_Griselda’s POV_

I stood frozen in front of the bathroom sink, my eyes glued to the two pink lines on the pregnancy test. My mind went blank.

Me, pregnant? It seemed impossible, but the proof was staring me right in the face.

I took a deep breath, trying to process the news. A huge smile spread across my face as tears of joy streamed down my cheeks.

I stepped out of the bathroom, still in shock, and grabbed my phone from the counter. I quickly dialed Archangelo's number, my hands shaking with excitement. I couldn't wait to share the news with him.

But my call went straight to voicemail. I tried again. This time, the phone rang, but Archangelo didn't pick up.

I frowned, wondering where he was. Maybe he's busy, I thought. I'll just have to wait till he gets back.

I looked down at the pregnancy test still clutched in my hand, still grinning from ear to ear. I couldn't wait to tell Archangelo the amazing news.

I picked up my phone to call Archangelo's mom. I was excited to share the amazing news with her. But then I stopped myself. I hesitated, my finger hovering over the dial button.

I stopped myself from making the call. Ever since the incident at the last family gathering, things had been awkward between us. I could sense that his family members were being cautious around me, walking on eggshells.

I sighed and turned off my phone, putting it back on the vanity. I started thinking about how different things were when I first met Archangelo's parents. They welcomed me into their family with open arms. His mom treated me like I was her own daughter. She was so kind and loving, it felt amazing.

But then something unexpected happened. It was a shock to everyone, including me. I had a seizure at the last family gathering. It came out of nowhere. I hadn't had a seizure in eleven years. I thought I was done with them.

I remembered the look of shock on everyone's faces when I finally regained my consciousness .They didn't know what to do. They were all scared. I was scared too. Why did this happen now, after all these years?

Growing up, my epilepsy made my life really tough. I was alone a lot. When I was living in the orphanage, the other kids didn't want to play with me. They were scared of my seizures. And when families adopted me, they would eventually return me to the orphanage. They couldn't handle my condition.

Life was a living hell, but I didn't give up. I worked extremely hard to make a better life for myself. And then, I met Archangelo. He was the first person to accept me for who I am, epilepsy and all.

Archangelo is the son of a multimillionaire and heir to a huge fortune. Tall, charming, and ridiculously handsome. His strong jawline and sharp cheekbones make him look like a model and we fell deeply in love

I still remember the day I told him about my epilepsy. I had been nervous, but I knew I had to be honest with him.

"I don't know how to tell you this, but I think I just have to," I had said.

He looked at me with kind eyes and replied, "You know you can always tell me anything."

I took a deep breath and said, "I...I actually have epilepsy."

I recall the surprised look on his face, but he didn't say anything. I continued, "I used to have episodes, but I haven't had any for the last 8 years."

Then Archangelo said something that made my heart skip a beat. "You know, I used to be terrified of the dark when I was a kid," he said with a gentle smile. "And you know what? I haven't needed a nightlight for the last 15 years. So, you having epilepsy for so long, and being seizure-free for 8 years... that just tells me you're strong. And I'll be with you, every step of the way."

Even now, I cherish those words. He didn't care about my epilepsy; he just cared about me and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. We got married, and I've never been happier.

I was still lost in thought when I heard the sound of a car horn outside. I walked over to the window and smiled as I saw Archangelo's car.

"He's back," I said to myself, excitement building up inside me.

I started pacing back and forth in the room, thinking about how to share the good news with him. But when he didn't come upstairs, I decided to go down and find him.

As I entered the living room, I saw Archangelo sitting on the couch, his back resting against the cushions and his head tilted up towards the ceiling.

His face looked tired and devastated, and I couldn't help but feel a bit worried

"Archie, are you okay?" I asked, walking over to him. "Is everything okay?" But he didn't respond.

I went to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and brought it over to him.

"You seem tired," I said, handing him the cup. "Here, take this." But again, he didn't say a word.

Instead, he stood up, his movements slow and heavy, and dragged his legs upstairs, leaving me feeling worried and confused.

Something must have happened, I thought. I dropped the cup and followed Archangelo upstairs. I entered the room, and he was loosening his tie. His eyes looked dull, and I thought maybe I should tell him the good news to lift his mood.

"Archie, I actually have something to tell you," I said with a smile.

But before I could continue, he dropped a paper on the bed.

"Check it," he said.

I was confused, and I looked at him. I nervously picked up the paper, hoping it wasn't about him losing a deal in the company. I opened it, and to my surprise, it was a divorce paper.

I looked at Archangelo, desperate for an answer.

"What... What is this??" I asked, my voice shaking. "Who is getting divorced??"

I didn't want to believe what was happening. "Someone at work?? Who exactly??" I asked, trying to stay calm.

But Archangelo's response shocked me.

"Stop acting naive, Zelda," he said. "I've already talked to my lawyer and everything is set. The divorce papers are right here, all I need is your signature. Just sign them and let's get this over with. Don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be”

I was taken aback. This had to be a joke.

"Archangelo, what is going on??" I asked, "You left this house this morning looking okay, and now this??"

"Sign it quickly," Archangelo said coldly, taking off his shirt. "I don't have much to say."

