Please Come Back! Ex-wife

He slapped me. The sting on my cheek was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. Daniel hadn’t even listened to my side of the story. His ex-fiancée, the one who suddenly came back from London, was doing everything she could to tear us apart. She pretended I pushed her during some petty argument, and Daniel believed her without a second thought.

I left without taking my bags and walked out of the life we built together, too heartbroken to fight any longer.

Now, as I try to rebuild my life without him, I’m torn between the love I once had and the future I need to protect for my unborn child.

Chapter One

Tasha's POV

I sat in the quiet, sterile room of the hospital, the faint smell of antiseptic filling the air as I clutched the envelope in my hands. My heart pounded against my chest as I stared at the results. The test I had taken only a few days ago had confirmed it, but seeing the official confirmation from the hospital made it all real.

I was pregnant. One month pregnant.

A mixture of emotions swirled inside me, excitement, fear, and relief. I ran my hand over my flat stomach, imagining the life growing inside me. I was carrying Daniel’s baby. The thought made my heart swell with joy. This was the news that could change everything. After all the distance between us, after all the arguments and tension, maybe this would be what finally brought us back together.

I imagined his reaction, the way his eyes might light up when I told him he was going to be a father. Daniel, the strong, confident billionaire, heir to the Sterling family empire, with all his power and wealth, would finally have something that couldn’t be bought, a child.

This was the moment I had been waiting for.

As I left the hospital, the sun felt a little warmer on my skin, and for the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to smile. I had been worried about our marriage, the way things had shifted between us since Vanessa had returned. But this baby… this was our future.

I couldn’t wait to tell him.

***

By the time I walked through the door of our lavish penthouse apartment, I felt a small flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, this news could heal everything. Daniel was sitting in the living room, his back to me, deep in conversation on the phone. His voice was low and serious, business as usual. But there was something about seeing him there, in our home, that made me feel safe. Like everything would be okay.

I stepped forward, the envelope still clutched in my hand. "Daniel?" I called softly.

He held up a finger, signaling for me to wait. "I'll call you back," he muttered into the phone, his tone sharp. He hung up and turned to me, his expression unreadable. "What is it, Tasha? I'm in the middle of something important."

I faltered for a moment, my excitement dimming slightly. But I swallowed my nerves and stepped closer, holding up the envelope. "I have something to tell you," I said, my voice quiet but steady. "It’s good news."

He frowned, eyeing the envelope in my hand with mild interest. "What is it?"

Just as I opened my mouth to tell him I was pregnant, Daniel’s phone rang again. He glanced at the screen and stood up abruptly, his face tightening. Without a word, he slipped his phone into his pocket and grabbed his jacket.

“Daniel, wait,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I need to talk to you. It’s important.”

“I can’t right now, Tasha,” he muttered, not even meeting my eyes as he moved toward the door. “I have to go.”

“Where are you going?” I asked, frustration bubbling up inside me. But he didn’t answer. He didn’t tell me where he was going, didn’t ask why I wanted to talk. He just… left.

I stood there, the words trapped in my throat, my hand still clutching the envelope with the test results. My chest tightened with the familiar feeling of being pushed aside, like I was always waiting for him to choose me. But I already knew where he had gone.

It had to be Vanessa.

Ever since she’d returned from London, it was as if she had taken over our lives. First, she came back with her sob stories about how much she had changed, how she regretted leaving Daniel all those years ago. Then came the mysterious illnesses—always sick, always in need of attention. And as if fate had some cruel joke in mind, her blood type, Rh+, was rare.

Rare enough that I was the only one who could donate for her.

I sat down on the couch, staring at the envelope in my hand, trying to hold back the bitterness rising in my chest. I should have been happy, excited even, but how could I be when my husband wouldn’t even give me a moment of his time?

Hours passed, and I sat in silence, waiting for him to come back, waiting for a chance to finally share the news. But instead, my phone buzzed on the table. I reached for it, my heart sinking when I saw the message.

Daniel: Come to the hospital now!

There was an address, one I recognized all too well. My stomach churned as I imagined what awaited me. Vanessa. It was always Vanessa.

Chapter Two

I felt a sharp pain of dread settle in my stomach as I grabbed my coat and keys. I had hoped tonight would be different, that I’d finally be able to tell him about the baby. But instead, I was heading to the hospital again for her. The woman who had turned my life upside down since the moment she came back from London. The woman who had taken Daniel's attention, affection, and now, once again, his loyalty.

As I arrived at the hospital, the fluorescent lights flickered above me, a sterile reminder of the countless times I had been here before. The moment I walked into the waiting room, I saw Daniel pacing back and forth. His face lit up when he saw me, but it wasn’t the kind of relief that came from seeing his wife. No, it was the relief that came from knowing I would help Vanessa again.

“You need to donate your blood now,” Daniel said quickly, pulling me toward the nurses’ station.

“Daniel, wait,” I said, trying to slow him down, but he barely glanced at me.

