Chapter 2
By now, Sean must’ve gotten used to using Grayson as a shield whenever things got complicated. And yet, I couldn’t help but smile as I grabbed my bag and stood up.
“You guys go ahead,” I said. “I’m heading out first.”
Sean walked with me all the way to the hospital entrance, his face full of affection. He was laying it on thick.
“Baby, when we get home, I’ll cook for you. I’ll make your favorite oil–braised shrimp,” he said with a soft grin, his eyes full of that phony devotion.
His words dripped with sweetness like I was the only woman in the world. “Next time, I won’t agree to Grayson’s requests. anymore. From now on, I’ll stay home with my wife.”
People passing by couldn’t help but glance at us, probably thinking what a
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lucky woman I was. But all I felt was disgust.
I turned away, fighting the smirk I couldn’t entirely suppress, and hopped into a taxi. But I wasn’t going straight home. Not yet.
“Pull over up ahead,” I told the driver. “Let’s wait here for a minute.”
I had a feeling I needed to see something before I went back to that house.
Just a while ago, Veronica had sent me a message that left a sour taste in my mouth.
“Do you know where this is?” she asked, sending me a picture of the obstetrics and gynecology department. Her tone oozed smugness. “This is the obstetrics and gynecology department. You’ll probably never get a chance to come here in your life. Shame, right?”
The message continued, practically gloating. “Michelle, do you really think Sean loves you? A man’s love means
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nothing. He even said he’d take me to watch the sunset later.”
She kept on, her words dripping with satisfaction. “He never liked women like you–a dead fish. He says he loves me because I’m ‘open.‘ He loves discovering new ‘scenarios‘ with me…”
I stared at the screen, her words stinging. But I refused to let her get the best of me. I wasn’t going to play her game.
I waited in silence, the minutes stretching on like hours, until finally, I saw Sean’s car pull out of the hospital parking lot. And, of course, Veronica was right beside him, that smug little grin still plastered on her face.
As the car passed, I saw her lean over and kiss him on the cheek. The sight made my stomach churn.
They parked by the river, and I watched as they exited the car, the golden glow of the sunset painting the sky behind them.
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But what was supposed to be a romantic moment quickly turned into something. else entirely. They were tangled up on the hood of the car, clothes half off, their bodies pressed together in a way that made my blood boil.
But then, just as things were getting heated, I saw Sean pull back. He frowned, his hands gripping her shoulders as he gently pushed her away.
“The doctor said the fetus is still
unstable,” he said, his voice tight.
“Don’t be reckless.”
Veronica laughed lightly, teasing him. “Won’t it be fine if we just stay out here?”
Sean didn’t hesitate, his breath shallow.
“Fine.”
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of it all crashing down.
“Sir,” I said flatly, “take me back.”
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I didn’t need to see any more. They could continue whatever they were doing, but I was done.
As the taxi started moving, I let my mind. wander. The years of marriage and the trust I thought we had all felt like a cruel joke now. Sean had always been so good to
- me.
I remembered how he‘ d been there for
me when I was kidnapped by his enemies. while trying to save his sister. His family had been grateful–so grateful they promised to treat me like family for the rest of my life.
But now?
Here he was, having a baby with another woman. All because of a misdiagnosis.
The weight of it was too much to bear, but I couldn’t focus on it for long. Instead, I told the cab driver, “Take me to Fairmount Hotel.”
Grayson had sent me the address and room
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number. Tonight, I had a feeling things were about to get… interesting.
When I walked into the hotel room, Grayson was wrapped in a bathrobe, looking too comfortable. He flashed me a lazy grin.
“Good girl,” he said, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. “I was just about to change and come find you.”
I gave him a sidelong glance. “You are really shameless.”
I walked past Grayson without giving him. another look, my mind too focused on the situation to play his games.
Grayson and Sean had been best friends. since college. They pursued me at the same time, but I chose Sean and sent him love
letters.
Grayson had stepped back, but it wasn’t without some lingering tension.
On the day of our wedding, Grayson
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hadn’t even shown up. Instead, he had
sent us a $5,000 gift through his friends. I appreciated the gesture, but it made things.
awkward.
Over the past five years, Grayson had dated a few women, but none of those relationships had lasted.
Sean often teased him, “Grayson, can you stop being so picky?”
“Seriously, what kind of girlfriend are you looking for?” Sean would ask, laughing. “I’ve got so many beautiful girls at my company. Let me introduce you.”
But Grayson always had that mischievous glint in his eyes when he’d look at me. “I want a wife like yours.
And Sean would always turn cold and kick him lightly, pretending it didn’t bother him.
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