“Those are divorce papers. Sign it,” He instructed, his voice cold as usual.

I stared at the papers in shock and despite knowing the answer, I still asked. “Why?”

“Because you aren't needed. I married you only because my father made it the only way to inherit his properties. I wasn't going to allow my hard work to go to the snake that is my younger brother and now that I've inherited almost everything, you're not needed.”

“That is all I was?” I inquired knowing fully well his answer would hurt me but he didn't bother giving me an answer.

“You'll be paid for your years as my bed warmer—” Bed warmer? “—and the moment my lawyer receives the signed document, you'll have the money sent to your card. In addition, you can stay here for an extra month.”

I smiled through gritted teeth. “Fine. A hundred and thirty thousand grand is all I need.”

“You can get more.”

“I need just the amount I specified and don't worry, I'll sign right now. Just send the money now,” I told him before signing the document and handing it to him.

***

After Shawna ends her loveless marriage she finds out that she's pregnant for her ex-husband. Now she has to figure out how to take care of herself, her kids, and her sick mother.

When Damien comes back into her life and is willing to share her burden and take care of her. Will she forgive him and come back to him after everything he has put her through?

Chapter One

SHAWNA

When I thought of marriage, my eyes would light up as I imagined being in bed with my husband, giggling as he whispered sweet words of affection to me. I had looked forward to cooking with him and having food fights every time we did.

A sad smile settled on my face as I stared at the ceiling.

“How naive I was,” I muttered, my voice breaking.

If I had been told I'd be married at age twenty-two, I'd surely believe that but I wouldn't have believed my marriage would be loveless and the complete opposite of all that I had imagined.

With a sigh, I sat up in bed. It had been two years since I got married yet it was still the same so thinking about it and regretting it was pointless.

I gently got out of bed and sat back down because of how sore I was between my legs and a scowl settled on my face.

“Even if he doesn't like me, can't he at least be gentle,” I muttered, frustrated because I was almost always sore anytime I had sex with my husband.

As though he heard me, the door to the bathroom swung open and Damien, my husband, strutted out in loose pants and a shirt that had the two top buttons unbuttoned. One wouldn't know we'd just had sex with how clean and cold he looked.

Even without a smile on his face, he still looks handsome.

I mentally slapped myself at my thought before standing up, holding the duvet to my body so I wouldn't be bare before him. Despite him seeing me naked multiple times, I still wasn't comfortable around him.

“Wait,” I blocked his path as he walked towards the door, freezing when his hatred-filled eyes locked mine. Taking a deep breath, I smiled softly. “Please stay the night,” I started to say to him. “We've—”

Without waiting for me to complete my sentence, he shoved me aside and resumed his journey to the door, not sparing me a word as he left the room and slammed the door behind him.

“It's not like I wasn't expecting it,” I muttered to myself as I blinked back the tears in her eyes.

Dropping the duvet, I looked at my reflection in the mirror and a teardrop rolled down my face.

I wrapped my arms around my body as the tears rolled down in torrents. I felt like a low-level prostitute that didn't deserve pay. That was what I was, not a wife.

Looking to the edge of the bed, my eyes landed on the red heels and black dress I had prepared for that night on the floor. The outfit was carefully selected so he'd at least desire me but I doubt he had noticed it and even if he did, he didn't care.

“Wife to the wealthiest billionaire,” I recalled the headline to one of the many articles on us. “Everyone wants to be me. I wonder what they'd think when they find out what it's really like.”

It wasn't his fault and perhaps that was the reason why I couldn't hate him. The only person I could blame was myself and my family.

As the eldest son and the CEO of the largest food company in America, Damien has several rivals and enemies including his younger brother, Kyle.

Out of jealousy and a desire to be the heir to the company, Kyle had drugged Damien and paid my family to send me to his bed.

I hated the offer but agreed because my mother needed the money for her treatment and despite my wealthy background, my relationship with my family wasn't the best; I knew they wouldn't help me with my mum's treatment without getting something in return.

I didn't know he had been drugged by his brother and if I had known, I can't say that I wouldn't have accepted the money. All I wanted was to save my mother.

It was supposed to be a one-night stand—that is what I was told but later I discovered that it was a set-up for Damien and to keep his position as the heir, he had been instructed by his father to get married to me.

