deeply feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me slowly ¡°Like I said Ethan, you don¡¯t have a child with me. I lost the babies¡±


    ¡°Then what you¡¯re saying right now is that Jason was lying?¡± He said as he looked at me while I avoided his eyes ¡°You¡¯re lying Monica and I can tell. You are hiding something¡±


    The room suddenly went tense as Ethan refused to leave or stop looking at me. ¡°I¡¯m not lying Ethan¡±


    ¡°I heard you gave birth recently. How is that possible?¡± He asked and a deep frown appeared on my face


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, slightly getting angered.


    ¡°You got married to Nichs immediately after we got divorced and in less than nine months, you put to bed so tell me Monica, how is that possible¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°I got her pregnant and I decided to marry her because she was pregnant with my child,¡± Nichs said.


    Ethan¡¯s lips broadened and soon his teeth came into disy as heughed out loudly, his deep voice echoing in the living room ¡°Can you listen to yourself? Nothing you say is making sense¡±


    ¡°Ethan, we just came back from our vacation and we wouldn¡¯t like to rest. Your presence here is nothing but a nuisance and I would advise you to leave now¡± Nichs¡¯ voice thundered in the living room, mirroring how angered he was bing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere until I get the answer I came here for,¡± Ethan said, taking a few steps to where. Nichs stood and red at him eye to eye.


    ¡°Then I will make sure you are dragged out¡± Nichs responded, his jaw clenched as his hands were already in a fist and I instantly walked to them because they seemed to re so hard at each other that it sent chills down my spine.


    ¡°Where are my kids?¡± Ethan said again, turning his gaze away from Nichs and directing it to me.


    ¡°They are not yours Ethan. I wasn¡¯t pregnant for you. The kids are for Nichs¡± I said, stammering slightly as I took bold steps to Nichs and his behind him.


    ¡°Get out Ethan. You¡¯re not wee here¡± Nichs said, gesturing with his index finger as he walked through the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving here until I see my kids,¡± Ethan said, remaining adamant on his decision.


    ¡°What kids?¡± We all turned to the door to see Aunt E with Mason at her front and Macy at her back. She carried them with a woven wrap and I wondered if such still excited.


    I instantly left the scene and walked up to Aunt E. Getting close to them, I noticed they were fast asleep and I sighed in relief. ¡°What¡¯s the CEO of Knight Group doing here?¡± Aunt E asked, looking at my eyes and waiting patiently for an answer that I didn¡¯t have.


    I ranked my head for what to say but I just couldn¡¯t think of something. ¡°Are these my kids?¡± I didn¡¯t know when Ethan had walked up to us as he used his hand to yfully pat Mason¡¯s head with a smile on his lips.


    ¡°Your kids? They aren¡¯t yours? They belong to Nichs¡± Aunt E said, turning the kids away from his grasp as she frowned at him.


    ¡°I want a DNA test¡± Ethan¡¯s words made my heart skip a beat as I stared at him, frozen and unable to utter a sound. Fear and panic seized me as I began to imagine if my few seconds ago happiness was about to now be a thing of the past.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re a joker. You sound ridiculous and foolish¡± Nichs spat out vehemently.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not joking Nichs. I won¡¯t rest until I prove that these kids are mine¡± Ethan said, standing on his decision.


    I wasn¡¯t going to watch Ethan find out about the kids. I was going to do everything I could to make sure he didn¡¯t discover the truth. ¡°But I just told you that they aren¡¯t your kid,¡± I said, my voice slightly raised as I was beginning to get fed up with Ethan¡¯s presence.


    ¡°What makes you think that are your kids¡± Aunt E asked and I was beginning to realize that she was getting curious.


    ¡°Aunt why don¡¯t I take you to the kids¡¯ room so you can drop them off and then rest a bit¡± I said, taking her hands in mine, intending to lead her to the room but she removed her hands from mine almost immediately.


    ¡°No Monica. I want to know what¡¯s going on here¡± She then turned her gaze to Ethan ¡°Answer me,¡± she said, her voice sharp.


    ¡°Monica is my ex-wife and she was pregnant when we got divorced. I just discovered from the doctor who took the pregnancy test on her that they are mine and I won¡¯t leave here until I prove my statement¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°Your ex-wife? That¡¯s not possible¡± she said then her gaze shifted to my husband who had been staring daggers at Ethan since Auntie E arrived ¡°Nichs is this true? You said that Monica was one of the whores you usually hung out with so how is it possible that she was Mr Ethan¡¯s wife?¡±


    Nichs turned to Aunt E and then nced at me. Looking at his eyes, I saw rage, panic, and most especially fear.


    This situation wasn¡¯t what we expected today and Ethaning here and asking about the kids isn¡¯t a good sign

 Chapter 57 – Deceit

    Monica¡¯s POV


    Nichs says something. Is what he is saying true? Aunt E asked.


    ¡°Of course not aunt¡± Nichs uttered with confidence.


    ¡°Then why is he saying Monica is his ex-wife?¡± Aunt E asked, her gaze now on me ¡°Is that true Monica¡±


    I looked at Nichs whose eyes blinked at me several times and I knew he was trying to tell. Me something with his eyes but I couldn¡¯t understand him.


    Turning away from him so Aunt and Ethan don¡¯t catch us doing anything, I raised my head as I nced at Aunt E ¡°It¡¯s true Aunt. I was his ex-wife¡±


    Nichs looked at me in shock as he slightly opened his mouth in shock. ¡°So that also means that the babies are his?¡±


    ¡°No, they¡¯re not his. That is Nichs¡¯s. Yes, I was Ethan ex ex-wife but we barely touched each other intimately so I started going out to parties, and that¡¯s how I meant Nichs. A few monthster I found out that I was pregnant and I knew it didn¡¯t belong to Ethan so I was about to tell Ethan about the babies and ask for a divorce when he made things easy for me and divorced me instead¡±


    I exined ncing at Nichs who sighed in relief as he gave me a short thumbs up.


    ¡°So that means this kids are not Ethan¡¯s?¡± Aunt asked again.


    ¡°No, they are not his,¡± I said, my voiceced with confidence and certainty.


    ¡°But that¡¯s a lie. You were pregnant before we got a divorce and_¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Yes I was and the baby wasn¡¯t yours Ethan. It was Nichs''¡± I said, cutting his words short.


    ¡°So that means you cheated on me with Nichs?¡± He said, his eyes shing with hurt and disbelief ¡°ording to her¡± he said, gesturing his index finger at any E ¡°She said Nichs stayed you were his whore and if that¡¯s true, you had s*x with Nichs even while still married to me¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did¡± I replied, not concerned about how he was going to feel but trying as much as possible to get his attention and focus off the kids being his. There was no way I was going to allow Ethan to walk back into my life with what he did to me in the past. I love Nichs and to me, he is their father, biologically or not.


    ¡°How could you do such a thing? I thought you loved me?¡± Ethan said, his voice shaking slightly as he ced his hand on his chest.


    ¡°Do such a thing? You slept with Mia, my best friend, and our housemaid and you say I could I have done such a thing. You¡¯re so pathetic Ethan¡± I uttered sharply, looking at him in disgust.


    He cheated on me and even if I never cheated on him or met Nichs before the pregnancy, I just had toe up with something to change his opinion that Mason and Macy were his.


    ¡°Okay Ethan, I think it¡¯s time you leave. You¡¯ve done enough this morning¡± Nichs said, walking close to him and roughly pushing him towards the door.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me¡± Ethan gritted his teeth saying as he turned around to face Nichs, their eyes on the same level as they stared at each other.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe anything that has been uttered here today and I¡¯m going to go to the ends of the earth to discover the truth,¡± he said then turned away from Nichs to look at me ¡°You said you slept with Nichs even when you were still with me. Do you think I¡¯m a fool to fall for such a lie Monica?¡± He asked, staring at me with a smirk stered on his face ¡°I know you very well Monica and you loved me too much to have cheated on me¡±


    I swallowed a lump but I maintained myposure as I walked to him, stared deeply into his eyes, and smiled ¡°You think I can¡¯t do such a thing? You didn¡¯t want me back then Ethan and you treated me like garbage. I needed someone to make me special Ethan and Nichs was there to do just that¡± I said, my voiceced with confidence and my heart calmed a little when I saw fear shing through his eyes.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over yet. I¡¯m going to make sure I get to the root of all these?¡± Ethan said as he took steps away from me and walked to the door, leaving the House.


    The instant he left the room, I released the breath I had been holding all this while as I sighed multiple times in relief. This wasn¡¯t how I expected my day to be.


    ¡°How am I sure that you aren¡¯t going to cheat on Nichs if he eventually gets busy with work and can¡¯t attend to your sexual needs¡± Aunt E said out of the bloom and I maintained myposure, finally remembering once more that she was still with us here in the living room.


    ¡°Come on aunt, Monica isn¡¯t one to do such,¡± Nichs said and he suddenly went silent when Aunt E shot him a re.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever hurt Nichs. I¡¯m not always on good terms with people who hurt the ones I love¡± Aunt E¡¯s eyes shed with a fierce protectiveness I had never seen before and a shiver ran down my spine.


    ¡°I understand your concern Aunt but I love Nichs more than anything and I would never do anything to hurt him,¡± I said.


    Aunt E¡¯s gaze softened slightly but she still gave me a stern look ¡°You cheated on your ex with Nichs and don¡¯t me me if I think you can also cheat on me. Nichs with someone else¡±


    ¡± I assure you, aunt, I would never do such a thing to Nichs. I love Nichs with everything in me¡± Aunt E¡¯s shoulders rxed a little as she sighed.


    ¡°All right Monica, I will take your word for it,¡± Aunt E said then she shifted her gaze to Nichs


    ¡°Do you mind telling me what all this drama was all about? I was just to know why Ethan Knight would think that Mason. And Macy is his. I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m still pressing on this issue but something doesn¡¯t just add up¡±

 Chapter 58 – skeleton in the closet

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡± Aunt we¡¯ve already settled this and there¡¯s nothing suspicious about what we said. The kids are mine and Monica is Ethan¡¯s ex.¡± Nichs said confidently, his voice calm as he walked closer to Aunt E ¡°Let¡¯s take you to your room Aunt¡±


    Nichs ced his hand on Aunt E¡¯s shoulders as they both took the stairs and went straight to the kids¡¯ room.


    I sighed in relief once more as I thought about what had just happened in the past few minutes. Who would have thought that Ethan was going to show up today and start asking questions? What could have even prompted him to think that he had kids?


    All these unanswered questions filled my head as I stood in the living room. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± I heard Nichs¡¯s voice as he threaded down the stairs.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said as I opened my hands and engulfed him in a hug, a hug that I desperately needed. He held me too by cing his hands on my waist and we stayed like that for some minutes.


    ¡°That was very close with Ethan today. Did you have any idea that he was going to be here today?¡± Nichs asked and I figured he was also thinking about Ethan¡¯s show up.


    ¡°Of course not. I never expected it. I never expected any of these¡± I said then my gazended on the stairs and it lingered there ¡°Where is Aunt?¡± I asked.


    ¡°She is in the kids¡¯ room. Macy woke up while trying to ce her on her crib and aunt had to carry her again and pat her to sleep¡± Nichs said as he broke the hug and pped my face in his hands, using his right-hand thumb to caress my left cheek ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ethan wouldn¡¯t find out about us¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m beginning to think we should have just started longer in our vacation maybe one more week,¡± I said wishing I had listened to Nichs who still wanted to stay behind.


    Nichs smiled as he stared at me affectionately ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is that we are in this together¡± his words held encouragement and I found relief in his words.


    He stered a soft kiss on my forehead as he hugged me again and we remained like that for some minutes before the buzzing of his phone in his pocket made us separate and our attention solely on his ringing phone.


    Taking the phone out, he looked at the screen with a serious face ¡°Who is it?¡± I asked, curious to know why he suddenly had a serious expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s Anthony¡± he replied as he hesitated a little before picking up Anthony¡¯s call and putting it on loudspeaker ¡°What do you want?¡± Nichs asked Anthony, coldness evident in his voice.


    ¡°hey not even a greeting? That¡¯s cold of you bro. Well, I just called to check if you guys were back. I miss my sister besides is she there?¡±


    ¡°Who is your sister?¡± Nichs asked, frowning at the phone in his hand.


    ¡°Hey Anthony, How are you doing?¡± I asked as I joined their conversation


    ¡°Hey, sis I¡¯m good. Thanks for at least trying to know how I¡¯m doing unlike someone angry I called. Anthony said, referring to Nichs who sounded cold.


    ¡°You two are now siblings right?¡± Nichs asked, raising his eyebrow as he looked at me in shock.


    ¡°We are friends, honey. I call him brother and he calls me sister. We just decided to do it that way instead of saying sister-inw. Saying sister-inw is too boring¡± I exined to Nichs who wore an amused smile on his face.


    ¡°You two are ridiculous besides he isn¡¯t even your brother-inw,¡± Nichs said with a frown on his face, and though I found calling Anthony funny I still liked to call him brother.


    ¡°Ethan showed up at our house today?¡± I said out of the bloom into the speaker.


    ¡°What?¡± Anthony screamed in shock.


    ¡°Yes he did and he came here asking to see the kids¡± I exined further.


    ¡°Oh boy this is not good,¡± Anthony¡¯s said worriedly.


    ¡°Not a good sign. He came here with the pregnancy test result I had first taken when I found out he was pregnant¡± I said.


    ¡°How the hell did he even get his hand on that?¡± Anthony asked in curiosity.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sure but I think I have an idea. His best friend was the one who had carried out the pregnancy test on me but I also remember that he was nning on going to Germany to further his education abroad so if I¡¯m correct, I think he is back and he must have told Ethan about the kids¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me these before?¡± Nichs asked, slightly hurt that Anthony had to hear it first.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry honey. I just connected the dots in my head and I¡¯m not even 100 percent sure yet¡± I said sincerely.


    ¡°Are you sure about this Monica?¡± Anthony asked.


    ¡°In not sure Anthony but I have a gut feeling that I¡¯m right. He was to study in Germany for just a year and if I¡¯m not counting wrongly, I think it¡¯s already past a year¡± I said.


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to let Ethan know about the kids because if he does, he won¡¯t relent until he has custody and I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to start going to court for that¡± Nichs uttered worriedly.


    ¡°And it would also be putting thepany at risk. The directors don¡¯t know about this but if they do, they will be pissed¡± I said.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to do some digging and get more information. See you guyster¡± Anthony said then instantly hung up the call.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°So I was right about more skeletons being kept hidden in the closet¡± I and Nichs froze instantly as we heard Aunt E¡¯s chilling voice behind us.


    We turned around as we stared at her staring down at us from the stairs ¡°Aunt E, how long have you been standing there?¡± Nichole asked.


    ¡°Better start talking Nichs¡± she responded, ignoring Nichs¡¯s question and ring at us.

 Chapter 59 – unravelling the secret

    Nichs POV


    ¡°Better start talking, Nichs¡± she responded, ignoring Nichs¡¯s question and ring at us.


    ¡°Aunt, how much did you hear?¡± I asked, my voice low


    ¡°Everything¡± she replied as she started walking down the stairs and came to stand right in front of us.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good. Can this day get any better?¡± I said, running my hand through my hair as memories of everything that has happened today till now began resurfacing in my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting Nichs¡± Aunt E¡¯s voice thundered again and Monica and I looked at each other, hesitation shing through her eyes. ¡°So you both are just going to stare at each other and say nothing?¡± She said again but with what I saw in Monica¡¯s eyes, I¡¯m sure she didn¡¯t want us telling Aunt E. ¡°Okay then I think I will just tell my husband so he gets the remaining hidden information from your mouth¡±


    The instant I heard what Aunt E said, I instantly rushed to her side and held her hand gently on mine ¡°Aunt E, you¡¯re taking this too far¡± I said, forcing a smile on my lips as I brought her to sit on the sofa in the living room.


    ¡°Aunt please what exactly did you hear?¡± Monica askeding forward and sitting beside Aunt E on the couch.


    ¡°Well that the kids are Ethan¡¯s and that his friend who is a doctor might have told him about Monica who is pregnant¡± she replied and the fear in our hearts only just increased ¡°Is everything I heard today true?¡± She asked, looking at me and Monica interchangeably.


    ¡°Yes Aunt it¡¯s true¡± Monica finally let the cat out of the bag as she revealed the truth that we desperately tried to keep hidden for months.


    This wasn¡¯t how I nned my day to be. I wanted toe home, have Monica in my arms, and enjoy the rest of the evening before the twins showed up but instead, Ethan woke up and now Aunt E knows our entire truth.


    ¡°Nichs, are you serious? Those adorable cute kids aren¡¯t yours?¡± Aunt E¡¯s sharp voice echoed in the room as she stared at me shocked.


    ¡°No they aren¡¯t Aunt¡± I replied, my face dropping in exhaustion.


    ¡°Jesus¡± Aunt E said again and she instantly fell silent and I knew she was digesting the information ¡°So those twins that giggle and y a lot aren¡¯t yours Nichs,¡± she asked again, her eyes filled with desperate hope for a different answer.


    I couldn¡¯t bear to meet her gaze so I just positively nodded my head, confirming her statement. ¡°But they¡¯re Monica¡¯s¡± I quickly stated.


    ¡°Of course, I know that and that¡¯s why I¡¯m this calm¡± Aunt E uttered almost immediately.


    ¡°Aunt E please no one should know about this?¡± I pleaded, my voice shaking ¡°If anyone else finds out about this? It will destroy everything and the kids too, they don¡¯t deserve to be caught in the middle of all these¡± I said, desperately hoping that Sge understands that this shouldn¡¯t be let out in any way.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand Nichs. Why would you do this? You took another man¡¯s child forcefully and you married his wife? This isn¡¯t the Nichs I know¡± she said, obviously misunderstanding everything.


    ¡°No aunt I didn¡¯t take anyone or anything forcefully. The board wanted me to get married and have kids before I could permanently im my position as the CEO and I saw Monica in a restaurant who brought up this idea of me being the father of her children. At first, I didn¡¯t agree butter I agreed and we had a contract marriage¡± I said, trying to summarize what had happened in the beginning.


    ¡°A contract marriage and no one knew?¡± Aunt E¡¯s eyes widened in shock and I realized that it was going to take more than summary for her toprehend everything.


    ¡°Yes, aunt except Anthony who was aware from the beginning. We nned to separate after some time so it would seem to everyone that we divorced¡± Monica exined further and Aunt E looked at the both of us in disappointment.


    ¡°Why? Why would you deceive everyone like that Nichs? A contract marriage under my nose and I had no idea?¡± She said, staring at me in disbelief and shaking her head from side to side in disappointment.


    Silence fell on us as each of us was entertained by our thoughts. Aunt E just stared at a certain position frowning and then smiling and I wondered what was running through her head. ¡°So what about now? Is all this still a contract?¡±


    ¡°No aunt. I ended the contract because I¡¯vee to love Monica very much¡±


    ¡°Well, you better love her because I love her but I love those kids more and I¡¯m not ready to give up any of them to Ethan. Not now, not ever¡± she said and I smiled while sighing in relief. ¡°What made you leave Ethan?¡± She asked, turning her head to Monica.


    ¡°He cheated with my best friend and housekeeper,¡± Monica responded.


    ¡°Gross, what a dic****d,¡± she said, irritated by Ethan¡¯s behavior.


