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.

---

I swiftly opened my eyes to the Sunshine of the morning birds chirping and picking seeds by the window side of my room. The bright reflection of sunlight triggered my head ache, it was as if a truck ran me over.

Laying next to Jayden, naked. The hickeys of last night still stuck in my head, unable to forget. I can still feel the orgasm. His phone rang with a sonic vibration I peeped through his phone.

“Partner in crime calling…..” partner in crime calling…..” It's Richard, he usually refer to him as partner in crime.

“Attend to his call!” Jayden forced the phone in my hands.

“Hello!” I put the phone on speaker.

“It sounds like Theresa. Is that you?” He sounded jealous.

“It's me Theresa. You called Jayden's phone number.” I sounded cold like the love I have for him has faded off.

He cleared his throat, “so fast, you have moved on with your life. Just a little misunderstanding, and you moved with jayden my best friend.” He said in a harsh tone. “Isn't it.”

“What were you expecting? You want me to come and beg you, come crying after you, or begging you to accept Harley Bieber?” I spoke bluntly.

“Harley Bieber, the child to Jayden Bieber, it's all your plans. You planned it with Jayden, you cheated on me with him. So you think you can get away with what you did to me?” He spoke Rudely. “I will get back to you. Hand the phone to my friend!”

Jayden hijacked the phone, “Don't you ever speak to my wife like that. I will return your call once I am done with my flower.” Assurance and confidence surged through my mind. I suddenly became his wife, he didn't shy away from saying it. He really wants to get married to me.

Jayden held my hands tight and drew me closer, wrapping his hands around my burst. “I won't allow that boy insult you anyhow.”

I really meant a lot to him, he and Richard are very close friends. They became friends before I met Richard. Jayden was the intermediary between Richard and I we got married through him.

I turned over, tucking his bang, “I want to resume my duty. I have to take care of Harley.” I pleaded.

“Stay with me love, my cousin will do that till I hire a personal nurse.” He pushed me back to the bed.

I almost grumbled, he won't let me out. Thinking of an idea?

“Madam, breakfast is ready.” That's an excuse to leave here.

“Okay.” I replied, “Jayden, I am moving downstairs to eat breakfast.”

“I will join you soon.” He said in a husky voice.

Fred of him, I freshened up in the other room. When last I peeped, he was rarely awake. I swiftly dragged my legs to Harley room, my heart bleeds every time I see her in her condition. Nodding my head, I shook my head, everything seemed like a dream. My lovely husband of eight years divorced me.

Harley's room was luxurious like that of a princess, her bed pink in colour, the new pink dress lionni dressed her. She's was treated like the real princess she is. “When I am going to get off this chair? I am sick and tired.” She squeezed her face.

“Sooner my girl.” Lionni said while combing her hair. “You will be able to walk with your feet and stand right again.”

I felt emotional looking at her, my flight to Barcelona will be ready after sunset. My hair as still messy, Jayden brushed his hands throughout my hair. “You will be okay after you return to your family. Whether you are victorious or not, you will find rest at home.” His words pierced my soul deeply. Jayden spoke the truth after all that has happened.

“Thank you Jayden. I appreciate your love and efforts. My regards and appreciation to your family and lionni.”

My mind drifted back to the breakfast that was served. The dining table was decorated with candle stands, covered with a piece of chevon, it was a buffet this time, seeing the chef serving with a trolley, roasted chicken, plantain, corn and a piece of sandwich.

I ate breakfast with them, his was all over me throughout the breakfast. Brooke winked at him they signaled at each other.

Nervousness surged through me as I finished my breakfast with a mix of excitement.

His driving was smooth, our conversation flowed easily. I couldn't help but build everlasting happiness.

As we made our entrance to the airport, preparing Harley for the flight. Tears rolled down my cheeks in appreciation for his care and support.

“Are you set? Hope you did not forget anything?” He asked.

I nodded, double checked my To-do list and tickets.

With a final farewell, I sank in melancholy. Filled with thoughts of the explanation I am going to give and how to face the entire family.

I waved at Jayden, a sense of independence was all over me. As I turned, my smiling face vanished.

How will I show appreciation to him for all he has done?

I controlled the tears from falling, rolling

Harley's wheel chair triggered me almost all the time.

The airport was adorned with white tiles, voices echoed out of the speakers.

The flight took off, it felt like a dream.

Flying to Barcelona.

My home town of peace.