ANMELDENI never expected my husband, Tony Baldino, to confess that he had cheated on me again. Six months ago, I discovered his affair. The pain was sharp, but I had resolutely signed the divorce papers, only for him to tear them up in desperation, crying at my doorstep through the rain. He swore he would never hide anything from me again, begging for a second chance. Soaked and humiliated, the high-and-mighty don of the Baldino family looked like a child abandoned by his own. Seeing him and feeling the life growing in my womb, I softened and forgave him. However, only half a year later, he betrayed me once more. This time, before I could discover it, he confessed. “It only happened once with Jane. You’re still the one I love. Don’t worry, she won’t take your place as Mrs. Baldino.” His honesty was intact. He hid nothing from me. Yet he had forgotten one thing. When we reconciled, I had made him a promise of my own. “Tony, you should understand by now that I am decisive. Once I make a decision, I will never return. I’d even vanish from your life. This time is the only exception.” Since he refuses to divorce me, I will disappear in another way.
Mehr anzeigenHe froze, confused. “What do you mean by that?”I turned slightly, glancing just ahead.Our confrontation had drawn attention. Mr. Williams, who had just presented my award, was now approaching, flanked by security.“Professor Green, you seem to be having some trouble. Do you require any assistance?”I bowed slightly, composed and respectful.“This gentleman insists I am his wife. He has threatened to use legal measures to take my son and force me to return to his country.”Mr. Williams’ expression froze.After all, everyone knew that a researcher’s work followed their nationality.Frowning, he turned to Tony, his authority palpable.“Professor Green is our nation’s highest-level distinguished expert, recipient of the National Merit Award. Her contributions are irreplaceable! “Your statements just now constitute a serious threat and defamation of our top scientist. Your actions will be treated as an attempt to steal our nation’s cutting-edge secrets! I can have you arrested
Time flew. Soon, three years had passed. I was living peacefully and fully in a foreign country with my son.Having reclaimed my career in scientific research, the years stolen by marriage and betrayal were slowly filled with professional achievements.Today was a milestone.A cutting-edge research project I had led was being awarded the nation’s highest honor.The ceremony was at the National Conference Center, and the head of state himself would present the medal.I was backstage in a tailored gown, waiting for my turn, when my phone buzzed. A message from Mia appeared.[Astrid, that lunatic Tony found your fake grave. He had the coffin dug up on the spot. When he saw it empty, with just a handful of withered flowers, he started looking for you everywhere. Be careful!]I tapped my reply. [Don’t worry.]I was no longer the Astrid of three years ago.My achievements and my status were my armor, solid enough to protect my son and me.A staff member leaned close. “Professor
Jane was rushed into the operating room, and soon her heartbeat stopped.Just like Astrid, there were two deaths.Tony was sentenced for assault with intent to kill.The Baldino family spent a fortune pulling strings and leveraging every connection to get him bailed out.When he emerged, Tony was completely broken.He spent every day inside our villa, clutching bottles of alcohol, laughing and crying at my photos.“Astrid… Honey…”His hands trembled as he touched my face in the photo. Tears poured down in heavy streams.“I’m sorry. I deserve to die! Should I go down to you and the baby? Wait for me. I’m coming…”He finished the last bottle of liquor, swaying unsteadily, and walked into the nursery that had long been prepared.Pale blue walls, cloud-shaped lamps, a crib with a mobile…Everything had been chosen together.I had touched my slightly rounded belly back then, smiling with contentment, saying we would give our baby the best of the world.Now, the baby was gone, a
Rain began to pour. Tony kneeled in the puddle outside the hospital, motionless.A sudden umbrella appeared above his head. Thinking it was Mia, he looked up sharply, only to find it was Jane.The small spark of hope in his heart was instantly extinguished.“Tony, don’t be like this. Even though Astrid is gone, you still have me and our child.”Jane reached out to help him up. “From now on, I’ll stay by your side. The three of us can be a family.”Tony shook her hand off and glared at her, his eyes bloodshot. “Who do you think you are? How dare you mention her?”Jane trembled in fear. The umbrella slipped from her hand.Rain instantly soaked her hair and shoulders, making her look even more pitiful.“Tony, I know you’re hurting, but I truly love you. Otherwise, why would I be willing to carry your child?”Tony looked as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world. His expression twisted as he suddenly shoved her away.“Love? If it weren’t for that strong drink at the club












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