A dismissive laughter escaped Marissa's lips, "oh my goodness, you're so funny!" She said amused. "A place? What place if I may ask? Is it your matrimonial room? Your mother-in-law? Or maybe your beloved Bryce?"

Rachel didn't respond.

"Well, let me make this clear to you. Even Bryce had said it earlier, you do not have a place in this house anymore. Just stop hallucinating and snap back to reality. Bryce is mine now and forever."

Rachel smiled a little, "I know. I am fully aware that he will soon be yours, I am not going to push lines between the both of you, but I deserve to be respected." She said calmly.

Marissa stood up from the bed and stormed towards Rachel with a smirk.

"I want to know," Marissa said, placing a hand on her belly, "if you will still be here to watch me give Bryce the child you never could."

Rachel's blood ran cold. Of course, she was right! She wasn't able to conceive for Bryce but that isn't the reason why Marissa would look down on her.

"With all due respect, I advise you to stop using people's suffering against them because you feel you're perfect." Rachel took a shallow breath, "and how do you feel taking people's place and being the second? If I were you, I would never even think of doing so."

Marissa swallowed hard, her hands clenched into fist, "you idiot!" She snapped, her voice seething with rage. "Let's see who gets Bryce's heart."

"I am not competing-" Before Rachel could finish her statement, Marissa staggered backwards and pushed herself to the floor, landing on her butt.

"Marissa-" Rachel screamed and reached out for her when the bathroom door opened. She ran towards Marissa who screamed in pain.

Bryce glanced briefly at the two women, but spotting Marissa on the floor he ran towards her, shoving Rachel aside abruptly.

"Marissa, what happened?" He said, carrying her up in his arms.

Marissa locked her eyes with Rachel and raised a finger pointing directly at her, "she pushed me," she cried, "because I'm pregnant, she pushed me! To kill our baby."

Bryce slowly kept Marissa on the bed and turned to face Rachel who was in deep shock. She did not even know when Marissa fell.

"Bryce- I swear, I didn't- I can't... I did not push her, I promise," Rachel stuttered. She couldn't even think of pushing Marissa down with her pregnancy, or even trying to kill her child.

"I knew it," Bryce's voice was dark. He pulled Rachel's grip holding it tight. "You have been trying every way to destroy the peace of this family. Are you not aware that she is pregnant?" Bryce said harshly, tightening her grip.

Rachel merely winced at the pain from the harsh grip but quickly composed herself, "I did not push her, she stumbled and fell!" Rachel defended, but Bryce released her arm pushing Rachel back with force, making her fall.

Rachel felt an uneasy pain in her abdomen. She placed her hands on her stomach, watching Bryce with teary eyes.

"This is how it feels," he said, voice cold. "We both agreed on fourteen days to repay me for letting you in, but your alternative is to kill the child. It's not gonna work."

Rachel frowned her face in resignation, Marissa set a trap and Bryce fell quickly into it. She stood in pain, wiping her eyes with the back of her palm.

"I understand, I am so stupid by trying to kill your child, I think I need to take my leave." She said turning to leave, when Marissa's voice came from behind.

"Bryce, you can't just let her go. Punish her!" She demanded. Rachel closed her eyes, trying to contain the rage storming inside her.

"Rachel," Bryce said, without looking at her. "From today henceforth, you will be preparing Marissa's breakfast, but you will be the first to taste it, in case you poisoned it."

Rachel nods and leaves the room.

***

"Are you stupid, Rachel?" Elara, Rachel's best friend and cousin yelled. "Why would you do that? I have always been against your marriage with Bryce, now you're adding an extra fourteen days to your departure. That's crazy!"

Rachel rested her head on Elara's shoulder. "I want to cut ties with the Voss family entirely and focus more on my business, I don't want them to break me, Elara. I just want to divorce on my own terms... not theirs."

Elara has always taken care of Rachel ever since her mother died and her father dumped her. Elara picked her up and worked her ass off just to put her in college- but when the Voss family showed up, showing interest in Rachel, Elara was distressed and deeply against it.

