Chapter 2

Carlos had mocked me more than once for it. "So this is the only pointless way you can get a sense of self-worth, huh?"

Remembering that, I kept my cool and nodded. "Of course I don't mind."

Carlos froze for a second, his face darkening.

At the table, he was busy cracking open crab legs for Gloria and ladling soup into her bowl, acting like they were the real couple.

With Carlos' father and grandfather, Ben and Edgar out of the house, Elise didn't even bother to hide her favoritism.

"Gloria, make sure you eat up and get plenty of nutrients. That way, when you get pregnant, it won't be too tough on you," Elise said.

Gloria shot Carlos a shy glance, then flashed me a smug smile.

I kept eating, my mind focused on reminding Carlos to sign the divorce papers later.

The sharp sound of utensils hitting the table snapped me out of my thoughts.

Carlos threw his fork down, his voice edged with irritation. "I'm done eating."

His mood swings were nothing new to me after all these years.

I merely shot him a quick look and went back to my food.

After dinner, Elise took Gloria upstairs.

I seized the moment. "About the divorce agreement—"

But before I could finish, Carlos cut me off with a cold laugh. "What's this? A new tactic? Playing hard to get now?

"Janice, what makes you think you have the right to talk to me about divorce?"

I looked at him, confused. "You never even wanted to marry me in the first place—"

"Yeah! But I don't want a divorce now. I'm going to make your life hell. Watching you miserable is the only thing that makes me happy," Carlos spat.

He stormed off in a rage.

I sighed and called my best friend, Molly Schuller. "He won't sign. Can you file for divorce for me as my attorney?"

*****

Second thing I needed to do before I die was to quit my job.

The director gave my shoulder a sympathetic pat. "Janice, try not to worry. These days, a lot of people with advanced cancer are still doing fine."

I smiled and nodded. Even people who barely know me care more than my own husband.

After I stepped outside, I called my old professor.

He was over the moon. "Kid, you're made for research, not for all that people drama.

"So, what made you finally come to me? I thought you couldn't bear to leave your husband?"

I didn't say anything.

Ever since I was little, I loved physics. My dream was always to be a scientist.

After graduation, I got an offer from a top research institute in the capital, but I turned it down just so I could be with Carlos.

Looking back, I couldn't believe how foolish I was.

When I got home and opened the door, the world spun and I blacked out.

I barely heard Carlos shouting, "Janice!"

When I came to, I was lying in bed.

Carlos was sitting by the window, his face grim.

"Gloria checked you out. She said you just had low blood sugar," he said.

I stared at him, speechless.

Carlos sneered. "Why not fake something big next time, like cancer? Maybe then I'd actually give a damn."

His words stabbed right through me.

When I didn't respond, his face went cold.

Just then, Gloria strolled in, a necklace dangling from her fingers.

"Carlos, this necklace is so pretty. Can I have it?" she cooed, her voice sugary sweet.

My heart jumped and my voice went sharp. "Put it down."

Carlos shot me a look, then let out a laugh. "If you want it, it's yours."

I lunged for the necklace, but he shoved me hard and I crashed to the floor.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he snapped.

He wrapped his arm around Gloria, kissed her, flaunting it right in my face, then looked down at me, all smug and superior.

"It's just a necklace. If Gloria wants it, hell, I'd hand her the whole Maynard Group," he said.

My whole body trembled, and it felt like something was stuck in my throat, making it hard to breathe.

Last year, Carlos headed abroad to expand the overseas market.

As soon as he left, I found out I was pregnant.

I was terrified he'd force me to have an abortion, so I kept it hidden from him.

Six months into the pregnancy, I couldn't hold back anymore. I flew out to find him, only to see him wrapped up with another woman, kissing her like I never existed.

I stormed up to him and demanded an explanation.

But he just said it casually, "You get rid of one, and I'll just find another. You love me, right? Then suck it up."

The bodyguards shoved me to the ground, and I started bleeding heavily from below, right there on the spot.

But all he cared about was his substitute, the woman I'd slapped.

After what felt like an eternity, a kind stranger finally took me to the hospital.

By the time I got help, it was already too late. I'd lost so much blood I nearly died, and the only way to save me was to remove my uterus.

After I got out of the hospital, I made a necklace from my baby's ashes.

Now, that necklace was on Gloria's neck.

Rage boiled in me. I lunged at her and slapped her across the face. "Take it off!"

The next second, a big hand clamped around my neck and slammed me against the wall.

Carlos's face was dark with rage. "Have I been too nice to you?"

Gloria cowered behind Carlos, her eyes dancing with malicious delight as she watched me unravel.

Fury burned ever higher in me. I lunged at her, scratching and clawing. "You bitch. You're just like Aimee."