TERA

I was like a volcano waiting for the slightest opportunity to erupt.

“Yeah, we're on our way home now.” Was he talking to me? Due to the faint light exuding out of his phone, I concluded that he must be on the phone with his friends. Again.

“Isadora? Isadora will be back from the Board by tomorrow. I'm so proud of her. I'll be going to pick her up.” I gritted my teeth, slightly inaudible as my suspicions were all now proven.

Isadora was the one I was standing in for. She had an affair with Matteo even when she knew I'm married to him?

Love is going to kill us, is that okay?

“Yeah, I miss her so much. Y'all know what I'm talking about? If she was the one that came for this party, it would have been so fun, unlike this one laying beside me, she's such a pain.” The honesty in his voice was gut wrenching and my stomach twisted like one that had been stabbed in the gut. I'm the dead man in this war?

“Honestly, I just can't wait to have her back. You know, at some—” The car came to a screeching halt as it seemed Piero had matched the brake abruptly and I yelped, my eyes shooting open as I gasped in pretense of just waking up.

“What…what's going on?” I yawned using the back of my palm to rub my eyes slightly.

“Nothing.” I saw the way Matteo rolled his eyes like he was sick of my presence and perhaps, that was exactly what was happening.

But I could easily call him out and tell him that I had heard everything that had transpired, right? No, wrong!

I still needed him, at least for now. I needed his resources and some other things that only he could use his influence to make it happen.

So until I achieve what I wanted, I don't mind being the oblivious stand in.

The urge to ask him what his relationship with Isadora was overwhelming and I wasn't sure of a coy way to ask without giving myself away.

Almost immediately, my screen lit up, buzzing in my hands and I looked at the caller ID only to see that it was my assistant.

“Get to it.” I stated, immediately the call went through and I could hear my assistant swallow hard before continuing.

“Good evening ma'am. I was just calling to remind you of tomorrow's schedule.” She started and I leaned to the door as I looked out the window.

“I said, get to it.” I repeated.

“Yes, yes. You have a brand endorsement shoot tomorrow at 8am, an interview of 40 minutes from 9am to 9:40 and then, you'll be filming till nightfall.” She informed me and I took a deep breath in.

“Postpone the Brand endorsement and interview. Since we're filming in a remote area, I'd prefer it if we started earlier.” I suggested and she concurred almost immediately.

“Alright ma'am.” She concluded and I ended the call, turning to face Matteo.

“You're driving me to my filming scene tomorrow right?” Let me hear you lie again, Matteo.

He had, of course, agreed before but I had just heard him say that he's going to pick up Isadora so I just wanted to be sure.

“No.” He answered sharply and I let out a sigh.

“You said you would.” I pressed further and he rubbed his creased forehead like I was stressing him out in some type of way.

“Tera, I have more important things to do.” He stated in a firm voice and just in cue I felt a sharp pain down my abdomen.

“Okay, how about taking Cassian for his checkup?” I queried. Cassian was my little boy, the son Matteo clearly didn't want.

“I’d have loved to.” Liar. He stared me in the eye and lied to me just now. “I mean, I promised the champ but I just can't. The chauffeur or one of the maids can take him.”

“Alright.” I managed to say when I felt hot liquid running down my legs and when I looked down, my gown was stained from blood.

My heart began racing and my breasts suddenly felt heavier while my eyes widened in shock. Shit!

I gasped, trying my best not to react as I stared at Matteo who hadn't noticed what was happening. I have to stay calm, I can't lose this baby and he must not know I'm pregnant.

I gritted my teeth as another contraction hit trying not to make a sound while Piero pulled into the compound.

Fuck. I clasped my teeth together trying my best not to scream due to the pain coursing through my lower region, my abdomen to be exact.

I grunted, breaking out in a sweat as I locked eyes with Piero from the rear view mirror and I bit hard on my lips while hoping he didn't find out that something was going on with me.

“What's wrong? Are you okay? You're…sweating.” He suddenly asked. I pursed my lips together, forcing a short smile.

“Yeah. Aftermath of taking the alcohols, I'll be fine after a cold shower.” He shrugged and returned his attention to his phone.

Another contraction hit, sharp and cruel, and I gritted my teeth so hard I thought they might crack. Still, not a sound. Not now. Not with him so close.

“Goodnight.” Matteo said, getting off the car without sparing me another glance as Piero parked the car in the garage.

“Yeah, goodnight.” I muttered.

I was trying my best not to scream as I tugged at the seat belt in pain while I watched Matteo go in.

Oh Lord, my vision is getting more blurry, the pains, the contractions, it is becoming overwhelming.

“You're not coming in?” He questioned when he realized I wasn't following him and I immediately acted like I was on my phone.

“I'm coming in. My secretary just sent me something I need to check abruptly but sure, go in. I'll be right behind you. I might not come to bed now though since I have to, like, check it.” I said in a low voice trying my best not to give away my discomfort.

“Are you okay? Are you sure? You seem a bit off.” Moron! Why is he acting like he cares when between the both of us, he knows he doesn't care one bit. Stupid asshole!

“I'm fine.” He turned around and went into the house while Piero got down and opened the car door for me.

“Holy fuck. Ma'am, you're drenched in blood.” His eyes widened and I immediately slammed my palm onto his mouth.

“Don't yell.” I whispered, turning to see if he hadn't caught Matteo’s attention and Matteo wasn't even bothered. He had already gone into the house.

“Is it possible for me to get to a hospital without my husband finding out?” I questioned and he shook his head in negativity, visibly shaken in fright.

“Then can the doctor come tonight?” Piero stared at me in confusion probably wondering why I didn't want my husband to be aware but it was no use.

“The doctor would only answer to Sir Matteo.” I bit my lips and nodded slightly.

“Who is that though? The one in the suit talking to Matteo?” I pointed. I had just noticed him now. He was dressed in a black suit and black pants.

“One of his business associates.” Piero dismissed immediately as Matteo went into the house with the man.

“Business associates? At this time of the night?” I asked suspiciously when another round of contraction hit me, wiping my thoughts as I gritted my teeth.

“I guess it's important.”

“Of course, help me get inside. The guest room specifically” He carefully helped me out of the car as we took little strides towards the house.

“Ma'am, just tell your husband so we can go to a hospital. This is dangerous and—”

“Piero, don't. And don't you dare tell Matteo about this.” He stared at me for a few seconds before nodding slightly.