CHELSEA

I hunched over the toilet, my stomach heaving uncontrollably, as waves of nausea washed over me.

The acrid taste of bile lingered in my mouth, and I closed my eyes, hoping to find a moment of respite from this relentless sickness. The sound of retching filled the air, punctuated by my labored breaths.

"Miss Chelsea, are you alright?" a concerned voice pierced through the fog of my discomfort.

I opened my eyes to see Rowena, standing beside me with a look of worry etched across her face.

I managed to catch my breath and weakly replied, "I'm... I'm fine, Rowena." My voice trembled, mirroring the weakness that had overtaken my body. "Just... just a stomach bug, I think."

Rowena knelt down beside me, concern deepening in her eyes. She placed a hand on my back, gently rubbing circles to offer some semblance of comfort. "Should I get you anything? A glass of water, perhaps?"

I mustered a weak smile, grateful for her presence. "Thank you, Rowena, but I think I'll be alright. It's just a passing thing, I hope."

She didn't seem convinced, her gaze filled with a mixture of compassion and suspicion. "Are you sure, Miss Chelsea? This has been going on for a few days now. Maybe it's time to see a doctor."

I sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and fear. Rowena was right—I couldn't ignore these persistent symptoms any longer. Deep down, I knew this wasn't a simple stomach bug. The uncertainty gnawed at me, fueling my anxiety.

"You're right, Rowena," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I... I should see a doctor. This isn't normal."

Rowena nodded in agreement, her hand still resting gently on my back. I was grateful for her support, knowing that I didn't have to face this alone. With Rowena by my side, I could find the strength to confront whatever lay ahead, be it good news or bad.

As I leaned against the cool bathroom tiles, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me on this uncertain path. But one thing was certain—I had Rowena's unwavering support.

At least, I know that I have someone in this lonely house who will stay by my side even though my husband was still avoiding me.

The very idea of me becoming pregnant is enough to send shivers down my spine. It suddenly reminded me of my mother, “Mom…”

My parents were as grateful as it was possible for them to be. They were content in their marriage, and they had two children who were stunningly beautiful. But then, as years passed by, they decided that they wanted another kid, and that's when everything began to go wrong.

I was informed that shortly after my mother gave birth to me, she began to lose a significant amount of blood.

Because of me and my birth, my mother is no longer with us. I feel like, it was me who killed her.

Because of me, she did not get to enjoy the remainder of her life to its fullest. Because of me, she was unable to attend her children's accomplishments. My mother had missed out a lot in her life.

I robbed the life she should be living to the fullest and happiest. And there’s no one to blame, but myself.

My kind siblings, Carmela and Carlos, they had always assured me that it was not my fault and that I had no say in the matter because it was our mother’s fate. But still, my existence killed my mother and it was a big matter for me.

‘No Chelsea, don’t say that. It’s not your fault that Mom died. Please, stop blaming yourself, Ches.’ That’s the line that they always say to me every time they saw me crying.

Even my own father, who I avoid because I am the reason of his suffering through the years since my mother passed away, attempted to reassure me that it wasn't my fault and that he would never consider his daughter as the killer of his wife, the love of his life.

I still chose to avoid him because I am the source of his anguish even though he denies it, “Dad.”

Despite the fact that my family did all they could to comfort me, I was still able to see the displeased expression on their faces.

And that was the reason, I left home.

I couldn't take any more expressions of concern or pity from them, and I certainly couldn't take it from that inquisitive little town.

I ended up running into an old buddy from my childhood named Nicolas, and when we reunited, he pleaded with me to move in with him and informed me of many job openings that I could apply for if I was in a hurry.

He also told me about several employment chances that I could apply for if I ran out of time.

I opted to work at a little café that wasn't too far from Nicolas's gorgeous apartment after discussing and looking at a variety of jobs with him to see which one would be the most suitable and best match for me.

A few days later, one of the other employees informed me that someone had expressly asked for me to accept their order. “Miss Sheldon, one of our regular customers is asking for you. He wants you to take his order. He’s in table eight.”

“Huh, me?” He nodded with a smile, so I walked to the table with the assumption that it was Nicolas who was just attempting to pull a trick on me, but instead I saw a guy with a far more impressive physique.

And that is how I first got to know Raphael.

He was tall and confident; he possessed an undeniable magnetism that seemed to pull everyone's attention towards him. His features were sculpted, as if crafted by an artist's meticulous hand.

His eyes, framed by thick, dark lashes, held a mysterious allure. They were the color of the stormy sea, flecked with hints of deep emerald that danced with each passing emotion.

With a single glance, he could convey a myriad of feelings, from intense passion to playful mischief.

A strong jawline, chiseled to perfection, accentuated his masculine charm. It was the kind of jawline that could command attention in any room.

