Janette’s POV

“Let’s get a divorce.” The moment those words left his lips, I felt like a dagger had just been dug into my heart. A divorce? Why? What did I do wrong? Where did I go wrong?

I faced him, my eyes brimming with tears as I forced a smile. “You’re joking, right? Tell me you’re joking, Lucas!” I snapped at him, my emotions all over the place.

Was he suddenly asking for a divorce because I caught him cheating on me with his mistress and had thrown a tantrum? Did I do the wrong thing by marking my territory and making it known that I wouldn’t share my husband with anyone?

We’ve been married for two years. How can he call for a divorce so soon? If there’s anyone who should call for a divorce, it’s me; it should be me! I just got back from the hospital where I went for a test only to see him making out with an unknown lady, and he’s asking for a divorce? Just because I complained?

Lucas looked at me, his eyes void of any emotions. His gaze on me was so cold that it sent shivers down my spine. He wrapped his hand around the lady’s waist and pecked her lips, causing my heart to burn in ache.

“Do I look like I’m joking, Janette? I’m tired of this marriage, and I think it’s time we both go our separate ways.” He spat, glaring at me like I was some kind of dirtbag.

“No, Lucas. We can’t separate this way. I love you.”

“I hate you!” He spat and I gasped. He let go of the lady and walked to where I stood. “I’ve been patient with you but not anymore. I got married to you, and we’ve been together for two years but nothing has come out of it. No children! Nothing! You’re just ripping me off.” He complained and tears rolled down my cheeks.

“No, that’s not true. I went for a test today, hopefully there will be good results. Please, don’t let me go, I beg of you.”

“I am sick and tired of the same story every day. I already have the documents. We will get everything signed tomorrow, and you can get the hell out of my house and my life. You are barren!” He barked at me and the lady beside him laughed, throwing dirty looks my way.

“Of course she’s barren. What do you expect from a woman, who has done nothing but sleep around with different men and abort pregnancies like a job? Her womb is damaged. Nothing can be done!” The lady snapped and my eyes widened.

Did she just accuse me of something I didn’t do?

“That’s a lie!” I exclaimed, my fists tightened. “I didn’t do any of that.” I tried to bail myself out, but Lucas didn’t look like he was ready to listen to me.

“You’re a liar! Serves you right for being a barren bitch!” she spat, her tone dripping with venom.

I fought back the slap I wanted to give her and faced Lucas, hoping he would believe me.

“Leave my sight this instant, Janette!” He spat in disgust, but I wasn’t ready to leave him. I was ready to do anything to make sure I kept this marriage.

I got on my knees and clasped my hand together. “Please, Lucas, I will do anything you want me to do. Just don’t throw me out, please! Fine, if you want to keep the lady, I agree. Let’s not get a divorce. I don’t know how I’m going to survive if you leave me, Lucas. Please…” I pleaded and tried to hold him, but he pushed me back and yanked my hands away from him.

“My mind is made up. You can pack your things and start leaving today, whore.” He held the lady and proceeded to walk up the stairs with her.

I rushed after them and held his leg. “Please, Lucas. I’ve tried to save this marriage all these years. Don’t ruin it, please. I’ll forgive you for cheating. I’ll act like nothing happened, and we can go about our lives.”

“Take your barren hands off me, Janette! You’re being an annoying pest right now,” He snapped, but I didn’t let him go. I continued to hold him in tears. “Let go!” He yelled and the next thing I knew, he kicked me on the stomach, causing a sharp pain to course through my system. My vision blurred for a second and I squirmed on the ground.

He walked up to me and I reached out to him to pull me up, hoping it was a mistake, and he didn’t mean to do what he did, but he slapped my hand away and bent to my level. He held my jaw up, looking into my eyes like he would give anything to kill me if provided the opportunity.

“You’re so pathetic, Janette. Look at you,” He chuckled and the lady behind him snickered. “I thought you had dignity, but I just realized how shameless you are today; rushing after a man who wants nothing to do with you, trying to force yourself on me, so I wouldn’t divorce you? Pathetic, so, so pathetic,” He mocked, and hot tears poured down my face.

