Second Chance with His Pregnant Wife

Chapter 1

[1]

My name was Emily Holden. Matthew Owen, my husband, asked me for a divorce the moment his unattainable love Jolene Gordon returned. I stuffed the ultrasound report into my bag, fought back tears, and signed the divorce agreement. "Alright then. Let's part on good terms."

[2]

The house, the car, the money, the connections, and the opportunities... He could give me everything except for a title and his love, which he would always reserve for her.

[3]

1 On our third wedding anniversary, just as I was about to share with Matthew the news of my pregnancy with joy, he handed me a divorce agreement. "Emily, let's get a divorce."

[4]

I trembled all over. It took me a long time to steady my emotions, and I asked, "Is she back?"

[5]

"Yes." His first love had returned, and he couldn't wait to divorce me. But he didn't know that I was more than two months pregnant.

[6]

"Do we really have to divorce?" I clung to a last shred of hope and looked up at him.

[7]

I tried to appear calm, not wanting him to see any trace of reluctance or sorrow, but I couldn't help but choke up.

[8]

My eyes gradually grew teary when he wasn't paying attention.

[9]

"Emily, the three years are up."

[10]

One sentence from him shattered the last bit of hope in my heart.

[11]

Indeed. Our marriage had nothing to do with love. It was just a marriage of convenience between two influential families, agreed to last three years.

[12]

I thought three years was enough time for him to accept me and grow to have feelings for me.

[13]

Who knows? I'm the only one who's committed to this marriage.

[14]

Unlike me, he has been counting down the days, hoping the three years would pass quickly. I thought.

[15]

"It's been three years already? Wow."

[16]

I forced a light laugh, reached out, and took the divorce agreement from him.

[17]

"Alright then. Let's part on good terms."

[18]

I spoke lightly, but my heart was breaking.

[19]

Matthew and I were childhood sweethearts and had grown up together. For as many years as I had known him, I had a crush on him.

[20]

When I agreed to marry him, I knew this day would come eventually.

[21]

But I didn't expect that when this day truly arrived, it would hurt so much. "I've had the house transferred to your name, and I've transferred five percent of the company shares to you. Also, I'll have my assistant transfer some cash to your card.

[22]

Although it's not that much... it should be enough for you to live comfortably."

[23]

His words nearly caused my mental breakdown. I was in despair again.

[24]

Whether it was the house or the company's shares, transferring them to my name wasn't something that could be done in a day or two.

[25]

So, he had been planning this divorce for a long time.

[26]

He was so eager to divorce me and be with her that he couldn't wait even one more day.

[27]

Because I was so sad, my hand trembled slightly as I took the divorce agreement. Not wanting him to notice, I quickly took the agreement, flipped to the last page, and signed my name.

[28]

"You've been waiting a long time for this, haven't you?"

[29]

I looked up at him, trying to smile naturally.

[30]

He stared at me and slowly said, "I'm sorry." My heart trembled again, and I wanted to say something, but no words came out.

[31]

He has nothing to apologize for. Love isn't something that requires an apology.

[32]

It's my fault. I shouldn't have hoped for him.

[33]

Luckily, he doesn't know I love him. Otherwise, we might not even be able to be friends in the future. I thought.

[34]

2 He took the divorce agreement from my hand and looked down at me. "If you want to continue acting, don't worry about connections and opportunities. I'll give you whatever you want."

[35]

Connections and opportunities. How laughable.

[36]

I was a somewhat famous actress and the daughter of the Holden Family. Although my parents didn't like me being in showbiz, they would support me if I needed it.

[37]

So, if I wanted connections and opportunities, I could have everything.

[38]

But since he offered, I had no reason to refuse.

[39]

"Thank you."

[40]

I'd accept it as a gift for the baby I was carrying.

[41]

Although I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep this child.

[42]

The doorbell rang suddenly.

[43]

It should be the cake I ordered. I walked to the door, took it, and brought it inside.

[44]

Smiling, I explained, "My assistant ordered a cake. Let's enjoy it together."

