CHAPTER 3 – Zara’s POV
He continued to blame me for everything. I felt bad for my family because of how Lucas ignored them. I also felt bad for myself because when we got home, Lucas threw a maid's uniform at me!
As he kept blaming me, I started to believe that it was my fault. I blamed myself for getting drunk that night, for letting him have me. I had been paying for that mistake for six years.
Every day, he blamed me.
It had been six years since our secret wedding. After enduring our unhappy marriage, I wanted to free myself. He couldn't keep me as his secret forever! How could he keep me but not love me properly? I felt bad for our son who never felt love from his father.
It had been six years, but I still remembered how harsh he was on our wedding night. He knew I was pregnant, but he claimed my body again and again. He didn't let me sleep that night.
Since then, he treated me terribly.
For six years, he was always cruel. He constantly blamed me for ruining his life, and he mistreated me and our son. I put up with his behavior because I hoped he would change. I didn't want my son to grow up in a broken family.
For six years, he was hostile towards me. He was always unkind and constantly reminded me of how I ruined his life.
At first, I thought I could handle it, but his mistreatment extended to our son, Enrique. I endured his anger and resentment, hoping that he would let go of his grudges.
I didn't want my son to experience a broken family, so I stayed in my miserable life with Lucas Blackwood.
Each time our gazes locked, I was met with a frosty stare. Despite this, I bore it all for six long years. I was willing to endure everything, for the sake of giving my son a complete family.
But what was my reward for this sacrifice?
Heartache, deception, and betrayal. Time and time again, he shattered our vows, he trampled on my trust! How could I have been so naive to stay in a situation where I was destined to be hurt every single day?
One day, when our son Enrique misbehaved, Lucas insisted that I discipline him. I couldn't fault Enrique for his occasional stubbornness; he had inherited it from his father. I knew the reason behind his behavior.
Enrique craved his father's attention, but all he received was Lucas' cold indifference. I had been contemplating this for several days. By staying with Lucas, I was sabotaging my son's happiness. Lucas had destroyed my happiness as well!
“Zara, aren't you going to do anything? Tell your son to behave!” Lucas' words sliced through the silence, his voice heavy with impatience.
“Our son, Lucas! He is our son! How can you be so indifferent to him? We can argue all we want, but not in front of Enrique,” I retorted, my voice tinged with desperation. It was a plea for him to show some consideration for our son.
“Really, Zara? I see a bit of the old you. You seem to have found your strength to stand up to me,” he observed. “Enrique, behave!” he barked at our son.
“We can argue all we want, Lucas, but not in front of Enrique,” I implored, holding his gaze. I hoped he would comprehend the necessity of protecting our son from the bitterness that had grown between us.
“You seem to have found your strength to stand up to me,” he commented.
My heart surged at his words. It was a small victory to have him recognize my efforts to stand up for what was right, for what our son needed.
“Enrique, behave!” Lucas suddenly yelled at our son.
I shot Lucas a glare for yelling at Enrique, then took the boy's hand and pulled him into a hug. I squeezed his small hands, trying to reassure him that everything would be alright. He was on the verge of tears, but I told him he could cry later, after I had dealt with his father.
Indeed, Lucas was the worst of the worst. For six grueling years, no one knew he was married. The world was unaware that he had a wife, and that wife was me. His colleagues and employees were oblivious to our marriage. He wanted to maintain his bachelor CEO status, which made him popular among women.
To him, we were nothing more than a nuisance that spoiled his perfect life. He often told me that if I hadn't seduced him that night, he would be happily married to his fiancée. I couldn't understand why he clung to the idea that if it hadn't been for that fateful night, he would be living a blissful married life with his fiancée.
“Where are you going, Lucas? Apologize to Enrique!” I demanded, but he just scoffed and walked away.
Looking at my little boy, I saw his eyes welling up with tears. For several days, he had been excited about a school activity. He hoped that Lucas would attend, but when I brought it up, Lucas flatly refused.
“Mom, he doesn't love me,” Enrique lamented.
“Hush now, don't speak like that. Let's just ignore him for now, sweetheart. Let's have breakfast and then I'll take you to school, alright?”
“Alright,” Enrique agreed.
Honestly, Lucas had a knack for spoiling my appetite whenever he was present. But for Enrique's sake, I forced myself to eat, to pretend to enjoy the meal even when I had no desire to.
Minutes later, we finished our meal. I cleared the table, placed the dishes in the sink, and pulled the car out of the garage. This routine had become my life.
Trapped in a cycle of fear and hope, my days were shrouded in uncertainty. I clung to a faint hope that maybe, just maybe, Lucas would come to love his son. I wouldn't care if he only loved Enrique and not me. He could despise me for all eternity, and I wouldn't mind!