“Lucas,” I whispered.

“Do not call my name ever again. I don’t want to hear my name from that filthy mouth of yours. Pack your things and leave right now. You can come back tomorrow and sign the divorce papers,” He stood up and turned to leave, but stopped in his tracks and turned to look at me again. “And don’t think of holding me back again because I won’t hesitate to push you to the wall this time around.” He scoffed and held the lady as they walked up the stairs.

“Lucas,” I whispered again as tears rolled down my cheeks. How could he do this to me? How… “Argh!” I held my stomach as a sharp pain shot through me again.

I forced myself to stand to my feet and was shocked to see blood stains on the floor. I lifted my gown up and a gasp escaped my lips as I saw blood sliding down my thighs. My eyes widened as I wondered what could have caused it. “Lucas! Lucas!” I called, but there was no response. “Lucas! Help, I’m bleeding!” I cried out.

“I don’t fucking care, Janette! You can bleed to death and go to hell!” He yelled, and I gasped, my tears falling down in torrents again. Never in my life did I imagine Lucas would treat me this way. I’m fucking bleeding, and he asked me to bleed to death? Was he this heartless?

I summoned strength and picked my car keys. I limped to the garage and got into the car, holding in the pain as I brought the car to life and zoomed off to the hospital.

When I got there, I got down and staggered into the building. The last thing I saw were people rushing to me before I blacked out.

*

My eyes fluttered open, and I looked around my surroundings. The smell of medicine and disinfectant was enough to register in my head that I was in the hospital. I was about to ask how I got here before memories of what happened flashed in my head.

I sighed and looked around. The door opened and Doc. Bree rushed to me with a smile on her face.

“Mrs. Wayne, I’m so glad you’re awake. We thought we were going to lose you but thank goodness!” She exclaimed.

“Was it that bad?” I asked weakly.

“Yes, and it’s a miracle you are still alive, and you didn’t lose your baby.” She beamed at me.

I looked at her with creased brows, confused at her last words. “What do you mean by I didn’t lose my baby? What baby are you talking about?” I asked and she moved close to me. How can she mention a baby when I’ve been at her hospital nonstop for tests, and they all came out negative, huh?

“Your baby, of course. Congratulations, Mrs. Wayne, you are three months pregnant!” She announced and I blinked.

“I’m what!?”

“If this is a joke, stop it, Doc. What do you mean I am three months pregnant? I came here for a test today. I’ve been your regular customer when it comes to pregnancy tests and the results always come out negative. What is going on? Don’t play such a joke with me, please.” I scolded her with a serious expression on my face. I didn’t like a situation where someone would use my problem to make fun of me. This isn’t fair at all.

She smiled and patted my shoulder. “You have to calm down, Mrs. Wayne. Relax. I am a doctor and would never play with my patient’s emotions. I don’t joke with them either, especially in a crucial moment like this. I am serious. You are pregnant. It is positive this time around.” She explained, but I shook my head, still finding it difficult to believe.

“No, you’re messing with me. This isn’t true!” I exclaimed while frantically shaking my head. “It’s not true.” I repeated.

“It is true, Mrs. Wayne. I know it’s hard to believe considering the fact that you’ve been here a lot but trust me on this one. I would never lie to you.” She cooed and tears rolled down my cheeks.

“You aren’t lying? I’m actually pregnant? For real?” I asked and she nodded. A smile came to my face and my tears fell more. I didn’t even know which emotion to portray first. I was finally pregnant. The divorce won’t work out anymore. I can finally have a happy marriage with Lucas. Good Lord! I felt so blessed and happy.

“I’d advise you to stay away from strenuous activities and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The pregnancy is still tender, and please whatever happened today that made you bleed, make sure it doesn’t repeat itself. It’s a miracle you didn’t have a miscarriage.” She advised and I nodded my head in excitement.

“Can I go now? I need to break this wonderful news to my husband. He’s going to be so happy!” I babbled excitedly and she chuckled.

“I’ll discharge you soon. I need to watch and see if nothing else is wrong with you before letting you go.” She replied and I smiled.

