CHAPTER 1:

CAUGHT IN BED: SHE NEVER SAW IT COMING

It was drizzling outside and Flora was in the kitchen, preparing her husband's favourite dinner, macaroni and cheese, when her phone suddenly began to ring.

She glanced at the caller ID and smiled.

It's her husband, Richard Wilson.

Today is their one month anniversary and he had told her in the morning that he can't wait to return home and eat his favourite dinner specially made by her.

"Hey babe, you're on your way already?" She asked as soon as she placed the phone on her ear.

"Nope. I just need a little favour from you." The enchanting masculine voice replied from the other end of the phone.

"Clara just landed at the airport, and I have much work on my table for now. Can you help me pick her up?" He asked.

"Sure. That's not a big deal." Flora responded without a hint of hesitation.

Of course, she's been praying for this opportunity to come, so why would she say 'no' to a request like this?

Clara is Richard's twin sister who has been away for five years, and has only been communicating with Flora through voice and video calls.

Even her wedding with Richard was streamed on live TV just so that Clara could watch it online.

Without hesitation, Flora fastened the cooking process so she would not keep her favourite sister in-law waiting for long.

"Hey Debby. Guess what? My sister in-law just landed at the airport! Can you please accompany me to the airport as I drive her home? Please, don't turn me down, girl.." Flora quickly sends a voice note to her best friend, Debby, while she finds the best dress that'll make her look presentable and give Clara a good impression at first sight.

Before she was done dressing, Debby had texted her a spot where they'll meet along the airport road.

Reaching the airport, Flora was still scanning the different faces of all the young and beautiful women around the environment, trying to locate her sister in-law when a young lady in blue, wearing a soft smile with her beauty accentuated by an exquisite facial feature suddenly ran towards her.

"Heeyyy, I've finally got to see you! What an epitome of beauty!" The lady exclaimed as she hopped on Flora with a tight hug.

"Wow! I trust my brother. I know that he always has eyes for good things." She added.

Flora couldn't help but blush unceasingly.

"You're not looking bad, either. Now, I know why Richard always sings your praises, and is always insisting that he must screen any man who wants to marry you." Flora teased.

Staring at the elegant lady before her, Flora couldn't help but imagine the looks of her unborn daughter with Richard.

Neither of them nor their family has ugly looks, so there's absolutely no way their child will look different.

As they drove towards the Wilson's mansion, Clara requested that they stop by at a lounge, her favourite restaurant when she was in New York, so that she can have one shot of her best drink and a plate of her favourite dish.

"I've really missed everything about De-earnest Lounge, you know. Trust me, you'll be persuading your husband to visit here often once you try their services." Clara said and they all bursted out with laughter as they gist and walk towards the counter.

The restaurant setting was classy and enchanting. As usual, Flora ordered for a chilled non-alcoholic wine while Clara and Debby took endless shots of whiskey.

After a few minutes, Flora felt as if her body was being roasted on fire. Her vision suddenly turned blurred. She couldn't move her legs, as she began to feel groggy and drowsy.

She reached out with her hands and grabbed someone's arms. She wanted to call for help, but was overpowered by a strong masculine scent.

"Cla–ra, Debby, where are ..." Before she could finish, her slightly opened lips were blocked by force.

She tried to resist, but she was powerless. The man did not give her any chance to skip away from his arms. He proceeded to submerge her tongue into his, devouring her lips with kisses before moving gradually to her chin and neck.

‘Shouldn't she be repelled by this stranger's kiss?’

However, she was quivering in pleasure as his hands moved to the balls on her chest, tickling her nipples gently. She began to moan in deep pleasure.

This was exactly the type of pleasure that Richard made her feel on their wedding night.

In split seconds, she felt a sharp pain in her lower body. Unlike Richard's, the intense forceful penetration was overwhelming.

*****

Early in the morning, the rays of the sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating all the enticing ornaments in the room.

On the large sofa, a slender lady lay peacefully at one edge, her body covered under the duvet, while messy clothes and lingeries were thrown carelessly on the beige coloured tiles.

The faint saint of lovemaking lingers everywhere around the room.

In her deep sleep, she suddenly heard a large bang on the door. At first, she was reluctant to get up, but when the door suddenly burst open, she forced her eyes open.

She blinked slowly. The moment she was able to open her eyes fully, she sighted her husband, Richard Wilson, standing at the doorway, his arms wrapped around his chest and his face twisted in disgust as he stared at her.

