“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.

Not to expose myself, I acted excited and honored to be his party planner. For the next few days, I pretended to be making preparations when in essence, I was visiting Miller as we planned his downfall.

Time flew and the 6th of February finally came.

The relationship between Don and I only worsened so it was easier to ignore him while making my plans.

Early that day, I went to Miller’s house after which we both drove down to the FBI headquarters.

At the screening, each candidate is to nominate three medical personnel who would vouch for their hard work in the industry and also attack opponents of their nominator just like prosecutors and lawyers do in the court.

Since the screening was to be done behind closed doors without the media and mass, we decided to work with one of the Ministerial candidates who agreed to make our witness one of his nominees.

Our plan was to sneak our witness into the screening room and have him expose some of Hudson’s atrocities then by the end of the screening, the FBI would be waiting outside the room to escort him to their office while we had the rest of his atrocities aired to the media.

As planned, the witness was sent with three FBI agents who were also working undercover at that time and while we awaited the uproar at the meeting, I decided to prepare my divorce file.

Since his father’s sins and my true identity will be unveiled today, I believe I owe him no explanation because if he were in my shoes, he would understand what I had to go through because of his family.

Once I was done, I contacted a delivery company who would help me deliver the letter to him at the appropriate time.

I believed my eight years of the wait were finally coming to an end until Miller returned to the headquarters with a sullen face.

While I was busy preparing to terminate my marriage, I didn’t notice that the whole office was in chaos until Miller came to me.

At first, I thought it was because the most promising Minister of Health had been arrested but soon enough I realized it was far from that.

“The witness was killed on the way to the Screening.” Miller gave me the sad news.

In nutshell, the Screening was successful and the new Minister of Health was Dr. Hudson McMahone.

Aside from the autopsy report on Diego’s death, the witness who was a scrub nurse in Hudson’s surgical team back then was the only evidence I had of my brother’s murder.

For the past seven years, I couldn’t gather enough evidence to prove my parent's murder. All I could get were the reports of the illegal experiments he did on Mom.

Back then, the FBI suited my aching heart with the fact that he would still get prosecuted for other crimes such as Medical and even political malpractice.

When we found that witness, I was happy that I finally got to prosecute him for the death of my brother but now, that hope too is gone.

Even though he might still be prosecuted, it won’t be for the crime he committed toward my family and those thoughts saddened my heart until Miller gave me a sip of good news.

“Fortunately, the witness made a video recording a few days ago just in case something like this happens.”

I felt lighthearted upon hearing this news and immediately a perfect idea came to mind.

I asked Miller to assemble the team before I brought forward my idea.

“The new Minister asked me to organize a party for him at his mansion today. There will be a lot of prominent people there as well as the media so that would be a perfect place to have him in handcuffs.”

Everyone liked the idea so we decided to go with it.

Since I hadn’t made any prior preparation, I had to do everything in a hurry and Miller and the others were there to help make the hasty preparation.

I was in charge of everything including the guest list so I decided to make extra invites which included Miller and a few others who would make the arrest.

While I was still making preparations, I remembered I had sent out a divorce to Don. I had to stop him from receiving that file until the whole plan was a success but when I called the delivery company, I was told it had already been delivered so I had to rush to his office as fast as I could to stop him from opening the file.

I reached the office and saw the file untouched on his desk. I quickly took it and hid it in my purse before he stepped out of the restroom.

He was surprised to see me since I’d been avoiding him for the past six days.

When he asked why I had come, I handed out an invite to him and loosely said, “Don’t be late.” before striding out of the office, leaving him in awe.

Later that night, I decided to be a little extravagant with my dressing so I wore a custom-made champagne off-shoulder mermaid dress. I had my hair done in a long ponytail.

Don and I stayed in his room in his father’s that night and his jaw went slack when he saw me in that dress.

He wasn’t looking bad himself as he wore an eye-catching gray tuxedo.

Before he could throw a compliment at me, I quickly stepped out of the house into the beautiful and spacious garden.

Almost everyone on the guest list was already present when I arrived except for Miller but I was confident he would join us in no time.

As the host and ‘daughter-in-law’ to the new minister, I addressed the party after which he also climbed the stage to give his ‘humble’ speech, not forgetting to shower his son with praises as he always does.

Anyone who knew Dr. Hudson would know how much he loved his son. The two men were closer than he’d ever been with his mother.

An hour into the party Miller finally arrived, signaling me to make a move.

I inserted a flash drive into the projector before climbing up the stage to make my allegations.

“A Very long time ago Dr. Hudson McMahone was my mentor. So, mentor, I dedicate this video to you. Please watch!” I announced, pulling the attention of everyone present to the video being displayed on the projector.