005. A Heartbreaking News

Sierra’s POV

I heard wrong

I thought Jordan said he loved me? No, he doesn’t. I heard wrong. I was wrong to believe everything he said last night and even believe that he ever loved his wife. How could he do this to me?

I was seated in my father’s house with Leila’s phone in my hands as I stared blankly at the screen, tears rolling down my cheeks.

Jordan wouldn’t, I had said to Leila until she showed me the video. It was real, it was true.

*Flashback*

I was stunned when Jordan told me we’d be going shopping together earlier this morning. It was a side of him I’d rarely seen—a softness hidden beneath that hard, protective exterior. Part of me felt like I was being given a glimpse of something precious, something he didn’t share easily.

As we strolled through the mall, Jordan kept his hand wrapped protectively around my waist. I could feel the eyes of strangers on us—mostly men whose gazes lingered a bit too long. But with him beside me, I didn’t flinch. In his presence, I felt shielded, cherished.

We stopped at a boutique, and my attention was instantly drawn to a stunning gown displayed near the window. I took one look at the price tag and shook my head, knowing I wouldn’t dare spend on something so extravagant. But before I could pull myself away, one of the store clerks carefully folded the gown into a box, and to my surprise, Jordan accepted it and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I whispered excitedly. I threw my arms around him in a hug, letting myself get lost in his embrace.

But then his phone rang, jolting us back to reality. He gave me an apologetic smile, mouthing that he’d meet me by the restroom once he finished his call.

Inside the restroom, I took a moment to catch my breath, feeling almost overwhelmed by the strange blend of sweetness and strength that seemed to make up the man I’d married. I’d thought I knew him, but every day, he showed me another piece of himself.

When I stepped out of the restroom, however, my brief moment of peace was shattered by a man waiting outside. His gaze was hungry, his smirk full of something dark and unreadable.

“Hey, bitch,” he sneered, his voice slurred. “Looking for some fun?”

“Please, just leave me alone,” I managed, but as I tried to push past him, he lunged at me, throwing me to the ground. I struggled, my heart racing as panic set in. But before he could take it any further, a fierce hand grabbed him, yanking him backward.

It was Jordan.

In a flash, he slammed the man against the wall, a crack echoing through the hallway. The anger in his face was terrifying, raw. I watched, frozen, as he delivered blow after blow, his fists unforgiving. With a final show down, he slammed the man's head hard against the wall, creating a hole equal the man's head.

“Jordan,” I called, hoping to get him to stop before he kills the man. When he finally stepped back, the man had slumped to the ground almost lifeless.

Jordan’s breathing ragged, he refused to look at me. “Jordan,” I called, my voice barely audible,

“Look at me, Jordan,” He didn’t but only walked outside and I followed suit when I saw him leave. I watched how people rushed to the guy after we had left.

“Jordan, hey…” I whispered and he finally turned to meet my gaze.

“Now you see why I don’t like being tested. I don’t want to be the monster everyone thinks I am.” There was pain in his voice, a weight he carried that no one could see. I'm beginning to see through it all.

“You’re not a monster, Jordan. That man you beat in there… that’s the monster. You’re my protector”

He looked at me and let out an exhausting sigh before opening the car for me to get in, I did and watched him turn around and came in also. His grip on the steering made my heart ache. Gently, I placed my hand on his, seeing how he stilled--- without thinking, I reached out, wrapping my arms around him, hoping to bring him some comfort. Surprisingly, it did—my action brought about a calmness I myself couldn't decipher.

He became calm, and composed, and quietly ignited the car's engine, bringing it back to life.

As we drove through the streets, my phone vibrated with a message. I glanced at it—it was from my sister, Leila.

“Jordan, I need to go see my parents,” I said softly.

His eyes softened as he looked at me. “What’s wrong?”

“Leila says my father isn’t well.” I fumbled with my phone, trying to text her back.

Without hesitation, he replied, “I’ll take you.”

“No, no, it’s okay,” I insisted, sensing he had other matters to attend to. “You have a meeting. I’ll take a taxi.”

He stared at me for a moment, reluctant, before finally nodding. “Alright, be good” and I nodded.

Once I was out of the car, I noticed two men on bikes trailing me, masked in black. I smiled, realizing Jordan had sent them to keep an eye on me.

Finally, the taxi dropped me off at my parents’ apartment. As I stepped inside, I found Leila sitting on the couch, engrossed in her phone. She barely looked up as I entered. Leila and I were like two parallel lines, we never for once got along while I was yet to be married off to Jordan Pierce.

“Where’s Dad? You said he was sick,” I asked, concern and confusion battling in my chest.

Leila’s lips curled into a smile, her gaze flickering over me. “Oh, he’s out shopping with Mom. I lied to get you here.” She paused, savoring the moment. “I have something to tell you. I’m pregnant.”

I stared at her, stunned. “You’re still in college, Leila. How could you…?” I shook my head, reeling. “Who’s the father?”

“It’s… it’s Jordan Pierce of course.” She smirked.

I let out a disbelieving laugh. “That’s ridiculous.” But she handed me her phone, her gaze challenging me.

"Just take a look at the video, Sierra." her smile grew even more sinister. I have had the feeling that she was up to something no good. I hesitated for a while before taking the phone from her.

With trembling fingers, I pressed play on the video. And there it was—Jordan’s unmistakable face, his image emerging from the screen as he held her, Leila, my sister, they were close together.

“No!” I gasped, my heart shattering as the truth stared back at me.