“Pregnant, and you’re still trying to seduce me? You’ve got a child in there. Be good and wait for me in the car.”
I didn’t come downstairs until I was sure he’d gone back toward the villa. Returning to my seat at the dining table, I found myself oddly grateful. Fortunately, there were no children between us. That was the only reason I could walk away without a single tie holding me back.
When Logan opened the door again, the same familiar look of guilt was already on his face.
“Baby, something urgent came up at work. I need to travel out of town right away. Stay home for the next few days, and when I come back, I’ll bring you a gift, alright?”
I nodded, showing no sign of suspicion. Only then did he leave with ease.
Watching his retreating figure, I glanced at the calendar on the wall. Two more days. That might be the last time we ever saw each other.
That afternoon, a message arrived on my phone.
It was an ultrasound report.
[I’m telling you–I’m already pregnant with Logan’s child. This is his first baby. Unlike you, a useless hen who can’t lay eggs. you know what’s good for you, divorce him and step aside!]
Even though the number was unfamiliar, I knew instantly it was from Angela.
Carrying his child had emboldened her. She finally had the confidence to challenge me openly.
But I had already made my decision. My heart was long dead. Not even the sight of that sonogram stirred the slightest ripple Inside me.
As expected, the next two days passed without a word from Logan.
I used the time to clear out every trace of myself from the villa. Things I didn’t need, I donated or burned. What remained were only the essentials I planned to bring to the research institute.
On the morning of my departure, I rose early, packed everything neatly into a suitcase, and waited for the institute’s car to arrive. Just as I was about to call my mentor to check the pickup time, another message from Angela appeared.
This time it was a photo of her in a wedding gown, standing amidst a sea of flowers, while Logan knelt before her with a ring in hand.
[Logan proposed to me! We’re holding our wedding today. He promised me and the baby a rightful place. The ceremony is just the first step.]
[No wonder he’s been so secretive these past two days. He was preparing this huge surprise for me! He said everything had to be perfect, even if rushed–that he wanted me to be the happiest bride and mother in the world.18
[Next time he goes home, it’ll be with divorce papers. If you still care about your pride, you’d better leave that villa before I throw you out myself. That house will be mine sooner or later!]
This time, I replied.
[Congratulations. You’re finally getting what you wanted:
As soon as I sent it, the institute’s driver arrived. I picked up my suitcase and left.
At a red light on the way to the airport, the sound of excited voices reached me.
“Oh my god, look at that! Whose wedding is that? So extravagant!“}
Instinctively, I looked out the window.
There he was–Logan in a tailored suit, sitting in the back of a Maybach. His eyes were tender as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind Angela’s car.
When he finished, he turned–and his gaze locked onto mine.!!
For a split second, his eyes were filled with shock.
Then my phone began to ring.