Help me..

Renee’s POV

“Come to the meeting hall,” Draven said, his grip tightening on Linda’s hand. “I want to make an announcement.”

They strode out of my office, smiling like they shared a secret. My secretary ducked her head and slipped away. I followed, legs heavy. 

In the packed hall, Draven stood at the front, Linda beside him. “This meeting is to introduce our new team member. She’ll handle select projects alongside the current project manager. They’ll work closely to deliver excellence.”

His tone was flat, professional but the added “Treat her with respect” carried an unspoken edge. She was special.

Employees murmured, eyes flicking curiously to Linda’s bright smile.

“Thank you all for the warm welcome,” she said sweetly. “I look forward to working with you. And lastly…” She turned to Draven, voice dipping flirty, gaze lingering like he was dessert. “Thank you to the CEO for treating me so well.”

The whispers exploded. “Who is she?” 

“He introduced her himself, he never does that.” 

“The way he looks at her… do you think they’re…?”

I didn’t wait for the rest. I stormed out, my chest burning.

All these years, I’d slaved for this company, my husband’s empire while hiding our marriage. No special treatment. He barked at me like any employee, docked my time if I slipped. But Linda waltzes in, and he calls a full meeting? Lets her flirt openly while I’m forbidden to stand too close except for reports?

I paced his office, foot tapping a frantic rhythm.

The door swung open. Draven entered, casual as ever. If he was surprised, he hid it.

“What is the meaning of this, Draven?”

“It’s not what you think. My mother arranged it, Linda needs hands-on experience. With the Cardial project nearly done, it’s the perfect training ground.”

I exhaled shakily, anger boiling “How can she take credit for a project I bled for?”

He met my eyes, no remorse. “You’re family. Just do this for her.”

I shook my head, heart fracturing. “This company is yours, not mine.”

“It’s yours too. We’re married.” The words almost made me laugh. We looked nothing like a couple.

“In that case, transfer the shares you promised after the wedding. Now.”

I expected hesitation. Instead, he tapped his laptop, spun the screen. “Done.”

The exact amount we’d agreed on. My breath caught.

“I planned this since our wedding day,” he said quietly. “To secure your future and that of our unborn child’s.”

My heart melted. He’d never mentioned kids before. Tears pricked my eyes. This was the moment.

“Draven… I…”

A sharp knock. The door opened before he answered. Linda stepped in, freezing when she saw me.

“Sister-in-law, it’s not his fault,” she rushed. “He just wanted to help me with the role. If you’re upset, I’ll give it back.”

I arched a brow and turned to leave. She’d ruined everything again.

“Please don’t be mad…” She trailed me out, heels clicking loudly. Heads turned from cubicles.

“I thought you wanted to help your brother’s sister?” I tried to brush her off.

“You know he’d never let me be sad,” she whispered, a smirk flashing. “Even if you take the project, he’ll make sure it ends up mine.”

Her pleas grew louder, theatrical. “I can give it back if you want! I just thought you’d be kind enough…”

Employees strained to watch.

Draven’s reassurance still warmed me. I flashed a confident smile. “I couldn’t care less who handles it. He just transferred my shares. Good luck.”

She paused, processing, then followed me into the elevator. Arms crossed, expression tight.

“You should be at your desk, not chasing me,” I said. “Messing up a project is easier than you think.”

She stayed silent.

A loud bang echoed above us. The lights flickered, then died. Darkness swallowed everything.

I gripped the wall, one hand flying to my stomach. Without warning, the elevator plummeted.

I screamed. Linda did too. We dropped, fast and sickening.

Boom. It jerked to a halt. I slammed backward, pain exploding in my abdomen. I curled around my belly, gasping, legs useless under invisible weight.

Minutes dragged. No help.

“Open the doors!” Draven’s voice finally, frantic, banging. “Linda! Linda!”

“Help me!” she cried.

My small, hopeful smile vanished. But help was coming. For me. For the baby.

The doors pried open with a violent shudder.

Draven rushed in, straight to Linda. “Are you hurt? Talk to me.”

The pain surged, hot and stabbing. I winced, vision blurring.

“Draven!” My voice cracked, weak.

He turned. “Hold on, Renee. Linda’s claustrophobic, she panics in tight spaces. I'm sure you understand.”

“Please…” I reached for his leg, fingers brushing air. He was already lifting her.

“The workers will get you out.” He said. Sharp and dismissive.

He carried her away. The doors rattled behind them.

Tears streamed. Pain clawed deeper. I pressed both hands to my stomach, whispering through sobs.

“My baby… please, hold on…”

Darkness crept in at the edges. The world tilted.

And everything went black.