Celebration Cut Short by Mark Twain 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
288 Vouchers
My boyfriend’s mistress forced me to swallow a pill to end the pregnancy.
I was lying in a pool of my own blood, waves of agony twisting my body into cramps.
She smacked a marriage certificate down on my face, “I am Dominic’s legal wife. Your child was never going to be born.”
My mind went completely blank. With the last of my strength, I called Dominic.
“Dominic, help! A woman broke in… she forced medicine on me!
“My stomach… It’s killing me… Our baby…’
The voice that answered was icy, chilling me to the bone. “Since you’ve known the truth, I’ll be direct. My family stands among the three most powerful in New York-and I am the eldest heir.
“Phelia is my wife. She merely wanted to teach you a lesson. Be sensible and endure it.”
The phone slipped from my hand. All hope within me died.
I was never his fiancée. I had been his mistress all along, without myself knowing it.
***
I woke to the white ceiling of a hospital room.
My hand moved instinctively to my abdomen.
It felt noticeably flatter, a dull, persistent ache the only sign of what had happened.
The baby was gone…
Tears filled my eyes and dropped onto the pillow.
“You’re awake.”
His familiar voice cut through the silence.
I turned my head stiffly. Dominic was seated nearby.
He was casually flipping through a financial magazine, his legs crossed, his expression cold and
0.00%
10:24
Chapter 1
unreadable.
Seeing I was conscious, he closed the magazine, stood, and approached the bed.
“The doctor confirmed no lasting damage. You can still conceive after you’ve recovered.”
“Still conceive?” I thought bitterly.
I stared at him, my throat tight.
“Dominic, that was a life! Your own child!” My voice was hysterical.
Dominic frowned, a flicker of impatience crossing his face.
A check fluttered onto the nightstand.
“Phelia has a quick temper. She acted rashly this time.
“This is 800,000 dollars. Use it for an extended stay abroad. Focus on your health.
“I’ll also ensure your grandmother receives the best care overseas.
“If
you remain compliant, we can continue our arrangement as before.”
At his words, I looked at the check and let out a broken laugh, tears falling freely.
“Dominic, what am I to you?
“You told me I was your future wife! You promised me marriage!”
Dominic leaned down abruptly and grasped my chin.
Any semblance of warmth in his eyes was gone, replaced by detachment.
“Magnolia, you know you’re my companion outside of marriage. Remember your place.”
In that moment, overwhelming shame washed over me.
I was his mistress, the other woman.
And I had despised home-wreckers above all else in my entire life.
He had made me one of them for three years, without my knowledge.
All those tender moments, all those promises-they now felt like a cruel joke.
“Be content. Don’t reach for what isn’t yours.”
32.36%
288 Vouchers
10:24
Chapter 1
I was choked with tears, unable to speak.
288 ¡Vouchers
Three months ago, when I had just learned of the pregnancy, Dominic had rested his head on my stomach, his eyes showing what seemed like sincere hope.
“Maggie, once we have this child, I will introduce you to my family as my future wife.”
I had thought his devotion ran deep, that he truly wished to build a family with me.
Now I knew the truth. It was never about love.
It was well-known in their circles that Ophelia Caldwell could not bear children.
I simply never guessed Dominic was from the powerful Pennington family.
He chose me for my uncomplicated background-a suitable person he could find to bear his child.
His performance had been perfect.
“Stay here for observation. I will visit when my schedule permits.
“Do not attempt to confront Phelia. I cannot shield you if you do.”
Dominic turned to leave, his departure final.
I snatched the water glass from the bedside and threw it at his retreating figure.
The sound of shattering glass filled the room.
Dominic halted but did not turn. His word, cold and dismissive, hung in the air. “Unreasonable.”
After he left, I lay utterly drained, unable to move.
The realization made my stomach churn-I had shared another woman’s husband, and accepted affection that rightfully belonged to her, all while living in cruel ignorance.
I was a victim, yet also an unwitting participant.
This dual burden threatened to consume me.
66.27%
10.24
Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: 
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: