The Billionaire's Ex-wife

NAYA'S POV I couldn't tell if he heard me or not, but I could definitely tell that I was livid at the sight of him pounding into another woman. My face was a deep, fiery red as if the very blood in my veins was boiling with rage. “Ivan!” I screamed his name as he paused for a moment and looked at me. An amused glint was evident in his eyes. What? Then I instantly knew that his actions were all intentional. He asked for me after 30 minutes so he could show me his crazy escapade. “Oh, there you are!” He acted surprised for a moment before he climbed off of the bimbo, who smiled contentedly at my expression and didn't even bother to grab the sheets to cover up her naked self. I balled my fists as I felt an uncontained fury at Ivan and his other woman. Then I shook my head and refused to cry and become an object of ridicule in their eyes. Ivan walked up to me, naked. Then I was stupidly distracted from my wrath for a moment and blushed at the sight of his naked body and his full-blown erection. “See…” He began as he walked towards me. “I'm glad to know that I still have that much effect on my little wife.” Then I looked away from him in embarrassment and tried to summon back my rage, but being so close to him felt like a soothing balm to my wounds. “Why are you doing this?” I asked as I looked back up to him. He smirked at my question. “It's simple.” He said as he leaned in to whisper to my ears when he was closer. “It's just to crumble whatever hopes you have about us being a normal couple.” “What?” I breathed out. “Are you that dumb to read the handwriting on the wall? I hate your guts! Don't you get it?” He muttered under his breath. I felt a pang of weight on my chest. That can't be true, I know Ivan loves me. He does right? “Those are all lies, I don't believe you!” I said with the little confidence I had left. Ivan snorted at my words. “Ivan baby, come back to bed…” The bimbo said as I stared at her impatient expression. “Leave.” I heard Ivan say as my eyes snapped to look at him. “What?” My voice was low and disappointed. My lips were compressed into a thin, white line, the skin around them stretched taut with tension. I felt a tiny, almost imperceptible tremble play at my lips and betray the depth of my emotions. “Leave Flora!” Ivan raised his voice as he looked over his shoulder at the bimbo whose name was Flora. A sense of relief washed over me at the thought that Ivan probably wanted me to stay instead. Then my arms ceased to be rigid at my sides. “What? She's supposed to leave and not me!” She retorted. “I said leave, now!” Ivan’s glare made her reluctantly slip on her underwear, grab her dress, and move away from the bed. I watched her roll her eyes at the both of us and walked out of the room. Then Ivan’s naked body and his eyes were fixated on me. “You.” He said with a mix of thrill and then disgust. “You can see that I'm still hard…” He trailed off as my eyes narrowed down to his erection. The sight of it made me swallow the lump at the back of my throat. “Y-Yes…” I stammered as I stared right back up at him and met his darkened gaze. Before I could analyze his facial expression, he pulled me away from the entrance and pushed me to the bed. “Take off your clothes!” He commanded as my lips trembled. His erection dangled above me. I reluctantly slipped out of my clothes, undid my bra,, and got rid of my panties. I realized that my own actions turned me on against his darkened gaze and his full-blown member. I watched him drool at the sight of my naked body as he ran his hand through his hair. “Now, on all fours!” He instructed, and I wasted no time obeying him. I quickly positioned myself for him, my core was already wet and obviously desired his thrusts. Then he teased me with his fingers and I bit my lower lip before he finally pushed into my walls and began his uncontrollable thrusts. I moaned and grabbed the sheets for support as he continued to pound into me. “Harder!” I heard myself moan and he wasted no time to increase his pace. “Fuck!” He growled and continued to pound into me. I choked and coughed, my fingers dug shamelessly into the sheets as I became a willing recipient of Ivan's desires. He pulled away for a moment before he spun me to lay with my back to the bed. Then he parted my legs with his knees and continued his thrusts. I held on swiftly to the bedframe with one hand and then grabbed his back with the other. He pounded desperately into me without restrictions or control. Then he released inside of me and jerked away from me like I'd burned him. I panted and tried to catch my breath, and then I saw him head to his drawer, and he pulled out a couple of papers to glance through them more. He walked back to the bed and threw those papers at my face. “Sign them and get the fuck out of my life!” He hissed and I grabbed the sheets to cover up myself before I gathered the scattered papers to look at them. I bit my lip so hard that I intended to draw blood. “Ivan…” I began with a voice I didn't recognize to be mine. “What's the meaning of this?” “Exactly what it means, or are you so dumb that you can't read?” He glared at me as I bit my lip some more to stifle my sobs. “No, I'm not divorcing you and I won't sign them!” I retorted. “Then you obviously have a death wish!” He growled. “Get the fuck out of my room this instant!” He commanded and I threw the papers aside and blinked back the tears that blurred my vision as I grabbed and slipped back into my underwear. “Good grief.. you're so fucking slow!” He yelled at me as he grabbed his bathrobe from the chair and slipped into it. Then suddenly, there was a heavy downpour of rain as I paused to see the lightning peek through the curtains. “Wear those rags of yours and get the hell out!” Ivan looked impatient despite the downpour of rain. I quickly pulled my dress over my head and grabbed my purse. Before I could register anything else, he pulled me away and pushed me out of the room. “Ivan… no please, don't do this!” I pleaded as he snorted at me and nodded at the thought of nothing. “As always, you're a pretty good fuck!” He said as I furrowed my brows at him. “My secretary will deliver the divorce papers to you after the rain, so get the fuck out of my face!” He growled and gave me a final push and slammed the door in my face.

NAYA'S POV I struggled to find my footing as I glued my palms to the wall for support. I stared down at the carpet to see my tears imprinted on it. He wants a divorce but I still love him. I stared longer at the door before I scurried through the hallway and finally walked into the elevator that took me to the ground floor. I avoided Lily's eyes as I quickly scurried out of the lobby like a ridiculous thief. There were no available taxis, so I clutched my purse tightly before I walked into the rain that had no mercy whatsoever on my plight. How long was I going to walk before I got home? I cried my eyes out and no one saw my dripping tears, thanks to the rain. “Mrs Anderson?” A black-suited man in the driver seat pulled up and told me to get in. I recognized the man to be one of the bodyguards and I got into the backseat of the car and tucked my wet hair behind my ears. I sniffled. “Who sent you?” I asked as he glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Mr Anderson.” He responded as I furrowed my brows at him. “Is it my husband, Ivan?” I asked. He shook his head. “His father.” He responded as he gave me water to drink before he revved the engine and drove into the highway. He stole glances at me through the rearview mirror. I bit my lip as I gulped the water. I felt myself relax but before I knew it, I became drowsy and weak on my joints. “W-What did you give to me?” I stammered as I scratched my throat and gasped for air. “I'm sorry Mrs Naya Anderson, but it's all part of the plan.” He said and accelerated on the highway. “W-What hat p-plan?” I croaked out. Wait, is he going to crash into a wall or something? Is that the plan? To kill me? He ignored my question as I began to hit the window with the little strength left in me. “Let me out…” I was disappointed at the volume of my voice. “I said let me out!” I tried harder before he halted abruptly and my head broke the window glass with a hard impact that made me pass out. I opened my eyes slowly to see that I was on the floor by the gate to the family mansion where I lived. The rain had stopped. I stood up and noted my creased dress and my blood-covered hands. It was the blood from my bleeding head. I burst into tears. Why are the Andersons so mean to me? I pushed the gate open and strolled inside the house only to see Ivan's mother cross-armed and waiting for.. me? “Mother..” I instantly wiped away my eyes and blinked back the tears that threatened to escape my eyes. “Don't you dare call me that!” She hissed. “It'll always be Mrs Anderson to you. And where are you coming from by this time of the night?” She asked as I thought about how to narrate my ordeal. But I realized that I didn't remember anything after I told the bodyguard to let me go. “Have you suddenly lost your tongue?” She looked pissed as my lips trembled and my hands shivered, thanks to the cold that gripped my pores. “Answer me!” She screamed at me, and the impact of your voice made me tremble further. I dug my fingers into my palms and tried to look into her eyes. “T-There was an accident…” I stammered. She scoffed. “An accident? What accident? Is that why you look disgusting and unfortunate, huh?” “I… I…” I tried to explain. “Just shut the hell up and go change out of those flimsy clothes this instant!” She yelled and I slowly tiptoed past her and scurried up the stairs. “Nonsense!” She hissed as I hurriedly entered my room only to find my phone ringing non-stop on my dress table. I tossed my purse away and rushed to pick up the call. “Naya!” I heard my best friend, Chloe scream into the phone. “Where the hell have you been? I've been worried sick! Are you okay?” She asked as I nodded like she could see me. “Yes, yes, I'm fine.” I sniffled and picked up a small towel to dry my hair. “You had me worried, have you seen the news?” Chloe asked impatiently. I furrowed my eyes. “What news?” “Hell, I believe it's your inlaws doing. They're all fucked up!” Chloe grunted. “Why, what did they do? What's on the news?” I asked with a croaked voice. “The news about your affair is live… you can see for yourself on TV.” She said as I threw away the towel and grabbed a handful of my hair. “M-My a-affair?” I stammered as I looked around for a TV but soon realized that the Andersons didn't let me have a private TV in my room. Chloe's end was quiet but I still clutched my phone to my ears and hurried out of my room and down the stairs to the huge TV in the sitting room. My fingers dug into my mouth to stifle my emotions at the sight of myself and a man in an awkward sexual position in the backseat of the car. The news said that I had an affair with Ivan's bodyguard and stated that it was the reason for Ivan's file for divorce. What? “Hello, Naya? Are you still there?” Chloe said into the phone, but I couldn't respond because of the beads of tears that escaped my eyes, which were accompanied by my muffled screams. “So that's where you were… in the arms of your sickened lover!” Mrs Anderson hissed at me as I immediately ended the call with Chloe. Mrs Anderson grabbed my hair and pushed me to the floor. My phone fell off my hand and glided to the side. “How dare you bring shame to the Anderson household?” She hissed. And much like three months ago when I had a miscarriage because she'd pushed me down the stairs, she also approached me with eager strides to finish me off.

NAYA'S POV “No, Mother! That's not true!” I said as I pushed myself away from her. “Then what's that on the news?” She pointed to the TV screens. Then I quickly grabbed my phone and stood up from the floor and tried to scurry back up the stairs, but she stopped me. “Don't you dare move an inch from where you are!” She yelled angrily, and I paused in my tracks and trembled under her gaze. “Sarah!” She called the maid’s name. “Sarah!” She bellowed as I clasped my eyes shut from the impact. “Yes ma'am?” Sarah appeared disheveled as she cleaned her wet hands on her apron. “How stupid can you be? Where were you when I called?” Mrs Anderson hissed as Sarah instantly. “I'm so sorry, ma'am.” She stared at her feet. Mrs Anderson eyed her. “You should be sorry for yourself!” Then she pointed up the stairs. “I want you to take your stupid self up the stairs and throw all of Naya's belongings outside.” She instructed. I was shocked at her resolve. “Mother... Mother, please…” I went down on my knees shamelessly to beg her to change her mind. Sarah glanced at me with obvious pity. “Am I paying you to be stupid? Why the hell are you still standing there?” Mrs Anderson yelled at Sarah who immediately obeyed her instructions. “Mother…” I continued to plead. “I said don't call me that. I'm not your unfortunate mother!” She scolded me as I continued to wipe away the tears that blurred my vision. That was how my belongings were thrown out of the mansion along with my unfortunate self. I didn't want to fight it, so I left with my things and boarded a cab to Chloe's apartment. I dug out my phone from my purse and tried to dial my husband's phone. My thumb hovered over the call button before I decided against calling him. When I got to Chloe's apartment, I rang the doorbell, and almost immediately, she opened up. “Oh my God, is that blood on your hair? What the hell happened?” She said as I remembered that I hadn't cleaned up myself. I smiled weirdly at her and she pulled me into a quick embrace. “Oh, my friend…” She spoke softly and released me from her hold. “What's up with the luggage?” She asked as I tucked my hair behind my ears. “Please can I stay with you for a while?” I said instead. “Of course, how can you even ask that? You're welcome to stay for as long as you want.” She said as I nodded slightly at her. “Come on in.” She said as I followed her inside. “Thank you,” I muttered. “But what's that on the news? I was shocked to my bone, what are the Andersons up to? Because I know you love your husband and won't even dare cheat on him.” Chloe rambled as I busted out in tears again. “Oh my, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up again. Woah.. look at your eyes, they look so swollen.” She said and rubbed my back to console me. “That's why I hate love and despise men so much, now look!” She shook her head and grabbed my luggage. “Come on, let's get you cleaned up.” She said as I followed her into the guest room, where I'd be staying. After I was done cleaning up, I felt relaxed for a moment as I settled myself on the bed to sort out my clothes. Chloe entered the room looking all dressed and ready to go out. “Oh, now you don't look so much like a ghost.” She chuckled as I pulled up a small smile at her. “Now, all you have to do is dress up, and let's hit the club tonight.” She said as I furrowed my eyes at her. “Oh yeah, you heard me. You're too quiet and moody for my liking, so come on, let's go hang out and have fun tonight!” She said and excitedly threw her hands up in the air and made a quick body movement to the music in her head. “No Chloe, you know I'm in no condition to go to the club at the moment…” I declined as she paused to look at me. “Says who?” She asked rhetorically. “Those Anderson motherfuckers want to obviously ruin your life, so it's up to you not to settle.” “Chloe, No. My face is all over the media and if I hit the club tonight, what more would people say?” I said and played with one of my clothes in hand. “And who says they're gonna see you talk more, recognize you?” She said with a sly smile. “Wait, what do you mean?” I asked innocently. “Oh, my friend, you are so naive when it comes to things like this, but that's why you have me. Hold on a moment…” She said excitedly and scurried out of the room to go get something. “What's going on in that little head of yours?” I asked after her and pressed my lips into a thin line. “Now, here's the plan…” She returned almost immediately with a short red dress and her makeup kits like she had it planned out already. “What plan?” I asked as I perked up a brow at the makeover tools in her hands. “Well my friend, the plan is to get you to hop on a good disguise makeover!” She almost squealed at the thought. “A makeover?” “Yes, I've allowed you to hide behind those baggy pants and weird dresses for too long. So, we have to celebrate a new you tonight!” “Oh no, Chloe, not the club…” I whined as she shot me a glare. “You're going whether you like it or not!” She concluded as I rolled my eyes at her. Then we heard the doorbell as Chloe threw the dress and makeup on the bed before she darted to get the door. “Naya, it's for you!” She yelled out to me as I went to the door, only to behold a delivery man who immediately confirmed my name, presented a big envelope to me, and told me to sign away in acceptance. Chloe shut the door afterward and looked at me in expectation. “What's that?” She asked as I opened the envelope, only to behold the divorce papers Ivan had thrown to my face in the hotel room. “He actually sent it over…” I mumbled under my breath as Chloe collected the papers and glanced through them. “Asshole!” She cursed under her breath as I bit my lip to stifle my emotions. “That fucker wants to divorce you after tainting your image?” She snorted. I glanced at her. “Should I sign it?” I asked as a pang weighed on my chest. I still love Ivan despite everything but.. “The fuck?” Chloe brought me out of my thoughts. “You should be seeing this as an opportunity to finally let go of those godforsaken Andersons! But here you are… reluctant to put it all behind you after everything they've done to you?” I swallowed the lump in my throat as I immediately had a change of heart. I'd hit the club just as Chloe had proposed. I had a feeling that I don't give a fuck anymore. I took the papers from her. “Let's hit the club, I need to unwind.”