Her mother in-law and Clara were also standing beside him, looking utterly surprised as they stared at her.

"Ri…Richard…" She stuttered. Her entire body stiffened up when she realised she was naked under the duvet.

She looked around the features of the room, It was nothing less than a first class hotel setting.

"Where am I Richard? How…how did I end up here? I mean, who..."

"Would you shut up your silly mouth, you shameless bitch! To think that you still have the temerity to boldly ask me how you ended up here is the most disgusting thing, Flora!" Richard sneered.

"Tell me, which bastard did you give your body to?" He roared.

‘What is he even saying?’ she thought.

Flora narrowed her eyes and tried to recall what actually happened last night, but her brain was blank.

The only thing she could remember was the bonding moment she was having with Clara and Debby at a restaurant after driving some miles away from the airport.

Clara walked closer to the bed with her mother, their faces twisted in disgust.

"Clara, hope your camera is good enough to take a clear picture of your sister in-law who shamelessly slept with another man just a month after her wedding."

‘Sleep with another man?’ Flora swallowed painfully.

"I swear, I didn't ..." Flora stuttered, trying to explain herself, but Richard played dump. He strode towards the bed and pulled her long hair, making her scream in pain.

He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her out of the bed, revealing her neck and shoulders, which shows more glaring evidence of kisses all over her body, making her defence to be meaningless.

"Capture those areas clearly." Henya instructed.

“Trust me, mother.” Clara held the camera, smirking. "Oh wow! Nobody needs to be told that you actually had a great time with your sugar boy last night!"

‘Fuck! How did I even end up in this mess?’ Flora mumbled in silence.

At every ticking seconds, she kept imagining some disgusting scenes in her head.

She shifted her gaze towards Richard, her once handsome and always smiling husband is now standing before her, looking at her with total disgust in his eyes as if she were some piece of trash.

"Richard, please listen to me. I..." She tried to explain.

"Enough, Flora!" He snapped

"You're overly shameless, Flora! Cheating on me after just a month of standing on the altar? I don't care how it happened or who you had it with, but.... Just get ready for a divorce." He motioned, and in split seconds , he walked out of the room without a second glance at her.

CHAPTER 2

DIVORCE WITHOUT A PENNY

A divorce?

Flora's face turned pale and colourless.

Her mind was taken aback at the colourful and most talked about wedding they just had last month.

Uncontrollable tears began to stream down the corners of her eyes.

"No Richard, please listen to me. We can fix this! I swear to God I'm innocent!" She cried, desperately desiring to run after him, but she couldn't. She's still naked, and has no option than to remain covered under the thick hotel duvet.

Suddenly, she felt a hand roughly push her with violence, until she nearly hit her head on the bed frame.

It was Ma'am Henya.

"Mommy!" Flora screamed, her voice trembling in fear.

"You've lost all the right to call me that name, you adulterous woman!” Henya cursed.

“How dare you go behind my son's back and cheat on him? Your devilish mission is to bring shame to my family, right? Now, let me tell you, the Wilsons can never tolerate a slutty attitude like this! And you must pay dearly for this mess!"

"Mother, everything's done!" Clara's voice echoed proudly as she clutched her cell phone to her chest.

"Good." Henya nodded with a smile that got rapidly replaced with a frown before she turned to Flora.

"Now, listen to me, you shameless bitch! If you know what's good for you, divorce my son immediately, or else, I'll send these pictures to prominent internet bloggers and also get a lawyer to sue you for a divorce." Henya warned.

In Richard's BMW latest model, a slim lady was seated on the passenger seat. She has a tiny oval face with beautiful and delicate features, her fair skin and blonde long hair accentuating her glamorous looks while she grins softly, twisting her body as she waits for Richard to come in.

"Richard, was the plan successful?" She asked.

Richard smiled, placed his hands gently on the narrow slit of her silk black gown, his fingers nearly touching the tip of her clit**. He bent his head slowly and grabbed the back of her head and began to kiss her gently until it got wild.

After a long and fiery kiss, Richard held her palms and smiled while gazing into her eyes and whispered, "Finally, I will be able to marry you soon, Debby. You only need little patience for her to sign the divorce." He assured

.

"Well, I feel bad for her, but it's high time I take what is rightfully mine. I've waited so long for you to say this, Richard." Debby pouted, then raised her head to initiate another kiss.

