CHAPTER 3 Who Do You Think You Are!

The cool touch on her forehead swept away the heat in her head. She felt much better. Feeling less dizzy, she opened her eyes slowly. Seeing her awake, Jack took his hands back. She looked at him and smiled weakly, 'You are back?" Then, she struggled to get out of the bed and started babbling, 'It's time for work. I'll make you breakfast. Wait a minute…" 'I believe I have made myself clear. You are the wife of Steve now." He paused and looked at her mockingly. His words made her body stiffened. Her smile faded. The man came over and took her jaw. This way, she was forced to look at him. Jack saw surprise and grief in her eyes, after which he released his hold. 'You are so nasty." He whispered. She was shaking badly. Liz came uninvited and was looking at them playfully. 'Jack, you left something at my place." Seeing them both mute, she began to speak. Jack cast her a glimpse. 'Come in." He said coldly. With his permission, Liz walked in. She ignored Stephanie and put the paper bag in her hands on the table. Afterwards, she began to examine Stephanie. 'What's wrong with you, Steph? You look bad." She derided her. 'It's nothing." Stephanie wanted to maintain her icy calm, but couldn't conceal the disappointment in her eyes. Liz came closer and tried to put her hand on Stephanie's forehead. Stephanie fell back unconsciously, but the hand still reached her. 'She's sick." Liz looked at Jack. 'She deserves that." He snorted. Stephanie looked upset, but she didn't speak. Liz said in a half-reproaching way, 'How could you say that, Jack? Women are weak and tender." She helped Stephanie back to her bed. Jack snorted before he turned around to leave the room. Stephanie stared at the woman before her. Having showed her true colors, she looked less friendly now. 'You are smart." She started with these confusing words. She passed her some medicine and water. 'Take it." Stephanie took the water but ignored the med. Liz didn't get mad. Instead, she threw the med into the trash can and got right to her topic. 'Do you know he was with me last night?" Stephanie paused, pretending that she didn't hear a thing and kept drinking her water. 'Jack ‘worked' so hard last night." Liz glanced at Stephanie, and derided her. Stephanie's cup-holding hand turned pale. Liz could tell from her eyes that she was struggling to take her words as a lie. Liz, however, was still unsatisfied. She approached Stephanie and got hold of her hands. Liz put her face even closer. 'Who do you think you are, you shameless whore? Stay away from Jack!" Liz cursed hideously. It hurt so much, as if she wanted to break her arm. Stephanie managed to push her away with an aggressive glare. Her arm was free again. Liz fell down to the floor. She looked at the person on the bed and gave her a malicious grin. Suddenly, she broke into tears. Before Stephanie could react, Jack was back with a bad look. He helped Liz up and asked gently. 'Are you alright?" 'Yes. I fell over by accident. It's not Stephanie's fault." She said with tears on her face. Jack and Stephanie's sights met. She looked down to woman he was holding, stunned. She didn't know why she lied. 'You are lying." Stephanie raised her volume. She was obviously angry. Jack released his hold and walked over to Stephanie. 'Who do you think you are?" He roared with his hands grabbing her collar. Stephanie felt nearly suffocated. Jack came closer. 'Who do you think you are? I keep you only for the baby in your belly, which is Steve's only child." He said in aloofness. She stared at him in amazement with her eyes widely opened like a fish without water. Mental despair hurt her worse than the physical suffocation. Jack loosened his grip and left Stephanie, who hadn't recovered from the shock yet. Stephanie's tears had dried. Her heart hurt like someone was holding it hard. The two were standing in front of her side by side. 'I…" She could not speak. She shut and then reopened her eyes, which yielded the world clearer. She continued when all pain had faded and she felt herself calm enough to speak. 'I understand. I will stay aware of my identity." Liz snickered. It seemed harsh to Stephanie, but no one would help her now. She gave her weak smile in return.