“She needs you, Tasha. You’re the only one who can help her. The doctor said she’s in critical condition.”

My heart clenched at his urgency, but I remembered the words of my own doctor echoing in my head: You need more rest, Tasha. Don’t exert yourself too much, especially now.

“Daniel, I’m not feeling well,” I said softly, trying to make him understand. “I... I can’t donate today. It’s important.”

He stopped, finally turning to face me, his brow furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about, Tasha? You can get treated after the donation. What reason could possibly be more important than saving Vanessa’s life?”

My throat tightened as I looked into his eyes, wanting so badly to tell him the truth. Our baby. But I knew this wasn’t the right time. Not here, not now. And definitely not when Vanessa was hanging over our heads like this.

“Please, Daniel, you have to understand. I can’t donate right now. It’s dangerous for me and—”

“Dangerous?” he cut me off, disbelief filling his voice. “Tasha, what are you saying? Do you need something to do this? What do you need? Money? Name it. A million? Five million? Whatever it takes, I’ll give it to you.”

Tears welled in my eyes at the desperation in his voice, but not because of the money he was throwing at me. No, it was because he still didn’t see me, like really see me. He didn’t see the fear in my eyes, the life growing inside me, the risk I was taking.

“Daniel…” My voice broke as I whispered his name, but the weight of the moment was too heavy. He didn’t understand, and how could he, when he was so blinded by his need to save Vanessa?

I felt a tear slip down my cheek as I nodded, resigned to the fact that once again, I would sacrifice myself. For him. For her. For the life that he wasn’t even aware was growing inside me.

Without another word, I followed the nurse into the donation room, my heart aching as I prepared to give a part of myself for a woman who had already taken too much.

The needle slid into my arm, and I closed my eyes, tears falling freely now.

After the donation, I walked slowly into Vanessa’s room, feeling weak and drained, both physically and emotionally. She was lying in the hospital bed, her face twisted into a weak but unmistakable smirk the moment she saw me.

“Oh, Tasha,” she said softly, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Thank you for donating again. But... too bad for you, right?” She laughed bitterly. “Too bad Daniel still cares about me so much, even after all these years.”

Her words cut through me like a knife, but I swallowed down the urge to scream. I had no energy left for this, not after everything I had just done. I wanted to tell her the truth, to tell her about the baby, about everything she didn’t know, but I couldn’t. Not here, not like this.

I took a step closer to her, forcing myself to stay calm. “Vanessa, you don’t know what you’re talking about,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. “Daniel and I—”

But before I could finish, I saw the shift in her eyes. It was subtle, but it was there, the glint of something devious. Then, in a flash, before I could react, Vanessa threw herself off the bed, tumbling to the floor with a dramatic scream.

The door burst open, and Daniel stormed in. His eyes went wide as he saw Vanessa lying on the ground, clutching her arm as though she had been hurt. “Vanessa!” he shouted, rushing to her side.

Before I could even explain what had happened, Daniel spun toward me, his face contorted with rage. “What the hell did you do to her?” His voice was filled with disbelief, his eyes burning with anger.

I shook my head, my words stuck in my throat. “Daniel, I didn’t—”

But before I could finish, his hand came down hard across my face. The sharp sting of the slap echoed in the room, leaving me frozen in shock. Tears welled up in my eyes as I clutched my cheek, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

“You’re unbelievable, Tasha,” he growled. “I can’t believe you would do something like this to her, after everything she’s been through. I thought you had some decency left.”

“Daniel, no… I didn’t touch her. She... she’s lying!” My voice trembled, but he wasn’t listening.

Vanessa let out a soft whimper from the floor, clutching her arm as she looked up at him with big, tear-filled eyes. “Daniel… I don’t know what I did to deserve this,” she whispered, her voice frail. “I was just trying to thank her for helping me… and she—”

“Enough, Vanessa,” I spat, my voice shaking with anger and pain. “You know what you’re doing. You’ve always known.”

Daniel glanced between the two of us, his expression torn. But instead of listening to me, he helped Vanessa up, gently guiding her back to the bed. “Just rest, Vanessa,” he said softly, ignoring me completely. “You’ve been through enough.”

I stood there, watching him take her side once again, the truth suffocating in my throat.

"I've had enough, Daniel. It's time you get another donor. I want a divorce."

The words spilled out of me before I could stop them, the weight of everything, Vanessa, the constant betrayals, the endless sacrifices, finally crashing down on me. I had totally lost it. My fear of him, my desperate need to abide by his rules, flew out the window. I was done.

Daniel’s eyes narrowed as he stared at me, disbelief clouding his face. “You don’t even know what you’re saying,” he replied, his voice dangerously low. “A divorce? You’re being ridiculous.”

“Isn’t this what you want?” I snapped, my voice trembling with emotion. “The freedom to be with your first love? I’m tired, Daniel. Tired of believing and hoping that one day you’ll really love me. But you don’t. You never did.”

