Chapter 3

Aria's POV

Outside the examination room, my emotions were too agitated. I slipped and tumbled down the stairs.

The baby was gone too.

For this child, I'd endured countless injections and treatments, willing to hurt myself just to hold on.

But now it seemed some things simply couldn't be forced.

Two hours later, I was supporting myself against the wall, slowly walking through the hospital corridor.

The stabbing pain in my lower abdomen kept reminding me of what I'd just been through.

When I got home, under the influence of medication, I slept straight through until the next afternoon.

Looking at the time, anxiety rose in my heart.

Helena had given me little time.

I took two painkillers, caught a cab to Nightfall, the club Julian frequented.

Watching the men and women dancing wildly on stage, I removed my coat, revealing the sexy outfit I'd deliberately chosen underneath, and walked onto the stage with cash I'd prepared in advance.

I snatched the DJ's microphone and threw the money into the air.

"Whoever makes me happy tonight gets all this money."

The venue exploded. Men of all types surrounded me, using every trick they had.

I wasn't sure if Julian was here today, but it didn't matter. Someone would tell him.

Because our relationship was common knowledge in this city.

Sure enough, twenty minutes later, Julian appeared, fury blazing in his eyes, and yanked me out.

"Aria, are you really this cheap? You can't live without a man?"

I smiled.

"Of course. You're already married-are you really going to control who I find?"

My fingers traced circles on his chest restlessly.

"Though if Mr. Ashford still wants to sleep with me, I won't refuse. After all, who would refuse the richest man in the city?"

Julian's eyes turned bloodshot, his grip suddenly tightening. I felt like my hand would be crushed.

"Aria, you'll sleep with anyone who has money? Do you have any shame at all? Being my mistress isn't enough for you? With your status, being able to be with me is incredible luck. How dare you look for other men behind my back?"

His words were like a sharp blade stabbing my heart.

He finally stopped pretending and said what was really in his heart.

He had always looked down on me. He could give me money, coax me, but he would never respect me.

Then Vanessa emerged from behind him, removing his hand from mine.

"The butler said you were here, so I came to check."

Vanessa looked at me with arrogant eyes.

"People of low birth are like this. Even if they glimpse a higher level of life, they can't change their inherent inferiority."

Julian was silent for a few seconds, then spoke.

"I was wrong about her."

Watching the two of them sing in harmony, I could only find it laughable.

Julian had power and wealth, so being with me while marrying someone else was "unavoidable"?

Vanessa getting pregnant before marriage and inserting herself into our relationship somehow became "noble"?

Julian looked at me holding my head high, refusing to admit fault, seemingly remembering something. Finally, his tone softened.

"Aria, I know you're unhappy that I married someone else, but don't stimulate me this way, okay? I know you're not this kind of person. I admit I broke my promise. I can't marry you. I have responsibilities I can't escape."

Looking at the hypocritical expression on the man before me, I laughed.

"How do you know I can't live without you? Don't be so confident. You're pretty average in bed."

Julian's face darkened. He took Vanessa's hand and turned to leave.

But then Vanessa suddenly collapsed on the ground in pain.

"Julian, the baby..."

Julian panicked, holding Vanessa with bloodshot eyes as he looked at me.

"You're a doctor-check on her quickly!"

He added another line.

"Don't try anything. If something happens to her, I guarantee every hospital in the city will refuse to treat your mother!"

I was angry too.

"If you want her well, shut up."

I was a doctor. I would absolutely never do anything harmful to a patient.

I quickly assessed the situation. After a simple massage, Vanessa's breathing became steady.

Julian immediately picked her up and rushed toward the hospital.

This scene was exactly like two years ago when I had an acute appendicitis attack and Julian sent me to the hospital with bloodshot eyes.

"Aria, nothing will happen to you. I won't allow it."

But now, another woman was in his arms.

I left the bar and took a cab to the Ashford residence.

I still had some things there.

In the car, I received a message from Helena.

"You did well, but it's not enough. You have one more day."

Helena always had people around Julian, monitoring his every move.

I put away my phone and got out of the car.

As soon as I entered, I could feel the servants looking at me strangely.

I walked straight toward my room.

Passing Julian's room, I saw Vanessa half-lying on the bed with Julian pressed against her stomach-the picture of a happy family.

"Vanessa, it's so amazing. I'm going to be a father."

Vanessa stroked his hair, showing a blissful smile.

"With a father who loves him so much, the baby will definitely be very happy."

I didn't disturb them, just silently walked to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and calmed my emotions.

Soon this would all be over.

My mother's illness was under control, and I could continue my studies.

But the next second.

Julian suddenly appeared outside the door, looking at me with confusion.

"What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer, but asked instead.

"Is Miss South asleep?"