Chapter 2
I maintained a perfectly neutral expression as I nodded.
“Fine.”
Without waiting for their reaction, I turned and went to the bedroom to pack my things.
Having decided to leave for good, I didn’t want to leave any trace of myself behind.[]
The sounds of celebration continued to filter through the door. I paused momentarily while folding clothes.[]
“Ava, let’s name the baby Graiva. ‘Forever remembering Ava,‘ that way, even if he calls someone else ‘mom‘ someday, he’ll never forget his birth mother.”
Even without seeing it, I could imagine Griffin’s devoted expression as he spoke those words.[]
Yet my heart, already shattered, crumbled further.[]
I suddenly remembered how just last month, I’d rushed home carrying souvenirs I’d specially bought for Griffin from abroad.[]
But at our doorstep, I’d encountered Griffin and Ava returning from a stroll, hand–in–hand.[]
Unlike Griffin’s horrified expression, Ava looked at me with confusion, questioning if I’d come to the wrong door.
“Are you lost? This is my home,” she said.[]
I remained silent, my eyes fixed on Ava’s pregnant belly.
Ten months away, and my husband had moved his first love into our home–and she was pregnant.[]
What had happened during that time was obvious.[]
Until Griffin nervously stepped in front of Ava to introduce me.]
“This is my wife, Nora.“]
I’d expected Ava to show some restraint after hearing this, but instead, she acted like the lady of the house, even inviting me like I was some guest.
As we passed each other, she whispered just loud enough for only me to hear:[]
“I hear you’ve been married to Griffin for three years? But a replacement will always be just that–never as good as the original!“[]
“The moment I returned, you were pushed aside, weren’t you?“[]
All the longing from ten months apart from Griffin instantly transformed into white–hot anger. Fury surged through me like a tidal wave. I couldn’t contain myself anymore–I swung my arm and slapped her hard across the face.]
The commotion was loud enough that neighbors called the police.[]
We were all taken to the station, but since it was a domestic matter, the police couldn’t intervene much and sent us home.
As soon as we arrived, my in–laws who had rushed over after hearing the news launched into a tirade against me–they berated me for causing such a scene that had neighbors gossiping. They even said I’d wasted my education by resorting to violence, and threatened serious consequences if anything had happened.
They had known all along about Griffin and Ava, and even actively supported their relationship.[]
In just one year, Ava had become their ideal daughter–in–law.
Only I had been kept in the dark.]
The taste in my mouth was pure bitterness.]
While Griffin approached me with red–rimmed eyes, attempting to take my hand as he explained.[]
Chapter 2
“Nora, I never meant to betray you. Just because Ava’s health is failing–doctors say she has six months at most. Her only wish is to experience motherhood and have a child of her own.”
“After all, she saved my life, and I couldn’t bear to let her die with regrets…”
“I considered discussing it with you, but you were abroad, and I didn’t want to distract you from your studies. So I planned to tell you when you returned.”
“If you’re willing, we could raise this child together, okay?“]
Such a momentous decision, yet he spoke of it as if it were a minor matter.
