LOGINBut Julian wasn't finished. He took my hand and helped me stand up. His face was beaming with joy that he couldn't hide."And now," he said, his voice full of anticipation, "it's time for the part I've been most looking forward to. We're going to reveal our baby's gender!"The guests cheered and applauded. I looked at Julian with wide eyes. We had never discussed this. I didn't even know he had planned something."What do you mean?" I asked, confused.Julian smiled mysteriously. He led me to the center of the garden, where a large white balloon hung between two poles. Underneath the balloon, there was a small box containing something I didn't know about."I arranged everything with Dr. Evans. She gave me an envelope with our baby's gender last week. I've prepared this surprise for you."I was shocked. "You've known our baby's gender for a week and didn't tell me?""I wanted this to be a surprise." Julian held my hand. "I wanted us to find out together, here, with everyone we love."I
"Are you really serious? You're going to throw a baby shower for me?""Dead serious. You deserve a celebration. You've been through so much. And I want to celebrate our baby's arrival with the people you love."I hugged him tightly.Julian kissed my forehead. "Now, let's start planning. I've already thought of some ideas."The following days were filled with preparations for the baby shower. Julian was very enthusiastic, perhaps more enthusiastic than I was. He ordered a large white tent for the garden, twinkling fairy lights, and plenty of fresh flowers. He also ordered a beautiful cake with a baby decoration on top."You're really going overboard," I said one afternoon, when he showed me the long list of everything he had ordered."Nothing is too much for you." Julian held my hand. "This is a special moment. I want everything to be perfect."And the most surprising thing to me was that Julian also bought me a new dress for the occasion. He took me to a small boutique in the nearest
Months passed peacefully in the countryside. After I blocked Victor, Diego, and Isabella, it felt like a mountain of weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I no longer checked my phone anxiously. I no longer waited for the next attack.And now, I was seven months pregnant.My belly had grown very large. I could feel my baby moving every day, small kicks that were getting stronger and more regular. Sometimes, I could see a small bump on my belly when he stretched his arms or legs. Julian often placed his hand on my belly, feeling those movements with a wide smile on his face."He's strong," he said one evening, as we sat on the terrace enjoying the sunset. "He's going to be a boxer or a football player."I laughed. "Or maybe he's just an active child. Like his father.""Like his father, huh? I like that."My pregnancy was going very well. Dr. Evans, who now came to visit me at home every two weeks, said everything was normal. My blood pressure was stable, my weight was gradually inc
The first few weeks in the countryside felt like a dream. I woke up every morning to the sound of birds chirping outside my window, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers and fresh grass. The sunrises were spectacular, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink that I had never seen in London.Julian had transformed our new home into a sanctuary. He planted a small garden in the backyard with vegetables and herbs, and he even built a wooden bench under a large oak tree where I could sit and read. The house itself was warm and inviting, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light and a fireplace that crackled softly in the evenings.I started to feel like myself again. The constant anxiety that had gripped me began to loosen its hold. I wasn't checking my phone every five minutes, dreading what I might see. I wasn't replaying Victor's cruel words in my head over and over. I was just living. Breathing. Existing without fear.Julian worked from home most days,
At that time, I couldn't sleep. Victor's words kept echoing in my head like an evil chant."That fat woman who has nothing, only using you, a baby that might not even be yours..."I tossed and turned in bed, trying to find a comfortable position, but my mind couldn't rest.Julian was asleep beside me, his arm still wrapped around my waist. He looked tired after the argument with Victor. I didn't want to wake him, so I just lay still, staring at the ceiling with my eyes open.What Victor said about the money, how did he know about the one million euros Julian gave me? Did Diego tell him? Or did Victor have spies in our house? I bit my lip, feeling my anxiety growing.And the accusation about my baby was the most painful. Victor said this child might not be Julian's. I knew it wasn't true.I looked at Julian who was sleeping. His face was peaceful, his breathing steady. I wondered if he was also thinking about Victor's words. Did he doubt me? Did he also think I was only using him?I sh
I was sitting in the living room at that time, enjoying a cup of herbal tea while reading a pregnancy book. Julian had already gone to work since morning, so I thought it might be a courier or one of the maids who forgot to bring their keys.But when Maria opened the door, I heard a voice that made my hair stand on end."I want to see Julian. I know he's here."Victor Mendoza.I immediately tensed up. I put down my book and tea carefully, then walked to the kitchen through the back door. I didn't want to meet Victor. I didn't want to hear his cynical words, didn't want to see his hateful gaze. I had suffered enough because of Diego and Isabella. I didn't need more from Victor.I hid in the kitchen, listening to the conversation from a distance. Maria tried to explain that Julian was at work, but Victor didn't care."I'll wait until he comes home."I heard his footsteps entering the living room. I heard the television being turned on. Victor was waiting.I prayed that Julian would come
Julian kept kissing me with burning desire. His lips moved from my chest, tracing down my full belly, then lower. I bit my lip, feeling each touch send waves of heat through my body.But then he did something that surprised me.Julian lifted my leg and started kissing it. From my toes, to my ankle,
The car drove away from the courthouse, leaving Diego's frozen figure in the rearview mirror. I watched him until he disappeared, then turned to Julian.His words were still echoing in my head. Five years. "I've been waiting for you for five years.""I...""Don't talk yet," he cut in gently. His ha
Two weeks later.The courthouse stood tall with its classic European-style architecture. Its white marble pillars seemed to have witnessed thousands of divorces within its walls. Today, another one would be added to that long list.My divorce.Today I wore a simple black dress. Not too tight, not t
I could barely feel my feet touching the ground as I walked out of the Mendoza Corporation building. My head was still spinning, replaying every word that had come out of Julian's mouth."You're not ugly, Lorena. I'm one of the men who likes curvy women."What did he mean by that?Impossible.He wa







