THE MISSING HEIRESS

POV: Chloe Doctor Sarah handed me the medical test result with a smile. For the past few days, I have constantly been feeling dizzy and weak although no one in the Harrison mansion noticed, not even my husband. I visited the Holy Child Orphanage hospital this afternoon to run some tests. “Congratulations, Chloe. You're pregnant.” The word echoed deeply as she handed me a sealed brown envelope. For several seconds, I couldn't breathe. I stared at Doctor Sarah, probably I had misunderstood her. My hands trembled as I reached out for the envelope. “Am I really pregnant?” I whispered. “Yes my dear Chloe. You're two weeks pregnant.” She said with a warm smile. At that moment I was overwhelmed with joy. Dominic's baby, the husband I had loved for six years despite never receiving the kind of love I had always dreamed of but here I am, carrying his two weeks old pregnancy. Without realizing it, tears began to roll down my cheeks. Staring at my stomach, I could feel the tiny life growing inside me. “Am I really going to become a mother?” “ Yes, my dear Chloe. You're going to be a mother, and I'm very excited.” Doctor Sarah embraced me. For the first time in years of my marriage, happiness flooded my heart that I forgot everything I had endured inside my matrimonial home. Now I'm going to have someone who would carry a part of me. Someone should someday call me Mommy. This thought alone brought fresh tears to my eyes. “Oh, Chloe!” Doctor Sarah exclaimed, wiping a tear from my cheek. “You should tell the Harrison family immediately.” At the moment it's as if I was back to reality, I quickly shook my head. “Please, don't tell anyone yet.” Doctor Sarah looked at me curiously, and ask why. I told her that's because I want Dominic to hear it from me first. Perhaps this baby will be the blessing our marriage needs. Doctor Sarah studied my face for a moment before sighing. “My dear, Chloe. I hope this brings you the happiness you truly deserve.” “It will, Doctor.” I smiled. By the time I returned to the Harrison mansion, the afternoon sun was beginning to fade. I stepped out of the car clutching my handbag, careful to keep the brown envelope hidden inside it. For six years, I had lived in this mansion as Dominic's wife. Six years of sleeping and waking up alone. Six years of waiting for a husband who rarely noticed my presence in the Harrison family. Six years of enduring my mother-in-law's humiliations while I tell myself that someday, things would get better. Despite everything, I had never stopped loving and caring for Dominic. But today, I carry something special and precious inside me. A secret that could change everything. I walked into the mansion with a smile. One of the maids greeted me in the hallway. “Welcome back, Mrs. Harrison.” “Thank you.” She glanced at me briefly before resuming her duties. But no one noticed my excitement. No one knew that I was carrying the heir of the Harrison family. That evening, I went into the kitchen. “Mrs. Harrison, please allow us to prepare dinner.” One of the chefs said. I shook my head with a smile. “Thank you, but I will prepare it myself today.” The chef looked surprised. “Are you sure, Mrs Harrison?” “Certainly. I want to prepare Dominic's favourite meal.” Despite not having that closer relationship with Dominic, I still know his favorite food, the brand of wine he drinks, and how he preferred his coffee. I also knew when he's angry, tired, and in a happy mood. In the six years of marriage, I knew much about Dominic despite he knew little or perhaps nothing about me. I spent nearly two hours in the kitchen. I prepared his favorite dishes and brought his wine brand, arranged the dining table, and placed fresh beautiful flowers in the center. Everything looks perfect. Tonight, I will tell him about our baby. I could imagine the surprise on his face. Perhaps he would smile and reach for my hands. Perhaps he wouldl be filled with excitement of becoming a dad. Perhaps he would embrace me. Perhaps he would finally look at me not as a wife he has neglected for years, but as the woman who had stayed beside him for six years. I never married Dominic for wealth. In our six years of marriage, he has never gifted me before but all I ever wanted was to feel his love as my husband. I glanced at the clock. 