My father accidentally took two lives, and he was supposed to be sentenced to… I don't know what. James vowed to punish him. Things were promising, brutal for us, but then Mrs Carter came up with an absurd idea. She needed a son to son. My mother accepted it with a condition of marriage, pushing me into the fire of agony. And here I am after 16 years, still paying for it… For something which I was never part of.

The only mistake I did was that I dreamt of proving to my mother that I am a capable daughter, a responsible daughter. I curse to the day when I got this idea. I was thinking south when I feel honoured to be the supportive daughter to my parents. Now, my opinion is 180° shifted. Be selfish, if it costs you unbearable sacrifice.

Everything has a cost to pay, nothing comes free but sometimes, it is better not to pay the cost for the sake of own sanity. Being selfish is not always bad. It can be good sometimes… Of course, judge the situation before taking that step.

I was a fool and nothing else.

After 16 years, sitting in the hospital, thinking, is it the pay of my sins from a past life? Was I a sinner?

16 years, I never stepped into the church until that night. Is this sin again?

“How do you feel?” The old nurse, I read her name, Sophia asked me.

I didn't answer her.

She sighed before leaving.

The doctor said I was exhausted. And, the drugs were sleeping pills. My prescribed pills..... by Dr Anastasia Harrington. How did they know it?

I am confident, Dr Harrington is involved. She would be happy thinking she won. But she is absolutely wrong. I will have my kids back, regardless of what Theo claims. Theo is lying.

“You must eat.” Norma entered, and I heard her setting dinner for me.

“I need to visit James,” I said with determination. This is the last time I am meeting him. I will drag him to court and will have his 50% of assets along with my kids and without any doubts, I need a monthly allowance. I have had enough of tantrum of Carter. I am a human with feelings. I ruined my life for him. I gave up my life for him. He can't be away with domestic abuse, mental abuse, marital rape, forceful abortion, infidelity, attempt of murder, fraud and marrying a minor.

“He is not in his right state.” Norma was sad. She should be sad, Daniel almost died, I lost my kids… And my other kid is out in the world, unknown, that mommy is desperate to fight with the world if required.

I can leave kids with their father, and I am confident… They will be loved by him. But I deserve justice and if James is punished, then I am not ready to leave them with Emmeline Carter. My life was ruined, I have no right to ruin other's life.

“You met him?” I was calm when I asked Norma about James. I didn't expect this from me… The calmness. Like it didn't affect me that she meet James. I know, she has a soft corner for her Jay. She loves her Jay. So, I decided not to inform her about my plan of punishing James Carter.

“Yes… I went to him to kick his ass, but he is drunk.” She was sad, disappointed, and there was something else in her voice.

“It doesn't matter.” I shrugged off and got out of the bed. “I think I fainted in the car, last night.”

“Yes, Theo brought you..... I think he is a good man.”

“No doubt… He is a good man.” Agreeing, I changed into the fresh clothes that Norma brought me.

“You shouldn't meet him.” Norma blocked my way and stood in front of me, locking the door, preventing me to leave the room.

“I need to discuss business with him.” I know, my emotionless voice and face terrified her. Even I am surprised that I'm handling it better than I imagined. My goal is simple, justice, for me and prevent injustice for Carter heirs. My kids.

“I will not let you leave.” Norma was crying by this time.

“Don't worry, I will not meet him alone. I know he is a monster.”

“Where is James?” I asked the middle-aged maid who had been in the mansion since Cherish was born.

Widening her eyes with surprise, she looked at the Stairs. I am sure she is alarmed by the fear of James and my reaction.

I never called James by his name, publicly. It's just the Brown family that knows I call James, with his name, in his absence. Otherwise, it's just Sir.

“I need answers.” With a stern voice, I attracted the attention of the maid towards me.

“He is not fine.” She mumbled. Her intention was clear that I should leave. But I am here for negotiations. I need 50% of assets along with my kids and without any doubt, I need a monthly allowance.

“That's even better… I can convince him to do anything now.” I grinned at the thought, and she looked at me as if I am a fool. I know, there are chances that James would attack me, but it's been almost 24 hours that Jamie is with Emmeline Carter.

Do I trust that woman with my kid?

Absolutely, no.

I have to take chances because without risk, there is no profit. James is not in his senses… I can make him sign the blank papers. I know he has various affidavits in his drawers. I can get one, and his sign, and then I can write anything on the paper.

My scheme is unethical, but James started this game of immorality. He knew the death of Willa and Malcolm was an accident. My father tried to save Willa and Malcolm, but he couldn't. He professed later that his brakes were not working. But, instead of inquiry, My father was dragged out of his bed to the door of the hospital by drunk James when he was in a coma.

Everybody tried to stop James. They told him Bartholomew Kepner is in a coma, but James had already lost his humanity. He continued to drag an unconscious man, mercilessly.

“Where is he?” I asked again.

"His office."

Wanting to avoid her pity eyes, I walked into the lion's den. The chances of getting assaulted was high, but I need to take the risk. Daniel is still in hospital, so I have no one who would bring the signs of James Carter in a Blank Affidavit.

When I entered the office, the first thing I noticed was a few flowers of Foxglove on the floor, which means Insecurity.

Of course, James Carter is insecure. He wants Willa and Malcolm, and they are not here. But he has Dr Harrington and their son. Then what is wrong with him? Maybe, he realised that his son called him, “stenja” which he understood. Because Jamie did caller James a stranger.

“James.....” I called him.

Instead of answering, James took a deep breath.

“Where is the blank affidavit?” I asked again.

This time, James picked up his drunk head and looked at me before going to sleep on his table again.

“James, this is important.”

“I can't even sleep.” Whining, James sat and looked at the ceiling. “I had a dream..... Cherish, you… In the garden…then he comes… With that bloody puppy…” He chuckled.

“I need you to sign…”

“Where?” His drunk voice turned toward me. “I can sign anywhere, you want.”

“The affidavit.”

“Umm… Yeah… I have one.” He mumbled and pulled a few of the drawers from his study table before stopping. He took out a paper and didn't waste the time to sign.

I rushed toward him and snatch the paper before he comes to his senses… I need to leave.

“Where are you going, Mrs Carter?” James caught my wrist and walked towards me. “We have a son, together.” He mumbled.

“We do…”

“And he has my eyes.”

“He does.”

“And, he is wonderful. He has your smile.” James caressed my jaw and his eyes looked into my soul before he bent down to kiss me.

“This is wrong.” I sobbed and pushed him.

“You do feel it… wrong?”

“No.”

“Then, it's definitely not wrong.” His was still drunk. “Because you always take the right decision.”

.