My mind and body was restless like a truck had run me over—sores and pain all over. I couldn't think deeply, let alone bring back memories of the past. I lay flat on the bed, glaring at Harley in her prime.

I stretched my body and reached for the water next to me while Jayden was dozing off.

“What should I say? How can I face Richardson in the court of law?” I sank into melancholy and disbelief, thinking of how a beautiful journey of eight years ended in just a minute.

“How’s your health and condition? Harley is more concerned,” Jayden raised a brow.

I took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. “I am perfectly fine now.”

“You are not, Mommy. What about Daddy? I miss him. I need to see him...”

I shunned Harley. “He is not your daddy anymore. You are now fatherless.” I drew my emotions closer, as much as I was also wounded. Tears stung her eyes and she began to cry. I used my small piece of handkerchief to wipe off her tears.

“It’s okay, Harley. Everything will be fine.” Jayden buried her face in his stomach, consoling her.

“I still feel a need to apologize to the little one inside.” My thighs were stung, as if something was hooked between them.

“Which little one? Did you mean your unborn child?” He laid his hands on my stomach.

“Yes, my son. It’s a boy.”

“I’m sorry to say, you had a miscarriage. In fact, there were several complications that could have led to your death. Thanks to the proper medical care.”

At first, I was dumbfounded and speechless. I was glad the little one inside was gone. It equaled freedom. I was free from suffering. Harley is the only child I have to cater for. No longer expecting any child.

“I thought of aborting the child. Now a miscarriage took place.” I caressed my tummy.

Zzzz Zzzz

Jayden’s phone rang twice before he picked it.

“Richardson, are you that worse?” he said out of annoyance. I knew a conflict was about to happen, so I instructed the nurse to send Harley out of the room.

“Heartless? How? What did I do wrong?” He sounded rude over the phone. “I disowned Harley all because she’s a bastard and divorced her mother? Or I replaced her with Delilah? No, just answer me.”

Jayden was stunned. He was belittled before himself. “Are you that mean? Your wife’s life is at stake, and all you could do is flex with another woman?” He tightened his grip, clenching his teeth.

“I have clearly stated it—I don’t want Harley and Theresa in my life anymore. I am getting married to Delilah as soon as I divorce Theresa. I have wasted eight years of my life raising Harley, not knowing she’s a bastard.” He sounded so cold that I realized all affection had faded.

I tried my best to keep Harley from being traumatized. My ears oozed fear from the insults he threw.

“Enough!” I shouted over the phone as Richard was about to say something else, which I knew would be an insult. “Enough, Richardson! I overheard the whole conversation. I had a miscarriage. The little one is no longer inside me, and I’m glad about it. No record of my traumatic past.”

He chuckled for just a second. “Wow, young lady, so you’re glad you had a miscarriage? Who’s going to claim Harley and act like her father?”

“I won’t allow you to insult my Harley and Theresa like that. I will take care of everything. Don’t be too relaxed or happy,” Jayden said in a strong voice.

“So, you are secretly dating Jayden. I can see through your conversation.”

Jayden could no longer hide his annoyance in his expression. “And so what if she is—or we are? At least she’s no longer your wife.” Those were the last words he said before hanging up.

“I am prepared for the divorce. We have to go.” I wore my flip-flops.

“I’ll arrange everything and get Harley ready. At least she’s six years and above—she can decide which custody to stay with,” he assured me.

Jayden is more like a friend; he has been with me through thick and thin. He showered me with love and care more than usual and stood for me. Hours after my rest and recovery, the clock struck 12:00 PM.

My worst nightmare came to reality. Before Delilah and Richard, I stood with the papers he handed to me.

“Once I sign this, it’s over. We are in the final stage. Besides, Harley is no longer your child.” I snapped the pen from him and signed the documents without hesitating.

“Mrs. Babylon can’t stay here for long. Please be fast.” He was trying to say something.

“We don’t care. Just leave my Theresa and her angelic Harley to me,” Jayden said nonchalantly.

In a twinkle of an eye, Harley occupied the witness box, challenged with an unthinkable demand.

“Who are you following? Your mom or your dad?” the judge said loudly.

Harley blinked a few times, looking at Jayden and me. “But I still love my father and my mother too. Suddenly, their union collapsed.”

Jayden had earlier told her, “He’s no longer your dad. He will marry another lady, and you will have your stepmother or father’s wife train you till adulthood. It’s better you follow your mom and leave your father. He no longer cherishes you.” I was present. Harley was too young for all this. The most memorable day of my life—the day my sweet husband was separated from me. Not that he died, but he divorced me due to trust issues.

After everything was over, I came to my senses. All years of my life—almost a decade—wasted on the wrong person. Deep down, it hurts, but I have to soldier on. Jayden’s mother, whom I took as my own, took me as hers. She gave me motherly advice I took unserious.

