Chapter 2

Liam didn't come home all night.

I released the roses in my arms, tossing them into the trash without a second thought.

A notification popped up, reminding me it was time for my prenatal check-up today.

I gently stroked my growing belly. Through my skin, I felt a faint kick.

Even if Liam had cheated, the baby was innocent.

It was my flesh and blood, my precious treasure.

I grabbed my previous check-up results and asked the housekeeper to prepare the car for the hospital.

The corridor was bustling with people, every couple's face radiating joyful smiles.

I sat on a cold bench, waiting, when a familiar voice unexpectedly pierced my ears.

I looked up, and my heart plummeted into an ice-cold abyss.

Liam was carefully supporting Stella, the worry in his eyes undisguised.

He carried her pink handbag and an assortment of breakfast items.

I suddenly remembered when I first found out I was pregnant; my morning sickness had been terrible.

Liam, out of concern, dropped everything to learn how to cook nutritious meals for pregnant women.

I had been angry, scolding him for not knowing what was important.

Liam had clawed his way up from a corporate greenhorn to CEO, pouring countless hours and effort into his career.

He'd pulled all-nighters on projects, flattered clients and drank until he collapsed, and nearly suffered a heart attack from overwork…

I couldn't bear to see the man I loved ruin himself, covered in scars.

I had humbly called my mom for help, begging her to support Liam.

And to protect Liam's pride, I had never mentioned it to him.

I just couldn't understand how the Liam who once stayed up all night, eyes red from exhaustion, promising me a happy future, could have cheated.

The hospital loudspeaker suddenly crackled, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Chloe Miller, please proceed to consultation room 103."

Not far away, Liam finally saw me.

His gaze dropped, filled with guilt, then he quickly strode towards me.

A warmth spread across my wrist as Liam leaned down, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from my forehead.

"Why didn't you call me to come with you?"

I looked past him at Stella, suppressing the bitterness in my heart, and gave a light laugh.

"I was afraid you wouldn't have time."

Liam frowned, sighing helplessly as he explained.

"After my brother passed, Stella was pregnant and had no one else to rely on."

"Don't overthink it, Chloe. I'm just fulfilling my brother's responsibilities."

Seeing us at a stalemate, Stella clutched her pregnant belly and rushed over, her face anxious.

She shielded Liam, her eyes red, and grasped my hand.

"Chloe, please don't be angry with Liam."

"It's all my fault for bothering him. I promise I'll never appear before him again."

I said nothing, yet Stella was already crying, tears cascading down her face.

Liam pulled her into his embrace, his eyes as dark and stormy as a brewing tempest.

"Chloe, can't you show some empathy?"

"She's my sister-in-law, she's family!"

And what about his wife?

Weren't spouses supposed to be the closest people to each other?

The loudspeaker sounded again, urging me to go for my check-up.

I bit the inside of my cheek, and as I turned, I quickly wiped away my tears.

Of course, I didn't miss the triumphant, challenging glint in Stella's eyes.

She deliberately exposed the ambiguous red marks on her collarbone, then wept piteously in Liam's arms.

Last night, the private detective's photos showed Liam tenderly removing Stella's nightgown, the two of them spending a passionate night together.

And I? I had foolishly waited all night for a man who would never come home.

After the check-up, Liam, to my surprise, was waiting at the door.

He gripped my hand, like a devoted husband to his beloved wife.

"How was it?"

I subtly pulled my hand away.

"The doctor said the baby's heartbeat is a little faint and advised me to try and stay cheerful."

Liam nodded, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say more.

Stella stood not far away, coughing softly.

So Liam ruffled my hair. "I'll take Stella home first, then I'll come back to pick you up."

The tiny flicker of hope in my heart was thoroughly extinguished by a bucket of cold water.

I forced out a weak smile.

"Okay."

But after waiting three hours in the cold wind outside the hospital, Liam never appeared.

I pulled out the voluntary waiver of assets in case of divorce that Liam had handwritten for me years ago and sent it to my lawyer.