THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

We are heading straight to Dr. Brown’s clinic. When we parked the car in the parking lot, we got out. The clinic is a three-story building. As soon as we entered, my husband immediately caught everyone’s attention. Ever since I’ve known him, Lucas has always been like that.

He effortlessly captures anyone’s attention. His presence is enough to command respect and admiration at the same time. He’s tall, with a perfect face, and he epitomizes the idea of a handsome man.

I’m so lucky among all the women in the world, he chose me. There’s nothing particularly special about me, but he still chose me, even though I disappeared for three years like a bubble.

I wasn’t a girl with self-confidence. I could barely stand up for myself. I didn’t know how to be the best, and yet I was lucky to have someone like him. He fell in love with me deeply.

It was back in college when we met. He was like a star I couldn’t reach. He was like the moon, yes, really. He was like a long shot, to think that he would choose me as his life partner.

Lucas is not perfect. He has flaws, he’s human, and he makes mistakes. But what I appreciate about him is that he never lies to me. He’s honest. That’s why I accepted that I wasn’t the one for him. Because he honestly loved Giselle back then… But now, the tables have turned. And this time, it’s not just me who loves. We both have been struck by Cupid’s arrow.

As we walked in, my husband immediately caught the attention of everyone. He has that effect on people. He’s used to it. He can make anyone’s heart skip a beat. Of course, it’s normal to feel irritated. But I’m not going to cause a scene here. I’m not that kind of person.

But it’s like I’m possessed, and Lucas grabs me around my waist. He’s holding me like he’s protecting me. He’s sending signals, telling me to trust him and focus only on him.

After all, how can I not feel this way? We’ve been through so much. We’ve been tested by time, and here we are, a better version of ourselves. More trusting and stronger.

Because trust and respect are the foundation of a relationship. Without them, there’s doubt, one might give up and leave. And without respect, you don’t consider your partner’s well-being.

So I believe that people who cheat don’t really respect their partners. If they don’t love them, what’s the point of holding on? What’s the point of staying in a loveless relationship?

But it’s not always like that, I guess. Just like me, who endured for a long time before he saw my worth in his life. I had to make him love me. And I succeeded, though I almost gave up.

We approached the female secretary of Dr. Brown. She shot a suggestive look at my husband. Of course, it’s natural for me to be annoyed. But I’m not going to make a scene here. That would be unprofessional. Hello! Your wife is here. I snapped at the secretary. She got annoyed, but I don’t care!

“Jealous?” he asked, even though the answer is obvious. Of course! It’s written all over my face.

I never imagined myself being jealous, irrational, or this sensitive. I never thought I’d be the possessive girl I’ve read about.

I rolled my eyes at him for teasing me. “I might as well give you away, Lucas,” I said.

He pouted in response.

Without warning, he stole a kiss from me. I could see the secretary glancing at us again, the one who was eyeing my husband earlier. Sorry, but the crown is mine.

I’m not usually into public displays of affection. But at this moment, I’ll let Lucas be the one to do it. I’m not a hypocrite-I’ll admit that I’m also getting thrilled. It’s different when a guy flirts. I feel so valuable to him. He can easily brighten my mood without even trying.

We went inside the doctor’s office, who seems to be around Stephanie’s age. She’s a living goddess. She’s beautiful, the kind of beauty that’s enhanced by pregnancy. The kind of beauty that seems to be perpetually blooming.

She greeted us and we talked.

“Please sit here, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, and you, handsome guy. I’ve already been informed by my friend Stephanie about the purpose of your visit. Just rest for a moment before we start the session…” She seems kind and professional.

My son doesn’t seem too nervous. He’s actually quite fascinated by how beautiful the doctor is. He’s growing up, and it looks like he’s already developing a crush.

We exchanged glances with Lucas, both wondering what’s on each other’s minds. I guess our son is reaching the right age.

I believe that puberty is a critical stage for teenagers. This is when they become more involved in socializing and making friends. It’s a time when they need guidance, the right kind of guidance.

I was lucky to have a mother like mine. I internalized all her teachings. That I should take care of myself and not let anyone see me as less than who I am. I wasn’t the most independent woman, but I was instilled with the value that no one should belittle me.

