Chapter 8X
Lucas stood in the kitchen, and a memory of Nina flashed across his mind–the first time she cooked after their wedding. She was clumsily following a recipe on her tablet, panicking as she tried to hide the burnt ribs behind her back
He’d even teased her mercilessly for her poor cooking skills
How could the daughter of the Carter family need to cook for herself? Clearly, she had endured the smoke and learned to prepare those simple meals–for him.
But what had he done in return?
To care for Lily’s so–called “depression,” he abandoned his pregnant wife over and over again.
To protect Lily’s “reputation,” he believed one ridiculous lie after another–until he finally caused Nina to lose their child.
Pal
A loud slap landed on his own face.”
With shaking hands, Lucas dialed Nina’s number. But all he heard was a cold, robotic message.”
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Until the screen went black–battery dead.
Suddenly, a loud, frantic knock echoed at the door.”
His body jolted, heart racing. Could it be Nina? Had she come back to him? Had she forgiven him?”
He stumbled toward the door and flung it open. “Nina! You’re-“”
But it wasn’t her.
Outside stood Lily, mascara smudged and eyes swollen like walnuts.
She clung to the doorframe. “Lucas! Let me in! Reporters are going to destroy me!“}
Lucas’s gaze turned icy as he glanced past her. Over a dozen reporters were sprinting their way, cameras raised.
“Get lost,” he said coldly.
Panicked, Lily shoved her way inside.}
“Lucas, just let me hide for a moment! Those videos—they’re fake! Someone set me up!“}
Without hesitation, he grabbed her shoulders and shoved her back out the door. “Go find your child’s real father. I don’t ever want to see you again.”
“Ah-!”
Lily screamed as she tumbled down the steps, her expensive gown now streaked with dirt.
The reporters swarmed in instantly, shutters clicking wildly.
Then, from the chaos, a bejeweled middle–aged woman appeared, fury blazing in her eyes.}
“You slut! I’ve finally caught you!“}
She grabbed Lily by the hair and hissed, “So this is why my husband took conştant business trips–to see you, you little snake!“}
Pa! A resounding slap echoed.
But Lily wasn’t about to back down. She clawed at the woman’s face. “Old hag! Maybe if you satisfied your man, he wouldn’t need me!“}
The two tore into each other. Lily’s luxury bag was shredded, cosmetics flying in all directions.
Suddenly, Lily clutched her belly and wailed, “My baby!“}
The older woman sneered, then brutally kicked her in the stomach.
Bright red blood gushed between Lily’s legs as she collapsed and lost consciousness.
The next day, headlines blazed with images of her being wheeled into an ambulance, blood–soaked and lifeless. Every major brand severed ties with her. The TV dramas she starred in swiftly replaced her. The once–adored movie queen had become public enemy
number one.
Back at the Carter family’s ancestral home, I wandered in a daze. I ate, I slept, but did little else.
When the family doctor came to check on me, his brows were furrowed so tightly they looked like they might snap. “Miss, after a miscarriage, your body needs proper care.”
His words made my father explode. Three antique teacups shattered against the marble floor.
“I should’ve broken that bastard’s legs when I had the chance!” My father trembled with rage.}
Jack stood silently by the window. He said nothing, simply pulled out his phone and made a quiet call.
The very next day, the Turner Group’s stocks plummeted. Lily’s endorsements vanished. She was blacklisted from every major outlet.
Deep down, I suspected it had everything to do with Jack.}
He always lingers near our home these days.}
That evening, I sat on the garden swing, lost in thought, the night air brushing against my cheeks.
Suddenly, a pair of polished black shoes appeared before me. I looked up, startled. It was Jack–I hadn’t even noticed his arrival.
Let Me for the Woman Carrying His Child
10
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