He Cried and Begged When It's too Late

I stopped in my tracks, just outside the partially open door, my heart racing. I had returned early from my business trip to surprise my husband Adrian with a sealed deala partnership that would bring massive growth to his company and a key to a mansion as a gift. But what I heard inside made my blood run cold.

Felicity is just convenient for my business but overall, shes useless to me, so you dont have to worry about her.

I felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs. What is my husband talking about and with my secretary Carmela?

Whats important now is the baby. I watched as Adrian leaned closer to Carmela and kissed her belly. This baby is gonna be an heir to the Rose Corporation.

The betrayal was like a physical blow. All this time, I had trusted Carmela, confided in her. I thought she was just my secretary, but now I realized she had been moreso much moreto Adrian.

Do you think shell agree if she learns about our baby? Carmela was worried.

She doesnt have a say in this, Carmela. We announced it to the board already and they agreed. Once the project she has been working on was sealed, Ill dispose of her and well be happy. For now, lets just tell her youre necessary as the surrogate for an heir she couldnt produce.

My breath caught in my throat, my fingers tightening around the folder. Adrian, my husband of five years, was planning to throw me away like I was nothing. How could he do this to me when I had helped him build everything he has right now?

I wanted to storm in, to confront them both, but instead, I stepped back. I threw the keys in the nearest bin.

The whispers started before I even made it back to my office.

Poor Felicity, someone muttered. She cant have kids, so Adrian

Shh, another voice cut in, but Id already heard enough. Their pity stung more than their words. I held my head high, ignoring the looks, but each one felt like another crack in the armor Id built. They thought I didnt care.

But I did.

That evening, I waited for Adrian in the living room, my hands clenched tightly in my lap. The clock on the mantle ticked loudly, marking every agonizing second until the door opened.

Felicity, he greeted casually, as if nothing had happened, his tie loosened and his demeanor infuriatingly calm as if he didnt betray me.

Care to explain what I heard today? I asked, my voice trembling but sharp.

He didnt flinch, didnt hesitate. You mean Carmela?

I stood, unable to keep my voice steady. Shes pregnant? With your child?

Yes, he said simply, as if discussing a business arrangement. Its nothing you need to worry about.

My chest tightened. Nothing? You call having a child with my secretary nothing?"

Its not like that, Adrian said, stepping closer. Shes just the one carrying my heir. I love you, Felicity. This doesnt change that.

I let out a bitter laugh, the sound foreign even to my own ears. It changes everything, Adrian! Im your wife. Something like this should have been discussed with me. And, love? Well, your love is bullshit!

Adrian sighed. Youre overreacting. This is for the good of the company. Once the baby is born, Ill dispose of Carmela.

Lies. Does he really think I was stupid? He was cheating on me with that bitch!

But for now, Carmela will stay here so I can take care of our baby. Be good to her. Shell need the larger room, so youll move to one of the smaller ones.

I stared at him, my heart breaking all over again. Im done and whatever I say, itll not change a thing. Do whatever you want, I said coldly, turning away.

Felicity

I didnt let him finish. I walked out of the room, out of the conversation, and out of the life he thought he could control.

The city lights blurred as I drove aimlessly through the streets. I slowed the car and pulled into an unmarked parking lot on the outskirts of town. The building in front of me was plain, nondescriptjust like Id been told.

A woman in a tailored suit sat behind the desk. What do you need?

I need to fake my death, I said, my voice colder now. Can you do it for me?

"Is this it?" I asked, staring at the body laid out before me.

The man nodded. "Identical to your measurements. Once the switch is made, no one will know the difference."

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to inspect every detail. It looked eerily realdown to the faint freckles on the arms. This was it. The first step to freedom.

"Good," I said finally, standing straighter. "Make it happen."

Without waiting for a reply, I left the building, the cool air outside clearing my thoughts. My next stop was my lawyers office.

I want the divorce papers ready as soon as possible, I said, sliding into the chair opposite his desk.

The lawyer raised an eyebrow. Are you sure, Mrs. Rose?

Ive never been sure of anything, I replied firmly.

He nodded, scribbling down notes as I gave him instructions. Everything was moving into place.

From the lawyers office, I went to the pharmacy, slipping inside with my coat pulled tightly around me.

Do you have something I hesitated, lowering my voice. Discreet. For termination.

The pharmacist glanced at me, then wordlessly handed me a small bag. Follow the instructions carefully, he said.

