Asteria Celeste Averix Levington POV
Today is my second day in the hospital, and I'll be discharged later. Kian wasn't present because she was handling some billing matters. Currently, I'm alone in the room, accompanied only by the baby in my womb.
I stood up and swiftly set aside the items in my hand. I have every intention of slipping away. I won't be gone for long, and I'll surely return to my wife. I just need some time to decompress. Afterwards, I crave a meal, alone. I want to eat without anyone keeping tabs on me.
I slowly opened the door and peeked outside to see if there were people or people passing by. Or if someone sees me. When I saw nothing, I smiled. Perfect timing. I quickly walked to the exit. But while I was walking there, the painful entered again.
Negative thoughts started to linger in my head. The pain is slowly flowing through my heart. With that in mind, I quickly made a decision. I guess I've been sending thoughts like this too much. I am tired of this. Tired of our relationship going this way over and over again. I don't know what I am saying anymore. But I just want to quit on her life.
Moments ago, I left because of my craving for food. Now, it's because of her. My mind feels so jumbled right now. My emotional outburst is still ongoing. I glanced down at my stomach.
"Baby, even if Mommy is the only one who will raise you, I promise you'll be happy," I whispered as I gently caressed my stomach, solidifying the conclusion of my quick decision. As I was about to take a step, someone pulled me. It wasn't aggressive, just cautious. My eyes widened in surprise when I saw who it was.
"K-Kian?" I stammered, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably, even though she wasn't doing anything. She simply looked at me, a smirk playing on her lips.
"The one and only," she replied, but the pain was unmistakable in her eyes.
"Are you planning to leave me again? Are you going to leave me again?" She asked, her voice quivering with emotion. She smiled bitterly in response.
"Well, this time I won't allow you to leave me again. And that's final," she declared firmly. Suddenly, she picked me up, causing me to scream in surprise.
"Kian, let me go!" I struggled and yelled at her, trying to break free from her grasp.
"For what?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"So you can escape?" I replied, noticing the weariness in her demeanor.
"Estria, don't be like that..." she struggled to pronounce my name, her voice filled with a mix of emotion.
"Don't torture me," her voice broke, filled with anguish. She gently placed me inside the car.
"Kian, I don't want this anymore," I said, my tone still tinged with mischief.
"Are you that weak?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and frustration, yet she still didn't start the car.
"Didn't you say you love me?" I asked, seeking confirmation. She just nodded in response.
"Eh, why are you like that? You always just leave me," she expressed with a hint of resignation, feeling defeated.
"K-Kian, I love you so much," I confessed, reaching out to hold one of her hands with my other hand, seeking reassurance in our connection.
"But I'm also tired," I admitted, tears streaming down my face as exhaustion washed over me.
"Tired of what?" she asked, frustration evident as she pulled at her hair, unsure of what else to think.
"Tired of sharing your attention Kian," I answered honestly, revealing the source of my weariness.
"Just like now. I'm pregnant, but you also got her pregnant. She will be my share of your attention again," I explained, wiping away my tears, feeling the weight of the situation.
"I just want your full attention!" I screamed, feeling like a child fighting with others because they stole candy from me. She cupped my face, her touch grounding me, correcting our perspective on the situation.
"Listen, Estria. If it's true that I'm the one who got her pregnant, I'll be held responsible. But that doesn't include Kate. Only with the child," she explained gently, trying to reassure me. I simply nodded in response, unable to find words to reply.
"I want to go home," I said softly, and with that, she started the car, beginning our journey back.
Our flight was quiet. She didn't speak again, only focusing on the road ahead. I mirrored her silence, gazing out the window, taking in everything we passed. Despite the turmoil, I found myself believing what she said.
The current situation needs time to sink in. I feel like I might suddenly explode and disappear like a bubble. I just need time to process all of this.
Kian Calen Levington POV
The flight remained quiet. Estria was leaning against the window, her gaze earlier drifting over everything we passed. But now, she had fallen asleep, her exhaustion evident.
Perhaps she's tired from our earlier conversation. Taking advantage of the traffic, I adjusted her seat so she wouldn't have a hard time. I then retrieved the neck pillow from the backseat and gently placed it around her neck, hoping she would rest more comfortably.
Despite everything, she appeared serene, her angelic face betraying no hint of trouble. Grateful for the chance to catch up with her earlier, I leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead before starting to drive again. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her again.
I don't want to leave her again, nor do I want her to leave me. Regarding my issue with Kate, I've already hired a private investigator to uncover the truth. I need to be certain because my marriage hangs in the balance. The revelation left me stunned and struggling to believe it.