His lips, tempting and inviting, curved into a captivating smile that hinted at a hidden well of charm and charisma.

His hair, effortlessly tousled and styled, added to his allure. Whether it was jet black, shimmering under the sunlight, or chestnut brown with streaks of golden warmth, it always seemed to fall into place with an unruly grace. It framed his face like a crown, adding a touch of rugged refinement to his overall appeal.

His physique exuded strength and athleticism, with broad shoulders and a well-defined physique that spoke of countless hours spent in dedication to his physical well-being.

Every movement he made was graceful and deliberate, a testament to his poise and confidence.

But it was his presence, an intangible aura that surrounded him, that truly captivated those in his presence. There was an air of mystery about him, a sense that there were depths to explore and secrets to uncover.

He possessed a natural charisma that drew people in, making them yearn to know him, to be a part of his world.

In the end, it wasn't just his physical appearance that made him handsome, but rather the way he carried himself with a mix of confidence and humility.

It was the genuine kindness that emanated from his every action, the warmth that he shared with those around him. These qualities, combined with his striking features, made him an irresistible force, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.

And in that moment, I already knew, he was the one.

“Hi, I’m Raphael. Raphael Ludington.”

CHELSEA

Raphael has already left for work, and here I am, sitting here in the study like some kind of sick lost puppy waiting for her owner to return.

Even though Rowena, who is like a mother to me promised me that he will be back in an hour, the scoundrel still hasn't been kind enough to bless me with his presence. “You should take a rest, Miss Chelsea. Stop overthinking. It will just stress you out.”

“Thank you, Rowena.” I smiled and nodded at her and then she left afterward.

I had chills down my spine whenever I thought about him being with that snarky assistant of his, but I immediately disregarded the possibility that he was cheating on me.

“Raphael will never do that to me.”

I didn’t know how long I had slept on the study, but the next thing I knew, I woke up when I heard the car’s engine. I immediately fixed myself and walk through the living room.

Raphael eventually walked through the door a few minutes later with an attitude that was first unconcerned but quickly transformed into a menacing stare as he gazed at me before gently closing the door.

I felt so exhausted of his games. I can no longer take it so I decided to confront him.

“Raphael, please!” I yelled out at him as he attempted to walk away from me.

"You know, if you were a real man, you would've addressed the issue that you apparently have with me instead of ignoring me like some stranger. I am so tired of this! What is this game you’re trying to play on me, huh?"

After that, he shifted his attention towards me, and I let out a brief, gloomy chuckle before responding. “Tell me, Raphael! Please talk to me! I don’t-”

"Chelsea! You better stop yelling at me!” I was stunned when he suddenly screamed.

“What? Are you surprise? And now you decide on playing innocent? Acting like you're so clueless? Like you haven't been going around fucking other men behind my back!" Raphael’s gaze at me feels like a fire burning. And it was scary.

"Fuck… fucking other men? What are you saying? Are you kidding me Raphael!” I snapped out. His words were more than painful as I thought.

“So, you assume me of cheating and chose to ignore me for nearly a month instead of confronting me about it? What the hell, Raph! I haven't and never cheated on you! You're my first everything and cheating on you was never on my mind!" I cried.

I watched as the anguish and malice in his eyes started to fade, but I could still make out traces of it.

Raphael did not answer but instead proceeded towards a door, entered it, and then emerged a short while later with a number of photographs of what I assume to be proof.

As he got closer, he turned them around to face me, and to say that I was taken aback by the sight of them would be an understatement.

There were images of Nicolas and I together... kissing, passionately.

I can't even fathom the thought of my lips coming in contact with him. Never, that was so vile even by just thinking about it.

I approached the question cautiously and stated, "So this is it, Raphael? You think that I cheated on you with my best friend?" The same thing happened with him not responding as it always does. "That has got to be the craziest thing anyone has ever accused me of doing!"

When he made the charge, it was very difficult for me to maintain a serious attitude and to refrain from laughing in his face.

I couldn't help but notice how frustrated he looked as he ran his hand through his hair and let out a deep sigh.

After moments of contemplation, he started to speak. "Let’s stop this. Chelsea, I do not have the patience for your craziness or so. I can no longer trust you, so whether you like it or not, we are getting a divorce." He said this because he can no longer believe her.

“D-Divorce?” That completely ruined my disposition.

“Raphael!” I cried out and held onto him as I said, "What are you saying? That girl doesn't even look like me, are you serious? Can’t you see it, huh? Our figures have a lot of difference. Look at it carefully! Do you really think that Nicolas and I will be together? That I will cheat on you for him? Come on, that's impossible!"

As I felt tears welling up in my awful eyes, I mentally swore at myself and began to mentally hate myself.

