Chapter 2

"Yes." Willa nodded hard, throwing herself into Evan's arms, her voice choked with sobs. "Evan, I didn't mean to tell you I didn't want to come between you and Kaitlyn.

"But I'm so scared. I want our child to be safe."

Evan held her tightly. "Don't be afraid, Willa. I'm here. I promise I'll be there for you and the baby, no matter what."

They stood in the lobby, crying in each other's arms in front of all my coworkers, like a couple who had endured every hardship and finally found each other.

The bouquet that was supposed to be for me lay forgotten at Evan's feet, petals scattered everywhere, just like our broken past.

Hayden walked over and gently put his arm around my shoulders, giving me the support I needed. Then he spoke up, softly but firmly, breaking through the fake happiness around them.

He said, "Mr. Glenn, Ms. Lloyd, while you're celebrating your child, have you considered that just yesterday, Kaitlyn lost hers?"

Evan and Willa both froze, their embrace turning stiff.

Evan jerked his head up, staring at me in shock and confusion. "What? Kaitlyn, did you—"

Hayden's voice cut through the tension, steady and sharp. "She was pregnant, Mr. Glenn. It was your child, but she went to the hospital alone and had the abortion yesterday."

He shot Evan a piercing look and said, "When she came down from the operating table, she was weak. And where were you then?"

Evan went ghostly pale. He staggered back, letting go of Willa, staring at me in disbelief. "Did you abort our baby? Why didn't you tell me?"

Willa was stunned, too, instinctively holding her belly, her expression a mess as she looked at me.

I met Evan's anguished, questioning gaze and felt nothing but bitter irony.

I gently pushed Hayden's hand away and straightened up.

Even though my lower abdomen still ached, my voice was steady. "Tell you? And then what? So you could choose between her and me again?"

I took a deep breath, looking at him and Willa. "Congratulations. You got what you wanted. As for our wedding, and the grand wedding you promised me, it's nothing but a joke."

Then I turned away from Evan and said softly to Hayden, "Let's go."

Hayden nodded, keeping me close as we walked away.

Behind us, I could faintly hear Evan's muffled, anguished sobs.

*****

I never thought Willa would come to me on her own.

It was at an industry networking cocktail. Hayden and I were in the middle of an engaging conversation with a few investors.

Willa glided over with a glass of wine in hand, her belly already showing a little, and that smug expression on her face. "Hey, Kaitlyn, fancy seeing you here."

Her voice was soft, but her gaze was sharp. "I heard your project has been going great. Congrats. Guess breaking up with Evan made you more dedicated to your career."

My fingers felt a little chilly, but I stayed calm. "Ms. Lloyd, is there something you want?"

She stepped closer, lowering her voice so only the two of us could hear. "I know you hate me and think I stole Evan from you, but here's the thing. He chose me because he loves me. I didn't do anything.

"By the way, I'm carrying his baby, and we're getting married soon. Oh, your baby is gone, isn't it?"

She gently stroked her belly, showing off.

I replied calmly, "Willa, you're wrong about two things. First, I don't hate you. I despise you.

"Second, Evan Glenn wasn't something I lost. He was trash you mistook for treasure. Honestly, you two deserve each other. Keep him and don't bother me again.

"And one more thing. He doesn't deserve to be my child's father."

Willa's expression darkened instantly. She hadn't expected me to be so tough.

Her eyes welled up, her voice trembling as she spoke louder. "Kaitlyn, how could you say that about Evan? He used to love you so much. How could you be so vicious, saying such horrible things about our baby?"

The commotion drew the attention of those around us.

Just then, Evan hurried over. He must have seen what had happened.

He pulled Willa behind him protectively, frowning at me. "Kaitlyn, what did you say to her? She's pregnant. Don't rile her up. Can you stop causing trouble?"

I sneered. "Evan, is protecting her your automatic setting now? Or have her tears made you too soft to think straight?

"She came over to provoke me, showing off her pregnancy and your love story. I just said some truths. Is that considered causing trouble?

"Then what do you call it when the third time you left me at the wedding for her? What was that? True love?"

Evan froze at my question, looking pale and flustered. "Drop the past, alright? Let it go. She's carrying my kid."

I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous this was. "Evan, aren't you embarrassed at all?"

Evan tried to argue, but nothing came out.

Just then, Hayden, who'd been standing quietly by my side, finally moved. He gently wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me back a step, standing protectively beside me.

His face was calm, but his gaze turned sharp.

He said, "Mr. Glenn, you'd better keep your fiancée in check. If she keeps coming at my girlfriend with her weird insecurities and any ridiculous reason, there will be consequences."

Evan's eyes gradually clouded as he looked at me.