    ¡°Aunt please no one has to know about this?¡± I pleaded again as I poured my lips and looked at her like a lost puppy.


    ¡°That look ain¡¯t gonna work on me Nichs and you know I don¡¯t kneel anything from my husband¡± Her words made me remember Uncle Karl and I instantly held her hand tightly


    ¡°Please Aunt, Uncle Karl can¡¯t know anything about this,¡± I said desperately.


    ¡°That¡¯s going to be a hard thing to do Nichs except you get me the ck bag I said I wanted to buyst month¡±


    ¡°What bag?¡± I asked, racking my brain and trying to figure out the bag she was talking about.


    ¡°The small ck bag that had a lot of crystals,¡± Aunt E said, giving me a more detailed description of the handbag and I instantly remembered it.


    I refused to buy that bag for herst month because I felt it wasn¡¯t worth my money. It was a small expensive bag yet beautiful but the price attached wasn¡¯t worth the bag. Buying the bag felt like I was dashing the store free money because with what I saw on the bag, only a phone and Maybe a lip gloss could fit into that bag.


    ¡°Aunt that bag is too small. What would you possibly want with that kind of bag¡± I asked, frowning as I stared at her angrily


    ¡°All my friends have one each and I still don¡¯t have one. Are you getting it for me or not?¡±Aunt E asked, her eyes shing with hope


    ¡°No aunt. I won¡¯t spend fifty thousand dors on a bag that can¡¯t even take myptop in. That¡¯s what I call a liability. Something I¡¯m not going to gain from but would only gain from me. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m buying that bag Aunt please choose something else¡± I said.


    ¡°Fifty thousand dors? Honey that isn¡¯t even something that should shake you. You can get the bag for Aunt¡± Monica said and I red at her.


    ¡°Well if you aren¡¯t going to buy the bag then I will tell your uncle about what you have been doing,¡± Aunt E said confidently.


    ¡°Aunt, are you trying to ckmail me?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am silly. I want that bag and your uncle has also refused to buy the bag saying he won¡¯t gain anything from buying the bag¡± Aunt Monica said.


    I sighed in exhaustion as I thought deeply about what Aunt E said. The bag wasn¡¯t anything beneficial to me but if that¡¯s what she wanted just her secret is safe then I was going to do it.


    ¡°All right aunt. I will get you the bag today but you must promise that you won¡¯t tell anyone about this not even Uncle Karl?¡± I said.


    Aunt E squealed in excitement as she dragged me to herself, hugged me, and stered little kisses on my hair ¡°I knew you would always make me happy¡± she said, wearing a big smile on her face.


    ¡± Aunt you have to promise us¡±


    ¡± I promise not to tell my husband or anyone about everything I¡¯ve heard today,¡± Aunt E said and I sighed in relief.


    This day was going to be a day that I wasn¡¯t going to forget in a hurry. From Ethan to Aunt E and hopefully, they will be thest.

 Chapter 60 – meeting monica

    Ethan¡¯s POV


    TWO DAYS LATER


    I waited patiently for Monica as I sat in the restaurant close to the window. I looked at the watch on my wrist again and realized that she was thirty minuteste.


    I wanted to apologize to her. The way I treated Monica was so heartless and just thinking about the past, I feel so ashamed as a man. I remember back then were still together how I starved her sexually.


    She would sometimes stark naked in front of me and would make advances at me and I would yell at her and tell her how ugly and unattractive she was.


    I always yelled at her and treated her like trash and every day of my life, I regret it.


    Mia has been nothing but a pain in the ass and I regret ever leaving and cheating on Monica for her.


    Now Monica was with Nichs and I wondered if I would ever get a chance to be with her again.


    I wanted to show her that I¡¯m a changed man. I wanted to prove to her that I was now better. I still love her and I desperately want to have her back.


    ¡°what¡¯s all this about?¡± I heard a voice and that jolted me out of my thoughts. Looking forward, I saw Monica sitting radiantly in front of me.


    ¡°Hi¡± I greeted but she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Is this why you wanted to see me? To say hi?¡± And asked She began picking up her phone from off the table and cing it inside her bag ¡± Since you have nothing to say, then I think I¡¯ll leave¡±


    she said standing to her feet as she proceeded to leave the seat but I quickly held her hand, bringing her to a halt


    ¡°Please don¡¯t leave yet. Let¡¯s talk¡± I said and she rolled her eyes as she sat back down and crossed her hands under her breast, making me see a glimpse of them as they pumped a little out of the v-neck sundress she wore.


    ¡°Start talking¡± she uttered rudely and I removed my gaze from her chest to her face.


    ¡°I just wanted to apologize for everything. I know I messed up Monica. I was an idiot and an asshole. I cheated on you and never respected you. I never listened to anything you had to say and I always shuned you. Every time I think of what I did to you, I feel guilty and I¡¯m here to say I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°Saying sorry won¡¯t change things or correct the mistakes but I ept your apology,¡± she said sternly.


    ¡°Thank you¡±, I said. ¡°Can I ask a question?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said, her expression serious.


    ¡°Do you love Nichs?¡± I asked and I could see deep lines forming on her head indicating she didn¡¯t like that question I just asked.


    ¡°Of course I do. I love him with everything I have¡± she replied with a deep frown on her face as she stared at me.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I asked you that question but I know you once had feelings for me and I was just trying to know if you still have them,¡± I said shamelessly but calmly


    ¡°What are you trying to say, Ethan?¡±  Her sharp voice made me swallow a lump as I gathered the courage to say what I had in mind.


    ¡°I was hoping we could get back together. I still love and care about you Monica. We used to love each other so much and we can still rekindle that feeling we once had for each other¡± I said, pouring out what I had in mind.


    ¡°Are you crazy? Do you need to see a doctor?¡± She asked, her eyes filled with rage ¡°How dare you say that to me. I¡¯m married for goodness sake¡± she said.


    ¡°I know Monica but you can leave Nichs ande back to me. We could do so much more together. I love you and I want you back. I don¡¯t care if you already have kids with him but I want you back in my life Monica¡± I poured out my feelings for Monica.


    Yes, I messed up and I realized now that she was everything I ever wanted. I can¡¯t let Nichs have her. I want Monica back in my life. I wouldn¡¯t mind taking care of her kids but I just want her back.


    ¡°You must be out of your mind,¡± she said, staring at me andughing mockingly but I knew what I wanted and it was her I wanted.


    ¡°Please, Monica. I still have feelings for you. We can make this work if we try. I know you may have lost your feelings for me and you now probably have feelings for Nichs but I know that if you give me the chance, then I could help rekindle those feelings¡± I said.


    She scoffed as she stared at me, a mocking smile dancing on her lips ¡°Then what will happen to Nichs after I fall in love with you?¡± She asked calmly.


    ¡°You divorce him and then we can be together with the_,¡± I said but she cut me short.


    ¡°You are insane Ethan. You need to go see a doctor or better still, go see Jason your best friend. He will have the right medication for you¡±


    ¡°Please Monica I¡¯m serious about this. I want you back¡± I said again, stating my intentions and making them known to her


    ¡°You treated me like garbage and you never respected me. You called me names and even went as far as bringing your ex-girlfriend into our lives. Ethan dear, I would never get back with you. You¡¯re my past and you will forever remain my past. I don¡¯t want to ever see you again. Stay away from me, start away from Nichs, and stay away from my kids¡± she said sternly, pointing her index finger at me as she uttered every word. Rising to her feet, she took her bag and her phone in one hand ¡°Don¡¯t ever in your entire existence try to call me again¡±


    ¡°Monica¡± I called out and she paused in her tracks ¡°If I can¡¯t have you back then I¡¯ll make sure no one will ever have you happily¡±, I said with determination in my eyes as I swore to make sure that Nichs never lived happily with Monica. Monica was mine first and she is mine forever.

 Chapter 61 – Unexpected news

    FIONA POVN?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I lied on my bed as I looked at the ceiling. Thinking back to how my life has been so far, I would say I regret doing a lot of things.


    I regret breaking up with Anthony and getting married to Greg. My marriage with Greg wasn¡¯t what I wanted in a marriage. My marriage with him has been more of a cage than an happy marriage.


    The only source of happiness I had right now was Anthony but I couldn¡¯t even be with him because I¡¯m with someone else.


    I could still remember his voice in my head, telling me to marry him but painfully, I can¡¯t marry him.


    I was already married and leaving this marriage now would take a lot from me emotionally and physically.


    I sighed as I struggled to get off my bed and continue my life as the locked up wife that I am. I took my bath, brushed my teeth and went downstairs for breakfast.


    Arriving at the living room, I was stunned to see a figure walking through the door with her babies ¡°Monica?¡± I asked in surprise.


    Getting closer to her, I realized it was her and every emotion of regret, pain and loneliness I felt before flew out the window. I was d to see her.


    ¡°Hey, I just came to say hi. Ive been at home all these while and that house is be boring by the day so I decided toe visit you¡±


    I jumped up in excitement as I hugged her lightly trying not to wake Macy who she held in her hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to see you. Come take a seat¡± I said, holding her hand as I lead her inside the house and gently gestures her to sit.


    ¡°Help me take Mason¡± she said and I took Mason who was wife awake and giggled as he saw me, stretching his hands towards me.


    Mason giggled even more and I couldn¡¯t help but fall helplessly in love with him. Very active and yful.


    He yed with my hair and held it tightly while dragging it but even if I felt pain in my scalp, I just smiled at the adorable little boy I held in my hand


    ¡°So how have you been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± I replied ¡°though the house is boring and I¡¯m not allowed to go out but I¡¯m okay¡± I added.


    ¡°Has he tried to hurt you since that day?¡± Monica asked, her eyes staring deep at me.


    ¡°No he hasn¡¯t¡± I said. Greg has been well behaved since he knew that Anthony had a video of him in his phone. He hasn¡¯tid a finger on me since the day he saw me at Monica¡¯s house.


    The highest he has done was seizing my car, my money and yelling at me.


    Monica looked at me as ber eyes scanned my body ¡°is everything okay?¡± I asked in curiousity.


    ¡°Yes every this fine. It¡¯s just you seem to have added a lot of weight¡± she said, her eyes still roaming my body.


    ¡°Yes I noticed that too. There¡¯s nothing there. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been sleeping and eating a lot these days and I¡¯m prone to add weight by doing that¡± I replied.


    ¡°Okay if you say so¡± she said then she leaned closer to me ¡°what about Anthony?¡± She whispered in my ears and my eyes widenened as I quickly looked around checking if anyone was around and I sighed in relief when I saw the living room was clear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this in my room¡± I said as I rose to my feet and we both took the stairs to my room.     ¡°Anthony asked me to marry him¡± Monica eyes slowly widenened as she stared in shock.


    ¡°Are you joking?¡± She asked instantly


    ¡°No I¡¯m not. He asked me to marry him. He said that he loved me¡±


    ¡°And what did you say?¡± Monica asked and the once happy smile I had dropped slowly as I remembered that day


    ¡°I said no¡± I responded, staring sadly at mason whose blue eyes shone brightly as he opened his mouth for me to see his one teeth that had managed to shoot out.


    ¡°What? Why would you do that?¡± Monica asked and I fell silent. ¡°Do you love him?¡±


    ¡°Yes monica, I¡¯ve always loved him but I don¡¯t want him getting hurt or getting in trouble because of me.


    Greg is a dangerous man and I don¡¯t want him hurting Anthony. I can¡¯t bare it if anything happens to Anthony¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get him arrested. Greg is a bad man and bad man shouldn¡¯t be roaming around freely¡± Monica said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy Monica. Greg is a good man in the eyes of the public and no one would believe you if you say bad things about him. We will have to provide solid evidence and I don¡¯t have any¡±


    ¡°So what are we going to do? Just fold our hands and watch him do more damage¡± Monica asked, staring at me in disbelief.


    ¡°Please let¡¯s drop this and focus on other things. I don¡¯t want Greging for anyone I love and not especially you. I¡¯vee to love you Monica and you¡¯re the only friend I have so please let¡¯s just let this go¡± I said and she stared at me in disbelief but just held me closely to herself and gave me a Comforting embrace.


    ¡°Okay¡± she muttered.     After Monica left, I ate breakfast and I¡¯ve been vomiting since I ate breakfast. I¡¯m starting to think maybe Greg might have instructed the maids to put something in my food.


    I went straight to the hospital even if Greg had warned that I don¡¯t leave the house but I had to. I did some test in theirb as soon as I arrived at the hospital. I needed to know what was going on with me.


    Walking to the doctor¡¯s office to wait for the oue of the results, I couldn¡¯t even walk straight because I kept staggering and I felt dizzy. It was as if the world was turning upside down.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± I asked myself as I wasn¡¯t feeling too well.


    I opened the doctor¡¯s office door hastily and crashed instantly on the avable empty chair in the office.


    I stayed on the chair for twenty minutes before the doctor stormed into the office with a paper in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping you waiting Mrs Greg and your test results are out¡± he Said as he stepped into the office and closed the door behind him.


    ¡°Okay doctor please what does it say. What is wrong with me? I don¡¯t feel so good¡± I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡± it¡¯s nothing serious and I suggest you read it yourself ¡± the doctor said with a broad smile on his face and I stated at the paper in his hand


    ¡°please doctor I don¡¯t think I have the strength to read right now. Just tell me what it says¡± I said, trying to keep my eyes opened.


    ¡°well Mrs Greg ording to your result, you¡¯re perfectly okay and what you seem to be experiencing are all signs of pregnancy¡±


    ¡°Sorry¡± my eyes instantly shot open as I looked at the doctor in disbelief


    ¡°Yes Mrs Greg, you¡¯re four weeks pregnant¡± The doctor uttered with a smile on his face as he neatly folded the white paper ¡°congrattions Mrs Greg¡± he said as he stretched out his hand for me for an handshake.

 Chapter 62 – An argument

    FIONA POV


    Congrattions Mrs Greg¡± he said as he stretched out his hand for a handshake from me.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible doctor. I think your test results aren¡¯t correct and I demand that another test be carried out¡± I said as I looked at the doctor in disbelief.


    ¡°No Mrs Greg. They are very correct and urate. When you told me that you slept very often and ate a lot, I suspected you were pregnant but didn¡¯t say anything because we needed to do the test. Your dizziness, vomiting, and sleeping are all signs of pregnancy¡±


    It was as if the AC in the office had suddenly gone up as a chill spread through my body that my hands began to tremble. ¡°This was a bad news. This isn¡¯t a good news. This can¡¯t be true. I can¡¯t be pregnant¡± I muttered under my breath as my heart raced in fear.


    Greg hasn¡¯t touched me in months and the only man who has touched me more than twice was Anthony and that meant Anthony was the father.


    Tears gathered in my eyes as the realization of what was happening dawned on me. ¡°This can¡¯t be happening no this can¡¯t be happening¡± I muttered under my breath as I shook my head from side to side in denial.


    I¡¯m married to Greg and yet I have another man¡¯s child in my womb. Was this the universe¡¯s way of punishing me for cheating on my husband? How would Greg react if he found out? Panic wed at my heart as my thoughts began growing wider.


    ¡°I need some air¡± I mumbled, staggering to my feet.


    ¡°Mrs Greg Please calm down. It seemed you didn¡¯t know and from the expression on your face, you¡¯re shocked about this sudden news. Please don¡¯t think too much about this and starting from now, if advise you to take care of yourself and the baby. Your health is important right now¡± the doctor said.


    I nodded, barely hearing his words. My mind was racing with images of Greg¡¯s reaction and outrage. How could I have let this happen? I felt a wave of nausea and I gripped the edge of the desk tightly for support.


    ¡°Mrs Greg, you don¡¯t look fine. Should I call Mr Greg toe pick you up?¡± he asked, his face softening as he wore a worried look on his face.


    ¡°No, no I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll just need to think and rest¡± I said as I managed to get myself out of the office and out of the hospital.     ¡°Where are youing from?¡± I halted in my tracks as I heard the only voice that could send chills down my spine. ¡°Have you suddenly gone mute?¡± He asked again, his voice getting closer.


    ¡°I went to see Monica,¡± I said, stammering on my words as my hands began to tremble. I never expected Greg to be home this early because he was usually never home this


    ¡°So you went to see Monica?¡± Greg¡¯s deep voice sounded coldly from the living room and he rose to his feet as he began walking towards me. ¡°What did you do in Monica¡¯s house?¡± he asked slowly as he took one slow step at a time towards me, his hands on his back.


    ¡°I just went to say hi,¡± I said, my voice betraying me as I took a step back till I almost tripped on the stairs.


    ¡°But the maid told me that she came over so who is lying?¡± He said, his voice getting colder and sharp. rackeded my brain searching for the right less offensive words to say and yet my brain cooperated with my lips to betray me in this state of emergency.


    ¡°Yes umm she came over at first and thenter on, we both went to her house together and I¡¯m justing back now,¡± I said, my voice shaky as fear gripped me for every step he took closer to me


    ¡°So who¡¯s this father?¡± He asked, his voice dripping with menace.


    The panic and fear that gripped me earlier on had increased and I began to shake visibly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked, pretending not to know what he was talking about.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me. The doctor called earlier and mentioned something about my wife being four weeks pregnant¡± Greg¡¯s eyes narrowed as he came to a stop just a few feet from me I ask again, who is the father?¡±


    My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to find my voice ¡°Greg honey please I can exin¡± I began but he instantly cut me off


    ¡°I don¡¯t need any exnation, Fiona. I just want an answer to my question. Who is the father of the child you¡¯re carrying?¡± He spat, his face contorting with anger.


    How do I exin that I¡¯ve been unfaithful to him? How I¡¯m carrying another man¡¯s child?


    Tears welled up in my eyes as I shook my head, speechless about what to say. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was a mistake¡± I managed to say, stammering on my words.


    Whoho is he?¡± He demanded his voice a dangerous whisper that made me begin sweating and shaking. ¡°Who¡¯s the man you¡¯ve been with?¡±


    My silence only made him angry and he let out a bitterugh ¡°You don¡¯t want to say his name right you think I don¡¯t know who he is? You think I¡¯m stupid right?¡±


    ¡°No, Greg, I-¡± I started but he raised his hand to silence me, intending to p me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. You think I don¡¯t know it¡¯s Anthony¡± he spat and I slowly raised my gaze to meet hisYou¡¯rere damn lucky that he has that video of me because I would have done something right now and no one would have known. I¡¯m going to teach that bastard a lesson¡±


    The fact that Greg might do something to Anthony scared me a lot.


    ¡°Greg, please,¡± I begged, my voice breaking.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to teach him how to stay away from someone else¡¯s wife¡± Greg yelled, pointing his index finger at me.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt him. I¡¯m sorry. I will do anything you want but please leave Anthony out of this¡± I begged.


    ¡°So you¡¯re willing to do anything because of him? Is this how much you love him?¡± Greg asked and for a split second, I watched something that looked like hurt passing through his eyes but as soon as it appeared, it disappeared.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt him¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to let you go Fiona. You want Anthony and you also don¡¯t want anything to happen to him so I¡¯m going to let you be with the man you love. I will let you go and I won¡¯t try to ever hurry you but you will have to get me something first¡±


    ¡°Are you joking?¡± I asked but he just ignored my question and continued


    ¡°If you¡¯re sessful in getting me what I want then you¡¯re as free as a bird but if you¡¯re not sessful, I¡¯m going to teach your lover a bitter lesson¡± Greg uttered seriously then a dangerous smirk appeared on his face.