[45]

Seeing his hesitation, I added, "As a celebration of our divorce." Hearing that, he nodded and walked over, standing by as I took out the cake.

[46]

It said in big letters on the cake, "Happy Third Anniversary, My Dear Husband."

[47]

The red letters were glaring. I quickly pulled the card out and threw them into the trash, awkwardly smiling, "I should have asked them to put down 'Happy Divorce'." If I had known we were getting divorced today, I would never have let my assistant order this cake!

[48]

"It doesn't matter what it says."

[49]

True. It didn't matter to him. What mattered to him was that he could finally get rid of me and be with her openly.

[50]

He slowly sat down, took the piece of cake I had cut for him, and began eating it under my gaze.

[51]

He wasn't a fan of sweets, but perhaps he was so happy about the divorce that he made an exception today.

[52]

Watching him finish the small piece of cake I had given him, I smiled bitterly.

[53]

Unexpectedly, he caught my smile and got me wrong. He looked up at me and asked, "Are you happy?" "What?"

[54]

I was momentarily stunned, then quickly adjusted my emotions and pretended to be happy. I smiled, "Or what? Did you expect me to cry?"

[55]

In fact, I was crying inside. I just didn't want him to see it.

[56]

3 After finishing the small piece of cake, Matthew received a call and left eagerly.

[57]

Before leaving, he said to me, "Let me know when you're free. Then we'll go get the divorce certificate."

[58]

"Tomorrow."

[59]

"OK. I'll pick you up tomorrow."

[60]

Watching him leave without looking back, I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. I burst into tears.

[61]

Ten years. I had loved him for ten years.

[62]

I thought that I would have a chance after he agreed to marry me. I believed that if I tried hard enough, he would eventually fall in love with me. But the fact was, he had never taken this marriage seriously and had been waiting for the day we got a divorce.

[63]

He was forced by his family to marry me. His grandfather threatened to top himself otherwise.

[64]

Back then, Matthew told me, "We can get married, but the only thing I can give you is the title of Mrs. Owen. Nothing more."

[65]

On the day he agreed to marry me, he gave me a prenuptial agreement, stating that our marriage would last three years, after which we would divorce, and he would compensate me.

[66]

"Emily, if you agree, I'll give you five percent of the Owen Group's shares as compensation after three years."

[67]

The offer was very tempting, but I didn't marry him for his shares or his money. I married him out of love.

[68]

At that time, I really wanted to tell him that I married him because I loved him, but I held back.

[69]

Having known him for almost twenty years, I knew what kind of person he was. If I had told him I loved him, he would have chosen someone else over me.

[70]

The reason was that he needed a compliant wife, someone he could end the relationship with whenever he wanted.

[71]

So, I lied and said I had someone I loved, too.

[72]

It wasn't really a lie. I did have someone I loved; it was him.

[73]

I thought that three years would be enough for him to see my worth and gradually accept me.

[74]

I had planned to confess to him on our third anniversary, to tell him my true feelings.

[75]

I thought that if he knew I was pregnant, he would look forward to our baby. But he asked for a divorce before I could tell him.

[76]

He was actually a perfect husband. He always prepared gifts for me on holidays, and knowing I liked flowers, he would go to the florist and pick out a nice bunch of flowers every week.

[77]

We lived together harmoniously. When he wasn't busy, he would chat with me, even watch cheesy soap operas with me, and listen to me complain about someone with bad acting skills. Occasionally, he would even talk to me about his work.

[78]

Most of the time, I did the talking.

[79]

He didn't talk much, but if I had a problem, he would talk me out.

[80]

He was perfect in every way, except the fact that he didn't love me.

[81]

As for the baby... It was unplanned.

[82]

That day, he was in a bad mood, so I drank with him. To this day, I couldn't remember how we ended up having sex, but when I woke up the next morning, we were both naked in the same bed.

[83]

Lately, I had been feeling unwell, so I went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor told me I was pregnant.