As I wipe my tears away, I tried to calm myself out and then talked to him again. "I'm your damn wife, Raphael. We’ve been together for so long. So, I believe you know me so well. How can you not see that it's not me in these photos? These have obviously been edited. It was so obvious, love. Please."

He yanked his arm out from my hold in a violent manner. "Enough, Chelsea. Stop being so dramatic and denial. I want you to have everything packed up and out of here by tonight, and I want you to be at the company bright and early in the morning to sign the divorce papers."

When I glanced at him, all he did was stare at me with a blank expression on his face. He did not answer to any of my questions. "No fucking way, Raphael! This is not real! How can you not believe me, your own wife over some photoshopped pictures!"

I quickly wiped my eyes with the back of my hand to stop any tears from falling. I am so pitiful right now and he would not let me weep in front of him.

As I walked away from the table and toward the stairwell, I stated calmly, "Alright, if that’s what you really want, then I'll go, Raphael. But you can throw away or burn everything that you bought for me because I won't be needing anything from you." I had already made my decision to leave.

As I thought he will no longer speak, he suddenly said, "Yes, Chelsea. That’s a good thing then. Don’t worry, as I won't be needing a wife that can't stick to her vows. I don't need someone who only wants the attention of other men. I don’t need a liar nor a cheating wife. I don’t need you, Chelsea!"

CHELSEA

I didn't bother to respond to what Raphael and said, and I didn't try to wipe away my tears either since I knew he couldn't see them. Instead, I proceeded to climb the steps on the stairs.

I had grabbed a bag that I had purchased with my own funds and put in as much as I could that I had obtained on my own before I phoned the only person I could to tell them to pick me up.

“Please, pick me up. I want to be out of here, right now.” I had gotten the bag after I had everything that I could get on my own.

I was startled when I heard the door open, and I hastily wiped the tears from my eyes before turning around to face Rowena's stare. When I turned around, she was standing there, “Miss Chelsea…”

I could tell by the way that she was looking at me that she was aware of everything that had taken on in the living room.

She rushed towards me and gave me a hug that almost broke my bones while pleading with me to remain and assuring me that he would eventually come to his senses, “Miss Chelsea, everything will pass. I know, he’ll calm down soon. Please understand…”

“No, Rowena. It’s all over now. Let’s accept what it is. Besides, I am already exhausted.”

I assured her that we would stay in touch, and that in the very unlikely event that Raphael ever looked for me, she was under no obligation to provide him with any information on me or my location.

In addition to Nicolas, Rowena was the only other person who was aware that I was pregnant.

I can feel that Rowena was really sad of the sudden events, but she can’t do anything about it so she just offered the following advice to me, "Why don't you tell him that you're pregnant? I know that he'd want to have a child. Maybe this will change his mind.”

"Do you think so? Because for me, I think it will be useless anyway. What good would that do? He'd just accuse the baby of being Nicolas'... and he's not even listening to a word I say. Let’s not dwell on this matter, Rowena. I can get through this, don’t worry.” I explained, with a calm expression.

She attempted to argue with me, but I simply shook my head and then she said, "Please Chelsea... just wait a few more minutes. I'm sure he'll cool off."

My voice broke as I stated the following words, "No, he won’t. He's accusing me of cheating Rowena. The same man who I gave everything to who's now turned his back on me faster than anyone else... I've done nothing but support him and he's treating me as if I'm nothing to him."

I begged with her, "Just promise me that you won't tell him about my pregnancy, please?"

Rowena gently nodded her head and then gave me another warm embrace.

She grudgingly gave up, knowing that she couldn't alter my decision, and she forced me to swear to call and text her every day before heading downstairs with me.

I could feel Raphael's focused attention on me as we neared the bottom step, but I ignored it as I proceeded towards the door.

Patrick, the butler, approached me and inquired, "Mrs. Ludington, would you like for me to assist you to your destination or help carry your bag?".

Before he took my things from my hand, with a scowl on his face, I said, "No, thank you Patrick. And it's just Chelsea now." After that, he hugged me.

Patrick helped me out by opening the door and trying to carry my suitcase while I was on the phone with Rowena, but I declined his assistance and closed the door behind him.

As soon as I came outside, my eyes started to flood up with tears as I saw him resting against the side of the vehicle. I couldn't help but feel terrible.

When I got closer to him, he put his arms out to indicate that he can give me an embrace, so I made a beeline for him and gave him a bear hug as if he were my only source of support, regardless of whether or not Raphael was looking now at us.

Who gives a damn about what Raphael thinks?

“Hush now, Ches. Everything will be fine, trust me.” In a small number of people, Nicolas was one of the few who would never abandon me.

Before we both got into his vehicle and departed, he took my luggage away and motioned for me to sit in the passenger seat while saying, "Come on, I have your favorite chocolate cake waiting for us to eat, and we can watch whatever you want."

“Thank you, Nicolas, thank you so much.”