Chapter 3
Althea is deeply hurt and disappointed by her husband Daven’s betrayal, yet she clings to a fragile hope amid her pain. Despite knowing of his affair with Vanessa, Daven’s fiancé, Althea desires a child—a small grace she prays for as possibly her only chance to hold onto something meaningful. She resolves to quietly leave after fulfilling this wish, accepting that Daven will build a life with the woman he truly loves.
On the morning of her plan, Althea prepares herself carefully, wanting to look beautiful and ready to face Daven. However, her fragile hope is immediately challenged when Vanessa arrives uninvited, flaunting her confidence and disdain. Vanessa mocks Althea’s appearance and position, insulting her and asserting that Althea is nothing more than a paper wife, unworthy of Daven’s love.
The confrontation escalates as Vanessa continues to belittle Althea, who remains composed despite the emotional turmoil. The tension draws the attention of Daven and his family, who join the scene with scornful attitudes toward Althea. Daven, exhausted and indifferent, demands peace and refuses to defend his wife, further highlighting Althea’s isolation and heartbreak.
After the others leave, Althea quietly prepares breakfast for Daven, trying to fulfill her role as his wife despite his coldness. She gently reminds him of a promise he made, seeking a small act of kindness—a morning kiss—to affirm her hope and dignity in the midst of their strained relationship. Daven’s indifferent response underscores the emotional distance between them, leaving Althea to face the painful reality of her situation.
Chapter 3
To say Althea wasn’t wounded would be a falsehood. Claiming she felt no sadness or disappointment would be sheer hypocrisy. Yet, what power did she truly hold to alter the course of events unfolding around her? Even the man she had once trusted implicitly—the one she believed would never betray her—had become the very first to shatter her heart into pieces.
Althea was far from oblivious. She saw clearly how Daven made no attempt to conceal his affair with his lover. Still, in the presence of his grandmother, he expertly donned the flawless mask of a devoted, attentive husband.
“God,” she murmured softly, her eyes squeezed shut as darkness wrapped itself tightly around the night. Tomorrow awaited—a day she would have to face once more. “Please, have mercy on me. Just a little kindness, Lord. I beg you… grant me this one small grace p>
When Althea had voiced her wish to Daven, she had never truly believed he would consent.
That was precisely why she could not afford to squander this—perhaps her only—chance.
A child.
Althea longed for a child. A companion to walk beside her in the years to come. Someone she could love unconditionally. Someone who would call her “Mama”—even if that were the only tender word she might ever hear spoken to her in this life.
And deep down, she knew… this might be her one and only opportunity.
She had no one else left in the world. She would not ask for anything else from Daven. In fact, she had already resolved to vanish quietly afterward—to live far away with her child, in a place where Daven would never come. Because by then, he would surely be busy building his perfect life with the woman he truly loved.
That was her secret hope. No matter how many might label it foolish or insane, she clung to it. With every fiber of her being, she prayed that God would show mercy. That her wish would be granted.
And so, that very morning, Althea stood before the tall mirror in her private room. Her delicate fingers adjusted the soft fringe of her freshly trimmed bangs. Hesitant, yet determined, she smiled at her own reflection. Her makeup was subtle—not overdone, but enough to enhance a beauty she rarely allowed herself to reveal.
Today, she wanted to look beautiful.
She wore a simple nude-colored dress that gently hugged her slender, graceful frame. A soft smile played on her lips as her hand brushed the smooth fabric. This morning, she planned to prepare a special breakfast for Daven.
“I’m ready,” she whispered to herself. “If only Daven would come into the kitchen and hold me—” She stopped, cheeks flushing with warmth.
Images from the romantic novels she had once devoured flickered through her mind—vivid scenes of husband and wife wrapped in affection, their love igniting passion in every corner of the home.
“How naive can you be, Althea?” she chastised herself quietly. “Daven would never do anything like that p>
Yet… isn’t hope often found perched just beyond the edge of the impossible? That fragile hope was cruelly shattered the moment the doorbell rang downstairs—followed by the unmistakable click of high heels and a sharp, mocking laugh.
“Who could that be?” Althea wondered as she slowly descended the stairs. The gentle smile she had practiced before the mirror began to fade, replaced by a calm but guarded expression.
In the living room, a woman sat with an air of absolute confidence. She wore a striking maroon jumpsuit paired with gleaming high heels.
Vanessa Blake.
Arrogant. Stunning. Fully aware of the power her presence commanded. Her face was exactly as it appeared on television screens and countless advertisements. Althea had to admit—Vanessa looked every bit the goddess who had descended from the heavens.
Unfortunately, her smile and manners told a very different story. Especially when aimed at Althea.