[84]

My baby really came at the wrong time. I thought as I looked down at my lower abdomen.

[85]

4 In the afternoon, Matthew's assistant Vincent Spencer came to the villa to pack his things and brought me a gift, saying it was an anniversary present he had prepared.

[86]

It was a very exquisite bracelet, worth a million dollars, but it wasn't the pink diamond bracelet I had wanted the most.

[87]

"Thank you," I said softly as I accepted the gift.

[88]

"Shall I go upstairs to pack?"

[89]

Vincent pointed upstairs.

[90]

I nodded. After a pause, I added, "Vincent, let me help."

[91]

He didn't refuse my offer to help, saying I was more familiar with Matthew's things.

[92]

In fact, over the years, I rarely touched Matthew's belongings. I seldom entered his study or his room.

[93]

When we got married, he told me specifically not to touch his things or enter his room and study without permission. I didn't want to upset him, so I always remembered that. The cleaning was done by the housekeeper.

[94]

My obedience was the reason why we managed to coexist for three years.

[95]

Matthew didn't have many things, mostly clothes and daily necessities. He had already taken most of his documents related to work from the study.

[96]

It didn't take long for us to pack everything. Vincent thanked me respectfully, "Thank you, Mrs. Owen."

[97]

I smiled bitterly, "Matthew and I are divorced now. You don't need to call me that anymore."

[98]

He immediately corrected himself, "Thank you, Ms. Holden. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

[99]

"OK. Bye, Vincent."

[100]

Even though I had asked him to change how he addressed me, hearing him call me Ms. Holden so quickly made me feel a sharp pain as if a knife had pierced my heart.

[101]

They probably thought that I was the homewrecker.

[102]

Indeed, in love, the one who isn't loved is always the homewrecker.

[103]

So, what about my baby who isn't loved by Matthew?

[104]

Should my baby not come into this world either? I thought.

[105]

5 After Vincent left, I looked at the empty villa, feeling as if my heart had been hollowed out in that instant.

[106]

I had loved Matthew for ten years, and in the end, it was all just a dream that vanished. Three years of marriage amounted to nothing.

[107]

Apart from the baby, he left nothing behind.

[108]

While helping Vincent pack, I secretly kept one of Matthew's white shirts.

[109]

It wasn't to remember him but to remind myself of my past foolish mistakes.

[110]

At eight in the evening, my best friend Delilah Todd called, asking if I had divorced Matthew.

[111]

"How did you know?" I had planned to tell her and my parents after getting the divorce certificate or deciding what to do with the baby. How did she find out so quickly?

[112]

It couldn't have been Matthew who told her; they weren't close.

[113]

Besides, after leaving home, Matthew should have been with Jolene all this time. He wouldn't have told his family about our divorce before I did.

[114]

"So, it's true," Delilah sneered over the phone.

[115]

"I'm not the only one who knows about this. I guess everyone who knows the three of you knows by now."

[116]

The three of us?

[117]

Me, Matthew, and..."What do you mean?" I asked.

[118]

"Check Twitter. You just got divorced, and she's already claiming her victory."

[119]

I put my phone on speaker and clicked on Twitter. Sure enough, Jolene's name was trending.

[120]

The top post was from her own account, and the words were, "I've been waiting for you. Finally, you're mine."

[121]

The photo attached was of a bouquet of flowers, taken from a high-end restaurant's window seat. She made a finger heart, and there was a delicate bracelet on her wrist.

[122]

If I wasn't mistaken, that bracelet was the limited edition pink diamond bracelet I had been longing for.

[123]

It had just gone on pre-sale a week ago, with only three in the world. Two had already been reserved, and the last one was to be auctioned.

[124]

When I was reading a fashion magazine, Matthew noticed me staring at the bracelet and asked, "Do you like it?" "Yes, but it's hard to get."

[125]

I had never asked Matthew to buy me anything. Whatever he prepared for me for the holidays, I accepted.

[126]

Of course, I also prepared special gifts for him, such as clothes, ties, and watches.