Before my ill-advised encounter with Lucas, I had a lucrative job. But after our clandestine wedding, Lucas insisted I quit and focus on my pregnancy. He claimed he could support us, but even if he didn't, I had savings from my previous job.
I longed for the day when Lucas would look at our son with softness, seeing the innocence and vulnerability in Enrique's eyes. It was wishful thinking, but I held on to it.
I had accepted that his feelings for me would never change, and oddly enough, I found myself at peace with this. If he could just love Enrique as I did, I could bear his resentment for another year.
Before that regrettable night with Lucas, I had a stable job. After our wedding, he demanded I leave it to focus on my pregnancy. It seemed sweet at first, like he cared for my well-being. But he was just afraid of our relationship being exposed.
He promised to provide for us, to take care of me and our child financially. I initially resisted, but he was persistent and domineering, and I eventually gave in.
After six years, I realized that a loveless relationship was not worth pursuing. It was damaging not just to me, but to my son as well. I wish I had realized this sooner, but I was naive and hopeful that Lucas would change.
Minutes later, we arrived at Enrique's private school. Enrique Delafontaine. From the beginning, Lucas refused to give our son his last name, a fact that broke my heart. I couldn't believe he could treat his own flesh and blood this way. But then again, he was Lucas Blackwood, Claybourne's most heartless man!
“Our paths have finally crossed!” a shrill voice exclaimed.
It was Antoinette, noticeably pregnant. I wanted to ask about it, but I held back and waited for her to speak.
“It's been a while, Zara. Is Lucas with you today?” she asked.
“No, just my bag and my handsome little boy,” I replied.
Then I looked at Enrique. He was a miniature Lucas Blackwood, with the only trait he inherited from me being his gentle eyes, unlike Lucas' fierce ones.
“I see. Well, see you around, Zara!”!”
“Of course,” I responded, then turned my attention back to my son. Seeing his bright smile and little white teeth, I couldn't help but return his smile. “Always remember, Ken, to be kind, good, and brave at all times,” I gently reminded him, smoothing his hair with my hand.
Enrique's smile widened, his enthusiasm shining through. “Yes, Mommy! I'll be good at school, but I want to be brave against Daddy. He's not a good man, Mom.”
“Someday,” I whispered.
CHAPTER 4 – Zara’s POV Antoinette and I shared a love for coffee, so I suggested we grab a cup at the coffee shop nearest to the school. She went to order our usual favorites while I found a free table. “Are you still with that jerk, Zara?” she asked bluntly as soon as she returned with our drinks. I let out a sigh before responding, “Yes, I'm still with Lucas Blackwood.” Antoinette gave a sarcastic round of applause, then examined my face. I knew she was worried; she was the first one to know about the way Lucas treated me and our son. “Tell me honestly, Zara. Are you trying to be a martyr? It's been six years since that damned wedding. I thought you'd have realized by now that living with that man is like living in hell. I feel guilty every day for what you're going through. It's my fault,” Antoinette confessed. “Don't blame yourself, Antoinette. It was never your fault. You didn't force me into his bed that night. I was willing,” I admitted, attempting to ease my friend's guil
CHAPTER 5 – Zara’s POV When Enrique asked if he was adopted, I couldn't hold back my tears. I didn't care about crying in front of him anymore. I was heartbroken that he felt this way because of how Lucas treated him. All he wanted was his father's love, but Lucas couldn't provide that. I despised him for it! “Are you crying because of me?” Enrique asked. “No, something just got in my eye,” I lied quickly, seeing the sadness in his expression. “You have school tomorrow, my love. It's time for bed,” I told him. Thankfully, Enrique was a good boy and didn't protest. A few moments later, I watched him sleeping peacefully in his bed. He was such a lovely boy who deserved nothing but pure love from his parents. Silently, I pledged to love him every day, regardless of my situation with Lucas. After leaving Enrique's room, I headed downstairs to grab something to drink. I was feeling overwhelmed and thought a drink might help me relax. But I wasn't prepared for Lucas to show up, seemingl
CHAPTER 6 – Zara’s POV My body was accustomed to waking up at five in the morning. My eyes were wide open, but my mind was a blank slate. The last thing I remembered was telling Lucas I needed to use the bathroom. Then he walked me back to the living room and gave me some hot water. After that... he carried me upstairs... into my room. Oh my! I touched myself because something felt off. I was indeed naked! My suspicions were confirmed. “You're awake, good morning,” a voice said close to me. His hair was still damp, and a few droplets of water were trickling down his neck. “Lucas? What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised. Even though we were married, we usually slept in separate rooms. “I spent the night here, don't you remember?” he responded, leaving me stunned. Who wouldn't be taken aback by his revelation? “Why? I mean, why did you sleep here?” I questioned him. “Because you asked me to,” he replied. “You're lying!” I retorted. What he was suggesting was impossible; I d
