Chapter 1

“Congratulations, you are going to be a mom”.

Erica Shawn was a little bit absentminded at the moment. All she could think of this afternoon as she sat with her back reclined on the wooden chair were the doctor’s words.

Erica looked at the test results the doctor had handed over to her earlier at the hospital with shaky hands and mixed feelings of joy and uncertainty.

Six weeks pregnant!!!

“Finally, Norberto and I will become parents soon - We are finally going to have our own baby.” She found herself tearing up at her own words, choking on her tears.

It was unbelievable when she saw the results. She had been sick earlier and had booked an appointment with the doctor. What she never expected was the test results coming back with a positive pregnancy statement.

It was too beautiful for her to believe she could finally have a reason to smile after all the heartbreak and hardship that she has been through.

It's been three good years of untold hardship and pain since she became the wife of Norberto - The world known famous billionaire. Erica loved Norberto with all her heart and was willing to do anything and everything for him, but he gave her nothing but pain and despair alongside shoving her love at her face.

She knew he only had eyes for Delaney - Her elder sister, who had brought her painful memories which wouldn't be ending soon, but it didn't matter to her anymore. The birth of her babies, she was sure, will bring her closer to Norberto.

She wiped at her face as she looked at the date she had circled on the calendar hanging on the wall.

She let out a sigh as she realized it was her third wedding anniversary. Erica decided to cheer up and not let anything spoil the good news she has for Norberto.

Driving through the city road filled with cars and buses and bustling with people, Erica looked out through the window of the owner's car seat. A gift shop was just ahead of her, she looked at her wristwatch, it was ten minutes past six pm and even though it was getting late already, she pulled over and within a few minutes, she was out, holding the gift she had bought for Norberto.

She got home with her head filled with different thoughts. She took the lingerie she had reserved for this day and wore it, packing her hair into a bun.

She stood, looking at the mirror. Even though she had gained a bit of weight, she still looked so good and young. She took one last long look at herself and grabbed the gift she had gotten earlier, heading towards Norberto's room.

……….

“Who's there?!” Norberto's cold voice rang out from inside his bedroom.

Erica took a deep breath and mumbled some prayers before speaking.

“Erica! It's Erica, Norberto. I just want to talk to you, if you don't mind, can I come in, please?”

A frown fell on his face as he opened the door. His eyes hovered around her swiftly. And without even acknowledging her lingerie, he spat out.

“What do you want?” his voice came out harsh as usual.

Erica just stood there unsure of what to say. His icy demeanor has made her forget everything she had planned to say, making her look dumb.

“It's our third wedding anniversary, so I got you this gift, my love.” She responded immediately with a shaky voice, stretching the gift she had bought earlier towards him. “I also have a much better gift than this one.” She said, slightly rubbing her tummy in a circular motion.

Norberto didn't take the bag which had the gift from her. His gaze was still fixed at her which made her shiver out of fear.

“I don't need it.” he said, without a care in the world banging the door at her face.

Erica felt her heart shattering into pieces. Her eyes twitched but she tried to hold back her tears.

She pushed open the door and took a few, slow steps towards where he was seated, clutching the gift in front of her.

“Why Norberto? Why? What have I ever done to you? You didn't even look inside the bag to see the gift I got for you. You didn't even see what's inside. You didn't even care to listen to what I have to say.”

“I've told you several times to stay the hell away from me.” He had a scowl on his face and his eyes were narrowed. “You are such a great actress. You think coming here with some cheap gift will make me forget what you've done.”

“Norberto!!!” Her feelings were crushed upon hearing his statements.

“You are evil, so quit acting like a saint and stop showing the whole world how good of a wife you are, because no matter whatever you do…”, he leaned closer to her, “I'll forever see you as the evil lady who took my happiness away from me, who took my beloved one away from me.”

At this moment, Erica didn't bother trying to stop the tears that were already cascading freely down her pale, thin face.

“Believe me Norberto, I swear I know nothing. I am innocent over here. I know nothing that transpired on that night. I believe it was a set-up.”

Three years ago, Norberto was engaged to Erica's Elder sister Delaney, but Delaney was not in love with Norberto just as he was. She had another guy from college who she was in love with. She had already planned on going on a vacation with him when her family and Norberto's family announced they should be wedded. Seeing that Norberto was still trying to gain his feet at his father's company, and was not as rich as the other guy, she drugged Erica and made her spend the night with Norberto instead of her. She secretly took photos and made videos and paid bloggers to circulate them over the media. She also sent it to all close family members and tricked everyone into believing Erica slept with Norberto and stole her man.

