Ivy's POV Graduation is finally here. After years of hard work, I am now a degree holder. Abandoned in front of St. Louis Orphanage, raised and schooled within its walls. I was the top student in my class, Mother Thess and Father Campbell's favorite-a reality that bred venomous jealousy all around me. The graduation party took place at the La Pella Hotel. The Addo family owned the place and were major donors and sponsors of the orphanage. Throughout my years there, I had even met Mrs. Addo herself. But Danita and Lilian hated my calm nature and were always looking for a way to break me. That day finally came. Everyone was having a good time. Alcohol wasn't my thing, and Mother Thess would never allow any of us to touch it. She taught us self-discipline and responsibility. Then, Lilian and Danita walked up to me holding a bottle of fruit juice. "We are finally done with school, Ivy," Lilian said, her smile coated in fake sweetness. "No hard blood. Let's take a drink together and make peace." Believing they genuinely meant it, I took the drink. Minutes later, a heavy fog rolled into my mind. My vision blurred. They dragged me toward the private suites, murmuring, "Go to room 31 and rest." Stumbled into the room, my body burning and weak. Danita and Lilian had drugged me. And there he was-a handsome man sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a glass of wine, loudly cursing a woman who had broken his heart. He looked up, his eyes locking onto mine. In his drunken haze, he mistook me for the woman who had betrayed him. He pulled me closer and kissed me. My mind went completely numb, and we collapsed onto the bed. "I am not your girlfriend," I whispered, drunk, foolish, and completely out of my mind, "but can I be your girlfriend tonight?" He stripped off my clothes, my pants dropping to the floor, as I gave my innocence away to a complete stranger. Morning came too fast. I woke up naked in the bed, my clothes scattered across the floor. My heart skipped a beat, a dozen terrified questions racing through my mind: How did I end up here? Did Danita and Lilian set me up? I looked over at the stranger sleeping next to me, reeking of alcohol. My head throbbed with a blinding ache, and hot tears spilled over my cheeks. I had broken the promise of keeping myself until marriage. I shouldn't have taken that drink, especially knowing how much they hated me. "You b*st*rd," I muttered, slapping his chest in a surge of panic and grief. His eyes flew open. Shock flashed across his face as he grabbed my wrist. "Who are you? And what the hell are you doing in my bed?" "I was drunk! How did I end up here?" I stammered, my voice shaking. His expression hardened into pure fury. Everything about him-the sharp angles of his jaw, the expensive cut of his watch, the heavy aura of power-screamed that he was a billionaire. And me? Just a penniless orphan. "You sl*t," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You climbed into my bed just to get f*ck*d, and now you're playing the victim. Women are all the same." He yanked the duvet back, his gaze dropping to the bloodstain on the white sheets. For a second, he froze, but he instantly looked at me with disgust. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but your cheap trick won't work on me," he snarled, shoving me away. "You planned this setup. And you are going to pay for it." He dressed quickly, checking his wallet and watch to make sure everything was intact. Then he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. Hello? How the hell did a prostitute enter my room? You are fired, he roared into the phone. He turned his cold, angry look back at me. You have five minutes to get the hell out of this place, or you will regret the day you were born. He yanked the door open and left, slamming it behind him with a force that rattled the frame. My body ached, feeling sore and battered beneath. I stumbled into the bathroom to wash myself, fighting back the nausea threatening to choke me. When I finally walked out of the La Pella Hotel, I knew my life was irrevocably broken. I had gone to a graduation party and woken up in a billionaire's bed. My innocence was gone, given away to a stranger. I hated myself, but I forced my feet to carry me back to the orphanage. If Mother Thess found out I hadn't slept in my bed, she would be devastated. I had to sneak around to the backyard and slip through the side window. Waiting in the shadows were Danita and Lilian. They stood there with smug, knowing grins, clearly having anticipated my route. Look who is finally here, Lilian sneered, her voice full of hatred. Hope you