I took my time to study everything there is to know about Donovan. From his lifestyle to his hobbies and career.

From my findings, Donovan was the total opposite of his father. He was gentle, reserved, and a little too responsible for my liking. He had no history with women which made it difficult to predict what kind of women he might be into.

He was the typical definition of an introverted Alpha male.

I wanted my revenge on Hudson so badly and the only way I could do it was to become part of his family.

What better way to destroy a man than to have his heart shattered into a million or more pieces?

With his personality in mind, I carefully planned our meet-cute which turned out to be a perfect idea.

With a verified and well-forged result from the FBI, I applied to work as an Anesthesiologist in his hospital.

On the day I submitted my application letter, I hung around the hospital until I saw the Jr. McMahone walk into the hospital. I quickly walked past him, intentionally dropping my wallet in front of him.

I was very careful to make sure he saw it. Fortunately, he did, and like the gentleman he was, he quickly picked it up and attempted to give it back but as soon as he called me, I quickly turned back and snapped at him,

“Oh please! Are you also going to tell me that I’m the most beautiful woman you’ve seen in your life? Don’t bother selling that because I won’t buy it. I’m not interested in you, so please leave me the hell alone.”

For a while, his brow raised in surprise but I noticed his expression softened before I walked out on him.

I knew I made an impression and while it lasted, I appeared in front of him again just a few days later when I was finally employed as an Anesthesiologist in the new surgical team he was setting up.

I noticed a gleam in his eyes as he saw me and I could tell he was both excited and relaxed to see me sitting across from him in his office.

He wasn’t surprised at all, which was also a notification that my plans worked because if he peeked into my wallet, he’d have noticed my name on my ID and would have guessed it when he went through my CV.

The only reason he’d have peeked into my wallet would be probably because I caught his attention. My Absolute Goal.

I briefly apologized for that day and acted like I was stressed out from the disturbance of several men stopping to pass compliments at me.

From then on, things moved really fast beyond my expectations.

Later I found out he fell in love with me at first sight.

In the next six months while I was still gathering every information I could against Hudson, he proposed and a few months later we got married.

At some point, his parents were against our relationship because I didn’t meet his standards and also because everything was going too quickly but as the saying goes, “A man in love is both blind and deaf.”

Luckily, his parents realized that on time and supported us instead even though his overprotective father always had a problem with me possibly being a gold digger.

The news of our Marriage took Miller and the whole FBI crew by surprise as they thought I was only going to dig out information from him and dump him.

Miller always had a problem with me dating Donovan and that’s because he has feelings for me.

Of course, he hasn’t dared mention it but women will always know when they’ve caught a man’s attention.

Similarly, Donovan doesn’t like seeing me with him because he doesn't like the way he stares at me but fortunately, none of the men can control my life.

Even though we became family, I made Donovan understand that I wasn’t ready to change my last name.

Though he didn’t like the idea, he loved me dearly and would do anything to make me happy.

When I was questioned by the authorities, I lied my way out saying I had to make the whole charade believable but Miller knew there was something more to my lies.

The FBI is a legal organization who wanted to go by the book but that would mean at the end, Hudson would still have something he cherished more than his life - His Son.

I didn’t want that to happen. He took everything I ever had from me. So I’m going to do the same.

Our marriage has been full of bliss for the past three years. I’ve waited that long to make the McMahone Family pay and now it’s time to finally let my true intentions known.

The Public Ministerial Candidate Screening is coming up by next month.

Whatever I have to do has to be done before then.

****

Once we returned home from the party, Donovan got intimate with me.

Sex with him is always great. I was so addicted to it that I could barely resist him.

But I will have to get used to living without it very soon because by the end of the Screening we will be divorced.

As per my usual morning routine on nights like last night, I would wake up early, wash up and take my drugs.

Contraceptive Pills, of course. I wouldn’t want to carry a child for that family.

