The Prince and Mia

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

Download the Book on the App

Catherine's POV

*At the hospital*

My hands trembled as I opened the envelope. Arthur kept on insisting I visited the hospital after I had been showing several symptoms of illness. I was scared of what could be in the envelope as I sat in the doctor's office waiting for her to come see me.

She greeted me and entered the office, she sat down on her chair and opened the file. She took a deep breath and suddenly widened her eyes.

"What is it doctor?" I said, I was almost running out of oxygen.

She was silent at first and looked at me.

"How is this possible?" She asked me as if in some kind of shock or amazement.

At that point I was sure that whatever was in that file was not good news.

"Tell me what the problem is doctor" I persisted as I could no longer tolerate the suspense.

"You are 2 months pregnant" she stated firmly, from her tune you could tell that she couldn't believe it but was left with no other choice because the reports couldn't be wrong.

"But I was told I will never be able to concive again after my last miscarriage" I questioned the doctor looking more surprised than her.

After I had 3 miscarriages, four consecutive years ago. The doctors were sure that I will never be a mother. Arthur and I made so many attempts as we went for so many treatments but I just couldn't get pregnant.

"Doctor, are you sure this report is correct because I don't want to give my husband false hope?" I was happy and at the same time disappointed because of my past experiences.

"I think we need to conduct another pregnancy test. It will be ready 2 days from now" the doctor concluded and I completely agreed with her.

I just couldn't get the thoughts out of my head, I was so deep in thoughts that I didn't even look where I was headed. I bumped into one of the workers at the hospital.

*At Catherine's and Arthur's home*

Arthur had returned home late that night and I was too worried to even ask why.

"What is it?" He enquired as we both sat to have our dinner.

"Thank you" I looked at the maid who served the dinner.

"Nothing" I lied trying to hide my concern.

Arthur clearly knew I was lying but he decided not to push the issue any further.

"So how was your visit to the hospital? What did the doctor say?" Arthur shoved a piece of meat in his mouth and drank a little wine.

"Uhrm nothing much. I just have a fever, that's all. Please excuse me" I wiped my face with the napkin on the table and walked away.

When Arthur was done with his meal and came into the room, I switched off the lights and pretended to be asleep.

As usual he went to the study room in the mansion to continue the work he brought from the office.

I don't know why I am so bothered about this. It is actually good news that I will finally have my own kids but I just can't tell Arthur yet at least till I am sure. The last time I had a miscarriage, Arthur almost took his own life.

I woke up the next day with a very painful headache.

"Celine, Celine" I kept on yelling to get the attention of one of the maids in the mansion.

"Yes ma'am" a young, fair, tall and elegant blonde ran towards me.

"You aren't Celine. Where is she?" I questioned the young girl as I have never seen her before, though it is impossible for me to know all the workers in the mansion, because they are over 500. I do keep the names of my favorites.

"I'm sorry ma but Celine went to see her family since it's the period of her 3 months off" she spoke softly and lowered her head as she spoke to me.

Read Now