Fated to Wed (English)

Chapter Nineteen

Back home after the resort incident, things took a drastic turn. I wanted nothing more than to hold Tyrone, to be by his side every second after the close call at the pool. But Theo had other plans.

He hired a maid.

The first time I reached out for Tyrone, she intervened gently but firmly, taking him from me as if I couldn’t be trusted with my own son. I was stunned, but I said nothing. The guilt that had been festering since that night gnawed at me, and I couldn't argue. What if I wasn’t safe for Tyrone? What if Theo was right to keep me away?

It didn’t stop there. Theo started avoiding me, his coldness growing by the day. He came home late, kept his distance, and barely spoke a word to me. When he did, it was clipped and devoid of any warmth. He didn't meet my eyes. Every time I tried to talk, he found an excuse to walk away or busy himself with something else. I felt like I was slowly losing him, bit by bit, and it tore me apart.

Frustration, guilt, and anger brewed inside me, but I was powerless. Theo’s silent treatment was unbearable, and it felt like I was losing both him and Tyrone. My heart ached every time I saw Tyrone playing with the maid, reaching for her instead of me. But how could I fight it? I had failed him—nearly lost him because of my stupid, reckless actions.

One day, determined to repair what was left of our relationship, I went to Theo’s company while he was in a meeting. I waited in the lobby, anxious to see him, to talk to him. But as I sat there, trying to steady my nerves, she appeared.

Liana.

She walked in, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, wearing a dress that left little to the imagination. Her breasts were practically spilling out, and her eyes were gleaming with malicious delight when she saw me.

“Well, look who it is,” she drawled, her voice oozing with mockery. “Theo’s ever-dutiful wife.”

I clenched my fists, determined not to let her get under my skin this time. I had already made the mistake of letting my emotions explode once. I couldn’t afford to lose control again.

I said nothing, keeping my eyes focused ahead, willing her to go away.

But she didn’t.

“Didn’t you learn your lesson at the resort, Delilah?” she continued, her tone dripping with malice. “You know, you’re really lucky Tyrone survived. But honestly, even if he didn’t… Theo and I could always make a new one.”

That was it. Something inside me snapped.

Without thinking, I shot up from my seat and swung my fist, landing a solid punch right across her face. Liana’s head jerked back with a sharp gasp, her hand flying to her cheek.

“You psycho!” she shrieked, her voice rising in panic as she stumbled backward.

I followed her, fury coursing through my veins, my fists clenched and ready to hit her again. Liana’s eyes widened in fear as she backed away, looking frantically around for an escape.

She saw the emergency stairs nearby and bolted for them, her high heels clicking loudly on the tiles as she ran. I was right on her heels, my blood boiling as I chased her down the corridor.

I was about to grab her when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“Delilah! Stop!”

I froze, my hand inches from grabbing Liana’s arm. Theo. His voice was sharp, furious. I turned around to see him standing there, his eyes blazing with anger. His secretary must have called him when things escalated.

But before I could even explain, Liana let out a dramatic cry and threw herself down the stairs.

Time seemed to slow as I watched her tumble down, her body twisting and turning with each step, until she landed at the bottom, motionless. Blood trickled from a gash on her forehead, and she lay there, eyes closed, looking lifeless.

I stood there in shock, my mouth hanging open. What had just happened?

Theo rushed down the stairs, kneeling beside Liana, his face twisted with panic. “Liana! Liana, wake up!” He shook her gently, his voice tight with fear.

I wanted to scream, to tell him that it wasn’t what it looked like, that she had thrown herself down on purpose. But the words caught in my throat. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think.

Theo turned his head toward me, his eyes filled with rage and disbelief. “What did you do, Delilah?”

“I didn’t…” I stammered, my heart pounding. “She… she threw herself—”

“Enough!” Theo snapped, cutting me off. He stood up, cradling Liana’s head as he barked orders to the secretary, who was already dialing for an ambulance.

I felt the weight of his gaze burning into me, filled with an accusation I couldn’t shake. This was it. This was the moment everything fell apart.