Twisted Fate: Second Chance Heiress

~Melissa's POV~

The Mondragon family estate, present time........

"Here we go again!"

I muttered silently, yet enthusiastically through my breathe, as I stood awkwardly in a corner glancing at the magnitude of guests that filled the grand ballroom to a lavish capacity.

It was the 50th birthday and golden jubilee celebration of my father-in-law, Mr Tate Mondragon. The pillar and head of the Mondragon family dynasty, being one of the most powerful and wealthiest families, structured in Romania, Central Europe.

Everyone who mattered in the city was in attendance as laughter and chatter buzzed across the room, with the air thick.......with the scent of champagne and expensive cologne.

I was dressed elegantly as far as prying eyes could behold and thought to myself I radiated grace, but just like always nobody noticed my presence. As though I blended in with the asthethic decor pieces.

A familiar feeling I was now accustomed to.

My eyes scanned across the room filled with important dignitaries. Before my gaze fell on my father in law, who stood in a far end engaged with a guest, as I moved towards his direction.

"Happy birthday dad!" I utter ecstatically to him as I stretch out my hands, presenting him with the finely wrapped gift box I had prepared in his honour.

"Oh! You're here" he responds while trying to mask the hint of disappointment laced in his voice, almost like he was'nt expecting me to show up. His gaze quickly averts, looking over my shoulder, roaming around in search of something.

"And where is Robert, your husband?" he asked

"Why bother ask her darling, it's not like she ever knows about his whereabouts". My mother in law, Tessa's voice dripping with obvious disdain, chimed in, popping out of nowhere just when I was about to make up an excuse.

"You know, if I didn't know better I would have asked if you're sure your actually married to my son. Since you never seem to have any idea of his daily schedule as his wife". she spat out more hurtful words, not giving a damn how it stung at my emotions.

Since the moment I married Robert my husband, the only son and heir to the Mondragon fortune. Every day of my life became unbearably daunting. Despite my efforts to prove my worth to his family, most especially his mother....Tessa Mondragon. A fierce woman in her prime, who despised my very existence and deemed me unworthy of bearing the Mondragon name.

Because of my modest background.

I could still remember her words from the early stage of my marriage to Robert, that now stuck in my mind like a serenade or childhood lullaby of how a Mondragon is supposed to act;

A Mondragon does not show weakness.

A Mondragon is fierce and strong at heart like a real dragon.

A Mondragon always wins no matter what and at any cost.

I could go on and on, but no matter how polished and refined I tried to become they just couldn't bring themselves to accept me as their own.

"Good evening mum. I'm sure he's on his way. Probably stuck at work or in traffic" my lips utter through a tight smile formed across my face in a bid to save face.

"Hmmm.....I see" she says with a slightly humorous tone, sounding almost like she knew something I didn't, while taking a sip from the champagne filled flute held firmly in her hands. Before walking away to attend to other guests.

A wave of embarrassment surged through me knowing her words held a depth of truth to them, making my makeup contoured face to turn pale.

"But not to worry" I said reassuringly to myself as I shrugged my shoulders. The night was young and I was not about to give her the satisfaction of ruining it for me.

For you see, I had a special announcement to make. One that would finally earn me the respect I deserved, giving me a stance in this family.

I groped my stomach where life was growing.

Yes! I was finally pregnant with a child and heir for my husband Robert. After five long years of not being able to conceive a baby, countless medical checkups, and I planned on breaking the news tonight in front of everyone at the party, but most especially Robert who was yet to arrive.

I looked at my phone, clutched in my hands to see if he had responded to any of my unanswered missed calls, that always went straight to voicemail and texts. But there was nothing, but dead cold silence, consuming my mind with worry.

One which made me bite hard on the corner of my lips.

Just when I was about to dial his number for the umpteenth time, the grand ballroom doors swung open capturing the attention of everyone.

I swiveled my head to the direction and there he was. Robert! the husband of my youth, strutting in looking charming as ever. Dressed in a finely tailored royal blue tuxedo that I had laid out for him just this morning.

"Finally he's here"; I mutter with a bright smile on my face, as I gently walked over to welcome him and ask why he was late.

Just as I get close enough my steps quickly falter, bringing me to a halt as I glare at the horrification before me, now realizing he was not alone.

