Nichole's POV

Blake blinked in confusion as he stared at me. His face showed he was running out of patience, but it didn't matter. Once he got the good news, his mood was definitely going to improve.

"Can't it wait? We can discuss it over dinner," he said, his thumb brushing over my palm. "We should at least eat before the food gets cold. You know I can't stand cold meals."

I took a deep breath. I didn't want to wait anymore. "No, it cannot," I said, my voice laced with urgency.

"Alright. It better be worth the suddenness," he retorted, rolling his eyes slightly. My hands clenched onto his for support as my chest tightened, but I forced myself to breathe.

"My love, I'm-"

Ring, ring.

Blake's phone buzzed again, and my shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Blake ran a hand through his hair and exhaled. He clicked the side button on his phone and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Babe, I have some things to take care of," he said, dropping the bombshell. The nonchalance in his tone made my blood boil.

The softness of his lips against my cheek did little to ease my worry; instead, it made it worse. But nothing could prepare me for what Blake said next.

"Don't wait up because I won't be coming back home."

"What?" I gritted my teeth, shock evident in my tone.

"I'm sorry, babe, but it's really urgent, and I have to go," he apologized.

"Well, you have to tell me where you're going because that apology is not going to cut it," I replied in a rather loud tone. I'd never raised my voice at him before, but the way he'd been acting was weird, and I didn't like it. For goodness' sake, it's our anniversary. He's supposed to put all work aside for me-I mean, for us.

"Why do you always have to make everything so complicated? It's not a big deal," Blake's sharp tone cut through me, leaving an ache in my chest.

"Not a big deal?" I scoffed, my voice trembling.

He ruined our anniversary and had the audacity to dismiss it like this. Blake ran a hand through his hair, exasperated.

"Nichole , I don't have time for this. I have to work. If I don't, how can you afford this life?"

His words felt like a slap.

"Wow," I muttered, tears brimming. "So that's how you see me?"

Straightening his posture, he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"Yes, Nichole . That's how it is. I work to provide, and this is how you repay me?" Without waiting for a response, he slammed the door, leaving me alone.

I collapsed onto the floor as my chest heaved with sobs. How could he treat me like this? The man who once promised me everything now made me feel like nothing. My vision blurred, my head pounded, and darkness pulled me under.

The steady beep of a monitor brought me back to reality. My eyelids fluttered open to find Jennifer, my best friend, leaning over me, her face pale with worry.

"Nichole, thank God you're awake!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me.

As she pulled away, I caught a glimpse of her face, confirming it was her.

"Jen, what are you doing here?" I asked urgently, gripping her hands tightly. My eyes darted around the room. "Why am I in the hospital?"

The last thing I remembered was arguing with Blake after he ruined our anniversary celebration.

I sighed inwardly, not wanting to think about it. Then my body froze as I recalled collapsing after he left. My hands tightened over Jen's.

"How did I get here?" I asked slowly, anxiety rising in my chest. I honestly expected to hear that Blake had brought me here.

But it seemed heaven had closed its doors to all my expectations.

"I came over to your house because I'd been trying to reach you. I had something really important to tell you," she said, hesitating.

"I got to your house, and I may have twisted the doorknob... and it kind of opened."

My mouth hung open, and I pressed my lips together. She held her hands up dismissively as she stuttered.

"It's not like I was stalking you, but I was just really worried given the way Blake..." She bit her lip, stopping herself from saying too much.

Her words brought a flood of memories-Blake's cold words, the argument, my collapse.

"Blake..." I croaked. "Was he here?"

Jennifer's lips pressed into a thin line. "Blake wasn't there, Nichole. And I've been with your phone since morning. He hasn't even called to check up on his wife." Her eyes rolled dramatically. "How cliché is that?"

I shook my head. "He must've been busy."

"Busy? Nichole, when are you going to see the truth? Blake doesn't love you!"

"Stop it!" I snapped, my voice breaking. "He loves me. He's just... stressed."

Jennifer stood abruptly, her frustration boiling over. "You're in denial. Everyone at home is worried, especially Uncle."

I froze when she mentioned my dad.

"I'm not going back. I won't."

"Your father's sick, Nichole. He wants to see you," she pressed, her tone softening.

But I knew this tactic too well. My father wasn't sick-he wanted to drag me back to a life I'd fought to escape.

"I'm not going home," I said firmly.