Delaney took advantage of the whole situation and went out of the country with her rich lover while claiming she was going for therapy sessions.

Erica was made to marry Norberto in order to save the family's name and cover the shame.

Erica was disowned by her father and hated by almost all the family members to date. Norberto hated her even more because he still thinks she had played a fast one on him and tricked him into sleeping with her.

“I've begged over and over and tried to make you understand that I never did all that. I am the victim here as well as you are, Norberto. I understand you are still hurt but believe me, I know nothing about this.”

“You think I will ever believe you? Jokes on you but No! For as long as I live, I will never believe what you say and I will never forgive you.” Norberto walked over to her side, he pulled out a file stacked in between two books, and tossed it towards her.

“What should I do with this, Norberto?” She wiped the tears away from her eyes and moved a bit away from the file, taking a glance at it, then back to Norberto.

“We are …. Done. This marriage is over. I was actually looking for the perfect time to tell you about this, I think it's now”.

“What do you mean?” She looked at him, her eyes filled with emotions. “Don't do this, Norberto.” She whispered, her lips quivering.

She walked over to where the file was and bent over to pick it. She pulled out the content and glanced through it. Her face turned pale and her lips quivered. She felt as if her world had just been torn apart as she came face to face with divorce papers.

“Divorce? You are divorcing me? On our third anniversary? What have I ever done wrong to you? What…...? Can't believe you are doing this.” She said faintly.

“I can't cope with you anymore. There's no point. I don't love you and I don't want you. Delaney and I are finally getting back together.”

“No!!! She doesn't love you. Delaney doesn't love you, Norberto, believe me, please.” She sobbed.

“Your actions and cheap tears do not move me. I won't fall for any of your tricks again. Sign the divorce papers and stay out of my life. If you ruin this moment for me this time, I'll make sure you pay with your life!”

“Please Norberto, I have no one else but you. No family, nobody. I have nowhere else to go if you send me out. Please Norberto, just believe me once.”

Erica felt her body getting weaker. She had cried a lot and at this point, she doubted if any tears could come out of her eyes again. Her father had sent her out of his house and taken back everything he gave her. She was left with nothing. She could not believe Norberto was doing this to her, just because of Delaney.

“Three years gone just like that. Three years of patience and love went down the drain, wasted just like that.” She sobbed.

“Whatever item of mine is in your possession, make sure to leave them behind. I never want to see you in my life ever again.”

She dashed out of the house crying hysterically leaving the maids and guards murmuring amongst themselves. She cared less about the rumors and whispers. At this moment, she just needed a place to stay and think.

Her eyes opened up and the tears came out, rushing with full force the moment Erica got into the car.

She buried her face in her palms, trying to muffle her screams as her heart shattered into pieces.

She started the car engine and made her way straight to her father's house, hoping to explain everything to him and have him beg Norberto on her behalf. She will come back to meet Norberto when he's more calm. Not knowing what to believe, she assumes it is all a trick and Norberto is just playing on her intelligence. She will let him calm down then break the news of the pregnancy to him.

Upon pulling up at her father's house, Erica was heartbroken as she was told her father had gone out for a meeting.

“When will he be back?” She said to Oscar rather impatiently.

“I don't know. He didn't say.” Oscar had come outside upon sighting her car. He was her father's security guard.

“I'll wait for him.” Erica made it inside the surroundings but was stopped dead in her tracks by Oscar.

“You can't go in, any further, I'm sorry.”

“Why can't I? This is my father's house.”

Erica protested, trying to force her way inside.

“The order came from your father.”

“Really! My father!”

“Yes ma'am.”

“You heard him, you aren't deaf. You aren’t allowed to step foot inside the house any longer, so leave here now, or else I'll set the dogs on you.” She gritted her teeth, pointing towards the gate.

Erica immediately froze upon hearing the familiar voice. She was not expecting her sister back to the country anytime soon. Turning to face her, she saw Delaney, walking downstairs in a flowery gown which screamed luxury, she wouldn't be surprised to know Norberto is the one funding her expensive lifestyle.

“What are you doing here?” Erica quizzed, walking furiously towards her.

