My arm throbbed with pain, a dull numbness spreading, and the ache in my lower abdomen made every step unbearable. All I wanted was to leave.
Since Celeste had no intention of accepting my apology, why should I continue to humiliate myself? I turned to walk away, desperate for an escape.
Just as I reached the door, Celeste’s voice stopped me.
“Fiona, let’s go together. One more person isn’t a big deal—just an extra bowl and chopsticks. Come eat with us.”
Her words were like salt in a wound. Theo and I were husband and wife, yet her invitation made me feel like an outsider in my own relationship.
“Come on, don’t be so petty,” she added, her tone light, but her eyes sharp.
I forced a bitter smile, the ache in my arm a painful reminder of my vulnerability. More than that, I knew I needed to tend to it quickly; any delay might make it worse.
“No, I still have work to do at the institute,” I replied politely, masking my pain. “You two enjoy your meal.”
But as I descended the stairs, I heard Celeste call my name. Her voice echoed in the stairwell, sharp and insistent. Confused and wary, I stopped and turned to face her.
“Fiona,” she began, her tone dripping with mock concern, “you saw us sleeping together that day. Why are you still clinging to this marriage? Being the president’s wife is nothing but a title. Why not let it go? If you step aside, I can ensure Mr. Chandler continues sponsoring your project. If not…” She smiled, her gaze cold. “…you’ll regret it.”
Her audacity left me stunned. I knew Celeste was younger and, perhaps, more attractive than I was, but her arrogance was almost laughable.
I met her gaze and replied calmly, “You may be his latest fascination, but Theo won’t give up his empire for you.”
I turned to leave, dismissing her words as the delusions of someone drunk on temporary power. But I underestimated her cunning.
Just as I reached the next step, Celeste grabbed my hand. Before I could react, she slapped herself hard, the sound reverberating through the stairwell like a gunshot.
Moments later, Theo appeared, his face a mask of fury. Celeste crumpled to the ground, clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face.
“She… she pushed me down the stairs!” she cried, her voice weak and trembling.
Theo’s glare burned into me, his eyes filled with rage. Without a word, he shoved me aside. My lower abdomen slammed into the edge of the fire hydrant, and a searing pain shot through me.
I felt a warm trickle down my thighs, and cold sweat beaded on my forehead. My legs buckled as I reached out to him, whispering his name.
“Theo…”
But before I could finish, Celeste’s voice pierced the air.
“Mr. Chandler, I’m in so much pain. Please… save me.”
She clung to him desperately, her voice trembling as she added mockingly, “Oh, Fiona didn’t even realize it’s just her period acting up.”
Theo scooped her up without hesitation, sparing me only a cold, disdainful glance.
“Fiona,” he said icily, “I must have spoiled you too much. You pushed her, and now you’re blaming me for your… condition? Do you have no shame?”
He turned and left without a second glance, carrying Celeste in his arms.
I sank to the floor, clutching my abdomen, my vision blurring. Theo had once written memos to remind himself of my period, knowing my cycle like clockwork. Yet now, he didn’t even notice that it was over a month late.
I was shaking with despair as I called the emergency number, desperately trying to reach my colleague and best friend. After dialing, I lost consciousness, my body succumbing to the overwhelming pain.
Theo… If he knew he had caused the loss of his own child, would he break? Would he go mad with guilt?
