Chapter 1 Towards her

(Amara)

“Mmm.”

Maya hums as she rounds the corner and catches me packing up my bag. “Don’t tell me you rushed to clear your desk on time just because you’re eager to run home?”

I glance at her, smile, then return to arranging my things.

Maya, my best friend and work colleague, has never been one to believe in love. The idea of worrying about a partner, caring about their well-being, or stepping out of her comfort zone for someone makes her cringe. Coming from a broken home, she believes loving a man properly is pointless. According to her, they always betray you in the end.

But that isn’t my story.

Felix, my husband, is different. We’ve been married for five years, yet every day still feels like the first. He adores me, sends flowers, plans surprises, and does everything he can to make me smile, especially on days when the weight of trying and failing to conceive feels unbearable.

Honestly, I have the perfect husband.

I slide my tablet into my bag, sling it over my arm, and turn to Maya. “You know, you should try giving love a chance. I think you might like it.”

She scrunches up her face as if the words taste bitter. “Girl, I would’ve done that a long time ago—if only I could find a species that doesn’t cheat.”

We burst into laughter.

Then she steps closer, her expression softening. “But I’m really happy for you. Five years and still counting. And every single year, you rush home like it’s day one.” She grins. “Happy wedding anniversary, baby.”

She pulls me into a tight hug, and something in my chest melts. Even though Maya claims she hates love, she loves fiercely in her own way.

I pull back, smiling. “You don’t want me crying here, do you?”

“I know better,” she laughs softly, a small, teasing smile playing at her lips. “Just… make sure to enjoy every part of your anniversary tonight, okay?”

I nod, chuckling. “I should go,” I say, heading toward the office door. “I need to set things up for Felix and me.”

“Okay!” she calls after me. “Have a blast. I’ll be waiting for all the details tomorrow!”

I laugh, wave, and leave.

*******

The mansion comes into view as I pull into the driveway, the home I worked tirelessly to pay for. You’re probably wondering why I paid for it and not my husband.

Felix lost his big job a few months after we got married and hasn’t been able to secure a proper one since. But I didn’t mind. My savings, from before my family cut ties with me, have kept us comfortably afloat.

They disowned me for marrying beneath my class.

But when did love ever have anything to do with class?

My entire life had been mapped out for me—what to wear, what to eat, who to talk to, who to befriend. It felt like my life had already been decided before I was old enough to understand it. I was exhausted from being controlled.

Meeting Felix changed that.

I met him during a college field trip involving students from other schools, and for the first time, I felt seen. Alive. Loved for who I was, not for what I could offer.

I shake off the memory, turn off the engine, and step out of the car.

I open the trunk and grab the shopping bags. I’d stopped by the mall earlier for groceries and a few gifts for Felix. I’d also asked Susan, our house help, to take the day off. Tonight was meant to be just us.

I sigh softly. “Come on,” I mutter to myself, adjusting the bags. “I need to start cooking before Felix gets home.”

I’m a few steps from the door when I notice it isn’t properly closed.

My heart skips.

Did Felix get here already?

Last year, he teased me by pretending he was still on the road, only for me to walk in and find the house fully decorated. My lips curve into a smile as excitement bubbles in my chest.

I push the door open gently and step inside.

“Felix?” I call softly.

The room is quiet—until I hear breathing.

My eyes snap toward the couch.

A woman slowly rises, using the chair beside her for support.

My gaze drops instantly to her stomach.

Heavily pregnant.

I look back up at her face, my heart thudding wildly. “Who… who are you?” I whisper.

Before she can respond, the door opens behind me.

I turn.

Felix.

His eyes move from the pregnant woman to me, his breath coming in uneven gasps. He says nothing. Doesn’t explain.

He closes the door behind him and walks deeper into the room.

Not toward me.

Toward her.

My heart sinks.