enjoyed your night, Teacher's Pet. How do you think Father Campbell and Mother Thess would feel if they found out their precious favorite is a wh*r* who spends the night out and sneaks back in? What did you girls do to me? I choked out, my voice shaking. I know you drugged me. I am telling Father Campbell. They burst out laughing, their laughter sharp and mocking. No, Ivy. You don't have any proof. They hurled insult after insult, trying to completely crush me. But as I stood there in the dark, the initial shock hardened into ice inside my chest. I would not let them break me. It will take time, but I will find that proof. And you two will pay for this. Take all the time you need, silly orphan, they laughed, turning on their heels and sauntering back to their rooms. My hands trembled with shock, but my eyes stayed dry. I walked into my room, my body weak and pale, and headed straight to the bathroom to shower. As the hot water washed away the physical chill, I stepped out, exhausted, and pulled the blanket over myself. My bag slid off the edge of the bed and hit the floor with a soft thud, spilling out a small, folded piece of paper. I picked it up and unfolded it. You will regret sleeping in my bed. I froze.
Ivy's POV Knock, knock, knock. The door opened, and Mother Thess walked in. I pulled the blanket higher, exchanging morning greetings, trying desperately to keep her from seeing my puffy eyes. But it was hard to miss. "My darling, you're still in bed? This is unlike you. Are you okay?" she asked, stepping closer. "You haven't come down for breakfast, so I decided to come check on you." "Don't worry, Mother. I'm just down with a bad headache," I said, my voice shaking. "Get some sleep. I'll ask one of the girls to bring you breakfast, and Doctor Josh will get you some medication." "Thanks, Mother." "When you are fit, we will talk about what you want to do now that you're done with school." Immediately after she left, fresh tears ran down my face. Mother Thess and Father Campbell were the only people who truly cared about me. They had named me Ivy when I was dumped at the orphanage as a baby. The only thing left with me was a silver necklace. When I turned eighteen, Mother Thess had handed it to me, saying that one day I might find my true family and the truth. I had kept that necklace locked safely away ever since. Exhaustion pulled me under, and I fell fast asleep. When I woke up later, breakfast and the medicine were sitting on the bedside table. I had no appetite, but I forced myself to take the pills anyway. Later in the day, I went downstairs to help with the work around the orphanage-feeding the kids and changing their clothes. I needed a distraction. I needed to forget that night at La Pella. But one month later, the reality of that night caught up with me in the worst way possible. I was in the kitchen helping Mother Thess prep food when a sudden wave of dizziness hit me. My stomach churned, and my limbs turned to lead. "Are you okay, Ivy?" Mother Thess asked, her voice laced with concern. "I feel weak, Mother..." Before I could finish the sentence, the floor rushed up to meet me, and I collapsed into darkness. I woke up to the sterile smell of antiseptic and found myself lying in a hospital bed. Doctor Josh was standing nearby, telling Mother Thess that the lab results would be ready soon. He patted my hand before walking out, murmuring, "You'll be okay, Ivy." Mother Thess sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gently smoothing back my hair. "You're going to be okay, my dear." Five minutes later, Doctor Josh walked back into the room holding a clipboard. He looked at Mother Thess and said, "Can I talk to you for a minute outside, Mother?" "Is everything ok with Ivy?" "Yes, sure. She's okay." I caught a flash of deep shock in Doctor Josh's eyes, though I couldn't fathom what he was hiding. They stepped over to the far end of the room, out of earshot. But the silence didn't last. "Mother Thess... based on the results, Ivy is a month pregnant." "Pregnant?!" Mother Thess shouted, the word echoing off the hospital walls. She whipped around, staring at me with a look of pure, shattered disbelief. "How can this be?" she demanded, her voice cracking. "Ivy, how?!" She kept firing questions at me while hot tears streamed down my face. "You hardly ever step foot outside! You don't have a boyfriend! Who did this to you?" "It was that night at the graduation party at La Pella," I sobbed, the truth finally tearing its way out of my throat. "Lilian and Danita... they gave me a juice. I became weak, and I ended up in a stranger's room." I wiped frantically