Chapter 18
Gerry Stall had now attended the bachelor parties of his ex–girlfriends eight times. This time, he went all out–and left behind more than just memories. He planted a seed of love in the womb of the woman he had once loved the longest.
When I found out, I went straight to the hospital to pick up birth control and abortion pills, just like I had the previous seven times.
But as I reached the door of what was supposed to be our wedding suite, I saw her–his ex–standing there, tears spilling down her cheeks as she confronted him.
“Gerry, who do you choose? Me… or the two heartbeats inside me?“%
Without a moment’s hesitation, Gerry pulled her into his arms.§
“I choose you. I choose our children.”)
Then, right in front of me, he threw the pills–and the envelope of cash I was holding–into the trash. My ID card followed, landing on the lid with a dull thud.8
“Niana is different,” he said. “She doesn’t need these.”
I stood frozen, stunned. “What are you talking about?”
*If the Stall Family elders hadn’t opposed Niana because of her complicated background, our first child would already be in kindergarten. But fate…“–his voice lowered-“cut its life short on a cold operating table.“ầ
He turned back to me, eyes solemn. “So this time, I’ll protect her until this baby is bor safely.“%
Then he added, as if offering a consolation prize.
“Once the child is bom, we’ll name you as the godmother. After the baby turns one, I’ll arrange for Niana to move abroad with the child.“} And after that…. we’ll register our marriage. I’ll give you the grand wedding you deserve. Will that be okay?“%
I stared at him for a long moment. Then, I smiled.
“Sure. You arrange it. I have no objections.”
That very night, he moved Niana Grey into the wedding chamber that had been prepared for me.
I gathered my documents in silence and made a phone call–to his lifelong rival.
You once said that if I ever wanted to marry you, you’d say yes without hesitation. Does that offer still stand?“> His voice was steady and sure. “It still stands.“}
Outside, rain beat softly against the balcony windows, as if washing away the bitterness that had built up in my chest.
“Then… can we get married three days from now?” ! asked.
There was a pause. Then…
“Sure.“2
I’ll see you at the City Hall. Don’t forget to bring your ID.”
After the call, I took out a wet wipe and gently cleaned the smudges from my ID card.
Earlier today, Gerry had tossed it onto the trash can lid like it was meaningless. And in that moment, I realized–he never truly cared. Not about my feelings. Not about our supposed marriage.
He could delay it any time, using any excuse.
to
From his bachelor party to the seven exes who got pregnant one after another… to me quietly cleaning up the messes each time… and now waiting for Niana to give birth??
I sighed, feeling a dull ache in my chest.
Eleven years. I had loved him for eleven years. I thought that today–finally–my secret crush that began at fifteen would have a beautiful ending. That Gerry and I would get our happy ending.
But instead…
A cold gust swept into the room, making my eyes sting. Tears blurred my vision.
The butler entered silently and placed the tablet in front of me. It was still on a video call.
Gerry’s face filled the screen, glowing with residual joy. The camera tilted slightly and I caught a glimpse of a delicate pink sleeve draped over his hand, his veins standing out beneath her soft skin.
I looked away, my throat tightening.
“What is it?”
His smile faded, his expression cooling as he tumed the camera toward the floor.
A pile of items lay there–remnants of the life that was meant for me.!
“Niana doesn’t like these things,” he said flatly. “I’m planning to get rid of them. Do you want them? If you do, I can have someone deliver them to your place.”%
D
I quietly studied each item in the pile.”