6:45 p.m. Dominic wasn't home yet I decided to take a warm shower and change to something nice and attractive. As the warm water ran through my soft skin, my mind flashed back to the night that changed my life. Dominic had returned home that midnight, drunk and could barely walk. He had mistaken my bedroom to be his. It was the first time he had come into my room since our wedding. And for the first time in our marriage we had intimacy. The following morning, he didn't even look at me differently. Then, weeks later, I discovered I was pregnant. A baby. Dominic's baby. I dried the water on my body, changed into a simple but elegant dress, and returned to the dining room. The food was ready and the dining was set. All I needed now was Dominic. I quickly turned as I heard footsteps coming behind me. “Mrs. Harrison!” I quickly turned as a maid approached me. “Yes?” “Madam Grace is asking for you.” My smile faded immediately. “Alright. Thank you.” Moment later, Grace, my mother-in-law, entered the dining room. I respectfully stood up. “Good evening, Mother.” I greeted. Grace only glanced at me without acknowledging my greetings. “Why hasn't Dominic returned home for dinner?” I fearfully looked at her before responding. “Mother, I guess he's still at the office.” “You guess?” “What kind of wife are you, Chloe?” “You sat here comfortably while my son is out there working.” “Mother, I have called him several times, but he hasn't answered. I contacted his driver, who informed me Dominic was still at the office.” Grace scoffed. “Excuses upon excuses.” She opened the dishes on the dining table then there was a sudden change on her face. Then she turned to me. “Who prepared this food?” “I did Mother.” Her expression darkened. “You?” “Yes, Mother.” “Since when did you start to preparing meal without my permission?” I stared at her. “Mother, I only wanted to prepare Dominic's favourite meal. He's been eating outside lately, and I thought…” “Did he ask you to prepare it?” I fell silent. This time her voice becomes more harsh and angry. “Mother, I only wanted something nice for my husband.” She laughed bitterly. “Chloe, you need to understand something. The fact that you married into this family doesn't mean you belong here.” Her words struck me. “You're still the orphan we brought into this family. Don't mistake it as acceptance.” I lowered my face. For six years, I married into Harrison family, I have always been referred to as, Poor orphan. Nobody. Poor girl. Not good enough for Dominic. Not good enough for the Harrisons. A wife who didn't deserve the Harrison name. I have heard these words so often but I have learnt to hide my pains behind a polite smile. I used to be depressed each time I'm belittled but tonight, something inside me refused to break. I raised my head. “I understand, Mother.” Grace left the dining room apparently disappointed that I hadn't argued with her. “Good.” “Inform me immediately my son returns.” “Alright, Mother.” She turned and walked away. When she was out of sight, I took a deep breath. Then I placed a hand on my stomach. “Little one, Mommy is fine.” I whispered. By 9:00 p.m., Dominic is yet to return. I called him again. No answer. At 9:30 p.m., I called his driver l. “Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Harrison is still at the office, he informed me. “Alright. Thank you.” I ended the call and stared at the untouched dinner. My stomach growled. I hadn't eaten since morning, but I couldn't bring myself to eat without Dominic. At this moment, I was already feeling hungry and sleepy at the same time but I have already made up my mind to have dinner with Dominic. I bought out the sealed brown envelope, and read through the content again. Pregnancy Test Results: Positive. The thought of becoming a mother made me smile repeatedly. Time passed slowly. I rested my head on my folded arms at the dining table, and didn't realize when I dozed off. A loud car horn woke me up. I lifted my head, for a second, I didn't realize where I was. Then I quickly rushed to the dining room window. Dominic! I quickly use the dining room intercom to inform Grace before returning to my seat. My heart was pounding. Then the entrance door opened. Dominic stepped in but wasn't alone. A beautiful woman stood beside him. Dominic held her hand. My heart skipped. Who's this woman and why is she holding my husband's hand? I thought perhaps she might be a business associate or family friend. Grace was already seated. Dominic and the woman walked towards the dining to join us. “Good evening, Mother.” Dominic greeted. The woman smiled. Good evening, Madam Grace.” Grace's expression brightened. “Good evening, my dear.” Dominic pulled out a chair for the woman and helped her to sit beside him. I stared at him. In six years of marriage, he had never once pulled out a chair for me. Not even on our wedding night. I quickly looked away before anyone could notice the pain in my eyes. “Good evening, Dominic.” He glanced at me. “Evening.” He turned back to the woman beside him. And smiled. Throughout the dinner, the woman remained close to Dominic. The meal I had spent hours preparing, completely finish in the plates. None of them even seemed to remember my presence. Grace finally spoke. “Son, you haven't introduced your guest properly. Who's this beautiful lady?” “Pardon my mann ers, Mother.” Dominic responded with a smile. He reached for the woman's hand, then slowly glanced at me. “Mother.” He began. He turned towards me. “Chloe.” I looked at him. “I would like you both to meet someone very important to me.” The woman smiled. Dominic continued. “Her name is Zoey Wilson.” He looked directly at me. “She's my fiancee.”