Husband's Betrayal, Wife's Survival

CHAPTER 1

"Where's the police? We are arresting you, Jessica," Three kids surrounded Jessica with their hands stretched out like a gun.

“Wait a minute, what is going on here?" She asked with a little chuckle before looking at their adorable faces.

"You committed a crime Jessica and now you're going to jail," another said.

“But I didn't do anything wrong, you see." Jessica insisted with a little sigh.

“You did and we are sorry that you have to come with us to the station so you could explain yourself."  They insisted.

"Really?" She asked but they said nothing but pulled her to God knows where. "Where are you boys taking me to?" She asked them.

"To the police station of course. Where else Jessica?" They said, still pulling her.

“What?" She said unbelievably. Jessica let out a small smile when she noticed another group of kids dragging Travis towards her.

"Now I see what you little cuties were up to, what are you doing here Travis?" She asked, surprise filling her face. Travis said nothing but fixed his hand in his pocket before giving a small grin, he glanced at the kids for little help. "Travis asked that we find you and arrest you because you did something really bad and offensive to him," one of the kids muttered.

"I did something wrong, and what exactly could that be?" She asked before tickling one of the kids, his enormous laughter soon filled the air. "Thank you for arresting Jessica guys, here is some candies for a job well done," Travis said.

"Candies," they yelled happily as Travis handed them each a candy. "Aren't you supposed to be home sleeping after a tiring day from work?" Jessica asked, making Travis nod in agreement.

"Then what brings you here then?" She asked him.``Jessica, uhm!" Travis said with a cough. "I admit that I'm not rich and I don't have cars, money, or gifts to give. Let's say I have nothing but in my heart, the only thing I can offer you is my sincere, honest, and everlasting love," Travis muttered before pulling out a little box from his pocket.

"Jessica, in my entire life and existence. I have never loved any woman as I have loved you, you're the only woman I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with." He muttered before sighing. He pulled open the small black box as a ring came into view.

"Would you do me the favor of completing my heart?" He asked, making Jessica shocked, her mouth was left open in shock as she stared around the orphanage.

"Yes Travis, I Would Marry you," She said as a tear trickled down her cheeks, She strode to hug him and he also hugged her back. Jessica was happy, This was one of the happiest things that had happened to her and she knew she wasn't going to regret it.

All her life, Jessica had lived in the orphanage and she was ready to live outside the orphanage with Travis in it.

"What about we just get married soon?" He asked and she nodded.

ONE MONTH LATER

The church was filled with kids and wellwishers from the orphanage. Jessica was adorned by a beautiful dress and her hair was made simply but yet beautifully, Travis stood at the altar dressed in his best suit.

The pastor stared at the couple who would be merged as husband and wife in three seconds.

"Do you take Jessica Edward as your lawful wedded wife, for richer, for poor, in sickness and in health, till death do you apart?" The pastor asked Travis.

"Yes, I do." He replied.

"Do you take Travis Franco as your lawful wedded husband, for richer, for poor, in sickness and in health, till death do you apart?" The pastor asked Jessica.

"Yes, I do," Jessica replied.

"Thank you for this Jessica, I promise that I would be your family and you would never be alone anymore. I want our marriage to be great as we have so many kids running around because I know you would be a good wife and a mother to both me and our kids," Travis muttered in his mind as he held Jessica's hands.

"I love you Travis and you would be the only man I would love and support, I would stay by your side because I love you very much," Jessica muttered in her mind also.

"You may now kiss your bride," The pastor announced as Travis's lips were smashed to Jessica's. The clapping and cheering of the crowd for the now newly wedded couples were heard.

They walked out of the church before heading to the reception. Soon, it was dark as they headed back to the oneroom apartment Travis stayed in England. They were both tired and only wanted to retire to bed.

Travis lay on the bed with Jessica clutched on his chest. His hand was entangled with hers as they stared out of space, "let's move back to Netherlands, it's a place we can try to find a job and it's much better for us to raise our kids. The people there are friendly and kindhearted." Travis muttered.

"Where would we live?" Jessica asked.

"We are moving to my hometown Flevoland, we have a house there. Though, I told you that my father died a long time ago but my aunt stays there. She is my step mother," Travis said.

"Wow, I can't wait to meet her," Jessica let out happily.

