THE ONLY BILLIONAIRE WIFE

Lexie's POV - Biased events.

I opened my eyes seriously searching to know where I was. I felt a strange pain in my lower back as I tried to get up. I couldn't sit up. I was still nursing my pain when the nurse came into the room.

"No ma. Don't try to sit up. You'll feel pain in your lower back." She insisted and helped me back on the bed. "Why I'm I here?"

She smiled at me. "Let's wait for the doctor to come." Her smile was contagious and whatever it was, she couldn't contain it anymore.

I became relaxed when she said that with a smile on her face. No nurse would tell a patient to wait for a bad doctor's report while smiling right?

I waited patiently as I tried to remember why I was at the hospital in the first place. "What happened to me?" I wondered.

It took some minutes for the doctor to arrive but he did come with good news.

"You're pregnant." He smiled as he told me the good news. My heart gladdened when I heard him speak to me about my baby boy.

"You're having twins." He announced.

My face was all smiles when I was told I was having twins, two healthy boys. I had always wanted this. This was a dream come true and I was happy I was doing this with my husband, the love of my life. The one who makes me happy.

Our marriage was five years old but we still loved each other like we got married just yesterday. It was indeed the best time of my life.

"How did I get here?" I asked the doctor, still confused and blank as to how I got to the hospital in the first place.

"Your sister brought you here. Her suspicions were right. She said she was driving you home when you fainted and so she had to bring you to the hospital."

"So she knows about the news?" I asked the doctor and he nodded in affirmation. I just wondered why she had left knowing fully my condition. Well, knowing Cassy well, I believed she would be planning a surprise party for me, by now.

I knew she wouldn't break the news to Alfred because I wanted to be the one who would break such beautiful news to my lovely husband. It's been my dream for as long as we have been married to tell him that he would be a father. Finally, it was happening.

"Do you need anything?" The doctor brings me out of my thoughts, making me shudder.

"My phone?" I questioned the doctor.

"Oh right." He handed it right to me.

When he had left I quickly tried to dial Alfred's number but it wasn't connecting. I tried again but failed, it seemed the network was too bad.

"What am I doing? I need to go inform him myself, afterall he'll be so glad to hear the good news."

I called the nurse who attended to me before and asked her to get me discharged immediately since I wanted to go home.

"I can't discharge you, you're not fit to go home." She replied.

"But I want to see my husband, I can't sleep here tonight. Call the doctor for me." I was almost screaming.

The doctor came and seeing he couldn't control me, he decided to discharge me only on the condition that one of the hospital staff would drive me home safely.

"Mrs kings, Congratulations, once again." He saw me at the door. He was a kind hearted doctor and I appreciated his actions towards me.

I drove home, peacefully thinking of Alfred's facial countenance when I broke the news to him. It would be so priceless. The car drove slowly because the Doctor had warned the staff not to drive so quickly since it was also getting dark.

"We're here." He told me.

I didn't even realize that we were already at our destination with so much on my head. Should I break the news to Alfred today or maybe plan a surprise get together for him when he goes to work tomorrow.

As I entered the big mansion, I dialed his number again but still got no response. I then called Cassey but her phone was switched off, equally.

Why was no one's phone going through or was this all a plot. I smiled. My sister was quite predictable. She must have told everyone and they were gathered at my room waiting for me to enter so they could rain congratulations on me.

I climbed the stairs with the last energy I could muster, I was very exhausted even as I didn't do so much today if not going to the hospital. I heard silly sounds coming from our room as I climbed the stairs.

I smiled as I shook my head. Cassy was so predictable. I knew that they were people already waiting behind those closed doors. I quickly adjusted my dress and got ready to pretend to be surprised.

As I got closer, I didn't know if I heard whispers of people gathered or moans of two people continuously. I was pregnant and tired, not deaf and stupid. The sounds I heard were moans and it was my husband's voice, coming from our room.

Alfred? Was he having sex in our matrimonial home? On our matrimonial bed?"

I opened the door slightly, hoping the sound was fake and was coming from my head but it didn't stop. It increased.

"No, no. Your wife? Where is she?" A lady's voice asked.

"I don't care. None of my business." Alfred responded. It was his voice, I could have been mistaken about a lot of things but never my husband's voice.

Alfred was having sex on our matrimonial bed while I was so excited to come share the good news to him? I couldn't bear to see my husband with another woman so I closed the door slowly and ran out, quietly.