Despite all his efforts to change his father's mind and prove his innocence, he had to marry me and I couldn't refuse either because my mother was still in the hospital plus I had put him in that mess. I got married to him even when I knew he didn't love me.

Despite knowing he hated me more than he hated his brother because I had separated him from the woman he loved, I still married him. For a while, I also hated myself but learned to forgive myself.

I doubted he ever will but deep down, I hoped he did.

To others, he acted like the perfect husband but when he was alone with me, he was a cold-hearted demon.

He had never raised his hand or voice against me but he was cold and distant.

The only time he came close to me was when he wanted to have sex and immediately afterwards, he left for his room.

Even that was because his father wanted grandkids yet we hadn't had children despite it being two years.

I stepped into the shower.

“You were damn naive, Shawna,” I muttered.

I had assumed if I was a good wife who was kind, caring, and patient, we would be a couple who'd grow to love each other but that didn't happen. No matter what I did, he wasn't moved and I had given up on trying.

Just as I stepped out of the shower, my phone rang and my heart skipped two beats when I saw it was the nurse in charge of my mother calling her.

“Is my mum okay?” I immediately asked.

“It’s not your mum but it's way worse than that, Shawna and you need to come down here.”

My face fell. “Don't tell me it's…” I trailed off feeling anger coursing through me. If it wasn't my mom, it could only be one person.

“Yes, it's her.”

Chapter Two

SHAWNA

I immediately dashed down the stairs with my bag trying to be as quiet as I could so Damien wouldn’t know I was leaving the house.

He didn't care about me enough to be bothered but if he knew I was leaving with my male friend, he'd stop me.

It wasn't because he cared or was jealous but because he didn't want me to taint his reputation.

I could have taken a taxi instead but it was late at night and someone of my status shouldn't be that careless.

There had been times when I was nearly kidnapped because I was married to Damien but I was always lucky.

If I ever got kidnapped, that would be the end of me because I doubted he'd come to my rescue.

I exited the house and shut the gate behind me before crossing to the opposite side of the road to the blue, run-down car.

“Are you okay?” Liam, my old friend, asked when I got into the front seat.

We had been friends since college but since I got married, we rarely saw each other for obvious reasons.

“Yes, I am. Now let's go,” I said with a tone of urgency.

He pressed his leg against the accelerator and in fifteen minutes, we arrived at the hospital.

I didn't wait for him to stop the engine before I ran out of the car and into the hospital, heading towards my mother's ward with fury written all over my face.

As I neared my mother's ward, I heard some noise and got there to find Eugene, my stepsister, arguing with the nurse who was standing in front of my mother's ward refusing to let her in.

What was more shocking were the hefty men I saw gathered there.

This bitch.

“Eugene,” I said as I pushed through the men and stood in front of her, “What do you think you're doing here?”

Eugene was the daughter of my father and the woman he had cheated on my mum with for so many years.

He had even brought her into our home and her mother was one of the reasons why my mum was in the condition that she was.

Despite the terrible things Eugene and her mother had done and caused for us, she was so shameless and acted as though I was the one born to a mistress.

I always overlooked her behaviour because it was pointless fighting her— my father was wrapped around her mother's fingers and her every word was law so it wouldn't help either.

“Oh, come on! Why are you so mad?” Eugene inquired with a sinister smile on her face, “I heard that your mother would need another operation so I'm here to ensure the doctors in this hospital are capable of helping her and also for moral support. Oh yeah, I also came to confirm can afford it since you're so poor—”

She scoffed as she added. “It's quite amusing how poor you are even when you're married to such a wealthy man.”

“Get out of here right this instant!” I warned her, “My mother and I don't need your help so leave with your men.”

Eugene rolled her eyes before folding her arms across her chest.

“Geez. You're such an ungrateful bitch,” she sighed, “You act as though you have something to rely on when your husband couldn't care less about you. Everyone knows he doesn't love you and sooner or later, he'll divorce you and you'll become just like your mother—abandoned!”

I had been trying to calm myself but couldn't hold back anyone. With all the strength I could muster, I slapped her across the face, sending her stumbling and falling into the arms of one of her men.

“Don't you ever speak of my mum that way again!” I warned her.

“Did you just…” Eugen trailed off in shock, her hands still on her red cheeks, “Guys, get her,” she instructed her men.

