Chapter 3

I screamed at my husband, "Don't you dare talk to me about the child! Having a father like you would be his worst misfortune!" Without waiting for a response, I spun around and slammed the bedroom door behind me. A second later, I could hear James shouting outside, his frustration clear in every word. But eventually, his voice faded, and the tears I had been holding back finally fell.

When Lindsay joined the company, everything started to change between us. My sense of security vanished, replaced by constant suspicion and anxiety. I couldn't stop wondering if he still loved me. At one point, I even thought about having a baby, hoping it would somehow tie him to me. But when I first showed him the positive pregnancy test, I'll never forget the look on his face, twisted with fury.

He'd been texting Lindsay then, and in an instant, he slammed his phone against the table, the screen shattering.

"The company's growing, and money's tight. We can't afford a kid right now. Get rid of it."

I was stunned. Angry. Heartbroken. But I stood my ground, refusing. Not long after, James invited me to a business event. We hadn't gone anywhere together in two years, so I figured it was work-related and agreed without much thought. But when I walked in, surrounded by a bunch of greasy, middle-aged men raising their glasses to me, it hit me what was really going on. I glanced at James, hoping for help, but he was too busy bragging about how much I could drink.

They kept pushing drinks on me, forcing me to down one glass after another. My tears mixed with the liquor. An hour later, I collapsed to the floor, blood soaking through my skirt. Only then did James finally take me to the hospital, but it was too late. The baby was gone.

That's why I'd never told him about the pregnancy. If he hadn't used the excuse of being too broke to raise a child, maybe I wouldn't have been so triggered by the way he was giving away houses and company shares like they were nothing. Looking back, he probably always had plans for that money. The baby's existence disrupted his pursuit of his so-called "true love," and that's why he was so angry.

Seeing Lindsay's latest post on social media was all the confirmation I needed. This marriage was done.

When I woke up the next day, James was already gone. I called a lawyer, had the divorce papers drawn up, and was preparing to send them to his office. But then, I saw a celebratory video on the company's corporate account. Lindsay had been promoted to company shareholder, now holding the same title as James. She was no longer just his secretary, she was an executive now.

In the video, they were toasting with champagne glasses as the employees cheered them on. James's wedding ring was gone, replaced by a delicate new one that matched Lindsay's, a shiny new model from this year's collection.

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. I remembered when we first got married, his company was barely a startup. I'd only asked for the cheapest ring at the store to lighten his financial load. He'd been so moved, promising to buy me the most expensive ring once he made more money.

Eight years later, that same ring ended up on another woman's finger.

Just as I finished sending the divorce papers, James called. "I'll pick you up tonight. The company is having a team-building event, and Lindsay wants to clear up any misunderstandings between you two."

Before I could even respond, he hung up. I couldn't believe he unblocked me right before the divorce, was I supposed to feel amused or heartbroken? A mocking smile spread across my face. A misunderstanding? Is she here to explain, or to gloat?

But at this point, I didn't care anymore. After finalizing the divorce agreement, I went to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor prescribed more medication and warned me that my condition was worse than before. He told me I needed to keep my stress in check, any emotional strain could affect the baby.

Taking his advice seriously, I picked up my meds and headed home. I started looking for a new place to live, knowing I couldn't stay in this toxic environment. It wasn't safe for me, or the baby. After hours of searching, I found a place and paid the deposit. I gave myself the prescribed injection, and as I started packing, I got a notification, James's car had pulled up downstairs.

I went downstairs in my pajamas, thinking we could talk seriously.

But when he saw me, his face twisted in disgust.

"You're going out like that? Can you stop embarrassing me? People are going to think I can't even afford to buy you makeup!"

Sitting in the passenger seat with her perfect makeup, Lindsay giggled and opened the door for me. Standing next to her, I felt completely drained.

Before I could say a word, she smiled brightly and nudged me into the backseat.

"Oh, Shannon, you don't need to get all dressed up! You're already beautiful enough! Besides, do you think James would let you leave the house if you looked all dolled up?"

The door slammed behind me, and she casually slid into the front seat. They spent the whole ride chatting while I sat in the back like a total outsider. In our eight years of marriage, I'd never seen James so eager to share anything with me. And in that moment, I realized the difference between being loved and being ignored.

When the car finally stopped, I was shocked to see that the event was being held at the same barbecue joint where I had almost been assaulted the other night. The place was packed with company employees. When they saw James step out with Lindsay, they rushed to greet them, calling them "Mr. Carter" and "Miss Thompson" and ushering them to the center of attention.

I scanned the area and saw only one seat left, way off in the corner.

Just then, Lindsay playfully smacked her forehead, as if she had just remembered something.

"Oh no! I totally forgot about Shannon's seat! Can someone make some room?"

Before I could respond, James had already spoken for me.

"No need. I'll just sit here. It's just dinner."

I didn't argue. I walked straight to the corner. The table was filled with new hires, people who had no idea who I was. James didn't bother to introduce me, so no one made an effort to talk to me. I was thankful for the silence.

It wasn't until I overheard a conversation that I realized Lindsay had suggested this place. She was reminiscing about how she and James used to come here often in school.

I'd barely taken a few bites when a familiar voice whispered in my ear.

"Well, well, if it isn't the girl who turned down my offer that night. Back again tonight to look for clients? How about 500 bucks this time? Deal?"