Beranda / Romance Cerita Pendek / A Lie in the Name of Care / Bab 1 - Bab 10

Semua Bab A Lie in the Name of Care: Bab 1 - Bab 10

10 Bab

Chapter 1

...The whispers of affection filled the room, soft and intimate.Fury surged through me. I flung open the door, phone in hand, and began recording.The camera's flash pierced the dimness, forcing the two figures to squint.My husband, Dale Sparks, scrambled to cover himself with a blanket, his face draining of color. Panic flashed in his eyes. "Weren't you on a business trip? Did something go wrong at work?"Even now, his first thought was whether I'd faltered at the job I poured my soul into for him.I dug my nails into my palm, the sharp pain anchoring me as I fought to stay composed. "It's Valentine's Day. I've been working day and night to come home early and celebrate with you. I didn't expect this kind of gift."I turned to Cecily Puckett, my best friend. Disappointment and rage crashed over me like a tidal wave.Dale's betrayal after seven years of marriage stung, but Cecily's cut deeper.We'd grown up together, our families bound by decades of friendship. She'd been m

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 2

Dale looked at Cecily pitifully, which chilled me to the core.I squeezed my numbing fingertips and let out a cold laugh. "So, it's my fault now? I'm the one standing in the way of your baby-making scheme?"I'd built our company from nothing alongside him. I worked tirelessly, schmoozed clients, and drank until my stomach bled to secure deals.He grew complacent, dodging work with excuses, content to let me carry the load.As the business expanded, it needed more capital. I poured in all my savings and borrowed from friends and family to keep it thriving. I never complained, believing we'd build a good life together.At our wedding, Dale had vowed, "I'll make it big one day and earn enough to take care of you. I'll stick by you till we're old and gray."But long before we aged, his promises shattered. He always assumed I was the one who couldn't conceive. In truth, I'd lied to protect his pride.He sighed, softening his tone. "Come on, don't fight about this. Cecily and I just w

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 3

Cecily had sulked, "You're just jealous. You don't want me to have a good life."Her words had left me speechless.She eventually married into the Harris family as she wished, but her life became miserable.Elmer's abuse and his mother's cruelty broke her.When she came to me, crying, I gave her money, helped her get a job, and even let her stay in our house, reassuring her that Dale wouldn't mind.My trust was ironically misplaced. My kindness was twisted into an invitation to share my husband.I was nothing but a blind fool.Turning to Dale, I said firmly, "I want a divorce."...He froze, then sneered, "Don't be ridiculous. The company is about to go public, and I'll be worth billions. You're 30 and barren. Who else would want you?"He stepped closer. "Sure, you're good at your job, but without me, you'd be a nobody. Divorce me, and you'll have nothing."I met his mocking gaze. "I'd rather be a beggar than stay with you. I'll have a lawyer draft the agreement today. Sign

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 4

"I've done everything for you, but you never consider my needs," Dale said, voice thick with disappointment. "A man in my position needs an heir, or people will laugh. Cecily's child is mine, and I'm keeping it."He snatched my phone and scooped up Cecily. "We're going to the hospital to make sure nothing is wrong.""Okay." Cecily nodded meekly, shooting me a smug smirk.The room fell silent, but my heart ached with Dale's words. Tears streamed down my face as I recalled our engagement.Dale, usually so stoic, had cried like a child, kneeling before me. "I want to build a home with you and care for you forever. I've shielded you from storms, and I'll keep you safe and happy."I had said yes without hesitation, moved by his sincerity.He'd once taken a knife for me, proving he'd risk his life to protect me. Now, he was the one plunging a knife into my heart.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Once cooled, I continued to pack my things.Dale thought that he could trap me by

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 5

I underestimated their scheming.They invited Cuthbert Powers to our house for dinner and to discuss business. They thought it was a clever move, but it could be my chance to escape.Dale's tone carried a warning. "I don't want it to come to this, but you are being difficult. I'm worried you'll botch the contract or leave after signing. Mr. Powers is a friend, and this will build trust."Cecily sidled up with a fake smile. "Why don't you cook tonight to show our sincerity?"We had a housekeeper to cook for us, and we could order takeout. Yet they insisted I cook to put me in my place."If you could have kids, I wouldn't have to do this," Dale said, sounding justified. "This is your fault."I saw through their game but played along. "Give me my phone. I need to get some files from the office."Dale reluctantly handed it over, watching me closely until he confirmed I was only contacting my assistant.Once I finished, he took the phone back and pushed me toward the kitchen. "Mr. P

