I walked through the lobby and was finally out of the building.

With fast strides, I approached the taxi ride I arrived with and when I opened the backseat of the car to get inside, Ivan hurriedly came up behind me and pushed the door close.

“What the..?” I started to say but Ivan pushed me up against the car and glared daggers at me.

“What gave you the actual guts to show up here and throw those fucking papers in my face?” He hissed and I swallowed the lump in my throat and soon bit my lower lip to stifle my emotions.

With the absence of alcohol to boost my confidence, I tried not to let out the tears that blurred my vision.

I suddenly wished I had taken several shots of tequila before confronting Ivan. But if I'd done that, what the heck happens to my pride?

“Don't you get it? I signed those papers like you've always wanted, it's over!” I hissed back at him and before I could register anything else, he slapped me across my face.

“You cheap scheming bitch!” He seethed as he screamed to let out his frustration.

I tasted a metallic substance in my mouth and instantly knew it was blood. How cruel can he be to hit his supposed wife in public?

Thankfully, there aren't much people that paid attention to us and I doubted that the taxi driver saw what he did to me. I didn't want any more rumors or fake news about me and Ivan.

Gosh, I pinched myself for being concerned about him at the moment.

“What the fuck did I ever do to you?” I heard myself ask. I thought I'd shouted the question at his face but it was only a weak mumble that didn't travel far enough to pose as a determined confrontation.

“You don't know?” He laughed maniacally at my weakness and immediately said some things to the taxi driver who wasted no time to revv the engine and drive away.

I landed with a loud thud on the ground because I'd leaned up against it for support.

I instantly groaned and then stifled my sobs by biting my lip. I glared at the taxi that sped away.

I watched one of his bodyguards rush to help me up.

“If you move another inch, consider yourself jobless!” Ivan growled at him and the bodyguard had no other option than to stand back.

I got several bruises on my body and that was when people started to notice what was happening and began to take pictures.

“No.” I mumbled under my breath and instantly stood up to wave at them to stop. “No pictures.. please…”

Ivan just stood there like he didn't want to be complicated further by approaching me. He didn't even bother to stop them from taking pictures of us because he had the power to.

“Ivan…” I breathed out and approached him. “Why are you so cruel to me?” My voice broke at my confrontation.

Ivan’s amusement disappeared and a serious look appeared on his face.

“I'm surprised you don't know why I'm being like this…” He trailed off and from the corner of my eyes, people were no longer taking pictures of us, they were videoing instead.

I furrowed my brows at Ivan and didn't know how to get him to control his emotions in public before it gets to the press.

“I.. I don't..” I stammered, what do I do?

“You think I don't know you deliberately killed our unborn child pretending you fell off the stairs!” He hissed at me and my heart ached at his words.

I heard series of gasps and whispers around us.

“What? W-What are you talking about?” I asked as I felt myself tremble at the memory of what happened.

“You actually think that I won't discover how vile you are, huh?” He stated and frowned at the thought of something.

When I was rushed to the hospital ward three months ago, because Ivan’s mother pushed me down the stairs. When the news got to the press, I was forced by the Andersons to make a statement that it was an accident which was obviously my fault before they allowed the doctors to attend to my bleeding.

For a moment, I thought to stab myself to death even in the pool of embarrassment. But I had decided against it.

With the look in Ivan's eyes, I wasn't sure what his mother told him but I resolved to never tell Ivan the actual truth. But look where it got me…

And this asshole is busy spewing ridiculous judgements in front of these conspicuous eyes. What did I ever do wrong?

“Ivan, you don't know what you're saying, that's not true even in the slightest.” I said to him but he shook his head at me.

“I can see through all your lies!” He seethed before he leaned in closer to whisper to my ears.

“That night, Ricky should have rammed the vehicle into a freaking wall or have you eliminated! Too bad, that didn't happen.” His breath pierced daggers into my pore at the memory of that night.

