CHAPTER 3: THE RETURN OF THE WITCH.

~ANNIKA~

Last night, I waited anxiously for Angelo's return, but he never showed up. As the hours ticked by, exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep.

However, I woke up feeling refreshed and determined, with a clear plan of action. I was resolute in confronting Angelo about his sudden decision to end our marriage.

The thought of divorce was unbearable, and I demanded answers. Why had he made this drastic choice without any warning signs or hints?

I also grappled with the dilemma of whether to reveal my pregnancy, wondering if it might change his mind and save our relationship.

With newfound determination and self-respect, I prepared myself for the challenge ahead. I chose a long black gown with a bold slit at the back, paired with the red heels my father gifted me on my 26th birthday.

I felt empowered, confident, and ready to face whatever lay ahead. With my head held high, I left for Angelo's office, determined to fight for our marriage.

As I walked past Angelo's receptionist, I wasn't stopped. They knew my face from delivering his food. My nerves increased as I approached the lift to his office. My hands sweated, and I quickly wiped them on my gown.

I encouraged myself that I had nothing to worry about, but my heart remembered the look on Angelo's face the day before. The lift opened, and I was relieved to find it empty.

I thought it ironic that I, Angelo's wife, feared speaking to him. The thought of talking to him made me want to escape.

As I exited the lift, I met Angelo's secretary leaving the block. "Good morning, ma," she said, looking down.

"Good morning," I replied. "Are you here to deliver his food?" she asked, already knowing my routine.

"Let me help you with it," she offered, trying to take my bag.

"No, I've got it," I said, forcing a smile.

"Thanks for offering, though," I added.

"Okay, just don't forget to knock," she reminded me.

I smiled, took a deep breath, and approached Angelo's office. "We're already here, Annika," I told myself, preparing for the conversation.

I forgot to knock, instead turning the door handle. But I froze on the spot when I saw Angelo kissing a woman in his office.

I rubbed my eyes, disbelieving. But it wasn't a hallucination Angelo was indeed kissing someone.

What broke my heart was how gentle and calm he was with her. He had never kissed me like that, not even on our wedding day.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recognized the woman: Lissa Bennett, Angelo's ex-girlfriend who had left for Paris.

The scene in Angelo's office felt like a chilling splash of cold water on my skin. I realized that Angelo's behavior towards me was never because of Lissa, but because I could never measure up to her in his eyes.

I quietly closed the door and left the office, trying not to draw attention to myself. I rushed past the secretary, nodding hastily as I went.

I stopped a cab and headed to the nearest bar, ordering a tequila shot as soon as I arrived. "Easy, young lady," the bartender cautioned, but I downed the shot in one swift motion.

"A bad day, huh?" the bartender asked, concern etched on his face. I closed my eyes, fighting back tears.

"It's just...everything I've done, and it's all been for nothing," I whispered, opening my eyes to signal for another shot. Determined to drown my sorrows, I gulped the second shot.

The bartender offered words of encouragement, but I just smiled dryly and thanked him. With each successive shot, my thoughts grew more jumbled, and I struggled to process my emotions.

Was I angry about the breakup or Angelo's betrayal with Lissa? My head spun, and I knew I had to leave.

I rummaged through my bag, pulled out a $100 bill, and placed it on the counter. Unsteady on my feet, I made my way towards the exit.

The bartender handed me my change, but I waved it off. "Keep it," I said.

"Are you sure you can get home in this state?" he asked, opening the door.

"Don't worry, thank you," I replied, my eyes half-closed.

I stumbled through the driveway, trying to make my way to the mansion. But my intoxicated state made it difficult to navigate.

Despite my efforts, my legs gave way, and I collapsed. As I lay there, my vision blurred, but I remembered seeing a black SUV parked beside me.

The next thing I knew, I was in a room that seemed vaguely familiar. The cream-colored walls, dark wood furniture, and plush carpet all looked recognizable.

But where was I? Panic set in as I scrambled to piece together the events of the previous day.

And then it hit me - this was Pa James' building! I must have ended up here after leaving the bar. But how did I get here?

My mind raced with questions as I threw off the covers and got out of bed. I stumbled to the bathroom, trying to shake off the lingering fogginess.

As I splashed water on my face, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes looked bloodshot, and my hair was disheveled.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door. "Come in," I called out.

Pa James walked in with his private maid, Jessica.

As the maid, Jessica, quietly exited the room, leaving just me and him in the room, Pa. James pulled up a chair beside the bed and sat down. His expression was a mix of concern and curiosity.

"So, how are you really feeling?" he asked, his deep voice gentle.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Pa James' kind eyes put me at ease.

"Honestly, I'm a bit of a mess," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't remember much from yesterday, but I think I made a fool of myself."

Pa James nodded thoughtfully. "You were definitely in a state," he agreed. "But don't worry, you're safe now."

Then he asked, "Why didn't you tell me about you and Angelo getting a divorce?" I was surprised he didn't know.

"He didn't tell you?" I asked. Pa James shook his head. "No."

I explained, pain etched in my voice, "He cut me off financially. Leaving me with nothing."

Pa James listened attentively, his expression sympathetic. He understood my emotional pain.

"Don't worry, I've got this," he reassured me. "I'll talk to Angelo and see what's going on. For now, focus on eating and resting. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call Jessica."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions: shock, relief, and gratitude. Pa James' calm demeanor was reassuring.

"Thank you, Pa James," I said, my voice still shaking slightly. "I really appreciate your help."

Pa James patted my hand. "Don't mention it, child. That's what family is for."

He stood up and headed towards the door. "I'll go talk to Angelo and see what's going on. You just focus on taking care of yourself and that baby."

As he left, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe things would start looking up.

I took a sip of coffee, feeling the warmth spread through my body. Jessica refilled my cup. "Let me know if you need anything, ma'am," she said with a smile.

As I settled back into bed, Pa James' words echoed in my mind. "Family," he had said. And in that moment, I felt a sense of emptiness.

I reached for my phone and saw missed calls and a voicemail from my dad. My heart racing, I wondered what could be wrong. Fear surged through me.