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“Mrs. Ricci, you are pregnant, congratulations,”
I smiled but before my smile could reach my eyes the doctor said, “I want you to be very careful. If you lost this pregnancy the third time too, you better give up on any hope to become a mother…”
My smile faded. “No, please, give me some vitamins. Or anything, I will take great care of me this time.” I knew Lorenzo will be so happy after learning about my pregnancy.
The first time we never get to know about our pregnancy before we lost it. The second time he took great care of me. He started coming home early and took me out for the first time.
But all of this changed and got back to the old routine when I lost my pregnancy the second time.
“You should, I am prescribing some medicines…” The doctor said and I read the names of some vitamins. I went to the pharmacy and quickly bought it. Tonight, on our third anniversary, I was going to gift my husband, this precious news.
I took the bus and then a taxi to our home. Even though my husband was one of the richest men on earth I wasn’t given any amenities. Our marriage was still hidden.
But I trust his instincts and I know he knows better. And, that day would come soon when he will find it fit to announce it to the world.
I walked into my estate to find many cars lined up. It was obvious that many people had arrived at our mansion.
I slowly walked into the home to find party organizers doing the final touches. But the house was already pouring in with the guests.
Nobody looked at me as a host. Most of them didn’t even know that I was Mrs. Ricci. I slowly took the home elevator but then realized what it could mean.
We never had any parties at home. And, tonight it is our anniversary. The day has finally arrived when Lorenzo was going to accept me in front of the whole world.
Or nothing could justify this party. This house was never decorated before. I got up to the first floor and looked down on our spacious living area. And, I couldn’t help the smile showing up on my face.
“Oh God,…” I gasped. “It is happening. It is finally happening.” And, even though I know Lorenzo has over done it I wasn’t going to come with any less news.
I chose a perfect red dress to get myself ready for the party. I put on a light make up and did loose curls. I also got down to the party to converse with the guests.
One of them asked about me and I replied with a smile. “I am Lorenzo’s classmate from the school.”
And, instantly I was part of the crowd. All of the guests had already arrived. I patiently waited for the moment Lorenzo would come.
Lorenzo’s car pulled up at around seven. I smiled looking at him walking in.
His tall body was overshadowing everyone present at the party. His lean yet muscular frame made him look delicious in that white suit.
He looked around the room. His eyes laid on me but passed me as if he hadn’t recognized me.
I smiled and walked to him instead. “Thank you so much, Lorenzo,” I greeted him and tried to give him a friendly side hug but his phone vibrated. He smiled looking down and picked it up instantly.
“Yes, oh, I am right there, yes, I am coming…” He said on the phone and made a run to the outside. As if some important guests has just arrived.
I smiled and waited too alongside with other guests. But the woman who came back with Lorenzo made me frozen in my place.
Aubrey Winslow walked inside in a charming dress and with her hair styled to perfection. “Happy graduation!!!” Everyone yelled and I jumped a little with the shock.
All of them knew what this party was about but not me. My eyes were instantly pooled with tears. But there was no need to hide it. I knew Lorenzo won’t look at me.
Lorenzo and Aubrey laughed looking at each other as if they were talking about some old inside joke. Lorenzo corrected her strap as if he had done it several times.
I blinked my eyes, wondering what this meant now. Aubrey Winslow was the first woman Lorenzo fell in love with. And, no matter how hard I had tried to gain his favour, he still sometimes calls for her in his dreams.
My husband misses his old love. He remembers and still drinks her favourite chocolate shake. Even if there was any hope to win over my husband’s heart, with Aubrey coming back in our lives, it was next to impossible.
The reality was, Aubrey didn’t need a wife’s title to get her hands on Lorenzo. Her smile could tell the whole world that the man she was standing with was hers alone.