CHAPTER 7 – Zara’s POV After their chat, Enrique ended the call and handed the phone back to me without saying a word. He then excused himself to continue watching his television show. I was about to start washing the dishes when Nick called again. For a moment, I was tempted to ignore the call, but in the end, I couldn't. “Wazzup, Nick? You called again,” I said. “Did you know that Giselle is one of my clothing models, right? Your husband is here supporting her,” he informed me. I wished he hadn't. A new wave of pain washed over me, a pain I thought I was immune to. “It's fine... he told me about it,” I lied, trying to save face. But Nick's anger flared. “No, it is not fine, Zara! Are you crazy? I just told you that your husband is cheating on you, and you tell me it's fine. What’s wrong with you?” As Nick's voice raised in anger, the tears I had been holding back began to flow freely. Through the video call, I saw a mix of confusion and pity in Nick's eyes. “Hey, Zara. Listen
CHAPTER 8 – Zara’s POV I had fallen asleep lost in my thoughts and would have continued to sleep if it weren't for the knocking on my door. Quickly, I got up and went to the door. “Enrique, it's you.” “Are you sick?” he asked. “No, I'm not. Why do you ask?” I responded, fixing my hair. “Daddy told me to ask if you're okay.” I had to suppress a laugh at Enrique's statement. “I see, so where is he now?” “Cooking breakfast.” “I see.” “But I think he needs your help!” Enrique said, sounding worried. “Really?” I replied, trying to make myself look presentable. “Yes, Mom.” “Alright, let's go and see your dad,” I said, and we both headed downstairs to the kitchen. What the hell? I couldn't help but curse silently when I saw the mess in my kitchen. “Enrique, I'll help your dad with cooking. Just go to your room,” I ordered. As soon as Enrique left, I confronted Lucas. “You knew you can't cook a proper meal, so why?” I mean, I'm asking why he dared to intervene in my kitchen whe
CHAPTER 9 – Zara’s POV I wanted to confront them or even slap the woman, but my conscience stopped me. Besides, I wasn't a scandalous person. So, I lied to Enrique that Lucas received an emergency call from the office, and he couldn't join us. Enrique pouted but understood there was nothing we could do. I took him to a fast-food restaurant popular with kids and ordered a kiddie meal for him. He seemed contented, but as I watched him eat, I felt a pang of guilt. I wanted to drag Lucas away from that woman, but Giselle had no idea he was married. We then went to a toy store, but Enrique lost the drive to shop and asked if we could just go home. I knew he was sad, and at that moment, I felt a deep resentment towards Lucas. When we got home, Enrique went to his room, saying he was tired, but I knew better. I took a deep breath before going downstairs to prepare his favorite snacks. But while cooking, I couldn't focus because I kept thinking about Lucas and Giselle. That evening, Lucas
CHAPTER 10 – Zara’s POV My surprise at finding Lucas at home was short-lived when he suddenly complained of a stomachache and excused himself to rest. His dramatic display seemed unnecessary, especially after spending so much time with his girlfriend. Despite my initial reluctance, concern got the better of me, and I found myself knocking on his door. When I entered, I found him lying on his bed, looking genuinely unwell. “Why don't you want to see a doctor?” I asked. “I don't need to. I'll be fine with some rest. Why do you insist on seeing a doctor? Are you concerned about me?” he retorted, eliciting an eye roll from me. “If you don't want to see a doctor, then that's your problem!” I snapped, leaving his room in a huff. His words had a way of getting under my skin, making me uncomfortable. We lived under the same roof, but I had long stopped paying attention to him. However, now, even fully clothed, I found myself imagining his body underneath. The desire was undeniable, but I
CHAPTER 11 – Zara’s POV As they say, everyone has their breaking point. My heart, once filled with love for Lucas, had been extinguished by his cruel words and actions, leaving nothing but ashes scattered in the wind. Lucas stood in front of me, his face flushed from my slap. His eyes held surprise, regret, and perhaps a glimmer of realization. But it was too late. His apologies meant nothing to me anymore. “You should have thought about all this before,” I whispered, my voice trembling with anger and sadness. “You had the chance to be a father, to be a loving partner. But you chose to destroy everything we had. And now, I won't let you hurt our son any longer.” As I turned away from him, a surge of determination welled up inside me. It was time to take a stand, to protect my child from further harm. Staying in this toxic relationship was no longer an option. Antoinette was right. I should have let go of Lucas a long time ago. It was painfully clear that he was in love with someon