Chapter 6
The following day, the internet was ablaze once more. News of Owen’s affair with his secretary went viral, causing his company’s stock to
nosedive.
I heard he’d even been collectively removed by the board of directors.
Naturally, apart from my revelation, Isaac played a part. For him, toppling a person or even an entire company–was child’s play.
When Owen called, pleading for forgiveness, I was nestled in Isaac’s arms, discussing names for our baby….
Seeing the call from my ex–fiancé, Isaac’s eyes darkened before he decided to block the number.
Purchase completed
“Did you love that Owen a lot before?” he asked, frowning with concern.
“Yeah. It was love at first sight in college. I spent years chasing him like a lovesick fool until he finally gave in. Who knew…” I sighed.
“Ah, youthful recklessness–unable to distinguish love from obsession.”
I stretched lazily. Did the Maya who once sacrificed everything for love still exist today?
I felt like a part of me had died, existing only to get by.
The only time I felt truly human was with Isaac, but I knew this wouldn’t
last.
We were just bound by a contract. Any real emotion was overshadowed by the manipulations of a powerful man.
Chapter 6
Once I was no longer useful, I’d be discarded like trash, much like Owen.
I had supported him during his startup days, working three jobs to keep him going, and look where that led me.
Relationships lacking love inevitably deteriorate.
All I could do was savor the present, enjoying each fleeting moment while it lasted.
‘What about now?”
Isaac asked, pulling me closer and softly kissing the corner of my lips.
“Now… maybe,” I replied, not wanting to reveal my true feelings and choosing to play along instead.
“Maya, I’ll do my best to make you feel it,” Isaac promised, pressing against me and shedding his usual roguish manner.
I could feel his heart pounding intensely.
Was it beating for me?
But I was too afraid to love without caution, so I maintained the current tranquility carefully.
Naturally, peace is always fleeting. A month went by.
Each day was filled with happiness. Isaac treated me with great affection, and we acted as if we were truly married.
If it weren’t for the contract we had signed, which occasionally caught my attention, I might have genuinely believed I was Mrs. Heald.
One day, Isaac finally brought me back to the Heald’s residence, not knowing it would be the onset of a stormy ordeal.
07:20
Chapter 6
The Heald family didn’t merely “dislike” me–they completely rejected me, as if it was a matter of utmost importance.
From Isaac’s mother to his cousin, not a single person approved of our marriage.
However, Isaac staunchly defended me. With a baby on the way, he worked tirelessly to stand by my side. Some unexpected emotions began to stir within me.
Dinner was tense–like swords had been drawn. Suddenly, I felt utterly drained.
After the meal, Isaac promptly took me home and then hurried to the office, mentioning urgent business matters.
Before leaving, he kissed me gently.
“Don’t let their words affect you. Regardless of what happens, I will never leave you.”
Tears welled up in my eyes. The sensation of being loved was undeniably intoxicating.
Whether it was the pregnancy or not, at that moment, I wanted to believe he truly loved me.
Such is the plight of us “hopeless romantics.
Not long after Isaac departed, I received a photo from his mom.
It showed Isaac in a restaurant, happily conversing with a woman whose features bore a slight resemblance to mine.
My heart plummeted instantly.
Had
my happiness arrived too swiftly, only for the universe to snatch it
0750
away?
“I’m not trying to oppose your relationship–Mary and Isaac are simply perfect for each other,” she wrote.
“I’m sure you’ve noticed the resemblance. If her father hadn’t sent her abroad to study, Isaac would’ve married her long ago.
“Maya, I know you don’t want to accept being a substitute, but this is the reality. It’s right in front of you–whether you like it or not, you must accept it.”
Every word from Mrs. Heald Senior pierced my heart, leaving me. speechless.
If my feelings for Owen had been a gradual buildup of disappointment that numbed my heart, then this was an abrupt and piercing pain, leaving my heart wounded.
I questioned myself, “Maya, didn’t you brace yourself for this? Why does it still hurt so intensely?”
I had imagined countless scenarios–him taking advantage of me, being driven by a fleeting crush, or acting out of obligation.
But I never anticipated that behind every night of tender closeness, he was secretly yearning for his first love, Mary Seguel.
After being betrayed, I found myself as a substitute once more.
Isaac had played his part so convincingly that I almost believed him completely.
Unfortunately, the sting of betrayal cuts deepest when love is at its most. profound.
