As I wake up, the sunlight streaming through the window temporarily blinds me. Memories of the previous night flood back into my mind. Chester and I had gone to a club for drinks, where we met some of his friends and danced the night away. It was a wild and exhilarating time, but now I find myself questioning how I even got home.
I struggle to recall the events that followed. My memory is hazy, a consequence of my inability to handle alcohol. I promise myself that I will never drink to such excess again. As hunger gnaws at my stomach, I attempt to get out of bed, only to be met with soreness throughout my body. What happened last night? I hope I didn't do anything regrettable.
Slipping on my slippers, I make my way to the bathroom. I wash my face, and as I glance in the mirror, something catches my attention. Is that a kiss mark on my neck? I move closer to the larger mirror and examine my body. To my surprise, I discover kisses scattered all over. Did my husband make love to me even though I was drunk? Conflicting emotions begin to stir within me.
I make my way downstairs, feeling the effects of the hangover still lingering in my head. It's almost lunchtime, and Aunt Rosemary greets me with a bowl of hangover soup.
"Here's a hangover soup, young madam," she says as she hands me the bowl.
I express my gratitude and ask if I can also have lunch. She nods and starts preparing a variety of delicious dishes for me. I eat quickly, driven by both hunger and the discomfort in my stomach. Suddenly, I feel the urge to vomit and rush to the washroom. I hate this feeling.
Aunt Rosemary comes to my aid, offering me a bottle of pills. "Here's some medicine," she says. "I've also placed some vitamins in your room."
"I'm always grateful for your care," I express my appreciation to her. I return to the table, focusing on the warm soup in front of me.
"Young master made sure to prepare those vitamins for you. They are beneficial for fertility. The dishes I prepared were carefully selected to enhance your chances of success in giving birth," Aunt Rosemary explains.
I accidentally spit out the soup as soon as I hear her words. Confusion and concern flood my mind. What is going on with Andrew? Is he truly becoming desperate now that we're halfway through the month, nearing the ultimatum set by Grandpa? The situation feels increasingly complicated and uncertain.
"Are you feeling alright, sis?" Alyssa asked with concern as I opened the door to my room.
"I'm still feeling the effects of the hangover," I replied, holding my aching stomach.
"Do you remember what happened last night?" she inquired, curiosity evident in her voice.
We settled on the couch, and I couldn't help but ask, "Did I do something wrong?" The uncertainty weighed heavily on my mind.
Alyssa proceeded to recount the events of the previous night, and as she did, a deep sense of embarrassment washed over me. My cheeks flushed with shame. What should I do if I come face to face with my husband? And how should I handle the situation if I were to encounter Chester? Should I pretend that I have no recollection of what happened while I was under the influence of alcohol? The questions swirled in my mind, leaving me unsure of the best course of action.
"Let's go to your room! I don't want to see Andrew," I commanded, eager to avoid any potential encounter with my husband. We hurriedly made our way towards Alyssa's room, hoping to find some solace there. However, the sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention.
"I've missed you, babe! I'm sorry I was too busy with the fashion show," a familiar voice exclaimed. My heart sank as I realized it was Kelly, her eyes fixed on my husband.
I locked eyes with Andrew for a brief moment, but feeling a mix of emotions, I quickly averted my gaze and continued walking towards Alyssa's room.
"Andrea," Kelly called out, a fake smile plastered on her face. "My friend saw you with Chester at a club last night. Did you have some fun?"
I turned my head towards Kelly and Andrew, summoning all the courage I had within me. "It was the best night of my life," I replied, my voice filled with conviction. Andrew's usual expression of disgust seemed different this time, and I couldn't quite decipher the emotions behind his gaze. Uncertainty and confusion clouded my thoughts as I wondered what his reaction truly meant.
"Babe, why did you agree to let her sister live here?" Kelly expressed her disappointment as soon as they entered her room. "She makes me feel uncomfortable."
"Why?" he asked, curious to understand her concerns.
"I think their family planned this. They wanted a backup plan in case you don't impregnate Andrea. They are really cunning!" she blurted out, expressing her suspicions.
"I assure you, I am not interested in a high school girl," he reassured her. He opened the sliding door, immersing himself in the view outside.
"Are you sure?" she asked, seeking confirmation as she followed him. "What if they try to drug you and make her sleep with you? What would I do?"
"You're overthinking things. You know that I only care about you, right?" he said, trying to reassure her. "Ever since you saved me from the pond, I've fallen in love with you," he confessed, looking into her eyes with love. He lovingly touched her hair and continued, "I've waited for you for so many years. I've made my decision to not fall for anyone but you."
Kelly gazed into his eyes, filled with love, and embraced him tightly.
In the midst of the scorching afternoon heat, I found myself busy overseeing the workers as we meticulously planned the renovation of our backyard. Just last week, Aunt Rosemary had mentioned that the pergola had seen better days, prompting me to devise a plan and initiate the construction.
Amidst the hustle, Alyssa joined in by planting flowers while I provided instructions to the workers. Suddenly, Andrew approached Aunt Rosemary, curiosity evident in his voice. I turned my head in their direction, but I was too busy to listen to their conversation.