"Don't worry Jessica. You would soon because she is really friendly and I have told her a lot about you," Travis said. "That's nice of you Travis," Jessica said snuggling closer to Travis.

"We need to sleep, so we can start packing tomorrow for our trip," Travis said, inching to kiss Jessica on the lips. "Good night love," he said. "Good night babe," she muttered before closing her eyes to sleep.

Travis and Jessica had just arrived at their hometown. The taxi had just dropped them off in front of an old tattered mansion, it wasn't really something big but something that was moderate. Travis brought out their little luggage before holding Jessica's hand in his.

She gave him a small smile as they walked inside the building.  "Aunt Clara," Travis called as the plumpy lady came out of the building with a young girl.

"Brother?" His stepsister Emerald muttered running to hug him. "My Goodness Travis, is that you?" Aunt Clara muttered, striding towards them happily. She hugged Travis before staring at Jessica. "It's been a long while Travis and I miss you so much, how have you been?" She asked.

"Fine aunt, this is Jessica," he said.

"Oh my, You look even more beautiful than I have imagined and I really don't blame Travis for falling madly in love with you," She said, hugging Jessica but deep down she didn't seem happy.

"Welcome Jessica, I need to go to market Mother," Emerald said. "Hurry Emerald, we need to sell all those oranges before nightfall," Aunt Clara said.

"Yes mother," Emerald answered before leaving. "Let's head inside Travis, I have prepared something delicious for you two and it might get cold." Aunt Clara muttered as they walked inside the building.

CHAPTER 2

"I'm very happy that the two of us get to meet at last Jessica," Aunt Clara, let out before serving fried rice on her plate. "I'm also glad and honored, Aunty," Jessica replied with a smile.

"Your food is still as delicious as ever Aunt Clara, I have missed this so much," Travis muttered filling his mouth with another huge spoon of rice. "Well, thank God you are back, however," Aunt Clara said with sadness visible on her face.

"However, what?" Travis asked, dropping his spoon to stare at Aunt Clara.

"Now that you would be staying here. What kind of job do you think you would get? You know the jobs here aren't something you could get so easily in this town and seeing how your father left us a huge debt to pay. I'm just worried, how on earth would we be able to pay off such debt?" Aunt Clara let out her concern.

"The debt we owe Mrs. Mary is to be paid off soon, how do we do that?" Aunt Clara asked again.

"You don't have to worry Aunt Clara, I have talked to Mrs. Mary and she agreed that I could work in her wine factory and all that we owe would be deducted from my salary," Travis told her. "But if what we owe is being deducted from your salary, nothing would be left to help here around the house," Aunt Clara said.

"You don't have to worry about that Aunt Clara, I have some money saved up from England. It would go a long way for us and I would make sure I work some overtime to make sure we are okay and lack nothing," Travis explained.

"What matters to me the most is that all our family are together and fine," Travis muttered with a huge grin. "Alright Travis, eat up before your food gets cold." Aunt Clara said with a smile.

"Yummy, this banana tastes really nice! Have some of this Travis," Jessica said, trying to hand him a banana. "What are you doing? Take that away, don't you know Travis is allergic to Banana? I thought you should know that by now since you're his wife," Aunt Clara said.

"No, that's alright! I wasn't able to tell Jessica about that, moreover, it's not a big deal," Travis said.

"You should have more banana's Love," Travis let out to Jessica, "I'm really okay babe," Jessica said with a small smile. "How cheesy," Emerald squealed happily but Aunt Clara rolled her eyes before sighing at the boring show in front of her.

Travis had woken up early in the morning the next day to head to work.

After Jessica and Travis had their breakfast. They walked hand in hand as Jessica escorted him to the factory he was going to start work at, the factory wasn't far from where they lived. "Wow babe, where you would be working is beautiful," Jessica muttered with Amazement in her eyes.

"I know right, the owner is really wealthy," Travis replied.

"It's big, isn't it?" He asked.

"Yes, very big," Jessica replied.

Travis smiled before pulling Jessica into a big warm hug. "I don't want you to go but I have to work, you should head back home and I will see you when I get back," Travis said, kissing Jessica on the cheeks.