For the past years, I’ve hid the drugs well from him but today, I purposely left it on the washing sink right where he could see it, then I went back to the room and climbed onto the bed, staring at the handsome man sleeping on the bed.

Donovan was a few years older than me. He clocked 30 a few months back. His features were pronounced. He had nicely arched brows and beautiful eyes.

His body was well built and his chest was brawny and slightly hairy with a 10 inches long scar on his chest from the open heart surgery he had a few years before we met. Overall, Donovan is a fine man.

“None of this was your fault but I hope you’re strong enough for the emotional breakdown that is coming your way.” I thought to myself before finally waking him up and walking over to the dressing mirror.

A few minutes after walking into the restroom, I heard him calling out for me as he walked back into the room.

“Honey…” He called out frantically as he stood behind me, his reflection appearing on the mirror before me.

“Is everything alright?” I asked as I turned to face him, pretending not to see the satchet of drugs in his hand.

“Umm…” He opened his mouth to speak, paused to collect his thoughts then continued. “Umm…this isn’t yours, right?” He asked, his body tensed as he feared my response.

I rested my body on the dressing mirror behind me, pressed my lips into a thin line while fidgeting my hands, acting as nervous as I could.

“Honey, I’m talking to you. Please tell me this is not yours!” He begged frantically even though he already understood my body language.

“Don, were you going through my things? Just because I’m your wife don’t you think I deserve some privacy?” I asked, trying my best to provoke him.

“Does that even matter now? Just answer my fucking question Bela!” Donovan yelled at me.

For the first time in our three and a half years of relationship, he called me by my name making it obvious that he was highly angered by my action.

I know he loves me to death but what he would love more is to see me carry his child which would never happen.

“Don, I have my reasons. Try to understand that.” I rolled my eyes, acting unconcerned just to provoke him.

Don’s breath hitched at my unusual and nonchalant response. This was a side I had never shown to him before so I understand his awe.

“Bela Armani!” He called out in disbelief and just then, my phone rang.

I quickly picked it up when I noticed it was Miller. He asked to meet up and immediately, I picked my back and strode past Don who quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

“Bela, we are in the middle of a conversation, What’s wrong with you?” He asked, tension filling his body.

“I understand you want to talk but I’ve got more important things to do right now. Let’s talk when I’m back.” I replied rudely, tilting my head slightly to the side while his body tense at my every word.

“Is Miller more important than our future?” He asked, his voice cracked.

“Can you stop being so emotional about such a petty thing? I need to leave now so let go of my hand!” I scolded, taking Don by surprise and rendering him speechless.

“Let Go!” I bellowed once more before his grip on me loosened and immediately, I strode away, leaving him speechless and breathless.

As soon as I stepped out of the house my resolve weakened as I let out a soft sigh. I know I’m intentionally causing Donovan emotional pain but I wonder why my heart felt so heavy saying those words to him.

I climbed onto one of the several cars in the compound and drove as fast as I could to Miller's house which was just about an hour drive from mine.

As I walked into Miller’s rustic-styled home, I met him discussing with Janet Hart, another FBI agent. Immediately, I knew it had to be something important.

I joined them and after exchanging a few pleasantries, I expected Miller or Janet to brief me about my reason for being there but the tense look in their faces confirmed something wasn’t right.

“I risked my life, my job, and my marriage to get those files from Hudson’s office computer. Spare me the suspense and tell me what you found.” I urged and with much hesitation, Miller handed me a file which I thoroughly read through.

“Are you trying to tell me that Diego’s time of death was fabricated?” I asked in disbelief and Miller nodded positively.

“No. It took me about 10 minutes to arrive at the hospital as soon as I received the news. There is no way the time was fabricated.” I pointed out.

“He was injected with an Amiodarone Injection which stopped his heart temporarily. This means that at the time you saw him being transported to the morgue, he was still alive and for the next minutes you spent with his corpse, he was still alive.” Janet explained.