In his company was a beautiful woman dressed seductively as her evening gown clung to her curves, with her hands wrapped around his left arm, as her presence effortlessly captured the attention of spectators around, who fawned over them. Including Tate and Tessa who offered warm smiles and embraces like she truly belonged.

As though they instantly forgot I was the one married to Robert and not her.

I take a closer look at her face that seemed awfully familiar, when an instant realization jogged my memory.

I couldn't believe it, there she was in the flesh.

"Jodie Sanchez!". Roberts first love and ex girlfriend. The very woman whose existence had constantly overshadowed mine in Roberts heart, making me an outsider and contender for his affection for years.

Our marriage had always been devoid of love, one that was spun under the binds of a contract. But that never stopped me from optimistically hoping that one day, the only man I had only ever loved would eventually learn to love me back.

Days turned to months and then a year. It's been five years of turmoil with me still hanging on to a loose thread. And now that she's back I may have just lost any lingering hope I had left.

"Is that his wife? I must say she's gorgeous" a womans voice trailed across the room.

"They make a fine couple" another guest said, causing me to feel a jab in my chest.

The absolute nerve of these people. How could they forget that I stood amongst them. Was I really that insignificant? I wondered, or they just didn't care enough to bat an eyelash.

I stared intently at Robert, who was too distracted to spare me a glance.

Smiling warmly at Jodie, as his eyes flickered with affection. A moment I had always wished he would share with me.

Frustrated.......turning green with envy, I clutched my fists at my side as my long nails dug deep into my palm.

To avert their attention to me, I stomped my heels against the tiled floor, right after I grabbed a glass of water laid out on the dessert table, as I made my way to the stage to make my announcement.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. May I have your attention please!" I nervously spoke into the microphone clutched in my hand. The sound of my voice alerts them as their eyes darted to the stage where I stood.

"I'm certain you all know me by now, but to those oblivious of who I am. I am Melissa Mondragon! Roberts wife".

"And if my husband would be so kind to join me on stage , I have a very important announcement to make" I said for a final time with my eyes fixated on Robert, who had a cold yet perplexed expression on his face, while I waited in anticipation of his arrival.

He gave a light pat on Jodie's hands, before walking down to the stage, now with an unreadable expression worn on his face.

As soon as he meets me in an intimate close range, he whispers into my ear, fanning them through hot breathes.

"What the hell do you think your doing Melissa?" he asked with an annoyed tone.

"I'm not doing anything, I just........

"Enough Melissa!"

"Come with me" his voice thunders, cutting me off, now clearly infuriated as he grips my arm tightly. Just enough to make me wince out in pain, and drags me off the stage in front of the guests whose prying eyes followed us until we were out of sight. Before conversations of hushed whispers circulated through out the hall.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

As soon as we approached the hallway leading to the kitchen, he roughly let's go of my arm, causing me to loose my balance and slump hard to the floor on my knees.

"Ouch!"

"Why did you do that Robert?" I wailed out in pain.

"Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is, knowing my own husband dragged me off like some piece of discarded furniture in front of so many people". Looking up at him, I charged with a hoarse voice that now betrayed me. While fighting back tears that stung at my eyes threatening to trickle down my flushed cheeks.

"I didn't want to do this here, but you've left me with no choice Melissa......."

After what felt like an eternal pause....

Came his words like a wrecking ball.

"We're getting a divorce!"

The man I had devoted my life to, the same man I had loved wholeheartedly for years. Spitefully blurts out, as he stood looking down at me through glaring eyes devoid of any emotion, still clung to the cold tiled floors beneath me.

~Melissa's POV~

Roberts heart shattering declaration left me dazed for a subtle moment.

With the bitter realization that now stared me keenly in the eyes, sinking in.

I could have sworn I felt my heart literally drop down to my rib cage.

My head spun as though I was being plunged deep into a black hole.

How was it easy for him to utter such an unsettling pronouncement? I wondered.

Was I truly that worthless to be discarded like soiled rags after serving my purpose?

"Here! Sign it, so we can finally put this sham of a marriage behind us" he spat out another batch of venomous words, each one striking harder than the last, that had barely even sunk in.

