Chapter 0003

I swear, I didn’t even know where to start — was I supposed to beg for my life or ask for forgiveness for losing his baby, since he was so ecstatic when we found out? Or maybe he would ask me to sign the papers, too?

I shifted uncomfortably at the thought. He still hasn't said a word, just silently staring at me since they left us alone.

Okay, this wasn't helping. I surely had to do something now. I mean, if no one gave a shit about me, at least he should, considering the sacrifices I made for him. I was his wife, for God's sake.

We were going to have a baby if not for the unfortunate incident.

He, of all people, should know what kind of person I was and that I didn't deserve this.

“Rodrigo.” I called his name in a very low tone, not sure of his response, “I… I'm not crazy, I swear I'm–”

“Watch this.” He cut me, and before I could respond, he had his phone screen in my face, which played a video of my son, Anthony—well, their son, but I'm the one who raised him, so he was mine too.

Now the story that was trending was that Valeria, the young heiress of the Wilsons, a surrogate's daughter and of course, daughter-in-law of the Roberts, fell down the stairs, lost her baby, and mind.

And what Aaliyah mentioned earlier about Atlanta gathering at a church to pray for me, yes, they were all fooled into believing that I had broken down, because, yes, sure, I fell down the stairs, and yep, I lost my two-month pregnancy, but I didn't lose my mind.

I was very much aware of everything, and yes, people say crazy people say they are not crazy, but I tested myself. I studied law; I didn't work but had a degree. I tested myself, asking myself questions, and surprisingly got the answers, so how can a crazy person still be this smart, still be able to solve difficult math problems?

Because let's be honest, they have brought me here to the mental hospital with real crazy inmates, and trust me, those people were nothing like me.

I would pass by some who were deliberately hitting their heads against the wall for fun, and others just talking about things that didn't make sense; others even dressed crazily, wearing underwear on their heads.

I could see that as wrong because I was not crazy, and yes, I didn't just fall down the stairs on my own; the boy I raised as mine, the boy I gave up my career for, is the one who pushed me.

Anthony.

He is Aaliyah and Rodrigo's son; he's twelve. I don't know what had gotten into him, but he doesn't want me anymore; he wants his birth mother. He made it clear; he said I stole his mother's place and wanted me to give it back to her.

Well, you might think that's all he did. I wish that too, but sadly not, as he went ahead and made a video saying I was drinking and then fell on my own. Atlanta believed that, and that's what brings us to the current situation.

“See this?” He asked, which made me nod my head before wiping tears from my cheeks, “He is very happy with her.”

“You know I didn't choose this,” I said, my voice barely audible.

“You love him, right?” I nodded my head. I mean, how could I not? I loved him; he was my son. “Then sign them as he asks.”

“I can't do that. I can't sign those papers.” I said, shaking my head, I will never sign those papers.

“Oh, God.” He pocketed his phone and palmed his forehead, almost as if my voice exhausted him. “Just sign them, Valeria; sign and let us all move on.”

“There are divorce papers.”

“Yes, and custody agreement—you are in no position to take care of a twelve-year-old, talk of the one who doesn't want you.”

“I’m not crazy.”

“I know, everyone knows, but we have no space for you in our lives.”

“What?!”

“Oh, Val, come on…” He chuckled, “I mean, Aaliyah—”

“Aaliyah, what?” I was now fuming. I don't know how I was still able to speak or how my voice suddenly sounded so confident and loud.

“You knew from the beginning that this was how it was going to end.”

“No.” I sniffed, wiping my tears.

“I told you, Val, it was temporary. Aaliyah was going to return; she was not just going to abandon her son for life. This was made clear; you were informed, so stop acting like this.” He didn't shout, but his voice was enough to cause me a headache, but even with the headache, I still centered myself and spoke, as I knew if I had to negotiate, it was with him.

“I was told she would be back, back for everything, but I wasn't told I would end up here; I wasn't told I would be called crazy.”

“Which can end if you sign.”

“So you can marry her?”

“Like it’s a question.” He scoffed. Something told me he was enjoying all of this. I even saw a smile on his lips. I mean, it didn't last, but the Rodrigo I knew never smiled, so was he this happy because of her? Well, I won't give them what they want then.

“I'm never signing those papers.”

“Are you serious?”

“If I lose everything, then I will make sure you two won't get what you want; you won't marry her.” I made it clear, and no, I wasn't capping. If this is my payment for being a good person, then I might as well show them the other side of Val.

“You know better than that.”

“I do. Now, if you’re done, leave my room. I mean…” I struggled and got on my feet. Like I said, I don't know where this strength was coming from. “If you're not going to hit me, then get out and go and host my memorial like you planned because I'm never, ever signing anything!” I screamed at the top of my lungs that I was sure people from outside heard me as the door opened, and my best friend, Millie, came in.

Okay, I didn't know what to expect from her.

I turned to Rodrigo, who was just scratching his head, and when I faced back to Millie, she shook her head, full of tears, and before I could ask if she believed them, she took me in her arms, hugging me so tightly that I broke down as I sobbed in her arms.