007

Chapter 7

DAHLIA

I drove behind Desmond from a safe distance and soon, he came to a stop in front of a hotel.

I turned off my car and watched him walk into the hotel.

I couldn't possibly follow him in there to avoid being discovered. So, I stayed back, never letting my eyes leave the hotel's entrance.

Over 30 minutes later, he still wasn't out. I was getting hungry and was already exhausted. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet.

My stomach growled, reminding me that I haven't had breakfast yet.

I sighed, lowering my head on the steering wheel.

“Classic that I'm finding out about all of this while pregnant,” I was nearly in tears.

My pregnancy was supposed to be a thing of excitement for Desmond and I. Now, I'm not even sure.

“This isn't the time to break down,” I reminded myself.

Pulling myself together, I looked towards the hotel's entrance.

The sight before me, made me question all I've heard and believed these few days.

Outside the hotel was Desmond, walking hand in hand with Sophia.

Staring at them, I didn't know what to believe again. Was Desmond really trying to take over the company like Sophia claimed or was everything she said just a scheme to bring a misunderstanding between Desmond and I, so she could take over my place.

I didn't know what to believe. But then, one thing was sure, Desmond was cheating on me with Sophia. Otherwise, why would he lie about meeting a client, only to meet Sophia in a hotel.

I watched them walk into the garage, and soon Desmond's car sped past me. Tony was the one driving, While Desmond and Sophia were in each other's arms.

Watching them made the already harsh reality, even harsher. His betrayal hit me so badly, that I began sobbing. My body was trembling.

“I've been nothing but faithful to Desmond. I've been understanding and caring, not only to him, but to his family as well. But this is all I get in return.”

I was beyond broken.

“I hate you for this, Desmond. I swear, you'll perish!” I sobbed uncontrollably.

For over 20 minutes, I was numb, all I could do was cry.

It was all too much. I am finally pregnant after 5 years of wanting a child of my own. After five years of wanting to raise a child with Desmond. And it all ends like this?

Wiping my tears, I stepped on the accelerator and drove off with no destination in mind. I didn't want to go home to that cheat, I didn't have any friends and couldn't go over to my mum's, Roselle's or my dad's. My relationship with them wasn't the best. We were more like familiar strangers than family.

At that moment, the harsh truth that I was all alone hit me. I had no one, I was just on my own. I had foolishly centred my life on Desmond, he was my all. My refuge, my rock.

“I'm so pathetic!” I let out, aggressively marching the breaks.

I folded my fist and hit my chest.

“You're pitiful, Dahlia,” I cried out, lowering my head on the steering wheel.

My heart was aching, my body was trembling.

“I hate my life,” I kept crying, continuously hitting my chest.

It was just too much for me to take in.

“Dahlia?” An unfamiliar voice called out my name, what followed was a light tap on my window.

“Can't I have a minute for myself?” I cried out, frustrated and angry.

I looked out the window to know who had called my name, and there stood Ronan Knight staring at me.

At that moment, I registered the environment. It was a deserted beach. One I used to hang out alone as a teenager, whenever my parents’ fight was too much or I needed time alone. I haven't been here in years. But my subconsciousness brought me here. I missed the feeling of being here.

I got out of the car, barely acknowledging the man in front of me.

I dragged my legs till I came to a stop in front of the waters. I wiped my tears with my elbow and let out a scream.

“Ahh!!!!!”

Screaming was my therapy, my way of letting out my emotions.

I couldn't stop crying even after screaming, it felt like my entire world was suddenly taken away from me. Like I lost my essence of existence.

I sobbed, till I felt a hand on my shoulder, turning around, it was Ronan Knight. I had completely forgotten about him being here.

“Have this. You look like you need it,” he handed me a glass of vodka.

I looked away. I really needed something strong to knock me out from reality. But then, I was pregnant. I was finally carrying a child.

“I'm pregnant, I can't drink,” I let out in a weak and exhausted voice.

“Congratulations,” Ronan Knight's voice sounded behind me.

I let out a pitiful laugh. I always imagined how Desmond would be the first person to know about my pregnancy, how we'll both celebrate. But here I am, telling another man about my pregnancy.

“Well, Desmond is an asshole. He doesn't deserve to be the father of my child. I won't let a cheating bastard be the fatherly figure in my child's life!” I solemnly declared.

“What?” Ronan Knight seemed taken aback by my outburst.

I rose to my feet, looking at him.

“I said, my damned husband is a cheating bastard and an asshole. He doesn't deserve a place in my unborn child's life. You men are scum!” I cursed.

He stood right in front of me, watching me, a hint of amusement was evident on his face.

I didn't utter another word to him and simply walked past him and got into my car.

Just before I turned in the car, he approached me.

“If you need any help, Dahlia. Contact me,” he handed me a business card, turned around and walked away.

I randomly tossed the card on the seat, and sped off.

Getting home, I tried inserting the keys to the entrance door to unlock it, but found out it was unlocked.

“Desmond's car wasn't in the garage, so who might be inside?” I wondered, then pressed the doorbell.

“I was wondering where you went this early. It's the weekend,” a familiar voice sounded from inside the house, then the door was pulled open.

It was Desmond's mum, Martha.

“Dahlia!” More voices sound right behind her.

It was Desmond's entire family.

“Why are they suddenly here?”