He stepped toward me, his eyes cold, calculating. “I hope you know what you’re saying, Tasha. Remember, you don’t have a life outside the Sterlings. You’re nothing without me.”

Chapter Three

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I stood my ground, refusing to let him see just how much it hurt. I didn’t say a word. I simply turned on my heel and walked out of the hospital, the weight of my decision pressing down on me, but for the first time in a long while... I felt free.

I walked towards the parking lot, the world around me spinning slightly. My hand instinctively went to my stomach as a wave of dizziness hit me, my heart racing from the confrontation. I pulled out my phone, my fingers shaking as I scrolled through my contacts. Stanley, Daniel’s friend and best man. He’d always been kind to me, a rare source of comfort when Daniel was distant. He never judged, just listened. Right now, I needed that more than ever.

The phone rang twice before he picked up. “Tasha? Everything okay?”

“Hi, Stanley,” I said, my voice weak. “Are you free? Sorry to bother you, but I’m at Central Hospital. I’m not feeling too well, and I don’t think I can go back home myself.”

There was a pause on the other end, and then his voice softened. “I’ll be there in 10 minutes. Don’t worry, Tasha. Just hang tight.”

“Thank you, Stanley.” I leaned back against the car, the dizziness still lingering.

After what felt like hours, Stanley pulled up beside me and rushed over, concern etched on his face. "Tasha, what's wrong? You don't look so good."

I tried to compose myself, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. "Oh, it’s nothing serious," I lied, rubbing my temple for effect. "I just came for a checkup, and I’ve been having a headache. The doctor said I’ll be fine."

Stanley frowned, his worry not easing. "Are you sure? You look pale, and you sounded off when you called."

I nodded quickly, trying to brush it off. "Yeah, I’m sure. I just didn’t want to risk going home alone when I wasn’t feeling well."

He studied me for a moment, like he didn’t quite believe me, but he didn’t push. "Alright. If you’re sure. But you know you can call me for anything, right?"

"Yeah, I know," I said, trying to sound casual, but the weight of everything pressing on my chest made it hard to breathe. "Thanks for coming, Stanley."

He gave me a small smile, unlocking the passenger door for me. "Come on, I’ll get you home. You need to rest."

I climbed into his car, grateful for the escape, but my mind was already racing ahead, thinking about what I still hadn’t told him or anyone.

***

When I got home after Stanley dropped me off, the silence of the house swallowed me whole. I stood by the door for a moment, my body still, but my mind racing. The confrontation at the hospital, the way Daniel dismissed me, and the words I had spoken, all of it felt like a blur. A divorce. I had said it, I had demanded it, but now, standing in the dimly lit hallway, the weight of my decision settled heavily in my chest.

Did I really want this? Could I handle it? A divorce would mean raising this child on my own. Could I do that? Could I be enough for my unborn baby when I felt so lost, so abandoned myself? The thought of being alone, with nowhere to go, with no one to rely on, sent a shiver down my spine. Daniel had been cruel, heartless even, but the idea of leaving with nothing, of facing an uncertain future with a child, terrified me.

I placed my hand on my stomach, a gesture of instinct more than thought. The baby. Our baby. I hadn’t even told Daniel yet. Would he care? Would he even fight for me, or would he brush it off like everything else that wasn’t Vanessa?

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, the front door creaked open. I startled, my heart racing in my chest. His voice came from the hallway, sharp and cold, like it always was these days.

“Tasha.”

I froze for a moment, then slowly walked toward the sitting room where Daniel stood, leaning casually against the couch, as though we hadn’t just thrown our lives into chaos hours before. My heart thudded in my chest as I approached him.

“You asked for a divorce, right?” His tone was biting, almost mocking, like he didn’t believe I had the courage to follow through. His hand reached into his jacket, and he pulled out a stack of papers, throwing them onto the coffee table in front of me.

I stared at them, my throat tight, my eyes already burning with unshed tears.

“You think you’re so smart,” he continued, his voice dripping with disdain. “But I’ll make it easy for you.”

He tossed a card onto the table with a flick of his wrist, and it landed next to the papers. “That’s for you, Tasha. Use it to take care of your petty little self.”

I flinched at his words, but before I could respond, he threw another card down beside it.

“And that,” he said, his lip curling, “is for the blood donation. Don’t say I never gave you anything.”

I blinked, confused by his coldness, the casual cruelty of it all. But before I could even gather my thoughts, Daniel stormed out of the room, the front door slamming shut behind him. I knew exactly where he was going. Back to the hospital. Back to Vanessa.

I sank into the nearest chair, my legs giving out beneath me. The papers sat on the table, stark and accusing, his signature already scrawled at the bottom. He had already decided. He had already moved on. To him, I was nothing more than a burden, someone to be cast aside, someone who had become an inconvenience in his life.

My hands trembled as I picked up the pen, my heart pounding in my chest. Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn’t break down now. Not yet.

