“Adam, no! You don't have to hit him!” I yelled at my brother despite myself. But he wasn't listening.

“Get lost, Tori! How dare he do this to you?” he growled. “He had the effrontery to rape you, and now you are pregnant. Yet I don't have to hit him? Really?”

I puckered my lips to speak, but nothing came forth. In truth, I hadn't been raped. I had done it willingly, and every bit of it had been fun. Was it right to lie to Adam about it?

“Adam, listen. I'm sorry. I lied. He didn't rape me. We did it together.”

But Adam turned a deaf ear as he dealt Theo another heavy kick and a slap across his face, which made blood spurt from his nose. I cringed back in fear and remorse as tears filled my eyes.

“I know you are only saying that so I’ll leave him,” Adam spat. “I will make sure you get rid of that bastard in your womb with my last drop of blood.”

I watched Theo hold his cheek in shock as blood flowed freely from his nose. Exactly what happens when you have a brother who is ten years older. Our eyes met, and all I could see was pure spite and hate in place of what had once been love.

“I will make sure you guys pay dearly for this!” he swore.

I wished I could say something to him, to let him know it wasn't my doing but Adam's.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity, as Adam dragged me away.

“You must get rid of this baby within twenty-four hours, Tori,” he announced the moment we got home.

I glared at him with hate and resentment. “Why must I?”

“Because you must get married to George, the CEO's son. Don't tell me you have forgotten the plan!”

I shook my head bitterly. “No way I’m going along with that stupid plan! Dad should find a better way to sort himself and his debts out, rather than using me as a peace offering,” I yelled. “When Mum and Dad return, I will let them know I’m carrying Theo’s baby. Then they will see no reason to hook me up with that proud fool.”

I had barely finished my statement before Adam landed a fierce slap on my cheek. I thought I saw stars for a moment as I staggered backward.

“You will do no such thing. You have quickly forgotten that Mum has less than two months to live and needs money for her transplant,” Adam snapped. “Besides, the bank has been on our necks lately, and this is all you can say? Aren’t you so selfish?”

I couldn't hold back the tears that flowed. “You guys seem to forget that I am just nineteen.”

He jeered at me. “When you were busy rocking Theo, how old were you? Thirty?”

“Oh, so you know I wasn't raped?”

“Get out of my sight,” he muttered gruffly, pushing me aside. “If I were you, I would get ready for the dinner party tonight.”

Adam often made me wonder if we were from the same womb.

The dinner party was a big blast, and I felt like a paper princess at the beginning. I could feel the envious eyes of the ladies around me as they stared at me walking beside the CEO's son, whose name refused to stick in my memory. I wouldn’t blame them for staring that way, since I was a stunning beauty, and the gorgeous midi gown with a seductive slit up to my thigh, which I had been forced to wear, didn’t help matters. If only they knew half my story.

Earlier that evening, I had heeded Adam's advice and taken the drugs for the abortion. Now, I felt lightheaded and drugged, wondering if I should regret my decision or not. I had loved Theo, no doubt, but right now, I felt choiceless.

“Give me a smile, Victoria. You look sad and stiff,” the CEO’s son urged as we stepped onto the dance floor.

But no matter how hard I tried, the smile just refused to come.

“Fine. I know what you want,” he finally said, taking my hand as he led me off the dance floor.

I cringed as I followed him, feeling scared and awkward. He led me up to one of the rooms in the hotel. I could sense what was coming, but what could I do? Tell him I was pregnant? No. That sounded dumb. I had aborted the baby, after all. Not only would we be kicked out of the house, but my mum would also die. There was probably no point in fighting him. What difference would it make?

“You know what I want, don’t you?” he whispered into my ear the moment we stepped into one of the elegant VIP rooms.

I was forced to remember his name then. George. George was his name. No doubt he was dangerously attractive and elegant. My eyes rested on his red lips. His cologne was totally intoxicating and clouded my senses.

One hand cupped my cheek gently, while the other wound its way into my dress. I didn’t resist until I felt the sharp, painful piercing of a needle on my skin, right on my thigh.

“George, please stop. What are you trying to do?” I moaned, suddenly feeling a mounting weakness that made me dizzy.

“What do you think?” He gave me an evil smile. “If you want to be my wife, then you should learn to be obedient. Am I supposed to force you to dance? Or is it part of your plan to embarrass me?”

My knees buckled, unable to carry me any longer, and I collapsed to the floor as everything faded into blackness.

I opened my eyes to find myself naked beneath the sheets, and I cringed, holding the sheet up to my chin. George was nowhere in sight. Had he drugged me just to sleep with me?

The door opened just then, and George walked in, wrapped in the arms of another lady, their tongues rolling against each other as though I were invisible. They collapsed onto the sofa next to the bed and began tearing at each other's clothes. I couldn't take it anymore.

“George!!! Are you insane? What do you take me for? A mannequin?”

He looked up at me with a killer gaze that made me shiver. I couldn't believe this was the guy I killed my baby for. God knows I was really willing to carry that baby until he showed up.