He was about to leave but Jessica stopped him. "What's it Love?" He asked. "Do you think I could work here too? I mean I want to help settle the debt we owe Mrs. Mary and help around the house expenses," she said but Travis only scoffed before laughing.

"What's it?" She asked.

"I just had a feeling that you were going to ask me that question but I won't let you love, I don't want you getting stressed out or tired. You should stay home with Emerald and Aunt Clara, follow them to the market, and help them sell some fruit." Travis Advised.

"I just felt we would earn bigger if I worked here babe," Jessica said. "Don't worry, I promise that I have got this covered," Travis said before staring at her. He bent low before kissing her lips, he pulled away before pecking her forehead.

"I will see you when I get back home," he said before leaving.

Jessica had just packed Travis's clothes from the rope where she had spread them. She was about to leave to get them ironed when Aunt Clara called her. "Aunty, anything the matter?" She asked.

"Nothing really, just curious! How long have you and my son been together before marriage?" She asked Jessica before eating from the pasta in front of her.

"We have been together for four years," Jessica replied, shocked at the question being thrown at her. "In those four years, have you saved any money?" Aunt Clara asked.

"No, nothing," Jessica replied politely.

"What? I feel so sorry for my poor son, he is taking the responsibility of paying off our debt, and then another person adds up for him to support," Aunt Clara muttered harshly.

"I can just help out in the Market," Jessica offered. "No, you should iron those clothes instead," Aunt Clara said before leaving.

FOUR MONTH LATER

"The moon is really beautiful tonight," Travis said, hugging Jessica from behind. "Is something wrong Love? Do you have a problem? You seem a bit quiet," Travis asked worriedly.

"You know that I haven't been feeling well lately. Well, I just got back from the health clinic close by," Jessica let out as Travis pulled away from the hug before swiveling Jessica to face him.

"Yes, and what did they say love?" He asked. Rubbing her hands gently.  "Do you remember a wish that we both made?" She asked, making Travis nod.

"Well, that wish finally came true," she muttered with a smile. "Are you telling me that I will become a father soon?" Travis asked with an enormous grin placed at each corner of his lips. "Wait, are we going to be a family soon?" He asked yet again.

"You're keeping me in suspense, say, something love," Travis begged. "Yes, we are going to have a family together babe," she said as Travis carried her in a bridal style.

"Thank you," Travis said before pulling his wife into a hug. They were both happily rejoicing with no hint that Aunt Clara was eavesdropping on their whole conversation.

CHAPTER 3

The breeze that blew fresh air was visible in the market as Aunt Clara tried to adjust her fruits from getting dusty, her friend Rita had just stopped by her stall to get some fruits. "Congratulations Clara," Rita, her friend, exclaimed.

"Congratulations for what? Did I win the lottery?" She asked as Rita scoffed. "Common, I heard Travis got Married," Rita muttered looking at the fresh and tasty looking oranges. "That woman gets on my nerves each time I set my eyes on her," Aunt Clara said, fixing her hands on her waist before rolling her eyes.

"Don't say that," Rita muttered.

"I really don't know what Travis saw in that woman," Aunt Clara muttered furiously.

"Why say that?" Rita asked.

"Travis didn't use his head this time, there are a lot of women out there but he chose to end up with someone as poor as he is," she muttered making Rita scoff. "Don't be like that Clara," Her friend insisted.

"Isn't it the truth? Travis is a really handsome man! He could easily get a rich woman if he wanted to,``'' You know Rita, I had always thought that our lives would become better when he marries someone who had the money," Aunt Clara said.

"Do you know that woman is pregnant?" Aunt Clara said, peeling the yellow part out of the oranges.

"Pregnant? Oh, that good news," Rita said happily. "That's not good news Rita, it's not been long since they got married and she is already pregnant. That child would only add up to our responsibility, we're going to have another mouth to feed in our house," Aunt Clara explained.

"Just forget all of that Clara, I'm sure Travis got everything covered. I guess you should learn to accept her as a family, moreover, I heard she is a nice lady," Rita muttered.

"I would give it a thought," Aunt Clara said.

"Mother, you must be happy that you would become a grandmother soon and I also can't wait to be an aunt," Emerald muttered happily in the kitchen as they made dinner.