I looked down at the papers again, my mind swirling with everything I had sacrificed for this man. The countless times I had put him first, the endless ways I had tried to be the wife he wanted, the woman he needed. And now... this.

I signed the papers, my hand shaking as I scrawled my name across the bottom. It felt like the final act of something I had been avoiding for far too long, the end of a chapter that had been filled with nothing but heartache.

The moment the pen left the page, a strange sense of relief washed over me. It was done. There was no going back now.

I stood, feeling the weight of my decision settle over me like a heavy blanket. I walked to the closet, grabbed my coat, and paused. I didn’t need anything else. Not the clothes, not the memories, not the pieces of a life that had been broken beyond repair.

I slipped the coat on, the fabric feeling strange and unfamiliar against my skin, like I was wearing something that no longer fit the person I had become.

With one last glance around the house that had once been my home, I walked out the door, leaving everything behind everything except for the life growing inside me.

As I stepped out into the night, the cold air stung my face, but I kept walking. I didn’t know where I was going, or what I was going to do next. But I knew one thing for sure: I couldn’t stay here, not anymore. Not with Daniel. Not with the pain.

I wandered through the streets, my mind racing as I tried to figure out my next move. I had no plan, no direction, but I had myself. I had my baby. And somehow, that had to be enough.

The tears I had been holding back finally spilled over, streaming down my face as I walked. I wiped them away with the back of my hand, determined not to fall apart, not yet. I had to be strong, for me, for my child.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me out of my thoughts. I fumbled for it, expecting another cruel message from Daniel, but it wasn’t him.

It was Stanley.

I hesitated for a moment before answering, my voice shaky. “Hello?”

“Tasha? How do you feel now?” Stanley’s voice was filled with concern, but before I could respond, a sharp, piercing pain shot through my chest, stealing my breath. I gasped, clutching at my chest as the phone slipped from my fingers, clattering onto the pavement.

Everything around me blurred, my heart pounding in my ears. The world spun, my vision darkening at the edges, and before I could make sense of what was happening, the line went dead.

Chapter Four

Tasha's POV

The world around me was dark, heavy, as if I were submerged deep underwater. A sharp, distant beeping cut through the fog, pulling me up from the depths of unconsciousness. I groaned softly, my chest aching with every shallow breath I took.

Where am I?

The sterile scent of disinfectant hit me first, followed by the soft hum of machines. Slowly, I forced my eyes open, the harsh fluorescent lights above me blurring into focus. The white walls, the medical equipment, the stiff sheets under my fingers—it all came rushing back. I was in a hospital.

I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in my chest made me wince.

A woman in a white coat stood at the foot of the bed, checking my chart. Her blonde hair was pulled back neatly, and her sharp gaze softened when she noticed I was awake. “you’re awake,” she said in a calm, professional voice. “I’m Dr. Walsh. How are you feeling Ms..?”

I swallowed, my throat dry. “Tasha, tired… what happened?”

“You collapsed on the street,” Dr. Walsh explained gently, placing the clipboard on the edge of the bed. “A man saw you and called for help. You’ve been under significant stress, and it seems your body couldn’t take any more.”

I closed my eyes, flashes of the argument I had with Stanley, the overwhelming pressure of everything I’d been dealing with lately flooding back to me. The collapse on the street… the phone call. My breath hitched at the memory, but before I could dwell on it further, the doctor’s voice pulled me back.

“The man who found you, Robbin, stayed with you until the paramedics arrived,” Dr. Walsh said, her voice steady but kind. “He’s been waiting outside since you were brought in.”

“Robbin?” I repeated, confusion setting in. I didn’t know anyone named Robbin. Before I could ask more, the door creaked open, and a man stepped in.

He was tall, with messy brown hair that brushed against his forehead, and his clothes were casual, like he hadn’t expected to be here. His eyes locked onto mine as he entered the room, carrying a quiet intensity.

“That’s me,” he said with a half-smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He stepped closer, hands in his pockets. “I found you unconscious.”

I blinked, trying to recall his face, but everything from the moment I collapsed felt like a blur. “You… you helped me?”

Robbin nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at me. “Yeah, I was passing by when I saw you on the ground. You were unconscious, so I called an ambulance and stayed with you until they got there.”

The gratitude in my chest was overwhelming. I didn’t know this man, yet he’d stopped to help me. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Robbin waved it off, though there was something genuine in his expression. “Don’t mention it. I just did what anyone else would do.”

“Not everyone,” Dr. Walsh interjected kindly, giving Robbin a grateful nod before turning back to me. “You’re lucky he found you when he did. You’re severely dehydrated, and your body was under too much stress. We’re keeping you here overnight for observation.”

I swallowed hard, the reality of the situation sinking in. I had collapsed, collapsed from stress. It all felt surreal.

Robbin shifted awkwardly on his feet, as if unsure of whether to stay or leave now that I was awake. “I didn’t mean to intrude, I just… wanted to make sure you were okay,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant.

