Chapter 2
But her words trailed off as her gaze landed on the scene before her.
Her eyes widened in shock as she took in Jeffrey's arms wrapped around another woman, his lips locked in a passionate kiss with none other than…Cassandra Adam’s.
Ava stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes fixed on the scene before her. Jeffrey immediately separated from Cassandra, his face pale and guilty. He hastily straightened his shirt, trying to compose himself.
Cassandra, on the other hand, seemed almost amused by the situation. She gazed at Ava with a sly smile, her eyes lingering on Ava's shocked expression. "Oh, Ava, you're here," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ava's face contorted in confusion and anger. "What's going on here?" she demanded, her voice shaking with emotion.
Jeffrey tried to regain his composure, his voice defensive. "Ava, what are you doing here? Why didn’t you call before coming?" he asked, attempting to shift the focus away from his infidelity.
Cassandra intervened, her voice smooth as silk. "I think this is my cue to leave," she said, her eyes locked on Jeffrey's. She rubbed her hands down his chest, a possessive gesture that made Ava's blood boil. "I'll call you," Cassandra whispered to Jeffrey, her voice husky.
With a smirk, Cassandra sauntered past Ava, deliberately bumping her shoulder slightly before exiting the office. Ava watched in stunned silence, her mind reeling with the implications of what she had just witnessed.
Ava turned to Jeffrey, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "What?!" He shrugged his shoulders.
“What?!” She demanded, her voice shaking with emotion.
Jeffrey's expression was defensive, but Ava cut him off before he could speak. "You were just...you and Cassandra...and you're asking me what?!"
Jeffrey's face paled further. "We're not...it's not what you think. Cassandra just came back from the States and stopped by to visit me."
Ava's anger boiled over. "What about the...the moment you were sharing? The kiss? Explain that!"
Jeffrey sighed, rubbing his forehead. He walked towards Ava, his eyes pleading. "It was just a momentary lapse. I didn't mean for it to happen. Cassandra just...she kissed me, and I didn't know how to react."
Ava's voice rose in fury. "Stop lying, or I'll tell your mother everything!"
Jeffrey's eyes widened in fear. "Please, Ava, don't. It was a mistake, just old feelings...I got caught up in the moment. I'll do anything, just don't tell my mother."
His eyes begged Ava for mercy, but her anger and hurt still simmered, waiting to boil over.
Jeffrey's voice took on a desperate tone. "I'll make it up to you, Ava. I promise. Just please, let's go home and talk about this. I'll rush home after work, wait for me, okay?."
“Okay.” Ava's emotions were in turmoil, but she managed to reply.
Jeffrey smiled then asked, "What was it you were going to say when you entered the office?"Jeffrey's eyes locked onto hers, curiosity etched on his face. "I did hear you say something...about being pregnant?"
Ava felt a pang in her chest. She hesitated, unsure if she should share the news now. Part of her wanted to scream it out, to see if it would snap Jeffrey back to reality. But another part of her wanted to protect herself, to shield her joy from his betrayal.
"It's nothing," she said finally, forcing a smile onto her face. "Just forget it."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Jeffrey looking concerned and uncertain behind her.
That night, Ava sat in the darkness, her mind replaying the memories of her and Jeffrey's history. She thought about how she'd always been there for him, patching up his broken heart whenever Cassandra had left him. Ava had sacrificed her youth and pride for him, putting his needs before her own.
But despite all she'd done for him, Jeffrey still called out Cassandra's name in his sleep. The pain of that realization cut deep, and Ava felt like she was drowning in her own emotions.
As she sat there, she steeled herself for the future, knowing she had to endure for the sake of her unborn child. She took a deep breath, gathering her strength and resolve.
Just as she was finding a sense of determination, her heart skipped a beat as she heard the door to their house creak open behind her.
She felt a presence enter the room, and a leg stepped into view. Ava's instincts went on high alert, her senses heightened as she wondered who it could be at this late hour.
As the figure stepped into the light, Ava's tense body relaxed when she saw it was Jeffrey. He looked worn out, but his eyes sparkled with a hopeful smile as he approached her. "Hey," he said softly, opening his arms for a hug.
Ava steeled herself, forcing a neutral expression onto her face as she stepped into his embrace. Jeffrey held her tightly, his warmth and familiar scent a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. As they hugged, Ava felt like she was playing a role, pretending to be the loving wife she once was.
When Jeffrey released her from the hug, Ava's expression turned resolute. She stretched out her hand, a paper clutched in her fingers, and her voice was firm as she said, "Let's get a divorce."