Chapter 7

Just as I expected, before I could say a word, Anne stepped out of the car.

Her expression was a perfect mask of concern, but I could see the undertone of something else, something sharp.

“Kelly, where have you been? Lennox and I have been so worried about you. Especially Lennox. He’s been a wreck—so stressed he can’t even eat. Look at him, he’s lost so much weight. It’s really heartbreaking.”

Her words were soft, but the edge beneath them was impossible to ignore.

“Lennox is your husband,” I shot back, keeping my tone casual, as though I wasn’t even bothered. “If you’re heartbroken, that’s your problem. What does it have to do with me?”

My words hit Lennox like a punch. His face went pale, and I could see the hurt in his eyes as he took a step toward me, his voice breaking.

“Kelly, from the start, the only woman I’ve ever wanted to marry is you.”

I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. My gaze sharpened, and I couldn’t help but snap,

“Are you serious? Do you really think I’m that dumb? Do I need to spell this out for you?”

I couldn’t hold back my bitterness.

“You’re married. You already signed a marriage certificate with her. And now, you want to have a wedding with me? What do you think I am, some kind of fool?”

He was already married. And as much as he wanted to deny it, our relationship would never be seen as legitimate. I’d just be the one everyone pointed fingers at—the one who tore apart a family. That’s something I would never be.

“No, Kelly, you don’t understand,” Lennox pleaded, his voice rising with panic. “It’s just a marriage on paper. There’s no love between us!”

Anne’s eyes flashed with something, but it was gone as quickly as it came. Then, clutching her stomach, she let out a dramatic gasp.

“Lennox… my stomach. It hurts. Can you take me to the hospital? Something’s wrong with the baby…”

Lennox froze, torn between us. I could see the hesitation in his eyes, and it was clear he was trying to decide who he should save first.

I didn’t bother to wait for him to answer. I gave a bitter laugh and said,

“You’d better hurry up and take your wife to the hospital. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to your son.”

Without another word, I turned and flagged down a taxi, leaving them both standing there.

I thought I’d finally made myself clear. I thought I’d finally cut ties with the Green family. But then, the next day, after work, I stepped off the elevator to my apartment… and there she was. Mrs. Green, waiting by my door.

The moment she saw me, she dropped to her knees, her sobs echoing in the hallway.

“Please… I’m begging you,” she choked out. “Let my son go. He has a wife now, and they’re having a baby. He can’t live without them!”

It just so happened that my neighbor was coming home, and a few others were walking out of the elevator, so the scene immediately caught their attention.

“Sounds like this woman’s a homewrecker,” someone whispered. “She’s breaking up her son’s marriage.”

“Look at how she’s dressed up. She doesn’t seem like a decent person at all. Can’t believe she’s really the other woman.”

“What a disgrace. How can someone like her even live here?”

I could feel the heat of their whispers, and my anger flared. I couldn’t hold back anymore.

“You know what? That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking!” I snapped. “Tell your son to leave me alone. Tell him to stop showing up at my apartment, stop showing up at my workplace. I’m done with all of you!”

I had warned Lennox before—if he ever disappointed me, if he ever showed me that I wasn’t worth his loyalty, I’d walk away. No hesitation. And today, I was making good on that promise.

Just as I turned to leave, I heard running footsteps. Lennox. He came barreling toward me, out of breath, his face flushed from the run. He stopped in front of me, disappointment written all over his face.

“Kelly… do you really mean what you said?”

I met his gaze with cold resolve, my voice firm.

“Yes. I want you and your whole family to stay out of my life. I never want to see any of you again.”

Mrs. Green shot to her feet, her anger exploding.

“Fine! Remember this moment,” she spat, her tone venomous. “Don’t you dare come crawling back to us. And stay away from my son and my daughter-in-law. If you cause any more trouble, don’t blame me for what happens next!”