“No, it’s fine,” I said quickly. “I’m really grateful. I don’t even know how to thank you.”

He shrugged, offering another small smile. “You don’t have to. Right now we just have to make sure you're okay, okay?”

There was a brief silence between us, and I found myself studying him more closely. There was something about his presence that felt oddly reassuring, even though we were practically strangers.

Dr. Walsh gave me a nod and said, “Ms. Tasha, I’ll leave you to rest. If you need anything, just press the call button.”

As she left the room, I turned my attention back to Robbin. "do you know anyone you can call?" he asked

"No " My voice like a whisper. "I don't have anyone"

Robbin's expression softened as I answered, his brow furrowing slightly. He shifted in his seat, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. For a moment, he just looked at me, like he was trying to figure something out.

"No one?" he asked gently, his voice low, but there was no judgment in it, only concern.

I shook my head, feeling a knot tighten in my chest. "Not really. It's... complicated."

He didn't push for details, and I was grateful for that. Instead, he sat back, his gaze still on me. "Then I’ll stay. At least until you’re discharged."

I blinked, surprised. "You don't have to. You've already done so much."

Robbin shrugged casually. "It's no trouble. Besides, it doesn’t feel right leaving you alone in here." His eyes met mine again, and for a brief moment, there was something in his gaze, something kind.

I didn’t know what to say. Part of me wanted to protest, to tell him I didn’t need anyone, but the truth was, I didn’t want to be alone. Not right now. And there was something calming about Robbin’s presence, even though we were practically strangers.

“Why?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Why what?” he replied, leaning back in the chair, though his eyes never left mine.

“Why are you being so kind to me? You don’t even know me.”

He was silent for a moment, as if considering his response. Then, with a faint smile, he said, “Maybe it’s because I know what it feels like to be alone when you need someone. I guess I don’t want you to feel that way.”

His words hit me harder than I expected, stirring something deep within me. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, I just nodded, feeling a strange warmth settle in my chest.

“Thank you,” I whispered, and this time, I meant it more than ever.

Robbin gave me a small nod, his expression softening even further. “Get some rest. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

As I lay there, the hum of the machines filling the silence, my mind started racing with everything that had happened in the past few months. The weight of it all settled heavily on my chest, making it hard to breathe again.

Robbin had no idea.

He didn’t know about the pregnancy. How could he? No one knew. I had barely come to terms with it myself. I hadn't told Daniel before we divorced. I couldn’t. Everything between us had crumbled too quickly, one argument after another until there was nothing left but coldness and resentment.

Daniel didn’t even know I was pregnant when we signed the divorce papers. And now, here I was, alone, with a baby growing inside me. The baby he’d never know about.

I glanced at Robbin, still sitting in the chair beside me, his eyes now fixed on the floor, deep in thought. Only if he knew the full story, he might have walked away instead of staying.

The guilt clawed at me as I bit my lip, trying to push the thoughts away. How much longer could I keep pretending I had things under control when I didn’t? How long could I hide this pregnancy from everyone, including myself?

I closed my eyes, trying to rest, but sleep wouldn't come. The weight of the past months, of Daniel’s betrayal, the lies, the divorce, and now this secret growing inside me, it all pressed down on me like a tidal wave threatening to drown me.

Just as I began to drift off into a restless slumber, I heard Robbin’s voice softly break the silence.

“Tasha... are you sure you’re okay?” His voice was hesitant, as if he could sense there was something more, something I wasn’t telling him.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep my eyes closed. I couldn’t face him right now. Not with everything racing through my mind.

“I’m fine,” I whispered, my voice barely audible, hoping he’d let it go. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t keep running from the truth.

And just as I thought I could bury it all a little longer, a sharp pain shot through my abdomen, making my eyes fly open. I gasped, clutching my stomach as fear gripped me.

Robbin was immediately on his feet, alarm flashing in his eyes. “Tasha, what’s wrong?”

Chapter Five

I couldn’t answer. The pain was too intense, radiating through my abdomen like a wave crashing over me. My vision blurred as panic surged through me. I doubled over, clutching my stomach, gasping for air.

Robbin was at my side in an instant, his hands hovering as if unsure whether to touch me or call for help. “Tasha, talk to me! What’s happening?” His voice was filled with urgency, but I couldn’t form the words.

I tried to breathe through it, but all I could think about was the baby. Something was wrong.

Terribly wrong.

Robbin’s face was pale, his hands finally reaching out to steady me as I struggled to stay upright. “I’m getting the doctor,” he muttered, and before I could stop him, he rushed toward the door, shouting for help.

Everything seemed to happen in a blur after that. Nurses rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Walsh. They lifted me onto the bed as the pain continued to tear through me. The doctor’s face was a mask of concentration, her hands moving swiftly as she began checking me over.

“Tasha, stay with me,” Dr. Walsh said calmly, though I could hear the edge in her voice. “We need to do an ultrasound, now. Hang in there.”

