Chapter 1: Haunted by her past

Megan's POV

“I’m sorry, Ma'am. You can no longer bear a child,” the doctor announced, adjusting his glasses on his pointed nostrils.

My heart slammed against my rib cage, my breathing hitching. His words echoed in my head, my lips trembling. It couldn't be possible. There was no way I was barren. Richard and I had longed to have a baby, and this? This wasn't expected.

I tried to piece the fragments of the words the doctor said, but it made no sense. None of the words he said did. Sweat trickled down my temples. I tried to speak, but the words got stuck in my throat.

“Doctor, I think something's wrong with the report. I can't be barren,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

My vision blurred, and I fought hard to restrain the tears that threatened to escape. The beeping of the machines was muffled in my ears; all I could hear was the loud beating of my heart.

“There’s nothing we can do, ma'am. Your womb has been destroyed, and you can no longer conceive,” he said with a tone of finality, a sigh escaping his lips.

“But you are free to adopt a baby. You see, all hope isn't lost,” he said reassuringly.

I slipped from my chair, my knee hitting the polished marble floor, tears flushing down my cheeks relentlessly. This was hell. Of course, his reassuring words wouldn't numb the pain I felt in my chest. Nothing would.

My gaze averted to Richard. He looked cold, his brow slightly lifted as if he'd seen it coming. He'd accused me of infidelity, and this was evidence. I wouldn't dare cheat on him; never thought of that. I extended my hand, and he shot me a glare, rising to his feet.

“We should be on our way now. Thank you,” he said, maintaining a calm demeanor, which was unnerving. He shook the doctor’s hand before walking out of the room, not even stealing a glance at my writhing form.

I swallowed hard, unsure if it was my sanity. I picked up the little shame left in me and stood on my feet. I could hear the doctor's voice in the background, but it was useless. I felt hopeless.

After everything Richard had done for me, this was the best way to repay him? I knew damn well how bad he wanted an heir.

“Richard,” I called, forcing my way out of the crowded hospital. I tried to keep up with his pace, but he was fast. He walked to the parking lot and slipped into the driver's seat, patiently waiting for me to join him. At least he didn't leave me behind.

His grip tightened around the steering wheel, his jaw clenching as he zoomed out of the hospital. I stared at him, straightening my position. My breathing was shallow, coming in short, haggard gasps.

“I won't have a son,” he muttered to himself, a humorless laugh escaping his lips.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I dried them up quickly. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat, fighting hard to steady my breathing.

“I… I'm sorry,” my words faltered.

“Sorry?” he asked rhetorically, his tone sharp. He was livid. “Like sorry could fix anything?”

“I sheltered you, made you who you are, and all you did to pay back all the good I've done is to be barren?” he accused bitterly.

My body wracked with sobs, my shoulders shrugging. I could feel the emptiness simmering beneath the fear of the unknown. I couldn't even look at him.

He pulled up at our apartment and walked out of the car, slamming the door. My palms were clammy, and I gripped the hem of my dress, beckoning it to suck away my fear. I pinched myself, praying, begging this bitter reality to be turned into a dream.

The mansion loomed in front of the car, a testament to our hard work. Richard had picked me off the street after I ran away from the orphanage. Predictably, he didn't do it for charity.

“The deal is simple: I'll pick you off the street, and in return, you'll be my bride,” he’d said, inching closer to me.

The coldness of the night had seeped into my bones that night, and my teeth were clattering, slamming into each other. I didn't just see a man; I had seen my salvation out of the miserable slums of Washington.

“Why do you want to help me?” I’d asked weakly, my arms wrapping around my pale body.

He'd scoffed, straightening the cowboy hat on his head, a sly grin spreading across his face.

“You look like a promising young lady, and I want to help you. Plus, I'm in love with you,” he confessed.

He'd lied.

Without a second thought, I agreed. He brought me into his home, and with time, I got to understand I was just a pawn. He needed a bride, a responsibility so that he'd sign a partnership deal with an international company. He got one.

I forgave him. We'd spent the rest of our life happily until this news.

I dried the last tears that streamed down my eyes and walked out of the car. I'll have to fix things; I was willing to give everything I've got just to give him an heir.

My heels echoed off the polished marble floor, the scent of well-trimmed roses wafting through the air. My gaze caught up with him. He was seated on the couch, feeding his eyes with the contents of the internet.

“Food is ready,” I said calmly, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

He stood abruptly, dragging his feet out of the sitting room. I disgusted him.

“Richard?” I called, my voice cracking, barely above a whisper.

He didn't stop. He moved over to his black sleek car and zoomed off. He had turned cold toward me.

A sharp sting was felt in my eyes. My cheeks reddened, my lips quivering. I took a deep inhale and a slow exhale. Maybe with time, he'll have to adjust to what fate throws at us.

The day passed by in a blur, and it was midnight. Richard wasn't home. I dialed his number, but all I got was a voicemail.

“Where the fuck are you, Richard?” I muttered beneath my breath, pacing back and forth. I was sick with worry. Maybe he had gone to a party to drown out the mind-wrecking news.

The screeching of his car dragged me out of my haze. I felt excitement clawing at the edge of my heart. He was back. I wouldn't dare throw tantrums at him because he was late. He deserved a break; everyone does, especially after hearing this devastating news.

I bolted downstairs to welcome him, my hands spread out wide, but the sight I met halted me right in my tracks, my eyes widening in disbelief.

The lipstick stain was bold and vivid, a deep crimson smeared across the white crisp of his collar. Beside him stood a mistress, wrapped in a fur coat that draped elegantly over her shoulders.

“This is your replacement, Megan. I want you out of my life… at least she can give me an heir,” he mumbled, dragging her closer to him. Their lips molded together, and she kissed him fervently.

My jaw practically hit the floor, my posture stiffening. This wasn't happening. I blinked twice, but the truth was far from being covered.

“R… Richard?” I called, still staring at him.

He didn't flinch, didn't even act like I mattered anymore. I watched my world tilt around. This betrayal was vile; perhaps it was a consequence of my barrenness.

“I’ll be merciful enough to let you stay tonight. You’ll leave tomorrow morning. I can't pay rent for a barren woman,” he hissed coldly, walking out of the sitting room with my replacement.

He slammed the door behind them, and I collapsed on the floor. I had lost everything I fought for.

I picked up the remaining shame I had left and walked out of his life.

The snapping of Maya's fingers dragged me back to reality. I was at it again—zoning out.

“You okay, Megan?” she asked, raising her brow. I forced a fake smile to convince her that everything was perfectly normal, but she maintained a stoic expression.

“That ain't fooling me,” she said, folding her arms.

I let out an exasperated sigh, my face drawn.

“Look, forget about him and move on.”

Right, that's what they all say. Ever since I left Richard, I felt like I wasn't whole. Moving on was difficult, and I don't see myself doing it soon.

She read the lines on my face, tilting my chin high, her eyes piercing into mine.

“You need a fresh start, Megan,” she said softly, a smile tugging at the side of her lips. “Twilight Hotel. 5 pm tonight,” she announced, walking away to attend to the patrons.

I wasn't the kind of person who loved going to parties on a Friday night, but today was going to be an exception.

Maybe I needed a fresh start… so I thought.