Chapter 3
"Shawn, I feel connected to this girl—we look alike, and her husband has your name."
Shawn gave me a cold, unfamiliar look, then looked away.
His face stayed cold.
And he spoke disdainfully, "I don't see it. No one holds a candle to you."
Raina shyly buried herself in his arms.
But my heart kept sinking to rock bottom.
I stumbled home, completely numb inside.
I opened the door and saw Shawn sitting on the couch, looking indifferent.
He wore a tailored suit and polished shoes, radiating wealth and sophistication.
He was close to me this morning, and how did he become a stranger so fast?
Maybe he's hiding something, or this man isn't my husband but someone who looks like him.
But the cruel reality shattered my fantasies without mercy.
He started, "When did you find out?"
I stood there, completely confused by his words.
He sneered contemptuously, "If you didn't know, how did Raina meet you at the prenatal clinic? Don't tell me you're pregnant too.
"Vera, this act is pointless?"
I never imagined he saw me as a manipulative, heartless woman willing to do anything to get her way.
Fighting back tears, I demanded,
"And you? Nothing to say?"
He looked at me as if I'd told the biggest joke.
"Isn't it clear? Raina went overseas. I needed someone to fill the time. And you—well, you're a passable lookalike.
"I would've kept this going longer, but you just couldn't stay in your lane, could you? Showing up in front of her. So we're done."
I gave a bitter smile and shot him a venomous glare.
"Shawn, does she know you married me?"
He scoffed.
"The fake marriage certificate was a joke to fool you. Only you fell for it.
"It's done. Once the paperwork's done, you're leaving. Don't let me see you again.
"And don't show up near Raina or mess with her, or your dad may not survive the hospital."
I lost it and shoved him in anger.
"Shawn, you bastard! Do you even care? I stuck with you for three years. My dad treated you so well, and now you're using his life to threaten me."
He shoved me aside coldly and without mercy.
I hit my lower back on the table, fell, and couldn't stand. Cold sweat covered me, and a sharp pain twisted in my belly.
"Vera, don't test me. Anyone blocking me from Raina will be removed. I've shown you more mercy than you deserve. Don't misuse it," he warned.
A kid's ringtone broke his icy mood instantly.
"Baby, I'm coming home. Wait for me. I'll make your favorite Honey-Glazed Pork Ribs."
As soon as he hung up, his arrogant expression returned.
He snarled, "Vera, stop groveling. Have some dignity."
My eyes burned with unshed tears, but I still hoped.
I asked, "Shawn, what if I'm carrying your child?"
He answered without a second thought.
"Just abort it. No other woman deserves to have my kid.
"Don't try anything, Vera. Your dad's still in the hospital."
My heart turned to ashes, and I could only resign myself to my fate.