When I Realized That Our Love Had Faded and Disappeared

My step-sister, paralyzed for six years, suddenly became heavily pregnant. I picked up my phone to call the police, but my father grabbed my hand.

Felicia, this is your child too!

My husband, George Gervase, stood silently beside my father. I understood that the child in my step-sisters womb was his.

Seeing my silence, George stepped forward, separating me from Helena. Felicia, it was Dad and I who made this decision on our own. Dont blame Helena.

He comforted me with a tone of condescension. You always refused to have children. You know how cruel the gossip outside is.

Helena is paralyzed. She is your own sister. Her pregnancy wont threaten your position as Mrs. Gervase.

Every word they spoke claimed to be for my sake. Yet they acted first and asked questions later, never once inquiring if I was willing.

In their eyes, I could never say no to them. But they didnt know that the time I promised my mother to care for both the Gervase and Fogolla families had come to an end. It was time for me to leave.

Georges hand still rested on Helenas rounded belly. That sight stung my eyes like needles.

Felicia, dont be angry with George.

Helena lay on the bed, an innocent smile on her face. The doctor said my health is not good. George kept it from you because he was afraid something might happen to me or the baby.

She added, Were all doing this for your own good. After all these years as Mrs. Gervase, you still have no children. How embarrassing is that?

As she spoke, she affectionately patted the back of my hand. Once the baby is born, well register it under your name. Let him call you Mom, okay?

My father cleared his throat, adopting an authoritative tone. Felicia! Helena is carrying the Gervase Familys first grandson and its our Fogolla Familys hope!

Your sister is unwell, sharing the burden for you and the Gervase Family. Instead of being grateful, you stay expressionless. Who are you pretending to be?

George finally withdrew his hand from Helenas belly and walked towards me. He reached to take my hand, but I pulled away. His movements froze in mid-air.

Felicia, after all these years as husband and wife, dont you know me by now? Everything Ive done is for you, for our family. I cant let others stab you in the back, calling you a useless wife.

I stared at him, speechless. Seeing my unmoved expression, Georges patience snapped. He tugged impatiently at his tie.

Enough of this. Ive had my assistant prepare dinner. So, lets celebrate it together. As the lady of the house, you should at least show hospitality.

He turned to help Helena, his movements gentler than Id ever seen him before. Helena, what do you want to eat? Ill have the kitchen prepare it for you.

Helena leaned weakly against him, pouting, I want birds nest soup and I want you to feed it to me yourself.

George replied, Alright, whatever you want.

They flirted openly, without caring and treated me like I was invisible. Standing there, I felt ridiculously superfluous.

Just then, Uncle Isaac, the family doctor, entered carrying his medical bag. He pulled a medical report from his bag with a big smile.

Mr. Gervase and Ms. Fogolla, there is wonderful news!

He handed the report to George in a booming voice. Ms. Fogollas pregnancy is very stable. The ultrasound shows its a boy! Congratulations, Mr. Gervase, youll have a son as your heir!

George planted a fierce kiss on Helena. My fathers face flushed crimson with emotion.

Uncle Isaac turned to look at me, a hint of pity in his smile. Mrs. Gervase, please dont be too sad. Since your belly isnt showing any signs of pregnancy, having Ms. Fogolla bear a child for you is just as good.

The room was filled with laughter and joy, like countless needles piercing my ears. My fingers clenched the phone so tightly that my nails dug into my flesh.

George was holding the report and walked up to me. Felicia, look how adorable he is. From now on, hell be our child.

My father hastened to add, But Felicia, even though the child is registered under your name, hell still call Helena Mom.

They remained as sure as ever that I would agree to every demand they made, just like how, on the seventh day after my mothers funeral, my father brought home a step-sister, who was only half a year younger than me.

They said she was the daughter of an old friend, yet her face bore a ninety-nine percent resemblance to my fathers.

Just like how, after George mentioned wanting a child, I tried countless folk remedies.

Even though Id told him before our marriage that my health was not good and it would be difficult for me to have children, I couldnt continue with injections and medication.

It was all because seven years ago, at my mothers deathbed, I made a solemn vow.

To support my weak father in upholding the Fogolla Family, to pave a bright path for George, who started with nothing.

For my mother, the Fogolla Family represented love, while the Gervase Family embodied gratitude.

It was her final, unyielding obsession. But for me, it was merely a promise.

Now that seven years have passed, I see nothing left to linger over here. I turned away, locking the room full of family happiness behind the door.