I wasn't watching where I was going. The only image I could see was the one of Alfred with another woman in our matrimonial home. It was a terrible and incredibly painful experience. Initially, as I ran I still couldn't get over the shock I felt, I still couldn't believe what I heard.

He said he didn't care what happened to me. Does that mean he had been cheating for a long time? I had never known what it meant to be betrayed until today. It led to a feeling of betrayal and blame on my side.

Was I not a good wife? Wasn't I good enough for him? Where did I go wrong? My mind was racing and my heart was pounding, sending resounding echoes through my body. As I ran along the road, I wasn't sure where I was running to, I only wanted to forget everything.

I wanted Alfred to call me and tell me how he loves me and that all that I heard was just a prank. I didn't know what I felt but I was propelled by the betrayal I discovered so I ran farther, having no destination in mind.

As I continued my forced sprint on the road, suddenly behind me I could hear the low growl of an engine car in pursuit of me. First, it was slow, then it increased its speed. Fear clutches me as I glanced back to see who it was but the headlight obstructed my view from seeing who it was at the driver's seat.

The car was closing in and I didn't know what to do. I doge widely weaving between several packed cars at a certain car pack but it still didn't stop whoever it was. My legs, hands and muscles were weak, so I tried to hold on for a little longer since a cop station was not very far away.

My strength failed me as I fell on my knees to the floor, I felt such a bad pain in my abdomen that I couldn't walk anymore. I stared at the car as it approached, turning my back at it. I stroke my stomach for the last time.

"Gbahhhhhh!"

My body was in severe pain and I wondered if I was dead already. The impact of the hit was jarring and I felt a rush of fear and pain. I was worried for my unborn children. Were they also hurt in the process?

I just layed on the floor, weak and having no strength to stand. How could I go through with this? I tried to stand but my strength failed me. I was literally shaking and there were no words that could describe what I felt.

The driver who had hit me, came out of the car, walking towards me like he wasn't aware he hit a human. I was face front on the floor but I could see there was a birthmark on his ankle. I couldn't look up but soon I was bundled into the car.

He started the ignition and drove off with me at the back of his car. I had blood on my clothes but he didn't mind me staying in his car. He received a phone call and he picked it up.

"The job has been done." He dropped the phone again. We must have driven for an hour before he stopped the car. I didn't know where we were or who he was, I only pleaded for mercy.

"Please don't hurt me." I got no response, he only pushed me out of the car and before I could realize it, I was already flying out of a bridge. My body felt so light like a leaf floating on water as I flew in the air like a bird. Before I landed into the water, I closed my eyes to receive my last breath of life and so I wouldn't feel pain again..

When I entered the water, everything went silent and I felt at peace.

Cassy's POV - The plot

When I had dropped Lexie at the hospital, I knew she was pregnant if not why would she faint so suddenly.

I stayed with her throughout her test while she slept. I was the first person to receive the news of her pregnancy. I was glad and excited for her in front of the doctors but deep down, I couldn't understand it.

Lexie was my younger sister and she's been married for 5 years now. She's pregnant for her husband while I'm still single and no man would turn to look at me.

Mother told me that I should rather adopt children since I would never get married again. Those words were hurtful coupled with the fact that anytime I visited Lexie and her husband, they made my feelings worse.

I kept regretting my existence and kept wishing I would get a man like Alfred who takes care of his wife and doesn't cheat. He was my ideal man.

It wasn't a great deal but I started thinking of having Alfred to myself. It would be wonderful to be married to such a man who would pamper and treat you like a queen. I stared at my sister as she lay there, smiling in her dreams probably because she was dreaming of Alfred. Why not? He was the man of every woman's dream, including me.

I wanted Alfred to myself, I wanted him to love me and no one else. I wanted to be the one who would wake up beside him, the one who would smile at him always. I desired the things my sister enjoyed from him.

She never stopped talking about him, he was always on her lips. They could never leave each other alone. All these desires and it just boils down to the fact that I wanted Alfred to and for myself, only.

"I'm leaving." I told the doctor at work.

"Aren't you going to wait, so you could break the news to her?"

"You can do the honor, doctor. I have important things I need to break too." I smirked at the Doctor and he smiled back. He must have thought that I said something about preparing a surprise for her.

Well, what I had for her was a surprise, not a good one though but can still be called a surprise. I only wanted to be chosen and not settled for, is that too much to ask?

