Cutting My Losses

When I learned that my husband, Abel Brooks, was returning to the country today, I got up early and laid out the little trinkets I had collected for him over the past six months from various places.

I even instructed the housekeeper, Eve Goods, to prepare a table full of his favorite dishes.

At that moment, the door opened, and Abel appeared before me. I was completely taken aback when I saw him holding his first love in his arms.

Cora Garrett walked toward me with a smile, gently stroking her slightly rounded belly as she greeted me. "Hey, Aspen! Long time no see," she said.

I glanced at her small bump, and a surge of anger overwhelmed me.

Cora seemed to notice the change in my expression and quickly came to my side. She delicately grabbed my wrist and said, "Aspen, please don't get upset. This is entirely my fault.

"If you must blame someone, blame me. Don't take it out on Abel."

Cora left me thunderstruck with just one simple sentence. I hadn't said a word, but Cora had already revealed everything.

Meanwhile, Abel stood to the side, observing my every move. He seemed ready to protect Cora at any moment.

I clenched my fists and glared at Abel. "Don't you have anything to explain?"

He sighed, took Cora's hand, and said gently, "Let me take you to choose a room first. I'll handle everything else."

That gentle tone of his left me stunned. Abel had never spoken to me that way in the five years we'd been married. He then helped Cora upstairs under my watchful gaze.

Shortly after, the driver arrived with three large suitcases. It seemed Cora had moved half of her entire life's belongings here.

Though Cora appeared healthier and more radiant than I did, Abel treated her like a fragile doll, shielding her in every way. I collapsed onto the couch as I waited for Abel to settle Cora in and give me an explanation.

Just as I was about to rush upstairs after hearing their laughter echoing from above, the doorbell rang. Abel's parents entered with grim faces. They simply pushed past me as if I didn't exist, heading straight upstairs.

I followed them, only to see Abel sincerely addressing his parents. "I wasn't intentionally hiding this from you. Cora's progesterone levels were unstable earlier in her pregnancy, and I didn't want to risk anything going wrong.

"I hope you can understand. Cora and I truly love each other, and the baby she's carrying is your grandchild. Please don't blame her for this."

I then thought back to the five years I'd been married to Abel. Abel would always tell me her mother, Vivian Sadberry, was older and that I should tolerate her more whenever we had a disagreement. He had never once stood up for me.

I had always assumed that was just his nature. Yet today, I realized what a fool I had been as I watched him protect Cora at every turn.

Cora held Vivian's hand and chimed in, "I truly didn't mean to ruin Abel's marriage. We're just genuinely in love. I hope you can understand, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks."