While I Was His Wife

Valerie's Pov

“I'm sorry, Mrs Montclair, but the baby didn't make it.”

The lump in my throat thickened. “I see,” I mumbled, breaking down inside but handling it like it was just a simple project proposal that fell through.

As if it wasn't my whole world falling apart.

“Has my husband arrived yet?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

“Not yet, Mrs Montclair.”

I bit my bottom lip, “He is probably caught up with work,” I said unsure if I was trying to convince myself or the doctor.

As if to mock me, the evening’s breaking news shot from the TV hoisted in my ward room.

“Mr Declan Montclair, CEO of Montclair Enterprises is spotted again at the airport with Miss Sylvia Harlow, Director of Harlow Corporation picking her up minutes after her plane landed, he claims that he was only doing a favor for a close family friend…”

A deep red flushed under my skin, the doctor smiled at the TV.

“I don't know why he's in so much denial, the way he looks at her and being childhood friends too. I can't imagine there being another woman who would be a better match for him.”

A loaded weight formed in my chest.

I had my eyes linger on the screen, on the little details everyone could see. His hand was loosely but tenderly placed around her waist. Her eyes glittering as she looked up at him.

If I wasn't married to him myself I would have agreed with the doctor.

She seemed to notice her lapse in professionalism, straightened up and apologized.

“I'm sorry, Mrs Montclair, this might be a bit uncomfortable for you since he happens to share the same name with your husband.”

No, he is my husband.

But I can't say that.

Four years ago, I agreed to a secret marriage. One only known by him and his primary family members.

“Val, my parents are the conservative type. They won't accept our marriage and overlook your humble background, unless I force their hand by showing there's a child between us.”

I'd been tempted to tell him my background was anything but humble.

But I couldn't, he was the first man that saw me and not my family’s fortune. He was also well to do as the heir to the Montclair Enterprise.

We were married one sunny Tuesday in court, with his friends as witnesses. He looked at me like the sun set in my eyes and promised to love me forever.

Lately, I've been wondering if forever has an expiry date.

Now I was in the hospital waiting to tell him that we'd lost another baby, but he was in the airport with another woman.

I decided to call him myself.

He picked up on the third ring.

“Why are you calling me at this time?” was the first thing that came out of the phone.

“Declan, our baby -”

“Don't, just don't. Do you take me for a fool? I know what you're doing.