It's been almost a month since Hades and I have been married. Things haven't really changed between us, he still hates me, and he never fails to make me feel it. But I swallowed the pain away.

I won't give up on him. I won't give up on us.

"Mi hija," Auntie Helena spoke behind me as she walked inside the kitchen.

"Good morning, auntie," I greeted her happily.

"What are you doing here in the kitchen so early?" She asked, walking to my side.

"I'm cooking breakfast for Hades." I replied.

In the corner of my eyes I could see how her smile slowly faded. I know what will come next, and I just can't help but sigh deeply inside.

"Mi hija, you know Hades will just throw your food away." She shook her head, clearly distressed.

"Don't worry auntie, I won't give up on Hades. I know, eventually, he will learn to love me." I said, smiling sadly.

"I don't know what's wrong with that kid. In all my life of serving their family, I've never known someone so perfect like you. Not only are you beautiful, but you're also kind, and not to mention you're cooking is impeccable." She rubbed her temples, and I could only afford to smile at her.

I wonder if Auntie Helena will still see me the same way if she knew the truth of why Hades had to marry me.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my stomach when I felt a kick inside.

I also made some coffee for Harry. He always rejects the coffee I make for him so sometimes, I let auntie give it to him just so he can taste what I made, and interestingly enough, he always looked for the coffee I made ever since, though he doesn't know I was the one who made it.

Seeing Hades walk to the dining area through the clear glass door got me excited. I turned the stove off and quickly prepared everything.

Auntie brought some of the dishes with her while I brought the plate I had prepared for Hades.

The moment he saw me, his forehead creased, and his jaw clenched.

I brought the plate in front of him and greeted him happily. "Good morning. I cooked you some food. I know you have a long day to..."

"I told you I get sick with your food." He cut me off without even sparing me a glance.

He just looked at the food I made with disgust and I felt my heart sink once again hearing him say such hurtful words.

"Auntie, cook me another breakfast." He said, turning to auntie Helena.

"Mi hijo, Cassy here prepared this food for you, aren't you even gonna try it?" Auntie tried to defend me.

"I told you to not let her in the kitchen!"

I froze, my heart leaping. "It's not Auntie's fault, Hades. I was the one who cooked without her knowing. If you want I can cook you another one that you'll..."

[Bang!] He slapped the table hard with his hand as he stood up. I almost fell backward from shock, even auntie was shivering from how he was acting.

"Can't your measly little brain understand that I don't want to eat any of your food? Or is it that you're too dumb to understand such simple words?" He glared at me.

"But...I'm your wife. I want to..."

"Fuck Cassandra! Will you stop acting like this marriage will ever work!? I'm not happy and I'm never gonna be happy as long as I see your face and that fucking mistake you're carrying with you!"

He was about to turn his back on me but I hurriedly went after him and grabbed his hand that he instantly swatted away.

"Don't fucking touch me! You disgust me!" His face was black as he looked down at me as if I was some trash.

I felt my heart breaking, the tears were pooling in my eyes but I tried to hold it in, not wanting to let him see me cry since I know he hates it when I cry.

"Hades..." I called him, my voice breaking, "What do I have to do for you to love me?" I asked, begging him.

My chest hurts so much right now but despite the pain I still refuse to let go.

He looked at me intently, searching my gaze, before the corners of his lips slowly curled up as he said the most hurtful words I never thought he'd be able to say to me.

"Die. Just fucking die."

It was all he said without an ounce of remorse as he turned around and left.

I crashed to the floor and covered my face as tears continued streaming down uncontrollably.

I never thought marrying Hades would be like this. I want a family with him, a happy family, where we would laugh, tell stories to each other, but it seems...that will never happen.

"Mi hija..." Auntie Helen walked behind me and crouched down, rubbing my back in soft gentle motions.

"Stop crying Mi hija, Hades...I'm sure that boy doesn't mean what he said." She said, though I can tell those were just words meant to comfort me.

"Focus on your child. Too much stress will affect your health. You don't want your child to be sick, right?" She asked. I looked at her and nodded softly, hugging her.

"Shhh...don't let your emotions get to you. Everything will be fine." She whispered, caressing my hair.

I flinched when I felt a kick on my stomach. I smiled inwardly, feeling as if my child was agreeing with what Auntie said.

Okay baby, mommy will try harder. Mommy will try to be stronger. Daddy will eventually learn to love us. Mommy will make sure of it.

I tried to forget what happened and tried to follow auntie's advice of focusing my attention on my baby.