Just then, Liam pushed through the men and stopped in front of me with a menacing glare in his eyes.

“Seems like you all came here to get admitted, right?” He asked, his eyes scanning the crowd, “If you don't get yourself and your minions out of here, you'll pay dearly.”

“I can't believe a church rat—”

“When the police arrive and this escalates, who do you think will suffer and regret it? You or Shawna, who's the wife of a man with a hundred times the influence your father thinks he has?” Liam inquired and a smug smile settled on my face.

Biting her lips in embarrassment, she glared at me, “This isn't over,” before turning to leave.

“Thank you, Liam,” I thanked him and immediately entered my mum's ward to check on her only to find her awake with tears rolling down her eyes.

“Is it true your husband doesn't love you?” She inquired.

Just great. She heard it all.

I gave her a reassuring smile. “Come on, mum. You know how bitter Eugene is. Do you think she's telling the truth? I'm happy with my husband so you don't have to worry. He wanted to come here with me but I insisted he stay back because he has so much to work to do and he'll not let this die down easily if he was present and I don't want that stress.”

“Are you certain?” she inquired and I nodded before staying by her side, feeding her lies about Damien and my marriage till she fell asleep.

“How is she?” Liam questioned the moment I came out of her room.

“She's fine,” I whispered.

“Shawna, I spoke with the doctor and…” He sighed.

“What is it this time?” I inquired, anxious.

“Your mother needs surgery again and it costs a hundred and thirty thousand dollars,” he said slowly, hugging me when he saw the tears in my eyes.

I was fed up—from the lies I fed my mum, the hurt I felt from the truth of Eugene's words and the realization that I'd once again have to start running around in search of money for her surgery.

“Will your father help?” He asked.

“I… I don't know,” I muttered burying my face in his shoulders as I soaked it with my tears.

Chapter Three

SHAWNA

In Liam's car, I leaned my head against the seat's headrest trying to gather my thoughts on how I'd get the money since there was no way that my father would assist with the money; he'd tell me to get it from Damien.

“I can assist you but there's no way it'd be up to the money you need,” Liam sighed and I turned to face him in annoyance.

“Liam!” I snap. “You can barely make ends meet and you're trying to help me. With all that you've done for me, I should be the one helping you not the other way around. Even if you give me any money, I won't accept it and if you give it to the doctor, I'll loan double the money to pay you back.”

“But how will you get the money when your family won't help you? It's not like you can ask your husband either,” He said.

Right. Him.

“Yes, that's exactly what I'm going to do,” I told him with a determined look on my face.

Liam turned to me with a shocked expression on his face. “How will you do that when he doesn't give you money and is unaware of your mother's condition?” He inquired.

“I won't be collecting the money from him. I'll just take a loan from him,” I said with a tired sigh. “I don't know what I'm going to use as an excuse but I've never asked him for money before so he might loan it to me… no, I'll make sure he does.”

“Are you sure he'll agree? Why don't you just tell him—”

“Absolutely not! I don't want attention on my mother,” I snapped. “And I don't want to burden him. He already thinks I intentionally trapped him in a marriage with me and telling him about my mother will make things worse.”

Liam sighed as he started the engine and I could tell he felt bad about being unable to help me. “And just so you know, you being here and standing with me through all this is more than enough. You don't have to feel bad, okay?”

He nodded slightly with a small smile and I leaned my head against the headrest. Damien should have left by now.

+++

“Do you think he'll like it? Even if he finds it tasty, he might not eat it because I'm the one who cooked it,” I said to my friend, Suzy who worked as a maid in Damien’s home. Since the first day I stepped into the house, she had been nothing but kind to me and we soon bonded.

She nodded her head. “Of course, he will,” she assured me with a wide smile. “It's all his favourite dishes and he's not the type to waste food so he'll surely eat it even if he knows you cooked it and who knows? Perhaps this might be the bridge between you two.”

I doubt so. I had always held on to a glimmer of hope that things would get better between him and me, and truly, I wanted it to. I didn't want things to end on a bad note between us. Perhaps if we have children, things will change.

I took a deep breath as I placed the last plate of food on the table and glanced at the wall clock. “He'll be here any minute from now,” I muttered.

“I should get going now,” Suzy said, looking more excited than I was.

“Goodnight, Suzy,” I hugged her.