“Oh?” Vanessa turned, her eyes sweeping over Althea from head to toe. A smirk curved her lips, dripping with disdain. “So, you do know how to dress up, after all p>
Althea remained composed. “Is there something I can assist you with, Miss Vanessa p>
“Oh, straight to the point, huh?” Vanessa rose gracefully, lightly tapping her designer bag resting on her lap. “Aren’t you going to offer me something? A drink, perhaps?” With practiced ease, she tossed her long hair over one shoulder. “I would think you’d at least know your place. In this house, you’re the one who should be serving guests. Your face certainly fits the role, Althea p>
Althea chose to smile, though inside, her heart tightened.
“I’m not here for idle chatter,” Vanessa sneered. “I just stopped by to see for myself what my fiancé is doing with a woman who clearly doesn’t know her place. I thought you were bluffing when you asked Daven for time, but now I see—you’ve truly lost your mind p>
“I’m still capable of thinking clearly, Miss Vanessa,” Althea replied evenly.
Vanessa let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “Clear-headed? Dressed like this? Hoping to seduce Daven?” She stepped forward, eyes blazing with fury. “You’re nothing but a cheap woman p>
Before Vanessa could reach for her dress, Althea acted swiftly. Her hand shot out, gripping Vanessa’s wrist firmly—just enough to halt her.
“I don’t care what you think of me, Miss Vanessa. But as of now, I am still Daven Callister’s wife p>
Her gaze held steady. Her grip remained firm.
“Watch your boundaries, you bitch!” Vanessa snarled, but then laughter bubbled up—quiet at first, then sharp and brittle, like glass shattering. “Oh, sweetheart… that title—‘Daven Callister’s wife’—exists only on paper. Everyone knows that p>
“And everyone also knows your wedding hasn’t happened yet,” Althea responded softly, but with clear conviction. “So until that day arrives, I remain his wife. And I intend to fulfill that role properly, Miss Vanessa p>
Vanessa narrowed her eyes. “You really think you can touch him? That you can make him sleep with you? You’re pathetic p>
“I’m not expecting anything,” Althea said, lifting her chin slightly. “You don’t need to feel threatened by all this, do you? After all, hasn’t it already been decided who the real winner is?” She released her hold and stepped back, unwilling to touch the woman Daven truly loved any longer than necessary.
If it weren’t for the sheer strength of her resolve, Althea might have broken down in tears simply from facing Vanessa this morning.
Vanessa massaged the wrist Althea had held. That damn woman! How dare she? She wouldn’t let this go. Althea would pay—every bit.
“You know, Althea, I’ve always wondered…” Vanessa said slowly, her words cutting like knives, “why Daven ever agreed to marry you. You’re nobody. No prestigious background, no powerful connections, not even a name worth mentioning p>
If those words had come from Kate Callister, her mother-in-law, Althea might have accepted them with some grace. But coming from Vanessa—an outsider who, unfortunately, was regarded like family within the Callister circle—they stung deeper than ever. Vanessa could say anything to Althea, and no one would stop her.
Althea said nothing, standing with forced calm. She knew Vanessa was probing, searching for any weakness to exploit. And God, how hard she fought to keep the tears at bay.
“I used to think Daven married you out of pity. But now, I think… maybe he’s finally realized just how greedy you really are. You act quiet, pretend to be innocent—but behind that false purity, you’re sly, aren’t you p>
“That’s enough, Miss Vanessa,” Althea said quietly. “If you came here just to insult me, I won’t waste my time. I have no intention of humiliating anyone p>
“Humiliate?” Vanessa scoffed, her laugh dripping with mockery. “Sweetheart, you’ve already humiliated yourself just by dressing like that. What were you thinking? That Daven would see you and suddenly fall in love? That he’d leave me for you p>
“I never expected that,” Althea replied calmly, her voice steady. “I’m simply fulfilling my role, because that’s all I can do right now p>
“Fulfilling your role?” Vanessa sneered. “You sound like a grieving widow. It’s tragic, really. But even more pitiful since your husband is very much alive… and in love with someone else p>
Althea bit her lower lip slowly. She lowered her head and took a deep breath. She would not cry—not here, not now, not in front of Vanessa. But before she could say another word, footsteps echoed from upstairs.
Daven.
He had just emerged from his room, dressed casually in a gray shirt and tailored pants. Though his appearance was relaxed, the sharpness in his eyes immediately caught the tense scene unfolding below—Vanessa standing far too close to Althea, whose face had gone pale as if she were holding back something painful.
Before he could speak, another voice cut through the thick atmosphere.
“What’s going on here? Why all this noise so early in the morning p>
Kate Callister’s sharp tone filled the room as she descended the stairs, flanked by her two daughters—Karina and Felicia—both wearing expressions of disdain that mirrored their mother’s.
Vanessa wasted no time slipping into her self-appointed role. “Aunt Kate… I just came to express my concern. Look at her—Althea, dressed like this just to grab Daven’s attention. I’m worried… she’s forgetting her place p>
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Kate eyed Althea critically from head to toe. “What are you thinking, wearing something like that, Althea? Where’s your sense of decency p>
“I haven’t done anything inappropriate by wearing this. I’m used to dressing like this at home,” Althea answered softly, striving to remain polite despite the hostility.