    ¡°If what you¡¯re saying is true then I¡¯m in¡± I said, agreeing to whatever he wanted from me. I was tired of this marriage and this seemed to be the only ticket to my freedom.

 Chapter 63 – Shocking news

    Monica¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s been one week of a little peace and quietness and also a week since I and Nichs came back from our vacation.


    I¡¯ve been trying to bnce my time with the kids and Nichs and I must say, it hasn¡¯t been easy.


    I¡¯m just happy that Aunt E sometimeses around and takes the kids with her for a few hours.


    Kids are under a lot of stress. I don¡¯t know how people cope with five, six, or even seven kids because I¡¯m even finding it difficult to cope with two, not to talk of seven kids.


    I wore Mason his diaper and his clothes and as soon I was done with wearing Mason¡¯s clothes, I proceeded to wear Macy¡¯s diapers and her clothes.


    Today was the kids¡¯ check-up day and I was supposed to be at the hospital an hour ago but overslept.


    Luckily for me, the appointment can be rescheduled and I had already spoken with doctor Helen about setting another appointment.


    I made sure the kids¡¯ extra diapers, toys, water, and four feeding bottles were in my diaper bag.


    After making sure everything wasplete in the diaper bag, I took up my phone and dialed Collins¡¯s numberContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Please get the car ready. I and the twins would need a ride to the hospital¡± I said after he picked up on the first ring.


    ¡°All right ma¡¯am but which of the cars would you like to go with today?¡±


    ¡°Just take the simplest of them all. I don¡¯t want any attention¡± I replied then removed the phone from my ears and hung up. I instantly took off my clothes and rushed to go take a shower.     I wore blue jeans with a medium size T-shirt and I packed my hair in a neat bun. Carrying the kids in both hands with one of the maids Carrying the diaper bag behind me, I proceeded to take the stairs, and in no time, I was in front of the car.


    ¡°Monica¡± I heard my name and turning to my right, I saw Ethan holding a bouquet of red rose flowers in his hand as he walked towards me with a broad smile on his face.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked coldly, not willing to listen to the rubbish that came here to say.


    ¡°I just came to see you. I missed you¡± he said, wearing a pleasant smile on his lips ¡°Here I brought you these¡± he added, stretching the red rose bouquet he came along with.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it. Take it back to where you bought it from¡± I said coldly as I ced Macy in the back seat of her little crib.


    ¡°Please Monica, ept my gift¡± he uttered, his voice calm and dropping gradually so I just took the red rose bouquet from his hand and I could see his smile returning to his face.


    ¡°collins¡± I called my driver


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± he said, running to stand by my side.


    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡± I asked and he stared at me in shock but only for a second.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± he responded.


    ¡°Good then please give this to her and tell her it¡¯s from you,¡± I said, handing over the bouquet to him.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am. Thank you ma¡¯am¡± he said and took the bouquet as he ced it on his seat.


    Ignoring Ethan¡¯s pained and shocked look, I walked around the car and ced Mason in his crib, tucking him in carefully in the back seat.


    Making sure both my babies were tucked in properly, I closed the car door and proceeded to enter the passenger seat.


    The door was already opened by Collins so I just slid in and the passenger door was closed after me.


    Collins came around and started the engine and together, we headed to the hospital, leaving Ethan standing there like a lost moron. He doesn¡¯t want to stay away so I was going to drive him away.     We soon arrived at the hospital and I stepped down from the car, carrying Mason in my hand while Collins carried Macy in his hand and the diaper bag in the other hand.


    I walked straight to the doctor¡¯s Helen office and waited for about five minutes before she came. ¡°Good to see you again Mrs Monica¡±


    As soon as she arrived, Collins went out of the office and waited outside the door.


    ¡°How are you, Helen?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine and I know you¡¯re good considering how you¡¯re glowing ma¡¯am¡± shemented.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I replied.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start shall we,¡± she said as she wore hand gloves and took out an injection that was going to be used on the kids. ¡°Who should we start with first, Macy or Mason?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with Macy,¡± I said.     ¡°The kids are healthy and all their vinations have been taken. Thank you for bringing them, Mrs Monica¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. Vinations are important and they must take it now they¡¯re young¡± I responded while trying to calm Macy whose eyes were closed but her mouth was wide open as she cried.


    ¡°What about you Mrs Monica? Aren¡¯t you going to also do a check-up?¡± Doctor Helen asked and just as I was about to give a negative answer, I remembered that I¡¯d been having strange symptoms recently.


    ¡°On the contrary, I think I will,¡± I said. ¡°These days I have memory loss and sometimes, I often see myself in ces that I don¡¯t remember going to¡± I added and Doctor Helen gave me a strange look.


    ¡°Look I know I sound crazy but this has been happening for some months now but I just ignored it and thought it was me overthinking things. The thing now is I sometimes forget where I keep my phone or even forget I had said something before and I know for a fact that this isn¡¯t something I should take lightly¡±


    I exined to Doctor Helen who already had a note and pen in her hands as she jotted down some things.


    ¡°Mrs. Monica, we need to carry out some tests, and sorry to say this but the kids can¡¯te with you,¡± she said.     The creaking sound of the door made me turn my head as my gazended on Doctor Helen who walked into the office.


    There was something about her expression that held sadness. She refused to look at me even when I was looking at her


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked, my heart racing in fear.


    ¡°Mrs Monica I have bad news,¡± she said then sighed as she took her seat and removed her sses.


    ¡°Bad news?¡± I repeated, my emotions a mix of panic, confusion, and fear


    ¡°We found something in your brain and I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s the reason why you¡¯ve been having memory loss and finding yourself in ces you don¡¯t remember going to¡± Doctor Helen¡¯s exnation only made my heart race in trepidation.


    ¡°What is it, doctor? You¡¯re making me anxious¡± My voice trembled as I stared at the doctor in fear.


    ¡°You have a tumor in your brain and the worst part of this news is you don¡¯t have enough time to live,¡± Doctor Helen said, her voice dropping slightly as she finally looked at me, her eyes shing with pity.


    ¡°How long?¡± I asked, scared of the response I was about to get.


    ¡°You have just three months left ma¡¯am¡±

 Chapter 64 – What life can throw at us

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡°How long?¡± I asked, scared of the response I was about to get.


    ¡°You have just three months left ma¡¯am¡± My heart skipped a beat as I stared at Doctor Helen emotionless.


    ¡°What?¡± I muttered under my breath, my voice shaking. This can¡¯t be happening. This can¡¯t be happening to me. What did I do to the universe to attract such punishment? ¡°There¡¯s a cure right?¡± I asked, my voice low as I stared at Helen with hope in my eyes.


    There had to be a cure. There had to be a cure because this can¡¯t be happening. How can I have only three months to live? What of my kids? What of Nichs? What of my life, my friends, my family?


    All these unanswered questions filled my head as the doctor¡¯s next word crashed every strand of hope I might have held onto. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mrs Monica but there is no cure for this¡±


    Tears gathered in my eyes as I thought about my current situation. One week ago, I was happy, content, in love, and d that I was finally beginning to have the perfect life I had but now, my life was slowly evaporating before my very eyes.


    ¡°How did this happen? How did that tumor get in my head?¡± I questioned the doctor whose eyes had already be teary, staring back at me in pity.


    ¡°So what do I do? What can I do?¡± I asked, my voice cracking as I struggled to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mrs Monica but there¡¯s nothing I or the hospital can do. The only thing you can do now is spend the remaining days with your family¡± Doctor Helen advised, her eyes already spilling tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this Mrs Monica. I don¡¯t know why this had to happen to you¡±


    ¡°But there has to be something? I can¡¯t just die and go. I have a family. I have kids to take care of. I need to be around for their first birthday. How can you say I have only three months to live¡± I yelled, my voice sharp as more tears flowed down my cheeks.


    This is a dream that I would love to wake up from. How can this be happening to me? I sobbed loudly as Doctor Helen came to me and engulfed me in aforting warm hug which only seemed to even increase the pain I felt.


    This was unbelievable. The fact that life can just throw one off bnce was unbelievable. Life couldn¡¯t even pity me. It couldn¡¯t even havepassion. I just gave birth not up to six months ago and now, I¡¯ve got three months to live.


    Was this his n all along? For me to finally find happiness and have an association of loved ones around me then take me away just like that.


    I wasn¡¯t going to watch my kids grow up. I wasn¡¯t going to watch my kid¡¯s first birthday. I wasn¡¯t going to watch them take their first step. This is cruel.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Helen uttered again, her embrace bing tighter but not even her warm hug could take away the fear, pain, and sadness that I was going true.


    A knock on the door jolted me back to reality but I sat on the chair emotionless. Nothing mattered anymore. Nothing made sense. The stupid brain tumor didn¡¯t even make sense.


    ¡°I¡¯m just knocking to confirm if ma¡¯am Monica is still here?¡± I heard Collins¡¯s voice from outside the door but I still didn¡¯t even have any strength to move or say anything.


    Doctor Helen cleaned her tears and sniffed hard before clearing her throat ¡°Yeah she¡¯s still here and she¡¯s fine¡± Doctor Helen uttered, her voice clear and sharp like she wasn¡¯t crying a few seconds ago.


    ¡°Why me?¡± I blurted out, my heart beating in nothing but pain.


    ¡°Are you going to tell Mr Nichs or should I tell him?¡± She asked, her eyes staring at me with nothing but sadness.


    ¡°No¡± I managed to say ¡°Nichs can never find out about this to anyone except me¡± I replied, my gaze sharp and serious.


    I wiped the tears from my eyes as I managed to get myself out of her embrace and clean my eyes once more with a handkerchief ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m fine so don¡¯t cry or worry about me¡± I said sadly, pissed at the fact that she was a doctor and couldn¡¯t even have a cure for this.


    ¡°Where are my kids?¡± I asked as I took out my mirror from inside my bag and made sure I wasn¡¯t looking dull or my eyes weren¡¯t puffy.


    ¡°They¡¯ve already been ced inside your car ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sorry about all_¡± I cut her off instantly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. I¡¯m perfectly fine okay?¡± I said a part of me was in denial that I had a tumor in my brain and agreed to that part of me.


    I walked out of Helen¡¯s office with Collins instantly walking behind me. Not looking at where I was going, I bumped into something or maybe someone, and their phone crashed hard on the floor.


    ¡°S**t¡± I muttered under my breath as I squatted to pick up the phone ¡°I¡¯m so sorry miss. I could get you another_¡±


    I paused my words as I found out that it was Mia I was apologizing to. ¡°what in the world are you doing here?¡± She asked, her gaze cold and furious.


    ¡°I came for a check-up up and I¡¯m just about to leave,¡± I said.


    So what¡¯s going to happen to my phone? You were the one that bumped on me ¡°Miained.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to do Mia. You bumped into me too. Your full focus was on your phone and you didn¡¯t know that I was approaching you. I don¡¯t have time for all of these so please excuse me¡±


    I said as I walked past her and paused in my tracks the moment my gazended on a beautiful yet elderly woman who very much shared a resemnce with someone I know.


    ¡°Monica?¡± The woman said, her voice calm yet trembling.


    ¡°Mum¡± I muttered, finally remembering where I knew this figure from.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 65 – Meeting mom

    Monica¡¯s POV


    ¡°Monica?¡± The woman said, her voice calm yet trembling.


    ¡°Mum¡± I muttered, finally remembering where I knew this figure from. I could barely recognize her because she had changed a lot.


    ¡°Monica,¡± she said, tears gathering in her eyes as she looked at me ¡°My baby¡± she added.


    ¡°Your baby?¡± Mia asked, confusion written all over her face. ¡°Mum, why are you crying?¡± Mia asked, holding ra¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Mum?¡± I asked, realization suddenly dawning on me ¡°Mia is your daughter¡± I said, staring at the woman who left my father just because he couldn¡¯t cater to her needs.


    ¡°Monica my child. How have you been? I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for you. I¡¯ve missed you. Please let¡¯s look for somewhere to talk¡± she said, taking her hands off Mia¡¯s grip and gently holding my hands in her but I instantly pulled my hands away.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here for that and I¡¯m not your child. There¡¯s no connection between us¡± I spat out vehemently.


    Looking at her eyes only brought up the unforgivable memories I had buried in my heart. ra was my mother but that was before she decided to leave my father and me. She couldn¡¯t even consider the fact that she had a child that she had to cater for but instead, she left us and went after another man.


    ¡°Mum say something¡± mia sharp voice echoed in the reception and everyone¡¯s eyes turned to stare at us.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± I said as I walked out of the hospital and walked to the car


    ¡°Monica¡± I heard my name and I paused in my tracks but I refused to turn around ¡°Monica please let¡¯s talk¡± my mother¡¯s voice begged as she walked to where I stood.


    ¡°Talk? Let¡¯s talk. Talk about what? The fact that you left Dad and I alone and went to get married to another man. Is that what we should talk about?¡± I said, tears gathering in my eyes as they threatened to crawl down my cheeks.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault. Your father couldn¡¯t provide for me. Yes, he tried but his effort wasn¡¯t enough. I couldn¡¯t bear the suffering and shame Monica. I tried to stay but I just couldn¡¯t¡± she said, tears already spilling down her face.


    ¡°Can you hear yourself? Dad did everything he could to provide for us. Yes, we were poor but he loved us, Mom. He loved you but you never loved him¡± I said, staring at her in disgust.


    ¡°I loved your dad Monica but I just couldn¡¯t bear the suffering¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s not love Mom. You loved money and you left. If you had loved Dad, you wouldn¡¯t have left. If you had loved me, you wouldn¡¯t have left. You left me. You left me to cater for myself. I was just six years old Mom but you didn¡¯t even for once think about me. You never for once showed up to see me¡± I said, memories of the past filling my head as more tears spilled down my flushed cheeks.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t leave you to Carter for yourself honey. Your dad was there. I left you with him¡±


    Iughed loudly, letting out a bitterugh as I stared at the woman whom I once called Mom ¡°You left me alone Mom¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s your father?¡± She asked, pain shing through her eyes ¡°I would love to see him. How is he doing?¡±


    ¡°My father? You mean the man you left behind? He is six feet under the ground you stand on¡± I replied coldly


    ¡°What do you mean? What are you saying?¡± Mom asked, her voice trembling as she cried crocodile tears.


    ¡°He heard from the news that you were getting married to Mr Johnson and he decided to see if he coulde and see you. He wanted to beg you for forgiveness. He said maybe you could have a change of heart ande back to us and I agreed with him that it was a good idea. I even suggested that I should follow him but he refused and said it would be better he go alone¡± I paused as memories of that day began to resurface.


    Tears spilled down my cheeks and I sobbed. ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you okay?¡± Collins asked, worry etched on his face as he looked at me and mia interchangeably


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Collins,¡± I said, sniffing my nose as I turned my head to look at the car packed behind me ¡°Take the kids to Aunt E¡¯s and tell her I will be with her shortly¡± I ordered Collins who seemed to hesitate to leave


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay ma¡¯am?


    ¡°Just do as I say, Collins,¡± I said and he bowed his head slightly and respectfully before leaving.


    I turned to face my mother I wore a sad and bitter smile on my lips ¡°Do you know the worst day of my life?¡± I asked, staring at my mother who seemed frozen ¡°It¡¯s the day that Dad died. I secretly followed him to where you were but even the security men didn¡¯t let him enter the building. Even when he called out your name multiple times, you didn¡¯t show up. Then it started to rain and he entered the road without watching where he was going and got hit by a red car¡±


    ¡°What!¡± My mother eximed as more tears streamed down her face, ruining the pencil liner she had on.


    ¡°Yes, mom. Dad is dead and it¡¯s all because of you. He was rushed to the hospital but he didn¡¯t make it. The doctor said he was brought in dead and there was nothing that could be done¡± I added.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about everything. I didn¡¯t know. I¡¯m sorry¡± she said, he voice shaky.


    ¡°You missed a lot in my life Mom and there¡¯s nothing to be sorry about. He is dead and a part of me died with Dad. Seeing you again just brought up the memories that I¡¯ve buried deep in my heart¡±


    ¡°So does this mean that Monica and are step sisters?¡± Mia asked, staring at Mom for an answer ¡°Say something, Mum¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± my mother yelled.


    ¡°No, we are not step sisters. I refuse to be rted to someone as worthless and wicked as you¡± I spat out vehemently.


    ¡°How is life mom? How is your new life? Is Mr Johnson treating you well?¡± I asked, pain evident in my eyes.


    Mr Johnson was the man my mother got married to. She left and Dad became of Mr Johnson and Mia is a product of their affair. Staring at Mia and my mom, I could finally see a resemnce between them.


    ¡°Honey please forgive me¡± My mom went to her knees and she bowed her head in shame.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will never forgive you¡± I replied angrily

 Chapter 66 – Finding comfort in his arms

    Monica POV


    LATE IN THE EVENINGExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Getting home and finding an empty house, I felt sad and lonely once again.


    This week has been hectic for me. From Ethan showing up at our house and asking about the kids to finding out about my illness and then now, seeing my long-time mother.


    ¡°Could this week get any worse?¡± I asked myself as I took the stairs to my room. As soon as I got to the room, I took off my clothes and got into the shower.


    Luckily for me, my kids were at aunt E, and that made me have enough time for myself. After some time in the bathroom, I was done showering and I put on nightwear.


    Going to my closet and taking out a short blue nightgown, I put it on and went to the balcony of our room to get some air and clear my mind.


    I was so lost in thought that I didn¡¯t notice when Nichs had entered the room. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you and I¡¯ve been thinking about you since morning¡± Nichs startled me by cing his hands on my waist as he stered kisses on my bare neck and shoulder.


    ¡°How was work?¡± I asked him as I turned around and ced my hands on his shoulder with a warm smile on my lips.


    ¡°Work was stressful. I kept signing papers and hopping from one meeting to another that I forgot I had to eat something¡±


    ¡°So have you eaten something now?¡± I asked worriedly.


    ¡°No I haven¡¯t¡± he replied and I frowned instantly.


    ¡°Honey, you can¡¯t continue like this. Food is very important. I pleaded with you to eat before leaving this morning but you said you had a meeting to catch up to. At this point, you¡¯re certainly going to lose weight¡± I said, clearly not happy with how my husband was not eating enough food.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be fine. How was your day? Did you still take the kids to the hospital for their vination?¡±


    ¡°Yes I did and they also did some check-ups and Doctor Helen said they were healthy¡± I responded  ¡°That¡¯s good to hear¡± he uttered and I forced a smile as memories of everything that happened today filled my mind.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Nichs asked, jolting out of my thoughts.


    ¡°Like how?¡± I asked in confusion


    ¡°Your eyes are dull and staring back at me sadly. Is anything the matter? You look exhausted and your eyes¡± he used his thumb to touch the eye bags that had managed toe out ¡°you look like you¡¯ve been crying. Babe, are you all right?¡±


    Nichs asked, his eyes staring at me as they observed me more closely ¡°I¡¯m fine honey. You worry too much¡± I said, forcing a smile as I tried to assure him


    ¡°Your eyes are puffy babe. I know what I¡¯m saying. You¡¯ve been crying. What is the problem? What happened today?¡± Nichole asked, worry etched on his face.


    Tears gathered in my eyes once more as the memories of today crashed on me like a bucket of water. I can¡¯t believe I have only three months to live. Then also found out that the woman who took Ethan from me was my sister.