I stopped trying to get Hades' attention and also stopped cooking food for him. Though I still make his coffee since he seems to always look for it.

He never goes with me whenever I get check-ups, it's always only me or with auntie Helena.

There was even a time that I was mistaken in the clinic as a single mom since they never saw my husband with me. I tried to make an excuse that Hades was just busy but all the mom's there would say that no matter how busy your husband is, that they should always make time for family.

I just smiled softly at them, watching them have their husband by their side.

They looked happy.

Are all couples this happy? Or is it that they are hiding their pain behind those warm smiles?

Alas, there's no point delving into it.

I looked down at my tummy, and I felt something move.

"Don't worry baby, mommy will make sure to protect you no matter what." I smiled, rubbing soft circles on my stomach.

I went home right after the check up.

I saw his car parked outside so I know that he must be home right now.

I followed what he wanted and I didn't bug him anymore. For weeks I didn't try talking to him, nor did I attempt to strike a conversation even when we're in the same place.

Sometimes I would hear him talking to another woman on the phone. I once tried to pry and ask him who it was but he only ended up shouting at me.

It was hurting me, and I slowly started regretting all the decisions I have made in my life.

If I had just let him be with my sister. Would everything be fine? Would he have been happier with her?

I shook my head at the thought and smiled sadly as I headed up the stairs.

Even before I reached the second floor I heard the sound of the door opening, and a sound of a woman giggling erupted, making my brows clench together.

"That was fun."

"This is the last time. I already told my assistant to give you what you want. Now leave before my wife finds you here."

I stayed still, hiding behind the wall as I listened to their conversation.

"Wife?" The woman chuckled. "If I didn't know any better I wouldn't have guessed that you have a wife." She said,

"What are you saying?" Hades responded coldly.

"Nothing." The girl answered calmly, "It's just funny how many people want to get married yet here you are wasting your time cheating on your wife. You're the living example of why many people nowadays are afraid to get married." She said, stunning me in place.

"Who are you to say that when you're just a slut I picked up, nothing more than a bed warmer?" I could hear the disdain and pent up anger on Hades' voice.

"You might think so low of me, and maybe you should. And you're right, I'm just a slut, but at least I'm not a hypocrite like you who pretends to care when you don't. You got tired of me, sure, but I'm certain you'll jump to the next woman who'll cling to you." She said, and my heart felt like it had been stabbed a million times hearing what she said.

I clutched my chest and tried to drown their voices away.

How many times has this happened, twice? Three times? I can't even count anymore.

How long will I have to endure this?

"A piece of advice, Hades. We can't always get what we want in this life. If you're already tired...then let go. Or else, you will make everyone around you suffer until you no longer have anyone to turn to." She muttered in a solemn voice, then I heard footsteps coming near me by the stairs.

I didn't move, not because I was frozen in fear, but because I wanted to see who it was this time.

For her to say such things to Hades, who exactly is she?

After a few seconds, a figure finally emerged from the corner and I saw a black haired woman come out.

She has sharp features, and the moment her gaze landed on me, there wasn't a hint of shock in them, instead, she smiled warmly and expressed a guilty look.

"I'm sorry," she muttered before walking down the stairs.

I didn't pull her hair like those in the movies, nor did I shout at her. Not because I was afraid, but because I was tired.

Tired of all of this.

Is this my punishment? For forcing a man's love? Please...I'm too tired, I can't deal with this anymore. But... How can I go? Where can I even go? I have no one.

I wiped the tears from my face and gulped a couple of times before I composed myself.

I then pretended like nothing happened and walked to my room. Hades was still standing in the hallway and our eyes met, he looked shocked at first but then he masked it with a glare.

I smiled curtly at him not bothering to speak before I opened the door to my room and got in.

He must have expected that I'd lash out again, but I didn't like fighting with him.

If I get too angry at him, it will affect the baby. For now, I will endure, just until my baby is born.

Three months have passed and it was the same every single day. I would wake up, eat, sometimes with Hades, and then go for check-ups.

I got used to the routine and I was honestly more than fine with how things are right now. This way, I wouldn't get too stressed, and it is safer for the baby this way.

I was supposed to be just at home, but here I am on my way to Hades' parent's house since they wanted to check up on me. They said they wanted to personally come to our house since Hades wasn't answering them but I was afraid Auntie Helena would tell them the truth that Hades and I weren't getting along well.

Not to mention that we're sleeping on separate beds.

