Chapter 3 Sent a Message

Louise pulled me out of the hospital room. She remained silent for a moment before apparently deciding to give me a small piece of the truth. "To be honest, yes, I've been catching up with Solomon while I was overseas, but it was all due to business. It's easier to talk in person."

She held my hand. "We're best friends. Solomon didn't want you to take the meetings the wrong way, and you're prone to overthinking, so he said nothing. We're practically family, girl. You can't suspect me."

Her hands were warm.

Louise had stood beside me when teachers spread false rumours about me. She had protected me when I had almost no one else, but people changed.

Again, the comments popped up.

"Nice strategic retreat, FMC! No idea why this side character is still hanging around, but she's irrelevant anyway."

"Yeah, FMC is carrying MMC's baby. She's not going to lose this!"

I froze, and my eyes flitted to Louise's stomach. She noticed where I was looking, and a stiff smile curled her lips. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head and looked away.

Solomon said he was thirsty, and she hurried in. I went back home to pack up.

…

When I was done, I noticed that he had texted me. "Where are you? You should've said goodbye. You left Louise to take care of me alone."

I quickly typed, "And she's more than enough."

Solomon got discharged and came home that night. He noticed the suitcase that was at the entrance, and he arched his eyebrow.

"You're leaving?" Before I could say anything, he nodded. "Might as well. You should take a break and clear your mind. Here, take this card. Buy anything that takes your fancy."

He then handed me a card.

I took it, and he coughed. "Louise is having a little trouble with her place, so she might need to stay here for a while. Is that okay?"

I tucked the card into my bag. Without looking up, I replied, "Sure."

Solomon froze, and he looked at me for the longest while. "You're not mad about it?"

I chuckled. "She's carrying your baby. Of course she has to stay here. What would the public think if she doesn't?"

His expression froze, and then his eyes widened with rage. "That's nonsense! Why are you making up rumors about her? She's your best friend!"

That was it.

The fury I had been holding in exploded. "Yeah, she's my best friend, so why did you sleep with her anyway? You're an animal!"

Solomon's fury grew. "You're mad! My mother's right! You're crazy! I said I never slept with her! Why won't you believe me?"

He had taken his anti-allergy meds. I could not expose him, but that did not matter. I grabbed my suitcase and turned to leave.

In the end, he did not come after me.

…

For the next three days, neither of us contacted the other. He texted me on the fourth day. "It's your birthday this weekend. What would you like as your birthday present?"

I ignored it. The fifth day came, and he texted, "Where are you? I called your friends, but they said you're not with them."

Still no response from me. I hopped onto the train that would take me back to my hometown.

Seven days had passed. It was my 28th birthday.

By now, Solomon and I were supposed to have been on our honeymoon in Airland. Instead, I was hundreds of miles away from him.

Louise posted a new status. "Everything will be settled today." The picture showed that bracelet and an appointment slip for OBGYN. I stared at the post for a moment and left a like. When I refreshed my page, that status was gone.

Five minutes later, Solomon texted me. "This is Seapolis Restaurant's location. Just come here later. Louise and I have presents for you."

I blocked him.

Sitting across from me was the blind date my parents set up. He said gently, "I heard it's your birthday today, Ms. Shaw. I have a little present for you."

I thanked him politely and took the present with a smile. Once the date was over, I checked the time. Then I stepped outside and made a phone call.

…

Solomon walked into the room he reserved at the restaurant. He froze when he saw the gifts on the table. "What's this?"

Louise was behind him, and she huddled closer for a look. "Probably Yvonne's presents. She's always so kind. Please be gentle when you deliver the news."

Solomon checked the time, and he frowned. "She's going to be late. Where is she?"

"Oh, calm down. She probably wants to dress up for this long-awaited reunion. I bet she wants to surprise you."

She took her phone out, but when she saw the notification, shock filled her face. She grabbed Solomon's hand and screamed, "This is bad, Solomon! Really bad!"

"What's wrong?" His heart sank. He had a bad feeling about this.

With a shaking voice, Louise asked, "How did Yvonne find out? Now everyone knows! We're done for!"

When Solomon saw what Louise was talking about, his eyes widened, and he snatched her phone. His family chat, work chat, and friend chats were flooded with messages.

The screen showed a message Yvonne sent simultaneously half an hour ago.

"Pardon me for taking your time, but I have an announcement to make. Solomon Zimmer, my fiance, cheated on me with my best friend, Louise Stone."