Chapter 2

After three years of trying, I finally got pregnant. I had taken so many fertility drugs. Lucas was worried about me and said it didn't matter if we couldn't have a child. Little did I know that while I was desperately trying to conceive, he was doing everything he could to prevent it.

The day after I found out I was pregnant, Lucas was overjoyed. He even rushed back home overnight to celebrate with me. He had a scratch on his arm that he claimed was from a stray cat, telling me not to worry.

Now everything made sense.

A month ago, Lucas brought his pregnant cousin Chloe back home. He said Chloe was further along than me and had more experience. My mother-in-law had even thrown Chloe a birthday party at our house. At the time, Chloe was Mrs. Lee's precious goddaughter, while I had to stand and massage Mrs. Lee's shoulders.

Pregnancy brain made me stupid for three years. I even treated Chloe like a sister and took care of her.

I clenched my jaw and fists, a mix of anger and despair nearly suffocating me. I tried to calm myself, steadying my trembling body as I carefully returned to our bedroom.

"Stella seems to be asleep. Lucas, I want you," I heard Chloe say outside.

"Chloe, you're pregnant!" Lucas protested.

"You asked me to help you yesterday!" Chloe retorted.

Their conversation continued, accompanied by the sound of rustling fabric.

Tears instantly filled my eyes. I covered my mouth as if it could stop my body from shaking. What did I mean to him?

A wave of nausea hit me. I rushed to the toilet and vomited uncontrollably, as if trying to expel all the blood and tears from my body.

I sat back against the wall, gasping for air. Hot tears had already filled my eyes, ready to burst forth.

Which pain was worse - being betrayed by my husband or losing him? I had experienced both, yet couldn't compare.

I thought of my late husband, Marcus. You must think I deserve this, right? You said I was heartless and arrogant. But in this marriage, I've suffered for so long.

I dialed the number for a private hospital.

"Ms. Gray, terminating a five-month pregnancy can cause severe damage. You may never be able to conceive again," the doctor warned.

"It doesn't matter. I've made up my mind," I replied firmly.

A child should be born into a loving, happy family. If not, it's better not to come into this world at all.

The lawyer answered quickly, promising to prepare the divorce papers as soon as possible. Of course, that woman had to leave immediately too.

Drowsiness overtook me. When I woke up, I found Lucas holding me, his hand resting on my swollen belly. This familiar, warm gesture was just like before.

In the past, I would have turned and nestled into his chest, thinking I was embracing love. For a moment, I was confused, but then I smelled a woman's perfume on him and vomited again.

It caught him off guard, even getting on his clothes. Lucas woke up startled but didn't get angry. Instead, he quickly grabbed a towel to wipe my face and body. He frowned with concern, looking just like before. As always.

My heart ached. But it was all fake - his acting was too good.

I felt sick again and rushed to the bathroom. He followed urgently, saying, "This little troublemaker! Stella, are you okay? Should we go to the hospital?"

My stomach churned again. The physical and emotional pain was overwhelming. My eyes were bloodshot, tears pooling but not falling.

How could I have fallen for this deep façade before? If he didn't love me, why didn't he just say so?

I couldn't show any signs of suspicion. I had to play along: "There are too many people in the house. The baby and I find it noisy. Can you ask Mrs. Zhang to take Chloe to stay somewhere else?"

Lucas indeed showed some impatience. My heart was in my throat. If he had revealed his true face earlier, I wouldn't have had to keep up this act.

But after some thought, he compromised: "Alright, you and the baby are the most important. But Mrs. Liu needs to stay to take care of you. I'd be worried otherwise."

The words I had prepared got stuck in my throat. If I hadn't found out, how long would he have kept up this charade?

Outside the room, I could hear Lucas and Chloe arguing.

Chloe even pushed open the door: "Sister-in-law is so clever. Even while pregnant, she can manipulate Lucas into kicking me out!"

"Of course, sister-in-law's baby is precious. Mine is just a bastard without a father!"

"They say the grass is always greener, but for Lucas, it's the opposite."

I clenched my fists, feeling a lump in my throat.

Lucas's face darkened: "Chloe, don't be unreasonable!"

Chloe immediately fell to the ground, clutching her belly and crying: "If you kick me out, where can I go? I can bear the mistreatment, but should my baby suffer too?"

Lucas's face turned grim. Finally, he turned to me: "How about we move to your hillside mansion? The scenery is nice there too."

Unexpectedly, in the end, I was the one who had to leave our marital home.

I packed up with Mrs. Liu and left the place where we had lived for four years - three years of getting to know and loving each other, four years of marriage.

In these seven years together, can you tell me when your heart changed?

As I was packing and moving out, Chloe was happily moving her things into our master bedroom. I'm sure Lucas saw it, but he didn't stop her.

A knot formed in my chest.

He made the mistake, yet I found myself reflecting on my own actions. What made this woman so worthy of his care that he would ignore me?

Women in love are foolishly worthy of scolding, including myself.