    ¡°I met my mom today¡± I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Your mom? Do you have a mother? I thought you said you were an orphan?¡± Nichs asked, holding me gently by my waist.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t set my eyes on her since I was six years old. She left my dad and me and got married to a popr journalist. I just saw her today and I could barely recognize her¡±


    ¡°Honeye here,¡± Nichs said, his voice calm and soothing as he engulfed me in aforting embrace.


    Finding out that I only have three months to live, I¡¯m going to live my remaining life well and spend enough time with Nichs. I will spend more time with my kids and with everyone I love.


    ¡°And the worst part of everything is that Mia is her daughter¡± I uttered as I sniffed and sobbed on Nichs¡¯s shoulder


    ¡°Mia? You mean thedy that took Ethan from you?¡± Nichs asked and I nodded my head, giving him a positive answer.


    ¡°She is my younger sister,¡± I said.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about how your day went. Seeing your mother again would have brought a lot of painful memories and I¡¯m sorry about that¡± Nichs whispered in my ears as he held me tightly but gently, cing little kisses on my head.


    She was the reason I lost my dad. Dad left me and tried to talk to her abouting back to us. He wanted to beg her and ask her to forgive him but they didn¡¯t even let him into the building. He crossed the road without looking sideways and a driver took him off the ground. I watched everything happen right before my eyes and_¡±


    ¡°shh, that¡¯s okay honey,¡± Nichs said ¡°It¡¯s going to be all right¡± he added.


    ¡°I miss him, Nichs. I miss my dad so much. I wish he was here¡± I said, my voice trembling as I spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to go through all that at a tender age,¡± he said.


    ¡°If I had known, I wouldn¡¯t have allowed my father to go after my mother. I would have stopped him. I¡¯m weak and stupid and inconsiderate and_¡±


    ¡°Hey stop saying those things. Stop hurting yourself. You¡¯re not weak. You¡¯re the strongest woman I know. You were bold to walk up to me and tell me about your child. You were strong enough to deliver our twins even when you weren¡¯t expecting twins¡± he went mute as he used his thumb to clean the flowing tears off my cheeks.


    ¡°You were strong enough to stay alive up to this point even after your father died. Monica, you¡¯re not weak. You¡¯re not stupid and you are not inconsiderate. Please don¡¯t say such words again. Learn to speak positive things about yourself and always know that I love you¡±


    My tears flowed even more as he uttered those words. The fact that life wasn¡¯t giving me enough time to be with the man who loved me sincerely was unfair.


    Three months was too short tough, y, and spend time with my family. There has to be a solution to this. I can¡¯t just die and leave the people I love behind.


    I leaned more on Nichs¡¯s shoulder as his embrace seemed to be something I didn¡¯t want to end.

 Chapter 67 – A delivery

    ETHAN¡¯S POV


    It¡¯s been a month since Ist saw Monica and every day of my life, I regret ever hurting her. I¡¯ve been burying myself in my word, seldomly going home and trying to get my mind off the fact that I might never impregnate a woman.


    ¡°Can Ie in sir?¡± my secretary said after knocking from outside my office door


    ¡°Yes Frank, you cane in,¡± I said, my eyes not leaving the paper I was reading.


    ¡°I¡¯m justing from the Sterlings Mansion and Mrs Sterling has a message for you¡± My gaze instantly left the papers I was previously reading as theynded on Frank.


    Seeing the bouquet and box he came back with, I knew Monica had rejected my gift again. I¡¯ve been trying to sway her and get her back but it¡¯s been very hard doing so.


    ¡°What did she say?¡¯ I asked, dropping my pen and running my hand through my hair. I¡¯ve tried taking her out, giving her a gift, and even buying her a car but she rejected everything. What was I doing wrong?


    ¡°I can¡¯t say it to you, sir. I suggest you listen to it yourself. Saying it myself would seem I¡¯m disrespecting you and I can¡¯t lose my job because of that¡± he uttered as he brought out his phone and yed the voice recording


    ¡°Tell that stupid boss of yours that this is his final warning. The next time hees to my house and disturbs me with his worthless gifts, I¡¯m going to sue him for invasion of privacy and I¡¯m not going to stop there¡±


    The voice recording ended and I couldn¡¯t help but clenched my fist. What more can I do to get Monica back? Why has she been a hard nut to crack?


    ¡°So is there anything you would want me to_¡±


    ¡°Get out Frank¡± Imanded coldly as Monica¡¯s words reyed in my head. What was Nichs doing to keep Monica by his side? Why can¡¯t I have the woman I want?


    ¡°Hey babe,¡± Mia said, carrying lots of shopping bags and her heels clicking against the tiles as she walked to where I sat. Her presence here only increased the rage I was feeling.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, my voice cold and distant.


    ¡°I came to see my husband,¡± she said excitedly, as she dropped her bags and walked towards me.


    ¡°Get out Mia. I don¡¯t want to see you¡± I uttered, frowning deeply as I stared at her.


    Mia has been nothing but a huge liability. From eating to sleeping to spending all my money on clothes and shoes and stupid lingerie. I regret ever choosing her over Monica.


    Mia brings nothing to the table but her body. ¡°Come on babe, are you still angry about what I did? I¡¯m sorry about cheating on you¡± she said, walking behind me and cing her hands on my shoulders


    ¡°Mia get out¡± I yelled as I rose to my feet and turned to look at her, staring daggers at her.


    ¡°Why are you screaming at me?¡± She asked, her face having a shocked expression ¡°I said I¡¯m sorry. Is this about sleeping with your secretary? But you already fired him?¡±


    ¡°Yes I fired him but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you cheated on me. I loved you Mia and yet you deceived me. I chose Monica over you but you still manipted me. Monica would never manipte me for any reason¡± I said, angry about what she did.


    I still haven¡¯t gotten over the fact that she slept with my former secretary to give me a child. Monica would never do such a thing to me. Monica was calm, polite,passionate, and always very considerate.


    She would always ask my permission before doing anything but Mia wasn¡¯t like that. Mia was always asking for money, never considerate, and always partying and spending all my money on shoes and jewelry. She was a huge liability.


    Monica would always remember my birthday. Monica would always cook my favorite and beg me to eat. She would always make sure I ate before leaving for the office. She would always buy something nice for me but Mia was never like Monica and I wonder what I ever saw in Mia.


    ¡°So this is about my sister, right? You still haven¡¯t gotten over her. All you ever do isin. Nothing I ever do is good enough for you¡± Mia yelled, her veins threatening to pop out of her neck.


    ¡°your sister? What do you mean by your sister? I¡¯m talking about Monica and you are talking_¡±


    ¡°Monica is my step-sister. We share the same mother but not the same father¡± she uttered, cutting me short.


    ¡°Well, you two are not alike. Ever since you stepped back into my life, all you¡¯ve ever done was spend my hard-earned money. Just because the money is avable doesn¡¯t give you the right to use it. I remember when Monica was still with me, she would suggest we give some money to the orphanage homes but you, you just squander and ask for more money¡± I said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if Monica gave money to the orphanage home. I don¡¯t care if Monica did this or that but you¡¯re correct about us not being alike. I can never be like my weak and stupid sister who didn¡¯t use your money when she had the chance to¡± Mia said, her voice sharp as she stared daggers at me.


    ¡°if this continues Mia, I¡¯ll be forced to take drastic actions¡± I warned staring daggers at her.


    ¡°And what do you mean by that? Are you threatening me?¡± She asked, her gaze narrowing as she took a step closer to me.


    ¡°Yes Mia, I am. I won¡¯t tolerate this reckless behavior any longer. I¡¯m tired of it. You need to understand that there are consequences for your actions¡± I said, my voice steady but firm


    ¡°Oh so now, you¡¯re going to y the strict husband? Go ahead Ethan, do your worst but remember I won¡¯t make anything you decide to do easy for you¡± she said, her eyes zing with defiance


    ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re going to y the strict husband? Go ahead, Nichs. Do your worst. But remember, you chose me. You wanted me in your life,¡± she said, her gaze daring. She smirked then hissed, turning on her heel and storming out of my office.


    ¡°Hello sir, I have a package for you,¡± Secretary Frank said, his head pecking through the door as he waited for me to give him the go-ahead to enter my office.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°What is it? Who brought the package?¡± I asked as I sighed and sat on my chair in exhaustion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know sir but your name is on it,¡± he said as he dropped the package on my desk.


    Looking at the small brown box, I frowned the instant I realized there was no name on it except my name. ¡°You may go, Frank,¡± I said and he walked away.


    I opened the box in curiosity to find a white envelope and a small note.


    ¡°Do a DNA test on Monica¡¯s kids¡±


    The paper read and turning the back of the paper, I discovered it was empty. My gazended on the white envelope inside the box and I proceeded to open it.

 Chapter 68 – confusion and trouble in the air

    Nichs POV


    Today I was supposed to be at work but Monica asked that I skip work today so I did.


    We all sat in the living room. Monica was breastfeeding Mason who seemed to be enjoying himself on her thigh.


    I knelt on the floor as I watched Macy who giggled as she tried to crawl to where I was ¡°Come on sweetie, you can do it. Come to daddy¡± I said, cheering her on as she fell t on the floor.


    She looked at me and from her expression, I could see that she was about to cry so I quickly consoled her ¡°Heye and meet Daddy. You can do it. Don¡¯t cry. Daddy is here with you¡± She seemed to understand me because she soon rose and went on her knees as she crawled slowly towards me.


    Though she would dakk sometimes she didn¡¯t stop but crawled until she got to where I was.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I was so happy the instant she got to where I was. She raised her tiny little hand gesturing for me to carry her and I did in excitement. ¡°My little girl is gradually growing up¡± I uttered excitedly as I stered little kisses on her face, making her giggle lightly.


    I looked over at Monica who sat on the couch as she fed Mason from her breast. Mason¡¯s little hand on her breast made me frown a little ¡°Why is he cing his hands over there? Doesn¡¯t he know those belong to me¡± I asked as I walked to where Monica sat.


    ¡°Seriously honey, are you going to talk about this? You want to fight with a kid over my boobs?¡± Monica asked mockingly as she looked at me ¡°Stop acting childish¡±


    ¡°But those are mine. He has no right to ce his hands there¡± I said ring at Mason¡¯s hands which rested on Monica¡¯s boobs.


    I haven¡¯t felt those boobs in my mouth for a long time because the baby milk still spilled from her boobs but Mason had to know that those boobs were mine.


    ¡°Honey he is just a kid who is innocently eating his food from his mom¡¯s boobs¡± Monica uttered, rolling her eyes.


    I removed Mason¡¯s hands from Monica¡¯s boobs and frowned deeply when he ced them back on her boobs. ¡°Honey stop acting like a child,¡± Monica said amusingly.


    ¡°Where is he? Where is that bastard?¡± We suddenly heard a loud shout from outside and I quickly rose to my feet, conscious of my environment.


    The door was opened forcefully as Ethan stormed into the house  ¡°You bastard¡± Ethan said the instant his gazended on me. He walked to where I stood and before I could process what was going on, hended a hard punch on my face.


    ¡°Oh my God¡± I heard Monica utter in shock.


    Macy who I held in my hand began to cry and I took a quick look at her, trying to make sure she wasn¡¯t hurt. When I realized she was okay, I rushed to the couch and dropped her gently on it close to Monica¡¯s side


    ¡°How dare you? You almost hurt my child¡± I said as I rushed towards Ethan andnded my fist on his cheeks.


    ¡°Honey please stop¡± I heard Monica say behind me but I needed to teach this bastard a lesson. He almost hurt Macy by punching me. ¡°Nichs please¡± Monica¡¯s sharp voice instantly made me stop as I stood up from Ethan and looked at Monica who already had tears gathering in her eyes.


    ¡°What are you doing in my house?¡± I asked Ethan who stared daggers at me from the floor hey on.


    He wiped the liquid on his lips with the back of his hands as he stood up and smirked ¡°You think I wasn¡¯t going to find out? You think I don¡¯t know¡± Ethan said and I felt likending another punch on his face.


    ¡°Find out about what?¡± I asked gritting my teeth as I tried to hold onto the remaining strands of self-control I had left.


    ¡°This?¡± He uttered as he threw a white envelope at my face.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Take a look at it yourself,¡± he uttered, his voice sharp and echoing in the living room.


    I picked up the envelope and shredded it into two unequal pieces as I took out the white paper from inside the torn envelope.


    My eyes not leaving Ethan, I opened the paper and froze as my gazended on it. The air in the room had suddenly be inadequate as my heart pounded in my chest.


    ¡°Do you mind exining that to me Mr Sterling¡± Ethan asked, his voice filled with a mix of emotions anger and mockery


    ¡°Honey, what¡¯s that?¡± Monica asked as she stared at me, waiting for my reply but I had no strength to utter any ¡°Honey say something¡± Monica yelled, her voice trembling.


    ¡°How did you get this?¡± I asked, my jaw clenching ¡°Answer me you prick¡± I cursed as his smirk only made my blood boil.


    His smirk suddenly turned to a serious expression ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be the question here, Nichs. The question here should be is there a possibility that Mason and Macy are mine?¡± He said, ring at me hard and not breaking eye contact.


    ¡°Nichs, what is it? You are scaring me¡± I heard Monica¡¯s anxious voice beside me and I turned to look at her.


    Her blue eyes held fear and panic and I couldn¡¯t tell her.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell you, can you?¡± Ethan said and I turned to re at him ¡°Well I¡¯m going to tell her myself¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say_¡±


    ¡°What Nichs had in his hand is the marriage contract you two signed some months ago¡± Ethan finally dropped the bombshell and I could see Monica¡¯s expression switch from fear to disbelief.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible¡± Monica uttered instantly as she stared at Ethan in disbelief.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take the paper and see for yourself¡± Ethan said and Monica instantly took the paper from my hand even before I could take any action.


    ¡°How is this possible?¡± Monica asked as she stared at me in shock ¡°Is this even original?¡± She asked as she looked at the paper once more.


    ¡°I want full custody of my kids¡± Ethan suddenly uttered, his voice sharp and confident.


    ¡°They¡¯re not your kids,¡± I said, ring at him.


    ¡°Then I want a paternity test done now¡± he uttered and every anger and rage I felt disappeared into thin air.

 Chapter 69 – A copy of the original

    Monica POV


    ¡°Then I want a paternity test done now¡± Ethan uttered and it felt like the air in the room suddenly turned colder. I began having goosebumps and my hands began to shake.


    ¡°Ethan, how did you get this?¡± Isaided, my voice low and trembling as I spoke.


    ¡°You are in no ce to ask any questions, Monica. I ought to be the one asking questions here and not you. ¡°The only question here is¡± Ethan paused as he pointed his index finger at Mason and Macy who giggled on the couch, oblivious to the happenings around them ¡°Are those kids mine?¡± he said, finallypleting his sentence.


    After I found out about my illness, Everything seemed to be going perfectly fine not until now.


    I looked at the paper in my hand again and looked at my signature and I instantly knew that this paper was a copy of the original. I can never be wrong about my signature.


    ¡°Okay since no one wants to say anything then I¡¯ll answer your question then you answer mine¡± Ethan finally said, breaking the silence in the living room.


    Turning his gaze to Nichs who I knew was as shocked as I was, he smiled ¡°I was in my office when my secretary brought a box for me with my name on it. He said it was a delivery for me but I didn¡¯t order anything so out of curiosity, I opened the box and discovered that envelope inside the box with this note¡±


    Ethan dipped his hand into his pocket as he brought out a white folded paper. Stretched his hands towards Nichs, handing him the paper.


    Nichs took the paper and read it and his eyes only grew wide. I walked closer to Nichs in curiosity and read the words on the paper.


    ¡°Do a DNA test oMonicaca kids¡±


    The paper read and slowly, I nced at Nichs whose eyes were already on me. I saw nothing but fear and anger in Nichs¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Stop staring at each other and start talking. Is that paper fake or real? Is that how you married Nichs Monica? You sold my babies to him?¡± Ethan roared, his voice getting louder.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sell anything, ng Ethan. I¡¯m married to Nichs and those kids aren¡¯t yours¡± I said, trying to sound confident.


    ¡°You¡¯re still lying to my face huh?¡± Ethan said, ring at me and I stared back at him, trying to maintain myposure.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± I turned my head to the door to see Anthony and Fiona walking hand in hand towards us.


    I was d that they were finally together without any disturbances. Fiona came to Anthony some weeks back and said she was pregnant and everyone was excited for her.


    Anthony was very much pleased to hear she was pregnant and he proposed to her right there on the spot.


    ¡°How did this get into Ethan¡¯s hand, Anthony?¡± I heard Nichs¡¯s sharp voice at Anthony as he threw the contract paper at his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Anthony asked, looking at me Nichinterchangeably beforending his gaze on the paper in his hand. Two secondsterAnthony¡¯sny eyes widened and I finally realized that Anthony also didn¡¯t have any idea about any of this.


    ¡°How did this get here? Where did thise from?¡± Anthony asked, removing his hands from that¡¯s of Fiona¡¯s and staring at the paper once more.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I should be asking you that Anthony. You are mywyer and I entrusted this important file to you but now, I¡¯m sad to find this in Ethan¡¯s hand¡± Nichs said, his voiceced with disappointment.


    ¡°How sure are we that this paper is the original?¡± Anthony asked staring back at Nichs who was upset about everything.


    Turning his gaze back to the paper, he looked at the paper intently and hoped in my heart that it was fake but his next words just discouraged me even more.


    ¡°It¡¯s a copy of the original,¡± Anthony said, sighing in frustration


    ¡°So where is the original?¡± I asked worriedly


    I¡±gave it to Anthony but finding it now in Ethan¡¯s hands only means that the original has been taken from him,¡± Nichs said.


    ¡°Or stolen,¡± Anthony said, wearing a confused expression.


    ¡°So all this is true? This was all a contract marriage¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°Please Ethan, let¡¯s talk about this like adults,¡± I said, trying to settle the dispute in the air.


    ¡°You would have thought about that first before you lied about cheating on me with Nichs,¡± Ethan said, sounding angry and rude.


    ¡°I won¡¯t watch you raise your voice at my wife under my roof,¡± Nichs said with a sharp tone.


    ¡°Your wife? Or your contract wife?¡± Ethan said mockingly and I instantly held moved in front of Nichs and stopped him from his attempt of punching Ethan.


    ¡°Honey just leave him. He isn¡¯t worth our time right now¡± I said, trying to calm Nichs down.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the hell sent those papers to my office today but the day I see him, I¡¯m going to give him a big hug,¡± Ethan said with a smirk stered on his face.


    ¡°You received this in your office today?¡± Anthony asked.


    ¡°Yes. My secretary gave it to me¡± Ethan replied.


    ¡°Then who gave it to your secretary,¡± Anthony asked again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t ask. I just collected the box from him and opened it out of curiosity¡± Ethan said, narrating everything to us.


    What I couldn¡¯t understand was how this contract flew from Anthony¡¯s house to Ethan¡¯s office. What was going on? Was I and Nichs watched or followed? Is someone monitoring us?


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good Anthony and you know this. If you couldn¡¯t keep the files then you would have just said so¡± Nichs yelled, his voice sharp andced with nothing but anger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t use such a tone on me Nichs. You know very well that this isn¡¯t my fault. This isn¡¯t the first time I¡¯m keeping an important document for you. Don¡¯t me this on me¡± Anthony said, his voice sharp and his jaw clenching and I knew he was angry with how Nichs was ming him.