NAYA'S POV Chloe and I downed a couple shots all at once. My mind reeled from the day's event and I couldn't believe everything that happened. It felt surreal but I was going to give it all up. “Come on Naya… let's go dance!” Chloe dragged me away from the bar and pulled me onto the dance floor. I closed my eyes and threw my hands in the air as I moved my body to the rhythm of the pulsating music. But soon, I scurried through sweaty bodies and back to the bar where I ordered more drinks. I wanted to drown myself in alcohol. Thanks to Chloe's perfect disguise makeover, I was free to enjoy the thrill of the club.. until Kevin Clark, my ex-boyfriend appeared in front of me. “I almost thought you're not Naya Simpson, but you actually are…” Kevin flashed me a grin as I ignored his presence. “What do you want?” I asked with a no-game look. The obvious reason why I love alcohol is the ability to not give a shit about anything or anyone. “Woah.. easy, this is the first time in five whole years I'm seeing you again, the least you could do is acknowledge the longevity and be open to chatting with me.” He blurted. He still has the nerve! What is wrong with all these men? “I don't want to talk to you, so just fuck off!” I said and immediately wished that I could actually smoke so I could puff it up in his face. “You look different.. and beautiful tonight.” He complimented me as I ignored him and gulped another shot. I felt like I was in a whole new world with these shots! I believe I've been a good girl long enough… before and after the death of my parents. I couldn't tell if it was the thrill of alcohol, but I wanted to be different. Scratch that, I desired to be different. “Especially in that dress... I think I like what I see.” He blurted as I laughed hysterically at his words. He broke up with me for the same reason Ivan dared to file for a divorce. Now, he's flirting with me. “Why are laughing?” He asked as I glared daggers at him. “If only you'll realize you're wasting your breath in talking to me..” I looked away from him and gulped yet another drink and got off the stool to go to the restroom. He held me back as I pulled my arm away from his grip. “Don't you dare touch me!” I shouted over the loud music. “Where are you going?” He asked as I snorted angrily at him. What in hell gave him the right to ask me stupid questions? “None of your fucking business!” I said to him and wobbled my way to the restroom. Before I could get to the restroom, Ivan popped out of nowhere and pinned me up against the wall. This fucker! I shook my head as if it was enough to face Ivan clearheaded. “I always knew you're a cheap slut!” He growled to my face. “I could fuck you again here and now…” He breathed out as I tried to wiggle my way out of his grip, but I knew he wouldn't let me go that easily, so I stared at his face, and something about the way he looked at me made me laugh. I considered it a plus because I was drunk. He soon let go of me and furrowed his brows at my actions. “Are you drunk?” He asked as I looked up at him and dared to approach the one and only Ivan Anderson. The one man I don't dare defy. But thanks to the alcohol, I felt confident. A sweet kind of confidence. “No honey, but I think you are..” I slurred. “What?” He raised a brow. “Exactly, what gives you the right to be so mean to me? You're only just an unfortunate asshole my dead parents got me to marry…” I shrugged and I believe my attitude made him angry. “You're just a cheap lying whore! Who were you talking to?” He asked as I rolled my eyes and he swiftly nodded at the thought of something. “It's only been a couple hours and instead of you to come begging me to spare you, you decide to sleep around!” He blurted and I slapped him hard across his face. “Don't you dare spew nonsense in front of me!” I seethed and he looked shocked at my actions. “I've endured all of your stupidity for a while now, and It feels good that I finally get to divorce an asshole like you!” I said and didn't realize when tears blurred my vision. I quickly wiped them off. “So kudos! We get to finally end this charade called marriage!” I hissed and tried to walk away from him but he pulled me back. “W-What…” “Leave her the fuck alone!” Chloe pulled me back to herself. “You,” Ivan mumbled under his breath at the sight of Chloe. “After what you and your family did to her, you have the right to harass her?” Chloe confronted him. “I have every right because she's still my wife!” He growled. “Not for long, honey…” I slurred and giggled at the look on his face. “I'll bring you those divorce papers signed!” Chloe nodded in agreement as she glared daggers at Ivan before she dragged me away from the club, even while I protested to grab one last drink, she didn't let me. "You've had enough.” She said. I closed my eyes. When I opened them, it was dawn and the last thing I remembered was when Chloe dragged me away from the bar to the dance floor. I grabbed a handful of my hair; what happened afterward? My head ached. “Top of the morning, best friend!” Chloe said excitedly when she entered my room. She gave me a cup of hangout tea. “Here, drink it for your hangover.” I took the cup of tea and sipped it. “What happened last night?” “Oh, you can't imagine!” She said. “Tell me…” I stared wide-eyed at her. “You were quite wild…” She said and gulped the glass of water in her hand. “Did I do anything wrong?” I asked, that was all I cared to know. “Oh no, if you ask me, you did everything right. From telling off Kevin Clark to putting Ivan in his place… damn girl! You were lit!” “What? Kevin.. and Ivan? I met both men last night?” “Damn, I wish you could remember the details yourself!” Speaking of Ivan, where are the divorce papers? I quickly got out of bed and searched for it. “What are you looking for?” Chloe asked as she watched me open drawer after drawer. “The divorce papers!” I said as my eyes scanned the room. “Check the shelf, it's there.” She said as I hurried to the shelf to pick it up. I tried to remember the events from last night but I couldn't. “Good thing you've finally decided to sign them…” “I decided to sign them?” I furrowed my brows at her and she looked at me with surprise etched to her features. “Of course, you did.” “I don't remember,” I mumbled. “Whether or not you remember, you have to sign those papers and go throw them at his face in the office, just like you promised you would.” She shrugged. “I promised?” She rolled her eyes at me. “Sign the fucking papers already, or do you need alcohol to boost your confidence once again?” I bit my lip. “That Ivan dude is probably waiting for you to show up with the divorce papers already signed, don't you realize?” I looked away from her, grabbed the pen on the table, and quickly flipped the pages whilst my hand hovered over the signature space. Whether or not I remember the events from last night, I felt the need to move on with my life and away from Ivan and his family. I craved for a fresh start without them in it. Then I clasped my eyes shut and opened them before I quickly signed the document. A while later, Chloe couldn't stop exclaiming how proud she was as she helped me dress up with a new makeover before I took a cab to Ivan's office. I didn't need several shots of tequila to help me walk through the lobby and into the elevator with countless eyes on my new look. I felt more than confident. Before the elevator could arrive at the top floor, I felt the rush of memories from last night flood back. Thanks to it, it became a different kind of confidence, altogether. I ignored his secretary who just sat there wide-eyed at my appearance without even trying to stop my entry into Ivan's office like she usually did. I barged into his office only to find him pounding recklessly into his little bimbo, Flora. He looked up at me from his face