Chapter 2 Astonished

Chapter Two – Astonished?

The morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the tangled sheets. I blinked against the brightness, my body aching as though I'd been hit by a truck. I reached out instinctively-but the space next to me was cold. Richard was gone.

My hair was a tangled mess, frizzy and wild, much like the storm raging inside me. I turned to look at Harley, sleeping peacefully beside little Tommy. A deep ache clutched my heart. How would they ever adapt to this chaos? And now, another life growing inside me...

My phone lit up-two missed calls from Richard.

Then I heard her voice, floating in from the hallway. "Don't worry, darling. Just leave her. She'll understand soon enough."

The clicking of heels followed her words like punctuation. I didn't have to look up to know who it was-Delilah.

She entered the room, curls bouncing down her back, her beauty radiant and effortless. My heart sank.

Is this what Richard left me for? I wondered bitterly.

And then he walked in. Without shame, he wrapped an arm around her waist, his hand resting on her stomach.

I sat up, stunned. "So this is the woman you've been cheating with? The one who twisted your mind against me?"

He sneered. "Don't you dare call her that. Delilah is ten times the woman you are, you serial cheater."

I laughed. Dry. Humorless. "You'll regret this one day, Richard. Mark this moment." My voice cracked. "I'll sign the divorce papers-but don't come looking for me afterward."

At that moment, Harley stirred awake, blinking at her father and the strange woman beside him. My heart broke a little more.

"C'mon, Richard," Delilah said with a smirk. "Don't waste your time on this... unfaithful mess."

Tears pricked my eyes as sweat dotted my forehead. Eight years. Eight long years I'd devoted to this man, giving him everything, believing he was the best I'd ever have. Delilah gave me a mocking smile as they left the room.

I looked down at my stomach and whispered, "I'm sorry, little one." A tear slid down my cheek.

I blinked few times, "This is not the right place for you, the young shall grow." I summoned courage, acted like nothing happened. I stood before the mirror observing myself, the golden hue casting it's reflection on my skin. Looking beautiful and fit in my dinner dress. Memories flooded back- dejuva, melancholy, nostalgia. Richards words sank in my soul, he ate all without leaving crumbs, his mistress gave my daughter and me a mocking smile. They left me in pieces, scars in my heart, unhealed wounds and everlasting trauma.

I need justice, I will expose Delilah even if it's cost me my marriage. My breathe seizes for seconds.......

*Zzzzzz Zzzzzz*

I received a call from the hospital, "I reminiscenced the conversation I had with the nurse."

"Hello mam. The lab woman is available for just few minutes. Things would work if you can make it home the hospital before she leaves."

Excited, "on my way." I said.

I wiped my tears, brushed my messy hair, and renew my makeup.

---

Later, at the hospital, after tests and check-ins, the DNA sample was taken. As I sat in the waiting area, my head resting against the arm of someone familiar, I realized I was leaning into Jayden-my old schoolmate. Now an architect, he'd always been gentle.

He looked at me with concern. "What happened, Theresa? I heard things..."

I hesitated, adjusting myself on the seat. "After the doctor's consultation, Richard threw a report at me. Said Harley isn't his biological child."

Jayden's brows lifted in disbelief. "What?"

"I've never cheated on him," I said quietly, my voice tight. "But ever since Delilah came back, he's been paranoid. I wanted a DNA test done to prove that none of my children are bastards."

Jayden took a breath. "If it were me, I'd be upset-but I'd never stop trusting my wife. I trust you, Theresa. Always have."

"My heart bleeds," I whispered.

He rubbed my shoulder. "You've always been decent-since we were kids. I still believe in you, even if no one else does."

I looked at him, desperate. "Can you believe Richard brought her into my home-to taunt me? To mock everything I've built? She looked me in the eye and broke me down. And then... he served me divorce papers."

Jayden didn't hesitate. "Then let him go. You'll move on. You'll raise Harley. And as for the pregnancy... maybe it's time to let that go too."

I didn't respond immediately. My chest tightened.

"Uncle Jayden," Harley's small voice cut in, candy clutched in hand. "What are you and mommy talking about?"

"Nothing, sweetheart. Just grown-up stuff."

---

I tried to stay calm, but my heart thudded in my ears as the lab technician returned with the results. She handed me the envelope gently.

My fingers trembled as I opened it.

"Eight-year-old Harley Babylon is not biologically related to the presumed father."

My stomach turned.

"No," I said in disbelief. "There must be a mistake. How much did she pay you? I'll double it."

The technician blinked, clearly offended. "This isn't about money. These results are accurate. I'm sorry."

I turned to the mirror beside me and caught a glimpse of myself-hollow eyes, broken spirit. Who was this woman?

How could I face my family? My friends? I was carrying this man's child, and he was divorcing me over a lie.

This wasn't how it was supposed to end.

I remembered our love story-how it began with spark, with promise. The late-night talks, the honeymoon, the dreams. And now? Betrayal. Humiliation. A home in ruins.

Maybe fate was trying to wake me up.

Jayden's words echoed in my head. "You need to save yourself."

And maybe... I did.

Harley was mine. She needed me. I couldn't let this situation destroy her. I had to take her away from Richard and start again.

But the unborn child...

I bit my lip as a fresh wave of guilt surged through me.

Pain stabbed through my temple. My vision blurred. A sharp migraine ripped through my skull.

What's happening to me?

And then, everything faded.

I collapsed.