Chasing her Return

Chapter 2: Arrested

Miguel’s gaze was fixed on the city skyline, his shoulders tight with unspoken frustration.

I hesitated, then said, “I was with Sarah. We had some catching up to do.”

He turned abruptly, his eyes narrowing. “Sarah? You think your social life is more important than my plans? Get over here and focus. I need you to help Annie with the preparations for the party. I expect everything to be flawless.”

A cold shiver ran down my spine. The surprise I had planned felt suddenly overshadowed by the uncertainty of his words.

“What kind of announcement?” I asked, attempting to keep my voice steady despite the growing tension in my chest.

Miguel’s expression became a mask of disdain.

“You’ll find out tomorrow night. But don’t waste my time with questions now. Just do what you’re told.”

I nodded, though my mind was a whirlwind of speculation. I knew he had no idea about the pregnancy—he’d been too caught up in his own world. But the thought of my news being overshadowed by his announcement was unsettling. Had he somehow sensed something was off, like the way I had to excuse myself earlier when the nausea struck?

I spent the rest of the evening helping Annie, my mind racing. Every so often, I caught myself drifting into thoughts about how to tell Miguel and what his reaction might be. His orders felt like a double-edged sword; I was eager to make him happy but equally terrified of his potential response.

As the night wore on, I became increasingly anxious. Every detail of the party seemed to demand my attention, and despite my efforts to remain focused, the weight of the impending revelation gnawed at me. What if his announcement was something that would change everything between us? What if he already knew and was preparing to reveal it to everyone in a grand gesture?

The next day, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation for Miguel's birthday party.

As he walked downstairs, I greeted him with a warm smile. Instead of returning the gesture, he barely acknowledged me, his face a mask of cold detachment. “Get the food ready,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “And make sure you and Annie entertain the organizer. They’ll need snacks.”

I nodded, though a pang of hurt twisted inside me. I knew our marriage was a contract, but I had hoped for some semblance of warmth or acknowledgment on a day meant to celebrate him. Still, I did as he asked, preparing the food and mingling with the guests.

As the party progressed, Miguel's treatment of me was even more disheartening. To the guests, I was nothing more than an invisible helper, a mere maid in the background. My heart ached with each polite smile and casual glance that dismissed me, a stark contrast to the luxurious world Miguel seemed to inhabit so effortlessly.

From a distance, I watched as Miguel conversed with a stunning woman. She was undeniably beautiful and exuded a wealthy elegance that was impossible to ignore. My pulse quickened as I recognized her—Cora Kensington, the CEO's daughter of Madrigal Global Ventures. The sight of them together, moving seamlessly as if they were the perfect couple, made a fresh wave of pain surge through me.

I had witnessed Miguel’s womanizing ways before, but tonight felt different, more excruciating. I couldn’t tear my eyes away as they chatted and laughed, their chemistry undeniable. My heart sank deeper with every shared smile and touch, each moment a reminder of my own isolation.

As the night reached its peak, Miguel moved to the front of the room, his demeanor commanding instant attention. I stood near the edge of the crowd, my heart racing, hoping for a fleeting moment where he might glance my way. Instead, his gaze was fixed on the audience as he began to speak.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. “Tonight is special for me, not just because of my birthday, but for another reason.”

My breath caught in my throat. What could he possibly mean?

“I'm pleased to announce my engagement to a remarkable woman,” Miguel continued, a glint of pride in his eyes. “Cora Kensington.”

The room erupted in applause, and I felt as though the ground had shifted beneath me. My heart stopped as Miguel took Cora’s hand, raising it to show off the ring. The world around me blurred, my vision narrowing to just the sight of them together.

My mind raced, unable to comprehend the full impact of his announcement. The pain and confusion were overwhelming, but before I could gather my thoughts, a hand landed gently on my shoulder.

I turned, startled, to see Annie looking at me with concern. “Are you okay, madam?”

I couldn’t bear the sight of Miguel and Cora standing together, their happiness a knife in my heart. The weight of my pregnancy and the betrayal felt like a crushing burden.

Fueled by desperation and anger, I stormed forward, shouting, “Miguel! I’m his wife! We’re married!"

Miguel’s eyes widened in shock before a storm of anger crossed his face. “What are you talking about?” he snapped. “She’s just a delusional maid!”

The crowd’s laughter was a cruel mockery as they turned their scornful eyes toward me. My face flushed with humiliation, and I felt tears stinging my eyes. Cora Kensington, standing beside Miguel, let out a dismissive laugh. Her mockery made my blood boil.

In a moment of blind rage, I pushed Cora. She stumbled backward, hitting the ground hard with a gasp of pain. The crowd erupted into chaos as people scrambled to help her. I stood there, panting, watching as she was rushed out of the party and to the hospital.

The next morning, my world spun further out of control. As I waited near the gate for Miguel to come home, two police officers appeared, their faces stern.

“Are you Mrs. Dianna Torres?” one asked.

“Yes,” I replied, my voice trembling.

“We have a warrant for your arrest,” the officer said, holding up the document. “You’re being charged with assault.”

My heart dropped. The reality of the situation hit me like a tidal wave. As they read me my rights and handcuffed me, I felt a mix of dread and disbelief. My actions had led to this moment, and the thought of facing legal consequences while carrying Miguel’s child was overwhelming.

As the cold metal of the prison bars closed behind me, I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face. The cell was stark and unforgiving, a harsh contrast to the life I once knew. My thoughts were consumed with anguish for my baby and despair over the betrayal. I knew my reaction to Cora was extreme, but the pain and betrayal felt unbearable.

I cried silently, clutching my arms around my knees, wondering how things had spiraled so drastically. I had endured so much for Miguel, including his countless affairs and public disrespect. To end up here, alone and abandoned, felt like the ultimate betrayal.

Suddenly, a police officer approached my cell. “You have a visitor,” he said, his voice impersonal. My heart skipped a beat.

Could it be my parents? Or even Miguel himself, finally realizing he needed to defend me?