at my face, my voice breaking. "I woke up the next day and realized I had been with him." Mother Thess froze, her expression shifting from shock to anger. "Who was he? Do you know his name, or anything that can help us track him down?" "I don't know him, Mother," I whispered, my chest tightening. "I just know he is a billionaire." Her shoulders slumped, the anger draining away into deep, crushing sorrow. She reached out and pulled me against her chest. "I am so sorry, Ivy." "We need to find that stranger, and he has to take responsibility for that night, darling. You have a little life growing inside of you now."Lilian and Danita will pay if found guilty. Feeling the warmth of her arms and seeing how heartbroken she looked for my sake, the guilt nearly choked me. "I didn't mean to break my promise, Mother," I cried out, holding onto her as tight as I could as she stroked my hair. Later in the day, I was discharged, and Doctor Josh gave me pregnancy vitamins and medication. We took a cab back to the orphanage. Father Campbell was waiting for us, his face dark with disappointment. But before he could lecture me, Mother Thess pulled him aside and told him everything-the spiked juice, the setup at La Pella, and the stranger in the hotel room. His hardened expression immediately melted into shock and pity. Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones listening. Lilian and Danita had eavesdropped on the whole conversation. As I walked slowly toward my room, they stepped out from the hallway and blocked my path, their faces twisted with malicious delight. Look at that, the orphanage flower is finally pregnant, Lilian said loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. So you've been sneaking around doing it behind our backs? You're cheap and disgusting, Danita added, laughing in my face. The teacher's pet turned into absolute trash, opening your legs for chump change. How desperately did you want to leave the orphanage? Did you really have to sell yourself just to experience a flashy lifestyle outside? Oh, what a pity! Ivy is pregnant! Lilian shouted, raising her voice so the rest of the orphanage residents could hear. Instantly, whispers broke out all around us. Staring eyes and sharp gasps pierced the air. My world came crashing down all over again. I refused to give them the satisfaction of breaking me. I kept my chin up, ignored their gossips, and shoved past them straight into my room. Once the door was locked behind me, I walked over to my desk, picked up the threatening paper with the note-You will regret sleeping in my bed-and stared at it. I knew my life, my innocence, and my destiny would never be the same again. Down the hall, Father Campbell sent for Lilian and Danita. Were you with Ivy at the graduation party a month ago at La Pella? he demanded, his voice stern. I don't want any lies, only the truth. Did you girls drug her? You know if you lie, the consequences will be harsh. They immediately denied it, crying and faking tears to look completely innocent. Tell the truth now if you know anything about Ivy's pregnancy, Father Campbell warned them, his eyes narrowing. Or if I find out later, you girls will face the law. It is a serious crime to drug someone.
Roland's POV The mansion smelled of expensive perfume and cheap deceit. I traveled to Italy for a business trip, expecting Sheena, my fiancée, to be home. After I spoke to her hours earlier, I decided to surprise her by coming back a day early instead of tomorrow. I took the next flight immediately I was done with business. Sheena loved expensive bags and clothes, because of her job as an actress. I had shopped for her in Italy before driving straight to her residence. I parked outside, not wanting my car to prompt her that I was back. I walked quietly, and as I entered the hall, I heard the sound of voices moaning at the top of their lungs. I pushed the door open, and there they were-Sheena was naked and on top of a man, riding his d*ck like a horse. She froze and looked up. The man beneath her scrambled to pull up his pants, stammering apologies, but I didn't even hear them. I was angry, but I didn't scream. I didn't throw punches. I took the crystal vase and smashed it against the wall, shattering it into pieces. Get the hell out of my house. The man was shaking as he ran out, leaving Sheena and me with her using the duvet to cover her body. Sheena wept, calling my name, but her pathetic cry didn't move me. You're so shameless. A cheat, that's what you are. She tried to speak, but I didn't want to hear anything. You have twenty-four hours to vacate my house. It's over, Sheena. I