“What we are trying to say in essence is that contrary to the report, Diego died two hours after the accident. As agreed, while conducting the second autopsy on Diego’s exhumed corpse, we noticed his heart was missing. Which means he had been operated on before being buried four years ago.” Miller explained and I felt a sudden contraction in my chest.

I didn’t realize when the file slipped from my hand as I became lightheaded.

“Bela, I think you need to rest…”

“Continue. Who got my brother’s heart? Tell me exactly what they did to my brother’s heart!” I bellowed furiously, my vision blurred as I fought off the tears.

“It wasn’t officially reported but Donovan had a heart condition since birth. On the day of your brother’s accident, Don was also in the operating room because they found a donor.

A few hours into the surgery they discovered the heart was infected. Donovan’s life was in danger and they needed an urgent heart. Diego turned out to be the only option.” There was a hard edge in his voice as he explained.

The room fell silent except for my constant hyperventilation. Diego’s death has always remained a scar I didn’t dare open until I was strong enough but today, the scar only deepened. The pain in my heart ramped up from stiffness all the way to searing, blinding agony faster than I could blink.

“I’m sorry you had to go through this once again.” He apologized even though it wasn’t his fault.

“We have a…” Janet tried to continue the conversation but was immediately cut short by Miller.

“I will brief her about that later.” He remarked.

I wasn’t really interested in whatever he had to say anymore as I was still saddened and overwhelmed by the news.

The fact that Donovan had no idea about the whole thing saddens me more because for the past three years we’ve been married, he always visits the grave of his supposed donor to pay his condolences and also cared so much for the donor’s family not knowing that it was all a lie.

Maybe this explains why he fell in love with me so quickly…because he had his heart.

I spent the rest of my day drinking anything available on Miller’s bar shelf as I imagined the pain he must have felt that day.

Even though I didn’t go back home that day, I could tell just how frustrated Don was through his several calls and text messages.

Early the next morning, I was determined to frustrate him even more so I asked Miller to drive me home.

Miller was smart enough to know I was trying to use him to make Don jealous but without questioning me, he just played along.

As soon as heard the revving of my car, he immediately dashed out of the house and attempted to walk towards the black SUV but stopped as soon as he noticed I had company.

Just by looking at his tired eyes and messed up hair, I could tell he also drank away his night.

I stepped out of the car followed by Miller who didn’t notice my husband standing.

“One more thing, Bela.” He said as he took a few steps closer to me, his lips slowly brushing over my ear. My eyes were fixated on Don and I could see his eyes burning with rage and jealousy.

“I couldn’t tell you this yesterday but we’ve got a witness who is ready to take the stand about what happened in the operation room.” He whispered, his words bringing solace to my grieving heart but before I could open my mouth to say a word, Donovan matched towards us and forcefully pulled Miller away.

Before Miller could understand what was going on, Donovan set a hard punch across his face, causing an immediate split on his lower lip.

“How dare you flirt with my wife right under my nose?” Donovan bellowed furiously, his eyes burning with rage and his hands still clenched into fists. This was a side of Don which I’ve never seen before.

Donovan didn’t stop at just one punch as he continued to hit Miller until he was forced to retaliate.

The men exchanged a few punches with each spilling blood before I decided to intervene,

“Enough of this rubbish, you two!” I screeched, putting an end to their fight.

“Fuck this!” Miller cursed, spitting out the blood in his mouth. “Bela, it’s just in a few days! I can’t wait to end this shit so make sure to call me soon!.” He reminded me before bouncing out of the compound.

Miller’s statement only provoked Don more and when he tried to bring up a conversation, I strode away, provoking Don even more.

Don couldn’t contain his curiosity as to the meaning of Miller’s words to me so he followed me in and tried to start a conversation with me.

“Bela, what on earth are you scheming with that asshole? What is wrong with you?” He bellowed furiously.

I tried to keep my cool and avoided eye contact with him as much as I could because his presence reminded me of the pain Diego had to go through in that operation room because of his weak heart.