"Huh, how can I be happy when we don't even have the money. What are we going to feed that child, especially now that things are quite expensive," Aunt Clara muttered, steering the food, she didn't care that Jessica was present in the kitchen and listening to her harsh words.

"But Mother," Emerald said.

"Soon enough, there would be five of us living in this house. Oh my goodness, hurry up Emerald or dinner might take the whole night if we keep on talking about our added burden." Aunt Clara muttered before adding salt to the food she was making.

Jessica sighed before dropping the onions she was peeling. "Aunty, I'm also going to help you in the market and around the house," Jessica let out.

"What, you're pregnant and practically you don't have to do that because I don't want my nephew or niece to have any complications during birth," Emerald muttered wisely.

"Emerald, thanks for the concern but I promise that I won't be stressed out." Jessica insisted with a smile. "Jessica, would you just listen to Emerald? If your husband finds out, he might get furious with me. It's best that you don't stress," Aunt Clara said, pouring the rice into the hot water.

"I won't tell Travis about it, I promise you that I can handle it,'' Jessica said as her eyes began to get watery from the onions she sliced.  "Don't say I didn't warn you, you asked for this, and I didn't force you. Okay!" Aunt Clara clarified.

AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS

"Jessica, what's taking the food long to cook?" Aunt Clara muttered, walking towards the cupboard. She wasn't going to get anything from the cupboard, she only wanted to intentionally push Jessica towards the hot pot she was steering.

"Ouch, my hands." Jessica muttered, painfully the minute her hands hit the hot plate. "Oh, are you okay? What happened to you?" Aunt Clara asked like she hadn't done anything. Jessica said nothing as a sob escaped her lips,

"You burned your hands, I'm so sorry Jessica! I didn't mean to push you towards the Stove when I opened the cupboard," Aunt Clara lied. "Emerald, get the pain reliever so we can treat the burn,"  Aunt Clara let out.

"No need, I would just finish off the cooking before it get burnt," Jessica said.

"Here, have some of this milk love! It would make you and our baby stronger." Travis said, handing Jessica a glass of milk he had gotten for her from the kitchen. She pushed her hair behind her ear before collecting the milk from his grip.

Travis sat close to her on the bed as he watched his wife sip from the cup of milk in her hand. "Stephanie, you know what?" Travis asked, placing a hand on Jessica's tummy.

"Your father is very excited to see you and your mother and I promise that we are going to love you and take very good care of you," Travis muttered before kissing Jessica's tummy.

"You see love, I'm very happy that we are having a family together and I know that you grew up without a parent figure in your life," Travis said, staring at Jessica. She said nothing as her hands moved towards his cheeks before caressing them gently.

"I'm very lucky because you are the father of my child," Jessica muttered. Travis smiled before giving her hands a gentle squeeze. "Ouch," Jessica let out a girly hum.

"What happened to your hand?" Travis asked worriedly as he noticed the burn. "That's nothing babe. I burned my hand this morning while I was cooking," Jessica said. "You know love, you shouldn't push yourself! It's not good for a pregnant woman to stress herself out." Travis said, rubbing the burn softly.

"But I can still do little household chores and I won't get tired," Jessica said. "Even so, I hate it when you get hurt," Travis said, staring at the burn before kissing it softly.

"I don't like to see marks like this one," Travis insisted. "Babe, I want to help Emerald and Aunt Clara around the house! Besides, I won't keep up this way," Jessica said. Travis let out a big sigh when he knew it was a waste of time to keep arguing with his wife.

"Well, you should be careful next time. This must not happen again," Travis said, caressing his wife's cheeks before pulling her in for a hug. "Yes, I promise," she said with a huge grin.

CHAPTER 4

"You shouldn't do that Aunt Jessica, let me help you carry that bucket of water," Emerald muttered, running towards Jessica to help her with the bucket of water she was fetching. "What are you doing there Emerald?" Aunt Clara's voice filled the Air.

"I need you in the house right now, how do you expect me to stack up all those fruits and carry them to the market alone? Get over here and help me," Aunt Clara said. "I'm just going to help aunt Jessica with her bucket of water inside the house Mother," Emerald said.

"You silly child, let her do it. Moreover, she can carry the bucket of water herself. Isn't that right Jessica?" Aunt Clara asked.