Robbin hovered near the door, his eyes wide with worry, clearly shaken by what was happening. He didn’t know. He couldn’t know. But as I lay there, feeling the weight of everything crashing down on me.

As Dr. Walsh prepared the ultrasound, the tension in the room grew unbearable. I clenched my fists, trying to focus on my breathing, but the fear gnawed at me. Was the baby okay? Was I about to lose the only piece of Daniel I had left?

Robbin stepped closer, his face tight with concern.

I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. The secret I had been holding on to heavy on my chest. I wanted to tell him, to finally say the words out loud, but I couldn’t. Not yet. Not like this.

Just as I was about to answer, Dr. Walsh’s voice cut through the room. “The baby’s heartbeat is strong.” Relief washed over me at her words, but her face remained serious. “But you’ve been under a lot of stress, and it’s taking a toll on your body. You need to rest, Tasha.”

The baby. She said it so casually, but the weight of it hit Robbin like a freight train. His eyes widened as he looked at me, realization dawning on his face.

“Baby?” he whispered, his voice full of disbelief.

I closed my eyes, feeling the truth sink into the room like a heavy stone. There was no going back now.

“Yes,” I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m pregnant.”

Robbin stared at me, stunned, as if trying to process what I’d just said. I couldn’t read the expression on his face, was it shock, concern, or something else entirely? But before he could respond, Dr. Walsh stepped in, her tone authoritative.

“She needs rest, Robbin. Let’s give her some space.”

Robbin nodded absently, still processing everything. He backed out of the room, his gaze never leaving mine as the door closed behind him.

As soon as he was gone, the weight of the secret I had carried for so long felt crushing.

***

Later that evening, as the room grew quieter and the soft glow of the fading sunlight filtered through the blinds, Robbin returned. His presence seemed to fill the space, but the tension that hung between us was thick, almost suffocating.

He stood at the foot of the bed, his hands shoved into his pockets, his eyes fixed on me for a moment before he spoke. "How do you feel, Tasha?" he asked quietly.

I shifted slightly on the bed, the memory of the earlier panic still fresh in my mind. The pain had subsided, and though my body felt weak, my mind was sharper now, clearer. "I'm okay," I said, my voice soft but steady. "Just tired."

He nodded but didn't say much else. The silence between us stretched on, both of us unsure of what to say after everything that had happened. I could tell there were questions lurking behind his eyes, but he didn’t ask them. Maybe he was giving me space. Maybe he didn’t know how to approach the subject of my pregnancy. Either way, I was grateful for the quiet.

Robbin remained by my side, but neither of us spoke. The weight of the secret I had revealed earlier hung in the air, unspoken but undeniable. I wasn’t ready to talk about it, and it seemed Robbin wasn’t going to force the issue.

Just as the silence was starting to feel unbearable, Robbin’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced down at it, his brows furrowing slightly as he read the screen.

“I need to take this,” he murmured, stepping toward the door. I could hear him speaking in hushed tones, though I couldn’t make out the words. Whatever the call was, it seemed serious.

After a moment, he returned, his expression apologetic. “I have to go,” he said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “Something came up, but I’ll be back tomorrow. Get some rest, okay?”

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and disappointment. “Thanks, Robbin. For everything.”

He gave me a small, reassuring smile. Without another word, he turned and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.

As soon as he was gone, the silence of the room closed in around me again. I stared up at the ceiling, the events of the day replaying in my mind. Robbin had been kind, he hadn’t pushed me for answers, hadn’t pried into things that weren’t his business. But deep down, I knew sooner or later, the truth would catch up with me. And when it did, it wouldn’t just be Robbin asking the questions.

Chapter Six

Daniel's POV

As I left the house with my signature on the divorce papers, I felt a strange weight lift off my shoulders. This was it the clean break I'd been waiting for. The chance to be with Venessa, the woman I’d always wanted. Thoughts of her filled my mind as I drove toward the hospital, the memory of our time together before she left for London replaying in my head. I couldn’t deny that I’d always loved her. Tasha, well, she was introduced into my life by my father. Our marriage had been more about business and less about love, the love was there but just less.

I parked the car and headed straight to Venessa’s hospital room. This was my chance to rebuild what we had lost. But as I approached her door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. I paused, and that’s when I heard voices.

“Don’t be so greedy,” Venessa replied, her tone sharp and not at all like someone who had been bedridden. “Now that your plan has worked.” a voice said. I recognize it as the doctor's."

Before I could hear anything else my phone buzzed in my pocket, it was Stanley my best man.

“Hey, Stanley,” I answered, trying to keep my voice calm, though my mind was racing.

“How’s Tasha feeling now?” Stanley asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Feeling?” I echoed, confusion washing over me. “What do you mean?”

Stanley’s tone shifted, more direct. “Or I guess you don’t know. After all, you haven’t been giving her much attention, have you?”

