Mr. Leo adjusted his cufflinks, he had slept little, thoughts of Joanna's pregnancy dancing in his mind all night.
He cleared his throat as he reached for his watch. I'll be taking Joanna to the family doctor this morning, as we agreed just to confirm everything.
Elizabeth's lips curved faintly, but her eyes never left the window. All right Leo, she said softly.
Something about her calm unsettled him. He had expected questions, suspicion perhaps a storm of anger but instead there was only stillness, like a quiet sea before a hurricane.
He lingered, hoping she might say more. When she didn't, he slipped on his jacket and left without another word.
Joanna was already waiting outside her small apartment, dressed in a soft lavender gown that framed her figure and exaggerated the innocence she loved to wear like perfume.
Her mother, Clara, watched her from the doorway, torn between anger and helpless sorrow.
Joanna gave a small, airy laugh. Mum, you worry too much. Everything will be fine. She said looking at her mum
The sound of Mr. Leo's car pulling up draws Joanna's attention. Joanna turned, smiling as though the world belonged to her. She waved goodbye to her mother and slid into the car.
Good morning Sir, she greeted, her tone sweet, her eyes knowing.
Mr. Leo nodded. Morning, Joanna. Did you sleep well?
Very well, thank you, she replied. And you?
He smiled faintly. Restless. I just want to get this done.
She leaned back, feigning concern. You don't have to be nervous. It's just confirmation.
Yes, he said absently, his voice distant. Just a confirmation.
But in his heart, he was praying for something more: a legacy, an heir, a reason to feel young and powerful again.
Dr. Adeoye, welcomed them with polite warmth. He had served the Mr. Leo family for years and knew better than to ask unnecessary questions.
Mr. Leo, he said with a respectful nod. Good to see you again. And this must be Miss Joanna
Joanna smiled. Yes, doctor. Good morning.
Good morning my dear, he replied. So, how can I help today?
Leo straightened. We'd like to confirm the pregnancy. And if possible, determine the gender.
The doctor raised a brow. Ah, I see. Well, it may be early, but we can try. Come with me, Miss Joanna
Leo waited in the corridor, his heartbeat unsteady. He hated how much he cared. It was irrational, selfish but the thought of a son, his son, was intoxicating.
Fifteen minutes later, the doctor returned with a thin smile and a folder in his hand.
Congratulations, Mr. Leo he said quietly. She's indeed pregnant.
Leo exhaled, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over him. And the gender?
The doctor hesitated, then smiled. It's early, but all indications point to a boy.
For a moment, the air seemed to stop.
Leo's eyes flicked to Joanna, who was standing just behind the doctor, her hand resting gently on her still flat stomach, her expression perfectly innocent.
A boy? Leo repeated, almost to himself.
The doctor nodded. Yes, sir. A healthy baby boy.
Leo smiled for the first time in days, a wide unguarded smile that reached his eyes. Thank you, doctor. Thank you very much.
As they left the hospital, he was silent, but the pride in his walk spoke volumes. Joanna glanced at him sideways, satisfied. She didn't need to say a word; she could already see her victory unfolding.
At home, Elizabeth was arranging fresh lilies on the dining table when Leo returned. She didn't look up when she heard his footsteps.
He paused behind her, watching the calm rhythm of her hands. The doctor confirmed it, he said finally.
She placed the last stem in the vase, adjusted it slightly, then turned to face him. Confirmed what?
She's pregnant, he said his tone careful. And it's a boy.
Congratulations, she replied simply.
Her voice was quiet, perfectly controlled. He tried to read her face but found nothing there, no tears, no anger, not even disappointment. Just composure.
He moved closer. Elizabeth, you know I didn't plan for this. It just happened. But I can't ignore it either. My son can't be born outside my home.
She tilted her head slightly. Your son?
Yes. His voice was firmer now. My heir. I've made my decision. I'll marry Joanna.
Her lashes lowered, concealing the storm behind her eyes. You'll marry her?
It's the right thing to do he said, almost convincing himself. I'll make arrangements for you, for the children. Nothing will change for you.
Except that you'll have another wife, she said mildly.
He winced at her tone. I'll make sure it's handled discreetly. There doesn't have to be conflict.
Of course not, she replied softly.
He hesitated, searching her face. You're taking this better than I expected.
Her smile was delicate, unreadable. There's no point fighting what's already been decided, is there?
Exactly, he said with relief, mistaking her stillness for acceptance.
As he left the room, Elizabeth turned back to the vase. Her hands were steady, her reflection in the glass calm but her mind was sharpening like a blade.
Meanwhile across town, Joanna was almost glowing as she burst through the door of her mother's small home.
Mum! she called cheerfully.
Clara looked up from where she sat, weary eyes lifting. You're back.
Joanna nodded, holding up the ultrasound image like a trophy. The doctor confirmed it's a boy, Mum. A boy!
Clara's lips trembled. Oh, my God.
And that's not all Joanna said, grinning. Mr. Leo said he'll marry me. He said his son can't be born outside his home. We're already planning everything.
Clara gasped. Marry you? Joanna, no you can't do this; He's still married to your mother's best friend
Joanna shrugged. He said he'll take care of it. Besides, Mrs. Wong doesn't seem like the type to make trouble.
Clara stared at her daughter, disbelief and pain warring on her face. And you're proud of this?
Why shouldn't I be? Joanna shot back. All my life you said we were cursed with poverty. Well, I've found a way out. I'm not ashamed, Mum, i'm smart enough to know opportunity when I see it.
Clara rose, voice breaking. Joanna, you're destroying people's lives for money!
Joanna's expression softened briefly, almost a mockery of guilt. I'm not destroying anything. I'm building my future.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, smoothing her hair and whispering to herself, Mrs. Joanna Wong, it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
Clara sat back down, silent tears sliding down her cheeks. She had lost her daughter long before today, but seeing the pride in her eyes made the loss final.
That evening, Elizabeth sat alone in her garden, a book unopened on her lap. She could hear Leo in his study, speaking to someone over the phone, his tone brisk, commanding, the voice of a man arranging his world exactly as he pleased.
She didn't move. She simply listened to the murmur of his voice, the faint echo of his pride, and let the quiet settle around her like a shroud.
When he came out hours later, he found her still there.
You should come inside, he said. It's getting cold.
She looked up, her expression serene. I will.
He smiled faintly. You're too quiet these days.
I'm thinking, she said.
About what?
Her eyes met his calm, deep, unreadable. About how quickly people change.
He frowned. What do you mean?
She stood, setting the book aside. Nothing, she murmured. Just an observation.
As she walked past him into the house, her perfume lingered in the air soft, elegant, unforgettable.
Leo watched her go, an uneasy flicker passing through him. But he dismissed it quickly. He had more important things to think about: plans to make, calls to return, a wedding to arrange.
Behind him, the wind rustled through the garden, whispering secrets only Elizabeth could hear.
And in that quiet whisper, her patience began to take shape silent, steady, and inevitable.
The storm hadn't come yet. But it was coming and I will make you pay.