Stepping onto the empty balcony, I dialed the number of the lawyer my mother had designated before her passing.

Mr. Chastan, seven years have passed.

A moment of silence followed on the other end, then a sigh.

Jacob Chastan, as my mothers attorney, replied, Ms. Fogolla, everything is prepared. At your command, all funds injected into Fogolla and Gervase families will begin withdrawal within twenty-four hours and are expected to be completely withdrawn within six days.

Lets begin.

Hanging up, I felt the rope that had bound me for seven years finally loosen.

George had approached unnoticed, frowning at me. Who were you talking to so mysteriously?

He continued, Felicia, Im warning you to not take the family money to make reckless investments outside. Raising a child will cost money everywhere. You better save up and be frugal.

He lectured me as if it were his right, completely forgetting that I was the one who helped him earn his money. I ignored him and walked straight to the dining room.

The long table was laden with dishes, all of them Helenas favorites. George carefully picked fish bones out of her food, completely oblivious to the fact that I hadnt even touched my cutlery.

My father, his face flushed from drinking, was beaming. Felicia, transfer your shares in Fogolla Corp to the child in Helenas womb. Just think of it as a welcome gift from being an aunt to the baby.

I lifted my head, staring at his face etched with calculation and nodded once. Alright.

My decisiveness surprised them all. George was the first to react, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

I always knew you were the most understanding, Felicia.

He immediately made the decision. Please transfer the shares in my company under your name too. For our childs sake, youll surely agree.

Helena nestled into Georges embrace, feigning concern as she tugged at his sleeve. George, dont do this. My sister will be upset.

My father scoffed dismissively. How could that be? Shes very happy! Right, Felicia? Come, raise a toast to Helena and say a few words of blessings.

George picked up a glass of red wine and handed it to me.

I cant drink, I said.

His expression darkened instantly. Cant drink? When you drank until your stomach bled over that South City project, why didnt you say you couldnt drink then?

My father chimed in, Thats right, how many drinking parties have you attended over the years? I saw you drinking so happily back then, even when we told you not to go, you insisted.

All these years, one had to maintain the image of a refined CEO, while the other had to uphold the dignity of a chairman. The task of shamelessly currying favor naturally fell to me.

Six days left, I counted silently in my mind. Then I took the wine glass that George was practically shoving into my mouth and turned it toward Helena.

Her face couldnt hide her smug satisfaction. I raised my glass, enunciating each word clearly, I wish you all get what you want.

That night, the sharp cramping in my stomach yanked me out of a nightmare. Cold sweat soaked my nightgown as I curled up in bed, even breathing was painful to me.

I groped for the nightstand, searching for painkillers, but found nothing.

Only then did I remember that the familys medicine cabinet had long been cleared out by the maid, who claimed Helena couldnt stand the smell of medicine.

The huge villa was completely empty. They were probably all gathered around Helenas room, fussing over her.

I struggled to get up and went to the hospital myself. In the emergency room, the doctor looked at my medical record, his brows furrowed deeply.

How did you end up like this again? Didnt I tell you to take proper care of yourself?

He looked up at me, his tone full of reproach and said, Wasnt Mr. Gervase keeping an eye on you? When he came last time, he specifically instructed me to make sure you got the right treatment.

My mind went blank. My first stomach attack had also happened here.

George had rushed me into the emergency room, his eyes red with panic. He grabbed the doctors hand and pleaded over and over, What should we do?

After I was discharged, he took all my work documents and personally cooked porridge for me. He would come to the hospital every few days to discuss my diet with the doctor.

Back then, he truly loved me. But that love vanished anyway.

Maybe I was too busy, too consumed to notice everyones emotions. I still remember our last argument.

It was because I hadnt slept for three days and three nights on a project. Then I missed the trip Id promised George.

He lost his temper with me for the first time. He accused me of being a cold-blooded monster who only knew how to work and hadnt fulfilled my responsibilities as a wife.

I was somewhat bewildered at the time. I was just trying to be like my mother, wanting to give them a better life. What was wrong with that?

Running two companies kept me busy and exhausted. There was no time for me to dwell on things.

By the time I came to my senses again, everything had already become what it is now.

My phone vibrated, pulling me back from my reality. It was a message from George.

[Dad and I are taking Helena on a vacation to clear her mind. Transfer six million from the company account.]

I replied with a simple word just as I always had. [Okay].

Then I messaged the finance department, granting them unlimited spending authority. It wouldnt be my company anymore anyway. Whether the cash flow dried up or not was no longer my concern.