A few hours later, I was released and held the pregnancy tests results as I got into the car and drove off. I couldn’t contain my joy as I sped to the house. At last! I was finally happy. Once Lucas sees these results, he will forget about the divorce and take me back. I simply couldn’t wait.

When I got to the house, I rushed in and met him seated on the couch with his mistress. She had her head on his shoulder while they laughed and looked at each other lovingly. I sighed. Lucas never looked at me that way. I consoled myself with the fact that all that would change once I showed him the test results.

“Lucas, there’s good news.” I walked to where they were seated and beamed at him. He didn’t return the smile.

“I thought you left. What the heck are you doing back here?” He snapped.

“I’m pregnant, Lucas. Look!” I handed over the results to him, and he glanced through them. With a smile, I waited for him to scream for joy and hug me. My arms were already wide open to receive him, but he and the lady burst into a fit of laughter instead. I stood, staring at them, confused and wondering what could be so funny in a test result paper?

“Pregnant indeed! You’re now pathetic to this level?” Lucas snapped and I flinched. “How dare you fake a result? Do you think this is funny?” He snarled, his gaze cold.

“No, that’s not true. I’m really pregnant. We can go to the hospital for a test.” I told him but he scoffed at me..

“Hospital? So you can plan with the doctor like you did with this one? And if it's even “true” like you claimed, I'm sure he isn't responsible for that pregnancy,” The lady chuckled and stood up as she walked to where I stood. “You went this far because you didn’t want a divorce? You are a shameless bitch!” She snapped and I balled my fists.

“I didn’t make all these up. Lucas, you have to believe me.” I pleaded, but he looked away from me.

The lady took the test results and tore them to shreds in front of me. I gasped and looked at her angrily.

“You!” I snapped at her.

“No, bitch! People don’t snap at me,” She said, and before I could say anything, she slapped me. My eyes widened as I held my cheeks.

“Ah! How could you slap me?” She burst into tears and Lucas rushed to us. He glared at me and looked at her. “I only scolded her for forging the test results, and she slapped me.” She lied, crying, and my eyes widened.

“I didn’t touch her! She was the one who slapped me. Lucas, you have to believe me.” I pleaded, but he grabbed my shoulder and violently shook me.

“How can I believe a liar brave enough to fake pregnancy, huh? How can I believe a whore like you? You’re just a lowly and pathetic barren. How dare you touch my woman?” He yelled and pushed me to the ground. My back hit the wall and I held my stomach. “Stay out of my sight, Janette. Your sight alone repulses me. If you don’t want me to kill you, stay the fuck away!” He yelled and held her up as he led her away, while she hugged him, pretending to be in pain.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I rested my back on the wall. I rubbed my stomach. If I stayed here, they’re definitely going to kill me and my unborn child. I forced myself to stand to my feet as one painful realization dawned on me; My husband didn’t love me. He hated me, and who knows, he might hate my child more and call him or her a bastard. I’d rather raise my child alone than let him suffer.

And with that concluded within me, I made up my mind to sign the divorce papers.

And so the next day, I followed him to the lawyer’s office where we both signed and everything was finalized. I didn’t regret my decision one bit. I’m doing this for my unborn child; the unborn child he called fake.

We walked out of the office together and Lucas faced me. “I hope I never see you again, Ex-wife.” He muttered with so much contempt and didn’t wait for me to say anything else before walking away.

A lone tear dropped from my eyes and I forced a smile.

“Yes, Lucas. You aren’t going to see me again because I’m leaving you for good. I’m leaving this damn country as well.” I muttered and walked out as well.

My mind was made up to leave this place and start anew in a place where my child would be loved and where I wouldn’t be reminded of the past.

And so a few days later, I was already on the plane, heading to Chicago, where I was set to begin the next phase of my life… for the sake of my baby.

I looked through the window of the plane and sighed.

“I hope I never see you again, Ex-husband.”

6 YEARS LATER

Janette’s POV

A familiar feeling crept up my belly as I stepped out of the plane, back in New York, the city I had stayed away from for the past six years, the city where I had suffered and almost lost my life. It felt good to be back, and I was able to shake off the feeling of unease that welled up inside me.

