<
I sneered. “Fine, then. Why don’t you have her get rid of the baby, and I’ll give you another one myself?”
Evan’s expression changed instantly, his face contorting in horror. He frowned, looking at me like I was a stranger. “But… that’s a life! Baby, you’ve lost a child before. How could you even suggest making a mother go through that pain?”
I laughed and slapped him across the face, the sound sharp and satisfying. “There it is–the truth. Don’t worry, I was just trying to make you sick. There’s no chance I’ll ever have another child with you.
“After all, I’m thirty now, right? Not as young as her. Not as healthy as her. Not capable of having a baby as smart or as perfect as hers.”
With every word, the color drained further from Evan’s face. He staggered back a few steps, his voice faltering as he stammered, “Y–you… heard all of that. So you’ve known all along that Mason and I were lying to you.”
I chuckled, the sound cold and devoid of humor. “Of course I knew. I’ve known this whole time you were treating me like an idiot.”
Evan opened his mouth as if to say something, but I cut him off with a glare that could freeze fire.
“Get out!” I snapped. “The only time I want to see you again is when we’re signing the divorce papers.”
Without giving him a chance to respond, I walked away.
Evan tried to follow me, but the security at my apartment complex was tight. He couldn’t even get through the gate.
I thought that would be the end of it–I thought he’d finally give up. But I underestimated his shamelessness.
He started showing everywhere way in hind me. Even when i gore him comple
completely, he didn’t seem to care.
One day, he cornered me and said he had a solution. He promised that after Sofia had the baby, he would send her away and let me raise the child as my own.
He even had the audacity to suggest that once I was healthy enough, we could try for another child together.
It was as though he saw himself as some kind of king, and I was his aging queen. Giving me the privilege of raising his offspring was supposed to be a favor, one I should be endlessly grateful for.
I had enough.
I recorded his ridiculous proposal and sent the audio to Sofia.
The very next day, she booked a flight and showed up in person.
That evening, I finally agreed to have dinner with Evan. He was so excited, practically bouncing on his feet like a kid.
For a brief moment, I saw a glimpse of the boy he used to be–the boy who had once confessed his love for me in high school.
I remembered how nervous he’d been, stuttering over his words, his face flushed bright red, especially the tips of his ears, which looked like they might catch fire.
I remembered how his hands trembled as he held out a bouquet of roses.
And when I said yes, he’d jumped up and down under the golden light of the setting sun, tears of joy shining in his eyes.
He had promised me then, with his hand over his heart, “Hannah, I’ll protect you forever!”
I believed him. Back then, I believed every word.
But life is long. Long enough to turn a person into someone you can’t even recognize anymore.
We went to a small restaurant near my place. On the way there, Evan reminisced about the past, hoping to make me remember the version of him I used to love. He thought nostalgia would soften my heart and make me forgive him.
But when we entered the restaurant, and he saw Sofia sitting at a table, his entire demeanor changed. He froze like a gun that had misfired, standing there in stunned silence.
2:30 PM
<
I kept my tone calm. “Let’s eat together.”
Evan’s expression darkened immediately. He stormed over to Sofia and grabbed her wrist, ignoring the tears welling up in her eyes.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he hissed. “Didn’t I tell you to stay away?”
Sofia clutched her stomach protectively, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry, Evan. I just… I missed you so much.”
Evan’s anger flared. “Have the baby, and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of for the rest of your life. You’ll never have to worry about money.
“But right now, get the hell out of here. If you upset my wife, I swear, I won’t let you off easy.”
Sofia shook her head, her voice breaking as she pleaded, “No, I don’t want money. I want you. Evan, I love you. I’m not with you for the money
swear.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
If Evan weren’t a wealthy CEO, with more money than he knew what to do with, would this beautiful, well–educated young woman have even glanced in his direction? Would she have chosen a married man over all the single, eligible men out there?
It didn’t matter to me whether her feelings were genuine or not. None of this had anything to do with me anymore.
I turned and walked out of the restaurant, leaving them to sort out their mess.
