CHAPTER ONE- The day everything broke

Amara's POV

I was typing a report when my office telephone rang. I did not pay much attention to it until the receptionist told me that Amara, “Mr. Collins wants to see you. Now.”

My stomach squeezed.

He would never summon anybody to his office unless something was amiss.

I stood and pulled my skirt, and had to walk down the hallway. I knew even before I knocked that there was something heavy on the other side.

"Come in," he said.

I stepped inside. Mr. Collins sat behind his desk with a solemn face. He pointed to the opposite seat.

"Sit, Amara."

I sat quietly, waiting.

He folded his hands. Your work has been declining in the past few weeks.

His eyes were on mine. "This isn't like you. What's going on?"

My heart thumped slowly. I didn't want to talk about it. Not here. Not with him.

"I'm fine, sir," I said.

He frowned. "I don't believe that. You have been one of my best employees in two years. One minute, you find out that your job is late, messy, and you are distracted. He leaned forward. "Talk to me. I will assist you, provided you are truthful.

I looked down at my hands.

It was no longer possible to avoid it.

I said at length, "My mother is sick. She should be treated... and it is costly. I have been trying to acquire the means to get the money. This is why I have been distracted.

His face relaxed only a little--only a little.

"I see," he murmured. "That's serious."

I nodded.

He held back a couple of seconds and said, You know... I can help you."

I looked up slowly. "How?"

His eyes changed, and the tenderness was gone.

"If you do something for me."

Something funny came to the bottom of my stomach. "What... thing?"

He sat back on his chair as though he was going to tell me the most casual thing in the world.

"I like you, Amara. I've liked you for a while."

His eyes were shamelessly roving over me. I will make you a promotion and increase your salary two times, should you spend a few nights with me. You will pay off the medical bills of your mother with ease.

I was unable even to breathe a moment.

He was married. With a daughter. A daughter almost my age.

I cleared my throat and maintained a steady voice. "Sir, I'm engaged. And you're married. I can't do that."

The good nature on his face disappeared at once; in its place came annoyance.

So you reckon you are better than me? He snapped. I am giving you the chance that many women would struggle to get.

I do not want that sort of opportunity, I thought to myself, and said, with all due respect, I do not want that sort of opportunity.

I jumped at his smashing his palm on the desk.

"Then you're fired."

My breath caught. "Sir--"

Pack your bags and get out of my office. Now."

I stood slowly. I didn't argue. There was no point.

The only thing I could do was to maintain my dignity.

I left his office quietly, taking my personal belongings, and walked out of the building. I did not feel angry at all; I only felt empty as soon as I went outside.

I got a cab and gave the driver the address of the house of Daniel. My fiance. The single individual whom I believed would get... at least to some extent.

Maybe he would comfort me. Hold me. Assure me that it was going to be right.

Upon arriving at his home, the front door was slightly ajar. Nothing suspicious--he never locked it.

But as soon as I entered, I heard it.

Soft moans.

Female moans.

My heart froze.

No, I said to myself, and slowly walked toward the sound.

The door of the bedroom was half-closed. I pushed it open.

And I saw them.

Daniel.

And Bella--my younger step-sister.

Together in his bed.

The legs of Bella were around his waist, and Daniel was too shocked to move from seeing me.

"Amara, what are you doing here?" he uttered and scrambled to conceal himself.

My head was not able to think for a few seconds. I was unable to feel my legs or my fingers.

"Why are you here early?" he said, as though that was the chief point.

"Why am I--?" I almost laughed. "Daniel, what is this?"

Bella did not even seem ashamed. She fiddled with the blanket and said with pride, I am pregnant.

My gaze fell upon her stomach. There was a small bump.

A bump that I had never noticed before.

My breath shook. "You're... pregnant? With my fiance?"

No, no, it is not like that, Daniel said hastily. "You've been so busy with work. I felt lonely. I needed company. And a child, too."

I stared at him. So you thought you would sleep with my sister?

It was reasonable, he said, like it was, that she was here, and you were not.

I picked up my phone and called my father at once.

I was not shaking in my voice; I was too angry.

"Dad, Daniel slept with Bella. She's pregnant," I said flatly.

His answer was immediate and without delay.

"Why are you overreacting? Aren't you sisters?"

I closed my eyes.

He went on, Why are you being greedy, when the man can take care of both of you? A man is supposed to be the provider of the family. Share him."

I put down the phone before he could continue.

I took the engagement ring off my finger.

I held it up, and Daniel looked nervous.

Then I hurled it at him.

He shuddered upon receiving it on his chest.

I said nothing else, but turned and walked out of the house.

A cab slowed up beside me when I got to the road.

I opened the door and slid in.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

I looked forward, my voice unshaken.

“Anywhere I can leave my woes behind.”