My teary eyes glare at him, hoping to see a little bit of remorse? empathy? or anything at all. But the man who stood hovering above me glared back with an icy sneer, as he stretched out his hands that clasped onto a neatly folded white envelope.

"Why are you doing this Robert?"

"What do you mean we're getting a divorce?" I mumbled out the words through quivering lips, that I desperately prayed I would never say in this lifetime. While pulling myself back up despite how my knees trembled.

"And did you just call five years of our marriage a sham?"

"Oh please Melissa....... save me the melodrama. Do not act like our marriage was initiated out of love for each other" he recklessly retorted.

"You've always known I don't love you, never did and will never come to do so. Yet you continue to delude yourself with a hopeless possibility"

I guess it took those vile words to do the trick.

As a waterfall of tears I had painfully suppressed, now flowed down my face.

I just couldn't believe it. Five years of my life, five years of holding on to a broken and loveless marriage, five years of sucking up to his prejudice family........groveling pathetically in submission at their feet for acceptance. Had finally run it's course in an instant moment.

I nervously retrieved the document from his firm grip, and opened it to unravel it's contents with the words "Divorce Agreement", written in bold, legible letters at the letterhead.

My eyes screened through, despite my blurred vision to see his signature already freshly greased at the bottom, next to his name and a blank space was provided for mine.

"Why are you doing this?" I questioned

"Is it because of her? Huh? Just because she's back........you want to toss me aside, despite clinging to your side when she left you back then" the words escape my trembling voice, as my heart palpitates rapidly.

But all Robert did was stare blankly at me. His silence deafening. He shrugged his shoulders and clears his throat to speak.

"Look Melissa, just sign the papers" he urged persistently.

"Now that Jodie is back, we've talked.......about rekindling our relationship, which is for the best. Since she's the woman I love and clearly you know this".

"Our marriage was purely contractual and an arrangement that no longer serves either of us". the finality of his words which hung in the air like a deadly cloud, left me stunned and speechless. My weak knees give out.......as I stagger back lightly.

I expected the possibility of this happening and now that reality struck, clearing the fog of my delusion. It hurt like hell.

My hands gently caressed my stomach, as a wave of pity engulfed me for my unborn child. Whose father was yet to know they exist. As a last resort to desperately change his mind, I try to tell him.

"Robert I'm preg............

But not soon enough. As Jodie walked in on us like clock work, her voice.......filled with curiosity, trailing from a distance. Interrupting me, as my words falter midway in the air.

"Is everything alright Robert?" she asked, as her hands clutched at Roberts arm possessively, disregarding my presence like air.

"Everything is fine darling. We were just rounding up on our little chit-chat!" he responded back warmly at her, sounding nothing like the man who talked down at me moments ago. Much to my astonishment.

And wait........did I hear that correctly.

Darling? Chit-chat?. Wow! the absolute nerve of this man, disregarding my emotional state and something as sentimental as us getting divorced.

"Okay since your done here, can we get back to the party? I'm looking forward to having that dance we talked about". Jodie whined and tugged at Robert like a child in need of candy, as she glanced briefly at me with a contemptuous smug on her face.

"Sure, let's go". With his hand placed firmly on her waist line, they strutted off back to the party, hand in hand like an A-list couple. When Robert halts abruptly in his tracks.

"Remember to sign the papers Melissa and do not bother returning to the mansion. Your things will be delivered to you soonest".

"Huh?.......W-what do you mean?"

"Where do you expect me to go?" I asked, my perplexity intensifying.

"That's not my problem anymore Melissa, you a no longer my responsibility". He utters back coldly and disinterested for a final time, as I watched them disappear back into the party and without so much as a glance at me.

"Wait! Robert?......Please" I cried out, but my pleas were dismissed.

Leaving me shattered by his utterance.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

As I stood there disoriented for what felt like an eternity. I sluggishly dragged my feet to the nearest exit, despite how much my body limbs ached and got into my car parked outside the driveway, discarding both my clutch and divorce papers to the passenger seat beside me.

With a tremored hand, I turned the key in the ignition to start, but a click-clack-click-clack sound drifted from the engine repetitively. As my frustration hit its peak, I slammed my palms against the steering wheel, "Dammit! can this night get any worse" my voice bawls out.

