A Deadly Secret of My Husband’s Secretary

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On the day of my three-month prenatal check-up, I received a devastating diagnosismid-to-late stage liver cancer.

Heartbroken and overwhelmed, I rushed to my husbands company, desperate to find solace in his arms. But what I saw shattered me even more.

Through the glass of his office door, I watched him in a passionate embrace with his secretary. She was visibly pregnant. The image struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Feigning concern, she whispered breathlessly, In three months, Ill give birth. The doctor said we shouldnt have sex anymore

Then she added, Mr. Howard, our child will be born before your legitimate one. If your wife finds out, shell kill me and the baby!

But my husband didnt stop. He only gripped her tighter.

If anyones the mistress here, its her. If she dares make trouble, Ill arrange a divorce and make sure she walks away with nothing!

I clutched my medical report, shoved it into my bag and wiped away my tears.

He was the one who betrayed me first. So dont blame me for keeping this child and leaving him behind.

That same morning, I had stood at the hospital with trembling hands, reading the results that confirmed I had advanced liver cancer. I had wanted to lean on himto cry, to be comforted. Instead, I was met with betrayal.

After witnessing the affair with my own eyes, I stepped into the corridor and made a phone call.

Big brother I regret everything. Give me a week to sort things out. Ill come to Europe, I promise. Ill leave the baby with you. Once its born itll take our surname for him.

My brothers voice was firm but warm.

Its good youve come to your senses. Our parents may be gone, but youll always be the only princess of the Griffin Family. Come back to us. Well never let anyone hurt you again.

Tears blurred my vision. Im sorry, Brother. I was selfish all those years

As I ended the call, I glanced through the glass once more. Their naked bodies were tangled on the office sofa. I doubled over, suddenly nauseous.

I had been feeling ill for days. Id begged Bruce Howard to accompany me to the hospital, but he claimed he was busytoo swamped with work to even come home. Now I understood what hed really been busy with entertaining his secretary in the companys pleasure palace.

A tear slipped down my cheek. I wiped it away with the back of my hand. It was cold. Just like my heart at that moment.

Inside, I could hear her again.

In three months, Ill give birth. The doctor said we cant anymore Tessas voice was filled with worry.

Mr. Howard, our baby will arrive before your wifes. Shell kill me if she finds out!

She shyly tried to push him away, but I saw clearly how her body twisted seductively beneath his.

Bruce didnt stop. He only kissed her deeper, moved faster.

What are you afraid of? Elise wont find out. Weve kept this up for so long and she still has no idea. In fact, she recently praised you to mesaid you were ambitious, responsible, that even while pregnant, you didnt let it affect your work.

He chuckled.

Even if she does find out, Ill protect you. In this country, the eldest son inherits everything. The baby in your womb is the Howard Familys firstborn. Everything I have will go to him one day. Elise wouldnt dare touch you.

Tessa bit her lip nervously.

But shes the only daughter of the Griffin Family That family lineage has existed for a hundred years. If her brothers find out, they wont take this lightly.

Bruce scoffed.

The Griffin Family? Theyre finished. Shes no longer the high-and-mighty Miss Griffin. At best, shes just a stray dog now.

He sneered as he ran a finger along her lips.

The one who isnt loved is the real mistress. If she keeps acting out, Ill push for a divorce and kick her out with nothing.

His cruel words chilled me to the bone.

A year ago, Bruces former secretary resigned and Tessa took her place. That was when he suddenly became busy. Every night, he worked late. I visited him more than once and each time, she was there too. They looked close, but nothing inappropriate ever happened in front of meso I chose to trust him.

Then she got pregnant. Bruce came home even less.

Three months ago, he collapsed from exhaustion and had to be hospitalized. His mother forced him to come home and rest.

During that week, the man I had always believed was self-disciplined and restrained transformed into someone ravenous. We made love day and night.

I soon became pregnant.

I thought that with our child on the way, he would finally put his family first. That hed spend time with me, be there for me. But I was wrong.

The moment his mothers watchful eye was gone, he dove back into worklate nights, excuses, absence. He didnt even attend a single prenatal visit with me.

I had no idea the child in Tessas womb was hisand was four months older than mine.

If it werent for the unexpected pregnancy, I wouldnt have dared interfere with your marriage Tessa whispered sweetly.