    ¡°Then who¡¯s fault is it?¡± Nichs asked, not willing to let this go.


    ¡°Honey please let¡¯s not quarrel about this,¡± I said, trying to resolve the tension, anger, and confusion in the air.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I took the contract¡± We all turned to the voice we just heard and I couldn¡¯t help but feel angry and hurt.


    ¡°You?¡± I asked in disbelief.

 Chapter 70 – Deception

    Fiona¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s my fault. I took the contract¡± They all turned to look at me and Monica¡¯s eyes shed with hurt and shock.


    ¡°You?¡± Monica asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Fiona, what are you saying?¡± Anthony said, walking towards me and taking my hand gently in his as he stared at me affectionately ¡°Darling don¡¯t me yourself for this¡±


    ¡°No, I did it. All this is all my fault¡± I said, removing my hands from that of Anthony and my gazended on Nichs who seemed like he was about to punch me.


    ¡°How could you do such a thing to us? To me?¡± Monica¡¯s hands came in contact with my cheeks as shended me a p and I couldn¡¯t me her for it. She had every right to be angry. ¡°I trusted you. I was beginning to like you and you stabbed me in the back like this¡±


    ¡°At least someone needed to do that,¡± Nichs said, referring to the p Monica gave me.


    Tears gathered in my eyes as the realization of the havoc I might¡¯ve caused crashed on me. I raise my head to stare at Monica whose eyes held nothing but anger and disappointment.


    ¡°Fiona is this true?¡± Anthony asked, staring at me in disbelief


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true. That paper was with you Anthony and the only person who is staying with you and might have had ess to that paper is no one but Fiona¡± Nichs said, finally connecting the dots as he stared daggers at me.


    I quickly removed my eyes from his murderous gaze and looked at Anthony who frowned with tears gathering in his eyes ¡°I¡¯m sorry Anthony. Please let me exin¡± I said, reaching to take his hand in mine but he took two steps backward and stretched his hand towards me, gesturing that I should stay away.


    ¡°Why? Why? Why would you do this? You were the only one I allowed in my study and you went in there and took that file. It all makes sense now. You were always asking about the marriage contract saying you wanted to see what it looked like but I never knew you just wanted to know where it was¡± Anthony said, running his hand through his hair as he turned around in confusion.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said again, tears spilling down my eyes. ¡°Please forgive me¡±


    ¡°Forgive you? My marriage contract is in someone¡¯s hands and I have no idea who it might be with and you¡¯ve got the nerve to ask for forgiveness¡± Nichs¡¯s sharp voice echoed in the room I took a step backward of fear.


    ¡°I did it because of you Anthony,¡± I said, wanting to exin myself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say my name with those lying lips of yours¡± Anthony yelled, pointing his index finger at me with his eyes zing with anger and pain.


    ¡°Please just listen to me,¡± I said, my voice trembling.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± someone said and I raised my head to realize it was Ethan and I just rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Start talking,¡± Monica said, her gaze sharp.


    ¡°It was when I found out about my pregnancy. I got home that day and Greg already knew that I was pregnant. He threatened to kill you, Anthony. He threatened to kill my unborn child. He threatened to hurt me and I was scared¡±


    ¡°Can you listen to the rubbishing out of your mouth?¡± Anthony said instantly, his angered and hurt gaze finally on me ¡°he threatened to hurt me? Greg can¡¯t even hurt Nichs. Greg can¡¯t hurt me either. He knows his boundaries. He only said those things to scare you and make you do his bidding and you fell into his trap¡± Anthony said, ring at me and I¡¯ve never seen Anthony this angry.


    His angry gaze was a constant reminder of how I messed up. This was going to be something that could soil our rtionship and I didn¡¯t want what me and Anthony had to go down the drain. I love him.


    ¡°So what then did he ask you to do?¡± Monica asked, her eyes softening gradually as her voice became calm.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? He asked her to get him the contract and she did. She was his spy all along¡± Anthony said, his jaw clenching as he spoke.


    ¡°Greg asked me to get the marriage contract and he also asked that_¡± I swallowed as I hesitated if I should say what I was about to say


    ¡°Also ask that what?¡± Monica asked in curiosity ¡°Say something Fiona¡± she added.


    ¡°He asked that I install a camera in Anthony¡¯s office,¡± I said finally and the shock in Anthony¡¯s eyes only grew.


    ¡°What?¡± Nichs and Anthony said in unison and I couldn¡¯t help but burst out in tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry please Anthony I¡¯m sorry. I was just scared for you and the baby. Please forgive me¡± I sped my both hands together as I sobbed silently and looked at Anthony who refused to look at me.


    ¡°Wow, what a touching story¡± Ethanmented but I didn¡¯t even want to look at him because he was the least of my problems.


    ¡°So when you said Greg let you go because he found out you were pregnant, you were lying?¡± Anthony asked.


    ¡°Anthony please¡± I uttered, not willing to reveal any more truth.


    ¡°Answer me¡± Anthony yelled, his eyes staring at me in hurt and disappointment.


    ¡°Yes, I was lying. He only agreed to let me go if I do anything he wants¡± I said, exining the situation further.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a filthy person. You used me to achieve Greg¡¯s ns¡± Anthony said.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said again, feeling guilty each passing moment.


    ¡°If you were so scared then you would have just told me. You would have talked to me about what happened instead of lying to me. Greg can¡¯t hurt me, Fiona. He doesn¡¯t have the guts to but he used your fear against us. This was the same mistake you made back then. You broke up with me just because you didn¡¯t want to be a burden and you ended up marrying Greg instead of exining to me. Now you did the same thing¡±


    Anthony was right. I made the mistake of marrying Greg instantly on asking Anthony for help and now, I alsomitted the same offense by not telling Anthony about what Greg asked of me


    ¡°So who knows is with the original marriage contract? You or Greg¡± Nichs asked, staring daggers at me.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s with me brother¡± I felt chills run down my spine and I didn¡¯t need any soothsayer to let me know whose voice it was.

 Chapter 71 – A threat

    Nichs POV


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s with me brother¡± I turned to the door to see my stupid younger brother walking in majestically with a smirk on their face.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked ring at him as he came towards us.


    ¡°I came here as soon as I saw that she was already talking he said, gesturing at Fiona who was on the ground sobbing calmly


    ¡°Saw that she was already talking? What do you mean by that?¡± Monica asked Greg whose smirk only grew deeper.


    ¡°So she didn¡¯t tell you,¡± Greg said, ncing a Fiona again.


    ¡°Tell us what?¡± Monica asked in confusion.


    ¡°Tell you that she installed a camera in your living room,¡± Greg said.


    ¡°What!¡± Monica and I eximed in shock.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You told me to do it,¡± Fiona said, defending herself as she stared angrily at Greg.


    ¡°Fiona you did that? You installed a camera in my living room¡± Monica said, her voice trembling in shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was only trying to save myself, my baby, and Anthony¡± Fiona exined and I felt likending another p on her face.


    Fiona was damn lucky that she was ady because if she wasn¡¯t ady, I would have punched her hard on her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say my name with those lips of yours¡± Anthony warned, pissed already by everything he has heard.


    ¡°You should have said something. You should have told me about what was happening but you chose to keep it to yourself and handle things yourself¡± Monica said, her voice sharp but calm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I thought I could handle it myself. I never knew Greg had other motives¡± Fiona exined, her voice trembling also.


    ¡°Hand the contract over to us Greg¡± I ordered but he just smirked


    ¡°Over my dead body Nichs,¡± I frowned as I already knew that this wasn¡¯t going to be something easy.


    Greg had an important document that could put my position as the CEO to a halt.


    ¡°Please Greg, give it back to us. You stole it from us¡± Monica pleaded.


    ¡°Begging won¡¯t work Monica. Nichs would have to do more than that to get that contract back¡± Greg said, staring at Monica and his eyes roaming around her body.


    ¡°Take your eyes off her,¡± I said, my voice sharp as I stared daggers at him.


    ¡°She¡¯s one beautiful woman Nichs. Lucky you¡± Greg said as his eyes roamed around the living room and his gazended on the twins. ¡°You¡¯re always lucky Nichs. You seem to always get the best out of life and I must say, I envy you¡±


    ¡°What do you want Greg? Spit it out. Surely there must be a reason why you took that contract file¡± I said.


    Greg doesn¡¯t take any action without wanting something in return. For Greg to have taken this contract, it only meant one thing which was he was interested in thepany.


    ¡°You already know what I want Nichs. Ice always wanted to be in the position you currently upy and you know that¡± Greg said as he began walking towards the twins who were in their world giggling.


    I quickly moved in front of him and ced my hands on his chest, stopping him from making any further moves ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to say hi to my niece and nephew. Is that also a bad thing?¡± Greg asked innocently.


    ¡°Don¡¯te near my kids Greg¡± I ordered.


    ¡°Your kids?¡± Greg asked mockingly ¡°They aren¡¯t yours Nichs. I think that is now very obvious¡± Greg said staring at Ethan whose eyes were staring at Monica affectionately.


    ¡°F**k you Greg,¡± I said angrily as I pushed him hard on his chest but he only smiled as stepped backward, with his both hands in the air in resignation


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to fight with anyone Nichole but I want you to imagine something brother,¡± Greg said as he walked to stand behind Monica ¡°Imagine how the directors would look when they realize that their CEO deceived them just so he could retain his position. I know everything now Nichs and I¡¯m not going to hand over those contracts until I get what I want¡±


    ¡°And what is it that you want?¡± Monica said as she turned around and stared at Greg.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s obvious but I¡¯m going to say it just got hearing sake. I want to be CEO of Sterling Group¡± Greg said with a serious expression as he removed his gaze from Monica andnded it on me.


    I clenched my fist in anger as I watched his serious expression turn into a smirk ¡°Never¡± I said, determined not to give my position to anyone.


    ¡°I give you two weeks Nichs. Two weeks or I¡¯ll forcefully take that position from you¡± Greg said as he began walking towards the door then suddenly paused ¡°Don¡¯t forget to remove the cameras I ced in your living room¡± Greg said with a mocking smile on his lips.


    ¡°This was all your fault. You trusted this b***h and now see what¡¯s happening¡± I said angrily to Anthony, pointing my index finger at Fiona.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call her that Nichs? I would never disrespect Monica like that in front of you. No matter what she is still carrying my unborn child¡± Anthony replied and I instantly knew I crossed a line.


    Anthony would never disrespect Monica in front of me and I had no right to disrespect Fiona no matter what.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what I said¡± I apologized instantly and I saw his sharp eyes softening slightly. ¡°Everything is just_¡±


    ¡°Complicated,¡± Monica said, helping me finish the sentence.


    ¡°So what¡¯s going to happen now? What do we do?¡± Anthony asked sighing as he ran his hand through his hair in frustration.


    The fact that everything was happening at once was exhausting. I never expected any of what just took ce to happen today.


    ¡°First and foremost there¡¯s no way I¡¯m giving Greg my position so that is out of it,¡± I said, clearly stating my intentions.


    ¡°You guys seem to be forgetting that I¡¯m still here,¡± Ethan said and I remembered that we still had a situation we were yet to handle. ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend that I didn¡¯t hear or see anything here today but I need my kids and I need them now,¡± Ethan said, his voice confident and sharp.

 Chapter 72 – Tension in the air

    Monica POV


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend that I didn¡¯t hear or see anything here today but I need my kids and I need them now¡±


    ¡°And what do you mean by you need them now?¡± Nichs asked, his jaw clenching once more as he frowned


    ¡°I want to take them home. They are mine¡± Ethan said, stating his intentions.


    ¡°Can we all just sit and talk above this calmly? We might wake the kids¡± I said as my gazended on Macy and Mason who were already fast asleep.


    Nichs red at Ethan one more time before going to take a seat then Anthony who had been quiet all these years followed to sit beside Nichs.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Ethan followed after and Fiona who sat on the floor with her eyes puffed didn¡¯t make any move. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go take a seat,¡± I said, trying to hold her by the hand and lift her but she took her hands off mine.


    ¡°Just leave me here,¡± Fiona said, her eyes fixed on the floor as she sat still.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I pped you. I just couldn¡¯t believe that you did those things and I overreacted. I¡¯m truly sorry¡± I said, apologizing as guilt enveloped my heart as I stared at Fiona.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. You are right for pping me. I deserved it¡± Fiona uttered calmly, her voice barely above a whisper and her gaze on the floor.


    ¡°Come on Fiona let¡¯s go,¡± I said again trying to lift her but she still hesitated ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you here. If you want to sit on the floor then I¡¯m going to join you here¡± I said intending to sit with her on the floor


    Her eyes widened when she saw I was about to sit on the floor and she quickly rose to her feet so my butt doesn¡¯t end up on the floor.


    I still felt bad about how I shouted and pped her but I was d that she wasn¡¯t bold enough to tell us the truth. Not everyone does that.


    We walked to join the three men who were staring daggers at each other while seated. Anthony and Nichs joined forces as they stared at Ethan and if eyes could kill, Ethan would have been ten feet under this house by now.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say we shoulde sit and stare. I said we should sit and talk like adults¡± I uttered sharply, my voice loud as I tried to remind them about the reason I asked they shoulde sit.


    ¡°I want to take Mason and Macy home¡± Ethan stated again.


    ¡°And that will not happen,¡± Nichs said, his voice sharp and firm


    ¡°I¡¯m the mother of those kids and I also have a say in this¡± I uttered looking from my husband to my ex-husband. ¡°Firstly the twins cannot and will not go with you Ethan,¡± I said, standing firm on my words


    ¡°What! I won¡¯t allow that. I¡¯m their father and have every right to take them home with me¡± Ethan yelled.


    ¡°What makes you their father huh? Just because you have those tiny pencils between your legs doesn¡¯t make you their father¡± I yelled back.


    ¡°Ouch Monica that was harsh,¡± Anthony said, giving Ethan a mocking smile.


    ¡°You were never there when I was pregnant. You were never there when I was inbor. You were never there when they came into this world. You were never there when they had their names and you were never there when I almost lost my life while bringing them into this world so don¡¯t ever yell and tell me that you¡¯re their father because you don¡¯t deserve that title¡± I breathed in and out rapidly as I finished talking.


    Enough was enough. I¡¯ve had enough of Ethan saying he was their father. He never yed a role as their father and he was never there for them so he doesn¡¯t deserve to be called a father.


    ¡°You heard her right?¡± Nichs said to Ethan whose face was down.


    ¡°Ethan you cane as long as you want to see the kids but there¡¯s no way the kids would go home with you today. You cane see the kids anytime you want and that¡¯s it¡± I said, staring at the terms for him.


    ¡°what about moving in and just making this ce my home?¡± Ethan asked


    ¡°you¡¯re a sick man. F**k you. Come to my house and do what? Does my house look like a hotel?¡± Nichs responded harshly to Ethan who I knew asked a stupid and thoughtless question.


    ¡°But they¡¯re my kids and I have the right to_¡± Ethan was immediately cut short by Anthony.


    ¡°I¡¯m thewyer here and Ethan you have no right toe stay in Nichs¡¯s house and turn it into your second mansion. You¡¯re allowed to see the kids but not spend the night in Nichs¡¯s house just because you want to spend time with them¡± Anthony said, exining in a calm tone.


    ¡°Coming during the day to see them is a suitable idea Ethan and I suggest you stick to that and don¡¯t cross the line,¡± I said, frowning slightly at his suggestion of spending the night.


    ¡°All right then but I can take them anywhere I want right?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°Yes but with my permission,¡± I said.


    Finally, the tension in the room gradually reduced as we were slowly resolving the issues we had at hand. Just when I thought the week was already going smoothly, Ethan showed up with a copy of a contract that was supposed to be in Anthony¡¯s possession.


    Fiona who I thought I could maybe trust had finally built back the wall of distrust in my heart. I want nothing more than life, peace, unity, and trust but these things keep going away one after the other.


    ¡°Alright I think it¡¯s time I leave,¡± Ethan said, standing to his feet.


    ¡°It¡¯s way past time you get lost¡± Nichs uttered rudely and I could see Ethan¡¯s fist clenching by his side.


    ¡°All right fes I think we¡¯ve had enough drama for today,¡± I said, walking to Ethan, dragging him by his hand, and taking him towards the door ¡°Good night Ethan,¡± I said as I opened the front door for him, gesturing with my hand that he should go home.


    ¡°Good night Monica,¡± he said, staring at me affectionately but I couldn¡¯t care less. I was with Nichs and Nichs was the man I love. He was the man after my heart.

 Chapter 73 – Doing something fun

    Nichs POV


    Today was one of the days I always feared mighte to pass. The fact that my marriage contract is in the hands of my brother scares me even more. I stood on the balcony of our room as I reflected deeply on the events that unfolded today.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Two weeks Nichs. I give you two weeks¡±


    His words echoed in my ears and I couldn¡¯t help but be restless. It was nine pm already and ought to be sleeping but I just can¡¯t get my mind off the fact that Greg could wake up one morning and hand over that contact to the director.


    If that eventually happens, everything I¡¯ve worked hard for would go down the drain. I will lose my inheritance, reputation, and respect from the directors.


    I can¡¯t let Greg take any drastic move against me. I needed to do something and I needed to do it fast. Greg is very desperate to take my position as CEO and I can¡¯t watch him take my position.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Monica whispered in my ears, jolting me out of my thoughts as she hugged me around my waist from behind


    ¡°I¡¯m just worried, scared, and restless. I can¡¯t get my mind off the fact that the contract is in the wrong hands¡± I said, sharing my worries with Monica


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said and I frowned.


    ¡°Sorry for what?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Foring into your life. If I hadn¡¯t shown up, there wouldn¡¯t have been any marriage contract in the first ce¡± she said and turned around to look at her


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be sorry about and if there¡¯s anyone that should be apologizing, it¡¯s me. I was the one who decided we should have a contract to bind our agreement so this is my fault¡± I said, gently pulling her closer.


    Silence became ourpanion as we both allowed the fresh breeze to blow past us, giving our bodies a cooling effect.


    ¡°How about we do something fun?¡± Monica said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have the energy to do anything fun right now Monica. I¡¯m too restless to y right now¡± I said, dismissing her suggestion


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even seen the game,¡± she said, frowning slightly.


    I didn¡¯t want to make her unhappy so I gestured for her to go on with whatever she had in mind. She took hold of my hand as she pulled me gently into our room.


    We walked back to our room and she pushed me to sit on a ck armless ent chair in our room.


    She went back to bed and started ying music from her phone and I still couldn¡¯t understand what game she was interested in ying.


    Monica closed the curtains and switched our room¡¯s white light to a red one. She then took off her robe and I swallowed hard as my gazended on the baby doll white dress she had on.


    ¡°Do you like?¡± She asked as she licked her lips seductively.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just cut to the chase,¡± I said as I stood up intending to walk up to her and have her instantly but she took three steps backward.


    ¡°Go back and sit down or else this won¡¯t continue. I want to be in charge this night¡± she said, pointing her index finger at the chair I got up from.


    ¡°Baby please not this night¡± I pleaded as my little man in between my legs was already awakened.


    I never suspected that this was the game Monica was talking about. When she talked about doing something fun, I thought she wanted to y a game but this wasn¡¯t what I was expecting.