drove to La Pella Hotel, one of the hotels we owned in the Spintex area, to drown the betrayal in heavy pours of whiskey. I sat alone in the room, staring through the glass window, swearing I would never let a woman ever get close to me again. A flashback of Sheena's betrayal flashed in my mind, and then the door opened. A young woman in her mid-twenties walked in, moving into my bed, looking completely disoriented and innocent. In my drunken state of heartbreak and anger, I mistook her for the ultimate betrayal, pulling her into a night that was supposed to ease the pain. I woke the next morning with a pounding headache and found her slapping my chest, yelling insults. The raw shock of seeing a stranger in my bed, coupled with blood on the sheets, reignited every ounce of anger in me. I looked at her with disgust. I assumed she was just another cheap woman who used my situation to trap me. I cursed her, called the hotel manager, and fired him. He knew I didn't allow anyone near my suite, but his carelessness had brought a stranger into my bed. I walked out and slammed the door behind me. Drove back to my house, got ready, and headed back to the office. I have better things to do than to think of Sheena. Sometimes I wonder what women really want. I am the heir to my family's businesses. We run hotels, Leslie Restaurant, oil and gas, and real estate. My woman wasn't supposed to lack anything, but I still got cheated on. I had a board meeting this morning. I prepared and walked into the glass-walled conference room where my partners were already waiting. We needed to finalize the blueprints and financial projections for our upcoming mega-mall project in Spintex Town. "Roland, the structural permits for the Spintex mall are cleared," Mark, our chief operations director, said, sliding a thick folder across the mahogany table. "Construction can start next quarter, but we need to sign off on the final contractor bids today." "Review the figures and make sure the budget doesn't exceed projections," I replied, leaning back in my leather chair, my mind still heavy and cold. "I want no delays on this project. Spintex is expanding fast, and this mall will dominate the retail space." My partners nodded, diving into the architectural layouts and leasing estimates. After the meeting ended, I sat alone in my office, staring at my desk. That strange encounter from a month ago still lingered in the back of my mind. I picked up my desk phone, dialed the hotel number, and spoke to the new manager. Check the CCTV footage of a month ago, first Saturday in July. I want every footage sent to me immediately. Yes, sir, the manager replied nervously. Two hours later, a message popped up on my phone with a video attached. I clicked play, watching the screen. It showed a young woman in a white lace dress walking down the hotel hallway together with two other girls. As the other two girls peeled off toward different rooms, it was clear what they were all doing-they had all gone looking for men to sleep with. My mood darkened instantly. Rage surged through me. So that girl wasn't innocent after all. She was just another easy woman out looking for a hookup, probably hoping to trap a man to sponsor her lifestyle. Girls like that would eventually come back with cheap blackmail. I slammed my fist hard against the mahogany table. That woman had messed with the wrong man. I was just waiting for her to show up and try to play her little game. My knuckles bled from the impact, but I ignored the pain. Work was over for the day. I called my friends Johnny and Darius, and we met up at the Onyx Lounge, knocking back heavy shots of brandy. "I slept with a total stranger, man," I growled, slumping against the booth. "All because of that cheating b*tch Sheena. I caught her red-handed riding some guy in our own bed." "So you paid Sheena back by f*ck*ng someone you didn't even know?" Johnny laughed, shaking his head. Darius grinned, teasing me. "A stranger is a stranger, man. But women are all cheats anyway." "Cheers to the single life," I muttered, raising my glass. "I'll never marry again. If I ever want a child, I'll just pay someone to be my surrogate." "So, how was the night with the stranger anyway?" Darius asked, leaning in. "Man, forget it. I don't even want to talk about it." We drank until I forgot I had to go home. My head pounded from the heavy alcohol, the dull ache matching the bitterness in my chest. Around us, the lounge speakers played a slow, crushing ballad-Morgan Wallen's "Sand in My Boots"-and we absentmindedly hummed along to the chorus as the alcohol blurred the edges of the night