Flora lay on the bed, her body feeble and her eyes red and sullen from excess tears.

She held her phone, dialling Debby's number for the twenty-ninth time, yet there was still no response.

She knows that Debby works in a financial institution, but today’s weekend.

‘Ain't she supposed to be home?’ Flora thought.

Unfortunately, Debby is the only trusted friend she has in the city. And for now, she's the only one in the best position to give her a shoulder to lean on.

Flora still battled with her thoughts, trying to recall how she left the sight of Debby and Clara and ended up with another man in a hotel, but all her thoughts were unyielding.

"Oh, I'm finished!" She lamented.

In a flinch, she got off the bed and hesitantly picked up the scattered clothes on the floor before she strode to the bathroom.

There, she stood at the mirror and held her lower body, crying loudly in pain before she picked up a sponge and scrubbed herself violently.

She made sure to scrub it hard as if she's washing away the sin of adultery and the contamination that the strange man had left on her skin.

At sunset, Flora returned to the Wilson's mansion, her face still distraught from the incident that took place in the morning.

Richard was seated on the long couch, looking like a demon with his favourite whiskey and a glass cup set before him.

He crossed his legs, staring intently at the television which was displaying his favourite action movie.

His anger was very evident in his dark eyes.

As she approached, his breath suddenly changed and his fingers began to twitch, his red eyes staring at her as if he would strangle her in the next second.

Flora couldn't bring herself to apologize again. All that had happened was a disastrous blow to her face. She knows that it's useless to explain herself because his mind is already made up.

She took a deep breath and paused, her voice gentle and trembling as their eyes met. "Richard, I accept the divorce, but I want 40% of my grandfather's shares back. You can hold the remaining 10% as my compensation to you."

‘Hmmm.’ Richard bit his upper lip.

"Like seriously? This must be some kind of expensive joke, Flora." He sneered.

Instantly, his expression got replaced with a more deathly frown.

Definitely, he can never agree to this!

He was just promoted to the position of the governor of the Wilson's Swift Holdings after consolidating their shares.

With this, if he agrees for her to take 40% of the shares, his reputation and power will be jeopardised, and he might likely be demoted from the position of the governor.

Richard tossed his two hands into his pockets as he stood, fixed a cold gaze at her and bit his upper lips in a devilish smile.

"Are you for real, Flora?” He scoffed.

“What made you think that you can boldly ask me for the shares and I'll stupidly agree to your conditions?"

"You cheated on me and betrayed the vows we made at the altar, yet you think you can just dump me off with only 10% of your grandfather’s shares?"

"But 10% is still worth more than a million dollars, Richard! These shares were owned by my grandfather before he died.

Wait, are you claiming that a million dollars compensation is not enough? Besides, I never cheated on you!" Flora argued.

Richard lowered his head and smirked. His eyes darkened with hatred as he pulled his hands out and stepped forward and grabbed her neck abruptly.

She struggled to breath and free herself from his firm grip, but she was too infirm to pull out.

"Flora, you're really shameless, aren't you? Newsflash….you have no choice for now than to divorce me! And if you make any attempt to drag this in court, I swear, you'll wish to see yourself dead before the time God has ordained for you!"

Flora's cheeks soaked with tears. She held her neck, looking unbelievably at the tall figure standing before her. His deathly eyes and cold-hearted face made him look like a total stranger to her. She couldn't believe that he was the same loving man she dated for four years and got married just a month ago.

All his empathy and tenderness have suddenly got replaced by selfish desires and pursuit for ambitious growth.

But these are her grandfather's shares. She can't just walk away and leave it to the Wilsons!

"Richard, I'm not asking for too much. Please, just give my grandfather's shares back to me!" She whimpered.

"And they are completely mine now, Flora. You can't take them away from me! Either you sign the papers and get lost, or I make you disappear from the face of the earth completely!" He threatened and pushed her to the floor abruptly, then picked an envelope on the table and threw it at her. "Sign it and get out!" He instructed.

"I'm not signing anything!" Flora blurted out.

‘Did he really expect me to lose my marriage and still go with nothing?’ She mumbled in silence.

Richard lowered his back, his hands placed on his knees. Staring intently at her confident eyes, he whispered, "If you don't sign it, you'll end up losing not just the shares, but your prestige and probably, your life! Choose wisely, dearest Flora!"