I had made the plans a long time ago, I was only finding the perfect time to execute my plans. The speaker would do its job very well.

Lexie was a very emotional woman and could get broken easily and because of this she didn't let herself see certain things because of the breakdown she would have. She was always protecting her personal space.

I only needed to make her hear what I wanted her to hear and then she would think Alfred was cheating. I would have really loved for Alfred to touch and make me feel like a woman but he would never do that, with Lexie in the picture.

I had called him earlier to know if he would be back home as soon as possible but he said he wouldn't. So I assured him that he could take his time, since I was going to take care of Lexie.

Yes. I will take care of her indeed!

*******************************

"Alfred! You need to come home, right now!" I cried into the phone, my eyes glittered with feigned tears and my shoulders trembling. My sobs were calculated and soft. I held a tissue careful not to disturb my makeup.

"I'm in the car right now. Are you crying? Where's Lexie?" He asked.

I couldn't believe that I was the one crying but he was instead asking after Lexie. Two cops were nearby so I had to act well. My gaze flickered elsewhere, gazing carefully at the people around me hoping my performance would evoke sympathy at least.

"Tell me what happened?" He asked, louder this time.

"Please just come home immediately." I cleared my face as I dropped the phone on the counter inside the kitchen. I was so bad at pretending but I'll do great because I had practiced multiple times.

The cops were downstairs making fruitless searches and asking stupid questions which I answered every single one of them and waited for Alfred's return.

"What happened?" He must have flown because how would he have gotten here by now? "Where's Lexie? Why is no one telling me where she is?" He was enraged.

"She ran away!" I blurted out. "I'm so sorry, Alfred but when we got to the hospital, the doctor said she had stomach cancer. She was so heartbroken. I managed to bring her home but that was it, when I left to get her something to eat, when I returned, she was gone."

"What? You said you would take care of her? Stomach Cancer?" His eyes were now dull and haunted and he was angry. "How the hell did she get that?"

"I'm so confused too. This is the doctor's report." I handed the piece of paper to him.

He hissed and dropped the paper forcefully on the table. "Where is Lexie?" He stared dead into my eyes.

At that moment, I thought that maybe I should have made up another story to go well with this. Now, everyone looked at me since I said I was with her earlier. I was confident that no matter what anyone did, they wouldn't find Lexie alive.

"I don't know." I shivered as he hit his fist at the kitchen table multiple times.

"Who is in charge here?" His voice was raised, slowly going into anger.

"Yes." A fat police officer showed up right before him. It made me want to laugh, why would they employ such a fat dude to be a cop in a situation like this.

"Concentrate Cassy!" I reminded myself and went back to my acting.

"Where is my wife?" Alfred demanded to know.

"From our finding, she was hit by a car."

"What?" I screamed. "No, no, don't say that."

"What car?" Alfred asked.

"Eye witnesses said they saw her running but couldn't stop here. Another stranger said she had seen a car hit a running woman but she didn't wait to see, she ran away to save herself."

All this sounded like a melody to my ear. I'm glad the job was done well and good enough. I didn't waste my money after all.

"This is giving me a headache. I just want to know where my wife is." Alfred replied and sank into a nearby chair. "I just want my wife."

I felt pity for Alfred but I didn't feel sorry one bit about what I did. I deserve happiness too and it was my turn to be happy, truly happy. It would only happen now that Lexie wasn't here.

"Don't worry, Alfred. I'll comfort you." I spoke in my mind.

"Find her." Alfred countered, thought for a minute and dashed out. "I'm going to find my wife."

"Where are you going?" I asked but got no response. I had to follow him after all, it was my sister that was missing. It was raining and I was afraid the rain would mess up my hair but it was a sacrifice I would have to make.

I was trying to impress Alfred so I went out in the rain with him. "I'm coming with you." I replied to him but got no response. I actually expected him to ask me to go back since that was how he acted with Lexie but he didn't seem to notice me.

"Give him some time. He is grieving." I comforted myself and followed him. I didn't know where he was going to go but I prayed this search would end as soon as possible.

We literally walked the whole town under the rain.

"Lexie? Baby, please come out wherever you are. We'll try to fix this. I'm sure you don't have stomach cancer. The doctor was joking, "if you come out now, we'll find a way and I'll sue that fool for giving a bad report." He cried bitterly in the rain.