But Rachel, young and innocent, accepted their request in order to increase the funds of her business.

"I understand you, Rach, but you should have just signed it and come back to me. You're so damn resilient. I even wonder how you breath the same air with those fucked up bitches." Elara hissed.

Rachel smiled, a smile that barely reached her eyes. "I was diagnosed with an early stage cervical cancer but I did not tell anyone, not even Bryce."

Elara turned to Rachel in shock, "What the- cervical cancer? You need to begin treatment, girl. Are you alright?" She said, staring into Rachel's eyes.

Rachel nods with a faint smile, "After I get the divorce, I'll begin with treatment. Don't worry too much, it's still in its earliest stage."

Elara pulls Rachel into a deep hug, "I'm so sorry Rach, but I promise, I'll always be there for you. Anytime things gets so fucked up, do not hesitate to place a call."

Rachel nods, breaking from the deep hug. "I will. Elara how is the business thriving? Have we made much sales?"

Rachel owned a resin gallery, which she anonymously operated in. She didn't want anyone to know she was the CEO of the business, so she stayed hidden, letting Elara do her job.

"We've made a lot of sales for the past six months, earning over eleven million dollars, and more are still coming. I also employed some staff to reduce the workload."

Rachel pulled Elara into another hug, "I love you so much Elara, you've always been there for me." She said, tears of joy pouring out.

Elara patted her back slowly, "it's nothing. After all, you are still my sister and best friend!"

Rachel nodded, at least when the time for her divorce came, she had someone to lean on and a business to manage. At least even if there is no deep love- there is hope.

Bryce gulped down his whiskey, "I don't even know, it just happened. I had slept with Marissa four months ago, and she came back, claiming pregnancy. I just feel guilty."

Bryce said to his only friend and business assistant. Richard had always been his special advisor when it involved business and relationships.

"I really do not have a say in this matter, Mr. Voss." Richard said honestly. "I just think you have to face Marissa since she is carrying the heir to the Voss family. Rachel couldn't conceive and it's not your fault."

"From my perspective I really think you need to give up on her. You don't have a choice."

Bryce nods in affirmation. "I know, but it's hard to make this choice, Rachel has never hurt me, she's innocent. I really don't want to let her go." He says, gulping another whiskey.

Richard takes a sip of his drink and refills Bryce's own.

"Mr. Voss, you have only a choice. Marissa is pregnant with the heir of the Voss family, but Rachel isn't. If you are willing to have an offspring....I think you have to stick with Marissa and let Rachel go."

Bryce says nothing. He stares at his drink without taking a sip. Though he loved Marissa, he still had a soft spot for Rachel- a spot he couldn't let go so easily.

Richard clears his throat, "Mr. Voss, we have an exclusive meeting by noon, you don't have to drink too much, in other not to-"

He was interrupted by Bryce, "I'm okay." Bryce stands and adjusts his cufflinks, turning to the bartender. "Just one more shot."

The entrance door burst open and a lady in a white silk dress entered, she stormed towards Bryce, her hips swaying vigorously.

"Bryce Voss." She raged, stopping at his desk. "After all she has been through, you still chose to break her? Don't you have a fucking conscience?"

Bryce was dazed. No one has ever spoken to him that way, not even his mother...and now this lady had the audacity to call him by his name.

He opened his mouth to speak but no words escaped.

Richard stood, blocking the lady. "Woman, I bet you don't know who you are speaking to."

The lady turned to Richard, her gaze burning into him. "Know who he is? Who isn't aware of Bryce Voss? The man who loves to break every good lady that comes his way but shields himself with the immunity given to him."

Richard's brow narrowed. "Before you exasperate anyone, I urge you to just leave unless you will regret the outcome of the decision you-"

The lady cut him off, placing a hand on her hips. "Since when did you become his mouthpiece, huh? Richard Wilson, the billionaire's bodyguard and maybe mouthpiece. I have a word with him, not you."

