Chapter 11

"Is there an issue, Prima?" his father inquired, looking concerned.

"Oh, nothing, Dad," I replied nervously.

"Are you sure?" he pressed, clearly not convinced.

"Yes, dad. I guess I'm just feeling a bit down because I'll miss you both," I explained.

He smiled at my response and let out a sigh. I stole a glance at him, noticing his displeasure. I could tell he thought I was putting on an act in front of his parents.

"Don't be like that. You know it's not good for the baby when you're sad," he said with a serious tone.

"Diego is right. You need to prioritize your baby," his mother chimed in.

I apologized and gently placed my hand on my stomach. The fear and sadness I felt about the future were overwhelming. I knew Ransom would stop at nothing to make my life miserable again. My concern was not for myself, but for our child.

After dinner, his parents bid us farewell to retire for the night. Diego headed to our room first. I made an excuse to be alone, hoping his parents wouldn't notice.

Suddenly, Cheska called, and I answered immediately. Her excited screams on the other end caught me off guard. I quickly moved the phone away from my ear, then brought it back after a few seconds.

"Best, Nicko proposed to me. I'm finally engaged!" she exclaimed joyfully.

I was taken aback by her news. This was something she had been eagerly waiting for Nicko to do.

"Nicko proposed?" I asked, disbelief evident in my voice.

"Yes, he did, best!" she confirmed, squealing with excitement.

"Wow! Congratulations, best! I'm so thrilled for you," I congratulated her.

"Hey, Best! Are you still there?" Cheska called out.

For a moment, I was lost in my thoughts, completely stunned. Cheska quickly noticed and inquired about what was bothering me.

"Yes, I'm here," I replied.

"Why the sudden silence? What's on your mind?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how lucky you are to have Nicko. You two are a perfect match," I said, mustering a smile.

"Haha! Don't tell me you're jealous," she teased.

"Well, I have to admit, I am a little envious," I confessed.

Her surprise was palpable, as she had only meant it as a joke. But for me, it was true that I envied her situation.

"Oh, don't be like that, Best. I believe you'll also learn to love each other," she reassured me.

"If it were just me, I think I could love that idiot, but I'm not sure about him. He still treats me coldly," I replied sadly.

"You know, I think you both just need better communication. It's all about getting to know each other," she advised.

"If you can still hold on to him, don't give up, Best. Love doesn't happen overnight. But I know you two will figure it out, especially since you're so loved," she added.

Her words lifted my spirits. I thanked God for blessing me with a best friend I could confide in, especially during those moments when I felt alone and burdened. Thank you, Lord!

"Thank you, Best. I feel better now," I said, a smile gracing my face.

"Don't thank me. I should be the one thanking you for all the help you've given me. Without you, I wouldn't be financially stable. It would have been difficult for me to marry Nicko, considering my principles," she expressed.

"You never wanted to rely on your husband for money. You wanted to have your own independence," I replied, a smile mirroring hers.

"You really understand me," she replied, her smile widening.

"Of course, I'm your best friend," I affirmed.

After our conversation, we bid each other goodbye. I hung up the phone, feeling content.

I immediately opened my eyes and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me at his words. I stood frozen in place, my knees trembling with shame.

"You're quite easy to rile up, aren't you?" he sneered.

I struggled to find a response. I knew I had been too eager for his affection. Why did I act that way? I held my breath, berating myself for my foolishness. I knew I had made a mistake. Why did I assume he would kiss me?

"Relax," my mind urged. "I have no other choice. Don't misinterpret my actions," I lied.

He simply shook his head at my words and lay down on the bed. I remained standing, feeling anxious about the situation. How could I undo what had transpired?

I retreated to the veranda to collect my thoughts. I scolded myself for my lack of judgment.

"You're a fool. You didn't even consider that he was merely playing around. You're truly foolish," I chastised myself.

I sighed and gazed into the distance, taking in the cold air that chilled my body. I pondered how long I would have to endure living with my arrogant husband.

As I closed my eyes, I contemplated ways to move past the shame of the moment. I never wanted to experience that again, as I didn't want him to view me as a shallow individual. That night, in a drunken state, I had given him something that I had kept for 25 years.

It was no small matter that I had preserved my virginity for 25 years, only for him to insinuate that I was easy. I was not one to be easily won over, a fact my friends, especially Cheska, knew well.

I recalled the tears I shed upon realizing I was no longer a virgin. I mourned the fact that I had bestowed upon a stranger the gift I had intended for my future husband.

While I was initially elated to marry the man who had taken my virginity, I had not anticipated the challenges of living with him. I was unprepared for life with such an arrogant husband, a stark contrast to the man I had envisioned.

I couldn't care less! Clean up this mess if you don't want me to lose my cool!" he replied sternly.

I took a deep breath and pushed myself to stand up. I considered telling his parents about his actions, but I hesitated knowing they wouldn't believe me. I didn't want to damage our relationship with his family either.

He stormed out as Lydia entered to call us for dinner, leaving me behind in the room.

I followed his instructions, despite feeling a bit achy, without a word of complaint. I gently rubbed my stomach to calm myself down.