Moving On

“If running after that bitch to beg her is the last option for my survival, then I'll rather forget about life, Cynthia!” Grey murmured in disdain as soon as Cynthia returned, looking apologetic.

"Don't make me believe that you're scared of her already, Cynthia. Trust me, she's just an empty talking drum. She can do nothing," he added firmly, his brows knitted in anger.

After a long gaze, Cynthia nodded her head in affirmation.

"I know, but you can never underestimate the words of an angry woman, especially when it concerns her marriage." Fear clouded Cynthia's mind.

Grey drew her closer, placing one hand on her belly and the other around her waist, he kissed her forehead tenderly with a reassuring smile.

"You're my world, honey, and I'll always be there for you and our children. Don't mind that ugly sister of yours; I know how to handle her."

Cynthia's face lit up with a faint smile, though deep down, the fear for her unborn child lingered, Grey's words sank more than they should have, not because they were promising, but because they were unexpected. She never imagined that one day Grey would choose her over Lila who has given up herself for him.

She proceeded to the ward to find her mother seated beside her dying father.

The beeping monitor was a constant reminder to Cynthia of what her reckless life has caused.

“I caused all of this for you, father. Please, get back to your feet and forgive me. I'm sorry daddy.” Cynthia lamented, staring at him with bulky eyes, now red from unshed tears.

Despite her wayward past—when her father had rejected and thrown her out—she still regarded him as her father and felt remorse for her actions.

"It was never your fault, my dear. *His daughter caused it. I'm sure she wanted to kill him, just like she killed her mother, but, trust me, she started too late," Mrs. Elena giggled.

"And don't forget—you're on a mission in Grey's life. Play your game well. The clock is ticking. Once this old hack is dead,Grey should be our next target, then we can finally live the life we've always wanted.” Elena added.

***

"Be strong, my dear. This is just a trial, but trust me, you'll overcome it. They'll surely regret their actions," Charia’s soft voice echoes as she patted Lila's back in consolation.

"They're expecting a second child, Charia! Do you even know what that means?” Lila's voice cracked.

“I've been married for only three years, and my husband is already expecting a second child with someone else. Am I so bad and ugly that a man cannot focus his attention on me, even for one year?" Lila's voice broke. "Besides, Cynthia never met Grey until I fell pregnant with Janell, so how is he the father of her daughter?" Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whimpered.

"If that's the case, then they've probably been together since before you took her into your home. But come on, girl—I know you're smarter than this. How have those two been having an affair behind your back without you noticing?" Charia asked.

"I should have known after my fourth miscarriage, but I trusted Grey so much that I was too blind to see the signs. I was also quick to believe Cynthia had changed," Lila answered.

Confused, Charia pressed, "So you've had miscarriages, and he still has the nerve to call you barren?"

"Com'on, Lila! You've always been a catch—even back in high school. Most guys, if not all, had their eyes on you, and even some teachers. But to think you ended up with such an undeserving man... it infuriates me," Charia said, her face twisted with disgust.

They were still talking when a loud knock echoed at the door.

"Lila, are you expecting someone?" Charia demanded.

"Not at all. I haven't given anyone this address yet. That's why I'm still wondering where my father was heading before the accident."

Charia opened the door and saw the person she least expected.

"Good evening. I'm here to see Lila," the man said.

"And who are you?" Charia asked with a disdainful look—not because she didn't recognize him, but because the sight of him alone disgusted her.

"Tell her that her ex-husband, Grey, is here to see her."

"Could he have finally realized his mistake?" Charia wondered. "No—his expression doesn't suggest remorse." She thought to herself.

She returned to inform Lila. "He's here to see you. I wanted to tell him you don't live here, but I think it's best if you two talk." Charia explained.

---

Grey's face brightens up as he awaits Lila's response.

"I know she must be foolish enough to believe me when I apologize. Besides, the Lila I know can't resist this handsomeness. Lila, you think you're smart, but you don't know who you're dealing with. We'll see who wins in the end," Grey thought to himself with a smug smile as he waited at the door.

"Have you signed the papers?" Lila asked immediately upon seeing him, her arms crossed around her chest.

Grey fixed his captivating blue eyes on her—the way he always did to command her attention. "Lila, are you sure you're ready for the consequences of the game you're about to play? I pity you if you think pursuing this divorce aggressively is the solution." He explained.

"Remember, I offered you this divorce with generous compensation. But since you're unwilling to accept, maybe you'll prefer standing in court to defend yourself when I testify that you deliberately killed all four precious children I planted in your womb. Think twice before making stupid demands." He added.

Lila laughed—a sharp, mocking sound.

"Oh, Grey, I thought you were a tough, strong man. I never knew the evidence I presented could humble you to this extent." She said with a smile.

"If you think you can manipulate me with these cheap threats, you've already lost it. I'm giving you until today to agree to my conditions, or be ready to finish what you started. This Lila you see now is completely different from the soft woman you once knew. And don't forget—you'll also have to explain to the court how those children were conceived. Out of love, or rape? Don't be too quick to forget that all those miscarriages were caused by your cruelty toward me. And …. All the evidence is already with my lawyer. So, would you prefer going to court, or just giving in to my demands?” Lila asked with a mockery smile.