Marietta’s POV
“I can’t believe you are still in bed!”
Michael’s voice cut through my groggy mind like a knife.
“And why haven’t you packed up earlier?” he demanded, his brow furrowed in frustration.
“Michael, I’m sick,” I murmured weakly, my body heavy with exhaustion.
“Are you aware that your flight is scheduled to take off five hours from now?!”
“I think I might have caught a fever last night.”
“Stop lying, Etta,” he snapped, his disbelief stinging me more than my fever.
“I’m not,” I bit back, my voice hoarse.
“You are leaving this afternoon. I’ll drive you to the airport, and you must leave even if you don’t want to!” Michael flared up and stormed out, his anger lingering in the air.
A bitter smile curled my lips. Michael driving me to the airport himself? How ironic.
“C’mon, Marietta, don’t be stupid. He just wants to make sure you leave,” I scoffed under my breath, closing the door behind him.
I dragged myself to the bed, my body aching. Maybe a short nap would help.
A few hours later, I checked my temperature.
“A hundred degrees?” I whispered in shock. “My fever is getting worse.”
Dropping my travel bag, I fumbled through my locker for medicine. But as soon as I popped a pill into my mouth, panic surged through me.
“Jesus! I almost forgot. I can’t use this.” I spit it out immediately, my heart pounding.
I was pregnant. I couldn’t take chances with my baby’s health.
I reached for my phone to check if the medicine was safe during pregnancy, but nausea struck suddenly. I barely made it to the bathroom before throwing up.
I wasn’t paying attention when my foot slipped on the wet tiles.
“Jeez! Fuck!” I winced as pain shot through my ankle. I clenched my teeth, gripping the sink for support.
From outside the bathroom, I heard Michael’s angry voice.
“What the hell is keeping her so late? Marietta, aren’t you supposed to be packed by now?!” he shouted.
I forced myself up and hobbled out, exhaustion and fever weighing me down.
Michael’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I can’t believe you’re not even dressed yet.”
Too weak to argue, I simply stood there.
“You know what? Get dressed. You’re leaving now,” he ordered, his patience worn thin.
Without waiting, he grabbed random clothes and stuffed them into my suitcase. I barely managed to slip into a dress before he grabbed my hand, dragging me downstairs.
As we reached the car, dizziness blurred my vision, and I barely remembered to ask him about the baby’s things. But deep down, I knew better—Michael didn’t want this baby.
Telling him about the pregnancy wasn’t an option. He’d probably suggest an abortion. And I wasn’t going to let that happen.
At the airport, Michael didn’t even step out of the car.
“Alex, walk her down,” he ordered his assistant, not sparing me a second glance.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, feeling an unbearable emptiness.
Before I left, Alex turned to me with a polite bow. “According to my boss, Granny Lorette will deposit money into your account.”
“Oh… okay,” I blinked in disbelief. A part of me felt relieved, but another part ached at the coldness in Michael’s gesture.
“At least I’ll have something to survive on,” I whispered, clutching my stomach.
Alex hesitated before adding, “Granny Lorette also hopes you’ll call her once you arrive.”
I nodded weakly, stepping away from the only home I had ever known.
*************
A Month Later
I sighed as I waited for my roommate, Valerie, to finish her call. My heart pounded with anxiety.
“Valerie, please, could you help me with my rent? Just this once. I swear I’ll pay you back.”
Valerie rolled her eyes, clearly irritated. “Seriously? I already covered your rent last month, Etta. If you’re this broke, maybe acting isn’t for you.” She scoffed before leaving the room.
Her words stung.
Acting had always been my dream, but right now, I wasn’t sure if I could even afford to keep dreaming.
As the door slammed shut, I stared at my phone. I checked my bank app again.
Still no money.
“I don’t understand… why is my account frozen?” I whispered.
For weeks, I had been working part-time jobs, selling anything valuable I had left. But it wasn’t enough.
Tears welled up as I curled around my small baby bump. “I can’t do this… I can’t even afford my pregnancy checkup next week.”
I wiped my tears, staring at my phone’s contact list. There was only one person left to call.
Granny Lorette.
I dialed again. No answer. Again and again, but still, nothing.
Frustration and fear twisted inside me.
Biting my lip, I hesitated before dialing another number. The last person I wanted to call.
Michael.
The phone rang four times before he picked up.
“Michael?” I whispered.
His voice was cold. “What do you want?”
Hearing him after a month apart made my chest tighten painfully. But I swallowed my emotions.
“Did Grandmother change her number? I’ve been trying to reach her,” I asked cautiously.
A cruel chuckle came from the other end. “Oh, she changed it, alright.”
I frowned. “Why?”
Michael sneered. “Because of you.”
My heart dropped.
“I asked her to change it so you’d stop disturbing her. Thanks to Katty for the wise advice,” he said with obvious disdain.
Tears burned my eyes as his words sank in.
Granny Lorette… abandoned me too?
Michael’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Why did you call?”