This was exactly what I wanted, a man that would travel the ends of the world for me.

"Lexie, please.." My voice trailed off slowly as I looked up hoping to see if I was getting Alfred in any way but nothing.

Suddenly, a police car closed in on us, then one of the men came out.

"We are not sure, Mr. Kings but your wife's clothes were found down the river on the other side. We doubt we know where she is or how to find her."

"Find her!" Alfred screamed at the police officer but he didn't shiver like I did. .

"I'm sorry I can't do anything, we'll report her dead."

"She's dead!"

Lexie's POV - The Awakening

I finger the mankind around me shift in and out of direction as I open my eyes. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and a soft beeping noise pierced the quiet. I blinked, taste to piece unitedly how I had stopped in this unfamiliar plaza. My consistency ached, and as I tilted slightly, a jolt of pain shot through my lower back. Panic surged through me as I took in my surroundings - a hospital elbow room.

"Ma'am, please do n't try to sit up scarcely even so, " a nursemaid enjoined, figuring the way with a gentle smile. Her presence was comforting amidst my discombobulation. " You postulate to rest. "

"Where am I? What falls out? " My vocalizations tremble as I talk, each word heavy with fear.

"You're in the hospital, " she replied, her eyes tender and reassuring. " Your sister added you to her after you fainted. "

My baby. Cassy. The name sent out a wavelet of disquiet through me. What had she fare? Why had I fainted? My mind pelt along, sputtering to call in the outcome leading to my current state.

"Did she recognize my shape? " I ask, my middle poke.

"Condition? " The nurse looked nonplussed. " What do you mean? "

"Pregnant, " I whisper, my breathing spell hitching. " I 'm fraught. "

The nurse 's expression softened. " Yes, you are. Congratulations. You 're having twins. "

The news washed over me like a tidal Wave, a rush of pleasure unifying with dread. I had dreamed of this for so long, of getting down a family with Alfred. But the memory of the betrayal predominates declamatory in my judgment, occult my felicity.

"How did I get hither? " I push, desperate for answers.

"Your sister said you were driving home when you swoon, " the nurse exclaimed. " She brought you to the infirmary. "

Cassy. I felt a frisson melt down my spine. I had trusted her, trust in her, and yet, I could n't sway the feeling that something was off.

"Can I leave? " I take my voice firm. " I need to see my husband. "

The nurse hesitated, glancing at the door. " I ca n't discharge you until the Doctor of the Church gives the okay. You ask to rest. "

I felt frustration guggle within me. " I do n't have time to rest ; I ask Alfred to tell Alfred the word. "

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor enrolled the room, clipboard in hand. " Mrs. Billie Jean King, it 's effective to see you alert. How are you feeling? "

"I'm fine, " I replied, my tonicity to a greater extent impatient than I intended. " Can I go home? "

The doctor contemplated me for a moment, his gaze piercing. " I understand your urgency, but we need to monitor you for a little long. You faint for an understanding, and we require you to ensure you and your baby are healthy. "

I clench my fists, frustration boiling over. " I need to see my husband. You do n't sympathize. He needs to know about the babies. "

The doc 's reflection softened. " I 'll make arrangements for you to go out, but you must promise to remain at home. You don't overexert yourself, especially now. "

"Thank you, " I allege, ease inundate me.

After a short wait, I was ultimately mustered out. The nurse assisted me into a wheelchair, and I felt a billow of turmoil as we cast through the infirmary corridors. I was plump home to Alfred, where I belong.

As we came near the entrance, I could barely moderate my presentation. I envisioned Alfred 's look illuminating with joyousness when I shared the word of our twin. It would be a moment of double-dyed bliss, a second that would wipe out the darkness of dubiety that had crept into our marriage.

The staff set for a hospital driver to take me home. As we get through the bustle about the streets of New York City, I feel a premix of emotion purl inside me. I was emotional, aflutter, and slightly apprehensive. What if Alfred had changed? What if he had moved on without me?

At Last, we arrived at our mansion. The number one wood served me out of the car, and I took a rich breather, steeling myself for the consequence I had longed for.

As I step deep down, a feeling of unease washed over me. The house is eerily quiet, besides quiet. " Alfred? " I called out, my voice echoing through the anteroom.

I climbed the stairs with a strange mixture of excitement and trepidation, the anticipation of sharing my news show battling with a nagging feeling that something was faulty. As I went about our bedroom, I heard a softened speech sound - groans and whispers that stopped me dead in my tracks.