    ¡°shhh the sweetest part of the song is about to start,¡± she said, silencing me as she stared at me seductively.


    She started whining her hips seductively and she walked towards me, biting her lips seductively. She got to where I stood and ced her legs by my side as she sat on my thigh.


    I instantly grasped her by her waist but she instantly stood up ¡°No touching until I say so¡± shemanded and I couldn¡¯t help to obey. It was like she had suddenly ced a charm on me.


    She began whining slowly on my thigh as I clenched my fist, trying to hold back from touching her. Her hips moved on my thigh in a slow, rhythmic motion.


    I closed my eyes as I enjoyed her movement on my thigh. She gently rocked back and forth ¡°Please can I touch_¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she said, her voice sharp and firm.


    She continued moving back and forth then suddenly switched to making circr movements with her hips. Her blue eyes stared at my eyes as she maintained her contact.


    She suddenly smiled mischievously ¡°I can feel you under me. Do you want to feel me raw?¡± She whispered in my ears as she ced three gentle kisses which sent chills down my spine.


    ¡°Yes¡± I whispered back, unable to speak out loudly as I so much itched to touch her but I couldn¡¯t.


    She suddenly stopped as she rose to her feet and got off my thigh. She slowly loosed the straps of her gown with each hand on either side of her shoulder while maintaining eye contact, making the gown hit the ground and revealing her perfectly radiant body


    My breathing suddenly became rapid as I stared I began shifting positions on the seat I sat on. The room suddenly became hot and I wanted nothing more than to touch every part of Monica¡¯s body.


    Subconsciously, I licked my lips as she started walking closer to me. The restlessness and worries I had earlier on suddenly grew wings and flew out the window.


    Monica sat on my thigh once more and started taking off my clothes. She took off my pajama shirt and teased my nipples with her tongue. ¡°ahh Monica¡± I moaned huskily as I closed my eyes in pleasure.


    ¡°Tell me what you want,¡± she said softly, her blue eyes lingering on mine and I also noticed her eyes had darkened.


    ¡°You¡± I replied, fixing my gaze on her.


    She smiled seductively as she stood up from my thigh again, making me lose the warmth that I felt from our body contact.


    ¡°Strip and get on the bed¡± she ordered and I instantly took out from my pajama pants and got on the bed, my little man standing and waiting patiently to be weed in her wet, sweet, and warm p***y.


    She climbed on the bed and positioned herself on top of my little man. She began going down and slowly swallowing my little man and I almost lost it  ¡°f**k¡± I uttered as I touched her waist and she instantly spanked my hand.


    ¡°No touching¡± she reminded and I quickly removed my hands from her waist.


    She began taking my little man in her tight juicy p***y and I bit my lip hard, trying to keep my hands in check. This was torture. I so much wanted to feel Monica¡¯s body against mine. I wanted to feel her boobs on my chest and I wanted to caress her ass.


    She began riding me and I could see her lips slightly opened as she moaned in ecstasy. ¡°Monica please¡± I begged, my voice huskier than before.


    ¡°What do you want Nichs? I want you to tell me what you want¡± she said, increasing her pace as she began riding me faster


    ¡°You f*****g know what I want Monica. Stop torturing me like this please¡± I begged but she only smirked.


    ¡°What do you want Nichs¡± she asked again


    ¡°I want to touch you Monica¡± I replied softly as I started raising my hips and thrusting deep into her.


    ¡°Okay¡± she whispered in my ears and I instantly grabbed her waist as I turned her over with me on top of her on the bed.


    I began thrusting deep inside her as I moaned in pleasure. Monica was always tight and juicy and I don¡¯t think I was ever going to get enough of her. She had ways she made me crazy.


    ¡°ahh¡­yes honey faster¡± she moaned as she held me tightly on my shoulders.


    I increased my pace and in no time, I was beginning to lose control of myself and I knew I was close to releasing ¡°f**k honey I¡¯m close¡± I groaned as I began kissing her hard on her neck.


    ¡°Me too¡± she responded as I began to feel her p***y tightening around my c**k.


    ¡°Nich_os¡± she stammered as she screamed, c*****g once and just as I was about to pull out, she locked me in between her legs.


    ¡°Honey I_¡± I said but she cut me short


    ¡°Cum inside me,¡± she said and that was all it took to for me explode myself inside her.


    I groaned in pleasure and I felt her legs trembling on my waist. We both caught our breath and closed our eyes with our heads joined against each other, smiling in satisfaction.


    ¡°That was_¡± she started


    ¡°Intense,¡± I said,pleting her words.


    ¡°This was fun right,¡± she asked still with her eyes closed.


    ¡°Very fun and sweet¡± I responded, satisfied with what we just had.

 Chapter 74 – Getting over what Fiona did

    Anthony POV


    I buried myself in the work I had to attend to in my studies as I sighed and reviewed every document that required my attention.


    Tomorrow was a big day for me because I was going to be defending a huge foreign client in court so I needed to make sure that all the evidence was intact.


    Ignoring Fiona since we came back home hasn¡¯t been easy. What she did was something that hurt me deeply and it was going to take multiple I¡¯m sorry to wipe that scene off my mind.


    ¡°Her darling aren¡¯t youing to bed¡± I heard Fiona¡¯s voice behind me with her hands on my shoulders, trying to massage me but I took her hands off my shoulders instantly.


    ¡°Go to bed. I won¡¯t be joining you early today¡± I said coldly, not sparing her a nce.


    ¡°Please can we talk,¡± she said, her voice low


    ¡°I¡¯m busy and can¡¯t talk right now,¡± I said, my eyes fixed on the papers in front of me.


    ¡°Anthony I know I messed up and I¡¯m sorry about what_¡±


    ¡°I said I don¡¯t want to talk about it¡± I talked, hitting my hand which was already in a fist on the table as I stared daggers


    She looked at me startled as she stood frozen. I dropped the pen as I abruptly pushed the chair backward forcefully and walked round the table, deciding to leave the office.


    I just couldn¡¯t look at Fiona, at least not for now. Whenever I look at her, I remember what transpired today at Nichs¡¯s house and I can¡¯t help but me myself for letting things get this far.


    ¡°Anthony please you¡¯re breaking my heart¡± I paused in my tracks as I heard those words


    ¡°Breaking your heart? Fiona, you betrayed and hurt me again. I trusted you, Fiona. I trusted you to the extent you knew the code of the safe where I kept that contract. I trusted you to the extent I told you all about Monica and Nichs and yet you stabbed me in the back and gave Greg that contract paper¡± I said, my heart splitting into halves as I remembered what she did.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t. Don¡¯t say sorry because I¡¯m tired of hearing it. I don¡¯t want to hear any more sorries¡± I said, my voice sharp and echoing in the hallway.


    ¡°I did it because of you Anthony. I was scared. Greg threatened to kill you and hurt me and I didn¡¯t want that. I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to you. Please understand me, Anthony¡±


    Fiona¡¯s shaking voice uttered as tears began gathering in her eyes it hurt me to see her like this but I was pissed by what she had done.


    ¡°Do you know the painful fact about what you did? The part where you deceived me. The part where you lied to me Fiona¡± I said, speaking from a hurt of pain and disappointment.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie to you, Anthony. I never lied to you¡±, she said, defending herself.


    ¡°Yes, you lied Fiona. You told me that Greg sent you out of the house because he found out you were pregnant but the actual truth was that he let you go so he could use you against me, Monica, and Nichs¡±


    ¡°Anthony please let¡¯s not argue over this. It¡¯s all in the past please¡± Fiona uttered sadly, her eyes bing puffy.


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem, Fiona¡­ I can¡¯t seem to forget and I don¡¯t know why¡± I said, tears slowly gathering in my eyes.


    ¡°Anthony forgive me, please. I know I hurt you and deceived you but I promise not to ever do it again¡± Fiona begged as she tried to take my hand in her but I removed my hands immediately.


    ¡°you once hurt me like this Fiona. Yes, back then when you broke up with me for no reason and left me with no exnation. That was the first time you shattered me into unmendable pieces but thankfully, I regained myself. Now you are doing it again. You hurt me by stabbing me in the back. How could you Fiona, I trusted you. I was finally happy to be with my first love but never knew that Greg was just using you to get to me¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Fiona began sobbing as she used her hand to cover the noiseing out of her mouth and I watched her, pain engulfing my heart. I wanted to hold her andfort her but I still can¡¯t get past what she did.


    This is one of the reasons I and Nichs never trust anyone but ourselves and each other. I trusted Fiona to the extent that I could bet a million dors for her.


    Realizing that someone you trust is working with your enemy brings another kind of pain, sadness, and insecurity around that person.


    I never for once doubted her. I was so happy when I found out she was pregnant. I had my suspicions about Greg letting her go that easily but I just threw the thought aside.


    ¡°What would I have done Anthony? I had no choice but to do what Greg wanted.¡±


    ¡°You had a choice, Fiona. You had a choice to tell me what you know. You had a choice of talking to me and confessing everything to me but you decided to do things on your own. For once in your life Fiona, stop trying to do things on your own. Always learn to ask for help and talk to those around you. We can¡¯t function alone and that¡¯s why we¡¯re blessed with people who love us, people who love you Fiona like me, like Monica¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Anthony and I know I messed up but please stop pushing me away. Stop avoiding me. Let¡¯s just forget about what happened please¡±  Fiona said, her hands clenching her shirt as she began sobbing again


    Fiona¡¯s action was so unexpected and hurtful. Her actions were going to take a lot of time before they left my mind. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea to remain with a person that I couldn¡¯t trust. Her actions had broken any trust I had for her.


    The best she would have done was tell me what was going on but she kept it to herself and caused havoc between Nichs and me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Fiona but I¡¯m gonna need more time,¡± I said as I left her in the hallway and walked into one of the guest rooms so I could sleep. I just didn¡¯t want to be anywhere close to her.

 Chapter 75 – The kids

    Arriving home, I entered the house to see Mia sitting in the living room and staring hard at me. I sighed as I proceeded to take the stairs, but paused on her question ¡°Where have you been? It¡¯s nine-thirty pm and you¡¯re just walking into the house and ignoring my presence¡±


    ¡°Please Mia, not today,¡± I said, trying to bring whatever discussion she was trying to bring up to a halt, but she wasn¡¯t having it.


    ¡°Where have you been, Ethan? Where are youing from? You left home in the morning, and you¡¯reing in by this time¡± she said rudely, her voice sharp.


    ¡°I just had a few shots of alcohol, and I¡¯m not ready to exchange words with you Mia,¡± I said, taking another step on the stairs while she continued her question.


    ¡°Were you at Monica¡¯s house?¡± She asked, her voiceced with jealousy.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied, not having any strong reason to lie. Taking the stairs, I noticed a deep frown on her face and she began following me up the stairs.


    ¡°What did you do there? Did you go to see Monica? Ethan, are you cheating on me?¡± Her sharp voice echoed in the living room as she climbed the stairs behind me. ¡°Ethan¡±


    ¡°Do you think Monica is like you?¡± I said, clenching my fist as I red at her.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she said, shocked by my question.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Yes Mia, do you think Monica is like you? Monica isn¡¯t the type of person who takes people¡¯s husbands, so don¡¯t worry about her taking yours¡±, I said, and she instantly fell silent, wearing a sad expression on her face.


    The n was to go home, get to the guest room, and sleep but Mia was making this night a little difficult.


    I got to the room and started unbuttoning my white sleeve shirt sluggishly, but my hands fell to my side when I heard mia voice behind me


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question, Ethan. What did you do in her house? Were you alone with her?¡± Mia asked, her voice slightly raised.


    ¡°I went to the Nichs house from the office today because I found out something about the kids,¡± I said, my eyes half closed as I felt like just dropping on the bed and sleeping.


    ¡°About her kids? What about her kids? How does her kid concern you?¡± Mia asked, further stretching the issue.


    ¡°I found out that they¡¯re mine,¡± I said, taking out my shirt and dropping it in theundry basket in the room.


    ¡°Your kids? Monica, kids are yours¡±, Mia yelled in shock and I instantly red at her.


    ¡°Stop screaming like you¡¯ve lost it,¡± I said harshly. I sighed as I just crashed on the bed, intending to sleep, but Mia sat on the edge of the bed with more annoying and tiring questions.


    ¡°This is good news, Ethan. This means you aren¡¯t impotent. I can¡¯t believe Monica was pregnant with your child all this while. This means I¡¯m also a mother.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you have the right to call yourself that? You took your best friend¡¯s husband and made him send her away, and now you find out that she had a child with him, and you call yourself the child¡¯s mother. That is disgusting, Mia. You¡¯re pathetic¡±, I spat vehemently.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about anything you say. I¡¯m happy that Monica has kids and that makes me a stepmother because I¡¯m your wife. I¡¯m also their aunt because Monica is my sister¡± Mia stared at the ceiling dreamily. ¡°This is a great reunion.¡±


    ¡°Stop dreaming Mia. You don¡¯t deserve any of those titles. You¡¯re too dirty and disgusting to say such¡± I said harshly.


    Mia was very cunning, and it was one of the very reasons I broke up with her during our first rtionship before meeting Monica.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the next step?¡± She asked excitedly.


    ¡°What step?¡± I asked, irked by her question.


    ¡°Are you going to take full custody of the kids? I think you should sue Monica in court for keeping your kids away from you all this while¡± she said, pissing me off.


    ¡°Can you hear yourself? Do you remember that I was the one who sent her out when she was pregnant¡± I said.


    ¡°And you did that because you didn¡¯t know she was pregnant,¡± Mia said.


    ¡°But Monica tried to tell me but because I was manipted by you, I didn¡¯t want to listen to her. She entered a marriage contract with Nichs and Nichs imed the kids ¡±


    ¡°What! Monica and Nichs are bonded by a contract?¡± Mia asked in shock.


    ¡°Not anymore. They¡¯re now officially together¡± I said.


    ¡°So what about the kids? You also have a right to them as their father¡± Mia said, not willing to end the discussion.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that and Monica came up with a peaceful n. I cane to see the kids anytime I want and spend time with them¡±


    ¡°Them? How many are they exactly?¡± Mia asked in confusion and her question made me frown


    ¡°I¡¯ve been saying kids all this while and nothing happened to your empty brain?¡± I asked, getting tired of the dumbass woman I have as a wife. I still can¡¯t believe I sent Monica out of my life because of Mia.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice it. Does this mean there are two of them?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Mason and Macy are the names of my kids, and they are twins¡± I exined, a smile appearing on my lips as I felt proud to call them mine.


    ¡°Wow, Ethan, that¡¯s huge. I couldn¡¯t even think you could have a child talk more of having two already. This is good news¡± Mia said excitedly, but there was something about her excitement that I didn¡¯t trust.


    ¡°So when are we going to see them?¡± She asked, a broad smile on her face.


    ¡°We? There¡¯s no WE Mia. I¡¯m going to see them tomorrow, and you¡¯re noting with me darling¡± I stated, turning to my side as my eyes began closing gradually.


    ¡°I¡¯m going with you tomorrow and that¡¯s final¡± Mia uttered angrily and stormed out of the room, not closing the door behind her.


    I chuckled as I found her attitude childish. Tomorrow was going to be the first time I was going to touch Macy and Mason and I looked forward to it.

 Chapter 76 – The twins

    Monica¡¯s POV


    IN THE MORNINGN?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Nichs stop for a minute and eat your breakfast,¡± I said worriedly to Nichs who was engrossed in hisptop. Since he came down for breakfast, he has been typing on hisptop and his food was gradually getting cold.


    I sat by his side as I fed Mason and Macy who were on their baby pusher. Macy sucked on her baby feeding bottle with a happy expression on her face but Mason seemed not to like the food.


    He kept turning his face sideways whenever I brought the feeding bottle close to his lips and I figured he wanted breast milk but I was tired of feeding them breast milk.


    My breast wasn¡¯t standing like it usually do and Mason was fond of biting hard on my nipple. Mason stared at my chest with tears gathering in his eyes as he stretched his hand for me to carry him but I didn¡¯t want to give him breast milk. My boobs were already hurting.


    ¡°What does Mason want? Doesn¡¯t he like the food? Should we get another brand?¡± Nichs asked, worry etched on his face as his gaze lingered on Mason who had already started crying.


    ¡°he wants breast milk¡± I responded and smiled when Nichs wore a frown. Nichs has been ranting about the fact that Mason has been sucking my boobs more than him and I couldn¡¯t help butugh hard whenever heined.


    ¡°Force the food down his throat¡± Nichs ordered and I raised an eyebrow as I stared at him in amusement.


    ¡°You want me to choke him? You want to kill your only son?¡± I asked, trying to hold back fromughing.


    ¡°Well he seems to want to start dragging his mother with his father and I have to teach him that I¡¯m the man in this house,¡± Nichs said.


    ¡°Not funny honey. Maybe try saying something else¡± I uttered, fixing my gaze back on Macy who sucked hard on her feeding bottle and instantly began to cry when the food had furnished.


    ¡°I wonder how Aunt E copes with these kids. They are so stressful. I feel like taking another vacation¡± I said frustratedly as I quickly prepared another warm milk for Macy.


    ¡°Should we take a vacation?¡± Nichs asked, winking at me and I couldn¡¯t help but blush


    ¡°No¡± I uttered bluntly


    ¡°I promise, it¡¯s going to be a short one,¡± he said almost immediately.


    ¡°Your food is going to get cold honey. Don¡¯t let Aunt Patricia see that you haven¡¯t touched your food. She won¡¯t be happy¡± I said, my gaze on the te which he pushed beside hisptop.


    ¡°Good morning¡± I heard a familiar voice echoing in the room and I turned sideways to see Mia walking majestically into our dining.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Who the hell let you in my house?¡± I asked coldly as I frowned deeply.


    ¡°Hey, chill sis. I came to see my step kids¡± her reply made my blood boil as I red at her.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t your stepkids,¡± I said, ring at Ethan who was walking towards us.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Monica but she insisted oning. I wanted to call but my phone battery died. I¡¯m really sorry about this and if you don¡¯t want her here, I could call my driver toe pick her up so she can go_¡±


    ¡°Excuse me. I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯m here to see my kids¡± Mia said, cutting Ethan short on his words.


    ¡°Will you just shut up? I¡¯m trying to settle things¡± Ethan barked at Mia and I could tell that they weren¡¯t on good terms.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t your kids¡± I corrected Mia who had a fierce gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about mia attitude Monica but please we came to spend a little time with the kids¡± Ethan¡¯s soft voice made my anger towards Mia decipate a little.


    I looked over at Nichs who wore a deep frown on his face, his gaze on Ethan. I looked back at Ethan and I didn¡¯t like the affectionate and soft gaze he gave me.


    I turned around, picked up Mason¡¯s feeding bottle, and ced it on Mia¡¯s chest ¡°You want to spend time with the kids? Here, feed Mason¡± I said and she quickly held the feeding bottle on her chest and smiled at Mason who poured his lips with tears in his eyes.


    She squatted to his level with an adorable smile on her face and I couldn¡¯t help but roll my eyes. I sat back in my seat and watched intently as she tried cing the feeding bottle on Mason¡¯s lips but he turned his head away.


    She smiled as she began singing a popr luby my mom always sang for me whenever I found it hard to sleep.


    The luby brought memories of my mom and I couldn¡¯t help but miss my mother. Mia sang softly and I noticed Mason gradually stop crying as he pouted his lips and stared at Mia with his adorable cute teary eyes.