“Goodnight and good luck,” She wished me before hurrying out of the dining room. I sat at the table since it was almost 8 pm, the time he came home but after waiting for nearly an hour, I dozed off at the dining table, waking up to someone calling my name.

“Miss. Shawna,” I looked up from the table to see Damien hovering above me and the sleep instantly cleared from my eyes. I hope I wasn't snoring.

It then occurred to me that he had called my name. That was the first time he had directly addressed me in private and although he was formal about it, it made me feel hopeful again.

“Damien, I—” I started to say only for him to drop a file in front of me.

“Those are divorce papers. Sign it,” He instructed, his voice cold as usual.

I stared at the papers in shock and despite knowing the answer, I still asked. “Why?”

“Because you aren't needed. I married you only because my father made it the only way to inherit his properties. I wasn't going to allow my hard work to go to the snake that is my younger brother and now that I've inherited almost everything, you're not needed.”

“That is all I was?” I inquired knowing fully well his answer would hurt me but he didn't bother giving me an answer.

“You'll be paid for your years as my bed warmer—” Bed warmer? “—and the moment my lawyer receives the signed document, you'll have the money sent to your card. In addition, you can stay here for an extra month.”

I smiled through gritted teeth. “Fine. A hundred and thirty thousand grand is all I need.”

“You can get more.”

“I need just the amount I specified and don't worry, I'll sign right now. Just send the money now,” I told him before signing the document and handing it to him.

He stared at me for a while before collecting the document. “You'll receive it tonight,” he said before walking away with his phone to his ear.

The moment he left the house, I sped to my room, tears blurring my vision. I didn't know if the divorce of the fact that I was nothing more than a bed warmer to him was the most painful of all that transpired.

I suddenly felt the urge to vomit and ran into the toilet, feeling dizzy afterwards. I immediately took out a pregnancy test stick. I always used one when I felt sick but to my surprise, there were two lines.

No way. I'm pregnant.

Chapter Four

SHAWNA

“Why?” I chanted repeatedly as I sat on the toilet floor.

Of all the times the child could come, it chose when Damien had decided to divorce me. I had already signed the papers so there was no going back even if I told him the truth.

He was cruel and couldn't care less about me but I couldn't tell how he would react to the child.

I couldn't tell if he was going to accept our child and take me back or perhaps he'd take my child from me and kick me out.

There was also the possibility that he'd deny being the father or try to get rid of the baby.

I didn't want to think of him as such a terrible person but he didn't care about anyone but himself. Even if he did, I wasn't a part of that group of people.

I placed my hands on my stomach.

“The more I think about it, the scarier it gets. I can't afford to lose this baby after everything. I won't let him know the truth.”

Just then, I heard a ding on my phone and turned it on to see that I had received the money I had requested and I felt relief wash over her.

“My mum will be fine,” I muttered, tears rolling down my cheeks.

Tears of Joy for my mother and child and tears of pain because of my divorce and the fact that my child wouldn't get to grow up with his father.

I'll be fine. I looked at my stomach and smiled softly. “We'll be fine.”

+++

“Mum, I have something to tell you,” I said as I sat by her bed.

She looked at me with worry. “What is it? Did something happen?”

I sighed. “I already paid for your surgery.”

Her eyes beamed with joy. “Why did you make it sound as though something bad had happened?” She inquired as she sniffed.

“Mum… I'm divorcing Damien,” I told her and waited for her reaction before adding. “And I'm pregnant too.”

She still didn't say anything, making me worried. “Why aren't you saying anything, mum?” I asked.

My mom sighed, “I guess Eugene was right.”

“I didn't want you to worry, Mom, but now it's going to be alright,” I stated, holding back the tears in my eyes.

“What about your child?” she queried.

“He doesn't love me, Mom, it's been two years. Is a child really going to change that?” I asked her, my voice breaking at the end.

My mom nodded, “I'm so sorry you have to go through all this, my love.”

A sigh of relief washed through me, “I knew you'd understand. I was so worried you wouldn't.”

My mom shook her head, “I know you, love, before you agreed to the divorce you must have tried your best to make it work.”

Finally the tears rolled down my cheeks at her words, “I really did, Mom.”

“Come here, my darling, it will be fine,” my mom pulled me into a hug, patting my back softly.

