Chapter 2: The Morning After

Zara’s POV

I can't remember at what point I fell asleep last night but somehow I did. Waking up to the smell of coffee, I thought last night was just a dream. Not just any kind of dream, but a nightmare. 

But the ache in my chest, my stuffy nose, and eyes that I can just feel how swollen they are were the wake-up call I needed before the memories rush back and hit me like a freight train.

It is real. The guy I just tied the knot with, the one I thought was the love of my life, belongs to someone else. 

The man in question is standing by the window, looking outside like he's deep in thought. He's bare-chested and the sunlight reflecting on his toned abs and chiseled face makes him look almost heavenly and peaceful.

Like he could feel me staring at him, he turns and finds me standing by the door. He smiles like last night was just a scene taken out of my imagination. Like we’re just some lovey-dovey couple on their honeymoon and he wasn't leading a dual life. Like our love wasn't destroyed by his lies.

“Good morning, baby,” he says softly as he goes to pour coffee in a mug.

I have the sudden urge to throw the mug and coffee on his face but I don't. I just sit down at the table and I take in the different meals. I doubt I'll be able to eat. Not when my throat aches from trying to hold back my sobs throughout the night while he slept peacefully.

“I ordered everything I could so we could have different options. What would you like?” He smiled as he spoke but when I didn't answer, he continued. “You should try something. We have a long day planned. The yacht, the visit to the museum, and dinner at that restaurant you've been singing about since before the wedding.”

“Stop.” I hit the table, making everything on it shake. “Just…just stop pretending like we’re a happy couple.”

The smile falls from his face as he kneels before me. The food on the table was forgotten. “We could still be, Zee. Nothing has to change. I meant what I said last night. She means nothing.”

“She’s your legal wife,” I said in a tone that said he was stupid for saying that.

“My father was in a bad place. He signed contracts he couldn't get out of without risking everything he had worked so hard for. I was just twenty-two. Her family had some kind of leverage and my dad forced me.”

“You could have just told me before we went ahead to do all this.” I threw my hands up in the air.

“I know. I know. Trust me I wanted to do that many times but I didn't…”

“You wanted to tie me to you and make sure I didn't leave you,” my voice was calm but the tension continued to grow between us.

So many emotions crossed his face. Guilt and shame being one of them as he bowed his head and whispered. “You’re the best thing that happened to me and I didn't want to lose you.”

“Well. You already did and…”

His body stiffened like he's preparing for the blow I'm going to deliver with my words and I make sure I deliver.

“I don't know who I married anymore but you're the worst mistake I've ever made.” I watch as he grows a few years older before my eyes.

“You don't mean that, Zee. I know you're angry but…”

“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out and he freezes.

The truth would make him hold on harder and deeper to me. It'll be good for what I have planned out. I want to give him hope only to crush it later. Only then will he feel what I felt.

“Pregnant?” Shock fills his eyes and then joy. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“This is great news, baby. This child will be the bridge we need. I'll fight even harder for us to have a stable and peaceful home.” He holds my shoulders and rain kisses on my face.

I use my hands and push at his chest. “You don’t have to do that cause I won’t be for long. I'll take care of it.”

All the blood drains from his face as he looks at me in horror.

“No,” he screams. “Don’t say that, Zara. Please, you can’t do it. We’ll work it out. I promise.” He tries to hold me but I push him away.

“Don’t touch me. I have already made my decision.”

He just looks at me helplessly as I get up and leave to get ready for the day. I would still have my fun.

I was right. I didn't even taste anything on the table.

******

There's even more pretending as we go through the activities he has planned for the day. He’s more mindful, attentive, and touchy. He's probably wishing I'll change my mind. Good luck. The yacht trip passes in a blur. Every time a stranger compliments how good we look together, I have to force a smile while he gives me a look that says ‘everyone can see it’ as he holds my waist.

I wait until he's distracted in a conversation with the captain and make my way to the lower deck with his phone. I schedule an appointment with a clinic in my name and delete the record. It’s a trace I’ll want him to find later.

When I make my way back, his eyes follow me till I sit but he doesn't ask anything.

I fake a headache and lock myself in the bathroom once we get back to our suite. I sit on the floor and lean back against the wall as the weight of everything comes crashing down on me.

I'm not going to kill my baby but he will think I have. And if he believes that, he won't go looking for us. 

I hear him through the door as he walks around the room while on the phone with someone but I don't care to listen but I still grab a few words. His voice sounds soft and broken like a wounded animal, and for a brief moment, I wonder if I'm doing too much and dealing with it in the wrong way. 

“I’m not sure she’ll ever forgive me. No, I can't. At least not yet.”

He should keep thinking time is on his side and he's the one playing me. But I'm about to play the biggest game in his history.

I close my eyes going through everything in my head. My real visit to the clinic but a fake procedure, the anonymous message from someone I received offering help if I ever needed it. I'm not one to trust a stranger but I’ll take any way I can out.

By morning, I’ll start doing everything I have planned out. The baby would supposedly be ‘taken care of’ by tomorrow and by the end of the week, Zara Winterborn will be dead. And gone.

Adrian Leighton will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did and what he could have had. Us.