Chapter Three: The Turning Point.

Leila

The air inside the building felt exactly the same as it had two years ago. I hadn’t been here since the day I walked away, trading my career for the man I thought would be my forever.

The moment I stepped into the reception area, I caught sight of familiar faces.

“Leila!”

I barely had time to turn before Maria, one of my closest friends from work, wrapped me in a hug.

“Ley, it’s been forever,” she said, pulling back to look me over. Her eyes widened. “Wow! You look different and beautiful. What have you been doing with yourself?”

Maria hadn’t changed much, still the same warm smile, same sharp bob cut. I’d heard she had been promoted twice since I left. That could’ve been me, I thought bitterly, if I hadn’t thrown everything away for a man.

I forced a smile. “I’ve been fine, you look good too, Maria.”

She beamed, then leaned in, lowering her voice. “I heard you and the boss broke up ages ago. His new girl, Ugh , can’t stand her. Sometimes I wish I could scratch her eyes out with my nails.”

My heart sank, broke up? That’s what he told them? Desmond kept our marriage a secret from most of the office. Maria had known we were dating, she had seen him bring me lunch and flowers but I’d never told her we got married. I had simply said I was leaving to “start something for myself,” and after that, I kept my distance.

“This new girl,” I asked carefully, “she comes around often?”

Maria rolled her eyes. “All the time, honestly, I thought you had him on lockdown, but after you left, there were so many women, some even from the company, until this one came along. And just like you, she caught him good. Maybe she’ll hold him down for real this time.” She laughed like it was a joke.

“I really hope so too,” I murmured, though my chest was tightening, “I’m actually here to see him.”

Maria blinked. “Oh, well, you’ll have to wait. He’s with his woman right now. But I’ll tell his secretary you’re here.”

I forced a polite smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll talk to her myself, I will see you around before I leave.”

The moment she walked away, I headed straight for his office. I could hear his secretary calling after me, but I didn’t slow down. I didn’t knock. I opened the door and stepped inside.

The sight hit me like a slap.

Desmond was in his chair and on his lap sat Kavier, kissing him like she owned him, her arms were looped around his neck. He froze when he saw me, his eyes going wide.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were still at the hospital,” he said quickly, motioning for the secretary to leave.

I ignored him and let my gaze shift to Kavier. She was stunning, flawless skin, perfect hair, the kind of beauty that turned heads without trying.

“Hello, Kavy,” I said, my voice dripping with venom. “I’m Desmond’s wife.”

She smirked. “Oh, I know who you are, the hidden wife. The one he married because—”

“Enough,” Desmond cut in sharply. “Leila, why are you here? Maggie said you wouldn’t be discharged until tomorrow.”

“Lucky me,” I shot back. “While I was lying in a hospital bed, my husband was here entertaining another one of his whores.”

Kavier let out a sharp laugh. “Oh, you think, Watch him leave you for this whore, then. And by the way” she placed a hand over her stomach, smiling like she’d just won a prize “this whore is pregnant.”

The world tilted for a moment, my husband had gotten another woman pregnant.

“You got her pregnant while still married to me,” I said, my voice cracking.

I started laughing hard, so hard they both looked at me like I’d lost my mind.

“Congratulations,” I said, locking eyes with her. “To both of us, because I’m pregnant too, the doctor confirmed it.”

Desmond’s head snapped toward me. “Are you serious?”

“With everything you’ve put me through, you think I’d lie just to keep a piece of trash like you?”

Kavier’s smile vanished, she turned on him. “You told me you stopped touching her months ago! You promised you wouldn’t even look at her, now she is pregnant?”

“Babe, I can explain—”

It broke me, watching my husband try to soothe his mistress while I, his wife, stood there watching, the one who had endured every lie and betrayal.

“Well, he lied,” I said coldly, “because not too long ago, he still fucked me Passionately. It was a long, hard fuck, wasn’t it, Desmond?”

Kavier gasped. “What?” She shoved him hard in the chest, her voice rising as she cursed him. After a minute, she grabbed her bag, threw me a glare, and hissed, “Don’t think you’ve won. He’s still my man, and he’ll divorce you soon.” Then she stormed out.

Desmond ran after her. I stayed exactly where I was, sitting in his chair like I owned it.

A few minutes later, he came back, slamming the door behind him. “You know,” he barked, “you could’ve waited until I got home before announcing your pregnancy. I told you my office is off-limits.”

I looked at him with all the disgust I felt. “And miss the drama? Your office is off-limits to me, but she can stroll in whenever she wants? I came here hoping there was still a chance for us. I was wrong. When you come home, we’ll discuss the divorce.”

His eyes darkened. “What divorce? Not with my baby in your womb. And I’m the one who decides if there’s going to be a divorce or not.”

I smile. “You don’t want a divorce, let's see if your mistress is happy to hear that. And let’s see how well you handle what’s coming. Because I’m going to make your life a living hell.”

I walked right out of his building, my mind already turning over plans. If Desmond thought he could eat his cake and have it too, he had another thing coming.

Selfish bastard.