My grip tightened at the car key I held. “What don’t I know, Stanley?”

“Tasha’s not feeling too well, Dan. I picked her up from the hospital earlier. She didn’t look good. You should check on her.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I remembered Tasha telling me she wasn’t feeling well and that she couldn’t donate blood today. But I hadn’t listened. I forced her to donate for Venessa.

As I stood outside Venessa’s hospital room, my heart pounded in my chest. Her sharp words echoed in my mind, and the doctor's voice... what were they talking about? I wanted to burst in, demand answers, but Stanley’s call had thrown me completely off balance.

Tasha.

I had pushed her aside, focused on Venessa, my first love. But now, hearing that Tasha had been in the hospital and that I hadn't even known made a cold dread settle over me.

“Stanley,” I said, my voice tight, “where is she now?”

“At home,” he replied, his tone softer now. “But Daniel, she looked bad. Worse than I’ve ever seen her.”

Guilt crept up my spine. I forced her to give blood for Venessa, not even considering her condition. What had I done?

“I’ll go check on her,” I muttered, though every instinct told me to stay and confront Venessa. But Stanley’s words haunted me, and I knew I couldn’t ignore them.

I ended the call, standing there in the quiet hallway,

I turned away from Venessa’s door, the sound of her and the doctor still whispering behind me, but I couldn't stay.

I rushed back to the house, my heart pounding in my chest, hoping to find her there. As I opened the door, the eerie silence of the place hit me like a wave. I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the empty hallway.

"Tasha?" I called out, but there was no response.

I headed straight for the bedroom, my mind racing. When I entered, everything was still in place. Her clothes were still hanging neatly in the closet, her shoes arranged perfectly by the door. Her perfume lingered faintly in the air, as if she had just been here moments ago. But she wasn’t. The bed was made, untouched.

I stood there, frozen, staring at the room that once felt so full of life, but now felt abandoned. She had left. But not in the way I had expected. I thought I’d find her here, maybe crying or angry, but this? This felt different. It felt final.

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach as I turned and made my way to the sitting room. That’s when I saw it. The divorce papers. They were right where I had left them, only this time her signature was there, boldly staring back at me.

She had signed them. Without hesitation.

Next to the papers were the two cards I had left for her. One was for her petty self, a cruel token I’d given her. The other was for donating blood, blood I had forced her to give for Venessa. Both cards, left untouched, like they meant nothing. Like I meant nothing.

She didn’t want anything to do with me. Not my cards. Not my apologies. Not my excuses.

I sank into the chair, staring at the divorce papers, her name neatly written beneath mine. It felt like a punch to the gut. This was real. This was happening. I had been so sure that Tasha would fight back, that she’d protest, that she’d try to cling to what little we had left. But she hadn’t.

Instead, she had walked away. She had chosen to leave it all behind me, the house, everything.

My mind drifted back to Stanley's words. Tasha’s not feeling too well, Dan. He was right. I hadn’t given her any attention, hadn’t noticed the signs. I’d been so consumed with Venessa, wrapped up in my feelings for her, that I hadn’t realized how disconnected I’d become from Tasha. But now, staring at those signed divorce papers, I couldn’t bring myself to feel much guilt. After all, Venessa was my first love. She was the woman I had always wanted, the one I had dreamed of being with before everything else got in the way.

I still loved her. That hadn’t changed. Tasha… well, she was never supposed to be part of my life, not like Venessa. She had been introduced to me by my father, a marriage of convenience, not of love. And now that the papers were signed, maybe it was for the best. Maybe we could all move on.

As I sat there, I thought back to what I had overheard in Venessa’s hospital room. The sharp tone in her voice as she spoke to the doctor had rattled me at first. The words "plan" and "greedy" had gnawed at me, but maybe I had misunderstood. Maybe it was nothing. Venessa had always been a strong, independent woman, and I knew she could come off as harsh when she was frustrated.

I shook off the doubt creeping into my mind. I couldn’t allow myself to second-guess everything, not now. Venessa was the woman I had loved for years before Tasha came into my life, the one I had been willing to sacrifice for. I’d forced Tasha to donate blood for her, hadn’t I? That wasn’t something you did for someone you didn’t care about.

No, I couldn’t be wrong about this. I had done what needed to be done to make things right with Venessa, and now, with Tasha out of the picture, we could finally have the life we were meant to have or just maybe.

I stood up, straightening my jacket, trying to shake off the unease lingering in the air. I needed to go back to the hospital, to see Venessa, to confirm that everything was going according to plan. I would talk to her, clarify what I had overheard, and we would move forward, just as we always intended.

Whatever happened with Tasha I know she'll be fine, I’d deal with that later. Right now, Venessa was the priority.

Chapter Seven

Daniel's POV

Next morning, I arrived at the hospital to pick up Venessa. She was finally being discharged, and as she walked toward me, I could see the relief in her eyes. She had always been so strong, so resilient.

