Chapter 1 SHES BACK

What? “What did you just say?”

“You’re pregnant,” The doctor confirmed. 

Elena shook her head, how? She thought he had protection that night?

“You’re two weeks pregnant, Elena.” The doctor confirmed once more.

That news had kept her shining brightly the whole day. Even her house-keepers noticed her playful side.

“You’re so happy today, ma’am Rhodes.” Rita Quil, her personal assistant in the house pointed out. Elena is the kitchen, cooking.

“I’m-” Elena was at the verge of spilling the tea to Rita but instant shut her mouth, “Nothing,” Elena simply told her.

It won’t be nice if she didn’t tell her beloved husband first, Lucas Rhodes. Speaking of which, Lucas will be visiting her penthouse tonight, giving her the opportunity to tell him the good news! She’s finally carrying his child after marrying him for 3 good years.

Her intrusive thoughts crepted in, ‘how would he react to this child? Rejection?’  She thought in her head. 

“Is that pancake ready? Be fast. Lucas will be here anytime soon.” Elena announced glancing at the wall-clock each time it ticked.

Then, the long awaited time came. The door bell rang and Elena was the first person to jump at the door. “That must be Lucas! Finally!” She grinned, she reached for the door knob and truly it was Lucas.

“Hey-” Elena was about waving when she saw a lady beside Lucas. Elena knows her too well. Tara Andrew, Lucas’s first love.

What could she be doing her?

Elena heart dropped, her excitement dropped by 1% as she saw Tara’s box by her side. “Welcome Tara home. She’s back,” Lucas jumped in, coming in fully into the house.

Elena cleared her throat, “Hi! I’m Elena, Lucas wife! Come in,” Elena offered her in, Tara walked into the house weakly.

She was in the hospital for the past three years, diagnosed with a severe heart condition. Lucas attention had been on her ever since then, he barely had time for Elena. 

Elena was easy-going and never complained even when Lucas was always absent to take care of Tara on her sick bed. 

“Tara will be taking her treatment from my home till she gets better. Her surgery went well and she’s going to feel better if she receives treatment from home,” Lucas told Elena. 

Deep down, Elena wanted to question Lucas so bad and ask him why he had to bring her over to her penthouse but decided to let it go.

“I’m sorry Elena. I will go back to the hospital if you’re uncomfortable with me staying around. I don’t want to disturb the peace you have with your husband, let me go…Lucas,” Tara quickly said, her voice getting weaker and making attempt to leave.

“…”

Lucas stood in her way, holding her wrist and prevented her from going out. 

“No. You stay. I’m her husband and she listens to me. Elena is nice and I’m sure she will let you stay,” Lucas told her firmly and Tara looked at Elena so pitifully.

“Thank you Elena.” Tara mumbled, her voice almost getting faint.

Elena is not an heartless human, she won’t tell Tara to leave when she knows she’s sick. “Please stay. You’re very much welcomed,” Elena said with a smile.

Elena beckoned on Rita’s and they both assisted Tara with her bags into her room. Elena noticed Lucas had gone into his room.

Yes, they slept in diferent rooms and anyday Lucas comes to her place, he always avoid like a plaque. Love was never it in their marriage except the night he drank and had sex with Elena and now, she’s carrying his baby.

Elena held her head up high, she wouldn’t let Tara’s appearance ruin the news she had for Lucas, she arranged her hair and knocked  on his door. 

“Can I come in Lucas?” Her voice was soft but loud enough for Lucas to hear.

“Come in,” he growl in his rough masculine voice.

Elena came in, Lucas bare chest was what welcomed her. Her heart was pounding in her chest that she almost forgot what she was here for.

“What’s wrong? Is Tara asking for me?” He asked making Elena jolt back to reality.

All he cared about was his first love. Then, Elena’s  eyes ran to the small box on the bed, a sparkling blue ring was in it. ‘Did he buy that for me?’ Elena thought in her head.

“I have something to discusss with you,” Lucas added, putting on his shirt and buttoned up.

Elena’s ear yearn, she was dying to know what Lucas has for her. “What’s that?” Her eyes glancing back at the small box on the bed.

‘Is he about to give me that?’

“We should break the contract. Let’s get a divorce,” Lucas announced.

Elena’s heart sank. 

“What?” Her ears must be hearing double. Lucas can’t say that?

“Listen Elena. Tara is back, she’s the reason I got married to you in the first place…you took her position, remember? Time to give it back to her,” Lucas told her, making it dawn to her that Lucas wasn't in love with her.

Elena knew the truth all along but she was blinded by love that she accepted to marry him in Tara's place. Now, she's back. 

Tears formed in Elena's eyes. She shook her head repeatedly, “No. You can't divorce me…Lucas! I won't allow you!  I'm preg-” She was about telling him about her pregnancy when Tara appeared at the door. 

“Don't divorce her, Lucas. I'm useless. Elena loves you…” Tara said from the door. 

Lucas heart softened just by looking at Tara pleading for Elena’s sake. “See? Tara is  so kind-hearted, she still cares for you even after you’ve greedily took her position,” Lucas said.

Elena couldn’t even say a word. She couldn’t even bring herself to tell him about her pregnancy. All these came too sudden for her. Just as she was about heading out, a mild dizziness hit her and she almost collapsed.

Lucas quickly  rushed to her side, “Are you okay? What’s happening-” Lucas was worried, Elena felt a bit of hope as she watch him care for her but it all washed away when Tara started coughing.

Lucas pushed Elena away from him and ran to stay with Tara who collapsed in his arms. “Tara?! Tara! Please wake up…” Lucas almost cried. 

Elena tears rolled down, ‘he never loved me,’