Jennifer sighed, sitting beside me. "Nichole, you deserve better than this. Blake is using you."

"He loves me," I whispered, a hand resting on my stomach.

Her eyes widened. "You're pregnant?"

I nodded, a faint smile forming despite the tension.

"Nichole, you can't keep this baby," Jennifer said, her voice trembling.

My chest tightened. "This baby is mine. Blake will change once he knows."

"Blake is cheating on you," she said bluntly, pulling out her phone.

"That's not true," I protested, but my hands trembled as I took her phone.

The photo on the screen shattered me-Blake with a woman. Her face was blurry, but I recognized the dress she wore. It was the same one Lydia had worn yesterday when she came to our house.

Blake was holding her in a way he never held me. The headline below was the final blow: H.Group CEO picks up 'wifey' from the airport.

The phone almost slipped from my hands. My husband, the man I sacrificed everything for, was flaunting someone else.

This was overwhelming-nerve-breaking. I grabbed my phone, dialing his number, but it went straight to voicemail. Again and again, I tried, each failed attempt fueling my anger.

"Where is he?" I cried, my voice hoarse.

"Nichole, please," Jennifer pleaded. "You need to rest."

But I couldn't. Not until I got answers.

My eyes widened. "He's at home," I blurted out, my breath ragged. Ignoring the pain, I ripped the IV drip from my arm.

When I reached home, I rang the doorbell. Relief washed over me as I heard footsteps approaching.

But something felt off-the steps were too light against the floor.

The door swung open.

I froze, my vision blurring instantly.

"You? What are you doing here?"

Nichole's POV

My whole world turned sideways when I saw Lydia standing in front of me. She was clinging to my robe that barely covered her body. My head spun with annoyance as my eyes dilated for a moment before regaining focus. She was wearing my night robe. The realization hit me like a dagger to the heart.

What was she doing here in my house? Wearing my clothes? God, where was Blake?

He really had some fucking explaining to do.

"Why are you here?" My brows knotted together as I stared at her. At the very least, I expected some sort of shock or remorse from her. Instead, she gave me a weird smile.

Her lips curled as she crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. At this moment, she was a stark contrast to the frail girl I saw yesterday.

"Why are you even here? A part of me was wondering when you'd die in that hospital," she said with a sigh, her gaze shifting to her nails as she examined them, turning them from side to side. She clicked her tongue before looking back at me.

"But not all of us get what we want, isn't that right, love?"

Okay, what the flipping flamingo was going on? This Lydia girl just switched up her aura. It was almost intimidating, but I was never one to get so intimidated.

My fists tightened as I moved closer to her. I was going to give her a piece of my mind, once and for all.

I stepped closer, and her smirk only widened, which made me want to smack her across the face. If she kept running her mouth, it was only a matter of time before I actually did it.

"Listen, you-"

My voice caught in my throat when I heard my mother-in-law's voice.

"Honey, why are you here? You should be resting. The doctor strictly warned you not to do anything strenuous."

I scoffed in disbelief. How does opening the door count as something strenuous? What a joke.

Her voice came closer, and I could see the way she rolled her eyes. In all the years I'd been married to Blake, she had never once pretended to like me.

"Mother, it's alright. I'm fine. I was just coming to open the door for the visitor-"

"I think you mean Blake's wife," I snapped, cutting off her pretentious tone.

God, everything about her got under my skin.

My mother-in-law scoffed and turned to Lydia, her voice softening with tender care I had never received.

"Come inside, dear. You need to lie down. Your health is our top priority," she said, placing a hand on Lydia's shoulder and guiding her inside the house.

There wasn't an ounce of remorse in her eyes when she glanced at me. I hadn't been home since yesterday, and no one had bothered to call me. Lydia showed up wearing my clothes, and no one cared.

"You, girl, come inside and make breakfast. It's about time you made yourself useful, given all the money my son spends on you daily," my mother-in-law barked.

With determination, I pushed myself off the doorframe and stumbled inside. That's when my eyes met his.

"Nichole, where have you been?" Blake asked, his eyes scanning me skeptically.

I bit my tongue, shaking my head with a scoff.

"Where did you go last night? The night of our wedding anniversary, Blake Hamilton William?" I swallowed hard, tears pricking the corners of my eyes. "Do you even care about me?"

Blake ran a hand through his hair and exhaled heavily.