Richard's jaw dropped, he has never been humiliated this way before. The lady walked to Bryce, bringing her face closer to his ears.

"If she leaves you, I swear you will regret it. And if she breaks because of you- I'll personally suffer you."

The lady said and walked out, still swaying her hips.

Bryce knew that face. He knew that voice; dark and intimidating. How did she know about the divorce? Rachel was taciturn and she had not left the house. The question belonged to Rachel, how did Elara Anderson know about the divorce?

***

The morning sun filtered through the Voss kitchen window, painting the countertop in soft gold.

Rachel's eyes were swollen from the night before, though she had hidden it with a powder and a practiced smile.

She had made a decision; to cook for Bryce and Marissa. She would try to hold the home together and not try to cause any trouble. So she cooked.

The kitchen staff offered to assist, but Rachel gently dismissed them. She wanted this to come from her hands alone.

When her mother was alive, she always told her that food carried emotions. That a meal could soften even the hardest heart. She hoped desperately that Bryce still had a memory left for her.

She tied her apron and gathered the ingredients with quiet determination, then she started slicing, stirring and seasoning. Not long after, the aroma of Bryce's favourite dish filled the room; creamy chicken Alfredo, with the pasta soft and sauce rich.

Maybe, if they shared a meal, Bryce would speak to her. Maybe he would apologize and mend the fracture Marissa had driven into their-

The kitchen door swung open, Rachel looked up, expecting Bryce...Instead, Marissa strutted in. Her heels clacked sharply, her perfume floated arrogantly, and her smile widened when she saw Rachel.

"Oh?" Marissa tilted her head. "You're cooking?" She placed a hand on her belly dramatically. "How sweet. Bryce didn't tell me he needed comfort food today."

Rachel turned away, focusing on the pan, "I'm preparing breakfast for my husband and yourself."

"Husband?" Marissa repeated, laughing lightly. "Are we still using that word? Because Bryce spent last night with me."

Rachel's chest tightened, but she kept stirring, refusing to give Marissa a reaction.

Marissa sauntered close to the counter, eyeing the plates. "Pasta? Really?" She tapped her nails on the table. "Desperate, isn't it? Watching you play the perfect wife after last night...must be exhausting."

Rachel didn't look up. She wouldn't give her that satisfaction. Marissa huffed and wandered around the kitchen. "You know, I have been craving lately. Bryce bought me pastries this morning." She grinned. "He said the baby's hunger comes first."

Rachel swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the counter before returning to the dish.

Marissa's gaze fell on Bryce's dish, arranged with care, the plates still steaming.

"Is it for him?" Marissa asked softly, as she slowly and deliberately walked towards it.

"Yes." Rachel said.

"Hm." She picked up the plate.

Rachel turned sharply, "Marissa, put that down."

Marissa smiled venomously, "what if I don't?"

"Marissa-" she didn't give Rachel time to finish. With a swift, violent motion, Marissa flung the entire plate onto the floor.

The creamy sauce splattered across the marble tile, the pasta scattered and the plate smashed into jagged white pieces.

Rachel's breath caught. Her hands shook as she stared at the destruction of her effort, her hope, her peace- broken, just like her heart.

Marissa stepped on a shard, grinding it under her heel. "Oops," she said lightly. "Clumsy me."

Rachel's chest rose and fell, fury and heartbreak boiling together. "Why would you do that?" Her voice was shaky.

"Because," Marissa said calmly, "Bryce doesn't need your food. He needs me, the mother of his child." She rubbed her stomach, lip twisting. "You should get used to it."

Rachel took a step forward, "You have no right to destroy what I create in my own home."

Marissa scoffed, "Your home? Sweetheart, that title is slipping away. You heard Evangeline yesterday, you are stopping the progress of this family."

Rachel clenched her jaw so hard it hurt. "You can insult me, Marissa. But you don't get to ruin everything I do. What is your problem?"