    I was astonished that a luby could make him stop crying and felt a pang of jealousy wash over me. I felt jealous about the fact that Mia was able to make Mason stop crying but I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about her?¡± I muttered under my breath as I saw Mason beginning to giggle. Mia took this cue and ced the feeding bottle close to Mason¡¯s lips and my heart crashed in sadness seeing my son dly open his mouth for my backstabber sister to feed him.


    ¡°You¡¯re very good Mia. Well done¡± I red at Ethan who had a smile on his face but that smile disappeared when he realized I was ring at him.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze shifted from me to Macy who watched her brother dly eat from Mia. Ethan reached forward as he tried to carry Macy in his arms. He lifted her up and she instantly let out a loud scream as she began to cry.


    Ethan pat her on her back, trying to stop her from crying but the volume of her voice only increased. Nichs instantly rose to his feet and walked towards Ethan who still couldn¡¯t stop Macy from crying


    Nichs just stood by Ethan¡¯s side without making any move and the instant Macy saw him, she leaned in Nichs reached to her and took her off Ethan¡¯s hand and she instantly went mute.


    ¡°This is a clear sign that she likes me more than you¡± Nichs uttered with a smirk on his face and I couldn¡¯t help but nod my head from side to side at Nichs¡¯s childish attitude.


    ¡°Was that necessary?¡± I asked Nichs as he walked past me and went back to his seat with Macy wrapping her tiny little hands around his neck.


    ¡°It¡¯s the truth,¡± he said, defending himself. ¡± This only proves that I¡¯m the only father she recognizes¡±


    ¡°Then maybe if you give me more time with her, she would recognize who her real father is,¡± Ethan said, gritting his teeth, not pleased by what Nichs said.

 Chapter 77 – MINE

    Monica¡¯s POV


    A MONTH LATER


    It¡¯s been over a month since Ethan came over to see the kids. He has been friendly and very yful with them. Mason has managed to like Ethan and Mia, but Macy, on the other hand has decided to be with Nichs.


    We were having a pic in the park and Nichs had booked the whole day in the pack. I was setting the snack we were going to have when I heard Macy¡¯s scream. Turning my head, I saw Mia trying to calm her down, but Macy just didn¡¯t want Mia carrying her.


    ¡°Give her to me¡± I ordered as I reached Macy, who instantly leaned in, wanting me to carry her from Mia.


    Macy still hasn¡¯t gotten used to Mia and Ethan. She prefers I or Nichs touching her and whenever Ethan or Mia tries to touch her, she screams and starts crying, and I¡¯vee to realize that she doesn¡¯t like them.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. I just wanted to y with her¡±, Mia said, her voice calm andced with sadness.


    ¡°I know but Macy still hasn¡¯t gotten used to you or Ethan, so please you have to give her time to adjust to your presence,¡± I said, patting Macy on her back as she wrapped her little hands around my neck gently.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Mia said anxiously, her gaze on her feet.


    ¡°About what?¡± I asked in curiosity.


    ¡°About us. I know I¡¯ve made mistakes, and I¡¯ve done horrible things to you Monica, and I regret everything. I¡¯m sorry Monica. I¡¯m sorry for taking Ethan from you and destroying your marriage, I¡¯m sorry for betraying you when you showed me nothing but love, I¡¯m sorry for causing you pain, I¡¯m sorry for hurting you¡± Mia uttered, her voice trembling as she fumbled with her fingers. But for some reason, I doubted herN?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Are you sorry, or you¡¯re just pretending?¡± I asked with a serious face, and she raised her head, her teary brown eyes staring back at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry Monica,¡± she uttered, and I stared at her intently, searching her eyes for a hint of truth.


    ¡°I forgive you, Mia. It¡¯s all in the past. Let¡¯s forget about it¡± I said, and walked past her with Macy in my arms.


    Nichs and Ethan joined us and we all started the pic. I sat very close to Nichs, who took Macy from me and ced her in her stroller.


    We had lots of snacks, food, and red wine. It was just a small outing we had nned to do with the kids. Mason sat in between Mia and Ethan and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little jealous when I saw him giggle orugh with them.


    For a moment, I felt they had managed to take my son away from me. ¡°Mason¡± I called and he turned to look at me, a cute smile on his face, ¡°Come to Mama,¡± I said, and he giggled once more before slowly crawling to where I sat.


    The kids were growing very fast and they could hear and understand us when we spoke.


    ¡°Why did you call him? Wasn¡¯t he fine with us?¡± Mia asked, clearly upset that I took Mason from them.


    ¡°I just want to feed him¡± I lied, my voice confident.


    ¡°I can do that. You just have to give me his feeding bottle¡± Mia said, stretching her hand towards me so I gave her the feeding bottle.


    ¡°No that¡¯s not what I mean. I mean I want to breastfeed him¡± I uttered, not willing to let Mason go to them.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem with that. Once Mason is done eating, he cane over here and sit with us¡± Ethan said, trying to remove the tension that was already building up.


    I smirked as I saw Mia¡¯s hands in a fist, staring daggers at me. Whenever they were around, Mason often spent time with them and I couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous that they were taking my son from me. Mia and Mason were getting too close, and I wasn¡¯tfortable with that.


    I took out my boobs while using my hand to cover it partly, and I ced Mason on my thigh and directed the nipples to his mouth. I knew Mason would never turn his head from his food and that was why I lied that I wanted to feed him.


    Mason could eat the whole day and would still be hungry. He was a foodie and his favorite thing was my boobs.


    ¡°Get your eyes off my wife¡±, Nichs growled beside me and I fixed my gaze on him, but his eyes were on something else. I followed his gaze and saw Ethan¡¯s lustful eyes on my boobs. I couldn¡¯t help but feel disgusted.


    Ethan¡¯s gazended on me and then moved to Nichs, who was already gritting his teeth. ¡°She was once mine before she became yours. There¡¯s nothing to hide because I¡¯ve seen everything about her¡± Ethan uttered sharply, and before I could say anything, Nichsnded a punch on his face.


    I gasped in shock as Ethan retaliated and pushed him hard in his chest. I knew this wasn¡¯t going to end well so, I instantly removed my nipples from Mason and ced him in his stroller.


    ¡°Honey, don¡¯t pay attention to him. Please let this go¡± I uttered as I quickly stood in front of Nichs with my two hands on his chest, trying as much as possible to push him backward and prevent him from moving to where Ethan stood.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time you¡¯ve looked at my wife in unpleasant ways but I¡¯m going to warn you, Ethan, if you do this again, I will make sure it¡¯s thest time you look at her that way¡± Nichs warned then his hard rended on me and I couldn¡¯t help but swallow a lump as chills ran down my spine.


    His gaze gradually softened as his thumb caressed my cheeks and I couldn¡¯t help but close my eyes, leaning in on his touch. It was as if we were the only ones in the pack and I hadpletely forgotten about Mia and Ethan.


    I opened my eyes when he stopped caressing my cheeks and I noticed Nichs¡¯s gaze lingering on my half-opened chest. I could see his gaze darkening with arousal.


    I just stared at his mesmerizing blue eyes, and before I could think of anything, he crashed his lips on me. His soft lips moved in rhythm with mine as we engaged in a slow, passionate kiss. Forgetting that Ethan and Mia were watching, Nichs grabbed my left ass and I moaned, leaning on his body and craving for more.


    Nichs broke the kiss and I reached towards him, intending to continue, but he only just smiled and stared at me and that¡¯s when it dawned on me. Ethan and Mia were watching the whole scene.


    I felt like burying myself in a hole and I couldn¡¯t help but hit Nichs on his chest with my hand in a fist. I was embarrassed and shy.


    ¡°She is mine, Ethan, and only me can make her feel this good so BACK OFF¡±, Nichs yelled, his eyes fixed on Ethan with a smirk on his lips.

 Chapter 78 – An horrible suggestion

    Mia POV


    I watched Ethan tremble in anger as he watched Nichs and Monica kissing. This was the answer I was looking for and I wasn¡¯t happy about it.


    In the past months that we¡¯ve been visiting the sterlings, I¡¯ve noticed the lustful and affectionate looks Ethan has been giving Monica, but I thought I was overthinking things.


    ¡°She is mine, Ethan, and only me can make her feel this good so BACK OFF,¡± Nichs said, ring at Ethan whose jaw was already clenched.


    Seeing this now only proves I¡¯ve been right, and I¡¯ve got to do something about it. Ethan was mine and I wasn¡¯t ready to lose him to Monica a second time.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± Ethan¡¯s deep and sharp voice jolted me from my thoughts as I watched him walk past me.


    ¡°But we haven¡¯t_¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± Ethanmanded, his voice slightly raised as he stared hard at me. I frowned as I began moving and we both went to the car and entered in silence.


    The driver started the car and I could hear Ethan cursing under his breath. We were supposed to spend the whole day with the kids and now we were back home, achieving nothing.


    ¡°When will the kids visit us?¡± I asked, not satisfied with the fact that we always go to Monica¡¯s ce and they nevere to our ce.


    ¡°They¡¯re noting.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Why? We always visit them so why can¡¯t the kids also visit us? They¡¯re our kids too¡± I said, slightly annoyed by his shirt response.


    ¡°They¡¯re my kids, not yours¡± Ethan barked at me and I couldn¡¯t bear it anymore


    ¡°Why are you yelling at me huh? If there¡¯s anyone to be angry at it¡¯s Nichs and not me so stop venting your anger and frustration on me¡± I yelled back, pissed with his rubbish attitude since we left the sterlings.


    ¡°No, I have no right to be angry at Nichs. It¡¯s you I¡¯m supposed to be angry at because ever since you showed up in my life, you¡¯ve been nothing but a waster and liability. You can¡¯t give me kids, you can¡¯t give me peace and you¡¯re not even as good as Monica in bed. I was so stupid to have chosen you over Monica because Monica is far better than_¡±


    I didn¡¯t let him continue speaking but silenced him by hitting my right hand on his left cheek. I was tired of Monica this, Monica that.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± He asked, his voice thundering in the car and I noticed the driver staring at us from time to time.


    ¡°I just need to bring sense back to your head. You are so angry and frustrated that you¡¯re putting all the me on me. You seem to forget that you were the one who chased her out. You¡¯re also forgetting that I didn¡¯te back to you but you were the one following me around and begging that we should be together again¡± I yelled, pointing my index finger at his face.


    Ethan breathed in and out furiously as he looked at me in rage. ¡°This is the reason why Monica is so different from you,¡± he said.


    ¡°Stopparing me with your ex-wife. I¡¯m not going to take that anymore¡± I said, my voice sharp and my gaze murderous


    ¡°Is that a threat¡± I chuckled at his question as I sighed in exhaustion. He had seeded in making me yell and wear myself out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss the kids. It¡¯s about time they stayed with us¡± I said, changing the topic but Ethan fell silent, still ring at me. ¡°Look Ethan it¡¯s about time you realize that I¡¯m not my sister and I will never be like her. We are two different personalities so get that into your head¡±     Ethan didn¡¯t talk to me throughout the ride and instantly dashed into the house as soon as we arrived home. I walked behind him, trying to keep up with his fast pace.


    ¡°I think we should take the kids away¡± I uttered and Ethan paused in his tracks.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± He asked and I sighed in relief after he stopped walking fast.


    ¡°Monica doesn¡¯t seem to like the fact that we are getting close to Mason and she doesn¡¯t even want us to know Macy better so I think we should take the kids with us¡±


    ¡°How are we going to do that?¡± He asked, turning around to meet my gaze as my idea captured his attention.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious Nichs and Monica are not willing to let us know the kids better so we should convince them to let the kids spend some time with us and once we have the kids, we disappear,¡± I said and Ethan¡¯s eyes instantly widened.


    ¡°Do you by any chance mean we should_¡±


    ¡°Yes Ethan, we should kidnap them and go far away,¡± I said and he nodded his head from side to side in disagreement.


    ¡°Are you nuts? Have you gone crazy? You are suggesting we kidnap the kids and leave? What about Monica who is their mother¡± Ethan asked, taking the stairs one at a time as he walked towards me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not crazy Ethan. I just want the kids all to ourselves. Are you so blind that you can¡¯t see the fact Monica and Nichs are never going to allow those kids to be with us? You¡¯re their father, and yet they don¡¯t even allow the kids toe over here to see you. They¡¯re so conscious of us that they don¡¯t allow the kids to spend so much time with us. Thest time you suggested that the kidse over here, they instantly disagreed and that shows that they don¡¯t like and trust us¡±


    ¡°So we should kidnap them and go far away?¡± Ethan asked in shock


    ¡°Think about it, Ethan. Nichs is very selfish and doesn¡¯t want you, their biological father, to be anywhere close to the kids that aren¡¯t his. Let¡¯s take the kids and go somewhere far¡± I suggested to Ethan, who I knew was deep in thought.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think this is a good idea, Mia, and I¡¯m not going to involve myself in this. I¡¯m going to ask Monica and Nichs to allow the kids to spend some weeks with us¡± he said, and I stared at him in disappointment.


    ¡°And if they don¡¯t agree?¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll do what I was meant to do a long time ago,¡± Ethan said, his gaze murderous and I hoped his n was better than mine.

 Chapter 79 – His burden

    Nichs POV


    AT NIGHT


    I waited on the bed patiently and after thirty minutes, Monica still wasn¡¯t back in the room. She had taken Mason and Macy to their room earlier on and still wasn¡¯t back.


    I abruptly got off the bed and walked to the kids¡¯ room to see Monica trying to put the kids to sleep. ¡°Are they sleeping already?¡± I whispered in her ears softly as I ced a kiss on her cheeks


    ¡°Almost there¡± she uttered calmly, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn¡¯t want the kids waking up back and crying again.


    I never knew kids were a lot of work. Monica barely has time for herself and sometimes spends the whole day taking care of the kids. When I heard from the doctor that Monica had delivered twins, I was so d but now seeing the stress they¡¯re putting her through, I just wished they weren¡¯t two kids but just one.


    ¡°I think they¡¯re fast asleep now¡± I uttered, noticing the kid¡¯s steady breath.


    Monica sighed in relief as she gently stood up from the stool she previously sat on and gently tiptoed, not intending to wake the kids up again.


    I turned around and walked out of the kid¡¯s room with Monica tiptoeing behind me. She slowly closed the door and crashed on me gently and I knew she was exhausted.


    I carried her in bridal style and she rested her head on my shoulder with her right hand around my neck. We got to the room and I gently ced her on the bed.


    She smiled weakly as she looked at me as I went round the bed and climbed on it, ensuring the duvet was covering our bodies. She shifted closer to me and ced her head on my chest.


    ¡°I know what you did,¡± she said, her voice low andced with exhaustion.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What did I do?¡± I asked in confusion and curiosity


    ¡°You kissed me to make Ethan jealous,¡± she said, raising her head so her gaze was on me.


    ¡°Of course I did. I wanted him to know his ce. I didn¡¯t like the way he was looking my my stuff¡± I uttered.


    ¡°What stuff? You¡¯re not serious Nichs¡± Monica uttered, smiling in amusement.


    ¡°Of course I am. You¡¯re mine and so is everything that is on your body. Everything belongs to me¡±


    ¡°And you are mine?¡± She asked, raising one of her eyebrow


    ¡°Yes, I am yours so is everything that is on me even my little man is aware that he belongs to you¡± I uttered winking at her and she snuggled in my embrace, hiding her flushed face on my chest. ¡°Do you like Mia?¡± I asked, interested to know what she thought about Mia.


    Mia seemed off and I just didn¡¯t like her. Though she was my sister-inw there was something off and dangerous about her and I knew I was right.


    ¡°No I don¡¯t like her and I don¡¯t trust her. I don¡¯t even like the fact that our son is getting closer and morefortable with them by day. I¡¯m relieved that Macy is still not getting along with them¡±


    ¡°But I pity Ethan¡± I uttered, remembering the smiles he has worn on his face this past few weeks that he has beening to see the kids.


    ¡°Yes, I pity him too. He wants to get along with the kids and know them better but I still don¡¯t trust that snake of a sister who is always with him. Mia is very cunning and maniptive¡± Monica uttered and I could sense the dislike she had for Mia.


    My phone buzzed loudly from the table and that made us bed our conversation as I turned to the bedmp and took up my phone.


    ¡°Hello,¡± I said.


    ¡°Hello sir, we still haven¡¯t found the woman from that night yet. The receptionist who used to work at the hotel had retired and moved out of the country so we still haven¡¯t spoken to her to get information from her¡± my private investigator said from the other end of the line.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of my business famous. I gave you a simple job and that is to find her¡± I uttered then removed the phone from my ears as I hung up.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Monica asked worriedly, a little frown on her face as she raised her head and stared at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡± I uttered, forcing a smile on my lips


    Monica narrowed her eyes as she stared at me intently ¡°There¡¯s something and I know it. You¡¯re keeping something from me and I don¡¯t like that. We aren¡¯t supposed to hide anything from each other remember?¡± She said, slightly upset that I didn¡¯t want to say anything.


    I sighed as I struggled within me to tell her the truth. This is something I¡¯ve been doing even before I met Monica and it¡¯s something I didn¡¯t want anyone to find out.


    ¡°It¡¯s something I did in the past honey and I¡¯m trying to correct it,¡± I said


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± she asked, her voice now sharp and no longer low


    ¡°Let¡¯s just forget about it. I don¡¯t want to talk about it¡± I uttered, trying to push the discussion aside but Monica wasn¡¯t letting go.


    ¡°Tell me or I¡¯ll go and sleep in the kids¡¯ room¡± she threatened and I sighed in exhaustion.


    ¡°Fine¡± I uttered ¡°I raped someone in the past and I¡¯m currently looking for her,¡± I said, dropping the bombshell.


    ¡°You did what?¡± Monica yelled, her eyes widened ¡°Nichs how could you do such a thing?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault honey. You¡¯ve got to believe me. I was drugged that night and I saw her in my room. I could hold myself and I raped her¡±


    ¡°So what are you trying to do now?¡± She asked her eyes on my phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to find her. I just want to apologize. I don¡¯t know who she was or where she lives but I know that I feel guilty whenever I remember that incident and I just want to make sure she is fine and evenpensate her¡± I uttered, guilt washing over me as I remembered her struggles of that night.


    ¡°Money isn¡¯t everything Nichs. She must¡¯ve gone through a lot of trauma. I¡¯m sure she is sad and even may be pregnant¡± Monica said, making the guilt I felt increase drastically ¡°Do you have an idea of who drugged you?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. I have no idea but I suspect Greg¡± I said.


    ¡°Why?¡± Monica asked.


    ¡°Because this happened a day before my father wanted to select who would take over Sterling¡¯s group. I¡¯m sure he wanted to drug me so that my father would find me disappointing and unworthy¡± I exined and Monica sighed.


    ¡°Do you have any evidence?¡± She asked and I fell mute. This was the problem. I didn¡¯t have any evidence and still couldn¡¯t find thedy I slept with that night.


    I¡¯ve been searching for her for almost a year now and yet nothing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what I did. I hope you don¡¯t hate me for it. It wasn¡¯t intentional¡± I said, looking at Monica whose eyes wereced with sadness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you honey and I know you didn¡¯t do this intentionally but I want us to find out who she is and apologize to her. Is that okay?¡±


    I nodded my head, giving her a positive reply and my eyes widened when she kissed me on my lips for just a short time. ¡± I can never hate you for any reason. Keep that in mind¡± she said as she smiled at me lovingly then rested her head on my chest again.