[127]

I must have liked the bracelet so much that I said so.

[128]

Not wanting to trouble him, I added, "But that doesn't mean I have to have it. I have plenty of these things already."

[129]

"No worries. As long as you want it." His words made me happy for days.

[130]

Our anniversary was coming up, and I was expecting him to bid that bracelet off the auction for me on that day.

[131]

When one had expectations, losing them hurt a thousand times more.

[132]

The sight of that delicate bracelet on her slender wrist churned me again.

[133]

When I received the bracelet from Vincent this afternoon, I thought he hadn't managed to get it, so I wasn't quite disappointed. But now..."Isn't that Matthew reflected in the glass?"

[134]

Delilah's words brought me back to reality. I looked at the screen again.

[135]

Sure enough, I saw a faint reflection of someone's figure in the glass window.

[136]

Others might not recognize who it was, but I had loved him for ten years, and Delilah had known him for fifteen years. Of course, we recognized him.

[137]

"Yes, it's him." He was so eager to be with her.

[138]

He hadn't even gotten the divorce certificate yet and was already celebrating with her.

[139]

6 "A scumbag and a homewrecker! They won't escape karma!" on the other end of the line, Delilah cursed through gritted teeth. "Now that Jolene dares to come back, I won't let her off!"

[140]

"Don't, Delilah."

[141]

Jolene now had Matthew's open support, and the Owen Family wouldn't stop her. I couldn't compete with her at all.

[142]

I didn't want Delilah to offend Matthew because of me, so I said, "Forget it. I'm giving up.

[143]

I'm tired after fighting for so many years.

[144]

I wanted to see if forcing a relationship could make it work, and I know now. It's so unbearably painful.

[145]

I don't want him anymore. Even if he came back now, I wouldn't want him."

[146]

This time, I truly don't want anything... I thought.

[147]

Hearing this, Delilah sounded somewhat relieved. "I told you that sacrificing yourself for such a scumbag isn't worth it. You've wasted three years of your youth.

[148]

Forget it... I'm glad you've come to your senses now."

[149]

Delilah sighed, "I have a dinner meeting tonight, or I would have flown from Ucleau to be with you."

[150]

"It's OK. I'm doing fine."

[151]

I looked around the empty villa and pretended to be casual. "It's good that he's gone. Now I don't have to constantly wonder when he'll leave."

[152]

As I said this, I cried again.

[153]

For the past two years, on this day, Matthew would leave work an hour early, pick up a bouquet of flowers or prepare an anniversary gift, have a nice meal with me, watch a movie, or build Lego sets together. But now...

[154]

"So, don't be sad. There are many other men out there. Besides, there are so many of them who like you.

[155]

Anyone is better than Matthew."

[156]

Not wanting her to worry, I wiped my tears and echoed, "Yes, yes, you're right.

[157]

Don't worry. I'm really fine!" "Alright then... I'll go have a drink with Mr. Hayes. If you need anything, just let me know.

[158]

Wait for me to come back, OK?"

[159]

"OK. Go ahead. Don't drink that much!" Jack Hayes was a famous director, and Delilah was famous for her dedication. She took every job she could, rising from an unknown starlet to her current status through sheer effort.

[160]

I really looked up to her, and I felt so lucky to have her as my best friend.

[161]

She said, "Oh, by the way, you probably haven't heard this. Jolene is going to be on the next episode of 'Let's Be Guests'."

[162]

I was stunned for a moment. After a while, I asked, "Is that so?" I didn't want to participate in any show together with Jolene, but I was a regular guest on this show and had signed a contract, so it wouldn't be easy to back out.

[163]

"But don't worry. They also invited me, and I happened to be free to join this time.

[164]

Rest assured. With me there, no one dares to mess with you!" Her words warmed my heart, and I was less uneasy.

[165]

"Delilah, it's so good to have you."

[166]

"Glad you know it.

[167]

I have to go now. They're calling me. I'll come to see you when I get back.

[168]

Take care of yourself at home.