Karina let out a mocking giggle.
“Goodness, you’ve only lived in this house a year and already you act like you own the place p>
Felicia joined in, her tone sharp and unforgiving.
“This woman is getting bolder by the day!” she snapped, shoving Althea’s shoulder hard enough to make her stumble, nearly losing her balance. “Wake up, Althea! You don’t belong here! You’re completely out of line p>
“Enough!” Daven’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, causing everyone to turn toward him.
“Daven, you’re not planning to defend her, are you?” Karina asked, shocked.
He sighed deeply, clearly exhausted. “I’m not defending anyone. I just want this morning to pass without any theatrics. I already have enough on my plate with work p>
Vanessa pouted, lips curving into a sulky expression. “I’ll take that as a defense for her, darling p>
Daven exhaled softly. “That could never happen p>
He stepped closer to Vanessa, gently brushing her flowing hair back with his hand, completely ignoring the sadness clouding Althea’s gaze just a few feet away.
Did Daven care?
Not in the slightest.
“I’m asking all of you to end this argument. I need peace and quiet.” His tone was flat, emotionless, but firm enough to silence the room.
Kate scoffed in irritation. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, fine. I’ll have breakfast elsewhere p>
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away, followed closely by Karina and Felicia—both still casting scornful looks at Althea as they passed. Vanessa remained, glaring at Althea with barely concealed rage before finally storming off, her footsteps sharp and irritated.
Once the four had vanished from the living room, silence settled like a heavy blanket.
Daven rubbed his face slowly, looking utterly drained. “Whatever’s going on between you all, don’t make it my problem this morning p>
Althea, who had stood quietly despite the turmoil tearing at her heart, finally summoned the courage to meet her husband’s gaze. Her voice was soft but steady.
“Then please let me prepare your breakfast. It’ll only take five minutes. You haven’t eaten yet, have you p>
Daven didn’t answer right away. He studied her expression, unreadable. After a moment, he gave a brief nod. “Fine. Just don’t waste my time p>
Althea nodded slightly in return and quietly turned toward the kitchen. Five minutes later, she reappeared carrying a tray neatly arranged with toast, a sunny-side-up egg, and a steaming cup of coffee—even the napkin was folded with care.
Daven was already seated at the dining table, scrolling through documents on his tablet.
“Here,” Althea said softly, setting the tray down in front of him. “I know it’s simple, but… I hope it helps you start your day right p>
Daven glanced at the food briefly, then began eating without a word.
Althea pulled out a chair and sat across from him, folding her hands in her lap. Her lips parted hesitantly, then she spoke.
“You haven’t forgotten your promise, have you?” she asked gently. “I just wanted to remind you p>
Daven set down his fork and knife, meeting her gaze with a neutral expression. “No p>
Althea gave a small nod. “Then I’ll do my part as your wife—as I should. I’ll prepare your breakfast, make sure you don’t forget any important documents for work,” she said with a faint smile, “and everything else a married couple might normally do p>
Daven sighed, massaging his temples briefly. “I don’t want any unnecessary drama. You know the limits, Althea. Don’t make me regret agreeing to this p>
“I won’t make you regret it,” Althea replied, steadying herself. Her brown eyes locked onto his without hesitation. “Just one thing this morning… I only want to ask for one thing p>
Daven returned her gaze, his expression indifferent. “What is it p>
“Could you give me… a morning kiss p>
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing Althea’s quiet strength amidst the storm of betrayal and scorn that surrounds her. Despite the harsh realities she faces—the coldness of Daven, the hostility of Vanessa and his family—Althea clings to a fragile hope, a tender desire for connection and recognition. Her gentle act of preparing breakfast and her soft request for a morning kiss reveal a woman who, though battered by circumstance, refuses to surrender her dignity or her yearning for love.
This moment encapsulates the chapter’s themes of resilience, longing, and the complex dance between vulnerability and resolve. Althea’s journey is one of navigating shadows—of the past, of broken promises, and of unspoken pain—while still daring to hope for a sliver of kindness. It is a testament to the quiet courage it takes to endure and to seek grace, even when the world seems determined to deny it.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and tense dynamics between Althea, Daven, and Vanessa, as well as the ever-watchful Callister family. Althea’s quiet determination to claim her place and hold onto her hope for a child will be tested, especially as Vanessa’s presence continues to cast a long shadow over her already fragile heart. The simmering resentment and unspoken emotions between these characters are bound to ignite further conflict, leaving readers wondering how much more Althea can endure before she breaks.
Emotions will run high as Althea navigates the delicate balance between asserting herself and protecting her dignity in a household that seems stacked against her. Daven’s cold detachment and Vanessa’s ruthless confidence create a storm of tension that threatens to unravel what little peace Althea has left. Will Daven’s promise hold, or will the cracks in their marriage widen under the pressure? The next chapter will invite readers to witness the quiet strength and vulnerability of a woman fighting for her place in a world that seems determined to push her aside.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.