buried in her neck and pounded into her one last time before he zipped back up. The sight of them hurt me, but I decided not to let it affect me or my resolve. “I see you've become one sexy dog.. fucking anything in a skirt!” I seethed with venom in my words. “Isn't that your wife?” Flora narrowed her eyes in surprise at me. Ivan ignored her. “And I see you kept to your words…” He muttered like he wasn't affected by my insult. “There's no need to bore ourselves with unnecessary previews, here…” I threw up the papers in the air and watched them fall to his feet. He just stared at them and tried to hide his emotions. “I see it wasn't the alcohol..” “Now, you have no right whatsoever to pry into my life, ex-husband!” I smirked at him and he looked speechless at my actions. I watched his eyes narrow down my body and I scoffed at him. This fucker! I'm more than convinced that he's indeed a sex addict. I swallowed the lump in my throat and resolved to leave before whatever it was that held me at bay could disappear. I didn't want to lose my cool in front of him and allow him to mock me. I noticed his jaw clench as I dared to click my heels towards him. “You better go back to fucking your little whore before she'd shit her pants while waiting for you…” l eyed him before I clicked my heels out of his office without failing to slam the door. As I scurried through the hallway and back into the elevator, Ivan Matthew Anderson could go to hell for all I care!

I walked through the lobby and was finally out of the building. With fast strides, I approached the taxi ride I arrived with and when I opened the backseat of the car to get inside, Ivan hurriedly came up behind me and pushed the door close. “What the..?” I started to say but Ivan pushed me up against the car and glared daggers at me. “What gave you the actual guts to show up here and throw those fucking papers in my face?” He hissed and I swallowed the lump in my throat and soon bit my lower lip to stifle my emotions. With the absence of alcohol to boost my confidence, I tried not to let out the tears that blurred my vision. I suddenly wished I had taken several shots of tequila before confronting Ivan. But if I'd done that, what the heck happens to my pride? “Don't you get it? I signed those papers like you've always wanted, it's over!” I hissed back at him and before I could register anything else, he slapped me across my face. “You cheap scheming bitch!” He seethed as he screamed to let out his frustration. I tasted a metallic substance in my mouth and instantly knew it was blood. How cruel can he be to hit his supposed wife in public? Thankfully, there aren't much people that paid attention to us and I doubted that the taxi driver saw what he did to me. I didn't want any more rumors or fake news about me and Ivan. Gosh, I pinched myself for being concerned about him at the moment. “What the fuck did I ever do to you?” I heard myself ask. I thought I'd shouted the question at his face but it was only a weak mumble that didn't travel far enough to pose as a determined confrontation. “You don't know?” He laughed maniacally at my weakness and immediately said some things to the taxi driver who wasted no time to revv the engine and drive away. I landed with a loud thud on the ground because I'd leaned up against it for support. I instantly groaned and then stifled my sobs by biting my lip. I glared at the taxi that sped away. I watched one of his bodyguards rush to help me up. “If you move another inch, consider yourself jobless!” Ivan growled at him and the bodyguard had no other option than to stand back. I got several bruises on my body and that was when people started to notice what was happening and began to take pictures. “No.” I mumbled under my breath and instantly stood up to wave at them to stop. “No pictures.. please…” Ivan just stood there like he didn't want to be complicated further by approaching me. He didn't even bother to stop them from taking pictures of us because he had the power to. “Ivan…” I breathed out and approached him. “Why are you so cruel to me?” My voice broke at my confrontation. Ivan’s amusement disappeared and a serious look appeared on his face. “I'm surprised you don't know why I'm being like this…” He trailed off and from the corner of my eyes, people were no longer taking pictures of us, they were videoing instead. I furrowed my brows at Ivan and didn't know how to get him to control his emotions in public before it gets to the press. “I.. I don't..” I stammered, what do I do? “You think I don't know you deliberately killed our unborn child pretending you fell off the stairs!” He hissed at me and my heart ached at his words. I heard series of gasps and whispers around us. “What? W-What are you talking about?” I asked as I felt myself tremble at the memory of what happened. “You actually think that I won't discover how vile you are, huh?” He stated and frowned at the thought of something. When I was rushed to the hospital ward three months ago, because Ivan’s mother pushed me down the stairs. When the news got to the press, I was forced by the Andersons to make a statement that it was an accident which was obviously my fault before they allowed the doctors to attend to my bleeding. For a moment, I thought to stab myself to death even in the pool of embarrassment. But I had decided against it. With the look in Ivan's eyes, I wasn't sure what his mother told him but I resolved to never tell Ivan the actual truth. But look where it got me… And this asshole is busy spewing ridiculous judgements in front of these conspicuous eyes. What did I ever do wrong? “Ivan, you don't know what you're saying, that's not true even in the slightest.” I said to him but he shook his head at me. “I can see through all your lies!” He seethed before he leaned in closer to whisper to my ears. “That night, Ricky should have rammed the vehicle into a freaking wall or have you eliminated! Too bad, that didn't happen.” His breath pierced daggers into my pore at the memory of that night. My nails dug into my palms, not just his father, the Andersons were all in cohort to get rid of me. But I couldn't bring myself to move from my position in front of him. I was so frozen in place that I just watched Ivan and his bodyguards walk back into the building, leaving me at the mercies of the ambitious paparazzi. After a while, it began to rain and by the time I recollected myself, I was already drenched in it. Not just Ivan and his whole of Anderson family, I just believed the whole world was against me, except for Chloe who remained the only one closest to me as family. Except her, I had no one else. I tiredly hailed over a taxi and got into the backseat to go home, a little relieved that I had left those ambitious content creators to their imaginations. I gave the driver Chloe's address and leaned back to the seat. I pinched myself a couple times whilst in deep thought. When we arrived, I paid him and he nodded slightly at the bill I handed over to him. “Thank you.” He collected it and I turned to walk away but he stopped me. “But ma'am?” I slowly glanced at him. “You're bleeding.” He said as I looked at my arms in confirmation. “I know…” I mumbled under my breath. “No, that's not what I'm referring to..” He said awkwardly and gestured to my blood stained thighs. “Down there..” I gasped in embarrassment and bit my lip. “T-Thank y-you..” I stammered as he nodded at me and drove off. I looked at my legs and felt like screaming out my lungs but I held myself still. “Why the heck are you covered in blood?” Chloe asked from the entrance and I snapped my head to look at her. “Chloe…” I mumbled as she saw the tears in my eyes and gasped at my disheveled self. “What the hell happened to you?” She asked as she rushed towards me, but my wobbly feet couldn't keep me up any longer.

