Chapter 3

VICTORIA HENSHAW

Arriving at Gwen, my best friend’s house, I entered the passcode, pushed the door open and walked in.

I was immediately greeted by the sound of her adorable babies giggling, and the sight of her feeding them.

Gwen looked up to meet my gaze. “Vicky?” She called, one of her brow raised. “Are you okay? What’s with that look on your face?” She asked, as I slumped onto the couch beside her.

I took a deep breath, letting it all out in one sentence. “I caught Chris cheating on me with Katherine, then I went to a bar and got mistaken for a stripper, and even slept with a total stranger.”

Her eyes widened in horror, almost popping out of its socket. “What?! My goodness, Vicky, are you okay?”

I nodded. “I’m fine, Gwen.”

“But how could that bastard do that to you? After everything you’ve done for him?” She asked, her face twisting in rage, her tone also matching the expression on her face.

I didn’t respond to that, because I know she was right. I’ve sacrificed three years of my life for Chris, yet I was repaid with betrayal and deceit.

“Victoria, you’re going to leave him, right? Please, don’t tell me you love him too much to let go?” She asked, her voice low, her eyes narrowing as she stared at me.

I nodded, a wave of determination washing over me. “I’m done with him, Gwen. I’m filing for a divorce and starting over again. I want my life back, my career…. everything I had lost.”

She nodded, a proud smile spreading across her face.

She moved closer and placed a soothing hand on my knee. “You’ve got this, Vicky. I’m always here to support you. And this house, it’s big enough to contain the both of us. You can always stay here for as long as you want.”

I turned, my gaze met hers and a small smile spread across my face. “Thank you, Gwen” I said, and she pulled me in for a tight hug.

From the very first day Chris brought home his own flesh and blood, claiming to be an adopted child he felt pity for, I had given up my dream, my job as a mechanical engineer designer for his sake.

I spent my whole days of three years, taking care of him, his son, and his house, believing it was what I was supposed to do.

I remembered vividly, how skinny, unhealthy and pitiful Aaron looked the very first day Chris brought him home. I had to take care of him, put in all my effort into raising him to be so lively, smart and looking cute to what he is today.

His classmates and friends were always envious of him, and that was because of the effort I had put in. And… I ended up loosing myself in the process.

As the day worn out, I finally picked up my phone to call the lawyer, asking him to draft a divorce agreement.

“Mrs. Santiago, are you sure about this? Let me remind you, there’s a high possibility that you might end up with nothing if you divorce your husband. He’s been the primary breadwinner of the family for years, and you haven’t worked in years.”

“I understand, Mr. Lawson,” I said, determination laced in my voice as I continued. “But I can’t stay in that hell of a marriage anymore. I want to divorce him.”

I heard him sighed. “Alright, I will draft all the necessary clauses as required.”

After finalizing the details, and I dropped the call, it felt as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulder.

Next, I dialed the number of my former racing team owner, hoping they would still have a spot for me.

A few months ago, he had called, which wasn’t his first, asking for me to return but I turned him down, wanting to focus on my family only.

“Hello?” A hoarse voice answered at the third ring.

“Hi, Mr. Roland, it’s me, Victoria Henshaw,” I said, trying to sound professional. “I called to let you know that I’m ready to come back to work, if there’s still a spot for me.”

There was a pause for a moment, until I heard him said, “Victoria, I’m sorry but that won’t be possible anymore. Our performance this year hasn’t been that great.”

At that, I felt a pang of disappointment. “I understand,” I said, but not wanting to give up easily, I continued again. “I’m ready to work hard, and help the team. Can I…. At least come in and talk?”

After another long pause, he said again, “I’m sorry, Victoria, we’re actually considering selling the company, so I can’t commit to anything right now. It would be better off you look elsewhere.”

A faint smile curled onto my lips, and I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “I understand. Thank you for being honest with me.”

I ended the call, and slammed the phone onto the couch.

What do I do now?- I thought, feeling a pang of uncertainty washing over me.

As days went by, I submitted for a job application at the Blackwood Empire, and spent most of my time analyzing formula 1 race videos, studying the racing car situations of various teams for the past three years that I’ve not been active, preparing myself for the next opportunity to come.

On the other hand, I helped Gwen take care of the house and cared for the two adorable twins. They were too cute, and I found myself enjoying their company even more.

I spent hours playing with them, watching them giggle and coo, and it brought me so much joy. I fed them constantly, changing their diapers and even rocking them to sleep.

Meanwhile, I’ve also been feeling…. a bit weird lately. From getting tired easily- to getting nauseous, and getting emotional for no reason.

It occurred so many times and I tried to brush it off as stress. After all, I’ve been over working myself for the past days now.

THREE WEEKS LATER

It was past 12 pm, and I still hadn’t gotten out of bed yet.

I woke up this morning feeling very weak than every other days, and the nauseous increases too.

I had no idea what’s wrong with me.

Finally, I decided to get out of bed, took a bath, changed into something light and simple, and walked out of the room. I sauntered downstairs and prepared myself a chicken wings soup- I had no idea why I was suddenly craving for it, but I knew I really wanted to have it.

Later that evening, my phone, sitting on the table buzzed and my hand shot out, grabbing it. I unlocked it, my eyes scanning the screen, and widened with a mix of shock and excitement as I read the message.

‘Congratulations, Ms. Henshaw, this is a representative from the Blackwood Empire. You have been selected to be part of the candidate to be interviewed. You’re to come in for your interview next tomorrow by 10 AM’

The text says.

I let out a squeal, bouncing up and down on the sofa out of excitement. Just then, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me again, and I hurriedly sauntered to the bathroom.

After I was done throwing up, I looked myself in the mirror, and a worrisome thought instantly dawned on me— I can’t possibly be pregnant, can I?

The next morning, seated in the bathroom tub, I waited anxiously for the test result.

Seconds turned to minutes, and a cold sweat instantly formed on my forehead as the two red lines appeared, piercing into my brain in a hard way.

I stared at the pregnancy test kit in my hand, my heart racing rapidly.

I… AM…. PREGNANT!!!

I shut my eyes tightly, gently leaning against the tub frame, different mix of emotions washing over me.

I didn’t know what to feel at this point.

I was elated, but then…. It was supposed to be a one night thing.

How could it turn into pregnancy?

That too, for a gigolo?!