Craving My Savings? No Way!

The moment I realized it, my gut reaction was denial.Deke and I had been together for nearly three years. Solid relationship. We'd even met each other's families recently.No way he was the scheming dirtbag from that post. Right?I came home, still wrestling with doubt, trying to find the right moment to confront him. I didn't even get a chance to set my bag down before Deke rushed over."Babe, I just threw another grand into our joint account! How much are you putting in this month? You make more than me—you should be saving extra, right?"He waved his phone excitedly, eyes filled with anticipation.My fingers brushed the thick envelope in my bag. Three grand—my end-of-month bonus, plus a little extra for landing a big deal. I'd planned to deposit it today, bumping our savings to seventy grand.Then I saw that post.The thrill of my bonus? Gone.I didn't believe in coincidences. And I wasn't dumb enough to ignore a gut feeling. Once doubt creeps in, it spreads like wildfire.

Deke swallowed hard. "Let's talk about marriage later, okay?"I hadn't actually planned on forcing him to go. His reaction told me everything I needed to know—he'd betrayed me.I let go of his arm, shoving him back onto the bed. "Fine. Take your time being scared. I have things to do. When you figure it out, we'll go get the license."Relief washed over his face, like a man who'd just dodged a bullet. He nodded, all obedient, then reached for my hand, voice dripping with fake affection."Babe, be careful out there. I love you!"My steps faltered at the door. A sharp pain twisted in my heart.Deke had said 'I love you ' a million times over the past three years. But right now, it felt like a joke.I turned back, raising an eyebrow. "You love me? Deke, love isn't just words. If you really loved me, you'd be getting dressed and following me to the County Clerk's Office right now, wouldn't you?"I put on a heartbroken expression, dabbing at fake tears.He said nothing. Just turned

Deke sneered. "You never planned to include me in your future, did you?"There it was—flipping the script, trying to make this my fault.Annoyed, I raised my hand and slapped him.Smack.Oh my, that felt good."Shut up. You've got no right to lecture me."He froze. A second ago, he was all rage—now, just wide-eyed shock."You hit me?! You're the one who betrayed our relationship—you'll regret this!"***I grabbed my phone, sank into the couch, and said casually, "By the way, this phone cost me a grand. You're paying for it. Don't even think about weaseling out—I've got security cameras. Try me, and I'll sue."Deke's jaw clenched so hard I half-expected his teeth to crack. His fists shook, his whole body practically vibrating with rage.For a second, I thought he'd take a swing at me. Instead, he snatched something off the table and hurled it at the security camera in the corner."You selfish, calculating witch! I'd never marry someone like you!"Oh, the irony. The same guy

A few days later, Deke showed up outside my office, clutching a bouquet of fresh flowers.I didn't reach for them like I used to. Instead, I kept my voice flat. "What are you doing here?"He scratched the back of his head, flashing a sheepish smile. "Babe, we're getting married next month. Can't I come see you?"I took a step back, keeping my distance. "No need. I'm busy. Don't contact me unless it's important."Maybe he picked up on my cold tone because his smile faltered. But he still wouldn't let up."Even if we're not married yet, we're still a couple. What's wrong with me visiting?"I forced down my disgust and smiled. "Heh. We're not a couple anymore."His expression changed, his grip tightening around the flowers. "Zoey, what do you mean?"I pulled out my phone, opening my chat with Anita. "You should recognize her."His face drained of color. The flowers slipped from his hands, petals scattering on the pavement.Just like our relationship—shattered beyond repair.Des

I shifted slightly and spotted a figure barreling down the hallway.Anita.She clutched her belly, moving so fast she practically left a trail of flames behind her.I stepped aside, pulling up my mask.She stormed past, the hem of her dress whipping up a gust of rage. Even the air around her felt charged.Then—her furious scream shattered the hospital's calm."Deke Hedd! Get out here! You had the guts to divorce me, but now you're too scared to face me?!"***Deke and Cassandra spun around just in time to see Anita charging straight at them.Panic-stricken, Deke yanked free from Cassandra's grip and bolted toward his hospital room.She tried to block Anita, but—bad move."Get lost! This is between me and your son!"Anita shoved Cassandra aside with full force.Thud.Cassandra slammed into the wall. She clutched her shoulder, curling up in pain, too weak to fight back."This is outrageous! Someone call the police! That crazy woman is trying to kill my son! Why are you all