I didn’t turn around; the reflection in the mirror already showed who it was. A woman, someone I once thought was just a friend of my husband’s.
I gripped the sink tightly, feeling a storm of anger and sadness brewing inside my chest. I waited for Victoria to finish her mocking laughter, her voice dripping with derision.
"Anna." Victoria’s voice was cold, filled with triumph.
I raised my head, locking eyes with her reflection in the mirror. She stood right behind me, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "So, you’ve figured it all out?"
I bit my lip, holding myself back from reacting.
"Good, that saves me the trouble of explaining your place, doesn’t it?"
I turned to face her, looking straight into her eyes. "What do you want, Victoria?"
She let out a small laugh, brushing her hand over the shoulder she’d just touched. "Only one thing—leave Charles’ life. You know he doesn’t love you, don’t you? You’re just a tool, Anna. Yes, a tool to get what he wants. Once he doesn’t need you anymore, he’ll cast you aside, and I’ll take your place."
Her words were sharper than any knife. I wanted to scream, to vent my disappointment and anger, but no sound came out of my throat.
"If you have any dignity, you should leave before you’re forced to," she continued mockingly. "You must realize there’s no place for you here. You don’t belong, you poor woman!"
I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed to leave; the air in the restroom felt suffocating. Hearing footsteps approaching, I finally found my way out as Victoria allowed me to leave.
Returning to the party, I buried my emotions deep within. I kept smiling, pretending this was the grand celebration of love that it was supposed to be. No one knew I had just uncovered a truth that shattered my heart. One thing was clear to me now—I had to protect the Montgomery family’s name, especially Charles’ grandfather, the only family member who treated me with genuine kindness.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. Victoria’s words echoed endlessly in my mind, like poison coursing through my veins. How could I endure a marriage where it was clear Charles didn’t want me?
I stared at Charles’ broad back as he slept, facing away from me. I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I didn’t have the courage. Was I ready to hear the truth directly from his lips?
The following morning, I finally gathered the nerve to speak to Charles. He sat at his desk, his expression calm as he focused on his laptop screen.
“Charles,” I called, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Hmm?” He didn’t turn around.
“If you have another woman, I’m willing to divorce you.”
He slowly closed his laptop, turning to look at me with his piercing blue eyes. “What are you talking about, Anna?”
I bit my lower lip nervously. “I—maybe I’m not the perfect wife. So, if you’re unhappy and have someone else, I won’t force you to stay.”
Charles’ expression shifted instantly. He stood up, walked toward me, and sat beside me. Taking my hands gently in his, he looked at me with a gaze full of concern.
“Anna, what’s going on? Why are you saying this?” he asked softly. “I love you. You’re my wife, the only woman I want.”
I wanted to believe him. His words sounded so sincere, like the Charles I thought I knew. But I couldn’t forget what I overheard the night before.
“I’m not sure,” I replied weakly.
He let out a long sigh, his eyes softening as he gazed at me. “If anything, I’m the one with so many flaws. But trust me, I don’t want to lose you, Anna. I’ll do anything for you.”
I searched his eyes for honesty. His words were sweet to hear, but I still doubted him. Did he truly love me?
Charles brushed a strand of hair from my face, kissed my forehead, and whispered, “I love you,” before heading off to work. I remained uneasy, dissatisfied with his answers and his affection.
My body felt exhausted, and a wave of nausea suddenly hit me. I thought it was just stress, but the calendar in the room jolted me. I was late for my period.
With trembling hands, I retrieved a pregnancy test kit from the drawer. Locking myself in the bathroom, I stared at the small device with a pounding heart.
Minutes later, two lines appeared. I froze, a rush of mixed emotions swelling in my chest. I was pregnant?
Tears streamed down my face, but this time, they weren’t out of sorrow. Hope—that was the first thing that filled my heart at that moment. Even if Charles didn’t love me, this child was part of our marriage—something real, something I could cherish.
I gently placed a hand over my stomach as if I could feel the tiny life growing inside me. Perhaps—just perhaps—this was the start of something new.