"Of course," Jessica muttered with a small smile. "Since you heard her already, can you just come inside and help me out? Hurry up Emerald," Aunt Clara mumbled.

"Just go help her out, I will be fine," Jessica muttered with a smile. The minute Emerald had gone inside the house, Aunt Clara came back outside before pouring some liquid substance on the floor. She smiled a little before walking inside.

Jessica lifted her bucket of water before walking inside the house. The minute she stepped on the slippery substances that were sprayed earlier, she lost balance and fell heavily on the floor with the bucket of water spilling everywhere.

"Arhh, my tummy," she yelled in pain.

"Aunt Jessica, what happened here?" Emerald asked, running towards her. "Let me help you get up," Emerald said, trying to lift her up but couldn't. "Mother," Emerald yelled as Aunt Clara came running towards them.

"This is why I told you not to fetch some water, how did you slip? You have to be extra careful because you're pregnant, I hope you aren't hurt," Aunt Clara asked.

"I hope you didn't break any bones, aunt Jessica," Emerald asked worryingly.

"Arhhh, blood," Jessica muttered as she stared at her clothes that were soaked in her own blood.

"Aunt Jessica," Emerald muttered almost in tears.

"You're bleeding! Hurry Emerald. Go get some help or call the cab so we could get her to the hospital," Aunt Clara said.

"Wait right here aunt Jessica while I get the cab, you would be fine," Emerald let out before running to get help. "Hurry Emerald before it gets literally disastrous," Aunt Clara yelled.

"Nurse, where can I find Jessica Franco?" Travis asked, panic laced in his voice. "The first bed on your left sir," The nurse said, making Travis nod.

"Brother?" Emerald called the instant she noticed Travis. "Emerald? Jessica?" He called before taking a seat close to his wife. "Babe?" Jessica called as Travis held on her hands tightly.

"What happened to you love? how did you get here?" Travis asked. "Please forgive me, babe, I didn't mean for this to happen," Jessica muttered with a little sob escaping her lips.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Franco?" The woman dressed in a white laboratory suit asked as Travis sprang up from the chair. "Yes, doctor," Travis replied. "Well, your wife is out of danger," The doctor said.

"Thank you, doctor," Travis said with a sigh of relief. "What about my baby doctor?" Jessica asked. "Both of you shouldn't worry, your baby is safe." The doctor let out, with a smile. "Oh, thank goodness," Jessica let out.

"Next time Jessica, be careful and don't do heavy house chores. It is not good for you and the baby," The doctor warned. "Yes doctor, I won't," Jessica said with a nod.

"Everything seems stable, I need to attend to another patient! Please excuse me," the doctor muttered before leaving. "Love, please would you stop exhausting yourself too much from now on?" Travis pleaded softly as Jessica wouldn't stop sobbing, the thought of losing her first baby scared her to death.

"Household chores aren't something that's hard Travis," Jessica let out. "Brother, I have something to say," Emerald said. "What's it, Emerald?" Travis asked gazing at her.

"I have been feeling guilty for a long time now, it's about my mother. She has been doing and harboring bad things towards aunt Jessica," Emerald explained.

"Emerald, don't say that about your mother," Jessica said.

"Is that true love?" Travis asked but Jessica couldn't stare him in the eyes.

"I don't want to ruin your family and the relationship you have with your stepmother," Jessica said.

"No, if she doesn't like you, she shouldn't involve our baby. I need to talk to her about this," Travis said with anger visible on his whole face. "No need, don't just mind her." Jessica pleaded.

"Careful aunt Jessica," Emerald muttered as they walked inside the house. "Emerald please get Jessica a cup of water," Travis muttered, making her head to the kitchen.

"Oh, I see you are back from the hospital Jessica! So tell me how you and the baby are doing?" Aunt Clara asked. "No complication, we are doing fine," Jessica replied. "Well, thank Goodness that both you and the baby are safe," Aunt Clara said, holding her chest.

"Aunt Clara? Love? I need to get back to the wine factory. Please take good care of Jessica for me while I'm away," Travis said. "Of course Travis, I would take good care of her," Aunt Clara said.

"Thank you," Travis said before staring back at his wife.