I stood firm, walking closer to him. "Look into my eyes and tell me you really mean this," I said, my voice shaking.

There was silence for a few seconds. Then, his eyes met mine, and he said the words I wished he never would.

"Yes, I mean this. I want you to sign it," he said.

But I was still confused. "Is this about your family? Did they ask you to do this? Did they…….”

Archangelo cut me off, yelling, "Just stop, Zelda! Just sign the damn paper!"

I yelled back, using his full name, "Archangelo Vaughn, I'm pregnant!"

The look on his face changed from fury to surprise. "Yes, I'm carrying your child," I said again.

The room fell silent. I thought this news would change his mind, but I was wrong.

"That doesn't stop you from signing the paper," he said, his voice cold.

I was shocked. "What's going on? Why are you doing this? If this is some kind of prank, you should stop," I said, but he ignored me and left the room.

I stared at the divorce paper and then he walked back into the room, and I held onto a glimmer of hope that he'd tell me it was all a prank. But his next words pierced my heart like an arrow.

"I'll pretend not to hear or know about your pregnancy," he said "Just make things easier and sign the paper, then leave."

He turned and walked out of the room, leaving me shattered. I swallowed hard, my throat hurting as I struggled to hold back tears. My legs gave way, and I dropped to the floor, overwhelmed by my thoughts.

—————

The next day

I stood in front of the grand estate, the home of Archangelo's parents. After a sleepless night, Archangelo had left the house early that morning, without saying a word to me. He had slept in a separate room, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something’s wrong

As I entered the mansion, I was surprised by the scene before me. Mrs. Vaughn, Archangelo's mother, was sitting with a woman, both of them smiling.

Mrs. Vaughn's eyes met mine

"And look who we have here." She said and the lady looked at me with an unfriendly smile.

I didn't say anything at first, but then I took a few steps forward. "Can I speak to you?" I asked, looking at the lady before turning back to Mrs. Vaughn. "In private," I added.

Mrs. Vaughn smiled. "In private? If this is about Archangelo, then you can say it in front of her. After all, they're getting married soon." She said

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, and my eyes widened in shock.

I looked at the lady in shock, and she just smiled at me. I turned back to Mrs. Vaughn, and she picked up the cup on the stool next to her and took a sip.

"That's his fiancée, and they're getting married soon," Mrs. Vaughn said, her voice sounding nonchalant . "And she's pregnant. My Archie is in for a treat."

My heart started beating fast. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I looked at the lady, and she handed me something that looked like a wedding invitation. But I didn't take it. She slipped it into my bag instead.

I was still trying to understand everything that was happening when Mrs. Vaughn stood up. She looked at me with a mean expression. "Oh, Zelda, don't try to cry," she said. Her voice was sarcastic, like she didn't care about my feelings.

I knew I wouldn't dare cry in front of them. I had to be strong and keep my pride. I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break down.

"Everyone supports this marriage," Mrs. Vaughn continued. She was talking about Archangelo's new marriage. "And this lady is... suitable." She said it like I wasn't suitable, like I wasn't good enough.

"Unlike you," she said, looking at me with disgust. "Aren't you sorry? You came into our family and tried to give my son your... condition." She said it like my condition was something shameful, something to be ashamed of.

Her words hurt me, but I tried not to show it. I felt angry, but I knew I had to keep calm. I didn't want to make a scene.

The lady spoke up, her voice condescending. "Epilepsy, ma'am," she said, like she was trying to embarrass me.

I glared at her. She was trying to taunt me, to make me feel ashamed of my condition. I clenched my fist, trying to control my temper but I could feel my face getting hot.

Just then my eyes met the water glass on the stool. It was full of water, and it looked like the perfect way to shut the lady up. In a split second, I grabbed the glass and poured the water right on the lady's face.

She shrieked, shocked and insulted. Water dripped from her face, and she looked like she was in shock.

"Are you crazy?" Mrs. Vaughn yelled, slapping me hard across the face. My cheek stung, but I didn't care.

I turned to her, panting and furious. "I'll never forget this day," I yelled

I turned and walked away, leaving them behind. I was hurt and angry.

Archangelo was getting married, and his fiancée was pregnant with his child?

————

In the evening

I was sitting in the house when I heard the door open. I knew it was Archangelo.

He's back, I thought to myself.

"I heard you went to the empire and created a mess," Archangelo said, his tone was full of anger and frustration. It was clear he was furious that I went there but I just stayed quiet, choosing not to respond. I didn't feel like talking to him or explaining myself at all.

"You think you could just do whatever you want and..." he continued, but I cut him off.

“So, you're getting married?" I asked quietly and stood up, my eyes locking onto his. But instead of meeting my gaze, he looked away, avoiding eye contact altogether.

"I don't have much to say to you, Archangelo Vaughn," I said, my voice firm. "Yes, I'm in for it." I could feel my anger rising.

Archangelo looked confused, like he didn't know what i was trying say. I walked up to him, the divorce paper in my hand. I slammed it against his chest, and he caught it before it fell.

"I've signed the papers, Archangelo. It's official. We're divorced. There's no going back now. I've made my decision, and I'm sticking to it.” I said with my eyes glared at him