"Nichole, what is your problem, honestly? You've been acting out lately. It's not like you work, so we can't even call it work-related stress-"

"That's a fact. Blake, you've spoiled her too much, and now look how pompous she is. A lowly orphan like you should be grateful you even married into this family," my mother-in-law interjected.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I never really thought all of you felt that way about me," I muttered, my voice laced with disbelief.

Gasps filled the room as I grabbed Blake's suit.

"If you hated me so much, then why did you marry me, huh?"

Blake rolled his eyes, gently taking hold of my hand. His other hand tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

"Because I love you. I don't know why you're so insecure about things that don't matter. We're a family, okay?"

The tears welled in my eyes as my fists clenched. How dare he say those words without a proper explanation for what was going on with Lydia?

"Yesterday, I saw that you-"

Blake placed a finger over my lips, silencing me.

"Shh. It's not what you think. The media is just trying to stir up drama. You know how they photoshop things."

I searched his eyes, desperate for anything to comfort me, to make me believe him. But nothing settled the unease in my heart.

"That doesn't explain why she's here, in our house," I said warily, casting a glance at Lydia, who was curled up against my mother-in-law like a puppy. "Or why she's wearing my robe."

Blake pulled me into a hug. The scent of his cologne did little to ease the tension in my heart, but I found myself sinking into his embrace.

"She came over with Mom. She spilled something on her clothes yesterday, so Mom gave her yours," he explained, rubbing my back. "Would you have preferred she wore mine?"

"NO!"

Blake chuckled, lifting my chin.

"You're so cute when you're jealous," he teased.

I wasn't amused.

"Blake, we need to-"

"We'll talk later. For now, why don't you make breakfast? Mother doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"Blake, I-"

He hushed me and nudged me toward the kitchen. I wanted to protest, but I didn't know how to say no to him.

"Fine. After breakfast, we'll talk. Okay?"

He nodded, and I sighed in relief.

Despite needing rest, I found myself working tirelessly in the kitchen. After thirty minutes, I set a buffet on the table.

Lydia squealed with joy.

"My God, this looks amazing! I can't believe you made this for me. Thanks, sis!"

My stomach churned.

"I didn't make anything for you," I muttered.

My mother-in-law scoffed, brushing past me.

"Don't be so rude. Even if you don't have parents, you're old enough to know better."

I frowned, setting the plate on the table with more force than necessary, surprised it didn't break.

"At least I don't try to ruin people's marriages," I snapped.

"Nichole, enough! It's too early for this," Blake said, diffusing the situation.

I moved to sit with Blake, but Lydia nudged me aside, dropping into the seat next to him and clinging to his arm.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed.

"Nichole, not now. Just let Lydia be," Blake said calmly.

I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply before forcing a smile.

"Sure."

I poured myself a glass of wine and downed it.

The sound of shattering glass made my head snap toward Lydia and Blake.

My heart raced in fear and shock.

"Lydia!" Blake called out as she jerked against his body, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

"What's happening to you?" I asked, horrified.

I stayed frozen in place as Lydia's face twisted in fear.

"The food... I think... it was poisoned," she stuttered, and my heart dropped.

Nichole's POV

All eyes fell on me, and I jolted back in my seat, the chair scraping against the floor as I stood up. Why was everyone staring at me?

"I didn't do anything!" I stammered.

My mother-in-law slammed her hand against the table as she stood. "I know you're jealous of the relationship between Lydia and Blake, but this is too much. How could you be so evil?"

"What?" My eyes widened in disbelief as I turned to Blake for support, but he just gave me a disgusted look.

"Baby, are you okay?" he asked, digging his hand into his pocket and pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the trail of blood slipping from the side of Lydia's mouth. She gave him a slight nod.

"Baby?" I mumbled under my breath, my throat suddenly dry. "You guys are together, aren't you?"

I noticed the way Blake's shoulders stiffened before his hand tightened around Lydia's, still refusing to spare me a single glance.

"Are you okay? Does your body hurt? I promise I'll go get the doctor," he said softly, his tone breaking my heart.

There was no longer any need to hide it. The man I loved was with another woman, shamelessly flaunting her in my face. Seeing how everyone was fawning over Lydia made me realize that, even though I was legally his wife, I was the outsider.

Three years... all for nothing.

My hand slowly moved to the satin cloth adorning the table. I'd bought it a year after we got married-a foolish attempt to make our home beautiful. It reminded me of all my years of stupidity and blind devotion.