"You should be careful," he warned before pecking her on the lips. He walked out of the room before lurking at the back of the door. "Nothing went wrong with your pregnancy? Oh no, that means there is no stopping another mouth to feed in this house. I just can't believe this." Aunt Clara said a little mad.

"Aunty, I know ever since I came to this house. You never liked me for Travis but I hope you would leave my child out of this," Jessica said.

"Are you threatening me?" Aunt Clara asked.

"I'm asking you with respect because I respect you and since my husband looks up to you as his real mother but if you ever threaten the life of my child again, I won't allow it anymore." Jessica let out firmly.

"What're you going to do? Huh, you talk asive you are someone high and mighty. If you feel you have grown tough now then let me warn you because I'm someone a lot tougher " Aunt Clara let out. Jessica felt it was a waste of time arguing with her as she turned to leave but aunt Clara hauled her by the hair.

"Uhhh," Jessica wimps in pain.

"Where do you think you're going when I'm not finished talking to you?" Aunt Clara asked, hauling her grip harder on Jessica's hair.

"Aunty please stop," Jessica begged.

"I won't let you push me around, remember that," Aunt Clara let out as she put up her hand to slap Jessica but Travis held her hand tightly before she could succeed.

"Don't you dare hurt my wife aunt Clara," Travis muttered angrily. "You only act nicely towards her when I'm around and treat her badly when I leave for work. I can't take this anymore, I want you out of this house." Travis let out with finality in his every phrase.

CHAPTER 5

"Travis, you mean, you're going to kick me  out of the house?" She asked, surprise visible on her face.

“So now, I'm at fault here? I was married to your father. I may not be your real mother but I took care of you and treated you like my own son and now you want to treat me this way because of that filthy woman." Aunt Clara said.

Emerald walked in with a glass of water to her grip, she was unhappy and felt bad. It was all her fault that her mother and brother were having a big fight.

"You brought this upon yourself," Travis muttered out angrily.

"Travis please stop," Jessica let out trying to pull him away but he was just too strong.

"I'm doing this because I want a much better life than this for you Travis. Instead of you using your brains, you went out and married someone who is as poor as we are. Our lives is supposed to be getting better but it seemed that we are bound to suffer because of that stupid woman you call your wife." Aunt Clara let out.

"Get out of this house aunt Clara before I lose the respect I have left for you, and if you can't get along with my wife, then I want you out of this house. We all don't need a bad egg around so just leave us alone." Travis muttered with rage.

"I hope you don't regret this Travis," Aunt Clara said.

"Get the hell out of this house this minutes before I do something bad to you," Travis yelled at the top of his voice. Emerald couldn't help it as she kept crying, if she hadn't told her brother about what her mother was doing! They might not have ended up in a big fight.

"Brother please," Emerald begged but Travis had turned a deaf ear, Aunt Clara left for her room to get her things. She was angry and in full rage.

The night wind was beautiful but Jessica seemed to be in a lot of thought since the argument between Travis and his stepmother. She felt she was the cause of the fight, her poorness had inflicted all this dispute between them.

"Love," Travis called, clearing his throat to get her attention.

"It's getting late and you're still awake, you might catch the cold out here," Travis said before wrapping his arms around her.

"I'm not sleepy yet," Jessica muttered.

"I feel bad about what happened earlier today, You only got into a huge misunderstanding with Aunty because of me, she is the only family you and Emerald have left." Jessica let out worriedly.

"Love, you're my family. You, Emerald, and our first baby. I only did that to her because I don't want her to hurt you or the baby. The truth is, I didn't like what happened either but you know how much I love you and I hate it if anybody would chose to hurt my family," Travis let out before kissing the side of her cheeks.

"Let get to bed, it getting late." Travis said before leading his wife to bed.

SEVEN MONTH LATER

"You know I don't like leaving you alone because of your condition but we have to deliver some wine to the city, I promise that I won't be gone for long love! It's just for few days." Travis said clutching his bag on his back, Jessica gave him a small chuckle before rubbing her tummy gently.

"Babe, the baby wouldn't be coming out today. I would be due in next two month, don't worry about me! I would be waiting for your return as long as you are careful in the city." Jessica said.

"You should also be careful around the house, I don't want anything to happen to you or our baby." Travis muttered.

