Marietta's POV"Mr. Whitmore has a daughter? How?" I heard some of my colleagues mutter."How? I thought they were divorced?" Another added.My eyes darted from Granny Lorette to Elsie. I yanked my hands off from Michael's and made my way out."Etta!" Elsie called but I didn't answer.Making my way out, Clara quickly got the car door for me. "Marietta, wait!" Elsie pulled me back. Spinning me around, I clashed against his chest. For a moment, his eyes bored into mine, and quickly I withdrew myself. "Elsie, the reporters will be here any minute. I need to leave," I answered."What was he talking about?" Elsie pointed at the door."Can we talk about this later, Elsie? I'm not in my right state of mind," I whispered.Making my way back to the car, Elsie's voice echoed from behind."Do you still love him?" He asked yet again.Over the years, one thing has kept me going. And that was Valerie. But also, I couldn't stop thinking about Michael. The more I thought about him, the more I go
Marietta's POV I had woken up to a call from Bella.“Bella, what’s up?” I asked.Looking beside me–he was gone.“It’s Valerie,” Bella paused.“Is she okay?” I quickly stood up from bed.“Good morning sunshine,” Elsie’s voice halts me in my tracks.I thought he left. He never did?“Etta? You had a man over?” Bella teased.I couldn’t help but leave the room in a shy manner.“Let’s talk about my daughter. Where is she?” I questioned.“She seems to be asking after her dad lately,” Bella replied.“Can I talk to her on the phone?” I inquired. “Not at all. She's asleep,” Bella heaved a sigh. For the first time in three years, I got confused. “Bella, I don't know what to do.” I ranted. “Valerie's just three years old and she's asking for her father. What do you think will happen in years to come?” I spoke impatiently. “Calm down,” Bella responded quickly. “I think you've been away for too long. And she needs you, Etta.” Bella concluded. “Do you think I should bring her to America?” I
Marietta’s POV “What do you say?” He asked again. I was about to respond when I heard Bella’s footsteps. I quickly hung up and pretended nothing happened. I was shivering so badly that Bella had to get me some of her clothes. “Here,” she stretched the cup of coffee towards me. “Thanks,” I gently placed the cup of coffee on the table while I changed into a new set of dry clothes. I watched Bella aim for the room, and the next minute, she was back with a hair dryer. “Your hair is wet.” She broke the silence. “Thanks,” was all I could say. The silence continued for a long time. And only the air dryer alone was the sound that filled the air. “Marietta,” “I'm listening,” I answered bluntly. I'm not sure what my feelings are right now. But I could tell I was losing interest in everything. “We are at risk,” Bella started. A conversation I wasn't ready to listen to. I felt so angry within myself. But I knew someone had to say it. I've got nothing to lose but Bella still has
Marietta’s POVThe night should have ended here.I had played my part. I had smiled, I had accepted my award, and I had made my statement. I should have been able to slip into the background now, enjoy the rest of the evening with a glass of champagne and a few well-placed deflections.But fate—or perhaps something far more cruel—had other plans."Ladies and gentlemen," the host’s voice rang out, smooth and confident. "Before we continue with our celebrations, we have a special moment planned."A hum of curiosity spread through the ballroom. My fingers curled tighter around my champagne glass."As you all know, tonight is about honoring excellence, resilience, and the undeniable power of talent." The host smiled warmly, looking out over the crowd. "And what better way to mark this occasion than with a dance?"A polite ripple of applause.I exhaled quietly. Fine. A dance. Let them twirl around in overpriced gowns and polished shoes. It had nothing to do with me.But then—"And who bett
Marietta’s POV“Cancel every meeting for tomorrow. Book a flight to Paris. Now Clara!” I ordered.“Hey, Etta. Calm down.” Elsie grabbed my face.“It’s alright,” he patted my head.Placing my head on his chest, I wept.“I promise you, she’ll be fine,” Elsie assured me.“Do you want me to come with you?” Elsie asked.“Someone needs to be here. We’ve got a movie cast in a few days to Christmas, Elsie.” I wiped off my tears.“I have to go,” I said. “I’ll always call you. If you need anything from me, don’t hesitate to let me know, okay?” Elsie shouted from behind.It took me two hours before I got to the airport. “Clara, you won’t be going with me. But please, give Elsie all the support he needs.” “Yes, ma’am,” Clara bowed.My flight was a very tiring one. I couldn’t help myself.All through the journey, I was just tearing up. Making use of my scarf to cover my face. Since I was in first class, there was less disturbance from fans.It took me ten hours to get off the plane. I didn’t wa
Marietta's POVNine months of pain, discomfort, and struggle had led to this moment."The baby is here! One last push!" the nurse urged, her voice laced with encouragement.Drenched in sweat, I mustered every last ounce of strength. A piercing scream escaped my lips as I made the final push. Then—relief. My body slackened as exhaustion consumed me, and tears welled in my eyes.I barely registered the tiny cries echoing in the room. The baby had come early. I had been terrified I wouldn't survive this—my first childbirth, all alone in a foreign place.The nurse cradled my baby in her arms. "A healthy little girl," she murmured with a smile.With the last bit of energy I had left, I lifted my weak gaze toward the small bundle. My child. My family."Finally…" I whispered, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I have a family in this world."Then, darkness consumed me.A knock at the door pulled me from unconsciousness. My eyelids fluttered open to see a nurse standing beside my bed."Hi," she g