Unwilling to give up as I desperately needed to leave, I go at it again. After much effort, it started. My hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel, turning my knuckles white, as I drove into the dark and desolate road ahead of me that seemed endless. Uncertain of my destination.

The image of Roberts cold demeanor and distasteful words taunted my mind, as I remember the sacrifices I had made over the years to become the perfect wife and daughter in law that now amounted to nothing. How he always made derogatory remarks about my sense of fashion, changing my entire wardrobe to sooth his taste. Or how his mother Tessa could never be pleased with my cooking whenever she visited, either the meat wasn't tender enough, the food being too bland.

God! She was such a pain to deal with.

One time she requested that I cook for a charity event she was hosting, not suspecting any foul play I gladly obliged, but my happiness was short lived when she dumped an entire plate of food at me calling my cooking trash. Making a spectacle of me in front of so many people.

Damn those ungrateful Mondragons.

My mind was too fogged with a mix of pain and rage, as fresh tears streamed from my sore eyes blurring my vision. My foot pressed down hard on the accelerator pedal, making me speed recklessly through the rain soaked streets, oblivious of the downpour.

When suddenly a stray dog appears out of nowhere, crossing the road.

Impulsively, in a split second I swerved to avoid hitting it, but the wheel jerks in my hands and just before I could regain back control of my car, it crashed head on into another oncoming vehicle ahead.

The impact.......violent, the screeching sound of crumpled metal, deafening. My body is instantly thrown forward as my chest smashed hard into the stirring wheel. Shattered glass from the broken windshield stung and seeped through my body as blood gushed out, causing me excruciating pain.

My body stiffened in place. My voice too hoarse to cry out for help, with no one else in sight, and for a subtle moment flashed memories of my argument with Robert flooded my mind, instead of resentment all I could feel was fear creeping in.

Was this truly the end for me?.

And my child.....what fate would befall them? I thought to myself, just before everything went pitch black, plunging me into darkness.

~Robert's POV~

The Mondragon family estate.....

Opulent chandeliers illuminated the far stretched living room, giving life to the artistic family portraits and famous world class paintings hung strategically on the walls around the room bringing together it's asthethic touch, like that of a walk in museum.

The family sat down close to the crackling fire place that now provided warmth against the chilly atmosphere, savouring the sweet taste of red wine my mother had picked out from the wine rack. The air was thick with a calm celebratory mood, in regards to my divorce and reunion with my love Jodie who had now returned back from the states after completing her master's program.

"To new beginnings and letting go of the old". my mother, Tessa said with a contemptuous joy in her voice, as she hoisted her wine filled glass in the air, offering a toast in my honour. As the rest of us followed suite.

"Welcome back once again, Jodie my dear. She pronounced, averting her gaze to Jodie who sat beside me glowing elegantly as she always does. "I am thrilled to see you taking your rightful place beside my dear son-Robert's side just like old times". she continued, spewing praises as Jodie beamed a smile across her face soaking up the attention.

"The pleasure is all mine Mrs. Mondragon". Jodie responded, feeling thankful to my mother who sat with one of her arm drapped across her favorite arm chair. While sipping lightly on her drink with the other.

"My time away in the states gave me a sense of clarity that Robert and I, were cut from the same rock and there was no one else I would rather be with than him". she said, caressing my hands gently, glaring lovingly into my eyes like I was her whole world and nothing else mattered in that moment. One which made me feel good and less guilty of how I had treated my divorce to Melissa- my ex wife, just recently.

"This is why you've always been my favorite because you know just the right things to say, unlike some people I know". mother chimed in with an unmistakable disdain evident in her tone, now giving me a mischievous glare. One I knew all too well, as I rolled my eyes to the side.

"Mother! Can we please get through the night without you mentioning your obvious dislike for Melissa?" I beckoned.

The last thing I needed was another of her tantrums or ear fulls everytime it involved Melissa, who she could never truly bring herself to accept during the course of our marriage. And to be fair I gave her the benefit of the doubt, because I myself could not find it in me to love her and our marriage was more out of a sense of duty.

My split from Jodie, shattered something in me and she was there to fill up the void.

I knew she loved me. Hell, everyone did.

But rather than love her, it felt easier to see her as a temporary replacement. At least that was my intent, not until the pressure to take a wife came pouring down from my father.