NAYA'S POV I slowly opened my eyes and was met with the sterile smell of the hospital room, the beeping of machines and the gentle hum of fluorescent lights overhead. My mind was still foggy and my thoughts, disjointed. I tried to sit up but a sharp pain shot through my head that forced me back onto the pillow. A gentle voice spoke beside me. “Naya, honey, don't try to move. You're safe now.” I looked to see that the gentle voice belonged to Chloe. I was more than relieved to have her near me. “W-What happened?” I asked softly. “You fainted when you came back home after your visit to Ivan's office..” She said as I furrowed my eyes at the memory. “Are you okay? Do you remember now? You were bleeding so much.. what really happened back there?” She took my hand into hers and squeezed it reassuringly. “Ivan…” I croaked out as my eyes blurred with tears. “I-Ivan h-happened..” I wiped away my eyes with my other hand. “How? I thought you went there all determined and stuff?” She said as I shook my head. “I did.. I mean I successfully threw those papers in his face and I actually did it but..” I trailed off as I remembered the fact that he made out with Flora in his office. “He humiliated me in front of everyone outside the building..” “What?” Chloe perked up a brow. “He obviously never lets me win.. I actually thought I'd win against him this time but… he said that I deliberately killed our unborn child three months ago…” I whispered the last part. “What? He said that?” I shook my head and sniffled and quickly tried to blink back the tears in my eyes. “You were there Chloe.. you know what they did to me… they made me lie in front of the whole world that I.. that It was my fault I lost my child because of my carelessness, when in fact his mother was the one that intentionally pushed me down the stairs!” I tried to scream out the last part but it only came out muffled. I discovered that my voice wasn't loud enough to scream out all of the frustration that pierced my pores. “I know, I know.. I'm fully aware of all those fuckers did to you… and I honestly, I still don't understand why you subscribed to it Naya...” Chloe tried to blink back her tears at the thought of everything. My gaze rested on her as I bit my lower lip so hard that I intend to draw blood. I felt like shit at the thought of the actual reason why I became a fool and an actual doormat to the Andersons.. “Because I love him.. because I love Ivan, Chloe. And the thought that I still do makes me hate myself even more..” I said barely above whisper. What's wrong with me? This is what Ivan and his family have reduced me to, a helpless and an unfortunate woman. “No, don't hate yourself…” Chloe sniffled and squeezed my hand even more in reassurance. “You should hate them instead, you did nothing wrong, Naya. Apparently, the only thing you did wrong was try to love him.” She mumbled as I sniffled when I saw the doctor walk into my ward. Chloe quickly dried her tears and focused her attention on the doctor whose face registered with relief. “Doctor?” Chloe croaked out, whereas I, couldn't find my voice. “Thankfully, you and your baby is in good condition. The baby isn't affected as a result of the fall and I've prescribed some painkillers and ointment for your bruises and…” “Baby? Did you just say baby?” I managed to say as the doctor nodded at me. “She's pregnant?” Chloe asked abd looked back at me before she glanced back at the doctor. “Yes, your friend is four weeks pregnant.” The doctor confirmed my thoughts as I stared down at my stomach in surprise. What does this mean? I'm pregnant again? For a moment, my mind darted across the memory of only being mistreated and the memory of how the doctors were only permitted to attend to my painful and agonizing state at the condition that I make a public statement admitting to the press about the miscarriage being my fault. “Naya…” Chloe dragged me out of my thoughts as I stared into her eyes to see that she tried to control her emotions at the news. I wanted to ask her what the news meant for me because I couldn't understand why the universe had to torture me with the child of that monster. It was obvious to me that this child would only rekindle the ties between myself and the Andersons, the very ties I'm intent to sever to its roots. Chloe squeezed my hand yet again at the thought of what she believed was good news. It was bad news for me, and for a split moment, I wished that I miscarried. “Whatever it is that you're thinking, don't. Naya, this child is only a gift.. a second chance given to you by the heavens!” Chloe shook me out of my thoughts. From the corner of my eyes, I saw the doctor rush out of the room to probably attend to another emergency. “H-How do you know that I wish it gone?” My lips trembled at the thought. Her eyes softened at my resolve. Then she shook her head at me. “I know how you feel but the fact that you're pregnant again, gives you a clear opportunity to get back at the Andersons..” She said as I thought about the possibility and instantly ruled myself out of the impending war I'd probably have with Ivan and his family. I shook my head. “No, Chloe.. I just need to get rid of it this time around because you know that I'm not cut out for a confrontation with those demons! They don't mind getting rid of me in the process, just like they almost did that night. Those devils almost killed me just to frame me for having a ridiculous affair with their bodyguard!” Chloe shook her head at me in understanding but she was intent on what she believed was an opportunity for me to get my revenge on them. “To be honest Chloe, you know I'm weak and.. I can never bring myself to fight the Andersons. I don't see myself fighting against them… No.” I mumbled under my breath as Chloe shook me out of my pity pool. “Naya, you're not weak. Just in fact, you are the strongest woman I know on this planet, you hear me?” She said and blinked back her tears. “You just need rest and a little break from all these drama and then I know you will come back stronger after that.” Speaking of breaks, the TV in my ward flickered to a breaking news with the headline: Ivan Anderson reveals his Wife, Naya Simpson Anderson intentionally murdered their First child. Then it also showed how I was slandered on all social media platforms. I gasped at the sight of my picture plastered on the screen. I looked away and clutched the sheets as I heard Ivan's voice from the TV. “It pains me to discover how vile and evil my wife actually is…” My lips trembled with the only name that screwed daggers into my heart “Ivan…”

NAYA'S POV “Oh my God…” Chloe covered her mouth with her hands. I just stared at the screens with a newfound indignation that coarsed my insides against the Andersons. I started to think about the possibility of going on a lone journey to get my revenge on the Andersons, when my phone chimed several times with text messages from Ivan and his mother inviting me on a scheduled urgent interview with the press, at the Anderson’s conference hall the next morning. “What is it? Who is those text messages from?” Chloe asked me as I handed my phone over to her. She stared dimly at me before she took the phone from me and read through the messages. “These bastards are truly evil!” She hissed in annoyance. I just sat there on the bed and thought of how I'd make Ivan suffer in the most painful and agonizing way. “How could they do this to you?” Chloe furrowed her brows in confusion in front of me, almost like she couldn't understand it. “Tell me one more time, Chloe, that this is my chance to make them all suffer..” I mumbled under my breath as I watched her press her lips into a thin line. “I just need you to tell me..” I muttered as I bit my lip to stifle my emotions. Chloe's eyes sparkled with obvious sadness for a moment before she shook her head up and down and sniffled. “You are capable of making them pay for all they have done to you.. so yes, this is your chance to make them all suffer!” She said thickly as I scoffed at the sight of her confidence in