CHAPTER 11

It was Saturday morning, and Becky was all over the place. A wedding planner sat across from her, handing her an iPad filled with different cake designs and options for decor. Becky scrolled through them like a child in a candy store, her eyes lighting up with every swipe.

"I think this one! No, wait, that one!" she said, squealing.

The front door opened. Lucas came in, drenched in sweat from his workout. A small towel was around his neck. Becky dropped the iPad and rushed toward him, like a child in search of her mother.

"Baby!" she said, planting a kiss on his cheek. "You’re just in time. Let’s sit down and go through this together. We need to finalize some decisions today, there are so many beautiful designs to choose from."

Lucas gave a small smile, trying to be polite. "I’ll be down soon. I just need a quick shower and then catch up on a few emails."

"But it’ll just take a moment!" Becky said, tugging his arm playfully.

"Please, let me shower first," he said, “I am all sweaty, you can continue with her.”.

He went upstairs and went straight to the bathroom. The cold water touched his skin, but it wasn’t refreshing. His head was heavy with thoughts. As the water poured down his body, he leaned his hands on the tiled wall, eyes shut. Something in his chest felt tight, like a glimpse of sadness.

He should be happy, right? A wedding, a child on the way. A fresh start. But why did he feel this way? Why did he feel like he was walking into something he wasn’t prepared for?

He stepped out, dried off, and dressed. When he entered the room again, Becky was lying on the bed, her silk robe loosely tied. She had one leg bent slightly, her hair spread on the pillow, like a scene from one of those magazines.

"I thought you were downstairs," he said, reaching for his watch and clothes.

"I was," she replied with a smirk. "But the baby needs me to rest. And… maybe you too."

She stood, untied the robe, and let it fall slightly, revealing her small baby bump.

Lucas didn’t respond the way she hoped. He took a step back and said, "Not today."

Becky’s face dropped. "Are you resisting me now?"

"I said, not today," he repeated, pulling his shirt over his head. He turned toward the door, then paused.

"Where’s Maya’s bag?" he asked.

"Why?"

"Because she’s coming with me. I already told the maid to pack her things."

A few minutes later, Maya came out of her room dressed neatly, her little bag already packed.

"Daddy!" she said, hugging his leg.

Lucas bent down, kissed her forehead, and picked up the bag. The maid followed behind, placing it in the car. Without another word to Becky, he drove off.

*************

Lucas knocked on Amaya’s door. She opened it, her face bare of makeup, eyes curious, and he was the last person she was expecting to show up at his door.

"Aunt!" Maya shouted and ran to her.

"Hey, sweet girl! Look at you," Amaya said, scooping her up. "Let’s go inside. I have chocolates waiting."

Maya giggled and ran in with her teddy bear.

Lucas stood there, uncertain.

"Please," he started. "Can she stay with you for now? I need someone I trust to take care of her. She’s too young to understand everything happening. The wedding plans… It’s a lot."

Amaya folded her arms.

"Of course, I’ll take care of my goddaughter. She’s too innocent to get polluted by that mess you’re calling a life. Give me her bag."

She dragged the bag inside, then came back and faced him.

"Burn in hell, Lucas. And may every joy slip through your fingers."

She shut the door.

***********************

Alicia stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a sleek black suit with a white designer bag in hand. Her short gown, suit, and pantyhose fit her like they were made just for her.

She ran a hand across her cheek. It still amazed her. Her reflection no longer makes her feel insecure. She looked powerful, sophisticated, and beautiful.

All thanks to Captain Smith. She had everything she needed, clothes, shoes, even an iPhone filled with apps to help her polish her presence. She’d watched hours of YouTube videos to perfect her walk, her expressions, her speech; she wanted to be reborn in every possible essence.

Today, she was starting work. Not just any job. A key position in one of the country's top multinational companies owned by Captain Smith himself.

She stepped out of her room, and there was Tim. He paused mid-step.

"You’re beautiful," he said.

She gave a small smile. "Thank you."

They didn’t talk much. He was hardly home, but he always made sure she was fed well, a gesture she will always be indebted to.

The driver stood outside, ready. She got in, and they drove off.

*************************

The building was massive, it was befitting of the type of position it holds in the company. As Alicia stepped out, heads turned.

"Is she a model?"

"No, she’s someone important."

"That’s the new executive assistant, right?"

Her assistant, Vicky, came rushing down.

"Good morning, ma’am. Let me help with your bag."

"No, I’m fine," Alicia said politely. "Call me Daniella. Just Daniella."

Vicky nodded and guided her to her office.

It was everything Alicia once dreamed of: clean lines, big windows, leather seats, and a view of the city skyline.

"You’ll love it here," Vicky said, placing a file on the desk. "These are your schedules and task updates."

"Thank you," Alicia replied, sitting down.

She opened the laptop and got to work. Hours passed. She lost herself in the tasks. It felt like she was meant to be here.

The phone buzzed.

It was a F******k notification.

Becky.

Alicia had created a secret account just to monitor her sister’s social activities. She always told Becky to keep things low, but Becky loved showing off, glad she didn’t heed that advice.

She opened the post.

There it was.

A picture.

White wedding background. Becky’s hand with a ring, captioned, "Two shall become one, officially Mrs. David, this man here spoils me to the moon."

Another picture followed. Becky and Lucas smiling like they were starring in a commercial.

Alicia zoomed in. The small baby bump was showing.

She stared, and stared.

She put the phone down, leaned back in her chair, and then started laughing.

A full, deep laugh.

She couldn’t tell if it was pain or pure disbelief, but she laughed until her chest hurt.