JOANNA. The gentle hum of the AC buzzed in the background as I sank into the couch, my hand resting instinctively on my belly. The doctor’s words still rang sweetly my ears:“Congratulations, Joanna. You’re officially pregnant. The procedure was a success.”It didn’t matter that the egg wasn’t mine biologically. What mattered was that the life growing inside me now felt like a second chance—a fragile, beautiful promise.I.had asked all the right questions. The doctor had advised me to eat well, stay hydrated, avoid stress, and get as much rest as possible. “Eat fruits, anything nourishing… and try to stay off your feet too long,” he’d said.But today? Today myfeet would not stay still.I wanted to do something special for Luther. He had been my anchor, my safe space. After everything—the fear, the separation, the reunion, and now this, we were still standing. Together.He deserves a good meal.He deserves a celebration.With a small smile, I made her way to the kitchen. I slipped
CATHY As the door to Luther’s office clicked shut behind her, I clenched my fists, my heels echoing sharply down the corridor.Who the hell does he think he is?I kept the smile on her face, just in case anyone was watching, but inside, my thoughts were on fire.Calm, Cassie. You’re not Cathy. You’re Cassie. And Cassie never loses. I told myself. I hate him, I hate Joanna. Let him just wait till I carry out my perfect plans. I walked down the hallway like nothing had happened, but in my mind, replayed the memory of who she used to be—the woman tossed aside, humiliated, erased like i was nothing. The woman Luther and Joanna made a fool of. Spoilt everything I have. I had always struggled from childhood while these idiots got whatever they wanted..But now? With the little money I had left after the scandal, I transformed. A new look. A new voice. A new identity. Cathy. And I had gotten myself into Luther's orbit for one reason:Revenge.Luther's cold dismissal only confirmed it—Plan
JOANNA I sat on the edge of the examination bed, the cool paper beneath me crackling faintly as I adjusted my posture. In my hand was the ultrasound image—barely the size of a palm, but everything in my world now lived inside it.The doctor smiled at both of us. She was warm, professional, and the kind of woman who made you feel safe even when you didn’t know what to expect.“You’re officially pregnant,” she said again, as if to reassure me it wasn’t a dream. “It's still early, but everything looks good so far.”I nodded slowly, the words sinking in. Luther squeezed my hand.“There are some things you’ll need to take seriously moving forward,” the doctor continued. “First, your prenatal vitamins. Folic acid is non-negotiable. We’ll give you a prescription for that. Also, you’ll need to stay hydrated, rest well, and most importantly stress less.”She glanced at Luther knowingly.He nodded with that quiet intensity he always carried when he was serious. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t lift
qJOANNA The afternoon light filtered gently through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the bedroom. The sheets were soft beneath me, still tangled from our lazy morning, and Luther was sprawled beside me, half-draped over my body like he had no intention of moving… ever.I giggled as he pressed a trail of kisses from my shoulder to the curve of my neck.“Luther,” I laughed, squirming as his stubble tickled my skin. “You’re clingy today.”He didn’t respond—just let out a small hum, nuzzling closer like a needy cat. “I’ve missed you too much to let go. I’m making up for a whole damn week.”His hand slid slowly up my side, fingers teasing, tracing. I sucked in a breath when his mouth followed the path downward—soft, worshipful kisses now pressing against the curve of my breast.I let out another breathy laugh. “Luther…”“What?” he murmured into my skin. “You said I needed to rest. You didn’t say anything about not kissing you.”His lips brushed over me again, warm and lingering, an
JOANNA My fingers trembled slightly as I stared at the screen. Dad. His name blinked at me like a warning light, flashing red in my chest.Luther stepped forward gently. “Do you want to take this one?”I glanced at him, my voice barely a whisper. “I should… right?”He cupped my shoulder softly, steady and sure. “Just tell your father you’re not leaving me. No matter what.”I nodded, swallowing hard, then tapped the green button and brought the phone to my ear. “Hello?”“Where did you go, Joanna?” Dad’s voice was hard. Edged. Familiar. “I turned around and you were gone.”I closed my eyes, steadying myself. “I’m with Luther,” I said. “I… I want to be with him. I can’t leave him. I just don’t want to.”There was a long pause. A tight, heavy silence on the line.“Joanna,” he said at last, quieter now. “I’m doing this for you. Do you think I would hate you enough to keep you away from the love of your life?”“I know,” I whispered. “I know you mean well. But I can handle it, Dad. He’s not
LutherBack at the mansion, everything felt quieter than usual but not in a bad way. It felt... peaceful. As we stepped inside, Joanna slowed her steps and glanced around like she hadn’t seen the place in years.“I missed this place,” she whispered, almost like she was talking to herself.I didn’t say anything at first. I just stood there watching her the way her fingers lightly brushed the edge of the couch, the soft look in her eyes, the way the light hit her face just right. My chest tightened. God, I almost lost her.Without a word, I walked toward her. Slowly. Quietly. And then I wrapped my arms around her from behind.. I pulled her gently against my chest, breathed her in. She froze for a second, but then melted into me, like she’d been waiting for that embrace all along.I lowered my lips to her neck, kissed it softly, and rested my chin on her shoulder.“Promise me you’ll never pull that stunt again,” I said, voice low, raw with everything I couldn’t say earlier. “Promise me,