Cruel Awakening

Morning sunlight dragged Vivienne from a restless sleep. She reached out, only for her palm to meet the untouched sheets on the other side of the mattress.

A ragged sigh slipped through her lips. The divorce papers were signed. Today was her final day inside the home she had painstakingly maintained for two years.

She stared at the ceiling. A bitter thought crept in—Dominic had likely only married her because she resembled her half-sister, Monica.

A sharp knock broke the silence. Vivienne dragged herself out of bed. Even though she was barely a few weeks along, the hidden pregnancy was already sapping her energy.

She pulled the door open and found Dominic in the hallway.

"It's past ten and you're still asleep?" he asked.

"Why do you even care?" Vivienne muttered.

"What was that?"

She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Nothing. What do you want?" she asked. "If you came to warn me Monica is arriving, save your breath. I'll be gone before she gets here."

"Monica isn't coming today," Dominic replied. "I told her to stay away."

For one foolish second, a spark ignited in her chest. Did he change his mind? Did he realize their marriage was worth saving? Tears pricked her eyes, and she parted her lips to speak.

"My father is coming today," Dominic continued, instantly crushing her hope. "I need to break the news to him about our divorce. Whatever you do, do not mention Monica's name."

The cruelty settled heavily over her. Dominic would bend over backwards to shield Monica, yet he always treated his actual wife like a shameful mistress.

"Get ready. He'll be here in an hour," he ordered.

He walked away. Vivienne watched his broad back recede, struck by how cold his voice had become.

She closed the door and sank onto the mattress. His father preferred Vivienne over Monica, which was exactly why Dominic wanted her hidden.

Forcing herself up, she decided to get ready. This would be the final time she saw her father-in-law.

Twenty minutes later, she wore fitted black jeans and a white top with a heart-shaped cutout at the back. She let her blonde hair cascade down to her waist, exactly how Dominic favored.

A tragic smile touched her lips. She had devoted two years to him. She could have sworn he felt something real during those quiet nights months ago, but clearly, she was wrong.

"I need to tell him about the baby," Vivienne whispered. "He deserves to know, even if we're divorcing."

She sprayed his favorite perfume over her collarbones. She used to wear this scent daily just to earn a passing glance.

She couldn't raise her child without a father. If she told him the truth, maybe Dominic would offer a solution. Deep down, she hoped the news would change his mind.

Gathering her resolve, she headed for the staircase.

Voices echoed from the ground floor. She froze instantly, recognizing her half-sister's voice.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Vivienne whispered, stepping back.

Did Dominic lie to her face? A bitter scoff escaped her throat as she fought back tears.

"I think you're in love with her, Dominic," Monica's voice drifted up.

Vivienne planted her feet firmly against the floor.

"Why would you think that, Monica?" Dominic asked.

"Because she is still here when she isn't supposed to be," Monica shot back. "You could have kicked her out the second she signed those papers. She stole you away and spent two years with you, while I married a man who made my life hell. Anyone would have developed feelings."

Monica was being cruel, but Vivienne waited for Dominic's answer.

"Not with Vivienne," Dominic replied, his voice terrifyingly calm. "I don't love her, and I'm never going to love her."

"I married her for my father. If I refused, I would have lost my inheritance and the company. She could never compete with you, Monica. I'm sorry it took this long, but at least we're going to be together now."

His brutal confession destroyed her. Every tender moment over the past two years had been nothing but a pretense to secure a corporate empire.

Hot tears spilled over her lashes as she rubbed her flat stomach. Would he even love this baby when he found out?

Then, Monica's voice carried up the stairs once more.

"The baby's growing so fast," Monica cooed. "It's three months old now, Dominic. I'm so excited we're going to be parents soon."

A ragged gasp tore violently from Vivienne's throat.

Unable to hold it in, she let out a whimper and sprinted blindly toward her room.

She threw herself inside, slamming the door and throwing the lock.

Three months. The timeline clicked. Dominic had been sleeping with her half-sister while still married to her.

Hitting her fists against her chest, her knees buckled. She collapsed onto the floor, uncontrollable tears streaming down her face.

The only thought left in her mind was her unborn baby.

Right there, she made an unbreakable vow.

Dominic would never find out about this baby. Never. As long as she lived, this child was hers alone.