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.

As the flight took off, my emotions became numb. Richardson sent multiple texts and calls, I ignored. Tears slid my face, as I wiped it off, overwhelmed with thoughts and mental rehearsals of how to present the situation to my parents.

Anticipation surged through me, my limbs became shaky. Fear pumped in my vessels. “What has Richard told my parents? Imagining how my brother's face will look like.”

None matters, I am just disturbing the peace of my mind. I can't wait to become the new heiress of my family.

The plane landed, my heart beat raced like wild fire. Hearing the lub-dub sound in my ears.

Passengers rushed out of the plane, i stand still like an hopeless orphan in search of lost parents.

Memories flashed back, the spot Richard proposed to me Right before my family and in public at the airport.

His favourite scent wafted, causing pains, it felt like thorns in my skin piercing my soul. My mind drifted to my parents, I told them I am coming home with my child.

I traced the crowd with my eyes, I could not find any of the passengers that just got off the plane. I have missed them so quickly.

So deep in thoughts.

I was about calling dad, the phone rang. My eyes drifted to him, the reassuring smile in his face.

He glanced at my mom, they admired me afar. I rolled Harley's wheels in the floor, my brother— Raymond ran towards me in excitement, he rolled my box.

My mom smiled at me, she grabbed my cheeks. “My damsel, quite an age.”

My brother has changed so far, he's now the heir he's supposed to be. It's been eight years now, my mom still looks younger.

“You are still the baby I used to pamper. When you're forty I will always see you as the same baby you were in my hands.” Dad was emotional. “A moment?”

“Theresa, your husband?” My mom— Ama asked. Raymond patted Harley.

“You mean Richard?” I smiled trying to hold my tears from falling, so not to look like a child tantrum. “I am sorry to say. We are divorced.”

“What do you mean by divorce?” Ama sounded harsh. “What explanation are we going to tell.” She glared at me in disappointment.

“It's okay mom. We will discuss at home.” Raymond sounded like he already heard form Jayden.

Dad nodded his head.

Different cars took off, Harley gazed at me. Her facial expressions asked questions her mouth couldn't, her silence says a lot.

“Forget about everything my child, you are starting afresh.” I smoothed her hair.

Peacefully and stress Free, we arrived home. The surroundings looked different, it feels like I am in paradise. How I wish I can ease my emotions. Emotions deepened, causing tears, I held back.

Home felt like paradise, the looming flowers and sentinels whispering something only a psychologist can understand.

Raymond rolled Harley's chair, the scent of my favourite meal dazzling in the air. At the door step, I tried forgetting all that's bothering me, assuming I am in paradise.

My parents house are no longer how it used to be anymore, the centre table changed to a shivering golden metal art work.

The flower vase were replaced with ornaments and shrubs. Our chef has been replaced with new ones.

Hesitates to ask anything.

Almost nine years since I left home, only calls and texts. Richard never allowed me to visit home. Raymond also believed I was doing fine.

During our meal, my dad fixed his gaze at me. I lowered my eyeballs, softly taking each bite and swallowing.

“Can you tell us how the story went?” he cleared his throat.

Raymond felt disgusted, Harley sighed ticking her plate with her fork

“The test claimed she's not Richard's.” Ama gwaped. My dad looked at Harley in disappointment.

Raymond showed no emotion since he already knows everything.

“After we returned from the hospital, his attitude towards me changed. He accused me of infidelity.” I exhaled deeply. He replaced me with his ex-Delilah. She mocked me. Richardson fed me divorced papers, he disowned Harley. I also conducted another test, it says Harley is not Richard's.”

“Is that an excuse for this mess?” Dad adjusted his glasses looking at me in disappointment.

“Dad please stop it! Let's have our meal in peace.” Raymond frowned. “We have business proposals to discuss about. Richard isn't worth it.”

“Our business partner is planning on meeting you.” Ama said.

“If you are interested.” My dad fixed his gaze.

I paused for a second, “why won't I ? I am solely interested in this business.”

“He insists on meeting our heiress. Which means you will have to see him early tomorrow.” Raymond insisted.

“Of all persons, why would he insist on meeting me.”

“She will, all she needs now is rest.” Ama winked at Raymond.

Within a second i watched the sky swallow the sun, releasing sunset view at dusk.The reflection casted a golden hue on my daughter, she appears before me looking like an angel. I watched Harley finish her pastry, the Golden hue highlighted her Beauty and facial features— luxury gold hair, blue eyes and pink lips.

The view of the garden sank me into melancholy and nostalgia. Soon, supper was over.

I was wandering around the garden, picking flowers. The hibiscus smelt like tomorrow or a new scent I couldn't describe.

The shaped shrubs sank my heart in a pool of optimism. Sooner, it got darker, with the full moon in the sky.

I felt a stranged sensation.

“Are you calm now?” Raymond placed his hands on my shoulders. “Surprised? I heard everything about your ex.”

“Who told you everything?”

“It's not time to know. Rest your soul. With time you will know what you missed from home..”

“I am eager to know.”

“Relax my dear. The CEO’s identity will leave you in doubt..”

He turned his back and left, my thoughts drifted to no one. Hours will complete the day and the sun will rise. I will be at my best tomorrow to represent my family has the heiress.

The breeze in the garden refreshed memories and brought Cool ideas. I returned to my room, childhood pictures, symbols and objects that made me feel like I am still in my childhood or prime.

I held my childhood photo in my hands, how I looked like eleven years ago. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I resemble another Theresa. I am not like I used to be before.

I layed on my bed, day dreaming and rehearsing in my head, how best I will present myself tomorrow.