After my ex-husband, William, betrayed me by leaving me for my sister, Audrey, I was devastated. My heartbreak was eventually healed when I met and found new happiness with Stevan. We married and had twin children. Happiness enveloped us until a woman from Stevan's past appeared, demanding that he fulfill a promise he had made to her.
My heart shattered when I felt betrayed for the second time. Everything felt like a nightmare when I saw the man I loved married to another woman. "It's better for us to separate than for me to see you married to someone else. I just want to be the only one in your life, Stevan," I told him.
Living with my husband's second wife was unbearable. However, I finally chose to give in after learning of Athena's sacrifice—she had donated a kidney to Stevan. Without her, I wouldn't have the happiness I have now. Reluctantly, I signed the separation papers and left Stevan, the man who had always been so attentive to me.
After I left, Stevan frantically searched for me. But this time, I will never look back, nor will I ever forgive.
——
Kimberly's POV
Everyone clapped in celebration of my twin daughters' birthday. I looked at Stevan, who looked close and full of love and affection for his two daughters. Stevan was true to his word, he was being a good father. I was so happy to have them in my life.
We started to cut the big birthday cake together. However, the arrival of a woman hugging Stevan's body took everyone at the party by surprise.
"Stevan, I missed you!" the woman said, hugging Stevan very tightly.
I stared with jealousy as I saw Stevan stay still and not let go of the woman's embrace.
"Why did you come back?" Stevan asked the woman.
"I want to ask for your promise!" she replied, leaving everyone looking confused.
My heart broke into a million pieces when I saw the woman give Stevan a quick peck on the cheek. And what pissed me off was that Stevan wasn't being assertive with her.
"Excuse me, who are you?" I asked, because all I knew of Stevan's family was Grandpa and Quincy.
"I'm Athena, Stevan's childhood friend," she said, extending her hand to me.
I accepted her handshake, and the woman named Athena hugged me. But her whisper made my eyes bulge.
"It turns out Stevan is a fool to choose a wife, I'm going to take him away from you!" Athena whispered right in my ear.
Our hug broke apart, my hands clenched into fists at Athena's words. I didn't want to argue with her. The birthday party of my twin daughters had to go smoothly.
During the event, I kept daydreaming about Athena's presence. I could feel Athena's loving and admiring look at Stevan.
As far as I know, Stevan has never had a relationship with any woman. Even I was his first love.
But why was she able to keep Stevan quiet and not rebel?
My daughter's birthday party was over. I searched for the whereabouts of Stevan, who had disappeared. I suddenly felt uneasy seeing that Athena wasn't around the party either.
I was scared by Athena's mysterious arrival. With my two twin daughters in tow, I searched for Stevan's whereabouts.
My tears fell when I saw Stevan cuddling with a woman. I tried to approach them because I wanted to listen to their conversation.
"Honey, you mustn't make a sound. You stay here!" I told my two daughters to hide behind the bushes.
I recognized the woman's clothes, she was Athena.
"Why did you come here?" asked Stevan, holding Athena's shoulders.
"I came here for you. You've deceived me, Stevan! Didn't you promise to marry me?" said Athena, holding Stevan's hand.
I was surprised to hear Athena's words. Stevan had promised to marry Athena. I was sure that their relationship wasn't just a childhood friendship. Maybe Athena was Stevan's ex-girlfriend. But why would Stevan lie to me? He said I was the only woman in his life.
"Do you still believe the promise of a fifteen-year-old teenager?" said Stevan, pushing Athena's body.
"Yes, I do!" replied Athena, trying to kiss Stevan aggressively on the lips.
I was surprised at what Athena was about to do. My heart was beating fast, there was no way Stevan would betray me. I was about to step forward to stop them. But I aborted my intention when I saw Stevan rejecting her. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was sure Stevan would never betray our marriage.
"Enough! I'm married, I have two children," Stevan snapped at Athena.
"I don't care, I'm even willing to be your second wife!" She replied emotionally to Stevan's rejection.
I think Athena is crazy, a woman as beautiful as she is willing to be a second wife? I won't allow that to happen. I must defend my marriage.
I was still faithfully listening to their conversation. Fortunately, my two children were quiet, they did as I told them.
"You deserve better, Athena. Enough! I'm afraid if my wife finds out about our meeting, I hope you come back tomorrow!" Stevan replied as he walked away.
I smiled happily at Stevan's reply. But my smile faded when I saw Athena hugging Stevan from behind. I was surprised to hold back my emotions and jealousy.
"No one has loved me since I gave up what I had for you! Everyone refuses to marry me," Athena shouted, making my body freeze.
Lightning struck my heart. I'm not a stupid woman, I understand the meaning of Athena's words. I didn't know what their past was like. What they did before Stevan met me.
I cried silently, my head aching as I watched Stevan return Athena's hug. My chest was tight when I saw Stevan kiss Athena's forehead.
I felt that I was trapped in the same abyss again. I shouldn't have believed Stevan's words at that time.
I walked away with my two daughters. Stevan was not allowed to see me.
I concluded that Athena had been present in Stevan's life. And Stevan's claim that I was the only one was a lie. He had deceived me, Stevan had betrayed me.