If only he didn’t have such a bad heart, maybe…just maybe Diego would still be with me now.

I ignored him and went into the washroom to freshen up but on my way out, I met him standing right in front of the door, his arms crossed while putting on a straight face.

It was obvious he needed this conversation with me or he might lose his sanity. I needed to steer up his emotions even more so I finally agreed to hear him out.

“I told you I had a reason to be on pills. I thought you’d be understanding enough to give me some time until I’m ready to open up to you, but what did you do? You went out of your way to harass my friend.” I sucked in a quick breath.

Don remained mute unnecessarily longer than I thought but eventually, he spoke up, “What is happening to us?” he asked, his usually calm voice cracking up.

“You heard Miller right. In a few days, you will understand exactly what is happening to us.” I replied, cautiously optimistic but my words only confused him.

Today marked the beginning of a new month making the Ministerial Candidate screening just five days ahead. I have to prepare him for whatever is to come.

“Bela…” He called out, almost in whispers.

“Just a few more days.” I interrupted, and just then, his phone rang which he hesitantly answered.

“Dad is here,” Don announced as soon as he ended his call but I didn’t believe that at first.

He has never been to our house ever since we got married and his sudden presence sent a shiver down my spine.

For the past three years since I joined his family, he has never really given me much of an audience because he never liked me. His decision benefited me more because I’m not sure how I would have hidden my hatred and anger toward him if we met often.

“I will go and welcome him,” Don suggested as he walked towards the door but before he could step out, I pulled him back and closed the door.

“Have you taken a look at yourself in the mirror today? You look like a hot mess. Go wash up. I will welcome him.” I scolded, pushing him towards the bathroom.

“Are you worried about me right now?” He asked, his dull eyes lightening up a little as a ray of hope returned to them.

I rolled my eyes in contempt, “Just go get cleaned!” I sneered.

Of course, I was worried about his haggard look. He is daddy’s boy and there is no way that sly old man won’t notice his son’s misery. I just need to put on an act before him for the next five days.

Once Don trudged into the bathroom, I quickly got dressed and went to the living room.

As I walked down the stairs, I saw the middle-aged man in his 50s sitting on one of the couches with so much confidence and poise.

My breath hitched and I felt my heart ripping apart as it always does anytime I saw him.

Even though the aching was more unbearable today, I convinced myself that his reign will come to an end in the next few days.

“Look who is finally coming down stairs,” Hudson exclaimed as he finally saw me.

“Good day, Sir.” I greeted, forcing a fake smile as I bowed slightly.

“Where is Donovan?” His gaze darted to the bar shelf by the corner of the living room.

I sighed in disgust as I noticed the mess Don had caused at the bar while drinking all night.

“He will join us soon,” I replied. “We partied all day yesterday and hence the several empty bottles of alcohol.” I lied, walking towards the bar.

I was still clearing it up when Don finally came downstairs.

“I heard you partied all day, is that why you look so tired and sleep-deprived?”

Damn that man! Why is he so fucking observant?

Don’s confused gaze darted towards me and my uneasiness gave him a clue on what to do.

“Yeah. Bela threw a small party for me yesterday. It was so much fun I drank a lot.” He lied. “By the way, what are you doing here? This is the first time you’re coming to my house and that too, unannounced.” He asked, trying his best to dismiss the topic as he sat beside his father.

“Are you not happy to see me?” Hudson grinned.

“No, just surprised.” He replied.

“Well, that’s because I decided to give your wife a chance to become a proper part of our family.

I was walking back to the living room when his words took me by surprise. I wonder what he is up to this time.

“Bela, as you know, the Ministerial Screening is just around the corner, and as a confident man, I know I will be elected. Why don’t you plan a party for me, my associates, and the whole family?” He suggested and I almost laughed at his statement because according to my calculation, he will be going to the prosecutor’s office right after the screening.