Speaking of father, after a round of drinks he had retired to his bedroom for the evening. He had mostly been quiet so him staying wouldn't have made much of a difference. He also had his reservations towards Melissa but he was mostly civil unlike mother who taunted her very existence until the last minute.

"What? I didn't even call a name. But now that you've mentioned it, I still can't fathom what you ever saw in that dreadful woman Robert". she continued her lamentations. "It was quite pathetic to watch her try to fit in as though she ever belonged and could never do anything right".

"And worse she couldn't even fulfill her role as a wife by giving you an heir or a child regardless of the gender".

I honestly had no desire to entertain my mother's rage baits and rather enjoy the evening. But she dragged on and asked the most absurd question.

One which made my brows furrow with slight irritation.

"Well I guess it's good she couldn't. Now that our dear Jodie it back that shouldn't be a problem any longer".

"So when do you both intend to get married?" she blurted out the question casting both I and Jodie eager glares.

"Dear God! mother. We just got back together and my divorce hasn't even finalized yet. Isn't it a bit too early for marriage preparations?".

"Oh please Robert, the sooner the better. Am I right Jodie dear?" she questioned, now looking at Jodie who had remained silent during most part of our bickering. "Yes Mrs. Mondragon, looking forward to it". beaming a soft smile on her face, as her eyes flickered with anticipation at me and I could decipher she hoped it would eventually come true.

And it would, but now just didn't feel like the best time. In a bid to reassure her, I get distracted by the sound of the television when a disturbing news broadcast was being aired by an anchor cutting through my monologue.

Breaking News: "Just in, a gruesome accident involving the coalition of two vehicles had occured last night on Crimson peak highway. Based on our sources, one of the victims involved is confirmed to be dead and unrecognizable from the impact of the accident, while the other is alleged to be in a critical state and currently admitted in SkyView general hospital undergoing treatment in the ICU. Both victims involved are both women and the deceased vehicle plate number is BK-43B-4k just in case there family or loved ones are watching".

As soon as it ends my eyes bulged out in horror gazing at the image in the screen.

"That's Melissa's cars plate number" I mumbled out the words and without even realizing it, I sprang up from my sitting position due to the shocking adrenaline that surged through me.

Hearing the broadcast created an awkward silence in the room. And the fire from the chimney did nothing to sooth the chill that now crept at my skin, as beads of sweat formed across my forehead.

How was this possible? I questioned within me as my thoughts spiralled, trying to grasp the situation that now unfolded before me.

"No! no it can't be. That can't be Melissa" I said out loud now cutting through the deep silence. "This has to be a mistake".

It had to be. We had just parted the previous day and now hearing such nerve wrecking news felt overwhelming.

I'm not even sure why I cared this much, but I did. After all she was still my wife a few days ago before our split from each other.

"Ugh, even till the very end she's still causing trouble". My mother's vile words cut through my thoughts, clearly unfazed by the news as she shrugged in her seat.

"Mother please try and show some decency and compassion. For all we know she could actually be dead like they say". I growled at her, with my nostrils flaring from my fury at her lack of empathy.

Jodie remained silent, probably uncertain of what to say in the moment. At least not until I bolted towards the door, but she pulled at my hand momentarily bringing me to a foot still.

"Where are you going Robert?". Jodie inquired with concern laced in her voice as her eyes glared up at me.

"I'm going to the hospital to know the truth if she's dead or not like the news says". I responded almost immediately in the heat of the moment.

"You will do no such thing Robert. I forbid it". my mother's voice thunders with her face twisted into a scowl expressing her displeasure.

"And why not mum? It's Melissa were talking about for Christ sakes. Do you abhor her that much to forbid me from going?." I retorted furiously.

"Call it what you want Robert, but you will not step a foot out of this house. Do you realize how much of a scandal this may cause, if we involve ourselves in this controversy". she urged on, unyielding.

I stared at her intently but her demeanor and countenance remained unchanged.

"Please just listen to your mother Robert. Jodie intervened with her pleas, clearly supporting my mother's unreasonable plight.

Guilt seeped into me, as I felt trapped by my mother's insistence.

What really happened?

Did I push her too far by asking for a divorce?. the thoughts taunted my mind, but the question that made my head throb and spiral.

Was Melissa truly dead?.