“We’ll move away after the surgery and I'll help you raise your baby. You will also find a man who will love you for yourself, Shawna, you're an incredible daughter and I know someone would see that soon,” my mom added.

I wrapped my arms around her, tears rolling down my cheeks. “I love you, mum. Thank you.”

“It's almost time for the surgery,” the nurse came in and I stood up, wiping my eyes.

“Your mom is going to be alright,” the nurse said kindly.

“Thank you,” I smiled at her.

“I'll be outside the surgery room,” I told her before walking out while they prepared her for the surgery.

While waiting, I dialed Liam who had told me to let him know when my mother was being taken into the surgery room because his work wouldn't let him be there.

“Is it time?” He inquired over the phone.

“Yes, they're just preparing her for the surgery,” I told him with a sigh of relief. “By the way, I’m pregnant for Damien—”

“What?” he interrupted me sharply.

“Yeah but we're divorced now,” I added.

“Wait… what?” He yelled even louder. “How'd that happen? Does he know?”

“No, he doesn't and will never know. I'll explain in detail when we meet and also after my mum gets discharged, I'll be leaving town with her—” I paused when I saw my mum being rolled out of her ward. “—I’ve got to go. Talk to you later.”

“Okay,” He said and I hung up.

+++

It had been a week since my mum's surgery and it was the day she was to be discharged. Finally, we could leave this town.

Damien had offered me a one-month stay in his house but I had left the night I found out I was pregnant for my mum's house. Even though it was run down, it was better than staying with that asshole.

“Oh boy! What is she doing here,” I muttered when I saw Eugene walking out of a doctor’s office and my jaw dropped when I saw who she was with.

“What is she doing with Damien?” I muttered in shock, tempted to march over to them and demand an explanation but I had to remind myself we were separated. Whatever they did was none of my business.

I watched as Damien walked off in the opposite direction and just when Eugene was about to follow suit, she noticed me and walked towards me.

I should have left.

“Wow, I didn't think I'd see you here,” She said with a smug smile on her face.

“Neither did I,” I said, giving her the fakest smile possible. “Now, out of my way,” I said before increasing my pace.

“Don't you want to know why Damien and I are at the hospital together?” She inquired with a raised brow.

I wanted to tell her that I wasn't curious but the curiosity was eating at me. Regardless, I continued walking knowing she would tell me even if I didn't ask.

“I'm pregnant with his child.”

I froze and slowly turned to face her, “What?” I inquired.

“You heard me. He's been cheating on you for so long but you were too stupid to notice or maybe you thought he cared enough about you to wait for you to give him a child,” She scoffed.

I opened my mouth to speak but all I did was gape at her like a fish out of water. Of all the hurtful things for Damien to do to me, it was getting my step-sister pregnant.

“You’re stealing my home just like your mother stole my mom’s home,” I muttered with a sad smile.

“Oh, shut up, loser! I didn't steal anything. Everyone knows that Damien paid you go divorce him so take your gold-digging ass and leave this place!” Eugene mocked.

As I turned to walk away, Eugene's next words broke me.

“Also, we’re getting married soon,” she announced happily, “I would invite you but you might poison me.”

My legs suddenly felt like lead as I crumbled to the ground, tears rolling down my eyes. Two years of marriage just ended like that and it took him one week to move on.

Well played, Damien.

Chapter Five

DAMIEN

“What are you saying, Doctor?” I asked, a furious look on my face.

It was a long day and I wasn't in the mood to play any games. I had just arrived from the office and my car was still parked in the driveway.

Ever since I divorced Shawna, it's been a hell of a long shitty week. I always return from work exhausted and the fact I have to see Eugene’s face in my home made me feel guilty.

Six weeks ago when I was still married to Shawna I went to a club and got drunk. When I woke up, Eugene was naked and in my arms.

I couldn't recall how it had happened but we agreed to keep quiet on the whole thing. Of course, I had given her a huge amount of money to take care of herself.

Three weeks later she called me and told me she was pregnant. I had taken her specially to my doctor and he had confirmed she was pregnant so now why was he calling me after three weeks to say this trash?

“I know this sounds crazy but I think the test results were mixed up,” the doctor said over the phone.

“You think?” I scoffed, “How are you able to do your job properly if you don't know anything about it?”

“Please, calm down, Damien. If you could bring your wife–”

I cut him off sharply, “–she’s not my wife!”

