Shattered moments.

David's lips inched closer to Rowan's, her heart fluttered with a mix of nervousness and longing. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the touch she secretly craved, even though she knew deep down that David didn't love her. 

Still, in her quiet submission, she hoped to win his affection, willing to endure the pain and humiliation that came with it.

Just as their lips were about to meet, a sudden buzzing from David's phone shattered the fragile moment. David's gaze fell upon the screen of the phone, revealing Flora's name as the caller. He removed his hand from the wall, leaving Rowan standing there, her desires unfulfilled.

David's lips formed a sly grin as he turned his gaze back to Rowan, finding her eyes still closed. She didn't want him to witness her desire for his kiss, afraid of the scorn he might cast upon her. With her eyes shut, she hoped that he would take the phone call as a chance to exit the room without catching her in such a vulnerable state.

"Did you think I would stoop so low as to kiss you?" he jeered, a touch of cruelty in his voice. Instantly Rowan's eyes widened, hurt and confusion flickering in her gaze. She struggled to find her voice, her heart sinking with each passing moment.

"I... I didn't expect..." she stammered, her words trailing off as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had dared to hope, to believe that maybe, just maybe, he would reciprocate her feelings.

David chuckled, the sound dripping with disdain. "Your face tells a different story. Your flushed cheeks and eager anticipation betray your desires," he remarked, relishing in her vulnerability.

His words pierced her heart like sharp daggers, and a pang of self-doubt washed over her. She felt foolish for allowing herself to hope, for believing that she could break through his cold exterior.

Just as the disappointment settled in, David's phone interrupted their interaction once again. He answered the call, his voice softening as he spoke and called Babe over the phone.

A blend of anger and hurt filled Rowan's eyes as she watched David engage in an intimate conversation with another woman. Knowing it was Flora made her feel even more vulnerable, as she had always been aware of their love for each other. Now, she felt like an intruder in their love life.

Frustration and anger surged through her, mingling with a sense of guilt that made her question her selfishness. Without uttering a word, she swiftly turned on her heels and exited the room, seeking refuge in a nearby chamber. She longed for a moment alone to gather herself, to protect her wounded heart.

After composing herself, Rowan returned to the parlor, her gaze focused and her resolve strengthened. As she approached her previous spot, David descended the stairs, a nonchalant expression on his face.

"You needn't wait for me tonight," he stated dismissively, his voice lacking any hint of remorse. The words struck her like a blow to the chest, stealing her breath away.

Confusion and concern furrowed her brow as she mustered the courage to speak. "But... where are you going? It's our wedding night," she questioned, hoping for a glimmer of reassurance.

David's face contorted with anger, his eyes ablaze with disdain. "Whether it's your wedding night or any night, you must never forget your position," he hissed, his words piercing her like a dagger. "You are nothing but a maid, someone who deceived and drugged me to satisfy your selfish desires. Don't you dare forget your place?."

Tears welled up in Rowan's eyes, her voice quivering with a blend of pain and determination. "I am more than just a maid," she whispered to herself as David forcefully shut the door behind him.

Her words held a resilience she never knew she had. "I may have yearned for love, for a deeper connection with you, but I possess a strength that surpasses your expectations. Your words will not shatter me."

Just then Rowan's phone vibrated in her hand, indicating an incoming call from Tessy. She quickly stifled a sob, not wanting Tessy to hear her crying. Tessy advised her to go through with the pregnancy alone, knowing the kind of person David was.

Despite Rowan's fears, she had assured her that she would be strong, reminding her of the financial burden she would face if she chose to raise the child with her mother's medical expenses. Rowan held onto the hope that within the two years of their agreed marriage contract, she would find a better opportunity for herself and her baby.

Through her trembling voice, she greeted Tessy, attempting to conceal her sadness. But Tessy's keen perception detected the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Are you alright? Are you crying?" Tessy inquired, prompting Rowan to swiftly adjust her tone to a more pleasant one.

"No, why did you call, Tessy?" Rowan feigned ignorance, pretending not to know.

Tessy refused to be deceived. "You shouldn't lie to me, even if you deceive others. I can discern the sound of your tears or laughter. Please, tell me what's troubling you," she insisted.

Rowan, who had been longing for this moment, could no longer hold back her tears. They cascaded down her cheeks uncontrollably.

"He went to meet Flora on our wedding night. He insulted me, accusing me of drugging him for my own selfish desires. He declared that he wouldn't be coming home tonight, on our wedding night..." Rowan's voice faltered, and she paused to clear her throat.

Aware of her misplaced emotions, Rowan acknowledged, "I know I shouldn't feel jealous or angry that he went to see her. I have no right to be jealous. I realize it's selfish of me to experience such emotions, but I can't control how I feel. It's painful to know that he will be with another woman on our wedding day," she admitted, her tears continuing to flow.

"I'm sorry, Rowan. I told you before that you love him, even when you denied it. That's why I didn't want you to marry him. He loves someone else..." Tessy began, but Rowan swiftly interrupted her.

Rowan's voice trembled with resignation. "I know, Tessy. I know I shouldn't feel like this about him. I guess I'm just as selfish as he always said I was."

Tessy's response came with determination. "No, Rowan. You're not selfish."

Rowan's voice grew firm. "I am, Tessy. Please don't try to make me feel better. I know it deep inside."

Tessy refused to let her believe that. "You're not, Rowan. You're trapped in a situation beyond your control. And remember, you didn't drug David that night."

"That's why I called you. I asked my uncle, who is a doctor, for help. I explained everything to him. He said it's possible David was drugged with a substance that causes sexual arousal. He also mentioned that the sweat or clothes of someone who was drugged could be examined to confirm if they were indeed drugged. Since you mentioned that David didn't allow anyone to wash the clothes he wore that night and that you noticed a strange scent coming from his body inside the bag his girlfriend brought to the mansion the next day, I suspect something suspicious. I suggest you look for those clothes, and we can take them to my uncle for examination. Maybe finding the truth will give you both a chance to work things out for the sake of your child. I don't want him to resent his child because of you," Tessy revealed, causing Rowan's eyes to widen.

Rowan's voice shook with anticipation as she asked, "Are you sure, we can prove my innocence "

Tessy's response carried a glimmer of reassurance, "Yes."

A surge of hope swelled inside Rowan, and a hopeful smile adorned her face. She understood that there was a possibility to make David see her innocence, to dispel the accusations that had plagued their relationship. Without dwelling on Tessy's other words, Rowan said a quick goodnight, ending the call. With determination etched on her face, she entered David's bedroom, hoping to find the clothes he wore on that significant night.

Her heart raced with a mix of nerves and resolve as she carefully searched the wardrobe, her hands trembling slightly. Each item of clothing she examined held the potential to reveal the truth, to free her from the burden of false accusations. The room buzzed with tension, a silent struggle between her desperate need for vindication and the fear of what she might uncover.

Then, amidst the neatly hung shirts and folded trousers, she spotted it—a crumpled shirt tucked away behind the others. Holding her breath, she cautiously picked it up, feeling a rush of emotions flooding through her. This piece of clothing, once ordinary, now held the key to redeeming herself.

Tears filled her eyes as she held the shirt close, tightly pressed against her chest. The fabric stirred memories of a painful and uncertain night, but it also carried the possibility of clearing her name and rebuilding what had been shattered. At that moment, hope and determination mingled within her, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next day so she could seek out the truth.