Delaney’s laughter rang out like tinkling bells, “The last time I checked, this is my house, my father’s house. I should be asking you that question. What are you doing here?” she came to a halt, facing Erica directly, with her arms akimbo.

“Stay away from Norberto, Delaney, I beg you. I need my home to be at peace and not in pieces.”

“Who is Norberto?” Delaney sneered.

“You the hell know who Norberto is, stop playing around with me, stay the hell away from my husband.” Erica was furious.

“tsk, tsk, tsk, poor you! You mean, your soon to be ex-husband” Delaney mocked.

She nudged Erica with her shoulder as she walked past her and sat on a chair.

“Look at you Erica, you look so pathetic. I love it when you are sad. You deserve no happiness, do you”

“You are evil, so evil Delaney, you are a monster. What have I ever done to you?”

“Ever since you and your mother walked into our lives, everything has changed. You started sharing almost everything with me. My father, my home, my friends, the attention, literally everything Erica and I so hate you for that. You were like the perfect daughter. Everyone preferred you over me and now you think you can be the wife of the richest man in the country, huh! I’d rather have you dead than share Norberto with me.”

“I never wanted to be his wife. I never took your man away from you. You know the truth yet you are still blaming me for everything. You caused everything yet lash out on me, how callous of you Delaney. And now that I want him, that I finally yearn for his love, you are back to destroy everything!”

“I am back to take what is rightfully mine and occupy my position as the wife to the richest man in the country, how does that sound? Don’t get in my way Erica, you won’t like the repercussions.”

Clap!!!

As if acting on impulse, she raised her hand and slapped Delaney hard across the cheek which sent her sprawling on the floor, holding her face.

The triumphant smile on Delaney’s face slowly faded away as a frown appeared on her face. She rubbed her cheek frantically, trying to ease the burning sensation.

“How dare you lay your filthy hands on me?” she stared angrily at Erica.

“When my mother and I came into this family, we came with love. All our life, we endured every trash, every single act of condemnation, every single hurtful and humiliating actions and words you threw at us. You turned her husband against her and my father against me……”

“He was never your father, you were only a part of this family since he got married to your mom, I mean he had no choice.” She rolled her eyes at Erica.

“Now you want to do the same to an innocent child, a child who hasn’t arrived in the world yet. You want to deprive an innocent child of his father’s love. I won’t let you do that. You might have succeeded in doing that to me but I won’t let you take the father of my unborn child away and deprive him of all the fatherly love and care he can get.”

Erica’s words got Delaney confused. She furrowed her eyebrows as a confused expression enveloped her entire face.

Pregnant! She can’t be. She must have slept with some cheap guy and now she’s pinning the baby on Norberto. She thought she had done everything possible to send Erica out of his life but getting pregnant for him will ruin everything. That means she won’t be able to have Norberto all to herself and the child could be a source of connection between Erica and him. She can’t be the one to have an heir for the family, it can’t be Erica, it has to be her.

Delaney rushed toward Erica and touched her stomach then glared at her, stealing glances at her flat stomach.

“Get your hands off me, stay away from me.”

“whose bastard child is that?” Delaney asked in disgust.

“You have no right calling my child such filthy names. This pregnancy belongs to Norberto.”

“Such a liar.” Delaney sneered, “You have been sleeping around with numerous boyfriends of yours and now that they do not want to accept the pregnancy, you want to pin it on Norberto. How shameless of you!”

“Do not talk dirty of me, for the past three years that I and Norberto have been married, I have had no carnal knowledge of any other man except him. I am not for the streets like you.”

“You and your bastard child won’t make it out of here alive.” Delaney pushed Erica to the floor with all her might, hitting her and kicking her in the tummy. “You bitch; I will make sure your mother doesn’t recognize you when you both meet in hell.”

Erica was already bleeding from the mouth at this point, but fought hard to shield her stomach and pregnancy from her evil sister’s blows and kicks. She was already regretting why she had come here in the first place.

“I hate the sight of you, I hate your presence and I wish you could just vanish from the surface of the earth.” Delaney ranted as she continued kicking Erica in the stomach and sending heavy blows on her head.

Erica groaned in pain. Her stomach was hurting so badly at this point and tears had started rolling down her bloodied and bruised face. The pain was excruciating. She struggled to get up but was pulled down by Delaney.