I nodded, clutching the bag tightly as I left. The plan was in motion.

When I arrived home, the sight before me made my blood boil.

Carmela was rearranging the living room, moving things that had been perfectly fine where they were. She spotted me and immediately pasted on a sugary smile.

Oh, Felicity, she said sweetly. I hope you dont mind. Adrian told me I could redecorate. For the baby, of course.

I didnt respond, walking past her without a word. Her fake kindness grated on me, but I wasnt about to let her win.

In my room, I began packing.

Carmela appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame. Going somewhere? she asked, her tone falsely casual.

A business meeting, I said curtly.

Her smile widened. Too bad Im not your secretary anymore. Adrian asked me to resign so I could focus on our baby.

I turned to her, my lips curving into a mocking smile. Our baby? Funny. Adrian told me youre just the surrogate. That baby will be ours soon, and youll disappear. Just like that.

Her face fell, and I saw the panic flash in her eyes. Thats not true, she snapped, her voice rising.

I shrugged. Ask him yourself.

Carmelas hands flew to her stomach, her breathing shallow as she turned and fled the room, tears streaming down her face.

Minutes later, Adrian stormed into my room. What did you say to her? he demanded.

I looked at him calmly. I told her the truth. Isnt that what you said? The baby is ours.

Felicity, he said sharply, dont be insensitive. Youre upsetting her.

Is that my fault? I asked, my tone flat.

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Just cook dinner for us, okay? Itll make up for the mess youve caused.

I smiled faintly. Of course.

In the kitchen, I started cooking, ignoring the murmurs I could hear from the living room. Adrian and Carmela were talking in hushed tones, but I didnt care. This was my moment to act.

Once the food was ready, I carefully added the medicine to the dish meant for Carmela. Stirring it gently, I set the plates on the table and called them in.

They sat down, thanking me as if everything were normal.

Ill be leaving for a business trip tonight, I said, picking at my food.

Adrian barely looked up. Fine. Just make sure the project stays on track.

I nodded, rising from the table. Enjoy your meal.

Grabbing my bag, I walked out the door, my heart pounding. The cab Id called earlier was waiting at the curb.

As I drove away, the sound of an ambulance siren pierced the night. It raced past us, heading toward the house Id just left.

I didnt need to look back to know where it was going.

Adrians going to lose that baby just like he had lost me.

My phone buzzed relentlessly in my bag, and I hesitated before pulling it out. The screen lit up with a call from one of the staff at Rose Corporation.

Mrs. Rose, the voice on the other end said, tight with urgency. Adrian cancelled your flight and is demanding you go to the hospital. Something happened to Carmela.

Ill handle it, I lied, my voice calm.

Hanging up, I instructed the driver to drop me at the train station instead of the airport. Adrian expected me to take the plane, but I wasnt about to make this easy for him.

At the station, I secured my ticket under my new identity. Boarding the train felt like stepping into another life, one where Adrians control couldnt reach me.

The hum of the train filled the air as I settled into my seat.

My phone buzzed again, this time with Adrians name flashing across the screen. He wasnt going to stop.

I answered, my voice icy. What do you want?

What did you put in the food? he demanded.

I feigned confusion. What are you talking about?

Carmela lost the baby, he snapped. Its your fault, isnt it?

I froze for a moment, then forced myself to sound indifferent. Youre blaming me for something I didnt do? Typical.

Dont play games with me, Felicity! he shouted. Come back and face this. Now.

Im done letting you control me, Adrian, I said, my voice firm. Im not coming back. Ever.

Before he could respond, I hung up, tossing the phone onto the seat beside me. My hands shook slightly, but I wasnt going to let him get to me.

I dialed my lawyer next. Deliver the divorce papers to Adrian immediately, I instructed.

The train rocked gently as it sped toward its destination, the rhythm almost soothing. My phone vibrated againthis time, a message from Adrian.

What the hell is going on, Felicity? Divorce papers? Whats happening?

What about the business plan? The project? Everything we built together?

I smirked, snapping a photo of the ripped contract from the deal I had worked so hard to secure. I sent the image with a single caption:

Its gone. I gave it to your rival.

The reply came almost instantly.

Youll regret this.

Ill make you pay for everything.

I stared at the screen, his threats igniting a fire in me instead of fear. Every message he sent was another weapon I could use against him. I compiled the screenshots and attached them to an email, scheduling it to send to the police.