I had no option but to turn and try my luck. I turned around and looked at his face this close after years.But then, luckily, he got a call and moved a little away from the door, saying, “Aubrey, I can’t be there. You know that.”He and Aubrey were still together. I quickly walked out of the room without looking at him.My heart didn’t ache when I heard Aubrey’s name from his mouth.I walked to the small playing area in the corner and grabbed Sofia’s hand. “Let’s go to the laboratory.”Sofia wasn’t scared of blood tests. She was always excited to get a sticker on her arm after the blood samples were taken.I got the necessary information from the nurse. Now, I wanted to hurried out of this hospital as soon as possible.Something that had zero chances of happening happened. Lorenzo was not only in one of his many hospitals, but he also had to barge into the same room I was in when I was in there.I could not forget the way he scolded the senior doctor, and that showed that he came to
I did not want the private jet, but it had a doctor on board, and I needed it for Sofia. Mr Ashford had been my support for years now. I used to work as a private chef while studying in college. No hotel wanted to give my recipes a chance, as I was a fresh graduate.But Mr Ashford saw me struggling with my two-year-old daughter and was kind enough to hire me.Since that day, he became my mentor. I struggled through everything to make our hotel the number one in all of France and, in just four years, became a partner in the hotel.I had already booked an apartment on Airbnb because staying in a hotel would have attracted a lot of attention, as many people wish to hire me. “Mama, look at that Mickey Mouse. I love it here... the air…it feels different.” Sofia was just looking out of the window.“Don’t get used to it, Darling,” I warned with my eyes still on the phone.I didn’t have to worry about the money much, as the Ashford hotel still paid me my share every month.But cooking was m
7 years laterI smiled seeing my reflection in the mirror. I could not recognise this woman. This woman in the mirror was a mother, a top culinary school graduate, and a renowned chef whose picture was all over the magazines every day.I put on a dark lipstick shade. My makeup style had entirely changed.No matter how tired I got, I would never miss my workout.My body had muscles in the right places that changed my whole look.I put my toque on and was ready for the day.“Chef Emily, are you ready to serve your first customer of the day?”I smiled, because this is my new identity now, Chef Emily. I turned around. “I am your mother, little Sofia, and when have I ever served anyone before you?” I picked my daughter up in my arms. She is going to be seven soon, but she still weighs nothing.And it is all because of her congenital diabetes.Sofia kissed my cheek and asked, “What are the specials for today?”“Madam, you will be served eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon and Caviar this morni
Aubrey held onto my arm, and my whole body tensed. “You are lucky that I am carrying your child.” She again brought up her pregnancy.I already had a whole lecture about taking care of the baby from the doctor, and I didn’t want to hear a single thing.“When are you going to divorce Hazel and end your current marriage? This child needs a proper father identity. You know what I mean?” Aubrey was fixed on this thing.I was somewhat distracted. The warmth of Aubrey’s arm was irritating me. I felt no compassion for her.Whenever she touched me, I felt nothing but disgust. Years ago, when Aubrey used to touch me, my heart would threaten to jump out of my chest, but feelings had changed, and it wasn’t like before.She knows I am a married man and it is not appropriate.But I didn’t say much because she had spent a difficult time in Germany and wanted some stability.I had my mind on Hazel. She looked different. And, even brought up the idea to leave me. How could she leave me? This is not h
Lorenzo chose to help Aubery. I could see that I was no longer his first choice.“How could you be so cruel, Hazel? I didn’t know you would go to these lengths and lie about being pregnant just to gain sympathy, only because you can’t bear to see Aubery here? When are you ever going to stop hurting me with these schemes of yours? Try something else?” Lorenzo carefully held Aubrey to his side and was visibly disappointed looking at me.My heart shattered into a million pieces. I couldn’t stay here anymore and allow Lorenzo to disrespect me.After all these years, he still believed that I drugged him to sleep with me. No matter how many times I tried to reason, Lorenzo would never listen.“Do you think I am lying about my pregnancy?”“I think I am going to faint.” Aubrey tried to get his attention back.Lorenzo effortlessly picked Aubrey up in his arms and glared at me before shooting for the door. “Let me get you to a hospital.”I winced in pain, but when I saw blood, I got scared. It
I pushed Aubery’s stuff to the living room. I noticed how the flowers in the living area has changed to her preference.Someone had place a new pair of slippers for Aubrey. I took the slippers and tossed them on the floor. But it hit Lorenzo’s legs.I wonder if he was here looking for me.“She is our guest. You also know her. So, what’s the problem?” He looked at his limit. But I was no different.“I know her a lot better than you. This is why I want her out of here.” I had tears stuck in my throat.“First, this is not your house, and second, if I heard a word more against Aubrey, you will be out of this house. Get her things back to our room. We will make her feel welcome. She is our best friend.”I knew he was only saying it because I won’t leave. He always takes me for granted.Lorenzo left no room to talk and left for the party again.I scrolled through my email to look at the email from Princeton University. As if it was my way to remind me I am not useless.In two days, my home