My nails dug into my palms, not just his father, the Andersons were all in cohort to get rid of me.

But I couldn't bring myself to move from my position in front of him. I was so frozen in place that I just watched Ivan and his bodyguards walk back into the building, leaving me at the mercies of the ambitious paparazzi.

After a while, it began to rain and by the time I recollected myself, I was already drenched in it.

Not just Ivan and his whole of Anderson family, I just believed the whole world was against me, except for Chloe who remained the only one closest to me as family. Except her, I had no one else.

I tiredly hailed over a taxi and got into the backseat to go home, a little relieved that I had left those ambitious content creators to their imaginations.

I gave the driver Chloe's address and leaned back to the seat. I pinched myself a couple times whilst in deep thought.

When we arrived, I paid him and he nodded slightly at the bill I handed over to him.

“Thank you.” He collected it and I turned to walk away but he stopped me. “But ma'am?”

I slowly glanced at him.

“You're bleeding.” He said as I looked at my arms in confirmation.

“I know…” I mumbled under my breath.

“No, that's not what I'm referring to..” He said awkwardly and gestured to my blood stained thighs. “Down there..”

I gasped in embarrassment and bit my lip. “T-Thank y-you..” I stammered as he nodded at me and drove off.

I looked at my legs and felt like screaming out my lungs but I held myself still.

“Why the heck are you covered in blood?” Chloe asked from the entrance and I snapped my head to look at her.

“Chloe…” I mumbled as she saw the tears in my eyes and gasped at my disheveled self.

“What the hell happened to you?” She asked as she rushed towards me, but my wobbly feet couldn't keep me up any longer.

NAYA'S POV

I slowly opened my eyes and was met with the sterile smell of the hospital room, the beeping of machines and the gentle hum of fluorescent lights overhead.

My mind was still foggy and my thoughts, disjointed. I tried to sit up but a sharp pain shot through my head that forced me back onto the pillow.

A gentle voice spoke beside me. “Naya, honey, don't try to move. You're safe now.”

I looked to see that the gentle voice belonged to Chloe. I was more than relieved to have her near me.

“W-What happened?” I asked softly.

“You fainted when you came back home after your visit to Ivan's office..” She said as I furrowed my eyes at the memory.

“Are you okay? Do you remember now? You were bleeding so much.. what really happened back there?” She took my hand into hers and squeezed it reassuringly.

“Ivan…” I croaked out as my eyes blurred with tears. “I-Ivan h-happened..” I wiped away my eyes with my other hand.

“How? I thought you went there all determined and stuff?” She said as I shook my head.

“I did.. I mean I successfully threw those papers in his face and I actually did it but..” I trailed off as I remembered the fact that he made out with Flora in his office. “He humiliated me in front of everyone outside the building..”

“What?” Chloe perked up a brow.

“He obviously never lets me win.. I actually thought I'd win against him this time but… he said that I deliberately killed our unborn child three months ago…” I whispered the last part.

“What? He said that?”

I shook my head and sniffled and quickly tried to blink back the tears in my eyes.

“You were there Chloe.. you know what they did to me… they made me lie in front of the whole world that I.. that It was my fault I lost my child because of my carelessness, when in fact his mother was the one that intentionally pushed me down the stairs!” I tried to scream out the last part but it only came out muffled.

I discovered that my voice wasn't loud enough to scream out all of the frustration that pierced my pores.

“I know, I know.. I'm fully aware of all those fuckers did to you… and I honestly, I still don't understand why you subscribed to it Naya...” Chloe tried to blink back her tears at the thought of everything.

My gaze rested on her as I bit my lower lip so hard that I intend to draw blood. I felt like shit at the thought of the actual reason why I became a fool and an actual doormat to the Andersons..

“Because I love him.. because I love Ivan, Chloe. And the thought that I still do makes me hate myself even more..” I said barely above whisper.

What's wrong with me?