The doctor was still nagging beside me, You must follow medical advice. Dont keep neglecting your health like this.

I nodded firmly. Okay, doctor. I wont do it again.

From now on, Id only live for myself. I stayed in the hospital for several days. George didnt make a single call.

Only the chief financial officer cautiously called once. Ms. Fogolla, regarding Mr. Gervase, his spending at the overseas resort has already exceeded ten million. If this continues, the companys cash flow will dry up.

I leaned against the headboard, looking out the window at the gray sky. Let them be.

The chief financial officer grew frantic on the other end. But Ms. Fogolla, the first payment for the South City project is due soon! If we use that money, well be in breach of contract!

Do Mr. Gervase and Mr. Fogolla knows about this?

The chief financial officer hesitated before speaking, They said it was fine, that with you here, youd handle it.

I chuckled softly. Then lets breach the contract.

I hung up the phone and checked out of the hospital. Today marked the seventh anniversary of my mothers passing. It was also the final day of my promise.

I bought a bouquet of white roses, my mothers favorite and headed to the cemetery in the western suburbs. But standing before that familiar headstone, I froze.

The photo on the tombstone was unfamiliar. The name engraved on the inscription was Laura Batard. She was Helenas biological mother.

My blood froze in my veins. Behind me came the laughter and chatter of George and Helena.

Felicia, youre here so early.

George carefully pushed Helenas wheelchair, fearing the bumps might jolt her.

I pointed at the cold stone, my voice trembling. Wheres my mother?

George frowned, clearly displeased with my reaction. Felicia, lower your voice. Dont frighten Helena.

He shielded Helena behind him before explaining slowly, Helena had a dream a few days ago. Aunt Laura told her she was cold over there all alone.

He added, I had it checked. Your mothers plot here is a rare, sun-drenched treasure spot. So we moved Aunt Laura over.

My father, leaning on his cane, followed from behind, his expression utterly matter-of-fact. Your mother disliked sunbathing the most, but you insisted on choosing this place.

Now its perfect, give it to your Aunt Laura. Shell finally get her wish.

I watched the three of them as if witnessing a masterpiece of absurd drama.

Then where is my mom? I asked, enunciating each word clearly.

Her ashes have been moved to the public cemetery in the back, George said casually.

Dont worry, Ive made all the arrangements. Your mother wont be left without a place to rest.

Helena peeked out from behind him, timidly adding, Felicia, please dont be angry. My mother is also your elder.

Now shes my babys maternal grandmother and part of both the Fogolla and Gervase families. Taking care of her fulfills the elder of Gervases final wish.

My father tapped the ground with his cane. Thats right, Felicia.

You promised your mother youd look after both the Fogolla and Gervase families. Now Laura is part of our family too. You cant favor one over the other.

They used the promise Id kept for seven years to force me into accepting this absurd situation. I stared at that unfamiliar tombstone for a long time, then suddenly smiled.

I didnt argue with them anymore. Turning away, I walked toward the public burial section in the back.

Guided by the caretaker, I found a small compartment for my mother. It was the one that hadnt even had time to be engraved with her name.

Holding the cold urn, I walked out. Passing by them, I didnt stop.

George probably thought I had finally given in and his tone softened, Felicia, stop acting like a child. Tonight, when we get home, our family will have a proper meal together.

He added, Helena specially brought you a gift.

What a generous gift indeed. I quickened my pace. Leaving my familys nauseating voices behind me.

Before leaving, I changed my surname to my mothersHumphrey.

I placed the completed divorce certificate on the bedside table in the master bedroom. Confirming I was severed from both the Fogolla and Gervase families.

I boarded an overseas flight with my mothers urn.

***

Back home, George felt an uneasy restlessness.

He frowned at his father-in-law, then asked, Dad, today seems to be mothers anniversary, right?

My father dismissed it casually, So what if we missed a memorial? Just have the servants make up for it tomorrow.

But just then, the groups secretary burst in. Mr. Gervase and Mr. Fogolla, something terrible has happened! The companys cash flow has dried up and over a dozen projects have defaulted. The creditors are all blocking the entrance right now!

My father frowned and shouted, Wheres Felicia? Tell her to get her ass over here and handle the problem immediately!

The secretary was on the verge of tears. Madam left a message and then we couldnt reach her.

George grew even more uneasy. What did Felicia say?

Madam said, Your problems have nothing to do with me!