“Aria, I have to work late tonight and will sleep at the office.”
“It’s raining, and the temperature’s dropped. Don’t leave the windows open when you sleep.”
“Love you always, your husband.”
I stared at the screen, the words blurring in front of my eyes. I didn’t even bother replying.
If this had been before, I would’ve counted myself lucky to have such a “perfect” husband. But now, I knew better. It was all just smoke and mirrors, empty promises that meant nothing.
Soon after, my college senior sent me the draft of the divorce agreement. I printed it out, signed it without hesitation.
While I packed up to move to my mom’s place, my phone buzzed again, an unknown number. I already knew who it was. Lily.
I went down to the coffee shop, where she was sitting smugly across from me. A shopping bag from the supermarket sat next to her, and she had those stiletto heels on, three months pregnant, but still playing the part.
“I didn’t think you’d actually come,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You didn’t even respond to my messages on Snapchat.”
I smiled, my eyes narrowing slightly. “Why wouldn’t I? I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Her expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered.
“Gabriel and I are legally married,” I added. “We can be open about it. Unlike some people, who pretend everything’s fine but will always stay in the shadows as the mistress.”
Her face flushed with fury, her hand trembling slightly. “You, !”
I raised a hand, cutting her off. “And by the way, thanks for sending me the evidence of Gabriel’s affair. Made it a lot easier to get everything I needed.”
I casually slid some cash under my cup, standing up slowly, supporting my belly with one hand.
Lily shot to her feet, grabbing my wrist tightly. “What’s your game, huh? You think I’ll fall for this?”
I yanked my hand out of her grip, meeting her eyes. “I’m saying I don’t want him anymore. If you do, go ahead. Take him.”
Her jaw clenched as she took a step toward me, practically spitting with rage. “What’s this? Some kind of trick?”
Before I could answer, Lily shoved me hard.
The force of it sent me stumbling backward, my feet losing balance. The sharp pain in my stomach was instant, like something had torn inside me.
Blood flooded between my legs in an instant, hot and fast.
I collapsed to the ground, clutching my belly.
“Help!” I gasped, struggling for breath. “Please, save my baby!”
