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Chapter 1
Hiding inside a closet at my husband’s birthday party, my fingers trembled as I tightened my hold on the pregnancy test and house keys meant to surprise Alex. Three years of our marriage, dreams of a happy family and my love, all crumbled like a house of cards.
“Are you sure Alex, you are not going to invite your wife, Elena?”
“She would just ruin the mood..”
“Man, till when are you going to keep that woman around?” The mocking laughter of my husband’s best friend made me freeze as tears trickled down my cheeks.
“Jessica, has returned from abroad and was asking me if I could set you two up for a date. Alex, she will be heartbroken when she knows that you married her little sister.”
Someone laughed. “Which one of the two sisters will you choose Alex?” My teary eyes widened as I gasped before clutching the wall for support, how could my loving husband play with my heart and that too with my own sister, no, he must deny all of it.
Alex’s deep voice finally broke through the discussion. “Elena is a substitute doll for Jéssica, she is so broken and unloved that she will do everything to please me. If I command that woman to die for me, she will do it without any questions.”
Those words were like a blow to my chest making sobs rack throughout my body as I covered my mouth.
“When are you planning to throw her away then?” Someone whistled.
“Hmm…lets see. Don’t you feel pity for an abandoned stray cat in the rain who is desperate for love after being discarded by everyone?”
Alex chuckled in cruel amusement. “Elena is just like that cat, ignored by her family and always so trusting that I could not help but play along with her fantasies. She is so naive and innocent that it makes it so much more interesting. For now I will string her along.” My knees buckled as the pregnancy test slipped past my hands, falling onto the cold polished floor with a clatter, tears streaming down my face as I was devastated with truth. “What was that?” Silence engulfed the surroundings as the men left the room to see what was happening outside.
Collecting myself I clutched my belly before I got up, stepping outside and discarding the house keys in the trash can.
“Mommy is sorry.” With tears in my eyes I ran away, pregnant with Alex’s children- twins. All my life was a lie.
I stood by the riverside still deep in shock, tears blurring my eyes as I saw waves crashing onto the shore. With each step ahead I walked inside the receding water, too heartbroken to be repaired.
“Mommy was a fool, my poor babies.” In tears only death awaited me at that moment yet the little kick inside my stomach paralysed my further movement as I broke down into
Chapter 1
arn hildran
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When I finally went home, still in shock, the lights were all turned on indicating Alex was back from his party. Steadying myself I wiped off my tears before entering the place that I bought after working three shifts a day since my husband felt ‘sick‘ and needed my support.
The front door clicked open and the home filled with the memories of Alex embracing me as he confessed his love, whispering sweet nothings as he made love to me all played in my mind like a cruel joke.
“Elena, why are you so late?” The concern filled eyes that warmly glanced at me were similar to his expression three years ago when we first met.
“It’s my birthday and I was hoping that you would have prepared a surprise but even the dinner is not cooked yet.” I looked at my husband who said with some displeasure, his eyes flicking to my sorry form in distaste.
“How was the party with your friends?I thought you already had dinner.” Alex froze as I asked with indifference.
“It was fun catching up with everyone, but the weird thing is that someone threw a brand new house key in the trash. Can you imagine throwing away something as expensive as
that?
You wouldn’t know it ofcourse, it was a premium mansion worth a million dollars.” My fingers trembled as I could not speak a word.
“Also, Jessica is coming back from abroad.” He followed me as I entered our bedroom. “She is hosting a party tomorrow and has invited you too.”
Jessica, my talented adopted sister whom my parents raised for sixteen long years before realising that their real daughter was exchanged in the hospital. I was raised at an orphanage and even after coming back was never once loved by my parents and brothers who forgot that I even existed.
When I did not agree to go instantly, Alex sighed.
“Elena, Jessica is kindhearted and innocent. She wants to improve your relationship with your parents. She had done everything to be a good sister so how can you still be so thoughtless.” He looked at me with stern eyes that would not take ‘no‘ for an answer. “You’ll come, right?”
I met my husband’s eyes, there was not even a flicker of guilt for how he treated me like his personal maid all these years, only cold indifferent blue irises stared back at me.
“I will.” He smiled instantly, almost as if there was no anger in his eyes.
When he bowed down to kiss me, I turned my face away making his lips touch my cheeks.
“I am tired.” Astonished by my cold words Alex’s smile faltered.
“Alright, go to sleep, Elena.”
I turned around, feeling a weight settle beside me as Alex pulled me in his arms with my
back touching his chest.
Chapter 1