It sounded really weird being referred to as Eugene’s husband when I had been married to Shawna for a long time. I wonder what she would think if she knew her step-sister was pregnant for me.

This had been part of the reason why I had to divorce her. Because I couldn't bear to look her in the eyes when I had been unfaithful to her.

Despite the fact that our marriage had been a shitshow none of us had ever stepped outside of marriage to satisfy our sexual needs.

“Are you with me, Damien?” the doctor’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I sighed, “Yes, what do you want?”

“Bring your wi– I mean Eugene in for a test today so we can be certain,” he answered.

I nodded and hung up the phone. I had returned back from work two hours earlier because I wanted a nice rest.

Suzy would be arriving in the next one hour to prepare a meal for me and Eugene. She had taken a one week trip to go visit her mother in her hometown.

Grabbing his briefcase, I headed inside the house. But the closer I got the louder the moans became.

What the hell is going on here? I wondered.

I knew for a fact that Suzy wasn't around. The only person in this house was Eugene. And as I pushed open the door I saw the woman who was supposed to be pregnant for me riding my younger brother, Kyle on the sofa!

“Goddamnit! I knew we should have gone to your bedroom, babe!” Kyle exclaimed.

“Shut the f*ck up, it's your brother!” Eugene hissed at him.

I took out my phone and captured them immediately.

“I'll be damned!” I exclaimed, a furious look in my eyes, “Of all the people to be with, why did you choose Kyle, Eugene?”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Kyle asked, offended.

“Because you are an *ssh*l*! You trapped me in a marriage with Shawna and now you're making out with the woman who’s supposed to be pregnant for me,” I stated.

“I can explain, Damien, your brother... He threatened me and said–” Eugene started to say but Kyle interrupted her sharply.

“What the f*ck, Eugene!” Kyle exclaimed shocked, “You are my girlfriend, I didn't force you into anything. You agreed to pretend to be pregnant after you got yourself into Damien’s bed when he was drunk and even so he refused to touch you!”

“Shut it!” Eugene snapped at him, they seemed to be oblivious to my presence, “I am only with you because I thought you can finally claim your grandfather’s properties from Damien but you are a loser! Why wouldn't I snatch the opportunity to make something for myself by being with your brother, huh?”

“Wait…this is another one of your schemes, Kyle?” I asked, furious.

“What? No, Damien, I'm pregnant for you…”

“She's not pregnant for you or anyone else, I swapped out the test samples,” Kyle stated, angrily, “And why we’re at this it’d be nice for you to know that Shawna was set up as much as you were. She didn't know it was a trap for you, so all your berating and the way you ignored her for two years had nothing to do with her because she was innocent. That's on you, Damien.”

He glared at Eugene, a furious look in his eyes, “Let’s see how you rise from that, b*tch!”

Then he walked out of the house. I should have beaten him up but the fact that he told me the truth even when Eugene was unwilling to was the only reason why I would let this slide.

“You honestly don't believe what he said, right?” Eugene asked, laughing nervously.

I scoffed, the nerve of this wh*r* to think she can confuse me and trap me further even after I caught her red-handed.

“You’ve got some nerve to still be standing before me, Eugene. Before I come downstairs, pack up your things and go,” I informed her.

“No,” she said bluntly.

I stopped dead in my tracks as I glared at her, “Excuse me?”

“No, I'm not leaving and you can't make me,” she said smugly.

“Don't push me, Eugene,” I warned in a low voice.

“You aren't going to do anything. I'll just tell your father that you got me pregnant and abandoned me,” she stated smugly.

I chuckled, “You are delusional. What proof do you have?”

“It's not hard to falsify proof, my sweet Damien. Unlike my step-sister whom you used and tossed out like a piece of rag, I'm quite smart,” she bragged.

I tapped my phone and Eugene’s voice played on it.

“What have you done?” she cried.

“I have enough proof to bury you and Kyle so I suggest you get the f*ck out of my house. And unlike Shawna, she never f*ck*d a man in my home in the two years of our marriage so she's a hundred percent better than you!”

***

“Why is the house so quiet? Where's Miss Eugene?” Suzy asked.

I ignored her as I kept playing with my fork and staring at my food. Ever since Kyle told me the truth about Shawna I had felt terrible guilt and I had been in a sour mood since then.