[169]

If you're feeling down... Do you want me to call Jed and the others to come over?"

[170]

"No need. I want to be alone for a while."

[171]

7 The next day, at 8:30 a.m., Matthew came to the villa to pick me up.

[172]

He arrived quite early. City Hall didn't open until 9:00 a.m. Even with a twenty-minute drive, we would still arrive before 9:00 a.m.

[173]

I thought he was here alone, but as I was about to get in the car, I saw Jolene sitting in the front passenger seat.

[174]

She was in a red dress today, with her long wavy hair falling over her shoulders, showing off her fair skin. Her makeup was meticulously done, even her eyeshadow had a reddish tint, exuding a celebratory vibe. It seemed she couldn't wait to show how happy she was about my divorce with Matthew.

[175]

Does she really have to tag along when we are getting the divorce certificate?

[176]

Is she that insecure, afraid that Matthew and I won't go through with it?

[177]

Or is she just here to irritate me? I thought.

[178]

Before I could say anything, she tilted her head and said, "Ms. Holden, long time no see.

[179]

I happened to be on the way, so I came along with Matthew. I hope that's OK with you. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

[180]

But I did mind! "If you're worried I might mind, Miss Gordon, why did you come?"

[181]

I replied coldly and slammed the passenger door shut, then turned to Matthew and said, "Mr. Owen, why don't you drop Miss Gordon off first, and we'll meet at City Hall later?"

[182]

In the past, I wouldn't have dared to talk to Matthew like this no matter what.

[183]

I used to agree with whatever he said, never arguing or raising my voice. But right now, looking at Jolene's heavily made-up, smug face, I couldn't hold back anymore.

[184]

Since I had already decided to let go of Matthew, why should I keep making myself miserable to please them?

[185]

"Jolene is going to Eflad Square for an event. It's on the way, so I thought I'd give her a ride. It won't delay our divorce."

[186]

Matthew said as he got out of the car.

[187]

Eflad Square was right across the street from City Hall.

[188]

I knew about the event; it was a store opening ceremony that I had been invited to. But I declined.

[189]

I distinctly remembered that the ceremony started at 10:00 a.m., and it was only 8:30 a.m. now.

[190]

Thinking about this, I said sarcastically, "I was also invited to that event. If I remember correctly, it starts at 10:00 a.m., right?

[191]

"And, Miss Gordon, you're such a big shot. Don't you have a driver or bodyguard?"

[192]

Matthew had probably never seen me so sharp-tongued before. His face immediately darkened, and he quickly defended her, "Jolene is just taking a ride with us. Why are you making such a fuss?"

[193]

I'm making a fuss?

[194]

Clearly, she's the one who wants to irritate me. She dressed up to send us off for a divorce. Yet in his eyes, I'm making a fuss. I thought.

[195]

Looking at Matthew's chiseled face and his sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through me, I suddenly felt like I was a joke.

[196]

"I'm sorry, Ms. Holden. My driver had to take the day off, and my assistant and the others took a cab. I thought it was OK to ride with Matthew. If it really bothers you, I'll take a cab myself," Jolene said, reaching for the door.

[197]

Matthew walked over and pushed the door closed, not letting her get out.

[198]

He didn't know that Jolene was just pretending to open the door; she didn't even unbuckle her seatbelt or touch the door handle.

[199]

"Either come with us or go by yourself," Matthew said to me, his tone cold and stern.

[200]

"Mr. Owen, if you're so insincere about the divorce, then let's wait until you have time," I said and turned to walk back into the villa, my heart aching with anger.

[201]

Just as I took a step, Matthew clutched my hand and coldly asked, "Emily, why are you throwing a tantrum?" "I'm not throwing a tantrum," I said, tilting my head up to keep the tears from falling down.

[202]

After quite a while, I turned back, my gaze sweeping over Jolene, who was squinting at me from the car, and added, "I just don't want to see someone I don't want to see on a beautiful day like this."

