LOGINThe journey to my father's house didn't take long, and before I could even enter through the door, my father rushed out to give me the biggest hug.
“Diana. You are finally back to your senses. I predicted this would happen.” He said to me and I could only sigh.
“I'm pregnant, Dad, and Leon is the father.” I dropped the bomb.
I knew it would shatter him, just like it was doing to me.
But my dad gave an entirely different response.
“That's even better. My grandchildren would be raised without a maniac like that.” This man said to my face.
Didn't he think of what this means for my child?
“Dad. You can't say that. What if he asks for his father, what do I tell him?”
My dad looked at me like I was a broken animal.
“His father wasn't fit to be with him. It's the truth. No sane man would leave his pregnant wife all by herself.”
“He knows I'm pregnant.” I said, and turned away not wanting to discuss what had happened.
“That shouldn't matter. The company has been waiting for your return as heiress. You should be glad your brother volunteered to run it in your absence.”
My father said, taking me by the hand.
“He made a few percent increase in profit but I know that if it was in your control, you'd have made mountains.”
But I chose to give everything up for a man that wasn't deserving of me.
He didn't have to say it, as it was something I already knew.
My phone chimed again and I picked it up.
It was another picture, and anger clawed up my throat, begging to escape.
The picture was blurred because I had not yet downloaded it.
A tiny voice crept into my head.
Look at it. Feel the hate and let it fuel your revenge.
And just like that, I downloaded the picture.
It was the image of a ring, the band had a sapphire glow, and a large diamond sat on top of the ring.
“There's no way.” Disbelief creeped into my voice. It was the famed Sapphire treasure. There were only five of them in the world.
It was beyond anything an average man could buy.
The caption was right there.
[Leon is such a darling, getting me this for our one year anniversary.]
My insides twisted.
One year? He had been seeing her for a year?
In our years of engagement, Leon had never gotten me more than a flower bouquet.
“Diana, are you listening?” My father's voice chimed, jolting me out of my depressed state.
“Dad, when do I take my place in the company?” I asked him.
I needed a way to get my mind out of Leon.
Something to distract myself.
And this was why I would assume the position of growing my father's company.
My father smiled and I wondered what he thought was funny.
“You know… after you finished your medical school and attended those business classes, I saw good potential in you, but at the same time, I want you to further your career.”
I raised a brow, “Dad, what are you talking about? Wouldn't it be okay if I grew the company's profit?”
He waved his hands, “You can do that after medicine. The company isn't going to vanish in a day or in a few years either.”
“So you'd move abroad and learn more.”
Thinking about his words, I was convinced.
Medicine had always been after my heart until I stopped it to help build Leon's career.
“I'm pregnant, Dad. It might not work.” The fear showed itself before I could think twice.
“Give birth, and your mother and I will take care of the child, don't worry.”
I stopped in my tracks.
My parents were the best.
The preparation took a few days.
I had gone to the company and everything was actually going well.
It was enough to distract me from the countless images that were sent by that unknown number.
Yes, I didn't block them.
The pain didn't bring me down. Rather, it was somewhat motivating.
“Do you think you'd be able to go alone? It's quite dark.” My mother said,
I stood outside the mansion's door.
“It's just a short visit for my weekly check up, Mom. You know I missed it last time, I can't miss it again.” I said, checking the belongings in my bag.
“What about taking one of the cars? I need you to be safe.”
A chuckle left my lips.
“The drivers already took dad and Robert to the Queen's Grand Ball. And I am too tired to drive.” I smiled at her, before pulling her into a hug.
She worries too much.
It was understandable. It was love.
Leon had never worried about me. Never caring where I went or when I returned.
Barely even living in the house with me.
“I'd make sure to call you when I arrive at the hospital. A cab would be easier too. Trust me.” I released her, turning to go out the door.
“Okay, Diana. Don't forget to call me.” She called.
Waving in response, I made my way to the border of the streets.
A taxi quickly stopped in front of me and I smiled.
It was just like I said.
“Please. Take me to the Diamond Gates Hospital.”
“That's a hundred dollars.”
That was the last thing I heard, when something zapped me by the neck.
Pain shot through my nerves and darkness appeared at the corner of my eyes.
There was no one to call to, and I felt completely alone.
Danger—
The word rang in my head but it was too late.