Marietta's POVMy heart raced faster as Jackson closed the gap between us.I swallowed hard, trying to avoid eye contact. "This is an office, Mr. Sterling." I stuttered."And I would love it very much if you can have your seat," I added.I tried to push my chair backward, but Jackson's grip on it was too strong.Right now, I'm so scared and I swear my heart could fail anytime from now.The rate at which it was beating were way too fast. The last time I felt this way was three years ago. Those times when I waited so hard for Michael to acknowledge my feelings.Days when I wish he could reciprocate my feelings. I thought after getting married to him, things were going to be different.Yes, they were different. But that is when we are having sex.Once that part is over, Michael tosses me away like I was some sort of thrash.It took a long time for me to know he was in love with Katty. And everything I did, every attempt I made to make sure he loves me back, were futile.And now, wit
Marietta’s POV“Etta,”“Ma’am,”Jumping out of bed, I felt a headache struck me.“Sorry about that. But you need to get back to work,” Bella said, helping me out of bed. “You are dressed?”“Yes. I have to go back to work. I had quit before…”“Why?”“It’s a long story. I’m back now,” she answered.Could she have quit because of me? “You don’t need to think about anything. I just needed my friend back.” Bella said, signaling Clara to get the maids.“What are the things on her list today?” Bella questioned.“She needs to attend Hollywood’s Premiere in the next two hours,” Clara said staring at her wristwatch.“I’ll have the maids make some tea for you. Get into the bathroom,” Bella commanded, while she signaled the maids to clean the room.Upon getting into the bathroom, I started to think about what I had seen earlier. It felt so real. Why am I suddenly seeing this guy? “It’s just a fling, Marietta. No love remember?”“Are you saying something, Ma’am?” Clara’s voice echoed from the r
Michael's POVI had closed for the day's work. I was heading home when my phone suddenly rang in my pocket. I was about to pick up the call when one of the staff called out to me. “Mr. Whitmore,” she ran towards me. No doubt, Gloria was the best lady I've ever worked with. She is a good woman as far as I know. A genius when it comes to Artificial intelligence and Machine learning. And yes, I admire her for that. Gloria is smart, intelligent, independent and to top it all–she’s beautiful.Ever since I employed her, she has always been admiring me. And yes, I’d be lying if I were to say I didn’t notice that.“Yes,” I answered. Adjusting my glasses to look at her. She seemed a bit shy, but I looked past her shyness and just kept my calm.Is everything okay?” I questioned.“Y-Yes.” She stuttered.“Since we won the contract. I was thinking you’d be interested in the night party,” she proposed.“Not at all. I’ll pass. Enjoy,” I responded coldly.Just as I was about to leave, her
Marietta’s POVI was about to take a step backward when I tripped on my heels and fell backward.Aiden was quick to grab me behind, and pulled me to himself, causing me to come face-to-face with him.His ragged breath fanned my face, and for a moment, I got lost in his eyes.The other night, I was too drunk to notice his blue emerald eyes. But getting much more closer to him–I’d agree that he was one of the most handsome Greek gods I’ve ever met.How could someone have all this beauty? His blonde hair complimented his blue eyes. Not to talk of his tiny nose, and his well-shaped face with his thin lips. I was about to push him off, but he wouldn’t even let go of me. Suddenly I felt so hot, just like I had felt back in the Hollywood Premier hall upon seeing him. I could barely concentrate as the memories of the other night kept playing in my head.“T–thanks,”“Mmmm…” “Can we discuss business now?” I stuttered, trying to lose his grip on me.“Seriously?” He said, tossing some hair off
Michael's POV I thought Gloria was going to help out the other time. But it turned out that I was wrong. I need to see Marietta. I just need to. Picking up my car keys, I made my way out of the house. All through the drive, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. “I just need to see her,” I whispered. Upon getting to her place, the first thing that greeted me was the silence. There are no guards and no cars; it looks mostly like a haunted house. The last time I saw her, she didn't look too good. And she has threatened me to leave.Could she have left because of me?“Marietta!” I called out. “Can you hear me? Pl see let's talk!” Just as I was about to make my way in.I saw a car coming from afar and I quickly approached. I'm very sure they all know me by now since I'm a popular celebrity who is already losing all he has. “Sorry, so you have any idea about Ms. Etta?” I quickly asked. My eyes were all cold already as I shivered in the snow. “You didn't read the news?” The o
Marietta’s POVThe rays of the sun shine brighter.Reflecting through the white curtains which were tossed by the gentle breeze. I yawned and was about to stretch when I realized I wasn't the only one on the bed. “What the–” I covered my mouth in shock.Raising the bed sheet quickly. I realized I was still intact. “Thank God,” I said.Shoving off the bed sheet, I gently picked up my heels and my handbag. “Headache…” I muttered. Placing a head on my head. Last night's memories came crashing back. FLASHBACK “Let her go!” He ordered. Quickly, the hoodlums turned their attention away from me. “You are a fine young man.” Their leader scoffed. Reaching for one of the iron rods on the floor. A fight ensued.“We are sorry!” Was the next word they chroused.“Scram!” The man yelled. Dropping their weapons they all scurried off. My eyes were already dimming when this stranger helped me. But how I ended up in his bed was what I couldn't remember. FLASHBACK FADES “Bella, I'm scared