The Second Marriage Chance

Sarah

Faint voices could be heard upon regaining consciousness. A sharp pain throbbed at my temples, and I felt weak all over.

As my senses returned, I struggled to recall my last clear memories. Jane's face came into focus-she had handed me a drink. I was sure she had something to do with what happened to me. Blinking away the lingering haze, I looked around. The luxurious décor and familiar layout reminded me that this was Ethan Vanderbilt's house. Philip had brought me here months ago. "That lunatic! I couldn't believe that scumbag!" I heard Dr. Ruth exclaim outside the room.

"Ruth, please, you need to calm down. This level of stress isn't good for you or the baby," came the voice of Dr. Ethan Vanderbilt.

'Baby? Is Dr. Ruth pregnant?'

Summoning my remaining strength, I pushed myself up and staggered towards the door. As I opened it, both doctors spun around, their wide eyes and slightly open mouths revealing their surprise. "Hi! Uh, h-how did I get here?" I asked them. And why is Dr. Ruth here? But I kept the last question to myself.

"Sarah! It's good to see you awake. Just a moment; I need to call your husband and let him know," said Ethan. He walked away before I could respond.

"Hang on. Did something happen to me?" Fear gripped me as I looked at Dr. Ruth. Is that why I was left here?

Dr. Ruth's expression softened, a reassuring smile spreading across her face.

"No, no, nothing like that," she soothed. "Your husband just went to take care of the incident at the Eclipse Club Lounge. He entrusted you to us because he also needed to attend to Iris and Rowan," explained Dr. Ruth with a broad smile. "Anyway, come on, you must be famished. The drvg you were given can have that effect. Let's get some food in you."

She led me to the kitchen, clearly at home in Ethan's house. Her ease with the layout and effortless finding of everything made me wonder. It's obvious! The two are having an affair!

She gave me some milk, bread, and bacon.

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but why did you go to Arthur's club?" Dr. Ruth inquired.

"Arthur?" I repeated the name she mentioned. For the doctor to speak of the club owner this way, they must know each other.

"Arthur is my ex-scumbag fiancé!"

"Oh!" My mouth formed an O. "He invited me to his business establishment for a possible business partnership, but now, I don't think that was the real reason at all. While I was... under the influence, I heard my aunt's voice. I think they're all in this together."

"Aunt? Do you mean Madam Olsen?" Dr. Ruth asked.

"Yes. It seems you know quite a lot, Dr. Ruth," I couldn't help but remark.

Dr. Ruth elaborated, "Arthur and I... we have a history. We were college friends back in Nashville and started dating about ten years ago. Five years ago, he proposed, and I accepted like a fool. With marriage plans in mind, I invested nearly all my earnings from my medical practice into his club. He always said it was his dream, that it would make us rich..."

Dr. Ruth's voice faded as she absentmindedly traced patterns on the kitchen table.

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"I noticed gradual changes in our lives-from a modest apartment to a penthouse. However, our dream of starting a family seemed to disappear in exchange. For five years, he made excuses until I discovered that the engagement ring he gave me was intended for another woman!"

Her expression hardened, jaw clenching.

"Three months ago, I had a patient who became pregnant after visiting Arthur's club. Suspicious of his lies and sharing a roof with him, I obtained documents from his safe-the identity of the club's major investor, even details about the drugs they use to victimize patrons. It was like a house of cards collapsing around me."

Listening intently, I couldn't help but empathize with Dr. Ruth as she recounted her story.

"Madam Cornell is his primary investor. So when President Cornell informed me last night about what happened to you and where he rescued you, I knew immediately how to proceed with your treatment."

"Thank you, Dr. Ruth!" I wondered if Arthur DeLuca was the father of her unborn child, but I couldn't ask-it felt too personal, too raw.

"Imagine, I was blinded by that lunatic for ten years! The woman he was truly planning to marry had followed him here in Highland Hills. I discovered he'd been housing her for months, right under my nose. Without hesitation, I ended things with him!"

She took a deep breath, composing herself. "But even now, that shameless man won't leave me in peace. He blames me whenever something goes wrong in his club, like last night... I only realized his manipulative ways and deception after he disappeared from my life."

After Dr. Ruth shared her story, I realized everyone seemed to have their own deep, often painful narrative.

"Dr. Ruth, you mentioned seeing those documents. Is there any way we could get copies?" A fire of determination had ignited within me. "I can't allow a club like that to continue operating in this city, wreaking havoc on women's lives. Their evil needs to end."

I need to teach Madam Olsen a lesson! I can't understand why she would want to hurt me.

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"Actually, yes. They're all on my cell phone, locked away in my safe. When I discovered those documents, I immediately photographed everything, thinking they might be needed someday." She gave a wry smile. "I guess that day has come sooner than expected."

"Dr. Ruth, I can't thank you enough for this," I said, squeezing her hand.

"It's nothing... It's time to shut down that club."

Then, I explained why I had been at the Eclipse Club Lounge. I was saddened that I had nearly become a victim the previous night.

Philip's car arrived to pick me up a few minutes later.

Once inside, I immediately told him where I wanted to go. "I miss Iris and Rowan, but I need to talk to Jane right now."

Philip was surprised. He started to protest, but he saw the determination in my eyes.

With a slight nod, he instructed the driver, "Take us to Cornell Mansion."

As the car pulled away, I fell into a heavy silence. The weight of betrayal pressed down on me, threatening to crush my spirit.

Jane's betrayal hurt most those who could have turned against me. For the three years of my marriage, I trusted her as a friend amidst the challenges with Philip. In one night, she shattered that trust completely.

When we arrived at the mansion, Philip turned to me, concern etched on his face.

"What's your plan, Sarah?"

"Philip, I'm used to betrayal by now, but Jane? I was nearly molested last night because of her actions." My voice cracked slightly, but I pressed on. "This won't be easy, but I need to confront her. I have to cut her out of my life completely..."