Thank you, Mr. Howard. Thank you for letting me keep the baby and for taking care of me.

She kissed him deeply.

Bruce rolled her beneath him and growled,

Tessa, I should be the one thanking you. Everything I have nowthis success, this positionits all thanks to you.

He spoke shamelessly.

A man like me, with power and status, its only natural to have children in different places. Elise grew up in a wealthy family. She should understandshe should learn to be magnanimous and know when to look the other way.

Then he laughed.

I only have two childrenyours and hers. Thats not excessive. She should be content.

Just then, footsteps echoed in the hallway. I ducked into the shadows.

Two employees passed by, chatting quietly as they peeked into the office.

Secretary Holmes is so lucky. Shes only been here a short time and already landed a rich husband.

Mr. Howard really dotes on her. I heard he personally arranged everything for her after she got pregnant.

My stomach twisted violently and pain shot through my abdomen.

Bruce gently helped Tessa get dressed.

Ill head back first, he said softly. You should get some rest too.

Tessa kissed him lightly on the lips and, with graceful elegance, picked up her purse and turned to leave. But just as she passed the corner where I was hiding, she suddenly paused.

Miss Griffin, she said smugly, snooping around like this isnt exactly classy.

Knowing Id been caught, I stepped out of the shadows with my head held high. Tessa folded her arms and gave me a slow, shameless once-over.

Mr. Howard really knows how to please a woman, she said with a sly smile. Im guessing youve never experienced that side of him, Miss Griffin. Poor thing. Allow me to give you a little peek into what youve been missing.

I was stunned by her audacity.

Youre nothing but a mistress, I snapped. And yet you act like you own the place. Is this what your parents taught you?

She scoffed, eyes flashing.

And you still think youre worthy of being Mr. Howards wife? Dont forget, you killed your own parents and brought ruin to the entire Griffin Family. If it werent for Mr. Howards kindness, youd be begging on the streets by now.

Her words cut deep, but she wasnt finished.

Elise, youborn without a mothers lovedare to talk to me about dignity? The child Im carrying is the rightful heir, the eldest son of the Howard Family. You think Mr. Howard wanted a child with you? He only gave in because his mother forced him!

She leaned closer, voice dripping with venom.

The latecomer overtakes the early bird, sweetheart. Soon, youll be out on the streetsand Ill be the one he calls Mrs. Howard.

Her sugary voice, sharp as razors, buzzed in my ears. After over twenty years of being with Bruce, my childhood sweetheart, I had been completely replaced by a woman he hadnt even known for a year.

My eyes burned with tears. I turned to walk awaybut suddenly, my bag strap was yanked backward. I turned and gasped. Tessa had pulled out my medical file.

Mid-to-late stage liver cancer? she read aloud, her eyes lighting up with malicious glee. She began circling me like a predator.

So you dont have long left? The babys fine, but whats the point? His mothers going to die anyway! Honestly, this is too good. You and that bastard child of yoursboth destined for early graves.

Her grin was vicious.

This is karma, Elise. You brought this on yourself.

I couldnt take it anymore. I lunged for her, grabbing a fistful of her long hair, desperate to get the report back.

Give it back to me!

But instead of fighting, she let out a wail, tossed the papers in the air dramatically and collapsed to the floor in exaggerated sobs.

Im sorry, Madam! she cried. I never meant to seduce Mr. Howardwe just fell in love! Please dont hit me!

She tore at her blouse and curled up on the floor like a helpless victim.

Ill do what you say! Ill abort the baby, Ill quit the companyIll disappear, I promise!

I stood frozen, unable to process how quickly shed twisted the entire scene.

Before I could speak, I felt someone grab my collarand the next second, a harsh slap stung my cheek.

Elise, have you lost your mind? Bruce roared. Youre pregnant and yet youre running around my company causing drama?

He rushed to Tessas side, helping her up and gently patting her back like she were made of glass.

Mr. Howard, please dont be angry with her, Tessa whimpered through tears. Shes rightIm of low birth. Im not worthy of loving you, let alone having your child.

Shes just upset because shes ill. I understand. Dont blame her. If it makes her feel better, she can hit me. I wont fight back. Just dont take it out on the baby.

Bruce wrapped his arms around her waist and wiped her tears with painstaking care.

Illness? he scoffed. Lets see what kind of story shes made up this time.

He bent down to pick up the medical documents from the floor.