“If you try to come between Norberto and I, I swear, I will hunt you down and kill you. He is mine and mine alone, you better get this into your head”.

Glaring murderously at her sister, she smiled when she saw blood trickling down her leg. Feeling satisfied, she started to make her way back into the house. She took a few steps and stopped in her tracks just before entering the house, smirking.

“And make sure to get rid of that thing you call a baby.” She ordered before finally making her way back inside.

“I wonder which guy got you pregnant anyways.” She mumbled.

Unable to bear the excruciating pain ravaging through her body, Erica managed to reach for her bag and took her phone from inside. She could feel the remaining strength left in her slowly seeping away. She scrolled through her phone with bloodstained fingers searching frantically for Norberto’s number.

“Please, please pick up the phone, Norberto.”

However, the next second, a pair of leather shoes crushed her hands hard!

The next second, a pair of leather shoes crushed her hands hard!

She dragged herself on the floor towards her car, as she slowly lost consciousness.

……..

Erica Shawn perceived the strong smell of a hospital as she slowly opened her eyes. She had no idea how long she had been unconscious. She felt pains all over her body, including a throbbing headache.

She looked at the monitor which was beeping beside her and it took her a few seconds before she could see clearly. She saw the doctor dishing out orders to a young nurse who wrote things down quickly on a file.

The nurse nodded towards her after saying a few words to the doctor. The doctor turned and took a glance at her, seeing that she had regained consciousness, he rushed over to her side, feeling her temperature. “How do you feel now, miss?”

Erica Shawn took her hand to her belly immediately. “Please tell me I didn’t lose the pregnancy.” Erica whispered, her eyes were filled with tears and the veins in her head popped out. “How is my baby?”

The doctor let out a soft sigh. “You need to calm down.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down, just answer me. How is my baby please?” she whimpered, her eyes filled with pity.

“Your baby is fine, but you need to relax. Your body needs all the rest it can get.” The doctor assured her.

Erica sniffled and shut her eyes as she placed both hands on her stomach, tears rolled down each side of her face. She felt glad she still had the pregnancy even after everything.

“You were lucky to have been brought in here early, any further delay could have resulted in you losing the pregnancy. You need to be kept here for more observations. It is essential for the sake of your well-being and that of the child”.

Erica nodded, hoping that things would get better afterwards.

“Where’s my phone please?” she knew she had dialed Norberto’s number a couple of times, he must have called her back.

“I will have the nurse send it in right away. Your stuff is safe. We kept them in the security department”.

……….

Erica sighed and rubbed her temple as she stared at her phone. There was not a single call from Norberto. Who brought her to the hospital?

“Where's the person that brought me here?”

“He left already.”

“Did he introduce himself, who could he be?”

“You were brought in by a young man. He said his name was Peter and he was passing by when he saw you lying lifeless on the floor”.

“Alright, thanks doc”. Erica sighed, she tried to fight the tears that were threatening to fall again.

“He promised to come check on you later. Maybe you’ll get to see him then”.

Erica tried to hide her hurt and disappointment by bringing her knees up and burying her face between them as the tears slowly dropped.

“I don’t know what exactly you are going through or what might have happened but you need to be strong. Remember, when you are okay, your baby is okay and when you aren’t, it is the same case for your baby. Even though you are stabilized now and okay, there’s still a chance of you getting a miscarriage so that’s why we are still keeping you here to observe you and while doing that, we need you to please be relaxed and get enough rest. Keep in mind that your general health has a great effect on your baby”.

“Thanks for the kind words doc. I appreciate your great care of concern. I’m just concerned my husband never called to check up on me or the baby and I am worried”. Erica’s heart fell as she said those words. She couldn’t believe Norberto never returned her calls. Erica tossed her phone aside. She felt as if she was not existing anymore, especially to Norberto. She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, as she slowly dozed off.

……..

Erica was strolling around the hospital premises, trying to clear her head when she got a glimpse of someone familiar on one of the nurse’s phones.

‘Lemme see this please, thank you”. She said, snatching the phone away from the nurse’s grip.

“No! this can’t be”. She sobbed, trying so hard not to break down. Her actions got the nurses worried, with confusion etched all over their faces.

It was a video of Delaney and Norberto. They were gorgeously dressed, holding hands like couples and kissing, with smiles on their faces.

