Bound by Betrayal

Clara's POV

"Congratulations Mrs. Morgan, You're pregnant." The doctor said as she passed me my test result.

"Really?"

I still struggle to wrap my head around it because everyone said that I was a barren woman. My hands trembled when read my test result. I gently ran my hand over my still-flat stomach, where James's baby is now living.

"Thank you, doctor."

What a wonderful gift for our two-year marriage on our anniversary day. My husband’s return from his business trip is tonight. How will he react when I share the news with him? I can't wait.

'Maybe James wouldn't hate me anymore and would come to love me once he know I will give him an heir.’

I swung by the minimarket to pick up some cooking ingredients before heading home. I’m going to prepare James' favorite dish for dinner tonight; it’s going to be a memorable night for us both.

"Ma'am, you look so happy today. Will you share the reason with me?"

Eda, one of the assistants in our home, asked as I was arranging the groceries in the refrigerator.

"I can't tell you right now, Eda. But this is great news; I'll tell James first before I tell anyone else. He's coming home tonight, isn't he?"

I tried to reach him earlier, but there was no response; perhaps he was too occupied with his business.

"Yes, ma'am. Let me prepare the meal; you can rest in your room and wait for him."

"No Eda, today I will cook myself."

Cooking has always been a part of my life since my time in the orphanage after my parents passed away in an accident. Then while staying at my uncle and aunt's house, preparing meals has become my daily routine.

Once all the dinner menus are prepared, I head to my room to shower and get dressed elegantly, applying my most alluring perfume before going downstairs. The sun has completely dipped below the horizon when I recognize the unmistakable sound of James' car pulling into our yard, followed shortly by the creak of the main door swinging open. 

"James...."

I rushed to my husband and embraced him warmly.

The aroma of his masculine perfume enveloped me, so captivating that it stirred a thrill within me. I embraced him closely.

Yet, as has been the case since our wedding, James never returned the gesture.

Our marriage was simply a contractual arrangement. James urgently needed a pretend wife to reinforce his position as the heir to his family's business empire, while Uncle Thomas urged me to accept the contract.

"how was your trip?"

I tried to smile though I didn't feel James's arms around me. I glanced up at his handsome face, and he fixed me with a piercing gaze, his thick brow furrowed. 

He ultimately pushed me away.

"You're all dressed up; this is not like you at all." 

"I want to look beautiful for you tonight. I've prepared all your favorites; let's go!" 

"Go ahead. I'm not in the mood to eat your cooking." His cold answer made my heart ache.

"James, just a moment please. And besides, there's something I want to tell you. This is something really important."

The test results remained carefully tucked in my pocket. James needs to know about my pregnancy!

My heart was beating very fast wondering how he would react later. Would he be happy knowing he's going to be a father? Would he be mad because I wasn't the woman he loved?

"Really? Alright then. I have something to tell you as well"

I nodded. It's rare for him to share anything with me throughout our two years of marriage, and now that he finally included me brought me joy. 

"You go first," I said.

James studied my expression before responding with complete certainty.

"This marriage can't go on; I will divorce you."

My hand, which had casually slipped into my shirt pocket to retrieve the letter, froze in place. 

"What do you mean, James?"

"You know from the start that I love someone else, Clara. I want her now. We need to end our marriage."

I feel my eyes aflame, brimmed with the threat of tears. That was the painful reality. I knew that James held another woman in his heart even when we got married.

James mentioned that he couldn't marry her because of her

But what about me? What about the feelings I already have for him? What about his baby in my womb?

"I'll give the divorce papers to you tomorrow for you to sign them as soon as possible." That was all he said before going up to the room. 

I lost my appetite so I decided to go upstairs. Once I slipped into my pajamas, wiped away my makeup, and ensured there were no traces of tears visible to James, I entered our bedroom.

The space we shared for the last two years. On the same bed, we sleep next to each other, sharing intimate moments like a real couple that loves each other. But, it was all an illusion. 

It was stupid of me to let my feelings get in the way when James saw me as nothing more than a stranger.

James was on the balcony when I got into our bed.

"Make sure you get some rest, love; I'll pick you up tomorrow at five. Good night Zoe." He was talking on the phone "I love you too, forever."

So that's her name. The woman he loves. Zoe, and never Clara. Now they will hold their wedding and have a happy marriage life they should have.

James looked taken aback when he noticed me already on the bed. He walked closer.

"Who was that you just called?" I asked, struggling to mask the slight pain in my voice.

"What makes that important for you?"

"Are you planning to marry her after you divorce me?"

James regarded me with the familiar cold stare "Absolutely."

His response cleared everything up for me. I simply nodded. "So can I sleep here with you or should I use the guest room?"

We're approaching divorce, he may prefer not to have me in his bed anymore. 

"You will sleep with me." I can feel his presence filling the space beside me on the bed. "Tomorrow is our last dinner, i want you to show up. I have a surprise for you" Then James switched off the lamp.