Anger coursed through my veins. I grunted, pulling hard at the tablecloth. The sound of shattering plates echoed through the room, and everyone turned to me in shock.

Blake quickly shielded Lydia with his body, and honestly, I didn't care if he got hurt. He hurt me first.

Blake marched up to me, his footsteps heavy with fury. He was truly angry-angrier than I had ever seen him. Fear clawed at my skin, but I forced myself to remain calm.

Like a flash of lightning, a sharp slap filled the room, the force of it sending my head sideways.

My cheek burned as tears filled my eyes. He had hit me... because of her.

My body trembled as I struggled to catch my breath. Slowly, I pressed a hand to my throbbing cheek and turned to him, disbelief evident in my eyes.

Seeing him now made me realize I probably never knew him at all. I'd been blinded by my desperation to be loved by him, unable to see or accept his flaws. I'd painted a picture in my head, deluded myself with the idea of love, when in reality, I had been living in bondage.

"How dare you do that to Lydia! First, you've been acting up, and now you try to kill her? Don't you have any shame, Nichole? How could you be so cruel?"

Even now, he blamed me for everything. Was he always this manipulative, or was I just foolish?

With a grunt I launched my palm against his face and the whole room became silentsilent with shock.

"Lydia! Lydia! Lydia! Why the hell is she so important to you?" I choked on my words, my throat tight with emotion.

"I am your wife, for God's sake!" I yelled, my voice shaking the room.

"How dare you raise your hand on me, you bitch?" Blake growled. He grabbed a chunk of my hair, forcing me to meet his furious gaze. "My mom was right. I've indulged you too much."

His face tightened as he tossed me aside, treating me like trash.

I crashed against the table, the sharp edge digging into my stomach. Groaning in pain, I clutched my abdomen as a wave of dizziness washed over me. My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor.

Clutching my stomach, I gritted my teeth as tears poured from my eyes.

"My baby," I whispered, the words echoing in my head like a prayer. I had lost everything-but God, please, not my baby.

"No," I muttered, shaking my head in denial as I noticed the dampness spreading between my legs.

I couldn't lose my baby.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

My phone rang. My head turned sluggishly toward the sound, and a flicker of hope ignited in my chest when I saw the name flashing on the screen. My phone was just a few inches away-all I had to do was reach it.

"Dad," I whimpered, my voice weak as I reached out.

"Argh!" I cried out when Blake's foot pressed down on my hand, crushing my fingers.

My body drained of energy as I panted heavily. "Blake..."

Blake scoffed, picking up my phone from the floor. He turned to his mother with a chuckle.

"Look who's calling. It's her dad," he sneered.

"I told you this wench was nothing but a gold digger," his mother spat with disgust. "All she wanted was your money. Pretending to be an orphan was just a ploy to gain your sympathy. Thank God you've come to your senses and decided to be with Lydia. She's the perfect match for you."

I shook my head weakly, tears streaming down my face. "Blake, about my parents-it's not what you think..."

"Shut the hell up, you liar!" Blake snapped, pressing his foot harder against my hand.

I screamed in pain as he arched a brow with a smirk. He pressed the answer button on my phone.

"Let's see what Daddy has to say."

Jennifer's frantic voice rang through the line, and my eyes widened in shock. Why was she answering my dad's phone?

"My God, Nichole, where are you? Uncle's condition has worsened! You need to get here right now. He only has three hours left to live..."

Jennifer's voice cut off abruptly as Blake smashed my phone to the floor. Hope drained from me as I wiggled my fingers under his foot, desperately trying to break free.

"No, Dad," I whispered.

"Blake, please," I begged, my voice trembling. "I promise I'll explain everything, but I need to see my dad..."

Blake scoffed. "After hurting Lydia, do you think I'll let you off that easily?"

He pulled me up from the floor just as the door burst open, and police officers swarmed into the room.

The supposedly injured Lydia, who moments ago looked as if she might pass out, sprang to her feet and rushed toward them.

"Finally, you're here! Arrest her! She tried to kill me," Lydia said, smirking as she pointed at me.

I was too exhausted to fight. I needed to see my dad.

I grabbed Blake's hand, tears streaming down my face as I pleaded. "Blake, please... for everything we shared over the past few years... help me." My voice cracked, my body shaking while blake stared at me with an unreaable expression.