Chapter 1

“Mrs. Ricci, you are pregnant, congratulations,”

I smiled but before my smile could reach my eyes the doctor warned me, “I want you to be very careful. If you miscarried for the third time, you better accept that you will never be a mother.”

My heart shook at the news and my smile faded.

“No, please, give me some vitamins. Or anything, I will take great care of me this time.” I knew Lorenzo will be so happy after learning about my pregnancy.

The first time we never get to know about our pregnancy before we lost it. The second time he took great care of me. He started coming home early and took me out for the first time.

But all of this changed and got back to the old routine when I lost my pregnancy the second time too.

“You should, I am prescribing some medicines…” The doctor said and I read the names of some vitamins.

I went to the pharmacy and quickly bought it. Tonight, on our third anniversary, I was going to gift my husband, this precious news.

I took the bus and then a taxi to our home. Even though my husband was one of the richest men on earth I wasn’t given any amenities. Our marriage was still hidden.

As my husband has quoted a few times, he was looking for a right time. And, I trust his instincts and I know he knows better. And, that day would come soon when he will find it fit to announce it to the world.

Also, we hadn’t dated before our wedding day, so perhaps his decision has given us a window to see what we are to each other.

I walked into my estate to find many cars lined up. It was obvious that many people had arrived at our mansion. And, I was confused because I knew nothing about it.

I slowly walked into the home to find party organizers doing the final touches. But the house was already pouring in with the guests.

Nobody looked at me as a host. Most of them didn’t even know that I was Mrs. Ricci. I slowly took the home elevator but then all of a sudden, realized what it could mean.

We never had any parties at home. And, tonight it is our anniversary. The day has finally arrived when Lorenzo was going to accept me in front of the whole world.

Or nothing could justify this party. This house was never decorated before. Standing on the first floor I, looked down on our spacious living area. And, I couldn’t help the smile showing up on my face.

“Oh God,…” I gasped. “It is happening. It is finally happening.” And, even though I know Lorenzo has over done it I wasn’t going to come with any less news.

I chose a perfect red dress with silver straps to get myself ready for the party. With light make up on my face, I did loose curls to go with it. I also got down to the party to converse with the guests.

One of them asked about me and I replied with a smile. “I am Lorenzo’s classmate from the school.”

And, instantly I was part of the crowd. All of the guests had already arrived. I patiently waited for the moment Lorenzo would come.

Lorenzo’s car pulled up at around seven. I smiled looking at him walking in.

His tall body was overshadowing everyone present at the party. His lean yet muscular frame made him look delicious in that white suit. His face was boyish but he looked in command.

He looked around the room as if looking for someone. My heart beat fastened. His eyes laid on me for a brief moment, but passed me as if he hadn’t recognized me.

I wonder if it was because he had almost never seen me when I am ready for him. At times, whenever I plan something for us he never arrives from the office. I am always wearing thick glasses, with my hair in bun and flip flops on my feet.

Because Lorenzo’s stomach is really sensitive, I always go to the farmer market and hand pick each vegetable and ingredient to make him less spicy food. So, I am always sweaty or carrying heavy grocery bags.

I smiled and walked to him instead. “Thank you so much, Lorenzo,” I greeted him and tried to give him a friendly side hug but his phone vibrated.

He smiled looking down and picked it up instantly.

“Yes, oh, I am right here, yes, I am coming…” He said on the phone and made a run to the outside. As if some important guests has just arrived.

I smiled and waited too alongside with other guests. But the woman who came back with Lorenzo made me frozen in my place.

Aubrey Winslow walked inside in a charming dress and with her hair styled to perfection. “Happy graduation!!!” Everyone yelled and I jumped a little with the shock.

All of them knew what this party was about but not me. My eyes were instantly pooled with tears. But there was no need to hide it. I knew Lorenzo won’t look at me.

I wonder for how long I will find reasons to justify his neglect toward me, our marriage and future. Was he only home to eat my prepared meals?

I had always tried to understand him. But he always surprises me. Lorenzo was the man I could never understand.

He would give me attention only when he wanted to come close to me. And, other times act like I am just another maid walking around.

Lorenzo and Aubrey laughed looking at each other as if they were talking about some old inside joke. Lorenzo corrected her strap as if he had done it several times.

I blinked my eyes, wondering what this meant now. Aubrey Winslow was the first woman Lorenzo fell in love with.

And, no matter how hard I had tried to gain his favor, I was just the daughter of the maid for him.

Perhaps, my husband misses his old love. But it was difficult for me to see. Especially, on our wedding anniversary. Even if there was any hope to win over my husband’s heart, with Aubrey coming back in our lives, it was next to impossible.

The reality was, Aubrey didn’t need a wife’s title to get her hands on Lorenzo. Her smile could tell the whole world that the man she was standing with was hers alone.