A Lie in the Name of Care

Dale looked at Cecily pitifully, which chilled me to the core.I squeezed my numbing fingertips and let out a cold laugh. "So, it's my fault now? I'm the one standing in the way of your baby-making scheme?"I'd built our company from nothing alongside him. I worked tirelessly, schmoozed clients, and drank until my stomach bled to secure deals.He grew complacent, dodging work with excuses, content to let me carry the load.As the business expanded, it needed more capital. I poured in all my savings and borrowed from friends and family to keep it thriving. I never complained, believing we'd build a good life together.At our wedding, Dale had vowed, "I'll make it big one day and earn enough to take care of you. I'll stick by you till we're old and gray."But long before we aged, his promises shattered. He always assumed I was the one who couldn't conceive. In truth, I'd lied to protect his pride.He sighed, softening his tone. "Come on, don't fight about this. Cecily and I just w

"I've done everything for you, but you never consider my needs," Dale said, voice thick with disappointment. "A man in my position needs an heir, or people will laugh. Cecily's child is mine, and I'm keeping it."He snatched my phone and scooped up Cecily. "We're going to the hospital to make sure nothing is wrong.""Okay." Cecily nodded meekly, shooting me a smug smirk.The room fell silent, but my heart ached with Dale's words. Tears streamed down my face as I recalled our engagement.Dale, usually so stoic, had cried like a child, kneeling before me. "I want to build a home with you and care for you forever. I've shielded you from storms, and I'll keep you safe and happy."I had said yes without hesitation, moved by his sincerity.He'd once taken a knife for me, proving he'd risk his life to protect me. Now, he was the one plunging a knife into my heart.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Once cooled, I continued to pack my things.Dale thought that he could trap me by

...Cecily glared at me, reaching out but stopping short. "Elmer, why are you here? Don't listen to her. She is lying."Elmer, seething with rage, grabbed her hair and yanked her to the floor. His gaze landed on her belly and barked, "You've got some nerve to cheat on me! If I hadn't gotten that pregnancy report, I'd never have known this."He raised his hand, but Dale rushed over to shield her, a move that only irritated Elmer further.He swung a fist at Dale, who was no match for him, to begin with.In a manic state, Elmer was even more reckless, pummeling Dale until he was barely conscious.I stood by, watching the chaos unfold with satisfaction.Elmer moved on to his next target. Cecily flinched and desperately crawled toward Dale.She whimpered, "Dale, save me. I'm carrying your baby."I pulled a medical report from my bag and tossed it at Dale's face. "Take a look at this, you sterile jerk."He froze, then grabbed the report.His hands shook as he flipped it through. T

"I'm done with Cecily," Dale slurred. "Elmer beat me so badly I should be in the hospital, but I couldn't stay there. I was scared you'd never come back. Don't you care about me anymore?"He lifted his shirt, revealing bandages with faint bloodstains.I frowned, unimpressed by his pitiful play. "How did you find me?"His eyes flicked to my phone, but he quickly looked away. "I-I asked around."That was a lame lie. He was a nobody now, and no one would tell him anything.That one glance sparked a realization. My phone didn't have many apps, so the couple's app that he had developed stood out. I had forgotten about it in the chaos."I built this app for us," he'd boasted. "We'll log everything we do for each other. It'll be a treasure when we're old."I'd used it diligently, recording every moment, until he stopped logging in. I never suspected anything, but his behavior now screamed guilt.I checked the settings and found the location-sharing authorization was on. My heart sank,

I chuckled, sipping water. "No, I won't punish myself just because someone is trash."I paused and added, "Right now, I'm focused on my career. The future? I'll let it unfold naturally."Isaac nodded in understanding. As he opened his mouth to speak, the door burst open.Dale, his eyes red and swollen, stared at me and pointed at Isaac. "He's never had good intentions. Don't fall for it, Abigail. He's not sincere—probably has other women. Men change with money. You know that. We've been together for years, and I'd never harm you. Even if you don't choose me, don't pick him."His outburst ruined my mood and appetite. I felt utterly miserable, but he didn't stop there.He rushed to my side and begged desperately, "I've removed the tracking from the app. Can you please keep it? I've been sentenced to a few years. I don't deserve you."He started to sob, "I truly regret cheating and hurting you. I'm scared I'll get out to find you gone. Can you wait? Don't let me hear you're married.