me. I nodded slightly at her and pulled the bedsheets off of me. “Will you go to the press conference tomorrow?” She asked as I paused my movement to look at her. “I should.” I said simply. “What if they try to complicate things even more, will you be able to handle that?” She decided to ask just to make sure that I'd be okay with anything that is bound to happen. I shook my head. “Yes, I will. I just need your help with something important.” She furrowed her brows at me. “What is it you need help with?” “My hair.. I need to cut it.” I blurted. And that was because I believed that I could subscribe to a new beginning by first cutting my hair. “What?” She was surprised at my request. “Yes, Chloe. I crave for a new look, I need to start over and hopefully, I don't ever have to go back to the old me ever again.” I said as I tried to make it convincing enough to my ears. She squinted her eyes at me. “Are you sure?” I nodded slightly. “I figured that if I want to get back at the Andersons, I must first get rid of the old me by cutting my hair and not subscribe to her weakness ever again.” Chloe looked at me like I'd grown two heads. “Are you really sure about that?” I nodded again. “Yes, now let's go home. I'm really hungry.” I said as I forced a small smile at her. Then I tore the hospital sheets and used the torn material to cover my face, so that I could successfully avoid the prying eyes of the press. Chloe nodded at me before we both walked out of the ward and eventually, out of the hospital. As we both stepped out of the hospital doors, the bright sunlight was a jarring contrast to the sterile, fluorescent-lit rooms that I'd been confined to for several hours. I squinted and raised my hand to shield my eyes and felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. Chloe, walked beside me and quickly grasped my elbow to steady me. “Easy, Naya.” Chloe said, her voice was soft with concern. “You're sore and still recovering. Let's take it slow.” I nodded slightly, taking a deep breath as we made our way to Chloe's car. The fresh air and warm sunshine on my skin felt wonderful, but my body still ached from the ordeal. Then I instantly felt grateful Chloe's support, both physical and emotional. I thought about my resolve for a transformation as we drove through the quiet streets. All I'd ever wanted was a quiet life before and after I was arranged to marry Ivan Anderson. But the memory of the past five months has been everything but quiet. A very sharp contrast to my desires. I felt Chloe's eyes on me as I glanced at her. She pulled up a small smile and reached out to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “We'll figure it all out, Naya.” She said. “One step at a time, you'll get through it.” I smiled weakly and couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her. When we finally pulled up to Chloe's apartment, she guided me inside and without further hesitation, she help me do a total makeover to my appearance starting with my hair. I barely slept a wink that night, I stayed up thinking about the possible turn out of the press conference and what the Andersons had up their sleeves. The scheduled time approached and Chloe stepped into my room to help me prepare for it. I glanced at myself in the mirror for a final once-over at my reflection. My short neatly stretched hair and my body hug clothing was obviously a sharp contrast to the timid appearance of the old Naya Simpson. How quick the process of change felt, and how sweet the thrill that sat at the pit of my stomach. “Are you ready?” Chloe asked me as I looked at her through the mirror. I nodded slightly. “I am.” “You look different and beautiful, I bet Ivan squirm at the sight of you today..” She smiled with satisfaction evident on her face. “I don't care what he thinks.” I said as I tucked my hair behind my ears. “Right.” She said. “I'll be your humble driver today.” I snapped my head back to look at her. “You'd do that?” She smiled and nodded at me. “Of course, I would.” I quickly pulled her in for a quick embrace. “Thank you.” When I let her go, she smoothed out my hair. “Remember, no crying or feeling sorry for yourself. Today is meant for you to shine, and you will.” She said softly as I pulled up a small smile at her. “Now, let's go.” Chloe said as we both got out of the house and drove off to the venue. Before we got out of the car, a sea of paparazzi swamped the entrance and I didn't let myself feel bothered by it. Chloe just gave my hand a final squeeze. “You want me to go in with you?” She asked gently. I smiled at her. “No, I got this. Just be quick enough to pull up the car in case there's an explosion.” We both giggled at my words, before she nodded slightly at me. “Now, I'm convinced you got this.” “Yes, I got this.” I said again and took a deep breath before getting out of the car. I saw Chloe from the corner of my eyes reverse to park the car properly. I straightened my back and walked confidently towards the entrance with my purse and my phone. The few people that saw me didn't even recognize me but when I got closer and when the bodyguards furrowed their brows at me in recognition, they quickly came up to me to guide me through the paparazzi and inside the building. That was when they all recognized me and almost clustered the entrance with their many insignificant questions flying in the air. When I successfully got inside, all the bodyguards except one followed me further inside as I clutched my purse wearing a no game look. When we began to walk through the final hallway that led to the conference room, Ivan, my ex-husband appeared in the hallway and began walking towards my direction. I swallowed the lump in my throat and clutched my purse tighter. I saw him furrow his brows at me and stopped in front of me. The bodyguard bowed slightly to him in regard and quickly disappeared behind me. “Naya?” He spoke in confusion and began to narrow his eyes up and down my body. He ran his hand through his hair and scoffed at the sight of my body, as if he was trying so hard not to grab me. Something about the distorted look on his face made me feel more comfortable and confident. “Hello, ex-husband.” I greet him as he grunted. “Don't you dare call me that!” He hissed low. “Why, you wanted to get a divorce so badly and now you suddenly don't like the face of reality?” I said and tilted my head to peek at his face. He furrowed his eyes and quickly looked around for anyone who might be watching. He grabbed my arms and pushed me up against the wall as he took in my cologne. “Damn!” He brought his eyes to look at me but I still had a no game look on. So I decided to taunt him. “Do I affect you that much? You look beat.” “Shut the fuck up!” He growled under his breath. I resisted the urge to smile satisfactorily. When a few people popped out into the hallway, he quickly let go of my arms and looked like he was going to explode with impatience. I leaned further towards him and reached to arrange his tie. The people that walked past commented on how I was still a sweet wife to Ivan regardless of the situation. I couldn't help but smile at that. “Now, ex-husband, make sure you behave in there. We don't want any anomaly now, do we?” I said slowly as he cursed under his breath. I took that as my cue to walk away from him and into the conference room. Immediately I stepped inside, the batch of paparazzi inside rushed to me and blarred questions at me. I felt Ivan behind me and subscribed to not care about his existence. I ignored all their random questions and pulled up a small smile. “I'll probably get to answer all your questions at the commencement of the interview, and please, I urge you to interview me not as Ivan Anderson’s wife but as his ex-wife.” I stated confidently as they mummered amongst themselves and began to yet again throw up questions at my statement. I ignored them and turned to look at Ivan whose clenched jaw and balled fists posed a satisfactory sight to me. Maybe I was a fool being his wife but I'd definitely make him suffer as his ex-wife.