My heart rushed along, dread pooling in my stomach. What was happening? I pushed the room access undetermined slightly, my pump impound in my chest.

What I find shatters my world. Alfred, my husband, was intertwined with another woman on our layer. A primeval scream claws its way up my throat, but I conquer it, feeling as if the aura had been criticized from my lungs.

"Alfred? " I whispered, barely able to pass off.

He was sick, and his eyes widened in stupor. The fair sex looked up, panic etched across her facial expression. I trip back, the betrayal crashing over me like a moving ridge.

I could n't stick around there. I wick and pass, my psyche racing, my heart shattering. I felt as if I were overwhelmed in grief and madness, every whole tone echoing my despair.

I decamp down the street, not knowing where I was headed, only eff I need to lam. The Nox tune was nerveless against my pelt, but it did nothing to calm the violent storm brew inside me.

Suddenly, I get wind of the rev of a railway locomotive behind me. I peek rearwards, and my gist dropped as the headlight took over down on me, the audio of tires screeching against the pavement.

"Alfred!" I cried out, but it was too late. The car plowed into me, and then nothingness.

While I tried to comprehend the situation, a torrent of questions coursed through my head. Would I ever face Alfred again? Would I meet my children again? Aversion and despair lingered over me, as I could feel my grasp over my world loosening into a great abyss.

The heaviness began caving in, just as I was about to give up, I could feel a spark of willpower within me. This shall not be the end. I will fight for my life, for my family, for my children.

And I would make them suffer for their deeds.

Lexie's POV - The Awakening

I finger the mankind around me shift in and out of direction as I open my eyes. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and a soft beeping noise pierced the quiet. I blinked, taste to piece unitedly how I had stopped in this unfamiliar plaza. My consistency ached, and as I tilted slightly, a jolt of pain shot through my lower back. Panic surged through me as I took in my surroundings - a hospital elbow room.

"Ma'am, please do n't try to sit up scarcely even so, " a nursemaid enjoined, figuring the way with a gentle smile. Her presence was comforting amidst my discombobulation. " You postulate to rest. "

"Where am I? What falls out? " My vocalizations tremble as I talk, each word heavy with fear.

"You're in the hospital, " she replied, her eyes tender and reassuring. " Your sister added you to her after you fainted. "

My baby. Cassy. The name sent out a wavelet of disquiet through me. What had she fare? Why had I fainted? My mind pelt along, sputtering to call in the outcome leading to my current state.

"Did she recognize my shape? " I ask, my middle poke.

"Condition? " The nurse looked nonplussed. " What do you mean? "

"Pregnant, " I whisper, my breathing spell hitching. " I 'm fraught. "

The nurse 's expression softened. " Yes, you are. Congratulations. You 're having twins. "

The news washed over me like a tidal Wave, a rush of pleasure unifying with dread. I had dreamed of this for so long, of getting down a family with Alfred. But the memory of the betrayal predominates declamatory in my judgment, occult my felicity.

"How did I get hither? " I push, desperate for answers.

"Your sister said you were driving home when you swoon, " the nurse exclaimed. " She brought you to the infirmary. "

Cassy. I felt a frisson melt down my spine. I had trusted her, trust in her, and yet, I could n't sway the feeling that something was off.

"Can I leave? " I take my voice firm. " I need to see my husband. "

The nurse hesitated, glancing at the door. " I ca n't discharge you until the Doctor of the Church gives the okay. You ask to rest. "

I felt frustration guggle within me. " I do n't have time to rest ; I ask Alfred to tell Alfred the word. "

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor enrolled the room, clipboard in hand. " Mrs. Billie Jean King, it 's effective to see you alert. How are you feeling? "

"I'm fine, " I replied, my tonicity to a greater extent impatient than I intended. " Can I go home? "

The doctor contemplated me for a moment, his gaze piercing. " I understand your urgency, but we need to monitor you for a little long. You faint for an understanding, and we require you to ensure you and your baby are healthy. "

I clench my fists, frustration boiling over. " I need to see my husband. You do n't sympathize. He needs to know about the babies. "

The doc 's reflection softened. " I 'll make arrangements for you to go out, but you must promise to remain at home. You don't overexert yourself, especially now. "

"Thank you, " I allege, ease inundate me.