Marissa laughed. "My problem? My problem is you." She snapped. "Why do you think Bryce stayed with me last night? Why do you think he kissed my stomach before he left this morning? Because he loves me...but you- you're a hindrance!"

Marissa tilted her head, voice soft but lethal. "Just get over this annoying love story. Bryce would not look at you... not anymore."

The kitchen door opened again, this time Bryce stood there. Rachel turned instantly, hope flickering but Bryce didn't even look at her first. He looked at Marissa.

Marissa walked towards him swiftly, her expression changing to a fragile innocence. "Bryce..." she whispered. "I'm sorry, Rachel got upset and-"

Rachel's eyes widened. "Bryce, she destroyed the food!"

Marissa gasped, clutching her belly with a wobble. "I just tried to help. I touched the plate and it fell. I didn't think she would yell at me."

Bryce stepped towards Marissa instinctively, supporting her arm. "Careful. You shouldn't strain yourself."

Marissa leaned into him, "I think the stress isn't good for the baby."

Bryce finally looked at Rachel, "Rachel...please. Don't shout in front of her, she's pregnant."

Those words burned like acid. "I wasn't shouting," she said, voice trembling. "She smashed the plate on purpose. As far as I know, pregnancy allergies do not reach the extent of destroying food."

Marissa sniffed. "I did not mean any harm. Bryce, you don't have to stay here; we can eat out, I suddenly don't feel comfortable in this kitchen. Let's go, baby."

Bryce hesitated...only for a second, then he nodded and led Marissa out. Rachel stood alone in the kitchen, staring at the meal she made, unwanted and wasted.

When she married Bryce, he was head over heels for her meals, but now... Rachel closed her eyes as a quiet wave of pain tightened her chest.

"Never thought a liability would be here," Evangeline stepped inside the kitchen. "Pained that my son chose an asset over her."

Rachel forced a small smile, "Good morning, mother."

Evangeline glanced around the room as if inspecting it for dust. "Marissa is feeling nauseous this morning. Bryce wants ginger tea brought to their room."

Rachel forced a small nod, "I can prepare it."

Evangeline raised a brow. "No. I've instructed the staff. Marissa prefers things done in a certain way for the baby's sake. Stay out of sight."

Rachel's hands clenched. "Of course," she said quietly and Evangeline left without another word.

Rachel's phone buzzed. She searched for it in her apron, when she found it she swiped the answer button.

"Hello?"

"Rachel!" Elara said from the other end, "Happy birthday! Guess what, I ordered an exclusive VIP booth for the both of us in Russell restaurant."

Rachel's eyes widened. Today was her birthday? She checked the date on the calendar that hung on the kitchen wall. July 17th...it was really her birthday. And she didn't remember...no one remembered, apart from Elara.

"Rachel?" Elara asked curiously.

"I'm here. Thank you so much Elara. I'm so grateful. Should I stop by your place?" Rachel asked as tears clouded her eyes.

"Yes. No need to put on some expensive or flashy clothes. I bought clothes and I'm sure they will suit you."

Rachel nodded. "Sure. Once more, thank you so much."

Elara hung up.

A few minutes later, Rachel was dressed in a casual outfit and adorned herself with some jewelries that fitted perfectly. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, she had lost a lot of weight and had become lean.

"Where are you going?" A voice said from the hallway. Rachel turned. It was Bryce, he was dressed in a tuxedo suit that fitted perfectly, his hair sleek and pulled back. He was still adjusting his tie.

Rachel smiled, "I think that question is meant for Marissa." She replied calmly and turned to keep going.

Bryce stopped on his track. "You are still my wife," Rachel paused. "I deserve to know your whereabouts."

Rachel's fist clenched at her sides, "My whereabouts would be the most insignificant thing in your life...so don't pretend like you care."

Bryce walked towards her, "if it was going to be an insignificant thing, I wouldn't bother asking."

Rachel turned back to him, "I'm going to a friend's place. What do you gain from my where-"

He cut her off, "I'll drop you."