Regret? A Little too late

Ivy's Pov “Look out!” someone shouted behind me, making me turn in terror, not sure where I was supposed to run to. Ever since I opened the email this morning showing me pictures of my husband and another woman, my head hasn't been straight. But I knew she was his secretary, and she was happily married, so I was pretty sure nothing was going on. Someone was deliberately trying to break us apart. I couldn't have such thoughts, especially not today; everything was about to change for the better. Glass scattered everywhere on the floor pulling me out of my trance. A terrified maid quickly went to her knees and started begging. “I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to…” She blurted out shakily as she kept her head lowered. “You see what I keep telling you? You can't keep a single damn thing in check.” The comment came from behind me before I could even utter a word. I clenched my jaw, nearly cursing this day as I heard my mother-in-law's voice. Caleb was coming back today, and this gala was organized for our anniversary; I needed to stay positive. I wanted a small dinner, but Grandma wouldn't have it. She wanted it to be grand for her grandson and me. “It's okay, get up and clean it up slowly; don't injure yourself,” I instructed my maiden as I slowly turned to face the woman who looked at me full of contempt. “Hello, Mrs. Richards,” I greeted, completely suppressing the sting in my heart from her words. She had never liked me for her dear son in the three years I was married into the family. I couldn't even call her mother; she forbade it. That's how much she didn't like me. “Hello yourself. Learn how to handle the organizing well; if things continue to break, do you think you have anything to repay my son with?” She asked. Her words were always unfiltered and full of hate. “Oooh, Rahab, what did I tell you about speaking to my granddaughter like that?” An elderly voice came, making me breathe in relief. Grandmother, she was my savior and a breath of fresh air in this family. “Mother, but she…” Rahab, Caleb's mother, attempted to talk, but Grandma wouldn't let her. “I don't want to hear it; find something to do. Caleb will be arriving soon,” Peninah, Caleb's grandmother, said, entirely ignoring her. “Come, dear, you need to get ready for the gala,” Peninah said as she pulled me gently. She never disappointed me, anything i had even this marriage i owed it to her. She made sure I lacked nothing from when we crossed paths at the orphanage. Hours ran by fast, and finally the hour was here. I could hear guests pouring in downstairs while others who had already arrived socialized heartily. “Gal, you're looking as white as a sheet,” Elena, my best friend, said as she walked towards me. I shrugged my shoulders, “Just a bit nervous from all the attention I am going to get.” “Come on you? Nervous?” Lena chuckled as she looked at my reflection. “You must be joking. Who gets nervous when your husband is famous? You ought to have gotten used to this,” she pointed out as she smoothed my gown. “I know, but you know I still have to tell him tonight about…you know what,” I said, feeling excited about my surprise for him. I could only imagine how happy he will be when he finds out. “Don't worry, everything will go smoothly; you both have been praying for this blessing,” she said as I rubbed my still flat stomach unconsciously. I smiled cherkily as my mind drifted off to just how happy Caleb will be. My heart swelled in pride knowing this could finally put my mother-in-law in her place. “The doctor I told you about is arriving today at the hospital. Mrs. Richards Sr. can now book an appointment with her,” Lena announced, pulling me out of my fantasy. “Really? That's great news. Grandmother could now undergo her long-awaited surgery. This specialist has been abroad for too long, and to have him in Los Angeles, I had to leap for the chance. “Caleb will be thrilled when he hears about this,” I said lovingly as I rubbed my stomach. “Thanks, little pea, these are all the blessings you are bringing along with you. ” “Come on we've got to get you down stairs, queen of the hour, her majesty,” Lena said joking as as she gave me a bow making us laugh out heartily. “Vivi, dear? You ready?” Grandma called, making us look in the direction as she pushed the door. “Hello, ladies, let's join the guests downstairs; Caleb is already at the entrance.” She announced as we walked hand in hand with her. As we started at the top of the stairs, everyone stared. I didn't know when Lena left us, but everyone's eyes were glued on me and Grandma. The mansion walls suddenly felt bigger and far away; I could never get used to such big crowds. I could hear clapping, and all I could do was smile. Soon all was over when we joined in and started socializing with the rest. The front door opened, ushering in the man of the hour, Caleb. Gitters filled my stomach as I tried to lock eyes with him amidst the crowd. He was finally here; my heart beat fast as if I had started walking towards him. The shock on his face said everything that needed to be told. He didn’t know we had arranged such a grand ceremony for his return after only two months. But mainly for our anniversary and my surprise. My steps halted when I followed his hand only to see him holding onto a woman who looked rather familiar…his secretary. I felt as if lightning struck inside me swiftly. I froze as my eyes landed on her smile as Rahab approached her and they hugged happily. The hug signifying they had known each other for quite a while. It was not until Rahab, my mother-in-law, unblocked my view that I saw her huge stomach. I sharply inhaled as the guests murmured, everyone speculating on the scene. “Vivi, oh God, who is this?” Lena came behind me, supporting me as I felt like I could pass out on the spot. I locked eyes with Caleb, my husband, but his cold stare sent chills down my spine. Since when did he stare at me like a stranger? Yes, we had our problems for a while, but never did we ignore each other. Lost in thought, I didn't notice as he and the two women passed by us as if they didn't notice me. Rahab deliberately bumping into me almost sending me to the ground on my butt if it weren't for Lena being behind me. “That witch!” Lena sneered behind me as she helped me stand up straight. I didn’t know what to feel as I watched them couple and my mother-in-law occupy the stage as if the event were meant solely for them. Gasps could be heard among the guests, but all I could imagine was how humiliated I felt. Murmuring, running into the room as they all gave me side eyes as if I were the mistress. My eyes searched for Grandma, who looked at me with pain in her eyes. I could tell she didn't know a thing from her shocked look. “How dare another woman ruin my party? I'll fix this!” I said as I started for the podium, anger fueling me. But before I could take a third step, I halted as Caleb announced something that made my heart stop.