I had tried my best not to think about her or where she might have gone to but with Eugene mentioning her name it made me wonder.

But I was certain she was fine because I had given her the money she asked for.

Just then my phone rang. I frowned when I picked it up, it was Roger, my personal assistant.

“What is it?” I asked in a gruff tone.

“Boss, Miss Shawna just returned the money you had given her when you guys divorced,” Roger answered.

I blinked, “What? She returned the one hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Why?”

“She just needed the money for her mother’s surgery,” Roger answered.

“Her mother’s surgery? Her mother was sick?” I asked, confused.

“Yes.”

“Send her the money back, how will she survive now?”

“I tried boss, but I can't send it back,” Roger stated.

“I’ll handle it,” I stated and hung up.

I stared at Suzy, “Was Shawna’s mother ever sick?”

Suzy scoffed, “Yes, her mother was sick all the two years she was with you! And yet she kept taking care of you and putting up with your tantrums!”

I dialed Shawna’s number immediately but I couldn't reach her. It seemed she blocked my contact. I tried with a different number but I still couldn't reach her.

I dialed Roger’s number again, “Did you find out anything?”

“No, Boss, there's no information on Shawna. It would seem like she has just disappeared into thin air.”

How could this be? Where are you, Shanwa?

Chapter Six

FIVE YEARS LATER

SHAWNA

I wiped off the sweat from my brow as I dusted off the shelf before neatly arranging the shoes on the shelf. I've been working in this store for five years as a sales girl and yet the manager still treats me like I’m a cleaner.

My phone rang and I frowned when I saw it was a call from the school. I picked up the call immediately, my expression filled with worry.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Shawna, your kids got into a fight with another child. Hurry and come quickly,” the teacher’s voice sounded over the phone before she hung up.

I frowned my expression filled with concern as I headed out of the store, looking for my manager. She was nowhere to be found.

“Please, cover for me. I have to go to school,” I said to my co-worker, Laurel.

Laurel nodded, “Hurry up. You know the manager doesn't like it when you leave.”

“I’ll be back soon,” I said to her.

I ran out of the shop and hailed a cab to take me to school. A few minutes later the cab pulled up in front of the school and I stepped out.

I saw my three children sitting down with a frown on their faces while their teacher gave them a stern look.

“What happened?” I asked.

The teacher turned to me with a haughty expression on her face when she saw me.

“Finally, you're here,” she scowled.

“Mommy,” my daughter, Phoebe exclaimed and ran into my arms when she saw me.

I hugged my daughter and frowned when I noticed the scratches on her arm.

“What happened to your arm?” I asked her.

“It was Eric,” my son, Billy answered.

“He was bullying her,” Jasper, my other son added.

I pulled my three children close to my chest, kneeling to their level as I kissed each of their foreheads.

“That’s the type of thing that has turned them into a bully, Shawna,” their teacher scoffed in a rude tone.

I frowned at her, “What do you mean?”

“Your kids hurt Eric. You should be grateful his parents aren't pressing charges,” the teacher said.

My frown deepened, “Hurt Eric? How? Isn't it Phoebe who got hurt?”

“Eric was only playing with her and then her brothers beat him up,” the teacher said.

“Playing with her? By hurting my daughter?” I was puzzled and upset.

“Mommy, we beat Eric because he was hurting Phoebe and asking us about our dad,” Jasper said.

My heart skipped a bit when they mentioned their dad. There wasn't any day that went by without me getting reminded of the fact that I had run away with Damien’s triplets condemning my kids to grow up without a father.

“Yes, he said his mom told him we’re not good kids that’s why we don't have a dad,” Billy added.

Phoebe’s eyes watered as she looked up at me with those adorable eyes that reminded me of Damien.

“Is it true, Mommy? Are we bad?” she asked, sobbing.

“That’s not true honey,” I said, kissing her cheeks, “Your father is working in another city. He loves you and he will visit soon.”

The teacher scoffed, “That’s what you've been saying since you enrolled them in this school.”

I stood up and glared at the teacher. The last thing I wanted to do was lose my temper in front of my children but she was forcing my hand.

“What do you want?” I asked her.

“The principal is waiting for you with Eric’s parents,” the teacher answered.

“Stay here,” I told my children before I left.

I got to the principal’s office and knocked softly before I opened the door and entered. I saw the Principal seated and smiling with two people who I presumed to be Eric’s parents.