After a short wait, I was ultimately mustered out. The nurse assisted me into a wheelchair, and I felt a billow of turmoil as we cast through the infirmary corridors. I was plump home to Alfred, where I belong.

As we came near the entrance, I could barely moderate my presentation. I envisioned Alfred 's look illuminating with joyousness when I shared the word of our twin. It would be a moment of double-dyed bliss, a second that would wipe out the darkness of dubiety that had crept into our marriage.

The staff set for a hospital driver to take me home. As we get through the bustle about the streets of New York City, I feel a premix of emotion purl inside me. I was emotional, aflutter, and slightly apprehensive. What if Alfred had changed? What if he had moved on without me?

At Last, we arrived at our mansion. The number one wood served me out of the car, and I took a rich breather, steeling myself for the consequence I had longed for.

As I step deep down, a feeling of unease washed over me. The house is eerily quiet, besides quiet. " Alfred? " I called out, my voice echoing through the anteroom.

I climbed the stairs with a strange mixture of excitement and trepidation, the anticipation of sharing my news show battling with a nagging feeling that something was faulty. As I went about our bedroom, I heard a softened speech sound - groans and whispers that stopped me dead in my tracks.

My heart rushed along, dread pooling in my stomach. What was happening? I pushed the room access undetermined slightly, my pump impound in my chest.

What I find shatters my world. Alfred, my husband, was intertwined with another woman on our layer. A primeval scream claws its way up my throat, but I conquer it, feeling as if the aura had been criticized from my lungs.

"Alfred? " I whispered, barely able to pass off.

He was sick, and his eyes widened in stupor. The fair sex looked up, panic etched across her facial expression. I trip back, the betrayal crashing over me like a moving ridge.

I could n't stick around there. I wick and pass, my psyche racing, my heart shattering. I felt as if I were overwhelmed in grief and madness, every whole tone echoing my despair.

I decamp down the street, not knowing where I was headed, only eff I need to lam. The Nox tune was nerveless against my pelt, but it did nothing to calm the violent storm brew inside me.

Suddenly, I get wind of the rev of a railway locomotive behind me. I peek rearwards, and my gist dropped as the headlight took over down on me, the audio of tires screeching against the pavement.

"Alfred!" I cried out, but it was too late. The car plowed into me, and then nothingness.

While I tried to comprehend the situation, a torrent of questions coursed through my head. Would I ever face Alfred again? Would I meet my children again? Aversion and despair lingered over me, as I could feel my grasp over my world loosening into a great abyss.

The heaviness began caving in, just as I was about to give up, I could feel a spark of willpower within me. This shall not be the end. I will fight for my life, for my family, for my children.

And I would make them suffer for their deeds.

Chapter 4: Lexie's POV - The Vengeful Awakening

I puff as I come out from the depths of darkness, my lungs burn up for zephyr. I lam, instinctively seek the surface, and as my head let out through the water, the cold jar transmitted a shake racing down my sticker. I coughed violently, ejecting the water from my lung while panic surged through me. I was active. Somehow, against all odds, I survived.

The riverside was a blur of movement as I contend to rip myself out of the frigid water. My limbs trembled with exhaustion, but the sheer power of survival impelled me frontward. I crawled onto the bank, pant for breath, my heart pelt along with a mixture of awe and relief. I was alive, but I had no idea how I had gotten to death or what had happened in the bit before I was struck.

As I lay on the dampish ground, the realism of my post began to pass in. I had been betrayed, discarded like yesterday 's trash by the two people I entrusted most. Alfred, my husband, had given in to temptation, and Cassy, my baby, had orchestrated my downfall. I could n't let them succeed. Not now that I take on a second opportunity in life.

With a newfound determination, I agitate myself to my understructure, my body shaking from the cold and the trauma. I want to get back to New York City, to face them both and reclaim what was truly mine. I stumbled forth from the river, each step fueled by a burning desire for revenge.

After what felt like an eternity, I witnessed shelter with a genial woman named Mrs. May, who got me in without doubt. Her warm eyes and aristocratic nature provided the comfort I desperately needed. I trust in her about the betrayal that had nearly cost me my life, and she takes heed, her eyes wide-cut with empathy.

