CHAPTER 1

I bounced my way upstairs, my fingers fiddling around the tips of my hair. Unable to hide the beams of excitement bubbling in my eyes.

Today was mine and Jason's eighth year wedding anniversary.

A milestone?!. Yes I know.

I was dressed from head to toes for the occasion. The thought of Jason and I spending time alone kept me on my toes and unable to sit still.

With the surety that he must be in his study room probably preparing another bout of amazing surprises, a smile etched itself onto my face.

It was getting pretty hard to wait with all the anticipation going on in my mind.

I arrived in front of his study room while dilly-dallying with the wildly vivid fantasies that still playing at the back of my mind.

A sigh escaped my lips, today was going to be amazing.

I stood before the oakwood door taking in deep breaths. Staring at the door which seemed to stare back at me coldly.

I shrugged my shoulders without the slightest care - it had always been that way, same and unresponsive.

None of that could deter me anyways, i was here for my most beloved......

Jason Smith.

My hands reached out for the metal door handle when I paused - involuntarily.

Voices.........

I could hear voices coming in from the office. Though I was sure that my husband and son were the only ones in there.

But the third voice - it sounded feminine and was strangely familiar.

Strangely.

I pulled myself, leaning against the thick oakwood. Hoping to eavesdrop on the conversation. My thoughts were, probably they were planning a big surprise for the day.

A lavish party, a get- away trip to some exotic island. Designer gifts. Jason always made sure to lavish me with gifts and surprises.

I chuckled. Today wasn't going to be any different, i was sure of it.

I leaned in quick hoping not to miss the surprise. Luckily I could surprise them later by revealing it to them, as childish as it sounded. It was fun.

Then I heard it.

The voices coming from inside.

"Honey, how long are you going to keep flirting around with that limp. It's so lonely here without you. I miss you."

Listening to that sweet sugar coated voice made me furrow my eyebrows in a tight knit. Several questions playing around in a hoop popped up in my mind.

Where had i heard that voice from?.

Honey?!.

Was there another woman that i had no idea about?!.

Was Jason cheating on me with another woman?!.

I slapped my forehead, dumping those thoughts in a trash can that only existed in my mind.

There was no way. No absolute way that my husband would cheat on me. He was no playboy and he is loyal,he proved that to me - several times.

We were perfect. A happy family of three. This was my blessing and Jason always made it a point to always assure me of it.

Everyday. Like it was some form of acclamation of our relationship and the determination we had to stay together.

Forever.

Jason would never sleep with another woman. I was his only one,his true love.

But his next words.......were bound to shatter everything.

"Sweetheart, I'm trying everything possible to see to that. I'm pulling every string in order for us to be together again - as a family." Jason's low husky voice paused.

I downed my saliva, my hands trembling. Though I wondered if it was from the cold or from the fact that anxiety was beginning to take root in my heart.

"But first, I have to make sure that she doesn't spill anything about what happened nine years ago." - he continued.

My eyes darted around frantically. From the stairs to the potted plant that sat at the foot of the door.

Nine years ago...........

The only incident that occurred nine years ago was.............

I hissed. Pain coursing through my body, especially my head like an electrical current.

That memory, that memory.......

I rather that i do not recall such painful past. I had made a choice to move on - there was no going back.

"Hmph!!, but I miss your touch dearly. Besides, what did i do wrong?!. I just ran into some old folks car, what's even the big deal??".

I heard the other lady scoff from the other end of the phone line.

Jason chuckled, his deep throaty laughter filling up the study space.

"You sure do not know just how much trouble you caused back then,huh?". You little trouble maker."- his voice was filled with indulgence, something that I wasn't so opportuned to have.

" Nevermind, all I'm waiting for is for the statute of limitations to pass by and for all leads to grow cold. Just be a little bit patient, Irina, I'm all yours. And i ain't running" - he chuckled.

I winced again, sensing another piece of that dark memory stepping into the light.

IRINA.......

I could never forget that name. The lady who doomed us all and stripped me of everything I had once held dear in my heart.

IRINA WILLIAMS.

My heart ached in pain but I had to steel myself. Brace my heart for the impact - i had to know more.

"So, are you visiting me today?!. I miss having you in me. And hey, I hope you haven't been going all giddy with that limp?!"- her coquettish voice sounded soft like a bit of fluffy fillings.

"No. But today's my eighth year wedding anniversary with Selene". - Jason rasped, disgust treading low in his voice.

"Tsk tsk, it seems to me that you would rather prefer that limped woman over me." - she cut in,her voice high and condescending.

"No,Aunt Irina. That dull,generic mother of mine is nothing compared to you. It makes me wish we could get rid of her faster, so that you can be my mum instead".

I was stumped, livid at most. Little Edward had just called me, dull and generic. Even trying to get rid of me.

It hurt. It hurt my heart so bad, almost as if i had been cut by a thousand knives.

But I had to keep listening. Torture?!, yes it was.

Absolute and complete torture.

Jason chuckled. I could picture it vividly, his gorgeously carved features and deepened dimples with a condescending smirk etched on his fine thin lips.

I had hoped for a surprise, but unfortunately this was more than I could bear