Youre pregnant too, Elise. Cant you at least think about others? Tessa is already seven months along. Are you trying to make her miscarry? How selfish can you be?

I stared blankly at the papers in his hand, my voice barely a whisper.

Bruce I have cancer.

His face faltered. He glanced down at the report, reading the words slowly.

Liver cancer terminal?

A flicker of guilt passed through his eyes. He reached out to touch my facebut before his hand could land, Tessa spoke sweetly, ever so innocently.

Doesnt liver cancer cause ascites? The symptoms must look an awful lot like pregnancy

His hand froze midair. The guilt vanished instantly.

With one swift motion, he ripped the report in half and slapped the torn pieces against my face.

I knew it! You forged this to get my attention. Youre pathetic, Elise! Always scheming!

His eyes blazed with fury.

Cancer? Really? Youre dying, huh? Then do itgo ahead and die! Take that bastard in your belly and die together! Itd save me the trouble of divorcing you!

The sharp edges of the paper cut into my cheek, but they were nothing compared to the pain in my heartthe hatred in his eyes, the cruelty of his words.

Tessas smug grin shimmered in the corner of my vision.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms.

Then, slowly, I knelt, picked up the torn medical report and prenatal documents and walked awayone heavy step at a time.

Elise, stop right there!

Bruces voice thundered through the corridor, his face darkened with fury.

But I didnt stop. I quickened my pace and disappeared around the corner without looking back.

The moment I was out of sight, a wave of confusion and helplessness washed over him.

He was just about to run after me when Tessa clutched the hem of his shirt with trembling fingers.

Mr. Howard she whimpered, her voice weak and pitiful. I Im bleeding

Bruce looked down and frozeblood was trickling down from between her legs. Panic overtook him in an instant.

I-Im fine. Its nothing Tessa stammered, her face pale as a sheet. You should go after the lady first. What if she does something reckless

Her frail voice and selfless concern tore at his heart.

Youre still thinking about Elise in this state? Bruce said, cradling her in his arms.

Youre too kind for your own good. He looked down at her with tenderness.

Elise is obsessed with me. Shell come back and apologize in a few daysI know her. But youyour health comes first now. Youre carrying my child, my firstborn. Ive placed all my hopes on this baby. Nothing can go wrong!

Meanwhile, I entered the house and quietly keyed in the code to unlock the door. The room inside was cold, dark and hollow.

This was once the wedding suite for Bruce and mea space that held countless memories of our life together.

Now, those memories felt like ghosts. Ever since Tessa came into the picture, Bruce barely returned home. Piece by piece, he took his things away, until only traces of him remained.

It was over.

Everything was over.

I no longer wanted any part of the past.

Not the memories, not the emotions.

And certainly not Bruce.

As I pushed open the door to leave again, a strange metallic taste rose in my mouth. My vision blurred, the room spun and I doubled over, coughing up a mouthful of blood before collapsing.

A kind neighbor found me and rushed me to the hospital.

When I finally regained consciousness, the hospital room was dark and silent. I glanced at the clockit had been two full days. I checked my phone. No messages. No missed calls.

Bruce never came home. Not even once.

I forced myself out of bed, still weak and stumbled into the hallwayjust in time to see Bruce carefully supporting Tessa as they walked toward me.

The moment he saw me, confusion flickered in his eyes. Then his expression hardened and suspicion crept into his voice.

What are you doing here? Following me and Tessawhat are you planning?

The cold caution in his tone made me laugh bitterly.

Is this hospital your familys property now? I cant be here?

I stared at him with weary eyes.

Youre unbelievable, Bruce. Tessa ends up in the hospital and shes a poor, delicate victim. I end up here and Im suddenly a schemer? You really know how to break someones heart.

Before he could answer, a nurse appeared beside me.

Miss Griffin, youre awake. The test results are back. You

She stopped mid-sentence.

Bruce reached out and snatched the report from her hands. His eyes scanned the paper, pausing at the blood type listed in bold.

Then, without a word, he grabbed my wrist and began dragging me down the hall.

Let go of me, Bruce! I shouted, stumbling behind him. What are you doing? Where are you taking me?!

He said nothing until we reached the blood transfusion room.

He shoved me in front of the attending doctor, yanked up my sleeve and shoved my arm forward.