CHAPTER 3

IT WAS ALL A SET UP

Flora widened her eyes as her body trembled in fear. She gazed at the man who just returned to his couch and was seated comfortably, lazily flicking his cigarette as if nothing happened.

She shook her head. She still can't believe that this was the same man that had promised to love her till death do them part.

Now, he is only ruthless and cruel, his heart only guided by his desires for wealth and fame.

She held the papers and breathed deeply.

At this point, she knows that she has only one option; either to choose her grandfather's wealth and risk her life, or she protects her life and loses the wealth.

She looked at the man who had allowed his greed to consume him. Since she knows that choosing her grandfather's shares will make her lose her life, she swallowed painfully and nodded.

"Fine. I'll sign it." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Without hesitation, she took out a pen from her bag and scribbled her signature decisively.

As soon as Richard took the divorce agreement, his lips curled up in a contented smile as if he had just won a life long thicket to unbeatable wealth.

"Good of you." He leaned and whispered coldly.

"Now, if you read through the agreement, you'll see where it stated that you're not leaving with a penny from the company or the mansion. Secondly, you're to vacate this building on or before 12:00 noon tomorrow, and you're not to carry anything other than your clothes and other minor belongings." He added.

Flora gagged ceaselessly, her tears flowing like a river. An oppressive chill came up her spine as she packed her belongings that night. The pain of all she had passed through from morning still lingered in her head, and she had to vacate the house and lodge in a hotel that night.

She had texted Debby and one of her distant aunts about the unfortunate incident that has made her lose her marriage, now rendering her homeless.

Immediately, her aunt suggested for her to come over to Mexico and live with her.

She felt a wave of relief surged through her body. After all, she's also exhausted with living among the same people and features that ruined her life.

Besides, if not for the respect of her grandfather's dying wish, she would have called off her wedding to Richard long before it happened.

His insincerity has always been evident in his attitude since their courtship days.

At some point, Richard began to act weird as one who's forced in a relationship against his will. But she chose to ignore those signs whenever she remembers the good days that he promised heaven on earth.

As she got ready to check out in the morning, she discovered that her wallet was nowhere to be found inside her bag.

‘Fuck!’ She has forgotten it in one of the drawers in the Wilson's mansion.

She had to book a boat immediately to drive her down the one mansion she's been warned and threatened never to visit again.

As she walked past the garden, approaching the silver coated front door, her ear lopes perked up as her attention got caught by the chattering of familiar voices around the garden cooling spot.

Those were the voices of Clara and her ex mother-in-law alongside Debby's.

"Hope you're satisfied now, sweetheart. Richard is finally a complete single man. Hope you don't have to feel guilty anymore?" Henya asked.

Those words left Flora dumbfounded.

She tip toes closer to have a clear view of everything.

There, she saw Debby cross her legs and blushed in a contented manner. "Sure Mama. My dad has even decided to invest in the Wilson's Swift Holdings. He couldn't contain his happiness when I told him I'm soon going to be part of the Wilsons." She admitted.

"That's the best news I've heard in a long time! My dear, with your dad's investment in the company, it will make Richard's influence to be incontestable! I knew you were going to be my favourite daughter in-law!" Henya clapped.

"Thank you mama." Debby nodded happily.

"Such a great pleasure for us to finally be a family, right? Trust me when I tell you guys that I know the best way to get rid of that bitch!" Clara chipped in.

Flora squeezed her eyes shut to force back the tears that were threatening to fall. Her feet became deeply rooted as the voices replayed in her head.

Those words sunk more than they should have, not because they were harsh, but because they were unexpected.

‘I’ve cried enough. It's high time I move on with my life.’ She mumbled.

She blinked, and everything flashed back in her head. The connection in events was unconcealable. It was Clara who suggested for them to stop at the restaurant to get her favourite drink before they reach home.

She had left Clara and Debby to use the restroom, and the moment she returned and sipped her remaining wine, her eyes began to get blurry, only for her to wake up naked on a hotel bed without any man at sight.

‘So, this was all Henya and Clara's plan, huh?’ They wanted Richard to divorce me and give Debby a spot, all because her father is interested in investing with the Wilson's holding.’

Flora's heart throbbed painfully at their words and her eyes stung.

At that moment, she lost every bit of patience and walked up to them, her face engulfed in resentment.

Debby was startled, and so was Clara and her mother.