This is what Ivan and his family have reduced me to, a helpless and an unfortunate woman.

“No, don't hate yourself…” Chloe sniffled and squeezed my hand even more in reassurance. “You should hate them instead, you did nothing wrong, Naya. Apparently, the only thing you did wrong was try to love him.” She mumbled as I sniffled when I saw the doctor walk into my ward.

Chloe quickly dried her tears and focused her attention on the doctor whose face registered with relief.

“Doctor?” Chloe croaked out, whereas I, couldn't find my voice.

“Thankfully, you and your baby is in good condition. The baby isn't affected as a result of the fall and I've prescribed some painkillers and ointment for your bruises and…”

“Baby? Did you just say baby?” I managed to say as the doctor nodded at me.

“She's pregnant?” Chloe asked abd looked back at me before she glanced back at the doctor.

“Yes, your friend is four weeks pregnant.” The doctor confirmed my thoughts as I stared down at my stomach in surprise.

What does this mean? I'm pregnant again?

For a moment, my mind darted across the memory of only being mistreated and the memory of how the doctors were only permitted to attend to my painful and agonizing state at the condition that I make a public statement admitting to the press about the miscarriage being my fault.

“Naya…” Chloe dragged me out of my thoughts as I stared into her eyes to see that she tried to control her emotions at the news.

I wanted to ask her what the news meant for me because I couldn't understand why the universe had to torture me with the child of that monster.

It was obvious to me that this child would only rekindle the ties between myself and the Andersons, the very ties I'm intent to sever to its roots.

Chloe squeezed my hand yet again at the thought of what she believed was good news.

It was bad news for me, and for a split moment, I wished that I miscarried.

“Whatever it is that you're thinking, don't. Naya, this child is only a gift.. a second chance given to you by the heavens!” Chloe shook me out of my thoughts.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw the doctor rush out of the room to probably attend to another emergency.

“H-How do you know that I wish it gone?” My lips trembled at the thought.

Her eyes softened at my resolve. Then she shook her head at me. “I know how you feel but the fact that you're pregnant again, gives you a clear opportunity to get back at the Andersons..” She said as I thought about the possibility and instantly ruled myself out of the impending war I'd probably have with Ivan and his family.

I shook my head. “No, Chloe.. I just need to get rid of it this time around because you know that I'm not cut out for a confrontation with those demons! They don't mind getting rid of me in the process, just like they almost did that night. Those devils almost killed me just to frame me for having a ridiculous affair with their bodyguard!”

Chloe shook her head at me in understanding but she was intent on what she believed was an opportunity for me to get my revenge on them.

“To be honest Chloe, you know I'm weak and.. I can never bring myself to fight the Andersons. I don't see myself fighting against them… No.” I mumbled under my breath as Chloe shook me out of my pity pool.

“Naya, you're not weak. Just in fact, you are the strongest woman I know on this planet, you hear me?” She said and blinked back her tears. “You just need rest and a little break from all these drama and then I know you will come back stronger after that.”

Speaking of breaks, the TV in my ward flickered to a breaking news with the headline:

Ivan Anderson reveals his Wife, Naya Simpson Anderson intentionally murdered their First child.

Then it also showed how I was slandered on all social media platforms.

I gasped at the sight of my picture plastered on the screen.

I looked away and clutched the sheets as I heard Ivan's voice from the TV.

“It pains me to discover how vile and evil my wife actually is…”

My lips trembled with the only name that screwed daggers into my heart

“Ivan…”

NAYA'S POV

“Oh my God…” Chloe covered her mouth with her hands.

I just stared at the screens with a newfound indignation that coarsed my insides against the Andersons.

I started to think about the possibility of going on a lone journey to get my revenge on the Andersons, when my phone chimed several times with text messages from Ivan and his mother inviting me on a scheduled urgent interview with the press, at the Anderson’s conference hall the next morning.