She and Tessa have the same blood type, he barked. Theres none in the blood banktake hers.

I looked up in disbelief, meeting the doctors stunned gaze.

Weve already requested an emergency supply from a nearby hospital. It should be here any moment, the doctor replied cautiously.

I cant wait, Bruce snapped. Do it now. Take hers!

The doctor hesitated.

But shes pregnant. Drawing blood at this stage could be dangerous for her and the fetus.

Bruce gave an indifferent shrug.

Shes still in the early stages. It wont matter.

His voice was calmcold.

No need to convince me. What matters right now is Tessa. Everything else can wait.

Unable to argue with him further, the doctor gave in.

As the blood drained from my arm, my lips grew pale, then turned an eerie shade of purple. Pain stabbed through my veins, but I clenched my jaw and said nothing.

I stared at the tube, watching my blood flow out slowly, steadily.

I closed my eyes.

Take it.

Take all of it.

Take my blood take my love for Bruce

Take everythingand never give it back.

When I woke up again, I was lying in the guest room of our house.

From outside, I heard Tessas silver bell-like laughter echoing through the halls, grating on my nerves like fingernails on glass. A wave of inexplicable anger surged within me.

I got up and walked out.

There she wasTessasitting cross-legged in the living room, giggling as she toyed with something in her hands. My eyes widened in disbelief.

It was the rag doll I had made for my unborn child torn to shreds.

I rushed toward her and yanked the mutilated doll from her hands. The once soft, fragrant little figure was now filthy, with missing limbs and its seams ripped open. My heart clenched.

Tears slipped from my eyes before I could stop them.

That doll had been my giftmy promiseto the life growing inside me. I had stitched it by hand, clumsily but lovingly, over countless late nights. I wasnt good at sewing, but I had poured my heart into every single thread, dreaming of the day I would place it in my babys arms.

When it was done, I had carefully locked it away in a safe.

Only Bruce and I knew the password.

And yet he had the audacity to take itand let her ruin it?

Cradling the ruined doll, I glared at Tessa with fury burning in my chest. I opened my mouth to speakbut before I could utter a single word, a sharp slap cracked across my cheek.

Bruce stood there, face cold, eyes full of scorn.

Elise, can you stop already? he barked. Tessa is pregnant and about to give birth. Cant you be a little more considerate and let things go?

My throat tightened. I lifted the torn doll for him to see, my voice trembling.

Have you forgotten? You and I agreed this was for our child

But Bruce cut me off, waving my words away like they were nothing.

Enough. I dont want to hear your nonsense. Apologize to Tessa for your behaviorright now.

He took a step closer, his voice low but filled with warning.

If you refuse, then well divorce. The Howard Family cant be tied to an uncultured woman like you.

But Elise, think it through. Your Griffin Family collapsed a decade ago. Im all you have left. Do you really want your child to be born fatherless? To live in hunger and poverty with you, begging to survive?

His words struck like knives, each syllable colder than the last.

My heart, once warm with hope, froze completely.

I thought back to the beginninghow excited hed been about having a baby.

He had read books on prenatal care, researched baby products for hours, dreamed of becoming a father.

But back then, when we were deeply in love, the baby never came. Now, when we were nothing but strangers in the same house I was pregnant.

He had truly forgotten everything.

Forgotten our vows.

Forgotten the love.

Forgotten me.

Numb, I walked into the kitchen.

I would make one final meal.

A farewell meal.

After that, I would have nothing more to do with Bruce.

He had no idea what was going through my mind.

All he noticed was the dull, lifeless way I moved and for some reason, it made his chest tighten with an emotion he couldnt name.

I placed the freshly cooked dishes on the table, steam rising gently from the plates. Tessa waddled over, holding her belly and smiling like the queen of the house.

Oh my goodness, Mr. Howard! Youre spoiling me! These are all my favorite dishes!

Bruce reached out and stroked her hair gently.

As long as you like them, he said with a soft smile. Youre pregnant. Eat more. You need to take care of yourself.

I stood nearby, silent, watching their intimate exchange.

At that moment, I no longer felt like a wifeI felt like a maid.

I used to be a pampered young lady who never touched a frying pan.

And now I was serving meals to the woman who had replaced me in my own home.

I remembered how, six months ago, Bruce had insisted I learn how to cook.

How he encouraged me to bring dinner to his office every night. I thought he wanted to show his love to his colleaguesboast about our marriage.

