1

I gripped my bag tighter, fingers digging into the strap as I stepped out of the hospital. My breath came in short, uneven gasps, and my legs hesitated for a moment before I could move forward.

I raised my hand to call a cab, but a sleek black car eased to a stop at the curb. My knees stiffened. I froze. Every muscle tensed, and my bag slipped slightly in my hands. I recognized the car before the door even opened.

My husband's driver stepped out before I could move. He opened the back door with a smooth, practiced motion, head dipping slightly in acknowledgement.

Leo sat inside, still as the leather around him. One knee rested over the other, hands folded loosely in his lap. His gaze did not flick away pinning me in place.

My throat tightened.

"Leo.... why are you here?" I whispered, barely audible.

The scent of a woman's perfume hit me immediately. I swallowed hard. That was not my perfume. The fragrance pressed in, as if the car itself was breathing the presence of whoever wore it.

"I told you I needed your signature this morning,"He replied, his voice cold.

My knees trembled as I sank into the seat, careful not to brush against him. My heart races with nervous energy in those moments.

Leo hadn't come home for days. I called him several times, but he didn't answer. Even his secretary wouldn't tell me the truth when I tried to find out where he was.

It wasn't until I ran into my sister at a nearby shopping mall that I saw him. Leo was there, smiling, holding the hand of a woman I thought was out of our lives.

I followed them and watched as they entered a hotel. I didn't have the strength to confront him, so I let it go, afraid he would be mad if he found out I had followed him. When he came home the next morning, he greeted me with a black folder containing the divorce papers.

"Why have you not signed the divorce papers?"He gaze stayed locked on mine, unyielding. "Do not test my patience. You know what happens when I reach my limits."

I opened my mouth a few times before managing to form words.

"I...I will sign them when we get home. Buteo, I came here today because... there's something I have to tell you."

His jaw tightened. "I am not interested in your excuses."

He pushed the door open and gestured toward the outside. "I expect the divorce papers to be signed when I get home. You will receive a quarter of my assets for two years of playing the role of my wife. Get out."

My hands shot up to stop the door. I shook my head repeatedly, tears threatening to spill. "Leo, please. You can't do this. You can't divorce me. Let's fix our marriage."

Leo tilted his head slightly and closed his eyes for a moment. When I still refused to leave the car, he signaled the driver.

The driver stepped forward and held my arm.

"Ma'am, please get out. Mr Robinson had a meeting he needs to attend."

"Please, Leo!"I cried, reaching for his hands in desperation. "Leo!"

But he did not look at me. "Drive,"He commanded, and I was lowered from the car.

"Leo! Please! In carrying your child!"I screamed, tears streaming down my face.

The car sped off, wind whipping my hair across my face. I sank onto the curb, shoulders trembling, tears sliding silently down my cheeks.

I had hoped, even prayed, that one day he might love me the way he once loved Clara. I thought of I stayed by his side long enough, if I have him everything I had, he would eventually forget her. I though would be easy. But I was wrong. Three years of being his wife meant nothing now that Clara had returned. He still chose that woman over. It was as if he had forgotten everything Clara had done when she left, and all the sacrifices I had made just to stay by his side.

My steps carried me forward, though my mind was elsewhere. I started to walk, my thoughts racing, replaying the day of our wedding over and over.

Tears streamed down my face as I moved. I had been walking for nearly an hour and a half from the hospital to my home. My feet ached, but the pain in my chest was worse.

By the time I reached the Robinson estate, my legs felt heavy and numb. When I entered, the housemaid Sarah stopped and frowned, her eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"Mrs Robinson."She said softly. I lifted my gaze and noticed the uneasy aura around her. "You just arrived in time. Lunch is ready and Ms Clara is here."

I froze at the mention of that name.

"Clara?"I repeated. "Where is she?"

My eyes swept the house before Sarah could respond. I walked straight to the kitchen, each step heavy with tension.

As soon as I entered, I saw her. Clara was at the counter, pouring juice into a glass as if she owned the house. She moved with ease of someone completely at home.

"You seem far too comfortable in my home. My husband isn't here," I remarked, my voice sharpened by anger

"I'm not here for him,"Clara returned coolly. She perched on the counter, facing me.

"Then why did you come back? Why didn't you just stay in New York City?"I shot back, sarcasm lacing my words.

Clara didn't answer right away.

I took a step closer and stopped right in front of her. "You already destroyed him once. Did you come back to ruin him again?"

"I made a mistake, I know that,"Clara responded, her tone steady though her hands trembled slightly. "I didn't come back for him. It just so happened that we met, and I realized he still loved me even though he was married to you. I couldn't let him go a second time. If I did, there might never be another chance."

I let out a short, bitter laugh. I stared at Clara as if she had lost her mind. " Do you even hear yourself, Clara? You walked away from him. That was your chance, Leo is not a toy you can pick up again!"

I clenched my fists. After Clara left the country, chasing her dream career, Leo had become a aman drowned in liquor. Night after night, he drank in bars, until one night he was too drunk to even stand. He stumbled into a fight he could not win.

The men beat him, leaving his back badly injured and some bones broken. For almost three months he could barely walk. The wheelchair became his only way to move, and I became the legs he no longer had.

I had stayed. I had been there when he could not stand. Not Clara.

"Do not pretend you love him, Rose,"Clara snapped. "You married him because his father paid your family. I know the truth."

I lifted my chin, restraining myself from striking her, "you know nothing about us. I love Leo. I have loved him and still do."

"Is that why family is still receiving money form the Robinsons?"Clara taunted, folding her arms. "Tell me how much, and I will double it. Just sign the papers and leave Leo."

I grabbed the glass of juice from the counter and slammed it into Clara's face. Before Clara could recover from the shock, I struck he r across the face.

"I do not need a mistress's charity!"I spat fiercely. "I'm pregnant, I'm carrying his child, and I will save my marriage. Get out before I have the security drag you out!"