Chapter 3
I gripped the phone until my knuckles turned white.
My baby was conceived three months ago. It was the night Andrew came home long after midnight from a shopping trip with Jessica.
He came home smelling of a perfume that wasn't mine, and instead of an apology, he gave me a promise. He held me and told me he wanted to start our family.
We spent a sleepless night having sex, and just like that, I was pregnant.
Jessica's text confirmed what my gut had screamed. He had been with her. He slept with her and came home to sleep with me.
A violent wave of nausea seized me, and I collapsed over the side of the bed, dry-heaving into the carpet.
At that moment, any lingering flicker of love I had for him died.
I slept in fits and starts with a gnawing anxiety coiled in my stomach.
In the dead of night, the shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. It was Sam Jones, Judy's physician.
My hand trembled as I answered.
Vivian. Your grandmother... she's passed.
The world tilted on its axis. The floor dropped out from under me.
I didn't cry. I couldn't. The tears had run dry.
The only person who cared if I lived or died had left the building.
I dragged myself to Grant Villa. I knelt in front of her casket for three days and three nights, never once closing my eyes.
After the funeral, Oliver approached me. There was a strangely satisfied glint in his eyes.
I hear Jessica is pregnant with Andrew's kid, he said casually. Look, sweetheart, this is how the world works. Powerful men have mistresses. It's how things are.
He patted my shoulder. She's your sister, more or less. At least you know she won't try to actively harm you.
His voice took on a firm, lecturing tone. You need to be the bigger person here. Stop fighting with her. The best thing to do is bring her home so that you can look after her properly. Understand
I just stared at him. There was a time I would have done anything for a single crumb of his approval. Now, I wished he had never been my father at all.
My silence seemed to make him uncomfortable.
You know how these families are, he added. The Lewis family might like you, but bloodlines are everything. They're not going to let her get rid of that baby.
He waved a dismissive hand. You need to get over this. Stop being so petty.
I finally managed a smile, but inside, all I felt was icy numbness.
My voice was flat. You're right. I was never taught any better, so I suppose I am petty.
But why should your precious daughter settle for being a mistress Wouldn't she be happier if she married Andrew I'll give Andrew a divorce. I'll make it easy for them.
I met his gaze. And for you. We can sign an agreement severing our ties. You'll never have to be bothered by your disappointing, petty daughter again.
With Judy gone, there was nothing and no one left for me here.
Oliver's face turned purple with rage.
You think that's a threat I'd be happy to cut you off! I can't stand the sight of you! You're cruel and small-minded. You are nothing compared to Jessica! I wish I'd never found you!
You think you can survive without the Grant name Fine! Sign it! Let's see how long you last in the gutter!
He signed the papers on the spot and had me thrown out of the house.