[203]

"Now that you don't want to ride with Jolene, I'll have Vincent take you," he said, letting go of my hand and taking out his phone to call Vincent.

[204]

I felt like my heart was being squeezed, making it hard for me to breathe.

[205]

Matthew turned his back to make the call, while Jolene smiled triumphantly at me from the car, her expression silently saying to me, "Emily, I've won again. Matthew will always choose me."

[206]

Back when they first got together, Jolene had used the same tone to tell me she had won.

[207]

Yes, I lost, completely and utterly.

[208]

Sometimes I wondered. If I had been braver back then, would I have been the one Matthew liked now?

[209]

8 Matthew quickly finished his call.

[210]

After hanging up, he walked toward me, his gaze even colder than before, like a blade ready to cut me down.

[211]

Sensing something wrong with his expression, I took a few steps back.

[212]

He approached me step by step, stopping less than half a meter away, his eagle-like eyes fixed on me.

[213]

To be precise, his gaze was fixed on my lower abdomen.

[214]

"Emily!" he called my name through gritted teeth, his voice even more severe.

[215]

Instinctively, I covered my lower abdomen. Then I looked up at him nervously. "What... What's wrong?"

[216]

Before he could speak, the sound of cars approaching came from the villa entrance.

[217]

We both turned around, and we saw several cars slowly pulling into the parking lot.

[218]

My phone suddenly buzzed. I looked at the screen and saw it was my agent calling.

[219]

I had a bad feeling and didn't dare to answer. Matthew coldly said, "Why aren't you answering?"

[220]

I looked at him in shock, unable to speak.

[221]

"Hello?

[222]

Jayde?"

[223]

I picked up the phone and answered. As soon as I spoke, Jayde Moss's anxious voice on the other end of the line rang out. "Emily, have you seen the news?

[224]

Paparazzi caught you going to the maternity clinic, saying you were pregnant...

[225]

These paparazzi are really something. They have no problem writing anything. Just because you went to the hospital, they say you're pregnant! If you went to a morgue, would they say something equally ridiculous?"

[226]

Jayde continued to rant before finally asking, "So, why did you go to the hospital anyway?"

[227]

She knew that Matthew and I had a marriage of convenience, so her first reaction was that the reporters were making things up. Hearing no response, she asked, "You aren't pregnant, are you?"

[228]

I glanced at Matthew, whose face was sullen, and then at his grandpa Nicholas Owen, who had already parked and gotten out of the car. I quickly replied, "No. Those are rumors.

[229]

My menstruation just ended not long ago.

[230]

I went to the hospital for a check-up. You know I've been having trouble sleeping, and my hormones are out of balance.

[231]

Jayde, I have something to take care of right now. Let's talk later.

[232]

Please handle the online rumors for me."

[233]

"Alright, take care and rest well. Leave this to me."

[234]

"Thank you, Jayde."

[235]

After hanging up, I looked up at Matthew, unsure if he believed what I said. He was still expressionless.

[236]

He glanced at me and then looked over at Nicholas.

[237]

Nicholas seemed to believe me, his face full of disappointment.

[238]

"Nicholas."

[239]

I walked over and supported Nicholas, feeling a deep sense of guilt.

[240]

"It's fine. You will always be my granddaughter-in-law and my dear granddaughter."

[241]

Nicholas held my hand and patted it gently.

[242]

Nicholas must have known about our divorce. He probably came here after seeing the news, hoping that the pregnancy thing would keep Matthew with me.

[243]

But he was let down.

[244]

Jolene had gotten out of the car at some point. She walked over to Nicholas, greeting him softly, "Hello, Nicholas."

[245]

Nicholas snorted and ignored her.

[246]

"Nicholas, I'm sorry."

[247]

I let him down. I failed to win over Matthew's heart.

[248]

"Silly girl, don't apologize. We're not lucky enough to have you."

[249]

Nicholas sighed, glanced at Matthew with a hint of resentment, and then said, "I'm here. Aren't you going to invite me in?"

