Chapter 2

But when I got up and went downstairs, to my surprise, David had already made breakfast himself.

He heard my footsteps but just kept eating his oatmeal, without so much as a glance in my direction.

"How was your prenatal checkup the other day? The baby's okay, right?

"I know you're upset with Jessica, but there's really no need to overreact like this. Saying you're in labor? Our baby isn't even full term yet. There are still two weeks to go," David said.

David pulled a gift box out from behind his back. "Here, take this. Don't be mad." But halfway through, he looked up at me and froze. "Why do you look like you're half-dead?"

Even though the baby was gone, my belly still hadn't gone down. To anyone looking, I still looked pregnant, so David had no clue what had really happened.

Seeing that gift box, a chill ran through me. This was his usual trick for trying to smooth things over, and I used to fall for it every single time.

But now, gifts that came too late meant nothing to me. And I didn't want his belated care and love either.

I didn't say a word, just stared at David with a cold, dead stare, waiting to see when he'd finally realize the baby was gone.

But my attitude just pissed him off even more. With a loud bang, he knocked the gift box onto the floor. "What the hell is your problem? I'm already swallowing my pride here. Isn't that enough? Don't take my kindness for granted."

"David, don't be mad." A woman's voice suddenly cut in, making me freeze. He was glaring at me, furious, and right behind him was Jessica, standing there like she owned the place.

She was wearing pajamas, still half-asleep as she wandered out of the guest room.

David had actually brought Jessica home. No wonder he'd gotten up early to make breakfast. Turns out, he was catering to someone else, not me.

Noticing me staring, Jessica quickly pulled her spaghetti strap pajamas tighter, making sure nothing was showing.

She hurried to explain herself, "Sandra, please don't get the wrong idea. I got drunk last night and forgot my keys, so David brought me home. You really shouldn't—"

I cut her off, my face blank. "You don't need to explain anything to me. Now that you're awake, you should leave now."

Just that one sentence, and she acted like she'd been wronged beyond measure, on the verge of tears. "Sandra, please don't misunderstand. David and I really aren't what you think. We're just regular friends, really.

"Even if I still have feelings for him, he's married to you now. Of course, I wouldn't do anything to mess up your relationship. If my being here bothers you, I'm willing to leave, even go overseas if that's what you want," she said.

Jessica wiped at the non-existent tears in the corners of her eyes, her words vague and manipulative. She was a pro at playing the victim.

I'd barely said a word, but she managed to turn it into a whole drama, making David even more resentful toward me.

He couldn't wait to stick up for her. "Who are you always giving that attitude to? Jessica was just being nice and trying to explain, and this is how you treat her?"

"Go apologize to Jessica, right now," he ordered.

Whenever David used to criticize me, I'd always feel afraid. I cared about him so much; I was scared of letting him down.

But now, none of it mattered to me anymore.

I let out a mocking laugh. "Me, giving attitude? Did I ever stop you two from meeting up? Did I kick her out with a broom or something?

"Alright then. If she wants to stay so badly, let her. I'll just leave. Would that make you happy?" I said.

My cold, uncaring look must've really set David off. As I tried to walk past him, he grabbed my hand hard. "Sandra, are you deaf? I told you to apologize."

"Let go of me," I yelled. His grip was so strong it made my hand ache, and no matter how much I struggled, I couldn't break free. Then, with a burst of force, he slammed me down onto the floor.