The true winners know their worth. That’s when you can say you’ve won your battle without saying a word.

Dr. Brown is nice, aside from being professional. I can see she excels in her field by how she interacts with my son and answers his questions. My child looks comfortable with the doctor. The session ends quickly. Dr. Brown then talks to me in private.

“Enrique might look okay for now, but expect some nightmares and slight trauma because of that event. Being a mother is a very challenging role in a woman’s life. A mother’s feelings are intertwined with her child’s. Their pain is shared, yours and his. There will be times when you’ll see your child struggle. But my advice is not to lose heart. That’s not what your child needs. She needs a strong mother right now,” Dr. Brown says, as if she knows what I’m going through.

She’s preparing me to be stronger because I know what lies ahead won’t be easy. I know that as a mother, I need to be strong for my child.

It’s clear to me that my son is doing okay with Dr. Brown. He’s quiet and shy. He’s only active and joyful when he’s in front of a few people. Nick is one of them.

Nick is playing the role of a father to Enrique. I can’t change that. It’s already a part of the system, especially for my child.

He is a father figure, a great man that I used to know. But that has changed. Because of a love that I couldn’t reciprocate, or maybe I didn’t even notice it was there.

We left and headed to the mall to take a break and enjoy ourselves. After all, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve suffered, and that’s the truth. A little break won’t hurt us.

My husband also took a leave from work. He wanted to make this day a family day and a day of gratitude that we’re all doing okay. That no one got hurt, and we’re still here, complete.

We also went to the church to pray and thank God that we’re still together after all the challenges we’ve faced. It wasn’t easy. We almost gave up, almost lost hope, but here we are, still intact. As a family. Although I know there’s something missing.

We left our son with his brothers. They’ll watch over him while we attend to our main agenda for today.

I know that I have to see him. I need to see him and talk to him to finally get closure. To know the things I need to know. I can’t find peace otherwise. I don’t know if I can handle this conversation.

But I know Lucas is by my side. He won’t let me fall into my darkest thoughts. He’ll be there to support me.

All this time, I’ve been weak and manipulated. He made me fall into a deep slumber and erased my precious memories. But not this time.

A part of my heart hopes that he’s regretful by now. That he’s repentant for everything he’s done.

We entered the waiting area where we’re going to talk to Nick. Where we’ll see the man who has been both my ally and my enemy.

He’s there, and we see Nick with tearful eyes. He looks tired and sleep-deprived. As soon as he saw me, he was about to run and embrace me, but he was held back. He’s instructed to calm down or he’ll be sent back to prison, and we won’t talk to him.

Nick sits down in front of us, his hands cuffed, and a police officer by his side. He’s glaring at my husband.

“Why are you here?! To show me that I’m the loser?! Then fuck off! Laugh like you love to do. I don’t fucking care anymore!” Nick’s words burn like fire.

My husband is about to respond, but I gently stop him and take the opportunity to speak.

“We’re not here to fight, Nick. We’re here to ask you why. I want to know why you did all of this!” My voice carries a mix of resentment.

“Nick, I trusted you. I trusted you so much as an older friend. NICK! You’ve taken so much from me. You’ve stolen from me, wasted what was mine. AND YOU’RE THE ONE ANGRY?”

I’m stopped by Lucas, who holds me back. I just want to let this anger out all at once. Just let it all out, because no matter how much I hide it, I’m truly at my limits. I’m not just betrayed. It’s like a knife in my back.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“I loved you, Zara. You were the only one I had,” he pleads. “You were the only one who understood me. I can’t bear losing you too.”

“God, Nick! You didn’t love me, and you’re not alone in this. You just thought you did because you blinded yourself! Now Nick, how will you repay everything you took from me? Even the child I’m carrying, who doesn’t even know what’s happening,” I say, breaking into sobs.

I don’t know if I can continue this conversation.

We’re about to leave because it seems like this conversation won’t lead to anything.

“I know you can’t forgive me, Zara. I’m not even hoping for your mercy. But please ask forgiveness from Enrique. I loved the wrong way, blindly. I’m so sorry. Please go to St. Lucas Orphanage. Your daughter is there. Alive.”