But the truth was, every dish I learned to make was one of Tessas favorites.

Every love-filled lunchbox I had carried in the rain, in the heat, in the cold had probably gone straight into Tessas hands.

Now, right in front of me, Bruce was feeding her like it was the most natural thing in the world. No shame. No guilt.

My body trembled.

But its okay.

Ill be free soon.

This hell Ive been living inwhere I swallow tears instead of foodwill come to an end.

I gently caressed my belly.

Before this child is born, I will take him away.

Far from this house.

Far from Bruce.

Far from this cold, unworthy man who calls himself a father.

The day after tomorrow marks the Howard Familys ancestral worship ceremonyan event held once every ten years and personally overseen by the matriarch.

This would be my first time organizing it and I had poured months of work into every detail.

Even though resentment toward Bruce still burned quietly in my heart, I had no intention of abandoning my responsibilities and disgracing the entire Howard Family.

Nothis ceremony mattered far more than my personal pain.

The night before the ceremony, Bruce called for me.

It was the first time he had summoned me on his own since Tessa came into our lives a year ago.

Tomorrow is the ancestral worship ceremony, he said plainly, without any preamble. You should let Tessa take the matriarchs seat.

My mind went blank. My face froze.

Seeing my reaction, Bruce cleared his throat and continued in a patronizing tone.

After all, the child in Tessa s womb is my firstborn son. Besides, shes just a young girlplayful, maybe a little vain. She only wants to sit in that seat for a moment. Shes not trying to challenge you or anything. Dont worry, the title of Mrs. Howard will always belong to you. No one can replace you.

He rambled on, but I had already stopped listening.

The ancestral worship ceremony was solemn and sacredan event watched closely by the entire family group.

And he wanted her to sit in my place, in my seat.

What did that make me?

Elise, dont be so quick to refuse, he coaxed, his voice softening as though he were doing me a favor.

Just agree to Tessa s request this time. Consider it a favor I owe you.

In return, Ill grant you any wish you want in the future. Sound fair?

He looked so sure of himself, so confident that I would say yes.

I forced a tight smile and swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat.

Then Ill use that wish right nowwhile youre still offering itso there wont be any misunderstandings later.

Bruce paused. Then, a slow, knowing smile curled across his lips.

Alright.

He reached out to pull me into an embrace, but I stepped aside.

Wait here. I need to get something.

I returned holding a document folderneatly organized, every contract and agreement in place.

Right at the front was a love agreement Bruce had once coaxed me into signing during our passionate courtship.

He hesitated when he saw it.

But I didnt stop to gauge his thoughts.

I flipped to the last document, opened to the signature page and handed it to him.

Sign it.

Bruce chuckled lightly.

Youre still the same, Elise. No matter how old you get, youve always had the heart of a child.

He picked up the pen and, without even reading the document, signed his nameneatly, decisively, just like he always had.

My hands trembled as I reached for the paper.

It was the divorce agreement.

I had braced myself for a fightfor begging, for resistancebut he signed it so easily, without hesitation.

Elise, you didnt need to waste your one wish on something so trivial, he said warmly. Ive signed it. Go home and think of a better wish, something that will truly benefit you.

He was always like thisalways speaking from above, never seeing me as an equal.

I sneered inwardly.

The agreement you just signed is the only benefit Ill ever need from you.

No need, I said flatly, turning away.

With the signed divorce papers in my hand, there was no reason left to keep up appearances.

Ill pretend to be ill tomorrow. Let Tessa conduct the ceremony.

My compliance caught him off guard. For the first time, I saw panic flicker in his eyes.

Just this once, Elise, he said quickly. Dont worry. The next ten-year memorial service will still be yours.

I looked back at him, my voice calm and firm.

The next one? It wont be me. If she wants it, she can have that one too.

His expression wavered.

Ive also prepared a gift for Tessa. Im sure shell love it.

He tried to catch up to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His voice trembled slightly with emotion.

Youve grown up, Elise. If you and Tessa can get along, Ill finally be at peace.

But the master bedroom was no longer mine. Tessa had taken that too.

So I returned to the guest room where Id been temporarily staying.

I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the glittering skyline.

Tomorrow, it will all be over.

After tomorrow, I will never return to this house again.

Im going homehome to my brothers, who love me unconditionally.