“What is it? Who is those text messages from?” Chloe asked me as I handed my phone over to her.

She stared dimly at me before she took the phone from me and read through the messages.

“These bastards are truly evil!” She hissed in annoyance.

I just sat there on the bed and thought of how I'd make Ivan suffer in the most painful and agonizing way.

“How could they do this to you?” Chloe furrowed her brows in confusion in front of me, almost like she couldn't understand it.

“Tell me one more time, Chloe, that this is my chance to make them all suffer..” I mumbled under my breath as I watched her press her lips into a thin line.

“I just need you to tell me..” I muttered as I bit my lip to stifle my emotions.

Chloe's eyes sparkled with obvious sadness for a moment before she shook her head up and down and sniffled.

“You are capable of making them pay for all they have done to you.. so yes, this is your chance to make them all suffer!” She said thickly as I scoffed at the sight of her confidence in me.

I nodded slightly at her and pulled the bedsheets off of me.

“Will you go to the press conference tomorrow?” She asked as I paused my movement to look at her.

“I should.” I said simply.

“What if they try to complicate things even more, will you be able to handle that?” She decided to ask just to make sure that I'd be okay with anything that is bound to happen.

I shook my head. “Yes, I will. I just need your help with something important.”

She furrowed her brows at me. “What is it you need help with?”

“My hair.. I need to cut it.” I blurted.

And that was because I believed that I could subscribe to a new beginning by first cutting my hair.

“What?” She was surprised at my request.

“Yes, Chloe. I crave for a new look, I need to start over and hopefully, I don't ever have to go back to the old me ever again.” I said as I tried to make it convincing enough to my ears.

She squinted her eyes at me. “Are you sure?”

I nodded slightly. “I figured that if I want to get back at the Andersons, I must first get rid of the old me by cutting my hair and not subscribe to her weakness ever again.”

Chloe looked at me like I'd grown two heads. “Are you really sure about that?”

I nodded again. “Yes, now let's go home. I'm really hungry.” I said as I forced a small smile at her.

Then I tore the hospital sheets and used the torn material to cover my face, so that I could successfully avoid the prying eyes of the press.

Chloe nodded at me before we both walked out of the ward and eventually, out of the hospital.

As we both stepped out of the hospital doors, the bright sunlight was a jarring contrast to the sterile, fluorescent-lit rooms that I'd been confined to for several hours.

I squinted and raised my hand to shield my eyes and felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. Chloe, walked beside me and quickly grasped my elbow to steady me.

“Easy, Naya.” Chloe said, her voice was soft with concern. “You're sore and still recovering. Let's take it slow.”

I nodded slightly, taking a deep breath as we made our way to Chloe's car. The fresh air and warm sunshine on my skin felt wonderful, but my body still ached from the ordeal. Then I instantly felt grateful Chloe's support, both physical and emotional.

I thought about my resolve for a transformation as we drove through the quiet streets.

All I'd ever wanted was a quiet life before and after I was arranged to marry Ivan Anderson. But the memory of the past five months has been everything but quiet. A very sharp contrast to my desires.

I felt Chloe's eyes on me as I glanced at her. She pulled up a small smile and reached out to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “We'll figure it all out, Naya.” She said. “One step at a time, you'll get through it.”

I smiled weakly and couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her.

When we finally pulled up to Chloe's apartment, she guided me inside and without further hesitation, she help me do a total makeover to my appearance starting with my hair.

I barely slept a wink that night, I stayed up thinking about the possible turn out of the press conference and what the Andersons had up their sleeves.

The scheduled time approached and Chloe stepped into my room to help me prepare for it.

I glanced at myself in the mirror for a final once-over at my reflection. My short neatly stretched hair and my body hug clothing was obviously a sharp contrast to the timid appearance of the old Naya Simpson.

How quick the process of change felt, and how sweet the thrill that sat at the pit of my stomach.

“Are you ready?” Chloe asked me as I looked at her through the mirror.