“What did you just say?”

Before I could blink, he dealt me several slaps across my cheeks until I saw stars and my head ached.

“I'm glad you know what you are. A mannequin. I will only touch you when and how I like.”

With that, he dragged me to the bathroom and locked me inside. I cried bitterly. It was hard to block my ears from the disgusting noises they made in the room. I couldn't believe this was the life my parents wanted for me.

A WEEK LATER

Our wedding was a blast and the talk of the town. My mum's operation had finally been paid for and scheduled, as well as the house bills. But I had a new problem. The baby hadn't been aborted as I had thought.

Of course, I didn't breathe a word about it to anybody until I put to bed. The family was so immersed in the celebration and preparation for the arrival of the new baby that no one noticed a thing.

“Aww… he is so cute. Just like his father,” my mother-in-law cooed at the baby a few days after my delivery. “What shall we name him, George darling? Have you thought of any name yet?” She turned to her son in her usual high and lofty voice.

“Prince Williams,” George said with a wide smile.

“Prince Williams,” his mother mulled thoughtfully.

“No. I actually thought of a name already. I think I would prefer Theodore. Theodore was your grandfather's name. He was the first to own an estate in the region and was the richest in his time, just as your father is presently.”

Theo? No way.

George shrugged in surrender. “So be it then, Mum. As you say.” He flicked his gaze to me, and I forced a smile.

“I think Prince Williams would actually be better,” I objected calmly.

“No, dear. We shall name him Theo. Your husband didn't object,” Maria, my mother-in-law, said. “You don't hate the name, do you?”

She gave me a long, knowing stare with a smile that looked mischievous. I felt a tight knot form in my stomach.

Later that evening, when I went to make myself some coffee in the kitchen, Maria came in and shut the door. I held my breath as I watched her. Even in her late sixties, she was still strong and had the energy of someone in her thirties.

“The nerve of you, Victoria, to carry Theophilus’ baby and pretend to be pregnant for my son.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came forth. Did she do a thorough background check on me? What was she up to?

“I know George is infertile, though he refuses to acknowledge it. So I was surprised when your pregnancy was announced. But I don't want a situation whereby a nobody from nowhere comes claiming my grandson.”

She produced an envelope I hadn't realized she had been holding.

“This will be between the two of us. Sign this document stating that if anyone ever comes to lay claim to my grandson in the future, you will never accept the claim. DNA test or not. And if ever you do, I will make sure you are rendered childless,” she threatened. “After all, I just did you a huge favour by naming him after his dad.”

Theodore and Theophilus don’t sound alike to me, I thought bitterly, unable to utter a word.

I signed it hurriedly without thinking. First of all, there was no way in the world Theo would know this was his baby. And secondly, it wasn't as if he would ever want anything to do with me again.

TEN YEARS LATER

It was Theodore's tenth birthday. As usual, George was hosting the celebration in grand style. I was relieved he was totally ignorant of his son's paternity. The joy of Theodore's birth had saved me from his fierce wrath. Not like he treated me half as kindly as Theo once did, but I made myself believe there was a slight difference at least.

However, as I walked among the guests, greeting and exchanging pleasantries, a familiar face struck me.

Wasn’t that Theo?

Our eyes met for a fleeting moment, and I looked away immediately as my pulse raced. Theo was ten times more handsome and elegant than the last time I saw him. He was seated among the VIP guests at the high table and was even chatting freely with George.

I hurried off immediately to avoid being noticed, only to hear George's booming voice.

“Tori, honey! Over here. Come say hi to my good friend. Theo Naths. CEO of Theory Holdings.”

Theory? Theo…ry?

The name resounded in my ears. Tell me it’s not what I’m thinking.

My heart paused as I turned around slowly, hoping my heels didn't look wobbly as I walked unsteadily toward them.

“Lady Victoria Earnest,” Theo said coolly, extending his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Earnest? My brain reeled. I had dropped that name years back after marrying George and was now Victoria Williams. Why was he calling me that?

“You know my wife?” George raised his brows at Theo in surprise.

“No, I don’t,” Theo laughed. Despite the tense atmosphere, I couldn’t help but notice he still had that charming smile. I bet he must be turning heads wherever he went. “I think your wife is the one who knows me instead,” he muttered with carefree ease, his eyes lingering on me.

I could feel my heart pounding in my ears as George's questioning gaze rested on me.

What the hell was Theo up to?

“Come on, George. He is only pulling your legs. I’m only meeting him for the first time. I guess he must have overheard me reuniting with one of my old-time friends. She practically yelled my name a hundred times.” I forced a laugh, giving Theo a warning side glance.

“Oh. I was wondering,” George mulled, nodding genuinely in understanding.

I was about to take a deep breath and walk away when my son, Ted, suddenly came hopping to my side.

“Mum, where have you been? I need you to come say hi to my new friends from school I told you about.”

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the way Theo ran his gaze over Ted. No doubt they both had striking similarities, should anyone bother to pay close attention. Same nose. Same hair colour.