They were dressed in lavish attire and it was obvious they didn't need money like I did.

“Good day, Principal Rosa,” I greeted the chubby woman who sat behind the desk.

Principal Rosa acknowledged me, “Shawna, this is Mr. And Mrs. Harris, they're Eric’s parents.”

My eyes widened slightly as I recalled the ‘Harris’ name was affiliated with one of the top-ranking companies in this town.

“A pleasure,” I smiled at them.

The husband gave me a haughty look while the wife gave me a dirty look like I was trash at the bottom of her shoes.

“I wish we were meeting under better circumstances but this has to be done,” The Principal said.

I frowned, “Is this about what happened earlier with the triplets?”

The principal nodded, “Yes, Jasper and Billy beat up Eric.”

I frowned, “But that was because Eric was bullying Phoebe.”

Eric’s mother glared at me, “How do you know he was bullying her? Were you there?”

I shook my head, “No, but–”

She interrupted me sharply, “Well, shut up! Your kids hurt my son because my son decided to play with your filthy daughter.”

I was mortified by her choice of words but I still decided to keep calm.

“Please don't talk to me or my daughter in that manner,” I said sharply.

The woman scoffed, “What are you going to do, whore?”

I gasped, beyond livid as I stared at the principal, “Is this why you called me here? To insult and humiliate me?”

The Principal sighed, “Please calm down, Shawna.”

“I’m calm, it’s Eric’s mom who has decided to speak to me rudely. And now I know without a doubt that Eric bullied my daughter because the apple doesn't fall far from the truth.”

“You’re one to talk,” Eric’s mother scoffed.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I snapped.

“Settle down, Shawna!” the principal snapped at me.

I was surprised but I kept quiet and waited for her to say what she had to say.

“I just want to tell you that we can't keep your triplets at our school again,” the principal said.

I gasped, “What? Why?”

“Because when we admitted them they weren't bullies. Now they snap at anyone who mentions their father. When will you tell them you don't know who their father is?”

I was shocked at the principal’s words, “I told you their father is working in another city.”

“Understandable, that’s what anyone without a husband or who doesn't know the father of her child would say,” Eric’s mother mocked.

“I know who my kid's father is. He's just too busy to come here, and how does this affect their education here?” I asked.

“We are training upstanding citizens, Shawna. You need two parents for that. We can't have just you taking care of three kids and then they start acting out and bullying other children due to your inability to provide a stable, strong, and secure home for them,” the principal answered.

Her words cut me like a knife as I stared at her serious face. I suddenly realized how my kids must feel every day whenever they were bullied about not having a father.

“This isn't right, Principal. Consider these kids,” I pleaded.

“We held a PTA meeting and it was agreed that children with one parent be dismissed from the school,” the principal said.

I frowned, “PTA meeting that I wasn't invited?”

“It’s strictly for couples, sorry,” Eric’s mother laughed mockingly.

“You can't be serious, Principal Rosa,” I scoffed.

“I’m sorry but there's nothing I can do,” the principal said.

“It’s either you leave this school with your violent children or you stay and I sue you in court for irresponsible behavior. You'd lose the case and your kids,” Eric’s father finally spoke for the first time.

I nodded and smiled bitterly at the Principal, “So this is what this is. A power struggle.”

“You can come back when your husband is back,” the principal said to me.

With a heavy heart, I walked out of the office and headed to where my children were. They frowned when they saw my face.

“Mommy, is something wrong?” Jasper asked immediately.

I shook my head, “No, you've just been asked to stay home for a while. Come, let me take you to grandma. I have to get back to work.”

“I’m sorry for making you work so much,” Phoebe apologized.

“Me too,” Jasper and Billy said.

My heart melted at their words as tears clouded my eyes. I hugged them before ushering them toward the road. My children were sweet children and not bullies.

The only wrong they did was being born without their father around and that was my fault else they wouldn't be bullied by others.

“Mommy, are we getting punished?” Phoebe asked.

She was always the smartest among them with her eyes that looked like Damien’s eyes. Despite them being triplets they had different looks but had a unique resemblance to Damien.

A car suddenly pulled up across the road and I heard my name being yelled out in the main road.

“Shawna!”

My heart stopped beating at the sound of the familiar voice. I raised my eyes and locked eyes with Damien.