My Husband Faked His Death For His Mistress

Talia

The fluorescent lights of the hospital gleamed brightly right as my shrill ringtone cut through the air. Seeing the unfamiliar number, a sole thought settled into my belly.

“Hello? This is Talia Hayes.” I answered.

"Mrs Hayes, this is the city's Police force. I am very sorry to get this to you, but…there was an unfortunate car accident that took place. Your husband, David Hayes was one of the victims. We need you to come to the City hospital to confirm his identity."

As soon as I heard those words, I smiled bitterly. The scent of antiseptic in the hospital filtered through.

“I’ll be there soon.”

“Thank you Ma'am. We will send a car to escort you-”

“No need. I'm already here.”

I ended the call and looked down, clutching the ultrasound report in my hand.

I was pregnant and now David was dead.

A cold bitter feeling wafted through me.

He had finally gone through with it.

The past between us circled through my mind. As far as I could remember, David and I had been together, going through the natural progression of being college sweethearts and getting married. It was a coincidence that we were also in the same circles, with him being from the Hayes family whilst I was the only child and heiress to the Weston family wealth after my parents death.

After marriage, I helped him and the Hayes family, not only in their company but being a dutiful wife and in-law. I cared for David everyday. We seemed like we were a harmonious couple.

The only thing that was missing between us was a child. A little heir to cement our bond. For the past one year after our marriage, we had tried to get a child to no avail.

He comforted me every time, soothing me that it didn't matter. He constantly gave me gifts, being the perfect husband. No matter the issues that arise, I believed that he would be on my side.

Until a few weeks ago.

When I sneaked into his study, excitedly clutching the pregnancy report, I heard him on the phone, speaking excitedly. Before I could take a step forward, his words chilled my heart.

“Soon baby. Once I fake my death, we'll move out of the country. Nobody will suspect a thing and we can be together.”

My blood ran cold.

“I've already planned it out and sent my men to make arrangements.” He chuckled, “It'll be three weeks from now. A freak car accident. That bitch won't suspect a thing.”

“But David,” a playful voice cooed over the line. I recognised it instantly.

Penelope Reeves, David's former adopted sister. An orphan who was raised alongside him, She had never liked me for reasons I could never understand which led to us clashing.

The last I'd heard from David, he had pressured the Hayes family to cut all ties with her by sending her abroad.

But that was a lie.

“Don't you feel a little bad for her? After all, you've been together all this time. Are you sure there aren't any feelings to regret.” Her voice sounded innocent yet the mocking was clear.

“Feelings for that bitch?” He sneered, "She's a good for nothing heiress of a fallen business. A nobody orphan we could manipulate. Her only value is her family fortune. All this time, I had to bear with her for our family's sake to take her dowry. I've grown tired of faking affection, even forcing myself to sleep with her is disgusting. It would have been bearable if she could bear a child, but she's too useless for even that.”

His voice, carrying sincere disgust, was like a stab to my heart, shattering the image of the man I once knew.

“Because of her, we had to pretend to cut ties and send you abroad. The good thing about it is that we don't have to act like we're related anymore. Don't worry Penny. I've already settled things. We'll soon start anew together. After you give birth, we'll get married over there and be a real family.”

“What about the Hayes Corporation? Your family?” she asked. David laughed mockingly.

“Don't worry,” he said, “Talia will take care of things. You've seen how needy she is with me. My family and I are the only ones she has. With all of the affection I showed her, no matter how they treat her, she'll cling to them for my sake. When I die, she'll take care of the company and ensure they live in luxury.

But we won't stay out for long alone. Don't worry, I have a plan. When the time is right, and she's spent herself dry we'll return and I'll reclaim my identity. We'll drive her out. By that time I can make a comeback. Then with you and our child, I can properly take responsibility. You'll finally be the rightful Mrs Hayes.”