Under The Influence

While I Was Bleeding Out, He Lit Lanterns For Her

Katie Oettgen

As I lay on the floor of our manor, bleeding out from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, I used my last ounce of strength to call my husband, Cole. I begged him for help, my vision blurring. But the only thing I heard was the clinking of champagne glasses and his mistress's giggle in the background. "Stop the drama, June," Cole snapped, his voice cold. "We're about to go on stage. Don't call again." He hung up, leaving me to die alone on the Persian rug while he accepted an award with another woman on his arm. I woke up in the hospital days later. My baby was gone. They had removed my fallopian tube. Cole finally arrived, smelling of expensive scotch and his mistress's perfume. He didn't hug me. He didn't cry. Instead, he leaned over my hospital bed, pressing his knee into the mattress until my fresh stitches tore open and bled. "You embarrassed me by calling an ambulance," he hissed. "My mistress, Alycia, says you're faking it. Clean yourself up." He left me bleeding again to go announce a $10 million donation to Alycia's "groundbreaking" medical research. I stared at the TV screen, numb. The research Alycia was taking credit for? It was mine. I wrote that patent years ago under a pseudonym. They thought I was just a poor, orphan housewife who needed Cole's money to survive. They had no idea I was actually a billionaire scientist hiding my identity. I pulled the IV needle out of my arm. A drop of blood fell onto the divorce papers I had been hiding. I didn't wipe it off. I signed my name right over it. Then I walked into the bank, reactivated my dormant account with $128 million, and bought the penthouse directly overlooking Cole's house. The mourning widow is dead. The avenger is born.

Romance Crime Revenge Pregnancy Enemies to Lovers Pregnancy Personal Growth

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Sophia's POV

I slightly groaned when I felt the bright sunlight fall on me. I twisted and turned in my bed for a few more minutes before I was finally up.

Bree , who was sitting just by the side of the bed started barking and wagging it's tail. I gently patted her hair.

Today I had a day off and was planning on lazing around . Maybe call my idiot bestfriends over and watch some movies with tubs of chocolate chip icecream.

With happy thoughts swimming in my mind , I went to do my morning routine before going downstairs for breakfast . It was my day off so I woke up late and Dad had already left for office.

"Good morning , Mom " I jogged off to my seat.

"Good morning sweetie" , my mom smiled and set down a plate of breakfast for me.

"I don't know if it's because I am too hungry or the pancakes are really so delicious but these taste amazing , mom." I stuffed my mouth with the pancakes after dipping it in chocolate sauce.

Shaking her head she just laughed.

We were talking about random things when Mom's phone rang and it was Dad.

" Yes David " My mom picked up the phone.

" ........ " Mom's eyebrows creased and she was impatiently tapping the table top.

"Umm okay , I will just see."

Hanging up Mom went upstairs. She came down after a few minutes with a file in her hand.

"Sophie , your Dad has forgotten an important file and today he has a meeting with his boss . He really needs it , can you take this file to him ? " Mom looked at me with hopeful eyes. I huffed.

So much for planning a fun day.

"Sure." Saying that I got up and went to get ready.

I changed into a oversized sweater and a black skirt. Putting on a bit of nude lipstick and winged liner , I left for his office with the file.

I got inside a cab .

"Where to , ma'am?" The driver looked at me face.

"Carter Enterprises , please. " My Dad worked at the Carter Enterprises. Nicholas Carter, the CEO of Carter Enterprises was one of top bussinesmen in the world. It is said that the company had reached heights after he took over. I had seen him twice in some magazines but can't say I haven't seen his face properly. He is too handsome to not take a proper glance. He is the perfect handsome billionaire but it can't be said if he is a playboy or not. His personal affairs haven't been the headlines often.

It was a twenty minutes ride from my home . I had put on my headphones to listen to some music.

"Ma'am we are here." I took off my headphones and looked out to see at the huge building.

After paying him and thanking him , I walked towards the buliding. Entering through the lavish entrance, I headed straight to the reception.

"Excuse me " the receptionist looked up with a greeting smile "How can I help you?"

"I am here to meet Mr. David Jones "

"Please take the elevator to the 21 st floor and on your left you will get to his office . "

"Thank you."

She smilingly nodded at me.

I walked into the elevator and pressed the button. The elevator stopped at the 8 th floor and a tall good looking guy walked in . I could feel him staring at me a few times before I turned to look at him. He smiled at me and introduced himself.

"Hi , I am Caleb " He put his hand forward.

"Sophia Jones " I shook his hand with a smile on my face.

"So .. to meet someone?" He asked. He seemed like a nice guy and didn't give me the creeps.

"Yes , I came to give this file to my Dad , uhm Mr. Jones , he left it back at home." I explained.

He nodded and then there was silence . Finally the elevator stopped and I stepped out.

"It was nice meeting you." He waved at me .

"Same here" I waved back and the door closed with a ding.

Just as I turned to my left , something small collided with my legs. I looked down to see a little boy with brown hair and an extremely cute face. He looked up and stared at me. I bent down to his height and observed his bright brown eyes.

"Hey little man , I am Sophia, what's your name?" I asked with a big comforting smile.

He looked at me for a few seconds debating on whether to reply or not. Finally deciding to reply , he smiled at me .

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