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 6

...Cecily glared at me, reaching out but stopping short. "Elmer, why are you here? Don't listen to her. She is lying."Elmer, seething with rage, grabbed her hair and yanked her to the floor. His gaze landed on her belly and barked, "You've got some nerve to cheat on me! If I hadn't gotten that pregnancy report, I'd never have known this."He raised his hand, but Dale rushed over to shield her, a move that only irritated Elmer further.He swung a fist at Dale, who was no match for him, to begin with.In a manic state, Elmer was even more reckless, pummeling Dale until he was barely conscious.I stood by, watching the chaos unfold with satisfaction.Elmer moved on to his next target. Cecily flinched and desperately crawled toward Dale.She whimpered, "Dale, save me. I'm carrying your baby."I pulled a medical report from my bag and tossed it at Dale's face. "Take a look at this, you sterile jerk."He froze, then grabbed the report.His hands shook as he flipped it through. T

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 7

When work began, I quickly adapted to my new role, leveraging my experience.After a shift, I ran into Isaac, who entrusted me with significant responsibilities."While Sparks Group is shaky, acquire if there is a chance. Consider it your revenge," he said.I looked up, surprised.He chuckled, explaining, "This industry is small. Word about you and Dale spread fast. Elmer doesn't care who knows. He aired all out. You've endured a lot."Before I could respond, my phone rang with an unknown number.I answered, and Dale's frantic voice came through. "Abigail, where are you? I've been looking everywhere. Please, don't hang up. I've cut Cecily off. She played us both and ruined what we had. I'm so sorry. Come back. I swear I'll never contact her again. It'll just be us."He was shameless, putting all the blame on Cecily, as if he had done nothing wrong.My fragile calm shattered, and I snapped, "You wanted the kid, didn't you? You got into bed with her, so don't play the victim here

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 8

"I'm done with Cecily," Dale slurred. "Elmer beat me so badly I should be in the hospital, but I couldn't stay there. I was scared you'd never come back. Don't you care about me anymore?"He lifted his shirt, revealing bandages with faint bloodstains.I frowned, unimpressed by his pitiful play. "How did you find me?"His eyes flicked to my phone, but he quickly looked away. "I-I asked around."That was a lame lie. He was a nobody now, and no one would tell him anything.That one glance sparked a realization. My phone didn't have many apps, so the couple's app that he had developed stood out. I had forgotten about it in the chaos."I built this app for us," he'd boasted. "We'll log everything we do for each other. It'll be a treasure when we're old."I'd used it diligently, recording every moment, until he stopped logging in. I never suspected anything, but his behavior now screamed guilt.I checked the settings and found the location-sharing authorization was on. My heart sank,

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 9

I had given Elmer the pregnancy test report in exchange for my freedom. It was a win-win deal.He shrugged. "I'm not divorcing her. She's too much fun. She'll never have kids again. Wrongdoers pay a price. She insisted on seeing you, even threatening to die. I don't care if she does, but I don't want it to be easy. So, I brought her. Plus, I've got a contract to discuss."Bored, he left us to talk, closing the door behind him.Cecily fell to her knees, reaching for me but stopping herself."Abigail, only you can save me. We're best friends, aren't we? I can't take it anymore. I'm sorry I got involved with Dale. Please, beg Elmer to let me go. I'll never show up again. I can't be a mother anymore. Haven't you had your revenge?"I shifted away, repulsed, studying her.Her face was scarred, her body reeked of blood. Her broken fingers, untreated, were inflamed and twisted. But this wasn't my problem."You brought this on yourself," I said flatly. "Was I ever unkind to you?"Her fa

Baca selengkapnya

Chapter 10

I chuckled, sipping water. "No, I won't punish myself just because someone is trash."I paused and added, "Right now, I'm focused on my career. The future? I'll let it unfold naturally."Isaac nodded in understanding. As he opened his mouth to speak, the door burst open.Dale, his eyes red and swollen, stared at me and pointed at Isaac. "He's never had good intentions. Don't fall for it, Abigail. He's not sincere—probably has other women. Men change with money. You know that. We've been together for years, and I'd never harm you. Even if you don't choose me, don't pick him."His outburst ruined my mood and appetite. I felt utterly miserable, but he didn't stop there.He rushed to my side and begged desperately, "I've removed the tracking from the app. Can you please keep it? I've been sentenced to a few years. I don't deserve you."He started to sob, "I truly regret cheating and hurting you. I'm scared I'll get out to find you gone. Can you wait? Don't let me hear you're married.

Baca selengkapnya

Pindai kode untuk membaca di Aplikasi