From the look of Flora's twisted face, they already knew that she had successfully eavesdropped on their conversation. Now, the only option for them is to be cruel and show her their true colours.

"Oh, so you still got some nerves to show your disgusting face here, huh?" Henya cursed, her eyes red like a burning iron.

Clara pouted with a smirk, "Don't be too dramatic, Flora! Do you think my brother would stick to you for long just because he's married to some rich spoiled brat?"

Flora scoffed.

‘Spoilt brat? Wow! Isn't this the same family that has always praised me for being kind and humble despite my wealthy background?’ She thought to herself.

How easy it is for humans to change. These were the same people that resorted to all sorts of begging when she suggested that their wedding be paused until she clocks twenty five. Their constant persuasion for fear of losing her to another man forced her to reconsider her decision, making her end up walking down the aisle at twenty two.

She blinked.

"So, you...you all planned and framed me up, right? What did I ever do to deserve this evil from you guys?" Flora asked, her head spinning in disbelief as she gazed at their unapologetic faces.

"Oh, my dearest Flora..." Debby chuckled.

"Do you think Richard was really interested in you? Wise up girl... He was only after your grandfather's wealth! And you're nothing but just a ladder for him to climb up the governor's position in the Wilson's Swift Holdings. It is me that he truly loves!" She added, waving her fingers over Flora's face to show her the expensive engagement ring Richard had given her.

"Mummy, why are we still allowing this lunatic to express her dirty self here? Shouldn't she be on the streets by now?" Clara snapped.

"Sure, you're right." Henya nodded.

"Now, get out of here, Flora! You're divorced, and it's stated that you're no longer welcomed here beyond 12:00 noon." Henya pushed her off.

Flora smiled with an unbridled coldness.

"I'm only here for my passport and IDs. Once I get that, I'll be out of here for good!" She snapped.

"Fine. Direct Clara to where you kept it and she'll get it for you. I need you to go as far as you can from this place!" Henya warned.

“And what will you do if I don't?” Flora raised a brow.

‘What?’ Henya rolled her gaze at Clara and Debby. They were utterly surprised at Flora's sudden confidence in talking back.

Even during their highschool days, Debby had always known Flora to be fragile and indecisive, always avoiding any occasion that'll make her want to exchange words with anyone.

As soon as Flora grabbed her IDs and turned to take her leave, Debby marched behind her and grabbed her arms violently.

"Flora, take it or leave it. Richard only married you because of what he has to gain. And in all honesty, you don't deserve him, not even for a day!" She chuckled.

Flora lowered her head, a faint bitterness spreading across her lips as she glared at the woman that has always been her best friend for more than a decade. But now, all that is written over her is hypocrisy and hatred.

"I have no vocabulary to waste on you for now." Flora said and tried to free her arms from Debby's grip.

"Come back here, Flora! How dare you walk away without answering my question?" Debby dragged her back, digging her long nails painfully into Flora's flesh.

Flora turned violently and raised her hand to give her a resounding slap, but Debby instantly grabbed her hand before it landed on her face. "Who the hell do you think you are to slap me, Flora? I only took over what belongs to me! I am the woman destined to become Mrs. Wilson and not you!" Debby barked.

“And I'm not contesting that position with you. Am I?”

Debby was stunned at Flora's sudden willingness to let go of Richard without any chaos.

‘Wait, was she being insincere when she told me that she won't trade Richard for anything? Or…is there something hidden about the Wilsons that I'm not aware of?***’ Different ugly thoughts ran helter-skelter down Debby's mind.

"So, you conspired with them to ruin my life last night? Alongside Richard, right?" Flora couldn't hold her tears, the pains returned fresh, stroking her heart like a knife.

Seeing her tears, Debby heaved a sigh of relief.

‘At least, she's feeling hurt to some extent.’ she thought.

But there was still something about Flora's expression that Debby couldn't lay her hands on.

Well, she's confident that Flora can't even fight back, because she's got nothing to herself.

But still, those tears don't look hurtful enough.

“But do you really have to go that far to plot against me just to marry Richard?” Flora asked again.

Debby tilted her head toward Flora.

"Yes. That's because Richard and I have been in love with each other long before you came into the picture. Even the fire accident and the collapse of his side business was fake. I needed money as of then to fix my life, because I am the one who has been satisfying him in bed all this while!" Debby declared.

"But too bad for you, Flora.

You've signed the divorce already. So even as you know the truth now, what more can you do?”