I nodded slightly. “I am.”

“You look different and beautiful, I bet Ivan squirm at the sight of you today..” She smiled with satisfaction evident on her face.

“I don't care what he thinks.” I said as I tucked my hair behind my ears.

“Right.” She said. “I'll be your humble driver today.”

I snapped my head back to look at her. “You'd do that?”

She smiled and nodded at me. “Of course, I would.”

I quickly pulled her in for a quick embrace. “Thank you.”

When I let her go, she smoothed out my hair. “Remember, no crying or feeling sorry for yourself. Today is meant for you to shine, and you will.” She said softly as I pulled up a small smile at her.

“Now, let's go.” Chloe said as we both got out of the house and drove off to the venue.

Before we got out of the car, a sea of paparazzi swamped the entrance and I didn't let myself feel bothered by it. Chloe just gave my hand a final squeeze.

“You want me to go in with you?” She asked gently.

I smiled at her. “No, I got this. Just be quick enough to pull up the car in case there's an explosion.”

We both giggled at my words, before she nodded slightly at me. “Now, I'm convinced you got this.”

“Yes, I got this.” I said again and took a deep breath before getting out of the car.

I saw Chloe from the corner of my eyes reverse to park the car properly.

I straightened my back and walked confidently towards the entrance with my purse and my phone.

The few people that saw me didn't even recognize me but when I got closer and when the bodyguards furrowed their brows at me in recognition, they quickly came up to me to guide me through the paparazzi and inside the building.

That was when they all recognized me and almost clustered the entrance with their many insignificant questions flying in the air.

When I successfully got inside, all the bodyguards except one followed me further inside as I clutched my purse wearing a no game look.

When we began to walk through the final hallway that led to the conference room, Ivan, my ex-husband appeared in the hallway and began walking towards my direction.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and clutched my purse tighter.

I saw him furrow his brows at me and stopped in front of me. The bodyguard bowed slightly to him in regard and quickly disappeared behind me.

“Naya?” He spoke in confusion and began to narrow his eyes up and down my body.

He ran his hand through his hair and scoffed at the sight of my body, as if he was trying so hard not to grab me.

Something about the distorted look on his face made me feel more comfortable and confident.

“Hello, ex-husband.” I greet him as he grunted.

“Don't you dare call me that!” He hissed low.

“Why, you wanted to get a divorce so badly and now you suddenly don't like the face of reality?” I said and tilted my head to peek at his face.

He furrowed his eyes and quickly looked around for anyone who might be watching. He grabbed my arms and pushed me up against the wall as he took in my cologne.

“Damn!” He brought his eyes to look at me but I still had a no game look on.

So I decided to taunt him. “Do I affect you that much? You look beat.”

“Shut the fuck up!” He growled under his breath.

I resisted the urge to smile satisfactorily.

When a few people popped out into the hallway, he quickly let go of my arms and looked like he was going to explode with impatience.

I leaned further towards him and reached to arrange his tie. The people that walked past commented on how I was still a sweet wife to Ivan regardless of the situation. I couldn't help but smile at that.

“Now, ex-husband, make sure you behave in there. We don't want any anomaly now, do we?” I said slowly as he cursed under his breath.

I took that as my cue to walk away from him and into the conference room.

Immediately I stepped inside, the batch of paparazzi inside rushed to me and blarred questions at me.

I felt Ivan behind me and subscribed to not care about his existence.

I ignored all their random questions and pulled up a small smile.

“I'll probably get to answer all your questions at the commencement of the interview, and please, I urge you to interview me not as Ivan Anderson’s wife but as his ex-wife.” I stated confidently as they mummered amongst themselves and began to yet again throw up questions at my statement.

I ignored them and turned to look at Ivan whose clenched jaw and balled fists posed a satisfactory sight to me.

Maybe I was a fool being his wife but I'd definitely make him suffer as his ex-wife.