Everything was fine now because I had put my past behind me, and have come here to start anew. After leaving here, I was blessed to have met a good man, who accepted me the way I am, and helped me achieve my dream.

It’s been a hell of years, but I’m proud because I am now one of the most sought after medical doctors in America.

“Mommy!”

I turned to where that angelic voice came from and smiled as my bundle of joy, my sunshine, my son, Ethan rushed out of my Secretary’s grasp to embrace me.

“I missed you.” He wrapped his tiny arms around me and I returned his hug with just as much warmth and affection.

“We were in the same plane, Ethan. You only followed Rosa to claim our baggage, and you miss me already?” I asked, chuckling a bit.

“Yes!” Ethan exclaimed, pulling away from me just enough to meet my eyes. “But you were way up front, with the fancy people.” His face lit up, and he giggled as I knelt down to his level.

“Oh, were you jealous?” I teased, a playful glint in my eyes. “Well, from now on, I promise to stay close to you forever,” I wrapped him in another hug, breathing in the scent of his hair and he giggled.

I stood up, taking his hand in mine.

“Now, let's go get you settled in, okay?” I said, leading Ethan towards our luggage. Rosa stood by patiently, a polite smile on her face.

“Where's Uncle Liam?” Ethan asked, his little face scrunching up in confusion.

“He'll be here in a bit,” I explained, ruffling his hair once again. “He has something to take care of back in Chicago and will join us soon.”

Ethan's expression brightened as he spotted our luggage. “There's my suitcase!” he exclaimed, racing over to grab the handle. “Come on, Mommy!”

We made our way to the car, chatting excitedly as Rosa loaded our luggage into the trunk. As we drove through the bustling city streets, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me back to New York.

Six years ago, I had left this city broken and alone, but now I was returning as a successful doctor, with a handsome son and a strong support system. It felt like a dream, but one I was determined to hold onto.

We arrived at our new home, a spacious and elegant penthouse on the Upper East Side. As Ethan skipped up the steps, his eyes wide with wonder, I felt a surge of pride and joy. We had come so far together, and now we were finally able to call this place home.

Rosa unlocked the door, and we stepped inside, taking in the sight of the grand foyer. The light streaming in through the windows cast a warm glow over the marble floors, and I could already imagine filling the space with laughter and memories.

Ethan ran into the living room, his arms spread wide. "Mommy, this place is huge!” he exclaimed.

I chuckled as I watched him spin around, taking in every detail of the spacious room. “Yes, it is, Ethan,” I replied, a smile on my face. “And you'll have your own room here, with plenty of space to play and explore.”

He turned back to me, his expression one of pure delight. “Can I have a toy room too?” he asked, his eyes shining with hope.

“Of course you can, darling,” I said, ruffling his hair. “This is your home, and you can have whatever you want.”

As Ethan dashed off to explore the rest of the house, I stood in the living room, taking a deep breath. It was hard to believe that after all this time, I was finally back in New York.

My thoughts were interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Rosa, with her iPad placed on her chest.

“I just got a message that the grand opening of your hospital will take place by noon tomorrow. Is that okay with you or do you need any readjustments?” She asked, but I shook my head.

“It’s fine with me. I’ll be taking Ethan to register at his new school tomorrow. I should be done before noon and join you at the hospital.”

She nodded with a smile.

“You can leave now.” I said, and she smiled before walking out of the house. Rosa has been my secretary at our branch in Chicago. I’m glad she agreed to come work here with me in my hospital, since she grew up here and also had her accommodation. It made everything easier and less strenuous for me.

I tried to call Liam, but his number wasn’t going through. I wanted to tell him that I had arrived, but it seemed he was still in the meeting. I sighed and looked around with a smile.

“Janette, it’s time for a new start,” I smiled and clasped my hand.

“Mommy, come! I found something!” Ethan drew my attention.

“Coming!” I took one last look around before rushing up the stairs to meet him.

***

The next day, I dressed Ethan and myself up and drove Ethan to the school I’d be registering him. I had stayed up all night, searching for the best schools in the state for a 5-year-old. Ethan was a smart kid, but it was necessary he started from kindergarten.