It’s not too late. I can still start all over again. I am just 32. I can still start another life and get out of the trenches. Who Harley belongs to is not the subject of the matter. I want to get married to another man and live a sweet marital life. I will give an answer to my daughter when necessary in the future. I can’t imagine seeing Harley growing up hating me, so I kept the divorce and other necessary records for future purpose.

I checked Richard's Facebook page. He had already changed his relationship status back to “Married to Delilah.” Now she was officially Mrs. Delilah Babylon. No kids yet, but he had posted a picture of himself kneeling before her, kissing her belly. The caption read:

> “Expecting a baby soon. My faithful Delilah is expecting our first child. In my thirties, I finally get to have a biological child.”

I wasn’t astonished or even disappointed. I just scrolled straight to the comments section. It was filled with congratulatory messages—and disgusting encouragement of his betrayal.

Leonard: It’s better how you replaced Theresa. She’s not worth it. Disown Harley and start a new life!

Jasper: Now you’re going to be a father. Huge thanks to Miss Delilah Babylon.

Delilah: Thanks. Nothing can stop us. Let’s not make her jealous.

So this had all been planned. I didn’t give a damn. I snapped photos of our signed divorce agreement and my doctor's report, then posted them with a caption:

“I finally moved on.”

Those words vibrated through my nerves, releasing a tension I didn’t realize I’d been carrying. Marrying Richard had been the biggest mistake of my life. I should have invested my time in those who genuinely loved me, not in someone who never did.

“How do I even start over with Harley? What do I tell my child?” I wasn’t motivated to return home. I needed to rest and figure out how to stand on my feet again. I wasn’t financially stable.

Cherry had warned me about this marriage, but I didn’t listen. Her words echoed in my mind: “No amount of effort will make it work with the wrong person.”

As I stared at old pictures and videos of Richard and Harley, a sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen. I dropped to the floor, wincing in pain.

Cherry rushed over and helped me up. “Careful, Theresa! What are you thinking?” She pulled me onto the bed.

“I’m okay. I just lost my balance.” I inhaled deeply. My favorite food’s aroma drifted through the room.

“Don’t overwhelm yourself with unnecessary thoughts. Harley will be fine.” Cherry’s eyes lingered on me, cautious, probing. “How come Harley isn’t Richard’s child? Did you…cheat with someone else?” Her tone softened, as if coaxing the truth gently.

“Ain’t no way, Cherry. I was a virgin when I met Richard—he knows that. He took my flower. I never thought of being with another man. Harley looks exactly like him.”

I stared at her, my thoughts swirling. My sanity mattered more than any suspicious DNA report. No man had even seen the hem of my underwear, let alone slept with me. Could Harley have been swapped at birth? I couldn’t afford another DNA test.

“Where do I begin?” I had used my last card to get that test. “Did Jayden take custody of Harley?” A bitter part of me was relieved I’d had the miscarriage. I felt sorry for the unborn child at first, but at least I didn’t have another burden to carry.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about,” Cherry said, handing me a cup of coffee.

“What is it?” I took a sip.

“If I’m not mistaken, Jayden is your childhood friend, right?” Her voice was soft. “He’s been in your life forever. Aside from me, he’s the only true friend you have. He took care of Harley like he was his own child. His family treats you like their daughter.”

The room fell silent. It felt like a graveyard.

“What do you think?” she asked, hands folded under her chin.

Jayden’s affection and past confessions flooded my thoughts. Did he send Cherry to talk to me? Was he trying to say something now? Could he know more about Harley’s DNA report?

I sank deeper into my thoughts until Cherry broke the silence again.

“Absolutely nothing. I need rest.” I pulled the blanket over my head.

“Hey! Are you not going to respond?” She yanked the sheet back. “Just like that?”

“His mom loved me like a daughter the first day she met me. He once told me: Don’t waste your life on someone who doesn’t love you to the moon. You’ll live as a prisoner.”

“Jayden and Richard were friends too, remember?”

“Jayden treated me better than Richard ever did. I was just too blind to see it.” Tears trickled down my cheeks.

“It’s not too late. You can still make things right.” She gently wiped my tears.

---

Epilogue

I thought back to my law school days at twenty-three. I had met Richard in a café. I accidentally spilled coffee on his white shirt, and he had been calm, like a dove. He asked for my number, and we talked until dawn.

I told him everything about my career and life. He wasn’t supportive of my ambition—he knew I was a justice-driven woman, but he objected to my career from the start. Still, I fell for him.

One night, after too much champagne, I woke up naked beside him. He said I was “tempting” and “horny.” When I discovered I was pregnant and tried to hide it, he insisted we marry and raise the child together.

I gave up law school for him.

Delilah entered his life two years before everything collapsed. I stayed silent, unwilling to rock the boat. But Richard slowly turned into a monster, accusing me of infidelity and claiming Harley wasn’t his.

After everything I’ve endured, I finally see the truth. Love blinded me, but now I’ve opened my eyes. This chapter of my life is over—and I’ve learned lessons that I’ll never forget.

