Chapter 1

Karia’s pov

I was tapping my foot nervously on the marble floor, one hand on my waist while the other was gripping my phone as I scrolled through my call log to call Leo. “Leo baby pick up” I whispered, my voice filled with anxiety.

The wall clock struck steadily, its noise resonating in the living room. I looked at the clock and sighed deeply, as I began to walk back and forth across the room, feeling anxious. “Where could he be at this time? Why wasn't he answering?” my heart raced as it filled with thoughts and images of different scenarios.

I was about to call again when the front door slowly opened. A relief came over me when I saw him. I rushed to welcome him. “ Oh thank goodness you're back! I exclaimed with excitement, embracing him so tight.

“I’ve been worried about you” he didn't reciprocate the hug, his hands remaining in his pockets, but I didn't mind since he was home safe.

“You don’t have to worry about me, I'm a full-grown man,” he said gruffly.

His response made me pull away, feeling uneasy. “What do you mean by that Leo?” I asked, confusion etched on my face.” you're my husband and I should be able to look out for you.”

His face was unreadable, but I chose to roll it off. I didn’t want to fight him, at least not tonight.

“Anyways, let's forget about all of this. I have good news for you,” I said to him smiling, just to lighten the mood. “Go take a shower and come down for dinner,” I said to him smiling.

“We need to talk Kiara” his voice was laced with disdain which sent a chill through me. The smile on my face was erased immediately.

“Honey, is everything okay?” I asked, trying to get him to look at me, concern etching my voice.

He placed his briefcase on the table, opened it, and brought out a document. “Here, have this. We're getting a divorce.”

I was still hesitating to take it and he threw it down on the floor. On picking it up, I saw it boldly written “Divorce Agreement.” My breath caught. I laughed nervously as I glanced up at him.

“Is this some type of joke Leo? Are you playing a prank on me?”

His expression was still unyielding “Sign it” he said coldly. “I want it on my desk by tomorrow morning.

I stared at him in disbelief.” Leo this can't be real. This has to be a joke right? It’s our anniversary tomorrow and I was going to tell you something…” My voice trembled, and tears swelled up in my eyes.

“Sign the damn papers, you whore!” he exclaimed, disgust etched on his face. “I should have listened to Miriam a long time ago and put you where you belong.”

My stomach twisted.”Miriam?” I echoed, hardly recognizing my voice. “So this is about her, right?

“It's not about her, it's about you” he spat. Pretending to be loyal while you are sneaking around behind my back. You are a liar and a cheat Kiaria.

“That’s not true Leo!” I cried. “You know I would never do that to you. Miriam set me up! She has always…”

“Enough!” he barked, slamming his fist against the table. “Stop blaming Miriam, I have proof.

I know he's been having an affair for over 2 years now but with my step sister? I really didn't see that coming. But what do I expect from someone who hates me to the core and derives joy in seeing my downfall.

I know she has always wanted to take my place as Mrs Williams, and that's why she's been trying so hard to destroy my marriage with Leo. I guess she has finally succeeded.

Memories of Miriam’s fake smile, her sweet tone when she invited me for coffee. She said she was tired of us fighting and would want my forgiveness so that we could be cool sisters. It was too real to be true.

I recalled the uneasy feeling I had that day, next was me waking up naked beside a strange guy. I couldn’t believe my eyes nor remember how the whole scenario happened but it's clear to me now that Miriam did that on purpose to spite me.

I was still crying with my face down when he dragged my hair forcefully, “ Look here! Just take a look at this! Is that not you in the picture?” That was the picture of me with another man. Miriam must have sent it to him. I can imagine her joy right now.

“That's you doing what you do best. Whore!” he spat.

When he released me, I staggered back, clutching my chest. “I sacrificed everything for you, Leo. My dreams, my career… I gave my entire life to you. How do you want to throw me out like this?”

“You lie, Leo, 3 years of my life can't go down the drain like that, I won't sign it.”

His expression darkened. “Sign the papers or you'll regret ever crossing my part. His hands closed around my neck, squeezing it tight. I struggled to breathe. “Please stop….you're hurting me”

He released his grip and I stumbled to the ground gasping for air. That's when I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen, followed by the warm, wet sensation of blood pooling beneath me. It's blood! My baby! No, this can't be happening.

“Leo, please help me! Take me to the hospital, I’m bleeding. Please I beg of you.” Was saying it in a faint voice.

“Suit yourself. You can bleed to death for all I care. I don't give a shit about you.” he spat at me. Just then his phone rang, he brought it out of his pocket and answered on the second ring. “Hello, baby. I’m done, just give me some time, I will be there soon.” he left without turning back.

That must be that bitch Miriam. This made my heart shatter more as I was still struggling on the ground.

With the last ounce of strength, I crawled to my phone and dialed a number.” please help….” Before I could finish, everything went black and I passed out.