Chapter 5

It wasn't until Jessica had fallen asleep that Vincent finally came downstairs to confront me. His tone was sharp, almost accusatory. "Helena, what did you say to Jessica?"

I looked at Vincent with a puzzled look. "Didn't you say this baby would be mine too?"

Awkwardness flickered across Vincent's face. "But I never told Jessica about that. You need to cut her some slack. She's pregnant."

I lowered my head. "I didn't know. I thought she wanted this too."

Vincent walked over and pulled me into his arms, gently patting my back. "Helena, trust me. I'll keep my promise to you. But right now, Jessica's the priority."

I nodded. "Okay, I understand."

Vincent sighed. "Jessica was crying and freaking out. She's terrified that after she has the baby, I'll abandon her. She feels so insecure, and you know I can't give her marriage. All I can do is..."

Vincent brushed his hand over my cheek. "Helena, can you let Jessica be the company's legal owner?"

I burst out, "No way! How could you even suggest that?"

Vincent looked exhausted. "I know it's not fair to you, but Jessica just won't back down. I'm scared she'll get too worked up, and something will happen to the baby. For her sake, can you just bear with it for now?"

I bit down hard on my lip, wrestling with my feelings before I finally gave in and nodded. "Okay."

To make it up to me, Vincent asked, "Helena, what do you want? I'll buy it for you."

I shook my head, hiding my face against his shoulder. "Vincent, I don't want anything. I just want to know you care about me."

*****

Three days later, the company was officially handed over from me to Jessica.

Jessica was absolutely gloating, swaggering around the villa. "Just wait. Everything you own will be mine."

I pretended to be upset and turned, walking into the bathroom.

I smiled at my own reflection in the mirror.

Being the legal owner basically meant she would be the one who takes the blame, and even after working as a secretary, Jessica still had no clue.

Her whole plan was just to use a man to get ahead.

Did she think it was really that easy to reach the top?

Even if she did make it, how could she be sure it wouldn't all collapse in a heartbeat?

*****

By the second week of caring for Jessica, her morning sickness escalated. She was continuously nauseous and lightheaded, and the house was filled with the smell.

To help her out, I arranged for a family doctor to be on call 24/7, ready to come at a moment's notice and make sure she and the baby were okay.

I kept everything running smoothly, so Vincent didn't have to worry about a thing.

I told him, "You work so hard every day. Just leave Jessica to me, and focus on your job."

Vincent really did throw himself into work, but Jessica wasn't having any of it. She made a scene, acting like she wanted Vincent with her every second of the day.

At first, Vincent tried to comfort her and spent time at home, but as the days dragged on, he started to lose his patience.

With Jessica throwing up more and more, Vincent couldn't help but feel repulsed.

He came up with every excuse in the book just to stay away from home.

Jessica was throwing tantrums and smashing things all over the house, and every time she broke something, I just quietly replaced it. On the flip side, Evelyn brought me some good news.

She got herself a spot at Burton Group, becoming Vincent's secretary.

Whenever Jessica was driving Vincent up the wall, Evelyn would always chime in that she knew a thing or two about head massages and would help Vincent relax.

When Vincent was avoiding home, killing time at the office, and chain-smoking, Evelyn would show up with a dinner she'd cooked herself, just for him.

I knew Vincent all too well. His parents split up when he was a kid, so he never knew what a real family felt like. That was why he got such a soft spot for those little acts of kindness.

Soon enough, Vincent started looking at Evelyn differently.

Evelyn was sweet, sensible, and had that pure, innocent energy that only someone her age could have.

And honestly, she reminded me a lot of myself when I was younger.

Back then, Vincent fell for me at first sight. He'd always been drawn to that type.

At long last, Evelyn finally messaged me today.

Evelyn: [I mentioned the new movie that's out and let him know I wanted to see it. So tonight, he's taking me to the movies.]

She texted me the theater and the showtime.

I just pulled out my phone and bought two tickets, no hesitation.

Jessica's morning sickness had finally eased up these past few days. Other than after meals, she barely threw up anymore.

I told her, "Vincent called earlier. He's got a meeting at work tonight, so he won't be home until late."

Jessica instantly looked annoyed. She snatched up her phone, ready to call Vincent, but I stopped her.

So I tried to calm her down. "Being too clingy can backfire sometimes, you know. Have you noticed how Vincent's been frowning a lot lately?"

Jessica noticed for sure, and her expression soured.