Stunned and dumbfounded, I stood at the door glaring at Harley and Jayden. Could Jayden be this caring? He took good care of Harley like she was his own daughter—so quick to adopt her.

“Mommy!” Harley shouted, clearly happy to see me after the divorce. Her hair was smoothly brushed and styled.

Buntings and rosy red flowers were tossed across the walls. It looked like someone was celebrating a wedding anniversary.

Could it be Brooke? Jayden’s younger brother?

Jayden gave me a tight hug and warm kisses. I was astonished but couldn't show it. What’s he up to? My skin froze like I had a frostbite. Shivers went down my spine. Blushes and excitement overshadowed me, but I was too shy to reveal it.

Harley’s reassuring smile held me back from asking Jayden about the impromptu event.

The sitting room tiles matched the wall painting and decor perfectly. The view of his living room was breathtaking and satisfying. A few of his family members—his brother, cousins, and friends—were present. His house felt like paradise the moment I stepped inside.

Memories of my wedding eve with Richard flashed before my eyes. A strong feeling of déjà vu tickled me to the brim. It was as if Jayden had copied Richard’s decor and setup. Is he trying to make me fall in love with him—or send another message?

Joy filled my heart, seeing my beloved Harley in such a healthy, happy state. But it still plunged me into a deep melancholy remembering her past.

She was just like a normal kid before the accident. One day, she was trying to cross the road to get to a room when a car hit her. She slumped and fainted.

That night in the hospital, I thought Harley was dead. The doctors later confirmed she needed brain surgery. Her chances of survival were fifty-fifty.

After the surgery, Richard noticed she couldn’t move as she used to. She winced countless times, hitting her head until it swelled. From there, she ended up in a wheelchair. Ever since, her life changed.

“Theresa, please come with me.” A young lady, not up to my age, approached. She must be Jayden’s cousin. “Oh! Lionni.”

I wore a tight-fitting dress that highlighted my figure and toned skin. A thick tomato-red lipstick coated my soft lips, which screamed “ready to kiss.”

It was evening time. The color of the clouds shifted to a deep sunset yellow, making the whole view of the city look like a cartoon. I stood by the window in Lionni’s room, meditating on my current life.

“Sister Theresa, there’s a call for you downstairs.” She tapped my shoulder.

The sudden “Sister Theresa” left doubts and questions in my mind.

Why the sudden 'sister'? Was she trying to reveal something?

I carefully walked down the stairs in my revealing dress, my boobs bouncing. Jayden loved red, revealing dresses on his lover.

“Your wife,” Brooke said, raising his brow at me.

“Your wife as how?” I asked, stunned, frozen in my tracks. Why did he call me his brother’s wife?

Jayden drew my waist close and placed a kiss on my lips. I closed my eyes for a few seconds—I was timid.

Music began to play. He danced with me to the rhythm, swaying my hips. He stared straight into my eyes, craving my attention and body.

“I’ve always loved you since we became friends. I want you to be mine forever,” he finally confessed. I wasn’t as surprised as I thought I’d be.

All eyes were on us. Right there, beside the dinner table loaded with snacks, champagne, and flower vases.

“You will live like a queen. It’s going to feel like paradise,” Jayden said, sipping his wine with his eyes locked on mine.

“Exactly what I want.” I blinked a few times. “I’m set free from restrictions and stereotyping. No more mistresses or side chicks haunting me.”

The cake’s texture was softer than a loofah—so creamy and yummy. I swallowed with delight.

Then something poked my tongue—a small diamond ring. I spat it out. Jayden wrapped it in a handkerchief, then dropped to one knee.

“Please, make me the happiest man on earth. Will you marry me? Be my wife forever?” he pleaded with emotion.

Whispers erupted from the crowd. “Say yes! Say yes!” They all clapped.

I finally understood—he threw this whole party to propose to me.

“Yes, I will marry you, Jayden.” I blushed. I was feeling timid from the attention and encouragement.

He drew my waist closer and pressed his lips against mine. I felt his erection. He drank his last cup of wine, then grabbed my hand. We both headed to the room.

“Please, remain calm,” he said in an alluring voice. He pressed his body against mine.

I knew he was about to make love to me. “What are you about to do? Why are you…”

I understood the situation but just wanted to ask.

“You are no longer Richard’s. You’re mine now,” he said, loosening the straps of my dress.

“I see you’re horny. Let’s make use of…”

“I’m too horny to use a condom. I want to make love to you, skin to skin. I want to see you spread your legs, moan hysterically, and scream my name in bed. I won’t be gentle with you until you cry out pleasurable tears.”

Still in my timid state, I closed my eyes—not fully ready to be naked before a man again. He caressed me and began to finger me.

Slowly, I lay on the bed, trying to submit myself. Not wanting him to handle me too roughly.

He laid his chest on mine, his erection stiff on my crotch. It was a pleasurable thing to moan.

My pleasant night with Jayden.

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