Chapter 10
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He wanted me to publicly claim the baby was his.
That day, I said it out of anger–to push back. I didn’t think he’d actually take it seriously.
But with the Morris family, appearances always mattered more than the truth.
Honestly? It was ridiculous.
Still, I agreed.
First, if I filed for divorce, it would drag on endlessly–and now that I’m pregnant, I don’t have that kind of energy to waste.
Second, the stakes between our families were too high. Burning it all down might’ve felt satisfying at the moment, but in the long run, nobody would win.
Under pressure from his family, Ryan signed the divorce agreement.
When Ronald brought him to meet me, Ryan looked like a ghost. Hollow- eyed, exhausted, barely there.
“We’ve signed the agreement,” Ronald said. “Please make sure you follow through on your end.”
I reviewed the documents and offered a calm smile. “Fine. I’ll make the announcement tonight.”
Something about that smile must’ve hit a nerve–because Ryan didn’t say a
word.
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Chapter 10
He just turned and walked out.
Ronald stayed behind. “How are you planning to make it public?”
“Social media,” I said plainly.
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His frown deepened. “We’ve already made arrangements. The Morris family is hosting a formal dinner this weekend to announce the divorce. It’ll be presented as a mutual, peaceful separation. You can clarify things then.”
A show, basically.
If Ryan was okay with pretending, why shouldn’t I be?
Later, when I headed down to the garage, I found Ryan leaning against my car.
A nearly burned–out cigarette dangled between his fingers, smoke curling around him.
He looked up at me, voice soft. “Since we’re officially done, can we go back to the house? One last time? You left a few things.”
I paused. Technically, I had. A few old journals, some books. Stuff I hadn’t thought about in months.
Before I could answer, he opened the passenger door and slid in like it was already settled.
The whole drive, he sat there with his eyes closed. Didn’t say a word.
But I saw it–a single tear sliding down his cheek.
And you know what?
I’ve cried plenty, too.
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Chapter 10
When we walked into the house, the scent of our old air freshener still lingered. But everything else had changed.
New furniture. New layout. It no longer felt like our home.
Ryan’s eyes filled with tears. His voice cracked as he said, “I know I ruined everything. I let Rachel into our lives, and she tore us apart.
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“So I wanted to give you a new home. I got rid of everything she touched. Every last piece. She’s gone. I’ll never see her again. I swear.”
His eyes were red, his voice desperate. “I even set up a nursery. I didn’t
ag
know if it was a boy or a girl, so I bought both. It’s cute–you should see it. I think you’ll like it.”
I stood there, frozen.
“Ryan,” I exhaled. “You’re just like your father. Always lying–to everyone, even yourself. That baby isn’t yours.”
He gave me a sad smile. “I don’t care. If it’s yours, I’ll love it.”
He sounded completely out of touch with reality.
I sighed. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Julia,” he whispered. “These past few days, I’ve felt worse than dead.”
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