Finally, I blocked his number.

The train arrived at a quiet town just after sunrise. I stepped off. This place was nothing like the chaos Id left behind. It was peaceful, slowa good place to disappear for a while.

I found a small inn and checked in under my new identity.

After a quick nap, I ventured out, hoping to find something to eat. A cozy restaurant caught my eye, so I slipped inside and ordered something simple.

The television above the counter was on, the news playing in the background. I wasnt paying attention until the words Breaking News flashed on the screen.

The private plane carrying Felicity Rose, wife of billionaire Adrian Rose, has crashed, the reporter said. Authorities confirm remains have been recovered and believe Mrs. Rose to be dead.

I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth. The reporter continued, showing images of Adrian walking past reporters.

In a shocking twist, threatening messages sent by Adrian Rose to his wife have surfaced, making him a prime suspect. Police are currently investigating the possibility of foul play.

A police officer appeared on screen, holding a file. Mr. Roses messages indicate a motive, he said. Were pursuing every lead.

I leaned back in my chair, hiding a small smile. Everything was going according to plan.

Pulling out my phone, I opened a dummy account Id set up earlier. I typed a single message and sent it to Adrian.

I know what you did. You killed your wife, Felicity.

The warm breeze carried the hum of quiet conversations and the clatter of dishes as I sat at the small outdoor restaurant. The peace of this place felt like another world compared to the chaos Id left behind.

But for me, it wasnt enough. Adrian and Carmela needed to crumble.

Pulling out my phone, I typed a quick message and sent it to several major media outlets, attaching the proof of Adrians affair. Photos of him and Carmela, intimate moments at the office, and the announcement of their unborn childeverything was there. It didnt take long for the story to hit the airwaves.

I refreshed my news feed as I sipped my coffee.

Breaking News: Adrian Rose Accused of Affair Amid Plane Crash Scandal.

I smirked. Perfect timing.

The television inside the restaurant caught my attention as the screen switched to a live press conference. Adrian stood at the podium, looking solemn, his voice steady but defensive.

I love my wife, Felicity, he said, dripping with practiced sincerity. Carmela is just a surrogate. The child was a decision made for the future of Rose Corporation because Felicity couldnt produce an heir. It was never personal, and it was for the companys success.

I rolled my eyes, the coffee in my hand forgotten. His lies were pathetic.

He continued. I did not harm my wife. Felicitys disappearance and the plane crash are the work of someone else. Someone whos wanted to destroy me for years. My rival, Hans Ward, has been trying to undermine me, especially after our recent project negotiations.

Adrian glanced at the cameras. I urge the authorities to investigate Hans. The truth will prevail because I would never hurt Felicity.

I scoffed under my breath. He had no shame.

A group at a nearby table started whispering, their voices loud enough to reach me.

Did you hear about that Rose woman? a man said.

Yeah, a woman replied. Her husband killed her because she couldnt give him a child.

Honestly, another chimed in, a woman should be able to produce a child. Otherwise, whats the point?

Rage bubbled under my skin. Ever since Adrian and I couldnt conceive, Id been the one blamed. It was always my fault. Id accepted it for years without question, but hearing strangers reduce my worth to my ability to have a child made my blood boil.

I set my fork down, my appetite gone.

Later that afternoon, I sat in the waiting room of a nearby hospital, my nerves frayed. I had never once thought to get checked. Id always assumed it was my fault, just like everyone else did.

But what if it wasnt?

When the doctor finally called me in, I explained everythingthe years of trying, the lack of answers, the constant blame. She listened carefully before running a series of tests.

Itll take a few days for the results, she said kindly.

I nodded, thanking her before leaving.

The wait was excruciating, but when the results came, I was stunned.

Youre not infertile, the doctor said, her tone firm but gentle.

I blinked, the words not sinking in. What?

She smiled reassuringly. Youre perfectly healthy. Theres no medical reason preventing you from having children.

Shock gave way to disbelief, then to something darker. If I wasnt the problem then who was?

I sought second and third opinions, each confirming the same thing. I wasnt infertile.

The realization hit me like a freight train. Carmela.

Adrian wasnt the father of her child. He couldnt be.

The lies, the manipulationit all made sense now. Shed spun her web, using Adrians desperation for an heir to secure her position.

That night, I opened my phone and typed a message to her under a new account.

Adrian isnt the father of your child. How ironic?

The next moment, numerous messages flooded in.