HER CAPTOR, HER WEAPON

ARIADNE'S POV

My body trembled as I felt the weight of Karl's words hit me like a storm. I wanted to believe it was some sort of prank but his eyes told me it wasn't. "What do you mean, Karl" I demanded, my voice breaking as his words sliced through me, and my heart pounded in my ears. He stood avoiding my gaze, but when his eyes finally met mine the coldness in them made my heart skip a beat.

"You heard me, Ariadne. Stop making this difficult for me" he said, his voice low and detached. "I never loved you, maybe I thought I did... But, I really can't go on with you... This was meant to end either way.." He said as his gaze roamed over me, and the disgust in his eyes made my stomach twist, "You are just an old rag I need to discard" his words pierced my heart, and I felt like I'd been punched a hundred times in the gut. I stood frozen, clutching the pregnancy test slip in my hand, tears threatening to stream down my face but I tried hard to fight it- I can't give in just yet.

But... How did it come to this? The same man I had defied my father for? I'd never dreamt that we would come to this, three years ago when I left my wealth, home, friends, and life, to be with Karl. He was a damn filthy pauper when I made him who he is today. Now he thinks I am something he needs to discard.

"Three years, Karl. Three damn years, and you're just realizing you never loved me? You're not seriously asking for a divorce, are you?" The dam broke, and tears gushed down my face, I couldn't control it at this point. The man I used to be his whole world now looked at me with such disgust. As I stood there, shattered, the door creaked open and a footstep approached us.

"Hello, Ariadne" The familiar voice sent shivers down my spine, the one I thought I'd never hear until now.

Miella?

Now it all made sense. The woman he used to love is back, my step-sister, Miella. Her presence was like a slap in my face.

"What in the world are you doing here?" My voice cracked as I sniffed in my tears.

My anger boiled as she ignored me and strolled towards him- The fact that she had the gut to kiss him, fuelled more anger in me. I was more than pissed.

"What do you think you are to waltz in my home like you owned it? And to touch my man?!" I demanded, my voice laced with venom

Her laugh was cold and hysteric before standing to my face. I hated all of the guts she had. Me? To this filth?

She whispered, "You were just Karl's ladder and now, you've served your purpose. It's time you step aside" She clicked her tongue "Do you understand now, dear Ariadne?". Her words cut deep, and my palm connected with her cheek before I could stop myself. It was a resounding slap and for a moment I felt proud of that slap.

"Ariadne!" Karl's voice boomed, before he geared towards me, she stopped him and then she sent a weighty slap across my face sending me to the ground. I clutched my stomach. I needed to protect my baby, at least, but Karl just stood watching me in pain. I was carrying his baby and yet he doesn't even know this.

"Baby" she rested her hand on his chest. "I'm tired already. You know the doctor said not to go through stress because of our baby" she said holding her belly. My eyes widened. She's pregnant? He didn't just cheat on me with her but he also impregnated this witch?

As though his life depended on it, he slowly bent to his knees and planted a kiss on her stomach. My blood boiled as I watched.

"I'm sorry I let you suffer. Daddy is here now" he said and walked past me, holding onto her hands.

But I wouldn't let him walk over me that way.

"You have no right to go into my bedroom. This is my house remember?"

"Don't make me laugh, Ariadne. You bought this house with Karl's name on it." She faced Karl "Why are you quiet? Remind her in case she's forgotten" She urged, while Karl just nodded his head like an obedient dog. Yes, I was stupidly in love to buy a house with my husband's name on it.

"Listen, Ari, I don't intend to argue with you so just back off," he said lamely like I was supposed to just do that. Before I knew it I dragged Miella to the ground, like she was expecting me to do that, she tumbled on the floor leaving me speechless.

Karl's response was swift and brutal. "Have you gone mad?" He said and with a huge force, he slammed me against the wall, his veins rising beneath his skin and eyes blazing with fury. "The only reason I tried to be calm with you is because I still have this tiny respect for all you did for me but you've gone too far... Don't you dare in the rest of your damn life lay your hands on my woman. Got it?" he growled, pushing me forcefully, aside. I lost my balance and tripped as my belly hit the ground.

My head felt heavy as the room spun around me, sounds growing fainter as I tried to stay awake, but the darkness swallowed me whole.

At that moment...

The truth stared at me.

I knew somewhere deep within me, that I still love him. Stupid? But my heart had always yearned for him. I think it was time I let him go.

My eyes shot closed.

* * *

My eyes slowly opened as I took in my environment. A part of me prayed I would not wake up into this whole mess again. My heart couldn't take it anymore. I'm deeply hurt.

"If you're awake, get up"