As we approached the school, Ethan bounced excitedly in his seat. “Is this the place where I get to learn new things, Mommy?” he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yes, sweetheart, this is where you'll go to school,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “I know you're going to have so much fun here.”

We arrived at the school entrance, and Ethan rushed out of the car, eager to explore. As I trailed behind him, I couldn’t help but admire my baby boy. He was my driving force and the reason I withstood everything to become successful today.

We got to the office and were greeted by a friendly lady. She introduced herself as the receptionist and walked me through the admission process while Ethan looked around the office, admiring the colorful dots on the wall.

“He is quite an explorer, isn’t he?” She asked with a smile and I nodded.

“Yes.” We finished the registration process, and she gave me all the books he would be using.

“He can start today if you like, and if not, it’s okay for him to start tomorrow.” She mused and I nodded.

“He will start today,” I stood to my feet. She directed me to where the kindergarten was located, and I held Easton’s hand, leading him there as I felt a wave of nostalgia.

Walking through the halls of the school, memories of my own childhood came flooding back. It seemed like only yesterday that I was starting kindergarten, full of the same excitement and wonder that Ethan was displaying now. Though my happiness was short-lived when I lost my parents and was dumped in the orphanage. I was adopted by nice couples, who gave me everything and raised me from a child to an adult. They’re gone now but I will forever remember them and make sure I stay alive to give Ethan the best as well. He is my source of joy and I would do anything for him.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as we entered the classroom, where a dozen other children were already seated at their desks. Mrs. Johnson, the kindergarten teacher, greeted us with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Ethan, to kindergarten! You're just in time for circle time,” she said, gesturing towards a colorful rug on the floor. They must have informed her of our registration for her to have known Ethan’s name so quickly. It was cool.

Ethan glanced up at me, uncertainty flitting across his features. I gave him an encouraging smile and knelt down, bringing my lips close to his ear. “It's okay, sweetheart. You can sit down with the other kids,” I whispered. “I’ll come pick you up later in the day, okay?”

He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips, and made his way towards the rug. As he settled in next to a little girl in a pink dress, Mrs. Johnson began to read a story aloud. I smiled and walked away.

I got to the parking lot and opened my car.

“Janette?”

I froze at that familiar voice. Cold shivers ran down my spine. It’s been six years and I can still remember that voice vividly.

“No way.” I muttered. Maybe I’m hearing things.

“Janette, is that you?” The voice came again, and I turned, only to come face to face with the person I didn’t expect to see again.

Lucas!

My ex-husband!

Lucas' POV

“It is you! It’s really you, Janette!” I exclaimed, shock written all over my face. I had seen her walking into the school premises whilst holding the hand of a little boy. I thought my eyes were deceiving me and had waited patiently for her to come outside. When she didn’t come out, I thought I was just hallucinating, but then she came out and… and, I can’t believe my eyes. Janette is right here in front of me, looking all different from the woman I knew six years ago. She had become even more beautiful than I remember.

Oh, Janette! I couldn’t help my joy at the sight of her.

Without thinking, I rushed into her arms, but she pushed me away.

“What do you think you are doing?” she snapped, wiping her body with her face scrunched up in disgust. “How dare you lay your filthy hands on me? Have you no respect?”

I gasped and couldn’t believe my ears. “Janette, it’s me, Lucas. You haven’t forgotten me, have you?” I asked, my voice laced with hurt.

I couldn’t believe she was treating me with so much contempt and acting like she had no idea who I was.

She scanned me from head to toes. “I don’t care who you are, but the next time you come that close to me again, I will make you regret it.” She tried to get into her car, but I held her hand.

“Janette,” I called, my heart aching. “I…” I trailed off. She yanked her hands away from me as if my touch repulsed her. “I saw you walk in there with a little boy. Who is he?”

“Why do you care to know? It’s none of your business.” she scoffed and made to get into the car again, but I held her.

“Please, Janette, who is he? He looks a lot like me.” I said, and she went quiet for a while without saying anything.

Suddenly, she burst out laughing and I creased my brows, wondering what was so funny.

