The Lies That Bind

Just as she said, she pulled her shoe, kicking one off and holding the other. At once she lounged for Cristal who took to her heels running out the door.

Kiera had no plans of letting her go scot-free and chased after her as she backed away slowly when she got to the top of the stairs.

"You know you were never worthy of him wench. Now that you know, shouldn't you take your lousy self and run away?" Cristal whispered to her hearing.

Just then she caught sight of Nicholas rushing towards them and her facade once more returned.

"Kiera, please. This is all a misunderstanding. We can talk this out," she voiced meekly, fear dancing in her eyes.

"Kiera stop this, this instant. She is not to blame for my decisions," Nicholas spat out, taking closer steps to her.

She turned on her heels and glared at him.

"You're wrong. She is as guilty as you are and deserves to pay. You two spent my money without conscience. I will ensure you pay for this."

She turned around once more, a dark glint flashing in her eyes as she took hurried steps forward.

"Aahh don't hurt me, ahhhh... my ankle!"

With a sharp cry, Cristal stumbled backwards and fell on her butt with her tears unleashed, successfully triggering Nickolas misguided need to defend her.

"I-I... I did not touch her," Kiera defended and turned to explain to Nicholas.

"Kiera you've gone too far. She is pregnant!" Nicholas thundered.

In a moment of blind rage, Nicholas's hand swung towards Rosalyn, delivering a powerful slap across her face.

Kiera's world spun. Her fragile body was unable to withstand the assault and the force sent Kiera reeling as she stepped on her dress and plummeted down the stairs, her body crashing against the unforgiving steps as her world descended into darkness.

Pain radiated through her, but it paled in comparison to the anguish and betrayal that consumed her heart.

Blood trickled from the back of her head, mingling with the tears that streamed down her face as she lay helpless on the floor.

As her consciousness waned, memories flashed before her eyes.

The moment she first met Nicholas, the love that bloomed between them, and the promises they made to each other on their wedding day. But now, those memories felt like cruel illusions, shattered by the revelation of Cristal's pregnancy.

With her vision fading, Kiera felt a wave of regret wash over her.

Regret for the choices she made three years ago when she blindly followed Nicholas' wishes and took the contraceptive pills—a decision made out of love, wanting to honour his desires, but it had left her forever barren.

She couldn't help but wonder if things could have been different. If she had spoken up and fought for her own desires and dreams, would she be in this painful situation?

But it was too late for what-ifs now. All she could do was accept the cruel fate life bestowed on her and the consequences of her choices.

In the darkness, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed towards her. Nicholas' panicked and anxious voice pierced through the haze, but it held no comfort for Kiera.

"Oh my God, what have I done? Kiera?"

"Nick I am sorry but if not for you, perhaps that would have been me and our baby. She deserves it. It was either her or me," she heard Cristal's not-so-hurt voice call out.

It was a stark reminder of the shattered trust, and the irreversible damage inflicted upon their relationship.

As Kiera surrendered to the embrace of unconsciousness, a single tear escaped her eye-one borne from her pain, regret, hatred, anger and wishes. If I could turn back time, I may have made different choices.

Three years ago, I offered $5 billion from the Campbell Group to save Relish from financial ruin—a selfless act, driven by my love for Nicholas and my desire to secure a future together.

Although at the time he did not have feelings for me, I hoped that in time, those feelings would bloom. My big mistake. Now I wonder if it had been in vain.

I blinked my eyes, disoriented by the sudden change in surroundings. Instead of lying at the bottom of the stairs, I found myself on the edge of a tranquil lake, surrounded by an atmosphere of surrealism.

The frigid breeze grazed my face, and as I looked around, confusion enveloped me. There, standing before me, was Nicholas.

But something was off. It wasn't the familiar setting of my home or the painful aftermath of our confrontation. But...i lifted my hand to the back of my head, and my fingertips gingerly touched, searching for the blood I had expected to find.

But there was none, I blinked back in confusion as I glanced down at my drenched attire. The cold water clung to my clothes, casting an uncomfortable dampness over my entire body. I try to gather my thoughts, but my gaze drifted to the figure seated beside Nicholas-Cristal.

She was wearing Nicholas' clothes and was equally soaked from head to toe. The sight was bewildering, leaving my mind spinning with questions.

I scrutinized Cristal closely, my eyes narrowing in on the woman who had caused so much turmoil in my life.

The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, unveiling the truth behind this bizarre turn of events.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. This scene felt oddly familiar, a haunting memory from the first year of my marriage-the time of her return.

Cristal had resurfaced, determined to sabotage our relationship. I remembered the lake, the confrontation we had when she stated she was back for what was hers and gestured with her eyes over to Nicholas.

At first, l ignored it but then things became too much to bear with her actions and she decided to remind me who really had him wrapped around her finger.

Cristal jumped into the lake and pushed my chest, forcing me to retaliate.

Before I could do anything, she pulled me down with her, disguising the situation in a manner that seemed like I pushed her down, making Nicholas misunderstand and the accusations that would forever tarnish my reputation in Nicholas' eyes and bridge whatever trust we had, followed.