“This is my boy, Ted,” George said proudly to Theo, gesturing. “Ted, come say hi to Daddy’s friend first.”

“Hi,” Ted muttered as Theo stretched out his hand for a handshake.

“Such a fine lad you are. I think we look alike,” Theo murmured jokingly, loud enough to be heard. “Right?” He glanced at George, who stared blankly for approval.

Good Lord. Was Theo actually sent as the devil himself to ruin things for me?

“Come on, Teddy, let’s go. We shouldn’t keep your friends waiting,” I said quickly before anyone could respond, hurrying off with him.

“Who is that guy, Mum? I think he is cool,” Ted began.

“Yeah, I think all your dad’s friends are cool,” I responded casually.

“But he is not wrong, huh? We look alike, don’t we?”

I forced a scoff. “Where did you say your friends are? I don’t see them.”

“Really? Can’t you see them taking photos by the pool?” he pointed ahead.

Of course, I had seen them the whole time.

My brain was in several splits for the rest of the party, no matter how hard I tried to pull myself together. Worse still, each time George called on me to greet a guest, Theo was always there, feeding his eyes on me as though I were some special treasure.

Once, after greeting one of the guests, a fine young gentleman slipped a card in between my fingers.

“Excuse me?” I said, giving him a condescending glare. I was used to being respected by all because I was George’s wife, so I hadn’t expected this.

The guy simply nodded toward Theo, where he sat, and I held my peace at once.

“Are you okay? What’s that?” George demanded, observing me closely.

“I’m good. I just need to use the restroom.”

“I thought I saw that guy give you something just now.”

I forced a smile. “Don’t mind me. I was careless. He only helped me pick up a card that fell out of my purse.”

I was quite amazed at how quickly and easily I wove the lie. It was a very good thing George didn’t seem to notice anything, and his attention soon got diverted.

That night, after the party, while lying on the bed, I contemplated texting Theo using the number on the business card, but a part of me resisted. Ten years had passed. There was no point in him coming to raise dust, neither was there any point in fueling his pride. He should know his place and start his own family. Paternal rights shouldn’t be limited to merely donating sperm.

George soon emerged from the bathroom, but I didn’t notice because I was lost in my thoughts.

“Are you thinking about him?”

I turned to him sharply. “Thinking about who?” I could barely hide the quiver in my voice.

George gave me a lopsided grin as he approached the bed slowly. “You think I’m a fool and don’t know, right?”

I grew tense but managed to mask my feelings. “I sincerely don’t understand what you are talking about.”

He sluggishly dried his body with his expensive white towel. “I overheard Ted telling you he wants to go see the rodeo show at Theo's Park, but you refused and have no intention of telling me, right?”

I was immensely relieved. George was indeed a fool. Good thing he was.

I forced a smile. Of course, I had refused. No way I would take my ex’s son to him in the name of going to his park for a kids’ show.

“Don’t tell me you hate Theo. He is a nice guy, isn’t he? Got a lot of humour too. He might be my junior, but I think he is way more mature and sensible for his age,” George remarked, putting on his pyjamas. “Compared to the other jerks I deal with, I think he is a smart ass.”

I'm pretty sure he was indirectly referring to Adam.

“What exactly does he do?” I asked out of curiosity.

George threw himself onto the bed first. “Real estate investment and stuff. Owns a park and several shopping malls.”

Quite impressive. So Theo, the once broke, poverty-stricken kid, was now making it real big. Well, back to my problem. Ted was a big fan of horses, and horse riding was his thing. Moreover, rodeo shows like these were a rare privilege, and I had no concrete excuse to deny him.

“Whatever you do, Tori, just make sure my boy doesn’t miss the rodeo,” George muttered, turning off the bedside lamp as he shifted his attention to his phone.

I rolled my eyes in irritation in the dark. “Your boy indeed,” I mouthed.

“I have a very important business deal I need to strike with Theo, and we need to play really nice with him, don’t you think?”

I said nothing in response and rose from the bed instead, slipping Theo’s business card into my nightie. I needed to check on Teddy.

“You will respond when I talk to you, Victoria!” George suddenly yelled, slamming a fist hard on the bed.

I inhaled deeply first. “I heard you quite well,” I answered as calmly as I could. Here was his real self, yelling my name like a maid in private, and yet out in public he dared call me sweet names.

“And where are you off to?” he fired.

“I need to check on Ted,” I murmured, shutting the door before he could say anything in response.

Ted was wide awake on his bed when I entered his room, busy with his phone. He gave me his usual sweet smile, but my stomach dipped this time because the smile was strikingly similar to Theo’s.

“Hey, birthday banana, isn’t it bedtime yet? Look at the time.”

“Don’t you think you should stop calling me that now? I’m no longer a kid,” he protested.

I wasn’t listening as I peered at his phone. “What are you doing?” I craned my neck.

He brought the phone closer to me. “You wanna see? You know Bobby, my best friend? He thinks Theo is cool and that we look alike.”

I bit my lower lip and dug my toes into his soft Persian rug.

No way in the world was he falling for Theo now.