Chapter 0001

GEORGIA, ATLANTA 2017

~SIERRA~

I took a sip of my drink before my eyes roamed. Everything about the day was perfect, sunny, classy restaurant, expensive wine, and soft country music in the background—perfect for a date, right? Only it wasn’t a date—well, maybe for my husband, but not for me. 

I placed my glass down on the table as my gaze fell on a couple who I presumed to be on their first date or maybe just trying to have lunch. He pulled a chair out for her, and she muttered something in his ear, which he giggled at, and he took his seat across from her. He took her hands into his, sweetly looking at her, and he started talking. My eyes wandered back to my husband, who was deep in conversation with his friends. 

When I looked at the two women, my husband’s friends' wives, I started to regret coming here. They were engaged in a conversation, talking about business and fashion; I didn’t know anything about it. 

I looked back at my husband; I was sure he had forgotten I was even here with him. My fingers danced on the edge of the glass then suddenly everyone at the table stood up and started screaming a name: “Cassie?” They were excited. 

My eyes followed the direction of their eyes and I saw a very beautiful, model-shaped woman with copper hair and green eyes. Her curves were in the right places. I instantly felt intimidated. I was the only plus-sized woman here, and now another model joins us. 

I took a sip of my wine as I watched them hug and kiss her cheeks, even my husband, who was now clinging to her arms. I cleared my throat as I started to get uncomfortable, and they pulled away.

“I know everyone except for her; who’s she?” The woman asked and my husband pulled out a seat for her, next to him.

“Sierra, Damian’s wife,” Lily answered. The woman nodded and looked at me with a little smile before she turned her attention to my husband, who was lovingly staring at her.

“So Cassie, you got divorced, tell us, was the process easy?” Lily asked and Ava pinched her.

"No Ava, it’s fine, the divorce doesn’t hurt me anymore. I cried, but not anymore. I’m glad I’m over it,” she said, looking at them just for a second before turning her attention back to my husband. She looked back at Ava and everyone at the table, then took my husband’s glass.

“It was very easy, we both agreed,” she said.

“Why did you two get a divorce?” Lily asked and Ava once again tried to stop her.

“We both want different things, one shouldn’t settle for less when they can have the best,” she said and sipped on my husband’s glass, the same glass he sipped on. 

Then the conversation went on, they started talking and catching up, and I felt lost. Once again, they disregarded me as they reminded themselves of the old days. Then I decided to do something. I slightly held on to my husband's arm.

“We need to take our leave, husband, I’m not feeling well,” I said. I didn’t lie, as I felt slight cramps in my abdomen, I assumed my period was near. He flinched at my touch.

“You can go, I’ll catch you at home,” he said, continuing to admire the woman as she stunned everyone with her accomplishments.

“Damian here is offering me the CEO position in The Winters Company, right, Dami?” She said, still holding his arm, and he nodded while everyone’s eyes looked at me. They realized what my husband was doing was wrong, but they didn't care, they didn't like me even one bit—maybe Lily, but not the four of them, which included my husband.

As everyone turned their attention back to the woman, my husband flattered her.

“I just don’t understand men, how can they afford to lose such a gem, smart, intelligent, and beautiful at that?” He said and once again, everyone’s eyes stared at me, I awkwardly took another sip of my drink. 

Did my husband bring me here to embarrass me? I asked myself but as I placed the glass on the table and felt a sharp pain in my abdomen.

“Ah!” I screamed, and Lily ran to my side.

“Sierra, are you okay?” She asked as everyone else came to my side, not that they cared as I could make that up from their faces.

“I…I…” I was at a loss for words. A warm tear rolled down my cheek as I stared at my husband, who was still seated chatting with the woman.

“Damian, your wife, I think we need to get her to the hospital,” Lily’s husband suggested.

“Trust me, she’s fine, she’s just being dramatic,” he said, looking back at the woman, and that’s when I felt another sharp pain in between my thighs.

“Ah!” Another scream escaped my lips, and Lily supported me by holding my shoulders.

“Damian, we’re taking her to the hospital. I don’t know about you, but I will not have peace of mind knowing I watched someone in pain and did nothing,” Lily said and gestured to her husband, who quickly took the hint as he helped her and tried to stand me up. After succeeding, they walked me out, with Ava and her husband following.

As we reached the exit door, I felt another sharp pain in between my thighs. It didn't register much as my eyes promptly closed and I lost consciousness.

******

I woke up to the beeping sound and smell of disinfectant. I opened my eyes and abruptly got up as my eyes studied my environment. White wall, a small couch by the corner, and a small window. I quickly looked at my body at the realization, and it confirmed the green hospital gown.

I felt a stinging pain in my head and I let out a soft discomfort sound.

“Ouch!”

My eyes fell on the IVs connected to my wrists. I almost pulled them off when the door suddenly opened and my husband walked in. Just looking at him reminded me of the reason I married him. 

At 6 feet, he is muscular, with hair of medium length with waves that flow elegantly down his back. As my eyes looked at his face, I felt butterflies in my stomach, I always lost myself in his chocolate brown eyes. 

I felt my muscles relax, as I realized he didn’t abandon me. 

“What happened?” I pretended to ask just to have a conversation, but he didn't respond and instead looked at me with disgust. He always looked at me that way, I was used to it.

“Sierra, she’s back, everything between us ends today,” he said calmly.