I was intent on it. The scowl on Ivan's face deepened and heck, I couldn't care less. Then I turned back to the paparazzi, gave them a small smile and then I walked past them and further into the vast hall. I heard them scurry up to Ivan to throw questions at him but he ignored them and pushed past them to go settle himself down somewhere. Did I win already? Heck, I was dying to be the winner in this fight of ours. But speaking about winning, Mrs Anderson, Ivan’s mother approached me with a contempt look on her face. I had to swallow the lump at the back of my throat, in other to avoid stuttering or stammering or any of those things that will make me look stupid because she was the big fish in my fight with Ivan. “I must admit that you look a little presentable with a little makeup on you.. but that doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get out of this unscathed. I promise you.” Mrs Anderson said to me as she looked me up and down. “I will make sure that Ivan divorces you and you get to finally disappear from our lives.” She said quietly to my face like she didn't want anyone else to pick up on it. But what the hell is she yapping about? I expected that she is already aware that Ivan and I have completed the divorce paperwork, but even though the proceedings have hurriedly been completed, she must have known about it but she clearly doesn't know. What is Ivan scheming? Why isn't his sweet mother aware of their separation? Or is this some sort of crazily distorted plan to completely destroy her? I saw Mrs Anderson tilt her head at me. “A cat got your tongue? I'm surprised you aren't trying to beg for your stay in my son's life, or your supposed love for him have been a scandalous lie?” She asked wide-eyed, like she was brooding on the clear possibility of it. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her. “No, Mrs Anderson. My love for your son have not been a lie and I believe that it's quite unfortunate that I still do love him even though we're not together anymore.” I said as I walked past her to sit somewhere else. “What?” I heard her say as she scrambled to go meet Ivan. I shook my head at her before I finally settled myself at the corner of the room to await the commencement of the interview. When I looked down at my hands, they were all sweaty and trembling. I rubbed them together and instantly knew that I had little or no time left to remain brazen, straight faced and confident. I glanced at the side and watched Ivan peer at me whilst speaking to his mother. I instantly looked away and bit my lip. Those demons must be plotting against me. For a split moment, I actually thought that I would have let Chloe accompany me in order to support me but as good and satisfying as that sounds, I was going to face it all alone. Besides, I wouldn't want her to be the target of the Andersons. Because all they want is to crush me, and me alone. Soon, the interview started and I realized that I've been rubbing my hands against each other the whole time, now they're white. I sighed as the podium was finally set up and the members of the Andersons family that was present, were called out on stage to take their respective seats. Including me. I slowly grabbed my purse, swallowed the lump at the back of my throat and pinched myself hard to maintain a straight face no matter what the Andersons had up their sleeves, that will make me cry in front of the camera and in front of the thousands of people watching, including Chloe. I had a sudden urge not to disappoint her. So here it goes… I finally strolled confidently to take my seat and then I smiled at the paparazzi. I tried so hard to remain levelheaded because Ivan was seated at my right and his mother on my left. Thus, the interview began with random questions which I mostly ignored and smiled in response at. “I know you are deliberately ignoring those questions..” Ivan spoke through his teeth beside and I didn't even bother to look at him or respond to his statement. “Ivan mentioned to me that you two have indeed been separated but I'll have to go check those papers myself because there's definitely something fishy about it.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Why, don't you trust your son? If you say you do, why don't you believe his resolve then?” I asked confidently as her face was hard with a mix of annoyance and amusement. “It's surprising that you've brought some cute audacious wings with you, but I'll cut them off.” She threatened as I glanced at her. “Do as you wish.” I said as I smiled curtly at her and the scowl on her face deepened but she instantly replaced it with a smile for the camera. I blinked back something in my eyes as Ivan Anderson decided to place his hand on my thigh and rub them. What is he doing? I froze on my seat whilst trying to maintain the fake smile on my face. “I must confess that you look beautiful today, confidently beautiful.” Ivan said to me as I slapped his hand away from my thighs. “Have you forgotten so soon what I said to you earlier? It'd be to your advantage and not mine to behave..” I said through my teeth as he scrowled at me and maintained his focus on the paparazzi. Why the hell am I in the middle of these demons anyway? “Miss Naya…” One of the interviewers called my attention to his question. “Yes?” I said as Ivan’s hand rested on my thighs again but this time, I decided to ignore him probably until I was finished with my response to the press. “Mr Ivan Anderson reportedly stated to the press that you, intentionally and deliberately murdered your unborn child three months ago and as a result, becomes the reason for your divorce. Correct?” The interviewer asked with a perked eye brow. I blinked severally at the question. They were all lies and I knew that they were trying to make me admit again to the fact that I intentionally fell down the stairs to get rid of my child and the fact that they tied the question to my earlier statement of being Ivan's ex-wife, was something I expected they'd do. So I thought that in order to answer freely and escape the shackles of guilt that the Andersons were trying so hard to inflict on me, I have to get away from them. “Miss Naya?” The interviewer said as I cleared my throat and leaned further into the mic. “A moment please..” I said as I slowly stood up for the chair as Ivan’s hand dropped off my thighs. I grabbed my purse and walked away from the midst of mother and son whilst the camera remained intent on my movement. I walked down the small stairs and finally in front of the media and away from Ivan and his mother. I looked up from my position at both mother and son, whose scrowl deepened by each passing moment. Then I looked back at the media. “False. That accusation is false.” I said confidently as several cameras began to flash on my face. “So, what you are saying to all of us today is that you deny these accusations and your husband Ivan Anderson lied against you?” The interviewer asked again. I nodded slightly. “Ex-husband, please. And yes, I didn't intentionally harm my unborn child and it mostly certainly isn't the reason for the divorce.” “Noted, Miss Naya. But could you tell us the reason why you divorced Mr Ivan Anderson?” The interviewer pressed as Ivan hit the table in anger. I glanced at him and I observed the angry blaze in his eyes and I immediately confirmed that once again, and like every other time, it was so hard for him to control his wrath. “I divorced her!” Ivan said as he left his seat and hurriedly strolled down to where I was, whilst his mother watched. Ivan fumed in front of me as I furrowed my brows at his actions. Then I watched him face the media with contempt registered on his face. “Mr Ivan Anderson, it's obvious you have some more claims to this matter.” The interviewer said as I pressed my lips into a thin line. “They're not claims, they're actually facts!” Ivan blurted as he brought his gaze back on me, and the flashing of cameras continued. “My wife here… now ex-wife, cheated on me with a freaking bodyguard!” Ivan hissed as the crowd began to mumble. I scoffed at him. So, he's going to play that card? “What the hell are you doing?” I whispered to him. “Mr Ivan Anderson, are you referring to the pictures of your wife with another man that was falsely circulated on the media several days ago?” The interviewer asked Ivan and a part of me was a tad bit grateful. “Falsely? Those are not falsified. In fact, the evidence is right here in our midst.” Ivan said as I furrowed my eyes at him. What the heck is this bastard talking about? I followed Ivan’s gaze to the bodyguard from the other night. He is the evidence? What are these demons unto? For a moment, I met the interviewer’s eyes which was filled with less hope than anything I could fathom. I looked away and focused on the bodyguard whose face was everything but confident. Then, I was convinced that the Andersons must have done something to him. What did they do to him? I took a couple steps towards the bodyguard whose eyes remained glued to his feet. Then the events from the other night, came flashing back. “It's true that Miss Naya here, cheated on her husband with me while they were still married…” The bodyguard nodded in affirmation as I felt my feet wobble. I glanced back at Ivan whose lips were curved into a shallow smirk.