[250]

I could see the anticipation in his eyes, hoping that Matthew would change his mind, but Matthew remained unmoved.

[251]

9 Out of courtesy and respect, I helped Nicholas into the villa, made him a cup of tea, and chatted with him for a while.

[252]

Throughout the conversation, Nicholas kept trying to persuade me and Matthew not to divorce, but Matthew was determined. He even brought up the promise Nicholas made three years ago.

[253]

"You promised me back then that you wouldn't interfere after three years. I will divorce today, and I will marry Jolene!" Nicholas turned pale with anger, but there was nothing he could do.

[254]

After seeing Nicholas off, only Matthew and I were left in the villa.

[255]

I lowered my head and started tidying up the tea cups on the coffee table, not daring to look at him. He walked straight to me and asked, "Emily, are you really pregnant?"

[256]

Although it was a question, the way he said it made it sound like he was certain I was pregnant.

[257]

And I was indeed.

[258]

"No. I just said I wasn't feeling well and went to the hospital for a check-up."

[259]

He sneered, grabbed my hand, and pulled me to stand straight in front of him, forcing me to face him.

[260]

"You might fool others, but not me." His voice was heavy, each word squeezed out through clenched teeth.

[261]

"Your period usually comes at the beginning of the month. Today is the 24th, and you said it just came a few days ago?" My heart skipped a beat, and my body stiffened. I didn't know how to react.

[262]

He knew my cycle because I suffered greatly during my menstruation, almost like having a severe illness each time. And I hadn't had my period for the past two months.

[263]

He wouldn't normally ask or care about such things, but with the sudden news of my pregnancy, he must have figured it out.

[264]

Matthew was so smart; I could never fool him successfully.

[265]

Taking a deep breath deep down, I raised my head and said, "So what? We're getting divorced anyway. Whether I have a baby or not has nothing to do with you." "So? What are you planning to do?"

[266]

Seeing that I was in a bad mood, Matthew softened his tone a bit.

[267]

"I don't know."

[268]

His softened tone made me uncertain.

[269]

It was a life, and I didn't want to end it, but I also didn't want it to be born into an incomplete family.

[270]

He didn't love me, and he wouldn't love this baby.

[271]

And I didn't want to use this child to bind him.

[272]

"Emily, we've divorced."

[273]

His attitude was clear; he didn't want this baby.

[274]

But I'd have preferred him to coldly demand I abort the child rather than use a pleading tone to say, "Jolene has waited for me for three years, no, eight years.

[275]

I can't let her down again."

[276]

So, you choose to let me down, to let our baby down.

[277]

Matthew, do you know I've loved you for ten years? Ten years! How many ten years does one have in a lifetime? I thought.

[278]

"This isn't the right time for a child. Abort it.

[279]

It's better for everyone." He said the most hurtful things in the gentlest way.

[280]

The pain in my heart was unbearable, even making my fingertips numb.

[281]

Matthew didn't love me, and I didn't blame him. What happened that night was an accident, and I didn't blame him for that either. I got pregnant due to my own inexperience.

[282]

But how could he be so decisive in asking me to abort the child? He didn't hesitate at all.

[283]

"Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

[284]

I took a deep breath and calmed my emotions, and after a long while, I looked up at him and said, "Let's go get the divorce."

[285]

"OK."

[286]

He lowered his gaze and looked at me. Realizing he was still holding my hand, he let go and said slowly, "I'm sorry."

[287]

It was the last thing I wanted to hear.

[288]

An apology in exchange for the life of my child. Was my child really that worthless?

[289]

If Jolene were pregnant, he'd be thrilled.

[290]

"Let's go."

[291]

Matthew walked past me toward the door.

[292]

At that moment, a tall figure rushed in from outside and punched Matthew in the face.

[293]

"Matthew, you bastard!" Jed Brooks' punch was heavy, and the unprepared Matthew was knocked to the floor.

[294]

"Jed, have you lost your mind?" Jolene ran in, eyes wide with shock as she saw Matthew being hit.