“Looks like you? My son? Looks like you?” she scoffed and pointed her index finger at me. “I have no idea where you got your imagination from, but that child is my son and is in no way related to you. In case you don’t know, I have a fiancé, and we are getting married soon, so stop this gibberish you’re saying.” She huffed and I could feel my heart bleed.

“Fia… fia… fiancé? You’re getting married?” I asked and she flashed me a smile I could swear didn’t reach her eyes.

“Yes, Lucas, I am getting married. I’m single after all.” she said matter-of-factly and got into her car.

“Janette! Janette! Please, we have a lot to talk about. Please hear me out.” I clasped my hand together in a pleading manner.

“Hey, do I know you? I have no idea who you are so stop pestering me, okay?” she spat in disgust and turned the car on.

“Janette, please, please, Jane!” I called but she ignored me and drove out.

I ruffled my hair and clutched to my chest, my eyes watering. Janette just said she had no idea who I am. After searching for her for six years, she claims not to know me and now has a son and a fiancé?

“Fuck!” I exclaimed and looked around. I knew I deserved whatever she just did to me. Everything I did to her six years ago was still fresh in my head. Bella had tricked me into believing that Janette was sleeping out and had done numerous abortions, which is why she wasn’t able to get pregnant. Coupled with the pressure from my family about having a child was my anger and resentment towards her for cheating on me.

I thought I would feel better if I cheated on her as well with Bella. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was what I went along with, and I ended up hurting her and asking for a divorce.

After that, I thought I would be happy, but I was hurt instead. Bella soon became a thorn in my flesh when I refused to get married to her, and she left me, but not without mocking me about believing her lies and not trusting my wife.

After she left, I realized just how much I needed Janette and searched for her. I even went to her adopted family’s residence but was told they had passed away and Janette was nowhere to be found. I realized how much of an incompetent husband I was. I didn’t even know what was going on with my wife and left her all by herself to face her problems alone, and still she loved me and wanted to be with me, but I chased her away from my life.

Tears rolled down my cheeks. “Will you ever forgive me, Janette?” I muttered under my breath.

I walked into the school and made my way to the kindergarten. Since I was one of the school sponsors, I had the leverage to come in anytime I wanted, and so for today, I used that to my advantage and went into the kindergarten.

I stood by the door and used my eyes to search for the little boy Janette had brought to school. I found him, in no time, sitting while listening attentively to the story the teacher was reading to them. He looked like a mini me, and I couldn’t shake off the feeling of this little boy being my son.

He suddenly turned and our eyes met. He held my gaze for a while, a look of curiosity in his eyes, before his face softened into a cute smile. My heart melted and I found myself smiling. I quickly broke eye contact and rushed out of the school.

I stopped in front of my car and massaged my temple. “Could it be that Janette was actually pregnant six years ago?” I asked myself and an idea struck me.

I know the only person that’ll have an answer to this question. And so, I got into the car and drove straight to the hospital I knew she frequented when we were still together. I was lucky enough to see Doctor Bree outside and rushed to her.

“Good morning, Doc. I really need to ask you a question. Would you kindly spare me like five minutes of your time?” I asked.

“Sure, Mr. Lucas. What’s going on?” She inquired and I sighed.

“I believe you know Mrs. Janette Wayne? She usually comes here for pregnancy tests six years ago.”

She smiled. “How can I forget Mrs. Wayne? She set a record—”

“Good,” I cut in. “How did her tests go?”

“The last time she visited the hospital, I can recall she was bleeding, but fortunately, we were able to stop it and she and her unborn baby survived.”

“So, she was pregnant?” I asked, and Doc. Bree nodded.

“Yes. Her baby should be five years old now. Are you her relative or something?” She asked and I nodded.

“Thanks for the information,” I rushed back to the car and rested my head on the wheel.

Janette was pregnant! She was actually freaking pregnant… for me and I divorced her. I could still recall the smile on her face when she rushed to me and gave me the test results. I didn’t believe her.

She told me she was bleeding, but I thought she was faking it and ignored her.

And then I realized, and my confusion cleared as tears rolled down my cheeks again.

That little boy….

That little boy is my son.

That little boy she said wasn’t related to me is my son… my heir!