( Claire )

I tried to stir open my eyes but bright light forced me to shut them. I tried to move my hands but a stinging pain made me wince. After a few attempts, I was finally able to open my eyes and a white ceiling and sterile smell of a hospital room welcomed me.

I groaned when I saw the iv attached on my hand bleeding but how could I end up in a hospital?

I recalled the last moments before passing out. Everything came back like a flood of memories. Dustin’s betrayal, my parents’ rejection and his goons killing me.

Wait?

I wasn’t dead!

I moved my hand on my belly, there was no pain but my head hurt.

“Miss, you’re awake and you have detached your iv.” I heard a female voice, it was a nurse who adjusted it back.

What the hell was going on?

It meant I survived. Somebody would have seen me and took me to a hospital.

“For how long I have been here?” I asked her.

“You were brought here last night. Thankfully, there was only a concussion on your forehead and you passed out due to low blood pressure. You must take care of your health, Miss.” The nurse said in a professional tone.

What the hell!

“No, you’re mistaken. I was stabbed. Some people tried to rob me and they attacked me.” I said because it was exactly what happened to me.

She gave me a weird look.

“You must be dreaming under the effect of medicines, Miss. You need to rest. We’ll discharge you by the evening.” She said and left the room.

My head started spinning.

It couldn’t be possible. It wasn’t my dream.

I vividly remember everything. I looked around the room for a calendar and I found one on the wall, it showed the same date as the most unfortunate day of my life.

What the hell was going on?

My storming thoughts came to an end when the door opened and someone stepped inside. It was a man.

Dressed in an expensive, customed suit, the man stood tall, the most handsome man I had ever seen with a regal aura but his most striking feature was his pale blue eyes.

“I was informed by the nurses that you are awake and you talk about illusional things because when I found you fainted on the middle of the road, you were definitely not stabbed.” He said.

I wish I could tell him that he was wrong but he’d also think that I am crazy.

“Thank you for saving my life, Mr…” I paused because I didn’t even know his name.

“Winston Trotwood.” He introduced his name and something struck me and my eyes widened when I finally recognized him.

He was the richest businessman of the country.

He saved my life.

“Thank you, Mr. Trotwood. I’d pay you back for the bills.” I said.

“Would you want me to drop you off at your house?” He asked me, his voice was smooth but his intense eyes were making me conscious.

“No, I’ll go myself. Once again thank you so much for saving my life.” I said with gratitude.

“Take care from the next time when you leave home, Mrs. Bale.” He said and it shocked me.

How could he know me?

“I know everything about the people I come across every day, Claire Vance Bale. Here is your but I don’t think it is in a working condition.” He fished out my phone in a broken shape.

How could I forget that I was talking to the most important man in the country. My life couldn’t be more dramatic.

He took calculated steps towards my bed and placed the phone on the edge, our closeness made me squirm. Why the hell was I drawn to him? I had a lot on my platter to deal with.

“I’ll see you soon, Damsel.” He spoke in a low voice, an amused smile was playing on his coral lips before he turned around and stormed out of the room before I could even process his words.

I placed my hand on my chest, what the hell just happened?

I tried to open my phone but it was dead.

Sighing, I requested the nurse to make a call for me. I had to talk to Dustin if the events were folding themselves again. I’d not fall a prey to their sick games again.

As I expected, his phone went to voicemail and same happened with my parents’ numbers. Only the landline of the house was answered by a maid and she said they were worried because I didn’t return home so Grace came over to take care of Davian. My husband didn’t bother to ask about me.

My baby who wasn’t mine.

My heart ached.

I went directly to the house where everything happened. If I was back in the time when I could turn the tables, I’d not let this chance slip from my hand but before that I had to do another important task. Being moneyless, I sold my wedding ring and I got a good cash for it.

At least, Dustin gave me something valuable which could be the founding brick of his doom.

“Good evening, Ma’am. Are you alright?” The guards asked me with concern.

“Is Dustin home yet?” I asked them and they nodded positively.

“Thank you.”

I took a deep breath and with my head held high, I stepped into the house.

I was welcomed by Dustin’s cursing over the phone but my footsteps forced him to turn around and our eyes met. I remembered everything.

“Claire, where the hell were you since the last night?” He yelled at me.

His raised voice caused baby Davian to cry who was in Grace’s arms. My heart yearned to take him but I knew he wasn’t mine.

I strode towards him and slapped him hard on the same cheek where he hit me last time.

He was taken aback by my action but the love I had for him was gone and I only felt raw hatred for him.

“Claire, what the-”

Before he could finish his sentence, I slapped him again.

“Mr. Bale, leave this house in an hour with your bag and baggage and do not forget to take your dear wife with you.” I said.

His face turned dark as soon as these words left my lips.

“Claire, do not dare to say it again and get the hell out of my house before I do something you’ll regret.” He snarled at me.

But I laughed dryly.

“Your house? Excuse me, Mr. Bale. This house, 35% shares of your total assets are mine. So, you’d better leave before the security throw you out of here.” I said in a flat tone and threw a folder on him which he grabbed.

His eyes widened as soon as he read them.

“It’s impossible! You can’t get these papers.” He shook his head.

“Well, I have the original papers of your father’s will, Dustin. Did you really think that I’d sit quietly and allow you to screw my life for this barren wh*re.” I glared at Grace.

“Take him to his room.’ Grace gave Davian to a maid who was crying hard while trying to jump in my arms.

“Claire, since you know about us, there is no need to do the sweet talking. You have no idea what we can do with you. So, stop this drama and leave.” She said venomously.

I wanted to rip her head but I composed myself.

“I feel pity on you, Grace. You married a liar who only gave you a child. Your dream to live in this big mansion is over. I have sold it and tomorrow, the new owner will come to live here.” I said with a smirk.

“You sold it!”

“Yes, she sold it to me, Mr. Bale.”