Alex’s POV
“You’re still pretending?” Denise hissed. “I already knew the truth ten years ago. You were the one who pushed me off that cliff…”
Before she could finish spinning whatever fantasy she’d built in her head, Sean barged through the door like the clown he was.
“Denise, it’s time for your prenatal checkup. The car’s already waiting outside.”
I stood up, jaw tight, ready to ask her what the hell she meant, but she didn’t even glance my way.
Denise shoved past me and walked straight into his arms like she couldn’t get away fast enough.
I stood there frozen. Not shocked, but just empty.
After a few seconds, I drove to the hospital to visit my father.
...
My father’s room was silent. The machines continued to do all the breathing for him. I sat beside him, took his cold and motionless hand, and held it like he could still feel it.
“Dad, you once told me that Mom died in a car accident while on vacation with her lover because she betrayed you, and that you developed a severe psychological disorder because of it.”
A cold scoff escaped my lips.
“You told me betrayal sticks and it haunts a man for the rest of his life. That’s why you never wanted me to get married. Never wanted me to believe in loyalty or forever.”
I swallowed hard. My throat still burned from those three days in confinement.
“I get it now. I was stupid for thinking I could break the pattern. Be better. But I’m done punishing myself for someone else’s choices. I’ll wait. However long it takes, I’ll be here when you wake up.”
The nurse came in right after visiting hours ended, polite but firm.
I nodded and left quietly.
While walking in the hall, I didn’t expect to bump into her in the damn lobby.
Denise spotted me before I could slip past. Her eyes narrowed like I was something rotting in the corner of her house.
“What are you doing here? Following me?”
I didn’t answer and just turned to leave.
But of course, she couldn’t just let it go.
She stormed up and grabbed my arm. “Alex, I’m talking to you. Are you deaf or something?”
I yanked my arm back, jaw tight. “If you’re sick, get checked. Don’t go around biting people like some damn stray.”
Then I added, sharper, “Why the hell would I follow you? Did you forget my father’s in this hospital too? I’ve been here every damn day.”
First time I’d ever raised my voice at her.
Denise froze. Blinked like she didn’t recognize me. For a split second, I saw fear. Just a flash, but it was there.
“Why are you yelling at me like this…?”
Before I could answer, Sean appeared out of nowhere, grinning like he was about to hand out party favors. He shoved some ultrasound report between us like it meant anything.
“Denise, the doctor says our baby’s healthy. Look! Eyes, mouth… our baby looks just like you. So beautiful.”
And just like that, she lit up. All wide eyes and wonder like nothing else in the world mattered.
“Of course, our baby’s beautiful.”
Sean beamed. Smoothed her hair like he thought he was in some picture-perfect ad.
Then he looked at me and smirked.
“How about this? Let Alex name the baby. Make him feel part of the family.”
A year ago, I’d have broken his jaw without blinking.
Now? I didn’t move. Didn’t speak.
I just turned and walked away. Cold. Silent. Done.
“Alex!” Sean called after me, smug as hell. “Tomorrow’s our wedding. Why don’t you be the emcee?”
I paused mid-step, turned back, and stared at Denise with a mocking smile.
“You and your pretty boy are throwing a wedding? And you want me, your husband, to officiate? You two sure know how to throw a circus.”
Her face twisted, trying to hold on to whatever pride she had left.
“Alex, do you have to be so cruel?”
Denise's face darkened, but a flicker of guilt flashed in her eyes.
“You already had me. I’m just giving Sean the wedding I once promised him. Why are you being so petty?”
I opened my mouth, ready to fire back, but she got there first.
“You’re coming to the wedding tomorrow. Don’t forget that your father still needs the imported medication that my family provides.”
My fists clenched on instinct. I felt blood soak through the bandages on my palms again.
She knew exactly where to hit.
...
The next day, the wedding was a damn circus. Bigger, flashier, louder than the one Denise and I had five years ago. Fake smiles, fake blessings, enough champagne to sink a battleship.
I walked in, and the whole room went still. Like I’d walked into the wrong movie.
Eyes followed. Whispers trailed.
“So it’s true that Alexander Blackwell showed up to his wife’s wedding.”
“Must be nice being the live-in loser. Guess he really can’t get it up.”
“That Blackwell curse? Please. Just some scare tactic to keep women in line.”
I heard every word. I didn't flinch or say a thing.
I simply grabbed a glass of wine and savored the first sip.
Let them run their mouths. They had no idea what was coming.