"You're stronger than you know, Lexie, " she articulated one eventide as we sat at her kitchen table, the bleak light source casting an affectionate glow around us. " You subsist on something many would n't consume. Do n't let them select that away from you. "

I nod, absorbing her words. I had survived, and now I needed to rein in that posture. " I 'm going back to New York, " I declare, my voice firm with conclusion. " I need to present them. "

Mrs. May 's reflection is serious. " Are you sure? It could be dangerous. You do n't make out what they might do. "

"I have to behave like this, " I importune. " I wo n't countenance them getting away with what they 've done. I ask to make them pay. "

With her accompaniment, I gathered the strength to generate to the metropolis that had at one time been my dwelling house. Each statute mile I traveled felt like a step close to rectifying my sprightliness. The memories of Alfred 's smile, the feel of his arms around me, ghost me, but like a shot they were intertwined with the bitter sting of betrayal.

As I neared our mansion, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and dread. What would I notice when I stepped through those doors? Would Alfred be waiting for me, his eyes taken with regret, or would he be lost in Cassy 's arms?

The sun was setting as I came to the August entrance. I hesitated for an import, my hand vacillated above the doorknob. This was it. There would be no turning back directly. I advertise the doorway overt, the familiar creak sending a chill of nostalgia through me.

"Alfred? " I call, my voice echoing through the empty Asaph Hall. A quiet hung in the aviation, thick with stress. I i'll-use within, my nitty-gritty beat as I move through the house that had once been filled with lovemaking and laughter.

As I touched the living room, I froze. On That Point, posed on the couch, was Alfred. He looked different - empty, recede. My warmness ached at the raft of him, but I apace pushed those beliefs aside. He had chosen Cassy over me, and straight off I was hither to reclaim my life.

"Lexie? " he whispered, disbelief engraved across his features.

I squared my berm, turned away to let my emotion get the well of me. " I 'm backwards, Alfred, " I tell, my vox steady. " And I want what 's mine. "

He rose tardily, confusion flickering in his eye. " What do you signify? You 're supposed to be numb. "

"Dead? " I scoffed. " You thought you could swallow up me and move on with my baby? You stimulate no estimate of what I 've been through. "

The air between us sracted with unspoken tension. Alfred opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, the unmistakable speech sound of heels clicking on the hardwood base interrupted us. Cassy appeared, her expression shifting from electric shock to triumph as she took in the scene.

"Lexie, " she said, feign innocence. " I congratulate you for being so adept. "

"Not quite, " I pip back, my center narrowing at her. " I 'm here to resolve the score. "

Cassy 's expression season, her heart glinting with spitefulness. " You reckon you can just waltz back in and reclaim everything? You 're too formal. Alfred and I are together now. "

Alfred shifted uncomfortably, his regard darting between us. " Cassy, I postulate to explain-"

"No, you do n't, " I cut off, my voice rising. " You do n't have to make excuses. You chose her over me. You conceive her lies! "

Cassy ill-treats closer, a smirk makes for her lip. " I did n't have to lie, Lexie. You were out of the picture. Alfred asks someone who could be at that place for him, and I step up. "

"Stepped up? " I skewer. " You diagram my demise! You have got me hit by a car, and you guess I would n't see out? "

Her construction faltered for a brief moment before she regained her composure. " You 're delusional. No one would think you. You 're exactly a specter of your quondam self, stuck to a life history that does n't subsist anymore. "

"Enough! " Alfred shouted, the tension in the room escalating. " Both of you, just stop! "

I moved toward him carefully, a sense of hopelessness gripping me. "Alfred, please! You have to look at her for who she really is. She is not the woman you are picturing in your mind!"

However, he seemed to be in a dilemma, and that was worse. Cassy had blinded him with her lies and I was determined to open his eyes.

"Alfred, don't believe her!" I pleaded whilst my heart raced. "I am the one who loves you and would do anything for you, not her. She is just using you to achieve her goals!"

But before he could give a reply, Cassy rushed into the spotlight, looking deadly. "You don't have a say in how this turns out, Lexie. It's my life now!"

In one crazy moment of clarity, she decided to grab a vase which was quite close to her body. "I will fight to the last breath to keep what is mine!"

"Cassy, no!" Alfred cried, placing himself in between the two of us, but it was too late.

For some reason I felt a rush of rough energy in one exact second. I knew that preventing what was going to happen was not the answer. I breached the inner circles, intending to take my life back, and reveal the hidden truth.

And just like that, as Cassy was trying to smash the vase over my head, everything went quickly dark.

The only possible thing I heard after that was the cracking of the glass and then complete nothingness swallowed me like a heavy blanket.