In the end, I thought about the ten years I had given him—my youth, my love, my everything… and the child growing inside me. Tears slipped down my cheeks again, uncontrollably.
Darien put down the spatula and rushed over to hold me, his arms tight around me as he spoke in a panicked voice.
"Ellie, where did you hear such nonsense? I love you! I’d never lie to you. I can’t even imagine my life without you."
His words were desperate, his eyes red and glistening with what looked like sincerity, like he truly loved me. But I knew better. He loved someone else.
And that woman was pregnant with his child.
He even wanted to kill mine just to clear the way for their perfect little family.
The realization struck me like ice water. I pushed him away with all the strength I had left. "Stop lying, Darien. Stop using me. I’m done falling for your words. I came here today to end things for good."
I pointed toward the house behind him, my voice now cold. "You pretended to be bankrupt. I bought this house with my own money. So pack up and get out."
"Ellie, what’s wrong with you? Did you hit your head that day? Why are you saying these things now? Are you trying to drive me mad with worry?"
Then, like nothing had happened, he turned back to the stove and started ladling food into bowls. "You’re probably just hungry. Come on, let's eat. You’ll feel better once you’ve had something nice."
I stared at him in disbelief. And then, something bitter and hollow escaped from my throat.
"Don’t pretend anymore, Darien. I’m done—"
Before I could finish my sentence, his phone rang.
He answered almost immediately, "What? I told you I wasn’t coming tonight." His tone shifted, low and tense. His eyes flicked toward me, wary.
It had to be Vienna. She was calling to urge him over.
But today was supposed to be his turn to act like a devoted husband. So, he hesitated—clearly torn between two roles.
"I know." Darien glanced at me as he went on, "If the client's that important, then I’ll be right there."
He hung up and looked at me with that apologetic expression.
"Ellie, I’ve been working on this deal for a long time. A major client just came in and I have to go. The food’s in the pot. Please eat something, okay?"
He took off his apron in a rush, pausing briefly to sniff his collar, worried that Vienna would notice the smell of cooking oil.
"Darien..." I called out to him softly.
He stopped and turned, flashing me a gentle smile. "I transferred you one hundred fifty dollars. Buy yourself something nice. Some fruit, maybe. Take care of yourself and the baby, all right? I’ll be back soon."
Sure, Darien. I will take care of myself. I just won’t be needing you anymore.
That night, I posted the house for sale online. Then, I booked a plane ticket—three days from now. Tomorrow, I had an appointment for an abortion. The doctor had asked me to arrive early for a full exam.
The next morning, as I lay down on the examination bed at the hospital, the outer door suddenly slammed open.
"Doctor, please check my wife first. She’s in urgent condition!"
That familiar, unmistakable voice pierced through the cold hospital walls.
It was Darien.
"The patient inside is still being examined. Please wait outside," the doctor replied, coolly and barely flinching.
However, I knew Darien too well. He never took no for an answer. So, I sat up quickly and got ready to leave.
With a loud bang, the door burst open and Darien barged in. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me up from the bed before even registering who I was.
"Elodie? What are you doing here?"
Before I could respond, he turned to the doctor outside, his tone shifted from confusion to relief. "It’s all right, Doctor, we know each other. She’s a friend. Let her finish her exam later—we’ll go now."
With that, he tugged my arm, trying to drag me out.
A jolt of pain stabbed my lower abdomen. I bent forward, stifling a gasp.
Darien mistook my hesitation for resistance and frowned. "Elodie, don’t make a scene. Let’s go. Vienna’s in pain—she was crying earlier."
So, the one he rushed here for was Vienna. He brought her here for her prenatal check-up.
He had completely forgotten that just this morning, he told me he was tied up with an important client. He even asked me not to call him today.
Turned out, all of that was just a lie so he could enjoy a peaceful little day with Vienna.