We drove back to my place in silence, and though I tried to focus on the road, my mind kept wandering to the divorce papers, Tasha’s signature, and the strange emptiness I felt. Venessa was here with me now, the woman I had always loved, but something felt off. Maybe it was just the transition, the sudden change from one life to another.

When we got home, Venessa immediately made herself comfortable, sinking into the couch with a sigh. I watched her, trying to suppress the unease gnawing at the back of my mind.

After a few moments of silence, Venessa stood up, her eyes catching on something on the table. The divorce papers. She picked them up, a small frown forming on her lips.

"Oh, Daniel," she said softly, glancing down at the papers, her voice filled with sympathy. "I’m so sorry about you and Tasha."

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I hadn’t been prepared for the way she’d acknowledge it so bluntly, as if the marriage had been a minor inconvenience.

I forced a smile, trying to brush it off. "It’s fine," I replied, though the lie tasted bitter. "It was bound to happen."

Venessa ran her fingers over the bold signatures, her gaze lingering on Tasha’s name for a second longer than I was comfortable with. "I know it must’ve been hard for you," she added, her voice softer now. "But it’s for the best, right?"

I nodded, even though a part of me wasn’t sure. "Yeah. It’s what needed to happen."

She set the papers back down on the table and turned to face me, her expression gentle but knowing. "You’ve done everything for me, Daniel. I don’t want you to carry any guilt. Tasha wasn’t right for you. She never was."

Her words were supposed to be comforting, but instead, they made something twist inside me. I had told myself that a hundred times that Tasha and I weren’t meant to be. But now, hearing it from Venessa made it feel more final, more real.

I looked at her, trying to find the comfort I used to feel in her presence, but all I saw was the divorce papers out of the corner of my eye. The clean break I thought I wanted didn’t feel so clean anymore.

"Yeah," I finally muttered, though the conviction in my voice wavered. "It’s for the best."

Venessa smiled, stepping closer to me, her hand resting gently on my arm. "We can finally have the life we always wanted," she said, her voice soft, coaxing. "No more distractions. Just us."

I nodded again, but as I looked into her eyes, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of everything pressing down on me, the divorce, the guilt I had tried to bury.

But I couldn’t show it. Not now. I needed to push it all aside, to move forward. After all, Venessa was here, and Tasha was gone. That’s all that mattered.

Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

Venessa stepped closer, her eyes softening as she leaned in. I could feel the warmth of her breath against my skin as her hand gently rested on my chest. Slowly, she tilted her head, her lips just inches from mine. This was it, the moment I had imagined so many times since she left for London.

But as her lips brushed against mine, a wave of discomfort washed over me. I kissed her back, but it felt... off. Forced, even. Her hands were warm, familiar, but something wasn’t right. I couldn’t push away the image of the divorce papers, Tasha’s name boldly signed, and the cold emptiness that seemed to grow inside me.

Venessa pulled back, her smile soft, eyes searching mine as if looking for reassurance. “See?” she whispered. “It’s just us now, Daniel. We can finally have what we always wanted.”

I nodded, managing a faint smile, but deep down, I wasn’t so sure. This was what I wanted Venessa, the life we once dreamed of but the weight of everything that had happened, everything I had sacrificed, pressed heavy on my chest.

Tasha’s face flashed in my mind, the way I’d disregarded her, slapped her, pushed her aside for Venessa, and now... now I wasn’t sure if it had all been worth it.

“Yeah,” I muttered, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Just us.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket just as Venessa leaned in for another kiss. I pulled away slightly and glanced at the screen. Stanley. With a sigh, I turned and walked a few steps away, answering the call.

"Hey, Dan," Stanley's voice came through the line, a little tense. "Is Tasha with you? I can’t seem to reach her. Hope she's better now?"

I clenched my jaw, running a hand through my hair. I knew this conversation was coming, but I wasn’t ready for it. "Stanley, Tash and I... we’re divorced."

The silence on the other end was palpable, the weight of my words sinking in. Then came Stanley’s reply, sharp and full of disbelief. "What? Don’t tell me it’s all because of Venessa. Ever since she came back from London, you’ve—" He cut himself off, his voice dropping. "Wait... where is Tasha right now?"

I froze. My heart skipped a beat, and I suddenly realized I had no idea. I hadn’t even thought about where she could be since the divorce papers were signed. "I... I don’t know," I admitted, feeling a pit form in my stomach.

"No, this can’t be," Stanley’s voice was more urgent now, his tone full of frustration. "If anything happens to Tasha—" He paused, the silence heavy with tension. "Fuck off, man." His words cut deep, and then the call abruptly ended.

I stood there, the phone still in my hand, my mind spinning. Where was Tasha? And why hadn’t I cared enough to check? Stanley's words echoed in my head, and for the first time, doubt gnawed at me. What if something had happened?

I turned, looking at Venessa, who was still seated on the couch, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. The life I thought I wanted, the clean break I had convinced myself was right it all suddenly felt wrong.