I refused to hide or make myself feel small.“Mom… Dad… give me strength…” I muttered.I took a deep breath in, opened the door wider and stepped in.My head was tilted up slightly. I wanted to show them both that I wasn't scared that I was caught.In fact, I was glad.Blood drained from Bradley's face instantly. I had never seen him that pale.The usual smooth, calm composure he wore like an armor shattered right in front of me.He stumbled forward, towards me, his lips parted, probably to tell me lies again.“Diana, how did you–? This isn't–”“Save it,” I interrupted.I looked in Miranda's direction. There was a smug look on her face.“Is this why you told me to come?” I asked, my voice cutting through the tension in the room. “To listen to you both shamelessly plot to steal what's mine?” Immediately, her face changed. She wore a shocked expression, not expecting me to reveal that part. But I was done doing that. I was done covering everyone's secrets.Bradley jerked his face to
What was the Mayor doing here?!Everyone asked the same question in their mind, but unlike them, I remained calm.The Mayor was a tall man, impeccably dressed in a black tailored suit. He had the aura of a man with power, flawlessly exuding confidence and grit.I rose to my feet, head bent slightly.“Welcome, Mr. Mayor. What an honor for you to grace our hospital,” I said, my voice powerful, yet gentle. “We were just in the middle of a meeting–”“For your suspension,” Harrison cut in. “Don't forget to add that. You're barely a staff here now, so you have no right to talk to the Mayor.”I furrowed my brows and stepped back.Harrison walked forward, extending his arm. “Forgive my colleague’s insolence. She doesn't seem to know her place. I'm Dr. Harrison.”The Mayor stared at Harrison's arm for an awkward second.Harrison let out a nervous chuckle, still keeping his hand open.The Mayor eventually smiled and returned his gesture.“Do you know who Dr. Amsterdam is, by chance?” He asked
My eyes began to sting, but no tear dropped. Leon found a place for me to sit and catch my breath.After a while, I got better.“I know this comes as a shock to you–”“Why are you telling me this?” I raised my head to look at Leon. Leon would never help me.Leon would never care that I was being manipulated by a liar.Why was he doing this?“I just felt you should know. For all I know, these people are probably plotting something against us. We are the victims here!” I rose to my feet.“I'm leaving. I can't take any more of this.”Leon leaped onto me. He looked at me with soft eyes and a gentle smile.“Be safe. Bradley might not be what you think he is.”I pulled away instantly.“What is that supposed to mean?”He rolled his eyes.“Come on, Diana. Stop acting naive. How did a guy like him quickly grow into such a successful man in six years?”“It's possible,” I croaked out, unsure of my own words.“It's not. I've been in this industry for double that time and I'm yet to make such
“What do you want, Dr. Harrison?” My question came out with a snarl.“It's almost midnight. This better be worth it.”“Oh, it's worth it,” he replied with a menacing tone.“The board will definitely be interested in knowing that our newest MD is married to the chairman. No wonder he was more than ready to give up his seat for you.”I stiffened.Of course, he would think that Bradley handed the title to me because we're “married.”“Don't you have anything else to do with your time, Dr. Harrison?” The other end of the phone fell silent.“Since you have nothing to say, I'll end the call no–”“Stop with the tomfoolery and come clean, Diana,” he spat.“Excuse me?”“You stole my spot from me, you greedy wretch! I'm going to make the whole world see just how you play dirty. Who even knows if the surgery was real?” “How dare y–!”The line went dead.I stood in silence, reeling from the shock of what just happened.“Did you hear the way he spoke to me?” I stared at Bradley, dumbfounded. “He
Bradley laughed.I cocked my brow, visibly offended.“Why are you laughing?” I asked.“You seem to forget that we already told your ex that we are married.”Shit. That's true.“We’ll be husband and wife instead then,” I said back, wondering if this was a good idea.Bradley remained quiet.As a businessman that he was, I'm sure he was looking at the pros and con–“Alright.”That was fast.“Alright? You'll act as my husband?”Bradley smiled at me and a warm, fuzzy feeling rose in my chest.I suppressed it almost immediately. I can't have myself developing feelings for Bradley.Even though I just kissed him like I missed him.He walked around me, now facing the door.“Yes. However, with the way things are, you're the only one benefitting from this agreement. You get the revenge you've wanted… and me? What do I get?”He turned back to face me, his eyes expectant.“A good reputation,” I said.A loud laughter rolled out of Bradley's lips.“Reputation? Darling, I have a reputation.”I want
“Her? You know the person?” I ignored Bradley's question and walked out of the room.As soon as I stepped into the hallway, I met her eyes. Her deep blue, menacing eyes.“Miranda,” I gritted out. “What are you doing here?”She cackled, like a witch who had just succeeded in poisoning the princess.“What am I doing here? I'm a major stakeholder here, Diana. Unlike you, I actually deserve to be in this place.” Her words were like a slap.“That doesn't mean you can barge in at any time. This is a hospital.” I tried to make my voice as calm as possible, even though all I wanted to do was to scream and yank off her blonde, lustrous hair.Miranda stepped closer, bridging the space between us.Her heels clanked against the cold tiles of the hallway. It was commanding. Like she owned the place.She really believed she owned the place.“I know you slept your way to the top, because how else can a peasant like you be MD so early in her career?” She whispered in my ears. “You posted the pic
Before I knew it, I found myself in a lounge.Sitting in front of a bar.As a surgeon, I disciplined myself not to drink.But I was craving a burn that would make me forget the hurt in my chest.“Non-alcoholic wine please.” “We don't serve those here.”I raised my gaze, a frown decorating my face.
Sirens filled my ears, but sadness had covered every one of my senses.I could barely recognise my voice.“Diana, it's mom. We have you.” I could recognise the faint sound of my mother's voice.Ahhh—It hurts.Everywhere burned.“Mom, they killed her.”“They took my child.” I sobbed. I wanted to go
It was a shrill sound.The ringing in my head.I tried to imagine what was going on, but one thing was sure.My hands were tied, and I was not alone.“To think we got both of them.” It was an unfamiliar voice, and suddenly it drew closer.“I know you are awake, would cutting off your fingers make y
“I'm pregnant, Leon. It's exactly what we have been waiting for—”The burn on my cheeks came before I could register what had just happened.For several seconds, I froze Did he just…Hit me?Leon grabbed my jaw and pulled me closer. “Whatever happened that night was an error, Diana.” His voice sho