"Aunt Rosemary, what's all this about?" Andrew inquired. Aunt Rosemary proudly presented him with the plan that I had crafted, explaining my vision. It encompassed a beautiful pergola adorned with hanging plants and bulb lights, an outdoor seating area centered around a campfire, a small outdoor kitchen for barbecues and grilling, a vibrant flower and vegetable garden, and even a tranquil pond.
Frustration etched on his face, Andrew exclaimed, "She's leaving in just two weeks, and she still finds time for this?"
Aunt Rosemary calmly responded, "Young master, if she were to become pregnant, she could divorce you but might have to stay until the baby is born."
"What?" Andrew blurted out, clearly taken aback. "No way!" With that, he stormed out, leaving behind a trail of confusion and uncertainty.
Exhausted, I lay in bed and quickly drifted off to sleep. In the midst of the night, I felt the sensation of someone embracing me. Was it just a dream? I chose to ignore it and continued to sleep, until I felt a gentle kiss on my neck. Startled, I opened my eyes to find my husband, Andrew, beside me.
"I'm tired," I murmured, pushing his face away from me, hoping he would understand. However, he persisted in exploring my body.
"Please, I just need to sleep," I pleaded with him. "Go to your mistress, I don't need you," I said, closing my eyes and pulling the blanket over myself.
He paused for a moment and then uttered words that shocked me to my core. "I want to be free from you, which is why I'm doing this. Just get pregnant, and we can lead separate lives."
I couldn't believe the situation I found myself in. Despite his lack of love for me, we were expected to engage in this act every night. All he wanted was a baby to fulfill his desires and rid himself of us. The weight of the situation was overwhelming.
"Follow me to the meeting room," Mr. Adler Darkmore, the newly appointed manager of Harmony Home Interiors, beckoned us.
With anticipation, we obediently followed, ready to receive his instructions. Mr. Darkmore addressed us, sharing the news he had received from higher-ups. "I have just learned that there will be a week-long conference held in the captivating city of Waveport City. Is there anyone willing to step forward and represent our branch?"
A silence fell upon the room as individuals avoided making eye contact, hoping not to be singled out.
Waveport City, situated in the southern part of the country, is known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes. A mere two-hour plane journey away, the city boasts long stretches of pristine white sand beaches, an array of luxurious resorts and hotels, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure activities.
"Since no one seems eager to volunteer, we shall leave the selection to chance," Mr. Darkmore announced, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He quickly set up an online wheel spinner, inputting the names of all potential candidates.
As the wheel whirled, anxiety filled the room, with each person hoping to escape its fickle finger of fate. To my dismay, the wheel gradually came to a halt, and to my disbelief, it pointed at my name.
A wave of apprehension washed over me as I realized that I had been chosen against my will. The thrill that others may have felt was replaced by a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
The prospect of representing our branch at the company conference stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within me—a mixture of unease and excitement. While I had never actively sought out such a responsibility, I knew that, as an assistant branch manager, it was part of my role to be prepared for such opportunities.
As I held Aunt Rosemary's hands, a plea for help escaped my lips. "I'll be away for a week. Please take care of my sister," I implored, my voice filled with concern.
Aunt Rosemary's reassuring words brought a sense of comfort. "No worries, young madam," she replied, her tone still formal and her face stern. Deep down, I knew that behind her facade, she possessed a kind and caring heart.
I glanced at Alyssa, my sister, and she nodded in understanding. We shared a silent agreement to rely on Aunt Rosemary's support during my absence. With a final wave of her hand, Alyssa bid me farewell as I stepped into the waiting car.
"What are you doing outside?" Andrew demanded, lowering the mirror of his car to address Aunt Rosemary. The dinner hour had arrived, yet they remained outside the house.
"We were saying goodbye to my sister," Alyssa replied softly, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness.
Confusion etched across Andrew's face as he sought clarification. "What do you mean?"
Alyssa's eyes betrayed a hint of sorrow as she explained, "She said she'll be away on a business trip."
Impatience laced Andrew's voice as he pressed for more information. "How long?"
"A week," Alyssa responded, her voice tinged with a touch of apprehension.
Frustration welled up within Andrew, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "Damn!"
The unexpected news seemed to have caught him off guard. How can he make her pregnant if she isn't even around?
"Hello, I'm at the airport. I can't hear you," Andrea responded, her voice strained over the phone.
"Where are you going?" Andrew exclaimed, frustration evident as he clenched his fist.
"I can't hear you clearly. I'll be boarding my flight now," Andrea replied, her voice fading.
Andrew listened to the sound of a beep, signaling the end of the call. Anger surged within him. How could this woman push his buttons like this? She had the audacity to leave the house without informing him, leaving him feeling both irritated and betrayed.
As the company staff greeted us upon our arrival at Waveport City, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. We waited in the airport, eager for the rest of our team to join us. The clock ticked closer to midnight as we finally made our way to the hotel lobby.
I collected my keycard and began navigating the hotel's hallway, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders.
As I walked through the hotel hallway, fatigue tugging at my senses, a familiar figure caught my attention, causing my heart to skip a beat. His presence sent a rush of mixed emotions coursing through me. What is he doing here in Waveport City?