WILLOW'S POVThe morning sun streams through the curtains, I waje up with an inexplicable sense of joy. The soft warmth of the blankets cling to me, and a gentle breeze play with the curtains. I stretch my body, feeling the day ahead hold promises of happiness. Glancing at the clock, I realize it is still early, and I decide to start the day by sharing my positive energy with my husband.I tiptoe into the room where Luciano was hunched over his laptop, deeply engrossed in his work. The soft tapping of the keys fill the room, but I can see the furrowed brow that hinted at the concentration he was putting into whatever project he was working on."Good morning, Luci," I greet, trying not to disturb the rhythm of his typing. He looks up at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes, followed by a warm smile."Hey there, early bird," he replies, closing the laptop with a deliberate click. "What's got you in such a good mood?"I walk over and perch on the edge of the desk, giving him a quick peck o
WILLOW'S POVLuciano's proposal to take our relationship to the next level echoes in my mind as we sit down discussing the prospect of heading to court that day to initiate and finalize the marriage processes. The air is charged with a mix of excitement and anticipation as we talked on about different things."Why don't you get prepared?" Luciano pecks my right cheek."Why? I'm prepared for work already.""I'm not talking about that. Today's the day," he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Are you ready for this?"I take a deep breath, feeling a blend of nervousness and joy. "It's surreal, isn't it? From a contract to this. But it feels right. I'm ready, Luciano.""I never imagined when we started this journey that it would lead us here. But every step felt natural, and now, taking this step together feels like the most natural thing in the world." He reaches across the table, his hand finding mine."We've come a long way, haven't we? And I wouldn't have it any other way."
WILLOW'S POVWaking up low spirited the next day, I sense a lingering unease which is very unusual. Given my actions the previous day with Luciano I shouldn't be feeling this way. The court proceedings about our marriage was enough reason for me to be happy and feel better, talk less of the incessant love making we made throughout the night. The room is cloaked in the soft hues of dawn, but my heart feels heavy. Contemplating the source of this disturbing feeling, a sudden buzz interrupts the stillness. It was from my phone which I pick up from my nightstand, checking what notification it was. It turned out to be a message, a text from an unfamiliar number. The message is chillingly concise: ‘I know your secret and it's out in the open. Watch out!’ Dread gripped me in a hard way as my mind races, searching for clues to the puzzle that has now intruded upon my morning."Is anything the problem?" Luciano asks behind me with sleepy eyes, his voice tinged with concern while piercing th
WILLOW'S POVBefore I could think things through, a call from my parent chimes in and I know right then that they are already aware of the situation. However, what I had never expected was their reaction towards the whole thing. I've always known Dad to be so strict with things, he never for once wants me to slack off in any way but I had let my guard down in recent times since he was so nice to I and Luciano to the extent of handing over our family company to my husband.I pick up the call and the first thing I hear is my father's yell. I can sense a heavy atmosphere on the other end of the line. He is really angry and I know whatever he is going to say, the conversation is not going to end well. I had a feeling."Willow, what's this is I'm hearing?" he asks with so much intensity in his voice that I am scared and short of words. I do not know what to say, neither do I know in what manner I am to answer because I know whatever I am going to say will not change things."Dad, it's not
WILLOW’S POVThe next one week for me was terrible and frustrating. Enduring a week of turmoil, I faced the fallout from the live news exposing my contracted marriage with Luciano. Most of my friends neglected me, especially the important ones. They all felt betrayed by my words, all of them claiming that I lied about the basis of my relationship with my husband without the exception of my parents. But one thing that broke my heart was that I never told them it wasn’t a contracted marriage since none of them asked in the first place.Due to this, my routine turned to be that I would leave for work to do the most important things without talking to anyone and returning home to Luciano who was the only one who kept me company. Amidst the isolation, his unwavering support comforted me. From time to time, he made sure to let me know that he’s got my back. This went on for about three days consecutively.But his recent peculiar behaviour instilled a growing fear, shattering the fragile sta
WILLOW’S POV“Is anything the problem, ma’am?” the doctor asked, knocking silently on the table in front of me. The knock jolted me out of the moment of reverie which I found myself.“Oh, I’m okay.” I managed a smile despite that I had a lot of things worrying my mind.“Are you sure, miss? I want you to know that worrying too much can affect the baby if proper care is not taken and I bet you don’t want that. It’s important to share your thoughts and feelings. Is there something on your mind?” the doctor persisted while I was reluctant to open up.After a moment of silence, I finally spoke up.“Of course, doctor, you’re absolutely right. But I’m scared,” my voice was tinged with vulnerability. “Though, coming here, I had my doubts about it already. Nevertheless, it feels new and for so many reasons, I’m not sure if I can pull it through.” I admitted, my eyes betraying the series of emotions within me. “I see, but its completely normal to feel that way, especially when its your first p
LUCIANO'S POVImmediately Willow left, I entered my office completely, taking a look at Clara in the faceSha stared at me and I stared right back. We stare at each other for about two minutes, each of us trying to process our emotions with the other.Clara was my ex girlfriend, an embodiment of beauty whom I met on one of my work trips and taken a like to. She was very bold and active when it comes to work, one thing that made me fall for her. Asides that, she was irresistibly nice; or so I thought till we went out seperate ways.As soon as I tore my gaze away from her, I couldn't help but confront the question that hung in the air like an unspoken tension."Why are you here?" The words spilled out from my mouth, filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.Clara who was seemingly unfazed, responded with a casual shrug."Is that a question? Can't I just feel like visiting my man?" Her tone carried a nonchalance that contradicted the weight of our history together."Point of corre
LUCIANO'S POVThe air became filled with a newfound feeling, as the implications of Clara's words began to settle in. The sudden revelation seemed to shake me so much that my face almost turned white. Why the hell is such news getting to me now? How come I never knew about this?Back then when I and Clara broke up, I had to make sure it was a thorough clean break between us. I hade made sure a private detective investigated her thoroughly to prevent a day like this. For about three good months, she was being monitored by my men."What did you say?" I asked, my disbelief evident in the incredulous tone of my voice as I was unwilling to believe her nonsense.vThe notion that I had a child without me knowing seemed like an absurdity too far-fetched to be true."Yes, isn't that what I said and isn't that what you heard?" Clara responded, her words exuding a mix of defiance and amusement."You bore me a child? Without my knowledge? Hell no! You must be joking." I protested, the absurdity o