“Latest billionaire couples.” The headlines made her heart tremble with fright. She sweated even though the weather was cold. Delaney was all over Norberto, flirting with him which further made Erica hurt.

Erica soon burst into tears after seeing the headlines. She felt betrayed by Norberto and her stepsister. She was in the hospital fighting for her life and her baby's too and all they could think of was to get engaged. Her absence was not even noticed by Norberto and he was still living fine. She sobbed so hard, which got the doctor and nurses worried about her health. She went inside the hospital room where her phone was and picked it up, still sobbing. Knowing she had no value in Norberto’s life, she resolved to accept his divorce proposal.

……..

“I’m so happy we are finally a couple.” Delaney giggled as she flirted with Norberto. They walked into the big hall where Norberto’s family were all seated awaiting the arrival of the couples. Norberto’s family had organized a big family dinner to welcome Delaney into their family.

“So many of my friends are so going to be jealous of me, when they see my posts on Instagram.” She squirmed.

Delaney looked at Norberto as they sat beside each other at the dining table.

“Norberto, what’s wrong?” you have been quiet, why aren’t you even saying anything? Or you are not happy?”

“Of course, I’m happy my dear. Just tired.” He said distantly.

Seeing he was aloof, Delaney decided to let him be and focused on her meal.

Norberto’s phone buzzed and he quickly picked it up from the table. His eyebrows lit up in surprise as he stared at the screen.

“I accept the divorce. You won’t ever get to feel even a bit of love from me. We are done… like you’ve said. Enjoy my absence since my presence never made you recognize my worth”. His jaw dropped as he read the message.

“What is the matter sweetie?” Delaney asked, snatching the phone away from his hand. “Good riddance to bad rubbish. I’m glad she realized already that she has no chance with you. It's only quite unfortunate it happened late”.

Norberto looked at Delaney with a puzzled look as she said those words. “Can I have my phone back please?” he asked, suddenly feeling hot and uneasy. He kept reading the text message he had received from Erica over and over and he wondered why he felt so concerned when he was the one that had asked for the divorce in the first place.

He excused himself and rose up, heading towards his room. Delaney felt pissed off and gritted her teeth in anger. She could feel a burning rage inside of her even though she tried to remain calm. She stood up just immediately and went after him.

She met him stretched out flat with his back on the bed. He was facing the ceiling, obviously in deep thoughts. Delaney walked towards him, sashaying. “I feel you are not in a good mood. I can lighten up your mood.” She said seductively, tracing his bare chest with her fingers.

“Not today Delaney, please, I’m tired.” He shoved her aside and went to sit at the edge of the bed.

“What is going on, Norberto? What is wrong with you? Don’t tell me you are in this mood just because of that text you received from Erica.”

Norberto stared at Delaney curiously, wondering if there was something she wasn’t telling him. “Do not talk of Erica like that. I am only a bit worried and concerned that she isn't at home by this time of the night. And her text message was just so sudden. I wasn't expecting her to accept the divorce this way”.

“The good thing is she already accepted it. Let's have some good time together”. She bit her lower lips flirtatiously, playing with a strand of hair that fell over her face.

Norberto looked at her and let out a sigh.

“I am not in the mood for this Delaney. We'll meet tomorrow. Goodnight!”. Norberto tried walking away but was pulled back by Delaney.

“Really! Are you sending me away now?” she asked unbelievably.

Seeing that there was no response from Norberto, she walked towards the shelf just beside the bed and took her bag. “I’m leaving; I’m going home”. She said and stormed out of the room, slamming the door really hard.

Immediately Delaney was gone, Norberto sprang up and headed straight for Erica’s room. He pushed the door open and his heart fell. Norberto could not explain the coldness that swept through his heart, numbing him, when he saw just an empty room.

Erica had never slept outside the house or stayed out late before. She had no friends and no family where he could say she was staying with at the moment.

He walked back to his room feeling dejected and with a very blank but heavy mind. He flunked himself on his bed and buried his face in his palms. He was wondering why he was feeling the way he felt at the moment. He couldn’t understand why he felt a sudden feeling of loneliness and fear.

Norberto started debating on whether he should return the numerous calls he had missed from her or reply to her text message. He didn’t even know where she was at the moment and this made his heart beat in trepidation.

He finally resolved the conflict in his mind and decided to call her. He picked up his phone and dialed her number with his heart in his mouth.