"Of course. Emerald is here and she takes very good care of me," Jessica told, making Travis nod

"Emerald, I'm leaving you in the care of my wife," He let out. "I won't allow anything to happen to her brother, i would make sure she eat all the food in the house and get bigger before you come back." Emerald let out earning a raft of laughter from both Travis and Jessica.

"Thank you so much Emerald, I won't mind if you make her put on an extra pounds but not just too much for me not to recognize my wife any longer," Travis said with rubbing Jessica's stomach softly.

"I have to go now," Travis said hugging his wife tightly and dearly before kissing her on the lips. He bent his face close to Jessica's stomach before whispering.

"Well, bye baby,"

"Take care of yourself too Emerald," Travis said hugging his sister and pecking her forehead before leaving.

"Why do you look so sad," Emerald asked Jessica as they made lunch. "You're missing my brother, don't you?" Emerald teased.

"You can't blame me for feeling this way, this would be the first time of being apart from Travis since we got married, it been four days since he left for the city." Jessica let out standing up to check the food they where preparing. She felt a sharp pain close to her abdomen as she let out a painful growl.

"What? What's wrong with you Aunt Jessy?" Emerald let out worridely but Jessica said nothing but whimper more from the blinding pain.

"Wait here, I need to get help." Emerald muttered.

"Emerald wait! I think my baby just happen to kick." Jessica let out happily. "Why don't you take a seat, I would get you a cup of water." Emerald let out, earning a nod from Jessica.

"I have been having different thought ever since the bleeding. What if my child grows up unhealthy?" Jessica said after gulping down the whole content from the cup.

"I don't think so, I'm sure that my Niece\nephew would grow up healthy," Emerald let out. "Oh no, the food." Jessica stood up hurriedly before putting of the food that had begun to get burnt.

"How did we not notice?" Emerald let out.

"Emerald, I think my water bag just broke," Jessica let out panickly. "Oh no, we need to get you to the hospital real quick! You're definetly going to give birth to my Niece\Nephew today," Emerald muttured out.

"Emerald, you need to call Travis. I need him now more than ever." Jessica pleaded.

"I've been calling him aunt Jessica but he seemed to be busy," Emerald let out as they entered the hospital.

"He kept me in this condition, He really needs to be here." Jessica let out. "Don't worry aunt Jessica, I have made a promise to take good care of you," Emerald let out as the nurses rushed to help Jessica out.

"You should push harder Jessica," the doctor pleaded making Jessica hold the hospital bed before letting out a huge grunt to push the baby.

She was soaked in her own sweat as she grit her teeth together in pain.

"Push, push. Jessica you should push more harder! I trust in you." The doctor said as a heavy grunt escaped Jessica's lips.

"Your baby's head is starting to come out, push harder Jessica." The doctor ordered.

"Doctor, her blood pressure is beginning to get high. What should we do?" the nurse muttered. After much pushing and effort from Jessica. The crying of a baby filled the hospital air, the baby's body was covered in blood as the doctor stared at her in panic.

"Jessica your baby isn't well, she was born premature," The doctor muttered, "why, what happened?" Jessica let out panickly.

Before the doctor could explain anything further, Jessica's eyes slowly shut down.

The city was filled with busy cars and people trying to get on with their various lives and activities. Travis held the full carton of wine to deliver to the wine shop beside the road but an elegantlooking lady who looked frightened, shattered, and unhappy stopped him. "William," she let out before pulling him into a hug.

"Sorry about the hug, do you have the strongest wine here?" She asked after realizing her mistake."We just got some delivery right now Mam," the shop attendant replied instead.

"Are those alcoholic wines?" The lady turned before asking Travis yet again. "No, this isn't Alcoholic Ma," Travis said, holding the carton tightly to prevent it from slipping to the ground.

"I honestly wanted to have a last taste of something really bitter before dying." The lady said with a small sob escaping her lips. She clenched her chest tightly before walking away.

Travis marveled at what kind of a weird lady was that. Was this how people in the city acted? "Hand me that Travis and offload the rest," Travis's coworker let out to him before collecting the carton of wine. Travis was alarmed when the lady crossed the road without sparing a glance at the car that was approaching at full speed.

"Hey, miss, lookout." He yelled before nudging her from the road, They both ended up twirling on the floor.

"Are they okay?"

"What's wrong with this lady?"