    Sharing this burden with her was very difficult but I don¡¯t regret sharing it with her. Raping thatdy a year and some months ago was a huge mistake and I was ready to amend my past. I could stand everyone hating me but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever survive if Monica hates me. She was anything and everything I could ever wish in a woman and I love her dearly.

 Chapter 80 – Joining hands together

    Ethan¡¯s POV


    I¡¯ve been thinking about what Mia said yesterday and I couldn¡¯t help but agree with her. Monica and Nichs were very conscious of us being around the kids.


    If it wasn¡¯t Nichs or Monica following and watching our every move with the kids, it would be some of Nichs¡¯s bodyguards.


    It¡¯s very suffocating and I can¡¯t help but get angry whenever I think about it.


    They were still my kids but I feel like a stranger to them. I can¡¯t y and move with them as I like just because I¡¯m not trusted.


    I sat on my ck swivel chair, turned around, and stared out the window of my office, looking at the buildings below.


    ¡®Are you so blind that you can¡¯t see


    the fact Monica and Nichs are never going to allow those kids to be with us? You¡¯re their father and yet they don¡¯t even allow the kids toe over here to see you


    Mia¡¯s words rang in my ears and I couldn¡¯t help but think deeply about what she said.


    It was a fact that Nichs and Monica were very conscious and would always monitor us whenever we were with the kids and I can¡¯t help but feel we are been watched and are not trusted


    A knock on the door jolted me out of my thoughts as I blinked my eyes and sighed in exhaustion ¡°Come in¡±


    ¡°Good morning sir. Mr. Greg is here to see you¡± Mr Frank uttered, holding his iPad in his right hand and staring back at me.


    I frowned after hearing Greg¡¯s name ¡°Mr. Greg?¡± I asked again, just to be certain.


    ¡°Yes, Mr Greg. Should I let him in sir?¡± He asked and I fell into confusion. Why would Greg be here and what was he doing here?


    I nodded and watched as my secretary walked out and less than five seconds, Greg walked in with a ck shade in his eyes and a smile on his lips.


    ¡°It nice to meet you once again Mr. Ethan,¡± he said, sitting on the seat opposite me and stretching his hand for a handshake


    ¡°Why are you here Mr Greg? There must be a reason why you left your office and decided toe to mind when we are not even aquatinted¡± I said, narrowing my eyes as I watched him intently.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting Greg to show up in my office this morning and I was beginning to wonder why he was here.


    ¡°How are your kids, Mr Ethan? Are they with you or with Nichs?¡± He asked and I couldn¡¯t help but clench my hand in a fist.


    ¡°They¡¯re with Monica¡± I responded, my voice harsh and cold. I hated the fact that he was emphasizing that the kids were with Nichs and not with me


    ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of then being with Monica. It¡¯s a matter of if they¡¯re with you as their father¡± he fourth said, removing his ck shade from his eyes with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°What do you want Greg?¡± I asked, staring angrily at him. I wasn¡¯t in the mood


    ¡°Your cooperation,¡± he said, and I scoffed.


    ¡°My cooperation? Cooperation for what?¡± I asked amused by his reply.


    ¡°I know what you want me Ethan. I know you want your ex-wife back and I also know you want your kids back in your life¡± he said, his voice low andced with danger


    ¡°How does that have anything to do with you?¡± I asked, clearly not seeing why he needed me.


    ¡°I want Nichs out of my way. He was able to permanently keep the CEO position to himself because of Monica but if you¡¯re able to get Monica and the kids back into your life, then he would be removed from his position and I would be appointed the new CEO¡± he exined and I realized that cooperating with him wasn¡¯t going to be a bad idea because we both were going to be benefiting.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested Mr Greg¡± I snapped instantly as I began signing the paper I had to sign, pretending to be busy.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t reject this offer if I were you Mr. Ethan¡± he uttered as he rose to his feet and dipped his hand into his pants pocket ¡°Here is my card. Call me whenever you¡¯re ready,¡± he said but I didn¡¯t say anything but continue typing on myptop and reading through the papers on the table.


    The moment I heard the door closing, I dropped the pen and sighed deeply. I didn¡¯t trust Greg and he seemed like someone who could backstab someone.


    I was going to go along with Mia¡¯s n. If I can¡¯t have Monica, at least I can have the kids.     I sat on the couch with Mason in my arms and I couldn¡¯t help but look at Monica and Nichs who were feeding each other with smiles on their face.


    ¡°How can she smile at him like that?¡± I muttered under my breath as a wave of jealousy and anger washed through me.


    I looked at Macy who was in Monica¡¯s arms and Mason who was giggling at me with his cute blue eyes. His eyes reminded me of Monica and I couldn¡¯t help but gush over the handsome cute son I had.


    It was time they came over to spend time with me. I was tired ofing to this house just to see my kids and it wasn¡¯t fair also.


    I rose to my feet and walked to where they both sat ¡°Hmmdudk¡± I faked a cough as I got closer to them, drawing their attention from each other.


    ¡°You¡¯re interrupting us¡± Nichs uttered rudely and my eyebrows knitted in a deep frown. He was pissing me off these days.


    ¡°I want to take the kids home,¡± I said, my eyes fixed on Monica.


    ¡°This is their home,¡± Nichs said and my jaw clenched.


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you motherf****r¡± I uttered coldly as I stared daggers at Nichs who I couldn¡¯t tolerate anymore.


    ¡°What did you just call me?¡± He asked rising to his feet and I could see his jaw clenching. If he wanted to fight, I was ready for him.


    ¡°Hey not now okay? I can¡¯t deal with the two of you right now so please just sit down like the gentleman that you both are¡± Monica uttered, rising to her feet and standing between us.


    ¡°I want the kids to stille home with me. I¡¯m their father and have every right to them as well¡± I said, my attention on Monica. I didn¡¯t want to look at Nichs because I knew that I might lose it


    ¡°What makes you their father huh?¡± Nichs asked.


    ¡°I should be the one asking you that question. What makes you their father Nichs? Is it the fact that you f**k the hell out of their mother¡±


    I yelled angrily and just as I expected, Nichs wanted tond a punch on my face but I was smart and swift in dodging his fist.


    ¡°Jesus Ethan¡± Monica uttered, shocked about what I said to Nichs.


    She instantly ced Macy on the couch and came to hug Nichs tightly around his neck. ¡°Hey honey don¡¯t listen to him,¡± Monica said calmly but Nichs¡¯ eyes red with anger as he gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Honey let me go and teach this bastard manners¡± Nichs yelled I knew that if I was going to fight Nichs then Mason had to be safe so I ced him on the couch and turned back to Nichs whose eyes were still fixed on me.


    ¡°Please Nichs just listen to me. Look at me¡± Monica said, her eyes teary and her voice sharp and I wondered why she was begging this imbecile ¡°This is not the way to go. Please just let this go and don¡¯t fight¡±


    Nichs¡¯s eyes shifted to Monica and I could see his eyes softening, lingering with care and love and I couldn¡¯t help but breathe rapidly in anger.


    It was going to take a lot to separate these two and I was ready to do whatever it takes.


    Nichs closed his eyes and rested his head on Monica¡¯s forehead. They remained like that for some minutes forgetting my presence and I felt ignored.


    ¡°I want to take the kids with me. It¡¯s just for a short period. They could stay with me for just a week and after that, they cane back. I just want to spend more time with my kids¡± I said, my voice soft and I hoped they agreed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this Ethan but that can¡¯t happen. Macy and Mason are my kids also and I don¡¯t trust you enough to take them¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m their father¡± I yelled as I hit the ss dining table with my fist, causing it to crack. Mason instantly began to cry and soon Macy followed.


    I¡¯m certain the loud noises must have scared them but Nichs and Monica needed to see that this was a serious matter.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Monica gasped in shock as her eyes widened on my hand which oozed blood and the cracked ss table under my fist


    ¡°You are not taking them Ethan and that final,¡± Nichs said.


    ¡°Then I have no choice but to tell the whole world who the biological father of those kids are. I taking this to court Nichs. I¡¯ve had enough of all of you and I refused to be quiet about this¡± I said, pointing my index finger at them as I smiled when I saw fear shing through Nichs¡¯s eyes. This was only the beginning.

 Chapter 81 – Threats

    Nichs POV


    ¡°Then I have no choice but to tell the whole world who the biological father of those kids are. I taking this to court Nichs. I¡¯ve had enough of all of you and I refused to be quiet about this¡± Ethan said, pointing his index finger at me and Monica then a mischievous smile appeared on his lips.


    My heart raced in fear as I watched the sudden mischievous smile on Ethan¡¯s lips. This was the one thing Ice feared for a very long time.


    Ethan suddenly showed up in our lives and destroyed everything I¡¯ve worked hard for.


    Telling the world that the kids I imed as mine were not only going to cause chaos in the media but also destroying my reputation and taking away my position as the CEO.


    That was the main reason I had a contract with Monica in the first ce. Speaking of Monica, I raised my head and I saw her holding Ethan¡¯s hand with her knees on the ground and that action snapped me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything but please don¡¯t tell anyone about the kids. Let¡¯s this just be a secret between us¡± Monica begged and her actions tugged at my heartstrings.


    It broke my heart to see the woman I love begging her ex. I knew she was doing this because she knew what I¡¯d lose if the world found out the thinnest CEO and billionaire was in a contract marriage and imed someone¡¯s kids just so he could retain his position as CEO.


    ¡°Then let the kids spend some time with me, Monica. Just one week and I promise that I¡¯ll bring them back safely¡± Ethan said, his eyes glinting with a mix of desperation and hope.


    That wasn¡¯t the first time Ethan was suggesting the kids spend some time with him but there was something off about it. For some strange reason, I always feel uneasy whenever he brings it up.


    If asked why I didn¡¯t want Mason and Macy to be with their father, I had no idea but I just had a gut feeling that I shouldn¡¯t allow it.


    ¡°Okay but just one week¡± Monica responded sadly, her voice low and steady and I stared at her in shock.


    ¡°All right thank you,¡± Ethan said, a smug smile disying on his lips ¡°You have my word,¡± he said, though his eyes suggested something else


    ¡°No¡± I yelled as both faces turned to me. One with shock and the other with a frown. ¡°We can¡¯t allow Ethan to take the kids with him. You¡¯re not taking them anywhere Ethan and that¡¯s final¡±


    ¡°What! Why? Honey, please think about this¡± Monica uttered, standing to her feet and her voice trembling in fear. I could see her fumbling with her nails and I knew she was anxious.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°you think I was bbering when I said I would tell everyone your secret right?¡± Ethan asked, his voice slightly sharp and deep.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Do whatever you want Ethan but there¡¯s something I want you to do now and that is for you to get out of my house¡± I said, pointing my index finger toward the door while maintaining eye s contact with him.


    ¡°Nichs_¡± Monica¡¯s voice trembled in disbelief.


    ¡°You will regret this¡± Ethan gritted his teeth as he red and me before walking towards the door. His words echoed in my ears for some minutes and I couldn¡¯t help but panic a little.


    ¡°Honey, what are you doing? Why are you letting your pride get the best of you? Why don¡¯t we just let him take Mason and Macy and at the same time, you get to keep yourpany?? Do you know what you will lose if anyone else finds out that Macy and Mason aren¡¯t yours?¡± Monica said, tears spilling from her eyes and streaming down her flushed cheeks.


    I walked to where she stood and used my thumb to get rid of the tears that stained her wless cheeks. ¡°I know what I¡¯ll lose if Ethan eventually speaks out honey but I can¡¯t let him take the kids,¡± I said and more tears spilled from her eyes


    ¡°Why? They¡¯re his biological kids and he has the right to_¡±


    ¡°I know honey but I have a bad feeling about this. I feel his intentions are not pure so please understand me and stop crying¡± I uttered, cing little kisses on her cheeks. I hated the fact that she was crying out of fear.


    ¡°What about thepany? What about if the directors find out and they remove you from your position? TGreg wins and you lose. Nichs, please think about this¡± She uttered, stamping her foot on the floor like a child and I knew she didn¡¯t like my decision.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about any of it. If I lose my reputation, my position, or even mypany, I don¡¯t care. I can cope with all of that but there¡¯s one thing I can¡¯t cope with and that¡¯s losing you or Mason or even Macy. I¡¯ve grown so attached to you and the kids that I can¡¯t afford to see the kids with Ethan please honey, stop crying, and just let whatever wants to happen happen. I¡¯m happy and contented as far as you¡¯re with me and the kids are with me¡± I said and she cried even more


    ¡°This is all my fault. If only we didn¡¯t have a contract then Ethan wouldn¡¯t have been threatening you by now¡± Monica said regrettably and I raised her chin so her eyes could meet mine


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault Monica. I don¡¯t care about Ethan¡¯s threats. Your love is enough for me. I don¡¯t mind if Greg bes the CEO as long as you¡¯re with me. If given a chance to meet you again in the afterlife, I would fall in love and marry you all over again. That¡¯s how much I love you Monica and I¡¯m not sorry about it¡±


    More Tears spilled from her eyes with a broad smile on her lips. ¡°You ought to be an actor and not a businessman


    I chuckled at her statement ¡°Why do you think so?¡± I asked and she just sniffed and looked at me adorably.


    She looked at me for about three minutes and I began to wonder what was in her mind.


    ¡°I love you, Nichs Sterling,¡± she said, engulfing me in a warm andforting embrace filled with nothing but desire, love, and happiness.

 Chapter 82 – Threats

    Nichs POV


    THREE DAYS LATER


    It¡¯s been three days since Ethan threatened to expose the truth and yet nothing has happened. Ethan¡¯s silence is keeping me on my toes and I can¡¯t help but check my phone every passing second for thetest news.


    If he was going to tell the press then the press were going to put it on air. I haven¡¯t heard anything from Greg too and I couldn¡¯t help but feel that something huge wasing.


    ¡± Hey!¡± Anthony said, touching my hand and jolting me out of my thoughts ¡°Are you listening to me?¡±


    ¡°Huh¡± I uttered, extremely lost in thought.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been absentminded for the past few days now and it¡¯s beginning to bug me. Are you all right Nichs?¡± Anthony asked, worry etched on his face as he dropped the pen in his hand and fixed his gaze on me.


    I sighed in exhaustion as I found his statement true. I¡¯ve been having a hard time sleeping and thinking of what Ethan is up to.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried,¡± I said, drumming my hands on the table.


    ¡°Worried about what?¡±


    ¡± Ethan showed up some days back and has threatened to expose the truth about the twins to the world,¡± I said,


    ¡°What!¡± Anthony eximed, his eyes widening ¡°And you¡¯re just telling me now¡± he added.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve just been restless about the situation and I cannot help but feel uneasy besides you haven¡¯t been around all these while¡± I uttered, running my hand as I rose to my feet.


    Silence lingered in the room for a few minutes then Anthony broke the silence with his question


    ¡°What do you think he is nning?¡± Anthony asked, staring at me in pity.


    ¡°That¡¯s the thing. I¡¯ve got no idea but I have a bad feeling about this. Ethan¡¯s silence is making me anxious¡± I uttered, trepidation evident in my voice


    ¡°Calm down Nichs and stop thinking about this. Whatever is going to happen should happen. You have to be firm in_¡±


    A knock on the door made Anthony pause his words as our gaze both turned to the doorContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good day, sir. There¡¯s a package for you¡±


    ¡°For me?¡± I asked, my eyes fixed on the ck envelope in my secretary¡¯s hand


    ¡°Yes sir¡± my secretary uttered, cing the ck envelope on my desk and bowing her head slightly before leaving the office, leaving behind a confused Anthony and I


    ¡°What do you think is inside?¡± Anthony asked, his eyes narrowing as he stared intently at the envelope.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know buddy. Why don¡¯t you open it so we know?¡± I asked them his gaze shifted to me


    ¡°Me? What if there¡¯s a bomb inside? The envelope didn¡¯te for me Nichs it came for you so I insist that you open it¡±


    I sighed in frustration as I took the envelope from the desk and Anthony instantly rose to his feet and stood some inches away from me ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± I asked, chuckling at his attitude.


    ¡°What!¡± Anthony uttered, feigning ignorance ¡°I¡¯m just here in case it¡¯s a bomb. I¡¯m not ready to die,¡± he said.


    I opened the envelope to find a piece of white paper inside. ¡°See it¡¯s just a paper,¡± I said, waving the paper in the air for Anthony to see.


    Opening the paper, I froze as I saw the words written on it


    THINGS YOU WILL LOSE IF YOU REFUSE TO COMPLY


    MONICA


    MACY


    MASON


    YOUR REPUTATION


    YOUR POSITION AS THE CEO


    COMPLY WITH WHAT I WANT AND KEEP EVERYTHING TO YOURSELF.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Anthony asked, rushing to my side as he grabbed the paper from my hand and stared at it. ¡°Who do you think it¡¯s from?¡± He asked and I instantly knew it was from Ethan.


    ¡°Is obviously from Ethan¡± I said, running my hand through my hair again in frustration.


    ¡°I see you already have my gift,¡± Greg said from the door, drawing both I and Anthony¡¯s attention to himself.


    ¡°What gift?¡± I asked, my eyebrows getting closer to each other on my forehead.


    ¡°That paper is from me Nichs¡± Greg uttered and I chuckled.


    ¡°You¡¯ve be so jobless that you now right childish things on paper and send them to my office in my envelope,¡± I said, gritting my teeth as I stared at the one stepbrother I wished I never had.


    ¡°It¡¯s not stupid Nichs. It¡¯s a fact¡± Greg uttered as he dipped his hand into his suit pocket and brought out his phone. I didn¡¯t know what he was doing but Ethan¡¯s voice stunned me.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready to join forces with you Greg. Give me Monica and the kids and do whatever you want with Nichs. We both will benefit from this if we work together¡±


    ¡°Oh you¡¯ve changed your mind already¡±


    ¡°Yes I have and we have to act fast¡±


    I stared at Greg in shock, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°You see Nichs, I and Ethan will make sure that you lose everything you have and everything you love. Ethan is ready to take Monica and the kids back because you¡¯ve refused to let his kids see him. It¡¯s us against you brother¡±


    ¡°You recorded the conversation between the two of you?¡± Anthony asked, shocked by the recording yed from Greg¡¯s phone


    ¡°I¡¯m just saving myself from betrayal,¡±  Greg said, defending his actions. He turned his gaze to me and then smiled mischievously ¡°Think about it, Nichs. What would Uncle Karl say when he finds out that his best friend¡¯s son had a contract marriage with someone just so he could retain his position as CEO? Imagine the disappointment he will have on his face when he finds out about everything.¡±


    ¡°You want thepany right¡± I asked, ring at Greg who was overstepping his boundaries.


    ¡°Of course. I wouldn¡¯t be doing all this if I didn¡¯t want thepany¡±, Greg said.


    ¡°You will get it Greg so don¡¯t do too much, and as for your aplice, Ethan, he is a coward and f*****g idiot. He doesn¡¯t deserve Monica and he doesn¡¯t deserve those kids. I will never let Mason and Macy go to his ce to see him because I don¡¯t trust him. Tell him that¡± I said thest part of my words, pointing my index finger at Greg who scoffed and red back at me.


    Just as Anthony said, whatever that was going to happen should happen. I¡¯m never giving up on Monica and the twins.


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