It's understandable to feel confused and frustrated in this situation. Despite using protection, the possibility of pregnancy still exists. Trusting your instincts and seeking the truth is important. By uncovering the facts, you can hold the responsible party accountable and find clarity in the midst of uncertainty.
Sorin Alvarez POV
"Ahhh!" I exclaimed in frustration, feeling like the ground beneath me was crumbling. The plan had slipped away once more. Why weren't they divorced yet? How could they still be so resilient? Despite the setback, I refused to admit defeat. I wouldn't stand in their way, but I couldn't help feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
Asteria is mine; I must remove Kian from her heart and mind, leaving only myself. Perhaps Kate's actions are truly careless, but I expect better from her. If not, I will take serious action against her.
I will continue to search for a way to facilitate their separation, allowing me to pursue the girl I've dreamt of for so long. If only I hadn't needed to fly to the States, perhaps I could have dated her back when we were in college.
I felt reassured knowing that she wasn't permitted to flirt with anyone, and she didn't even seem to notice me at the time.
However, upon my return, I was shocked to learn that she had gotten married. My sister informed me of the news since they are close, but she isn't aware of my feelings towards her.
"I'll make sure I have the last laugh," I declared, determined. Be complacent now with Asteria because next time she will be mine.
"You're all mine, Asteria," I asserted possessively.
Asteria Celeste Averix Levington POV
I woke up in bed, lying there with a sense of disorientation. How did I get here? Recalling the events from earlier, I remembered falling asleep while gazing out the window.
"Who?" I called out, seeking clarification or company in my confusion.
"You're awake, Estria," she said as she approached me, her presence bringing a sense of reassurance.
"I've prepared food. Shall we go?" she asked, and I nodded in agreement. She helped me stand up, though I winced as my hip ached—a reminder of the toll pregnancy takes on my body.
"What do you want to eat?" she asked as we descended, leaving the choice up to me.
"I cooked a lot for you," she said softly, still smiling. Despite her efforts, I couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment towards her. The baby and I sulked, feeling betrayed by the fact that she got pregnant by another woman.
To think that we have a rival for her attention. I sat there, glancing around the table at everyone present. Despite the unsettling thought, everything looked delicious, and my hunger overtook any other emotion. I happily scooped up some food and took a bite, savoring the flavors.
"Just focus on eating," she said, watching me with a smile as I enjoyed the food. Tomorrow is another day.
Kate Brillantes POV
I find myself in Sorin the devil's office now. I'm not sure how I got here. I was busy stalking my love, Yusei, and suddenly she sent me here.
"Why did you send me here again?" I couldn't help but ask, my mood dampened by the disappointment of my ruined plans for the day.
"Your plan is sloppy," she said angrily, her expression freezing in frustration.
"Sloppy?" I asked, unable to contain a laugh.
"Yeah," she replied tersely.
"How could it be sloppy?" I asked, genuinely surprised by the accusation.
"Sloppy, sloppy," she repeated in an angry tone, clearly frustrated by the failure of the plan to break their relationship.
"So, what's your plan?" I asked without waiting for her to come up with another scheme. I knew she wouldn't stop until she found out, and I also knew she'd likely use me as a pawn in her plan again.
"Make an effort," she replied tersely, leaving me to decipher her intentions.
"Why me?" I questioned myself, feeling the weight of the situation. I also have my own love life that needs to be taken care of.
"You can't do anything if you don't obey me," she smirked, her words carrying a veiled threat. I felt trapped, knowing I owed her a lot. Will I always be under her control? I stormed out without saying goodbye, slamming the door shut behind me. What am I going to do now? I need to think.
Lucian Averix POV
When I arrived at their mansion, her mother greeted me warmly.
"She's in her room. Talk to her carefully, and maybe she'll change her mind," Aunty said, patting me on the shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. I made my way upstairs and approached Aeris's room, catching a glimpse of her as she left.
"What are you doing here?" Aeris asked me as I entered the room.
"I'm here to persuade you," I replied succinctly, conveying my intent.
"No need," she said tersely, as she turned to enter her room. However, I reached out and gently took hold of her hand before she could retreat completely.
"I'm still talking to you," I insisted, holding onto her hand to ensure she listened.
"Yes. I told you that you don't have to persuade me. Go to Stella. You'll have fun," she said firmly before finally entering her room and locking the door behind her. The realization hit me: she was truly giving me up to Stella. Logically, I knew I'd be happier with Stella, but why did it hurt so much to think that she didn't want me anymore? I'll find a way to make things right with Aeris.
I'll give you some time to think, but I won't allow you to disappear from my life. From the moment you became engaged to me, you belonged to me. Aeris is mine and mine alone.