"She wasn't even looking at the road, did she want to die?" Those were the comments from the now gathered crowd.

"Ouch, my head!" She muttered on top of Travis' chest before touching the back of her head. "I hope she is okay?" Somebody from the crowd let out.

The lady removed her hand from the back of her head to notice the blood that was visible on her hand. "She's bleeding, she needs to be taken to the hospital! Call an ambulance," Somebody from the crowd yelled out panickly.

Travis was about to get her off his body but she had fainted on his chest. "Madam, madam?" Travis muttered before nudging her but she didn't even shake.

"Travis, what happened here?" His coworker asked running towards him.

"Help me carry this woman off me, let's get her to the hospital real quick." Travis stood up before helping his coworker out, they drove fastly to the closest hospital. The nurses instantly brought a bed before rushing her inside the expensivelooking hospital.

"We have brought this lady to the hospital Travis, shouldn't we be leaving already? Moreover, we obviously can't pay the bills to this hospital and Flevoland is a long trip ahead," his coworker let out.

"Can't we just wait for her condition to get a little better? I feel sorry for her," Travis said as they sat in the waiting room.

"You have been vocalizing how you want us to get home really bad because of your wife's sensitive condition. So let's leave if you want to get to your wife quickly," His coworker let out as the doctor came out of the room.

"Excuse me, sir?" The man with the white uniform coat called. Travis knew that he must be the doctor. "Are you the patient's husband?" the doctor asked Travis, holding a notepad clutched to his hand with a pen.

"No, I'm not," Travis said.

"Sorry, but how are you related?" The doctor asked.

"Uhmm__" Travis tried to explain but his Coworker chipped in.

"He is the one who saved that lady doctor, he only helped her but they aren't related in any way," His coworker muttered.

"Oh, Is that so?" The doctor inquired.

"Yes doctor, by the way, how is she doing?" Travis asked.

"Well, her condition is normal and right now she is conscious. However, she keeps asking for you so I thought that you were her husband, forgive my mistake," the doctor let out before walking away.

"You should say goodbye to her while I set the car," Travis' coworker let out, he patted Travis on the shoulders before heading out of the hospital. Travis walked into the room to notice so many patients, it seemed to be the universal room to check patients who were really not in critical condition. he strode towards the bed of the lady he had saved.

She seemed a bit weak with white clothing wrapped around her forehead. "It's you, you were the one who saved me from that car?" The lady let out.

"Yes, madam"

"It was nothing but next time please be more careful, I need to leave," Travis let out.

"Uhmm, I'm really sorry you got yourself involved. I truly wasn't myself earlier on! I got really depressed and sad because

My fiance broke up with me." She let out.

"Was his name William?" Travis let out remembering how she had pulled him into a hug a while ago.

"You look just like him and that was why I mistook you for him at the wine shop," she let out.

"Don't worry madam, someday you would meet someone who would truly love you and won't try to hurt you, I have to leave madam," Travis muttered before turning to leave. "Wait a minute, stop. How can I ever repay you for your kindness?" She asked?

"You don't have to do that, what is more, important is that you are safe and you should get some rest," Travis let out.

"Thank you so much," she let out.

"We have to leave right now, I called the factory and told them that we are on our way and the boss says that Jessica gave birth already," his coworker let out.

"Who's Jessica?" the lady asked but Travis said nothing before running out of the hospital room. Travis had so much regret at that point in time, he should have been with his wife when she had their first child. He wondered how she was doing.

"Brother, both of them are in a critical condition right now.  Aunt Jessica had high blood pressure while in labor, and it was hard to give birth to the baby. The baby isn't doing well either, he was born premature," Emerald let out the minutes she set eyes on her brother with panic.

"Doctor, is my wife Jessica and the baby doing well?" Travis asked the doctor who was about to walk past them.

"Your wife and baby are still in critical condition but I assure you that we are doing our best to stabilize their condition. I would go on then," The doctor said.

"Thank you so much, doctor," Travis said, plunging to the seat in the waiting room before allowing the tears he had been holding to pour. He was the cause of why his wife and daughter were in such a condition.

He loved his wife and daughter very much and didn't want them to leave him just yet. Travis knew that he wouldn't survive without them beside him, he knew that his life would be meaningless.