Chapter 3

This time was different. Even after I took two dosages of my medicine in one go, there was no improvement.

I curled up on the couch as tiny beads of sweat gradually soaked my hair.

The lingering musty smell in the air made my stomach churn even more.

Half-dazed from the pain, I subconsciously dialed Yanuario's number. "Yanu, my stomach hurts..."

Yanuario, who was very aloof initially, suddenly sounded worried. "I'm coming back right now. Hang in there."

But an hour passed, and he still didn't show up.

Gritting my teeth, I forced myself up to call a cab to send myself to the hospital.

Once there, they took my blood, ran a CT scan, and made me undergo two hours of tests and checks. Throughout the ordeal, I kept throwing up repeatedly.

It wasn't until I had completed one IV drip session that I finally felt a bit better. At least I had enough strength to sit up straight.

The doctor reminded me to keep my emotions in check. He suspected that my gastritis attack was most likely caused by sudden emotional fluctuations.

Using the last bit of strength I had, I accepted the new prescription from the doctor before leaving.

To my surprise, I bumped into Yanuario and Pascala just as I stepped out of the hospital elevator.

They didn't notice me at first. Pascala's head was wrapped in bandages, and she was leaning against Yanuario's chest as she prattled blissfully, "Yanu, I can't believe I'm carrying your baby..."

I couldn't believe what I heard. The news was like a deafening explosion in my mind, which drowned out everything else around me.

My gaze followed Yanuario's hand as he caressed Pascala's still-flat abdomen.

He was aglow with excitement as he wrapped his arms more tightly around her like he was holding some precious treasure.

"From tomorrow, you will move into the house in the central-western district. Just rest and focus on the pregnancy. Pasca, this is my first child. Thank you," he added wistfully.

The villa in the central-western district was my mom's gift to me when I turned 18. She set it aside for me before she passed away.

Yanuario knew exactly how much that place meant to me, yet he still allowed a bar hostess to move in there.

With gritted teeth, I marched up to the couple and growled menacingly, "Yanuario, if you're so damn capable, why don't you take your shameless sluts and go live outside in your own place?

"Don't you dare use my house to raise your slut and your bastard kid!"

When Yanuario saw me, his face blanched, and he instinctively moved away from Pascala.

He started to defend himself, but changed his mind suddenly when my words finally sank in. "Philomena, mind your language. What do you mean by bastard kid?"

"Am I wrong?" I shot back as I stared hard at him while strenuously keeping my tears at bay.

All of a sudden, Yanuario burst out laughing. Then he gave up his act totally.

He reached out for Pascala's hand brazenly and responded to me with a provocative expression, "You were gone for five years. Did you really expect me to remain celibate for you during this period?

"Besides, it's just one woman. Your own dad had plenty of affairs. So how can you expect me to be faithful only to you?"

I stared at him in disbelief, and the rage inside me exploded at that point.

I raised my hand and slapped him viciously. "Yanuario Sharton, you bastard!"

His head was sent askew by the impact. He was stunned motionless momentarily. Then, he slowly rubbed his cheek before turning back to me with a sinister laugh.

"You still think you're the Seguin family's precious princess? Have you forgotten that your dad kicked you out ages ago?

"Who else would want you beside me?" he sneered with outright contempt.

"Don't be so naive. She and her kid don't change anything. I will still marry you. Is it really worth kicking up such a big fuss?" he added derisively.

With that, he embraced the gloating Pascala and left the hospital without a second glance at me.

And I was left standing all alone.

Passersby gave me odd looks as they walked past.

My stomach twisted in agony as my gastritis acted up again.

So he called this a big fuss? Then I would show him a big fuss.

I whipped out my phone and instructed succinctly, "Deal with someone for me. I want to see results by tonight."

My guys did not disappoint me. That night, Yanuario called me up in fury. "Philomena, Pasca lost her baby! Did you order someone to do this?"

I was soaking in a hot bath when I answered his call. As I swirled the wine in my glass with one hand, I replied casually, "Yes, I did. So?"

Yanuario's rapid breathing could be heard on the other end. "Philomena, you're fucking courting death!"

I laughed out loud. All these years, it was with my help that Yanuario managed to claw his way into high society.

But at the end of the day, he still couldn't shake off the thuggish streak deep down inside.

It was just like he couldn't stop his womanizing ways. A leopard could never change its spots.

"Hmph!" I gave a contemptuous laugh.

The more flippant I sounded, the more furious Yanuario became. I could practically hear him grinding his teeth as he growled ominously, "You are gonna regret this."