BENEATH HER ASHES

Delilah Tomson – Point of View

Delilah Tomson always gets what she wants. Nothing is ever out of her reach. I am fearless, bold, and unapologetically determined. I write my own love stories, and nothing will stand in the way of my happy ending.

Jackson Jack is my soulmate. He may be married to Emily now, but that was clearly a mistake. Very soon, he will kick her out of that oversized mansion and out of his life for good.

"How far along are you? I have been waiting for this baby for months!" I ask the woman carrying my future in her womb.

When Jackson told me he wanted to leave me to focus on the family he and Emily had always dreamed of, I had to act fast. The brilliant idea that saved everything? I told him I was pregnant. Ever since, he has been doting on me, completely fooled by the fake belly I have been sweating under in this unbearable heat.

I even put my modeling career on hold, sacrificing everything so the world believes this perfect lie. I cannot risk Emily giving birth before my surrogate does. If she does, everything I have built will collapse.

As if the day could not get any worse, I get a text from Jackson demanding to meet. Not requesting , demanding. My gut twists. He never talks to me like that. Something is wrong.

Rumor has it Jackson has been selected for the next Best Businessman Issue magazine cover, and they plan to feature him with his wife. Of course. Jackson cares deeply about his image. News of a pregnant mistress would ruin him, but he would not dare break up with me. Not when he thinks I am carrying his son.

After a quick shower, I stare at myself in the mirror. My body is perfect. Sculpted. Beautiful. But hidden beneath maternity dresses and this ridiculous prop of a belly. The moment my surrogate gives birth, I will show the world who I truly am again.

I pour myself a glass of wine and settle on the balcony with an hour to spare before meeting Jackson. I should be enjoying the quiet, but my peace is shattered by a phone call.

"Delilah, you have to do something or we are ruined! Everything we have worked for will be in vain. I cannot go back to poverty!"

It is my sister, Rosaline who is my eyes and ears. She has been working as Jackson's personal assistant for months, and he still does not know she is my sister. She is around him more than anyone, including his wife.

"Jackson is planning to break up with you today," she says.

I laugh. Loudly.

Jackson thinks I am pregnant with his heir. He would never walk away. Rosa must be mistaken.

But then she says something I never thought Jackson would say . "He told his friend he would never raise a bastard child."

That one stings.

Clearly, Jackson has forgotten who he is dealing with. It is time this affair became public.

"Tell your guy to message Emily. Send her Jackson's location. Let us end this perfect little fantasy she calls a marriage."

Today, Emily Jacobs will receive the worst news of her life.

Her best friend is her husband's mistress.

No one walks away from Delilah Tomson.

Emily Jacobs – Point of View

A typical morning for a pregnant twenty-five-year-old married to a wealthy man looks something like this: My husband, Jackson, is rarely home when I wake up either he is traveling for business or off to an early meeting. Still, he always makes sure I am well taken care of in his absence.

The alarm rings, and I hit snooze a few times before sliding into my soft, fuzzy slippers. I head to my peaceful garden, where my yoga instructor waits.

Nothing compares to this garden : the scent of delicate roses, cheerful tulips, and the gentle murmur of the waterfall statue at its center. It is my daily paradise.

After yoga, I follow the irresistible smell of toast and avocado coming from the kitchen, where my personal chef is already preparing breakfast.

Just as I sit at the dining table, a notification flashes on my phone.

"Your husband is cheating on you with your best friend."

Attached is a photo: Jackson and Delilah entering hotel room number seven.

I stare in disbelief. My pregnant best friend... and my husband?

No. This has to be fake. Someone must have doctored this image. Jackson and Delilah adore me. They would never!

I force myself to ignore the message, refusing to give it power. I return to my breakfast and gently cradle my belly, smiling at the kicks of my growing babies.

Still... the thought creeps in.

Could they really betray me?

I shake my head, trying to push the suspicion away, but it will not leave me alone. Finally, curiosity wins.

I reply to the message.

"Send me his live location."

Within seconds, I receive a pin.

If this is true... I need to see it with my own eyes.