"Miss...we're here." The driver said and I thanked him as I took a deep breath before getting out.

As soon as I got out their butler came to greet me and led me to where my in-laws were.

I was fidgeting non-stop, my heart racing since this is the first time I'll be talking to them alone.

The butler led me to a huge hallway and I could see their family portraits hanging on the walls.

One portrait caught my attention. It was the picture of Hades when he was younger, he was smiling brightly, and with his side was... my sister.

They really were close, huh?

"Miss, this way." The butler pulled me out of my stupor and I nodded and walked slowly to the double doors.

I was then greeted by Aunt Tessia and Uncle Richard. They were sitting perfectly as they waited for me.

"Cassy, dear, how are you?" Aunt Tessia stood immediately and pulled me into a warm embrace.

"I'm fine, Aunt Tessia," I said softly.

She leaned back and raised a brow. "Still calling me that? I've told you so many times-just call me mom."

I hesitated, my fingers curling into my dress before I forced the word out.

"M-mom."

Her face lit up. "See? Much better, that wasn;t so hard was it?" she said happily.

"Tessia, don't overwhelm the child, can't you just act relaxed for one second." Uncle Richard chuckled from his seat, folding his newspaper as he smiled at me.

"Oh shut up! As if you're not excited to see her here. After months of trying we finally got to see Cassy again. I swear, that unruly son of yours is buiding walls aorund her."

I just gave a stiff smile, while Uncle could only shake his head at how his wife was acting. 

We soon started chatting and they kept asking me questions, particularly about Hades and I. I just told them some sweet lies, and they seem to know something since they kept asking one question over and over.

"Are you sure Hades isn't mistreating you?" Auntie Tessia asked, and just like every time she asked me, I would just nod and say "yes".

She eventually gave up and sighed, massaging her temples.

She studied my face for a long moment before sighing and rubbing her temples again. "You're as stubborn as my son."

"If she says everything's fine, then that should be enough for us," Uncle Richard said calmly.

I smiled at them, hoping it looked reassuring.

"Fine, fine, I won't pry. I just can't help but get worried. Every time I ask Hades about you he would always sucessfully change the topic." Auntie glanced at me, trying to see if I'd break. But I remained in character.

"You don't have to worry. Hades is treating me really well." I lied.

"Hmmm..." She though for a moment, before she slowly gave me a satisfied smile.

"Okay. I guess you wouldn't have any reason to lie to me. Just...if you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to call us," Aunt Tessia said.

"I will," I promised, standing up.

"It's getting late. You should head home," she added.

They walked me to the front door and I maintained my act until we got out of the gates, only then did I broke the mask on my face.

I sighed triumphantly.

Phew!

That unexpectedly went well.

The ride back was long and quiet. I stayed awake the entire time, staring out the window as the highway stretched endlessly ahead.

I was looking at the blurring cars that we passed by, and all of a sudden, the car stopped abruptly.

What the...

"Sorry miss. There seems to be an accident up ahead." My driver said as he got out to check what is happening.

I waited patiently in the car and I tried to see what was happening and noticed there were flashing lights and a strange commotion up the road.

What's going on?

I glanced down at my phone. The screen glowed an alarming red.

What is happening?

I looked at my phone and it was glaring bright red.

"What is this?" I mumbled, looking at the security protection app that my cousin installed for me in case of any accident.

Just as I looked back up, a bright white light swallowed my vision as a truck came rushing on our side.

At that moment, all I could think of was my baby.

I didn't care what happened to me.

Just... please. Spare my child.

I squeezed my eyes shut as the car jolted violently.

"Hades..." I breathed.

The impact was deafening.

Glass shattered, and I was thrashed violently inside.

My body was thrown forward, pain exploding everywhere at once. The world spun, and just as quickly it got silent.

Too much silence.

I tried to move but I couldn't feel my legs. My ears rang so loudly it drowned out everything else. Warmth spread across my abdomen, and terror unlike anything I'd ever known clawed up my throat.

"No... no, no, no..." I whispered weakly, my hands trembling as they hovered over my stomach.

Please.

Please be okay baby.

I don't know how long it has been, but soon sirens wailed in the distance. There were distant voices shouting in a panicked voice. Everything faded in and out, my vision darkening at the edges as I tried to claw out of the vehicle, even though it was useless.

"I h-have...to keep...my baby...safe."

I looked at the only light that I could see.

Right before consciousness slipped away, one thought burned through me.

Hades... Please save our baby.

And then everything went black.