‘It's all part of the plan’ ‘what plan?’ I remembered the events from the other night and the news about the ridiculous affair with the bodyguard. Those pictures of us in a compromising situation were all taken when I passed out and the whole world would believe these fuckers except I think of a way out of my situation. But what? I dug my fingers into my palms at the sight of the satisfaction evident on Ivan's face. No, I won't let him win. I won't let the Andersons bring me down like this. Besides, I'm the only one permitted to shine and not let them trample on me. “Miss Naya?” Another interviewer brought me out of my thoughts as I looked around me to see that all eyes were fixated on me. Ivan soon came up to me and leaned in to whisper to my ears. “So, my little birdie, what are you gonna do now?” Then he brought his eyes to meet mine but I didn't let my anxiety show. I concealed it with everything in me. I turned to the interviewer and nodded slightly at him to go on with his question. “Yes?” I mumbled under my breath as I mentally pleaded with myself not to lose it in front of these many people. “Is it true that you cheated on your husband, Mr Ivan Anderson with this bodyguard, while still being married to him?” The second interviewer asked as I looked into the eyes of the people present whilst the flashing of cameras continued. “No, it's not true.” I said confidently and glanced at Ivan who was also under the spotlight. “Within the past months of being married to Mr Ivan Anderson here…” I gestured to him. “Even though I admit our marriage wasn't on a bed of roses, I actually did love my husband and have never done anything inappropriate to taint my feelings for him. So, I didn't cheat on Ivan Anderson like this man claims.” I pointed back to the bodyguard as I began to hear series of mumblings in the room. “So, what about the pictures that pose as evidence against you?” The second interviewer asked as I nodded at the thought of something. “Those are false too.” I said. “How so?” A reporter asked as I sighed and my eyes met Mrs Anderson’s cold ones as if she was warning me to speak no further but I resolved to. Because I yearned to get over this whole mess as soon as possible. “One night, on August 15th and on my way back home after meeting my ex-husband in one of ANDERSONs brand hotels because he didn't come home for days, the bodyguard offered to drop me off…” I trailed off as I revealed what really happened including the fact that I was drugged and kept locked up in the vehicle against my will. “That's most definitely when those compromising pictures of me and the bodyguard were taken.” I finished as I saw Ivan from the corner of my eyes run his hand through his hair in obvious dread and frustration. “Do you have any evidence to support these claims?” The interviewer asked as I shook my head. “But…” I said almost immediately. “I want to clearly and without further doubt, refer to the dashcam of the vehicle as evidence. That is, if the Andersons will be willing to cooperate with further investigation.” I stated as I felt my eyes water. No, not now. Not now, Naya… I berated myself. Ivan looked like he was lost in thought and his mother frowned at me. “We'll get on it.” An ambitious looking reporter said quickly and left the room alongside his followers. Mrs Anderson looked restless for a moment before she beckoned on her goons to probably give them certain instructions. The thought that they would have seen it coming and must have gotten rid of the dashcam to cover up their tracks made me uncomfortable but I was glad that I'd given the press something important — a possibility to take into consideration. But then I thought of anything else to say or do to support my claims. “Miss Naya, do you perhaps remember the plate number of the said vehicle?” The first interviewer asked me with a glint of hope in his eyes. Who's this person that makes me feel like he's the only one in the room that is on my side? I furrowed my brows in thought for a moment and then I decided to disclose the plate number to the vehicle that was always designated to pick me. It was risky, but if I'm lucky, it'll be the same vehicle from the other night. I felt it was better to bank on my intuition for a way out. The vehicle was similar, if not the same to the one I was familiar with. “Yes I do.” I spoke confidently. I had been too exhausted from the intimate session with Ivan and the proposal for divorce that I didn't bother to look closely. But then again, the rain had contributed to my obliviousness. “Can you tell us?” A reporter said as I shook my head. I silently prayed that my intuition was on a good point. So here it goes… “RBC1254, is the plate number.” I blurted as Ivan’s guards hurriedly out as well as the reporters. “Thank you for your response, Miss Naya. Could you all give us a moment while we look it up..” The room became chaotic with gasps, mumblings, whispers, and side talks. Ivan who already looked disheveled, approached me obviously trying so hard to control his nerves. “What the fuck are you unto?” He asked as he grabbed my arm in a way that would make everyone believe his nails dug into my skin. “You should know better, Mr Ivan Anderson. That you and your family are the worse kind of human beings that I have encountered.” I spat as his clenched his jaw and tried to stable his breathing. “The dashcam is missing!” Someone shouted from the entrance as my head snapped to the person in surprise. “Still got any ideas up your sleeves?” Ivan breathed out as I glared at him. He moved away from me and I clenched my jaw. Was I wrong? Is it another vehicle? What should I do? “Miss Naya, the dashcam you claimed to be an evidence is missing. What do you have to say about that?” The second interviewer asked me as I swallowed the lump in my throat. Well, I decided to use the situation to divert their attention from me. “I understand the situation at hand, and the question is, why would the only evidence to prove my innocence be missing if there was absolutely nothing to hide? Hence, I suggest the Andersons should be investigated for confiscation of evidence.” I stated. The cameras continued flashing in my direction. “Miss Naya, are you implying that the Andersons are not particularly on good terms with you? Is your relationship with the Andersons strained?” A reporter said as I waved it off. “Nonsense!” Mrs Anderson spoke as the cameras rolled to her direction. “No such thing exist between Naya and the Andersons, except for now, Naya here, is trying to go against the Andersons by making such claims.” She said as I blinked at her. I scoffed, as expected from Mrs Anderson. “Miss Naya?” The first interviewer called as I turned to look at him. “Do you have something to say about that?” He asked as I rested my gaze on Ivan. “The claims that I cheated on my husband while we were still married like I said before, is false. However, the claim of cheating also stands, except that I wasn't the one who cheated and disrespected our marriage.” I stated and glanced at the interviewer who furrowed his brows at me in question. “It was Ivan Anderson, my ex-husband, who cheated on me with his little bimbo, Flora Michaels.” I said with a mix of amusement and nausea. Ivan's eyes were fixated intently on me and he looked beat. His gaze questioned my resolve and I bit my lip at the turn of things. “Mr Ivan Anderson?” “Mr Ivan Anderson?” The reporters called out to him severally, but he and I stood there on a stare drill and battled for dominance.